Chapter 7 (merged previous chapters 7 & 8) revised 1/19/10

It was Christmas Eve the events surrounding the Christmas festivities had gone well. The Virgin Mary was sick with the chicken pox so Isabelle had Tess fill in. She'd been great. It was hard to believe this was her first Christmas. Everyone meaning Michael, Isabelle, Kyle, and Max had decided to get together at Tess' and have a surprise Christmas party.

Max had decided to get her a gold necklace that had a single tear drop shaped piece of rose quartz. He waited by the car for Michael and Isabelle, after they arrived they headed over to Tess' place to decorate. Using their abilities they broke in and hung Christmas lights, holly, and mistletoe in record time. An hour and half later Kyle pulled up with a pissed off Tess.

"Kyle I just can't believe she left me there to clean up all the stuff by myself."

"She's pregnant; you know she gets tired easily."

"Yeah I know"

"Come on, I'll walk you to your door." He got out and opened her door.

"You don't have to."

"I insist." They got to the door and he waited for her to unlock the door and when she walked in he followed her. The lights came on and they yelled "Merry Christmas" Tess stared around in shock, unable to believe that they would do this for her.

Michael got her music box with a dancing ballerina, Isabelle got her a make-up kit, Kyle bought her a pair of earrings, and Max gave her the necklace. Tess accepted all of the other gifts without shedding the tears that threatened to fall but as she held her hair off of her neck so that Max could fasten her necklace she couldn't stop the tears of joy that fell from her eyes.

Chapter 8

She kissed his neck ran her hands over his shoulders waking him. Their kisses were passionate. He slid his arm around her enjoying the fill of her satin soft skin. His hands slid over her curves enjoying her shape. Laying her on her back he pulled away to look at her eyes. They we blue not the dark blue of sapphires nor the light blue of a baby's blanket but the bright crystalline blue of cerulean. That was what he loved most about her those eyes when ever they made love they always seem to glow cerulean.

"I Love you."

"I… Max"

"Max your alarm is going off, time for breakfast" Max shut off the alarm clock hating to have been disturbed from such a wicked dream. This was the third time this month he'd had that dream about her. Maybe it was time he stopped keeping her at arms length and just accepted her. Just because she was raised by Nasedo doesn't mean she's evil.

Working on that Chemistry project together had allowed him to see how smart she was and what a brilliant and confident public speaker she was. He loved the way she tucked her hair behind her ear and the way she nibbled on her eraser when she was in deep thought. Also, after watching her and Isabelle interact at Christmas he had got the opportunity to hear her laugh. She had a very beautiful laugh.

x

Tess woke up with a smile on her face happy to have had the man she loved visiting her dreams. Today was the day she thought I'm finally gonna do it. I'm gonna just Ask him out. This was the 20th century after all and there is nothing wrong with a girl asking a guy out… I hope. Sighing she got out bed, got dressed, and headed for school.

xx

Max was standing next to his locker with a stunned look on his face. He couldn't believe she'd asked him out and here he was trying to figure out how it happened.

x***Flash Back* x

"Hey Max how are you on this gorgeous morning?"

"Fine I wanted to talk to you about something you mind" He led her into the supply closet, "I was wanting to ask … um ".

"First, let me ask you something. There is this great movie opening on Friday are you busy?" Tess interrupted wanting to ask before she lost her courage

"No"

"Good because you are gonna accompany me. I'll pick you up at your place at about 6:45 "

"Yeah"

"Great" Tess started to head out but remembered he wanted to ask her something "oh what did you want to ask me?"

"Nothing I just … it's not important."

End of Flashback **x

She left him there staring like a dumbass. Now he was standing at his locker not sure how she had managed to take the reins. Michael approached him, "you okay you look confused?"

"I… I just got a date for Friday night." Max smiled then Michael asked "Oh so where are you and Liz going?"

"Liz? No. I have a date with Tess."

"Wait a minute I thought you said that we couldn't trust her?"

"I think maybe I was wrong." The bell rung and they each scattered into separate directions heading for class.