I don't own Roswell or any of its franchise. I do however own this plot idea and will defend it religiously people;) I've stolen a line from episode two of Roswell, it's spoken by the teacher; you'll know it when you see it.

A/N First off, thank you SO MUCH for reviewing! Love you for it! So yay, an update before the end of the month. I hope you won't be let down by it. I really had no way of making it really interesting in terms of action, sorry. This is more of an interlude, a stepping stone to bigger things if you wish. But still, let me know what you think, because I litterally thrieve on that;) Enjoy!

This chapter is unbetaed, but please let me know if you find any glaring mistakes!

Max's POV

They had been driving for nearly ten minutes and were just pulling into the parking lot at the local hospital. Max killed the engine and turned to look behind him at Michael. The sight of his second in command covering the smaller blonde with his large frame was something he honestly hadn't thought he'd see so early in this new life they'd embarked upon. A small part of him was envious of the way Maria seemingly just allowed his friend to touch her without any reservations. The more realistic part of him knew that Maria was probably just in shock and would return with vengeance at the earliest opportunity.

At the same time that his emotions were wrecking havoc inside him, Max was also cursing himself out. Hating the fact that he hadn't expected anything like this incident to happen and he couldn't help but worry over how much it could potentially alter the timeline.

"Come on, Maria and let's get someone to look at that hand." Alex said and broke the heavy silence in the car, opening the door. Max noticed absentmindedly how the taller teen was rubbing his stomach with an almost annoyed look on his face before he focused on Maria.

Max decided to worry about his rising suspicions later about that familiar movement and caught Michael's eyes, nodding in Alex's direction. "You go with him and we'll be right behind you."

Michael frowned, "Max, I can take her in. I think she'll be more comfortable with-"

Max interrupted calmly, "I just need to talk to Maria for a few seconds; it won't be long and Maria won't mind; will you, Maria?"

Maria's dazed looking eyes finally turned in his direction and for one small moment, Max could see the iron will she had possessed in his time, giving her the strength to face anything. "Sure," she muttered and started making her way out of Michael's firm embrace.

Michael looked nothing short of tortured, but conceded his hold on Maria when Max sent him a unyielding look. "We'll be waiting just inside the entrance," he told Max and finally left.

Maria took a deep breath and asked quietly, "so what's up, Evans? I kindda need to go in there before I bleed out or whatever."

Max ran a hand through his hair and turned around to fully face her. His eyes must have portrayed his seriousness, because Maria's breath hitched and she tensed temporarily before leaning back against the car seat.

I can't tell her anything until she's seen a doctor, Max decided and said softly, "Maria, I need you to trust me on this. Don't say anything about the numbness in your hand, okay? Act like it hurts when the doctor starts prodding you, before you'll be stitched up."

Maria furrowed her brows and leaned forward a bit, "I don't understand; what are you talking about?"

"I know this sounds weird, but I need you to trust me; I'll tell you everything later. I promise."

Maria eyed him for a long time and for one second, it was like she'd somehow gained her horrific ability to see into him and make his worst nightmares come to life. Max bore the stare, reminding himself that he'd suffered through a lot worse than a pissed off Maria Deluca.

"Okay," Maria eventually agreed and exited the car slowly, holding her injured hand close to her. Just as Max followed her, she suddenly turned around and pointed at him with a severely intense look in her eyes, "but I'm so keeping you to that promise, Max Evans; I have to know whatever it is that's going on so I can help Liz."

That's the girl I remember, always thinking about others, Max thought with a fond smile. The smile quickly disappeared though, when she glared and turned back toward the hospital.

Fortunately it was a slow day at the hospital, so they didn't have to wait more than fifteen minutes; okay, maybe Max had sent Michael over to work his charm on one of the nurses, but still, it didn't take as long as expected.

When Maria had suffered through having her hand stitched, and Max promised himself to never let her go through that ever again, future ability be damned, they started making their way back to the jeep in silence.

On the way there, Max spotted a group of three people stopping near the entrance to the hospital, and he immediately tensed up, preparing to fight if need be. Next to him, Michael was looking just as prepared, clenching his fists.

A second later, Max felt like a complete idiot, when the boy in front yelled out, "Yo, Whitman; what's up, man? Haven't seen you around the volunteer unit lately? Too busy with school, babes and what not?"

He felt Michael briefly touch his own clenched fists and heard his mental voice inside his mind, ´We really need to remember that we're not in the middle of a war yet; don't think Roswell is ready for a couple of aliens with post traumatic stress disorder.´

Despite himself, Max couldn't help but smirk a bit at the sarcasm and forcibly shook off his initial reaction to the strangers.

The three guys were running up to them and a few of them slapped Alex on the back in greeting. "Look man, we kindda need your help today; one of the regulars called in sick. You in?"

Alex looked decidedly uncomfortable as he glanced back at them and Max had to admit he was confused. It was Maria, who ended the confusion in her own unique way, "Don't worry about me, Alex, go be a clown in the children's ward; I promise I won't sneak back in and take pictures."

Alex nodded, shrugged off his obvious embarrassment and followed some of his fellow volunteers after giving Maria a quick hug.

"I never knew Alex worked as a volunteer," Michael said as they started for the car again. Max nodded mutely, he too had never known that particular thing about his friend.

Maria, still looking tired and dazed after her ordeal, let loose a girlish giggle. "Well, you weren't supposed to know. Only me and Liz do. He swore us to secrecy under the Best Friend clause when he started last year. Can we just head home, I'm beat."

It seemed as though in her exhaustion Maria had forgotten about Max's promise and he had to resist the urge to not keep it; but as he got in the car and started the engine, he already knew that he would tell her everything. Well, he amended silently, everything except the time travelling business; I haven't even told Liz that…

They'd been driving for a few minutes, when Max decided that they were in the most private place he could think off; in the outskirts of town where there wasn't a lot of traffic. He sighed heavily and pulled over. After one long second, he turned to face Maria, who was once again, shielded by Michael.

"Maria," Max began, "I'm ready to keep my promise now."

"Max, let me do it, okay?" Michael interrupted with an almost pleading glint in his eyes and not for the first time, Max was reminded of the fact that his second in command had changed just as much as he himself had. There had been a time where Michael would simply demand to do certain things, not caring about Max's orders or the bigger picture. Now, Michael was truly his second; he never disrespected Max's authority anymore, and therefore Max knew that Michael wouldn't go to pieces because of what was about to happen.

"Michael, I'll prefer to do it. I promise, I'll get her right back to you."

Maria looked between them, obviously confused, but still too shocked to really take it in and Max needed to talk to her before she started to panic again. An old memory of a giggling Liz telling him just how Maria had reacted discovering their secret originally surfaced and he banished it with an internal wistful smile. Well, that definitely won't happen again, she's already more comfortable around us than in the original timeline.

Five minutes later, the near abandoned road echoed with a piercing scream and a frantic looking Maria Deluca pushed by Max and stormed out of the jeep, waving her uninjured arm at the very few other vehicles on the road, obviously begging for a ride.

"That's why I should have talked to her," Michael stated somberly, getting out of the car in a more sedate pace, his eyes following Maria closely, "despite the fact that you were best friends, I know my wife and really saw this coming a mile away."

Max gritted his teeth and gestured out on the road where Maria was still running and screaming. "Be my guest, try to calm her down." Oh, Liz, what I wouldn't give for your calm right now…

Liz's POV

"Liz, calm down!" Mr. Parker's voice reached Liz as his hand landed firmly on hers, stopping her from wiping the already clean counter yet again. "I haven't seen you this jumpy since we found that spider in your bathroom."

Liz forced a smile, and walked over to the kitchen, eager to collect an order and keep her mind busy. She couldn't stop thinking about the shocked expression on Maria's face just after she'd been injured and on top of that, her eyes kept drifting over to Isabel, who was looking as though she'd been born for the waitress job.

As Jose handed Liz a freshly made plate of curly fries, she walked past Isabel and couldn't help but tense her entire body in the process. I can't believe I'm suddenly so uncomfortable around her, Liz thought, trying to calm down, she's Max's sister and they have never done anything to harm me…why is she scaring me now all of the sudden?

She remembered the kind way Isabel had looked at her the other day, how she seemed uncharacteristically eager to form some kind of bond between the two of them. Maybe she knew that Max was gonna tell me everything and wanted to make sure I would at least see her good side?

Apparently Liz's stiff posture didn't go unnoticed by the tall blonde, who glanced in Liz's direction and for one short moment, Liz could have sworn that Isabel looked hurt. Why is she hurt? I barely know her.

The latest rush of customers over with, Liz decided to go outside for a little break; she was almost done for the day, but she had a sudden need to go outside for a few minutes. As she walked through the backroom and out the back door, Liz wasn't surprised to see Isabel following her.

"Hey Liz," Isabel greeted her with a small smile, pulling off the antennas with a relieved sigh. "I forgot how hard this job can be."

Liz nodded, but didn't say anything; truthfully she didn't know what to say. Having known Isabel since childhood as this cool popular supermodel wannabe and then finding out she was not only sort of nice, she was an alien, it was kindda hard to make small talk.

"Liz, don't take this the wrong way," Isabel said after a few moments of uncomfortable silence. "But I don't bite and I'm not your enemy, so please stop looking at me like I just killed your puppy or I might have to hurt you."

Liz's heart rate immediately accelerated hearing the last few words, but she calmed down when Isabel smiled once more. "Just kidding; but I'd really like it if we could be friends."

"Because I know about you?" Liz couldn't help but ask. To her surprise, Isabel's face clearly showed the hurt she felt this time and didn't bother covering it up.

"No, because I've known you for a long time and genuinely want to be your friend. I can't believe you'd think that about me. I might be a Czechoslovakian, but-"

"Wait," Liz held up a hand, "Czechoslovakian? Really, who came up with that lame name?"

Isabel grinned, looking her age for once in Liz's opinion, "Well, you kind of had to be there…" Liz mentally rolled her eyes, but listened silently as Isabel continued softly, "Like I said; I might be…you know, but I'm also very human and have been for all my life, and I want you as a friend. I know I might not have acted like it growing up, but Max isn't the only Evans you could form some kind of relationship with."

She looks like my friendship means the world to her, Liz thought, eying the beautiful teen closely, she's never looked so vulnerable before; like I'm important to her all of the sudden. I've already given Max a chance; I should do the same with her.

"Okay," Liz eventually decided and straightened up, "I'm a rational human being, no pun intended, and I'll be logical about this and I know you've never hurt me before and won't do it now, so," she slowly reached out her hand and waited for Isabel to grab it. "I'll be your friend Isabel Evans."

The smile Isabel sent her lit up her entire face and Liz couldn't even begin to regret her decision, seeing the blatant joy on the other girl's face.

Later that night, Liz was just getting out of the shower when her door was slammed open and Maria stormed in, looking as though she wanted nothing more but to kill the first person she met.

"Maria? Hey, are you okay?"

"Don't you dare ask me if I'm okay, Parker," Maria sneered, banging the door closed behind her, "I'm so far from okay, it's completely not okay to ask me that! Okay?"

"Okay," Liz answered slowly, toweling her hair, but she forgot all about that when Maria spoke again. "So I had a nice little chat with your out of town friends today."

Liz gently sat down on her bed, folding her now wet towel into a cube. She bit her lip and didn't look up at her best friend. "Oh?"

"Yep," Maria's voice was dripping with mockery, "oh. So, why haven't you, who're supposed to be my best friend in the whole wide world, told me anything? I could have helped you, we could've…I don't know, called the feds, the men in black or whatever to help us before it's too late."

Liz quirked a brow and finally looked up, "too late for what, exactly?"

"You know, before they like finish making us into their slaves or…or before they start sucking out our brains? Hello, aliens!"

"Czechoslovakians," Liz muttered, thinking of the exposed look in Isabel's eyes earlier. "I think they'd prefer if we didn't go around Roswell, New Mexico screaming about aliens."

Maria plumbed down on the bed next to her, "I'm sorry Liz, but how is it you're not freaking out right now? Granted, you've been all weird lately but there's been no freaking out on your part. I on the other hand ran screaming from Max's jeep and didn't stop until Mic-Guerin forced me to calm down. Of course," Maria continued with an almost sheepish looking shrug, "I kicked him in place where one shouldn't kick a boy and ran off regardless, but that's beside the point."

"The point is?" Liz asked and fell back on the bed with a plumb.

Maria followed suit with a heavy sigh. "The point being, you're not freaking out like a normal teenage girl!"

Liz couldn't help but grin at that, and seeing the slightly offended look, Maria sent her, she quickly elaborated, "Maria, I'm sorry I'm not acting like you, Roswell's drama queen, but I promise you that I've been freaking out big time. I've wanted to call you so many times, but I didn't know how to start that particular conversation and then there was this whole internal fear about, what if the phone's were tapped and I'd unknowingly send some kind of alien hunter on him…I mean, them."

Maria frowned and rubbed her bandaged hand for a long second. "What are we gonna do, Liz? I don't know what to do; all I want is to run away for a while and come back when they've phoned home and been picked up or something like that. But then…"

Liz turned sideways, propping her head on her hand as she watched Maria seriously, "but what?"

Maria sighed again, smiling a bit at herself, "but then there's this weird feeling that if I did do that, I'd be betraying them. It's like I've somehow connected with them lately without really realizing it. It's weird, especially with Guerin. Whenever I used to look at him, I was slightly creeped out. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm still creeped out, but there's something about him that I just…"

"Like he's supposed to be by your side, right?" Liz added and Maria nodded mutely and Liz continued softly, "I know the feeling. I've been scared and slightly stunned ever since the shooting, but whenever I'm close to Max it all just seems to slip away into nothingness. I never felt that way around Kyle, that's for sure."

Maria grinned. "Well, he's a poodle; Max is like a rare wolfhound or something. I get it. But boy talk aside, I really need you to tell me what to do, because I don't think I can act completely sane around them right now. Especially Isabel, she gives me that heeby jeebies."

"Isabel isn't so bad," Liz defended, but gave up when Maria simply glared at her in disbelief. "Okay, moving on, here's what I've decided to do."

Maria sat up, looking more eager to follow orders than Liz had ever seen the temperamental blonde, "Go on, Parker." She gestured with her uninjured hand.

"Tomorrow, we go to school like always and," Liz waited a second before continuing quickly, "and act like nothing is wrong. Simple as that; no drama or fuss."

Maria crossed her arms, "I'll try, but if I wind up being enslaved to an alien race, you're so gonna do my homework for the rest of the year."

Liz punched Maria lightly in the shoulder, happy that her friend was at least trying to calm down for once. "Deal. Now go home and I'll see you in school first thing tomorrow."

After Maria had left, Liz was laying awake thinking about everything she'd learned lately. With a huff, she gave up on sleep and took out her journal, writing everything down as she'd done ever since she'd learned to write. It was a great way to clear her mind, and had helped to control her freak out a bit.

An hour later, Liz closed her journal with an exhausted sigh and snuggled deep under the blankets. She thought about Max's relieved smile the day he'd told her about his origins and couldn't help but smile. She suddenly felt an unexpected warmth in her belly and placed her hand on it. If she'd been asked to describe the unusual feeling, Liz would have said that it felt like love; love was somehow enveloping her and calming her down enough to finally fall asleep.

Fortunately for Liz, no one was begging for a description and she fell asleep with a peaceful smile on her lips, with her hands gently placed around her navel area, while a voice that was eerily familiar sounded in her mind, `sleep well, my love.´

Michael's POV

The alarm clock rang, jolting him out of a nightmare that was a memory he had no intention of ever revisiting again. The day he'd buried Maria with his bare hands. Seeing her bloody and shocked the day before had obviously triggered some pretty horrifying feelings in his chest and even though everything had been fixed at the hospital and with a little of Max's special touch, Michael hadn't been able to shake off the nightmares.

He sat up from his small bed, rubbing his eyes with a big yawn. A quick peek through the door, revealed an unconscious Hank on the recliner with the TV running and a beer can in his hand. Opting to not risk waking the drunk, Michael simply waved his hand around his body, using his ability to manipulate molecules to change his appearance into something resembling a cleaned teenager.

Ten minutes later, Michael exited the trailer with his worn book bag slung carelessly over his shoulder. He was munching contentedly on a donut that had probably seen better days, but considering Michael's upbringing, he could eat anything that didn't have mold on it. And if it did, I'd just make it go away, he thought to himself in a rare moment of satisfaction, popping the last bite into his mouth.

Michael ignored the few other kids from the trailer park, who, like him, was making their way up to the main road to catch the school bus. He'd never had any kind of relationship with them when he'd been an actual teenager and he sure as hell wasn't about to form any now.

Only a few minutes after he'd arrived at the bus stop, the old school bus rumbled into view, stopping abruptly in front of him. Michael got on, wishing the whole iPod thing was around, when people started chatting and genuinely annoying him and his peace and quiet.

When he arrived at the high school, Michael unceremoniously pushed his way through his fellow students, making sure to be one of the first ones off the yellow monstrosity.

Max showed up next to him as soon as he set foot on the ground, "'Morning Michael. Is my healing still in effect?"

Completely unlike him, Max was smirking devilishly with a teasing glint in his dark brown eyes. Michael on the other hand, had to use all his military training not to blush like a shy virgin. Just the mention of that pain, brought a flare of phantom pains to his groin, where Maria so mercilessly had kicked him yesterday before fleeing as though she had the Devil on her heels.

"Not funny, Maxwell," Michael opted to state when he felt in control again, "I'd managed to block that particular incident. Now, stop talking about it before I remind you of your bachelor party."

Max's smirking face instantly went blank and Michael cursed himself. "Sorry man, I didn't mean to…"

"Don't worry about it, Michael. I just haven't thought about those times in a while. Being back here isn't making it easier. Now, let's get to class; according to Iz, it's Geometry today, maybe you can change your standard F's into A's just to shake things up."

Michael snorted and followed his king inside the high school. Still unable to keep his combat training at bay, his eyes tracked every movement on their way, ready for anything at a moment's notice.

"Loosen up," Max cautioned as they slipped into the classroom where Michael's eyes instinctively sought out Maria, who was sitting next to Liz, eying Isabel with nothing short of fear in her eyes. As the two hybrids sat down and Michael tried not to think of a way to somehow make Maria not fear them, Max continued with a rare smile on his face, "It's just math class, how bad can it be?"

A moment later, Michael forgot everything about his calm, all his thoughts about Maria's fear flew to the back of his mind, because in that moment his eyes landed on a sight he really hadn't expected to see ever again; especially since they were supposed to have stopped this from happening this time around.

Next to him, Max's face transformed into the deadly mask of his warrior king, and Michael had trouble concentrating enough to look even remotely boyish. Isabel's gasp behind him, alerted him to the fact that she too, wasn't doing a good job in acting clueless.

Well, that's understandable, Michael amended, trying to unclench his fists and not lose control of his powers, so he didn't accidentally commit murder in broad daylight.

"Hi. I'm Kathleen Topolsky. I'll be substituting for Mr. Singer who's out sick for a couple of days." Her eyes portrayed only kindness and eagerness to get along with everybody, showing nothing of the F.B.I agent that she truly was.

Liz's POV

Okay, what is going on? Liz's intelligent eyes were darting from the unexpected substitute teacher with the kind smile, to the small trio of aliens that she'd slowly come to care about. The minute she walked in, the entire atmosphere darkened in here and…

Liz looked down at her left hand, which was covering her stomach. The thing that confused and worried her the most was the fact that the odd pull just above her navel had started burning, and in some way she just knew that someone was seriously angry. And another quick glance over to the side later, Liz just knew that she was somehow feeling Max's anger.

What is going on? Why am I feeling his emotions? Is this some kind of residue from the healing? I have to ask him later, wha-

Liz was interrupted in her chaotic thoughts by Maria, who leaned closer and whispered, "I'm very close to turning into my dramatic alter ego right now, Liz. Please tell me, why my stomach is aching and why I just know that it has something to do with Guerin?"

Okay, so it hasn't got anything to do with the healing, Liz thought, while shrugging minutely to Maria to let her know that she wasn't the only one completely confused.

While she'd been consumed by thoughts, Topolsky started taking attendance. A fact that irked Liz, she turned minutely to Maria, "which teacher takes attendance?"

"I'm sorry, are you in the middle of something," Topolsky's light voice asked, she looked down at the papers in her hand, "Miss Parker? If not, I'd appreciate it if you'd concentrate until the bell rings, okay?"

The burning in her navel turned outright painful, and Liz barely managed to swallow a gasp. She nodded quietly and as Topolsky continued on, Liz sought out Max. When she saw him, she couldn't quite stop from making a sound of surprise.

He was looking absolutely livid. Why? Liz wondered, rubbing her belly furiously in an attempt to lessen the burning. She just talked to me; it shouldn't be such a big deal. He looks ready to kill, right now he really resembles one of those evil alien types that Maria is afraid off. I wish I could somehow calm him down…

One breath later, Liz suddenly remembered how she'd been feeling warmed up from the inside the night before in her bed; like she was loved and cherished. Maybe he had a way of somehow knowing I was feeling restless. Maybe he can feel me just as clearly as I can feel him…Is this some kind of alien power he didn't tell me about? Wait, this has got to mean that I can push my feelings back at him.

Having come up with a tentative plan, Liz leaned her head forward, shielding her face with her dark locks as she closed her eyes tightly, trying with all her might to feel composed and using that to send it through to the still mentally raging Max. Relax Max; she thought out to him, hoping despite the fact that she was a firm believer of science, not science fiction, that she would somehow reach him. It's okay now, just relax…

Bit by bit the burning subsided and Liz breathed a sigh of relief when it finally turned into something that reminded her of embarrassment of all things. She chanced a quick look over at Max, nearly flinching when she locked eyes with the boy.

He wasn't looking angry anymore, more like relieved and tired. His usually tanned skin still had a pale taint to it, but it was getting better. He seems like he's seen a ghost, Liz thought and broke the stare when Maria whispered her name.

"Liz, I think I'm coming down with something dangerous. My stomach really hurts, it's burning. Can you take me to the school nurse, maybe a few painkillers will take the edge off until he gets himself under control again?"

Liz shook her head and bent over to write a note to Maria on her notepad. Just try to relax and try to calm yourself, it should do the trick.

Maria raised a brow in question, but a moment later, when the lecturing Topolsky wasn't looking, she snuck a sniff of one of her calming draughts and closed her eyes. Liz didn't notice; her eyes were trained on Michael. Like Max, he had been looking extremely angry, shocked and above all things petrified, ever since the teacher had entered the room. But now, just as she'd suspected, he was calming down and sending long looks over at the still Maria.

Well, isn't this interesting? Liz thought and turned towards the black board to at least act as though she was paying attention to Topolsky. I think there's a few things you haven't told me Max Evans, but rest assured that I'm gonna find out what they are.

When the class ended, Liz grabbed hold of Maria and stated, when the blond asked in confusion what they were doing, that they were in fact stalking three Czechoslovakians. Obviously Isabel's nickname had stuck, much to Liz's internal chagrin.

To her annoyance, they lost sight of the trio when the other students began flooding out in the halls, blocking their view. It took her a few minutes, but eventually she spotted them. She just caught the sight of Isabel's long frame as she closed the door to the eraser room behind her.

"Come on, Maria, we have to figure out what's going on."

"Liz," Maria panted as she was dragged behind Liz ruthlessly, "I hate to say this, but you're acting a lot like me right now and it's not exactly comforting, you know."

"Shh," Liz hissed and leaned her ear up against the closed door. She only managed to catch a few words, like, "Not supposed…" "…hunt us…" "…change things this time…", "… used our bond."

"What are they saying?" Maria whispered loudly next to her and Liz flinched in surprise, banging her head into the wooden door, instantly quieting the conversation inside the small room.

"Maria," Liz said the name through clenched teeth and quickly dragged her apologetic friend over to the nearest corner to hide. "Did you hear anything?" she asked, when she realized they weren't being followed.

"Not much," Maria answered, rubbing the wrist that Liz had grabbed. "Why are we being so sneaky all of the sudden?"

Liz rubbed her eyes and sighed. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I guess I just wanted to know what was going on with them; I mean, didn't you see them when the teacher walked in? I almost felt like I had to hide before they took out a gun or something."

Maria chuckled, "and you call me the dramatic one. Look, maybe they just really like Mr. Singer; ever thought of that?"

"Oh, come Maria, like I said earlier; what kind of teacher-"

"Takes attendance?" The unexpected voice startled the two friends. Maria actually let out an undignified shriek when the speaker interrupted them. The shriek abruptly died, when she realized that Max and the two other aliens were standing just behind them.

Liz tried to smile, ignoring the usual flutter she felt in her chest whenever Max was near her. "Hi, guys. Interesting class today, huh? I really learned a lot about triangles. Didn't you learn a lot about triangles, Maria?"

Maria didn't answer; she seemed too busy staring deeply into Michael's eyes. Liz nudged her back to reality and she quickly murmured an agreement.

Max's face softened and for the briefest of moments, Liz felt more loved than anything she'd ever experienced before, but then it was gone. "So, I take it that you noticed our less than enthusiastic behavior towards Topolsky." He stated after a tense second.

Liz nodded, "yeah; are you all right? You looked like she was the Devil incarnate. Is she …you know," Liz looked around her and muttered, "An evil Czechoslovakian?"

Isabel laughed out loud at the look of surprise on Max's face and smiled widely, looking a lot more relaxed than she'd been during class. "It's a long story, Liz, but let's just say that we've heard of her. She's a special kind of guidance counselor…Uhm…"

Michael, unexpectedly took over when Isabel seemed to hesitate, "She's a quack; eager to find the dirt about everyone and good at it too, so don't trust her despite her kind appearance. You should know that that kind of thing can be deceiving after all."

"Yeah," Maria sent a mild glower at him, seeming to momentarily forget her fears as she stepped closer to Liz, "we know all about that, don't we?"

Liz barely heard her, she was too busy looking into Max's eyes, again she was having this weird feeling inside her; she just knew he wasn't being entirely truthful towards her. Special guidance counselor? What aren't you telling me, Max? You can trust me, please tell me.

"We just heard that she's a bit too nosy for her job. We do trust you not to take your knowledge further, but she might be cleverer than you think, so please just be careful, okay?" Max said and with one last look, he turned around and walked to the next class.

As they drifted away, Liz heard Isabel say with an obviously forced tone of cheer in her voice, "that went well; now we only need to suffer through her visiting Hank and our day will be complete."

Maria slipped her arm around Liz's shoulder and exhaled deeply, "now, I might not be the smart one of us, but even I know they're not being completely open with us."

Liz nodded with a small, sad smile. The smile vanished when Maria quickly continued, "And now I think it's time we bring Alex up to speed."

Liz shook her head vehemently, "no way; we can't go telling everyone. It's not our secret to tell."

Maria nearly whined, "But I need him. I'm just so close to snapping right now, it's not even funny. I'm probably infected with some weird Czechoslovakian disease, 'cause my insides are acting all strange lately and Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome only has to look at you once, before you turn into goo. We need Alex."

"You got a point," Liz agreed, but added seriously when Maria's eyes lit up, "but are you really willing to bring him into this mess? It's so beyond confusion and we've obviously just begun to scratch the surface."

Maria pouted, but nodded her head a moment later. "I guess so, but we can't keep him in the dark forever, he's too observant for that."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Liz sighed and started making her way to her next class, followed by Maria, who was roaming through her backpack, and muttering something about upping the dosage on her drops if things kept going this way for her.

Topolsky's POV

She entered her new office, let go off all her files and sat down in her admittedly comfortable chair. She eyed her files for a bit and then took out five from the bunch. Then she grabbed the phone and waited for it to take her straight through to her superior.

"Hello agent Pierce, I'm in, and I've made first contact with the suspects, although, I have to add two more to the ones that the sheriff mentioned."

Kathleen glanced down at the two pictures in front of her and answered firmly, "Liz Parker and Maria Deluca. I suspect that their involvement might be more detailed than originally suspected. I will Sir; I'll let you know more in my report by the end of the week when I've had a chance to observe them a bit more."

There was a brief silence, before Kathleen spoke again. "I won't let you down, Sir. I will make sure they are in your hands as soon as possible. We just need the final bit of proof."

Kathleen ended the call and leaned back in her chair, eying the images of Max, Michael, Isabel, Maria and Liz in front of her with a smile that no longer seemed kind and inviting, but dangerous and sinister.

TBC…

A/N Lame ending, I know, but it really needed something and I could't get it quite right, so this is what I came up with. Hopefully this chapter won't turn you off the story; i did throw in a bit of frantic Maria after all and who doesn't love frantic Maria? hehe. Please take a second to review, and tell me your thoughts;)

Until Next Time

Ditte Mai