First thanks to Roswellian1984 for the review. So excited when I get those. I'm not into MM much, but I'll think about how I want their relationship to go. Pretty sure this will be a Cliffie in the end. I love Maria just not with Michael so I'll do my best to give her a fair part in the story.
For this chapter I said I was calling it "Dating, lies and Kevin" but it got too long if I had everything I originally meant to put in and the extra things that came to my brain as I wrote, so the Kevin part is out, at least for now. I should know to not pick chapter names before writing them in full. Anyway, I'm a bit worried this chapter is too dramatic, but it finally flowed so I let it stay this way - I already took out a lot of elements that I thought went overboard. Hope you like it and feedback would be so welcome. Read and review plz. :)
Lies and Consequences
The next day Isabel arrives at school with Max. They spot Tess talking to Michael. He is closing his locker door and seems irritated.
"Morning," Tess says.
"Morning," Max answers.
Michael looks at Isabel. "Hey," they both say.
Tess looks from one to the other. "What?" Isabel asks.
"Nothing," Tess. Then she turns to Michael. "You know, a boy should carry his girlfriend's books or at least hold hands before taking her to the eraser room. You should try it since you have a story to sell."
Michael gives her a glare and then takes Isabel's hand. Max looks more than a bit uncomfortable but quickly nods at his sister and friend. Isabel notices the stares of people around them and hears a wave of whispers. This seems minor compared to everything else that occupies her head today, yet somehow the hand holding still manages to make her feel nervous. She takes a breath and tries to relax. She does not want to start glowing or having flashes in the middle of the hallway.
"I'll walk you to class," Michael says. She nods and they start to walk away.
Tess whispers something and then they hear Max call Michael and add, "Hurt my sister and best friend or not, I'll kill you."
Isabel manages a smile at that. That's definitely Tess' work. "Noted," Michael answers.
Tess opens her eyes big and Isabel feels like she's being mentally yelled at. She reacts by kissing Michael's cheek and then saying, "Leave us alone, Max."
Maria and Liz spot them and take in the scene that just put the school abuzz. "Are you okay?" Liz asks.
"Yeah," Maria answers. "They look good together."
"Ria, it's just for show."
"It's fine," she says with an almost genuine smile. "It doesn't hurt as much. I'm okay."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
During recess, in the eraser room Isabel pulls out her lipstick and moves closer to him.
"What are you doing?" Michael asks confused.
"We're supposed to be making out. You would get some lipstick on."
"Right."
"Stay still," she orders as she puts lipstick on him. She uses her fingers to smudge it. He stares. "Perfect," she adds and takes a step away. Then she smears her lips and loosens her ponytail to look disheveled. "What should we do now?" she asks.
"I don't know. I usually made out with Maria in here."
"Right, you and Maria and me and Alex… this is awkward."
"Yeah. But Iz, it's just me."
"You're right. Umm... I have another wedding this weekend," she says changing the subject completely.
"I thought you just got through your trial period and needed more training."
"So did I, but I guess Mrs. Maloney likes me."
"That's good. I have work Saturday too, on that new development south of town."
"Good. Have you thought about buying a car? You're getting jobs further and further from your apartment."
"Yeah. I've just been wondering how much money I should spend on one and how much to save for Adam."
"We could go over money together. I mean I've been saving some too so you should be able to buy a car and we'll still have money to put away for Adam."
"Okay."
"Okay," she agrees. She starts pacing. She's deep in thought until he interrupts her brain from wandering any further.
"Stop. You look like you are ready to explode."
"How can you be so calm? You were ready to lose it so many times when Max was talking to us and now you seem fine. We could all die. Then everything would have been for nothing. I'm so scared, Michael. Aren't you?
"Of course I'm scared. But I can't freak out about it anymore. The only reason I lose it with Max is because he always thinks I'm being reckless or not human enough. But this time I'm not. I just want Adam to come out of the pod and be with us. I know this is dangerous but I also know Adam and you and me. We're strong, Izzy. I've felt it… his strength… and ours and… I don't know how to describe it."
"Love, Michael… he loves us and we love him. We can't lose him."
"We won't. Iz, we are so close. Just a few more days now that Max remembered. We're almost ready and it will work. Everything we've done so far isn't for nothing. It can't be. Not now. I finally…"
He hesitates and looks vulnerable in a way he doesn't usually allow anyone to see. She knows this isn't the time to push him. "You don't have to tell me. It's okay."
Michael stands still and just looks at her. He knows she means it. She won't push him and force things, not right now, not about this. They are quiet for a while. "Iz, for the first time in my life… I have someone that is mine. I know you and Max have always been there and then Maria, but Adam is different. I… I never thought someone would really really need me. But he does. Adam needs me."
"Michael," she says with tenderness as she moves closer to him and hugs him. He holds her against him as her head lays on his shoulder. "He does. He needs you." Then she looks right at him. "And I need you."
He feels like something is constricting inside him. He kisses her forehead and then gets her head on his shoulder again. "I… I need you too." He gives her body a gentle squeeze and they stay holding each other quietly until the door opens and two of the biggest gossips in school catch them.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
The time is here and Max worries. This is really happening and he cannot believe how fast it came along, but they have to get Adam out. He knows it. They have everything planned and ready. He has no excuses other than it's dangerous. After today everything will change.
In a way change had already started. He could see it in the way Michael didn't often give Maria that look of mixed longing and guilt anymore and how his entire life was beginning to circle around Adam. Michael had gained this sort of strange discipline to manage more school, more work and time for him and Isabel to visit their son. Had Michael always been this... capable? He could still get angry and go rogue, Max knew that. But he could also tell that Michael's impulses were more tempered, particularly when Izzy became involved. It was like suddenly whatever she said made all the difference in the world, especially if it was about any sort of risk for her or Adam. That brought Iz to the forefront of his mind. His sister was also completely focused on the baby. He could tell she still cared about Alex, but also that she had no intentions of going back to that relationship anytime soon. And she would have a whole new life after Christmas. Their mom had been so proud of her well-centered smart daughter that she had quickly lined up a job interview and put money aside to travel to colleges. If mom only knew Isabel's true motivations. His sister helped plan two weddings at the end of her trial period and now worked all day Saturdays and on Thursdays and Fridays after school. The lady in charge adored her. It was comical how much the Christmas Nazi was exactly what her boss wanted for her events.
So, Michael and Isabel had new jobs and plans and everyone outside their small group thought they were together. If he wasn't so nervous, Max would find it funny how their parents took Iz and Michael's fake relationship as a normal thing.
* Flashback *
"Relax, it's just dinner," Michael said as they sat in the Evans' living room.
"It's not," she answered. "Today we lie and tell them we're together and very soon we lie again and say I'm over three months pregnant. They're going to be crushed. They're gonna hate me."
"Isabel, please," Michael said, looking frustrated.
Max understood that she wanted to get this over with as soon as possible, but also dreaded it. He could only imagine how much of a challenge trying to keep up with her conflicting emotions was for Michael. He didn't really understand the whole disappointing a parent thing.
"Mom and dad love you and today won't be a big deal. You know how much mom likes Michael and dad is impressed by how well he's done on his own. We'll worry about the rest later. Today will be fine," Max added.
"He's right. Plus, when the baby news hits it's me your dad is gonna wanna kill. I can take the brunt of it and let him get in one good punch so he can feel better."
Isabel looked at him like he had just killed a puppy or something. "I never want to hear you say anything like that again. No one is hurting you. Not my father or anyone else, not if I have any way to stop it. Got it?"
"Got it," he answered.
His sister didn't seem upset anymore. She looked ready to go into battle and take on anything that came their way. Max had always known she cared about Michael's well-being. But seeing her act so protective even when their parents were involved was somehow different.
"Dinner is ready," their mother called. They walked into the dining room together.
"Michael is joining us," Isabel said.
"That's great. It's been a while. It's good to have you with us, Michael."
"Thank you, Mrs. Evans."
"Diane, Michael. How many times must I ask you to call me Diane?"
"Right, uh… Diane."
"Hey dad," Max said as their father walked into the room.
"Hey kids. Michael."
Dinner had been pleasant with conversation flowing easily. Isabel shared that Michael was also graduating early, in June but still a whole year early. Michael explained some of the things he had learned at his new job.
"That's really wonderful. Maybe I can hire you to fix a certain window that someone has supposedly been taking care of for the past six months," Mrs. Evans said.
Mr. Evans smiled at her, "I have no idea what she's talking about, but I wouldn't mind if you fixed that. Full pay of course."
"No problem and no charge on the time," Michael answered.
"So what's with you kids deciding to leave school early all of a sudden?" Mr. Evans asked.
Michael looked like a fish out of water. Luckily, Izzy came to the rescue. "Well, you know how I can be when motivated. And Michael already has an apartment and an adult life and responsibilities. His job pays well and the boss would like to have him more hours. High school doesn't make that much sense for someone who has so much going on and is independent and has initiative."
Mrs. Evans looked at her daughter and suddenly smiled. "So Michael, how's Maria? She hasn't visited Isabel since summer."
"I wouldn't know… I don't work at the Crashdown that often and we broke up a while ago."
"I'm sorry to hear."
"It's okay… you see… we..."
"We're together," Isabel interrupted.
"What?" her dad asked, not looking angry or unhappy just surprised.
"Me and Michael, we're more than friends. We're together."
"I knew it," Mrs. Evans says.
"You did?" her husband asks.
"Oh please, they've been so close since they were children. Then all summer whenever Izzy was gone and I asked Max about her, he'd answer 'out with Michael' at least half of the time."
"You knew about this?" their dad asked, looking at Max. He nodded. "And you're okay with you sister dating your best friend."
"He was my friend first. It took almost a year in grade school for him to be as close to Max as he was from the beginning with me," Isabel countered.
Michael let out a small smile and said, "that part is true."
"And apparently now he's close to you in a way he'll probably never be with your brother. Alright young man, how long have you been dating our Izzy?" their father asked.
"A few months," Michael answered.
"Months?" their mom said, looking at the three teenagers.
"Don't look at me," Max said.
"We just… we wanted to make sure things would work out before bringing it up to you," Isabel said.
"So, you're telling us that you have been in a relationship for months and is important enough for you to bring your boyfriend to dinner," their mom said with a smile.
"Yeah."
Their mom turned to Michael, "And for you?"
"I...yeah… things are working."
"Well, I see no issue. In a way you've always been part of the family. Just be good to our Izzy and respect her and we'll have no problems. Right Philip?"
Their dad looked a bit flabbergasted, but still answered, "Yeah. Of course. Be good and safe."
Max couldn't help but think that the safe comment referred to him not wanting to be a grandfather anytime soon. Too late there.
* End Flashback *
Max takes a breath and tells himself he is ready. They talked to the parents. They reviewed the samples and checked the assaitac mold. They even made a tape for their family in case this went all wrong. They are ready. He meets Isabel in the hallway and they walk downstairs together.
"We're heading out," he says.
"Where to?" their dad asks.
"Michael's," Isabel answers.
"Uhuh, will you be alone with him?"
"Philip," their mom admonishes.
"No, I'll be with them," Max adds.
"Alright," their dad says. Then after a look from their mom he continues, "Not that you can't spend time alone with your boyfriend, sweetheart. We trust you."
Isabel nods and shows her best fake smile. Max can tell that looking at their parents and how clueless they are about what they are doing is painful for his sister. He knows how much Isabel wishes they could tell them the truth. How much she will hurt when the news of Adam brings down the perfect daughter image they have of her. But she is ready to deal with it. She has said so and both of them know it really is for the best to keep their secret.
The ride is mostly quiet until they are close to their destination. "Max, thank you. I know this isn't easy for you. It's not even something you wanted. You're doing all this for me and Adam and Michael… thank you."
"Izzy. You're my sister, Michael's my best friend and Adam's my nephew. We are a family. We protect each other."
Isabel smiles at him and they get out of the Jeep. Alex and Michael's cars are there already so they know everyone that is helping must be waiting in the pod chamber. Isabel walks in and tries to smile at Alex, Liz, Tess and Michael but it doesn't reach her eyes. They have worked for this moment for months and now that the time is here she is terrified, deep down she just feels fear. But she also knows she must do this. She will not let anything stop them from getting their baby. She will conquer her anxieties and concerns to have Adam.
Michael approaches her. "This will work." She nods at him and they open Adam's chamber. Inside Max places his palm on the wall next Adam's pod and it opens to reveal a large silver and black case.
"You all remember what you have to do?" Max asks.
"Yes," they answer.
Max hands the case to Michael who holds it so that Tess and Max can place their joined hands on it to open it. They know what's coming. They have tested things this far and given samples that Max put in the machine for pre-transfer analysis. The case is activated and it becomes something like a lab table with tubes and liquids of strange colors. It also has a strange symbol in the middle and grooves that make intricate patterns stemming from the symbol to every tube they must use. Max explained what they were to everyone when they came to prepare, but the details went over most of their heads. Liz and Tess were the only ones that hung to his every word. Michael and Isabel know that the ends of the tubes at the side of the table are meant to be connected to them and they must remain calm even when they feel pain. The smallest tube on the back will connect to Adam's pod and pass on the genetic material and tissue extracts he needs. Then Izzy and Max will ensure the baby can handle it using their powers.
"It's ready," Max says. "I'll connect it to Adam first and make sure that system is working. We know things work for you two." Michael nods. Max carefully gets the tube into the top of the pod and it clicks into a small slot. A purple light turns on the assaitac mold and two small black metal pieces pop out from the pod and connect with the legs of the instrument's table. "First connection successful," Max says. "They're for you to sit during the procedure," he adds looking that the metal seat-like things that are now linked between the pod and the instrument.
Isabel lets out a breath of relief and Michael looks pale. She approaches and whispers to his ear, "He's our family, yours and mine. No fear." He manages a smile and they separate and sit.
"Ready?" Max asks.
"Ready," Michael answers.
"Ready," Isabel confirms.
Max places their hands on the assaitac mold and the metal tubes next to their arms. He then stands away, lifting his hands towards his sister and best friend and focusing his energy on them. Tess activates the instrument with her hand and the tubes insert themselves into their veins as the symbol in the middle emits a darker purple glow they hadn't seen before. They expect the sting they get and it's minor, like getting a vaccine. It is just like when they gave Max their samples. That is until their blood reaches the center of the glowing symbol. They had not felt the connection to Adam's pod before and as the red liquid flows, the mold's glow changes from dark purple to a mix of red and gold. Then Michael and Isabel feel them, things under their skin, pricking and moving and prodding.
"The micro-collectors," Max says, trying to calm everyone. "Don't panic."
He focuses his energy on healing Isabel and Michael as the micro-collectors move inside them. Every tissue they prod and sample they extract is followed by Max's healing energy. Tess begins to sweat from giving her power to the instrument, but she doesn't let go. Isabel and Michael scream as they feel a myriad of minute pokes inside them and pain they didn't know they could withstand. As much as Max had described the pain of this process and how they needed to remain calm, they begin to despair and yell for help. It feels like they have endured a sadistic kind of torture for hours, but in reality it's been less than fifteen minutes. Alex holds Isabel's free hand and whispers soothing words, telling her how brave she is and how she will be an amazing mother. Liz tries to give Michael some comfort as well. She knows it would be better if Maria was here, she would know what to say and her touch would be more comforting. But both her and Michael were against that idea. As much as Maria wants baby skywalker to be born, she couldn't be here to see Michael and Isabel going through this together, not yet. Michael also asked her to stay away and if the worst happened, Maria has the tape for the Evans and a letter she needs to open. She doesn't know that in the envelope there is a will, giving her everything he owns. There is also a short note telling her she's the only human that has ever shown him what it is like to love and thanking her for letting him go when he needed her to do so.
Finally, their screams tame and turn into pants of exhaustion. The pain subsides as they feel the tiny moving things leave their system and return to the instrument through the tubes. The mold continues to glow and they see the miniscule bug like machines moving through the grooves and into the symbol. Max turns his attention back to the instrument and adds a lavender liquid through a small slot. It mixes with the blood and tissue that the micro-collectors placed in the symbol. It looks like small molecules are knitting together and slowly those move into the smallest of the tubes. Max disconnects Isabel and Michael from the machine and they watch as their mixed genetic make-up moves into their son.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
At Michael's apartment.
"How is she?" Maria asks.
"Her skin isn't as grey and the fever is slightly better, but still about a hundred and ten," Alex answers.
"How did this is happen? I thought you said you had checked everything," Maria states angrily.
"We did!" Liz answers. She had helped Max ensure everything was as safe as possible. She had read and studied and done her best and she knew Max had as well. And Tess and Alex had doubled and triple checked the translation of the destiny book to make sure the instructions were correct. "We just didn't realize Max and Isabel would need to channel so much of their power when Adam was in distress. She just went overboard since the transfer had left her weak already and Max couldn't really heal her when he was weak also. But they saved the baby's life."
"And now she may lose hers," Alex says, filled with regret. "What have we done?"
"Saving Adam was her choice," Max says as he steps into the room. "Don't question my sister. She knew what she was doing and I know she would do it again. Do I wish it would be different? Yes. But it is done and the baby is okay and Izzy will be as well. I know it."
"How's Michael?" Maria asks.
"Tired but holding up."
"Shouldn't you be in there helping them?"
"Tess made me leave. I'm too drained to do anything helpful. I can't heal anyone right now. I can't even move things."
"So who's helping Izzy?" Alex questions with fear clearly written in his face.
"Michael. Somehow he produced two Alkalean gazes and has them shining for her. They don't heal, but they give energy. Him and Tess are using the healing stones as well. Fever is down to 107."
"Good," Maria says.
Liz sits next to Max and takes his hand in hers. "She'll be okay, just like you said. She's strong. Just have faith." Max puts his head on her shoulder and they hold each other.
"She's awake!" they hear as Tess walks towards them.
They all run into Michael's bedroom and see him with his head on Isabel's stomach. She is slowly running her fingers through his hair. She is so tired but her brain thinks about how much tamer his hair is now. It's like a reflection of this boy who is turning to a man right before her.
"I had to... for Adam," she says weakly.
Once he lifts his head they can see the tears that mar his face. He cleans his eyes with the back of his hand and then says, "I know… just… don't ever do that again."
"Okay," she answers with a weak smile. He smiles sincerely back at her. Then she looks towards Max and the rest of the gang.
"I'm okay," she says, sounding exhausted, but trying to reassure them.
"Well, you gave us one hell of a scare, Ami," Maria says. Isabel smiles sincerely at her. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. I'm glad you and baby Skywalker are okay."
"Thank you. Still friends?" Isabel asks tentatively, knowing this isn't the time, but unable to help herself. She has missed Maria the last two weeks. She knows it can't be easy to deal with her ex having a new relationship, even if it is fake.
"Always. I mean, as great as I am, I still need a perfect fashion police worrier to set me straight."
They all laugh slightly until they hear loud knocks.
"You expecting anyone?" Max asks. Michael looks at him like he's crazy. "I'll get it," Max adds.
"You're weak and look it. If it's any of the enemies your mother told us about, you won't be able to defend yourself," Tess counters. "I'll get the door. Just back me."
"Fine," Max answers.
They leave and Alex gets closer to Isabel. He takes the hand that is furthest from Michael and gently rubs it. "You were very brave. Stupid but brave."
"Thanks for being there. You helped so much," she answers.
Then they hear screaming. "It's almost two in the morning!"
"My dad," Isabel says. They hear Max speak but can't tell what he's saying.
"Don't worry about anything," Michael tells her. "I'll take care of it."
"Where is your sister?" they hear Mr. Evans yell.
"I'll help," Alex says.
"Watch after her?" Michael asks, looking at Maria with pleading eyes.
"Of course. Go Spaceboy." They leave with Liz in tow. Isabel tries to sit up. "Don't you dare. You are staying right there."
"But my dad -"
"Will have to listen to Max and Michael and everyone else. They'll figure out what to say."
"I let you in my home! Let you date my daughter and then both of my children break our rules and worry us half to death! We waited up for you but neither of you would even answer your phones! You know you have to be home by one in the morning or call us. Why didn't you come home on time or call? And where is the jeep?"
Isabel and Maria hear Michael's voice but have no idea what he's saying. It is followed by the rest of their friends talking. Then they hear Mrs. Evans raise her voice for the first time, "Let me see my daughter!" More words are shared and then they hear pushing and something breaking.
"You are all sweaty. Are you high?" Mr. Evan's angrily asks.
"Of course not!" they hear Max say.
"Enough!" Michael yells. "I'm sorry. Isabel is resting. Let her be."
"I'm not leaving without our daughter! I'll call the cops if I have to!"
"Help me stand, Maria."
"No way! You're staying right there."
"Then hide these," Isabel says. Maria hurries and throws the flowers and the stones into a drawer in Michael's night table. "Now let my parents in here. I'll come up with something."
"Like what?"
"I don't know, but we can't let them call the cops. Valenti might not be the one that answers. We don't need that kind of attention."
"Alright Amy. I'll get them. Try to look better."
Isabel takes a breath and tries to sit up and look her best. Her mom barges in. "Sweetheart," she says, coming to sit by her and placing a hand on her forehead. "You're burning up!"
Her dad follows and stops short at seeing his daughter's pale face and clammy complexion.
"I'm okay, mom."
"You are not! We're going to the hospital. Right now."
"You are not moving her," Michael growls.
"Don't you dare tell us what to do! Isabel needs medical care. She needs our help," Mr. Evans answers.
"She doesn't need your help! She has us."
"She is our child!"
"No she's-"
"Michael," Isabel says.
He comes to her side and takes her hand in his gently. "You need to stay here. You need us." His eyes say everything. She knows he's making her parents angry at him so they leave them alone. So they can use the stones again and make her better faster. But this isn't the way. He can't hurt and anger them to make them leave. It doesn't work that way.
"Mom, dad, I'm staying here."
"Isabel!" her mom admonishes. "You're sick. We need to have someone check you. You've never gotten even a cold. We need to know what this is so you can get better."
"I know what this is mom. I don't need a doctor."
"Isabel! You are coming with us."
"No, I'm staying here. I don't need a doctor. I'll be fine soon."
"Izzy, why do you think this will pass? How do you know you'll get better?" her mom asks. Isabel is silent.
"She's going to be fine Mrs. Evans," Maria says trying to help. "Max and Michael have been taking care of her."
"That is enough!" Mr. Evans says. "We're taking you to a doctor."
"No dad. I'm fine."
"Izzy, you didn't answer me," her mom says.
"I… I'm going to be fine because I'm not sick. I just need time to rest and recover my strength."
"Time! Isabel you need medical care!"
"She doesn't need a hospital!" Michael argues. God the last thing we need is anyone doing any blood tests.
"He's right, dad. Izzy is doing the right thing. She needs more rest," Max adds, trying to sound reassuring.
She knows what's happening and needs rest. They keep saying this will pass, like they know what this is… like it's normal and... oh baby, what have you done? "Izzy," her mom says. "Are you pregnant?"
"What?" Mr. Evans says. The room is suddenly very quiet. The silence stretches and no one moves.
What do I say? If I say no then I'll have to change that soon because Adam is coming, he really is. I can't deny it. They need to think I'm pregnant. But tonight? Like this?
"Say it's not true," her dad pleads.
She looks down to her lap. She's exhausted and still has a fever. Her head hurts and she can't stand her father's heartbroken expression. Big tears begin to roll down her cheeks.
"Izzy," Michael says, moving his hand to clean her tears. Her gently pulls her into a hug and she cries into his chest.
"How far along?" Her mother asks. She doesn't answer. The bit of energy she had regained is gone and all she can do is sit still and let the tears fall and use Michael to hide from her dad and the look on his face.
Max speaks, "the baby will be here in about six months."
Her father looks like his world has spun off its axis. "All this time… the early graduation and the job and everything else… you've lied about everything."
"Dad. I know this looks bad. But Izzy had good reasons. Her and Michael needed to decide what to do and how to go about things. They have both worked hard at preparing and making good choices. They are responsible and dedicated to this baby and will be good parents. You have to see that."
"Max, when you have a daughter that gets pregnant at seventeen with the child of a boy you thought was her best friend and would never hurt her, and then she lies for months and tricks your wife into helping her get a job because she's leaving school to be a teen mom then you can talk. Then you can see things anyway you want."
"But dad -"
"Not another word. You and your mother go to the car."
Max looks confused at his dad's sudden coolness and detachment. He has never feared his father, not until this moment.
"You have lied and disappointed us, Isabel. You are not who I thought you were."
She moves from Michael's chest, looks up and somehow she manages to squeak, "daddy?"
"You want to stay here with your boyfriend and a baby on the way and throw your life away. Fine, stay. In fact don't bother coming home. Not tonight or ever again."
The color drains from Max's face as he sees his sister shattering in front of him.
"Philip," his wife says.
Michael sees red. He stands, looks Mr. Evans in the eye and speaks. "You have no idea what you are talking about! Iz is responsible and caring and the bravest girl. She's amazing and I won't let you hurt her! Get out!"
"Let's go," Mr. Evans says, looking at his wife and Max. He shakes his head in response. He can't leave his sister. Not like this.
"Go," Michael says to Max.
"Max," his father call.
"Maxwell, go. I got her," Michael states, sitting back next to Isabel and taking her in his arms.
Liz approaches Max and whispers to him. "You can't afford all three of you living on your own. You need to be smart about this. We'll help Isabel."
Max nods but before he leaves he goes to his sister. He whispers, "You are amazing and I'm proud to be your brother. We're going to be okay. I love you." He kisses her forehead and heads to the door towards his parents. His mom stands still and lets a few tears fall. They walk away.
Michael swears he hears Mrs. Evans plead, "Philip. It's my little girl." But then they hear the front door close.