Part 50
Subzero temperatures really sucked the big one, Michael thought as he reached around Maria to knock on the Stevens' back door. The six of them were huddled up on the porch as the wind did its level best to knock them off of their feet. It hadn't even been a minute since they had climbed out of the van to navigate their way up to the house but the heat that had poured from the vents and made the albeit brief ride pleasant had dissipated the moment they set foot in the snow. The icy wind was like a living thing, the glacial blast assaulting them without mercy.
Maria stood in front of him, shaking hard enough that he was sure he could hear her teeth chattering. He couldn't help but be reminded of the night they had stood in this very spot, half-frozen and relying on the kindness of strangers. There were similarities, but some very big differences as well. They hadn't been dressed to deal with the elements that night and he could remember thinking how cold it was at the time. He snorted silently. Yeah, they were dressed for it now and he was freezing his alien ass off! Damn, what if they had gotten caught unprepared out in this weather?
He glanced at the guys standing on either side of him. Max was using his body to shield Liz from the worst of the wind and Kyle was… well, he was blocking most of the wind for Isabel. She didn't exactly tower over him but there was a noticeable difference in height. So it was probably good her head was covered otherwise… He frowned. Could you get frostbite on your head? He had no clue. And the cold had to be affecting his ability to concentrate, he decided as he realized the door was still closed.
The wind viciously gusted again and his arms tightened around Maria, bringing her flush against him so that she was practically standing on the toes of his boots. He was tucking his chin into her shoulder when the door suddenly opened wide and Julia was ushering them inside, her voice slightly apologetic and warm with concern.
"Oh, come on inside! I am sooo sorry! We had the door locked because it has a tendency to blow open. You must be freezing!" She pushed the door shut against the wind and slapped the lock into place. She shot a baleful glance at it when it creaked slightly in protest. "Here," she said as she turned back to their guests, "let me help you out of those coats so you can get right into the living room and warm yourselves up in front of the stove. Once you've thawed out we'll have a nice hot, relaxing dinner."
Michael's stomach growled at the very mention of food. It was like déjà vu, he thought as the warmth of the kitchen hit him, almost making his face feel like it was on fire. This time though, the scent of what might be apple pie mingled with the aroma of hot coffee to permeate the air. His eyes followed his stomach's directive and he sought out the source of the other scent that he couldn't quite pinpoint. Three large foil-covered pans sat on the stove alongside a large covered pot. Two baskets covered with dishtowels rested on the counter and he wondered what was inside. He barely noticed Julia moving away once their outerwear was put away but she had his full attention when she cracked the oven door open and the scents of apple and cinnamon intensified.
A collective sound of mmm broke out but Maria was the first to speak up.
"Oooh, what is that wonderful smell?"
Julia beamed at their comments. "Why thank you. I thought tonight we'd just keep it casual, have dinner in the living room. And what's better for a windy, freezing night than comfort food in front of the woodstove?" She motioned to the covered dishes. "Two types of macaroni and cheese, green beans, fresh baked rolls with butter, baked apples with cinnamon sugar, and Magic Bars for dessert."
The uncharacteristic quiet in the house caught Michael's attention as Julia ushered them into the living room. Just like she had done that very first night, he mused. He scanned the room, taking notice of the two couches that were once again corralled around the stove along with Edward's recliner. Brian had wrangled the seat next to Stefanie and Travis was dozing at the other end of the couch. He snorted silently at the kid's attempt at pretending he was cool enough to be right beside her. His eyes narrowed slightly when he detected movement and he noticed Eddie on the opposite couch, hopefully holding up a blanket as he looked at Maria.
Not happening, kid, he thought as his arms came around his girlfriend who was still trembling from the cold.
Maria rolled her eyes when he pulled her back against him, knowing very well he could see it. She knew it was pointless because he took hints poorly… or just ignored them altogether, she decided when his chin settled into her shoulder. She gave him a hint he couldn't ignore and shoved her elbow into his ribs, pointing across the room.
It was the unusually small voice rather than the rib jab that drew his focus away from Eddie. He followed the sound over to the corner near the piano where Maggie stood, her expression and stance clear indicators that she was attempting bravery in the face of fear.
"Um, Daddy?" She craned her neck to peer at him. "Cindy wants to know if you're almost done feeding Elliott."
Edward glanced at his little girl as he fed the last of the wood through the opening of the woodstove. "Yes, tell Miss Cindy I'm about to close his mouth. It makes a little noise when I close it, but there's nothing to be scared of."
It was all Michael could do to hold back a smile as he watched her. She was clutching her polar bear tightly in both arms, her cheek pressed up against the little bear as she waited for Cindy's next words. She was standing her ground in spite of her fear. A lot like someone else he knew. He brushed a kiss against Maria's cheek and gave her a gentle hug.
Maggie straightened up and loosened her grip on the bear in her arms. She swallowed hard as she tipped her chin up just a bit. "It's okay, Daddy. I'm not afraid of Elliott closing his mouth. It just makes Cindy jump a little."
"Who's Elliot?" Maria asked curiously.
Maggie smiled up at the couple and pointed at the woodstove. "He's a good dragon, not like the bad dragon in that movie Brian an' Eddie made me watch."
"A dragon movie, huh?" Michael asked as he hunkered down next to the little girl. "What movie are we talkin' about?"
Maggie's lips thinned and she squeezed Cindy tighter but before she could say anything Edward spoke up.
"That would be The Dragon Slayer," he said, shooting a hard look at his boys.
Kyle, who was animatedly talking to Stephanie, heard the title of the movie and paused his conversation with her to throw in his two cents. "Oh, hey, that's the one with that really cool scene where the dragon comes up outta the water…"
Isabel rolled her eyes when his arms lifted in mimicry of the dragon rising from the water. She wondered if he had any idea just how ridiculous he looked at that moment.
"Yeah, he comes up right behind the dragon slayer and all the guy hears is this intake of breath before the dragon just lets loose with that flamethrower. It was an awesome…" he cleared his throat when he caught the glare being aimed at him by El Capitan. "Right, that was just an awesomely horrible scene."
"Good try," Liz whispered when Max smirked at the way Kyle was backpedaling.
"Yeah, Elliot's not like that mean dragon," Maggie said, once again directing her words at Michael and Maria. Her voice dropped to a stage whisper. "That was a bad movie!"
"It wasn't a bad movie," Eddie insisted. "Brian talked me into watchin' it when Mom an' Dad were out on New Years' Eve. And Maggie said she wanted to watch it."
"Did not!" Maggie denied.
"You did too," Eddie argued. "Not that it matters, you got that goofy kids' movie about the good dragon for Christmas." He made a face at the memory. He knew the name of the stupid movie because Dad had made him watch it with her like a hundred times for letting her see The Dragon Slayer. And he hadn't complained at first since the movie had made her have bad dreams for a while and he'd felt bad about that, but after like the tenth time he had stopped feeling bad and just never wanted to see the movie again.
"What about you, Michael?" Maggie asked as she looked at Michael.
"Me?"
"Did you see Pete's Dragon? Or did you watch Brian an' Eddie's bad movie?"
"Uh, no, can't say as I've seen it." He glanced up when Edward closed the grate and it squeaked in protest. "That's who you named the um…" he pointed at the woodstove, "dragon after?"
"Um-hmm, 'cause he's a nice dragon." She smiled and pointed out the body of the 'dragon'. "Don't you think he looks like a nice dragon?"
He followed her pointing finger, taking in the wide iron grated door that carefully guarded the hot coals and flames. He took note of the shape of the stove and the rough metal segmented cylinder exhaust that twisted around to connect to a vent in the wall. "Yeah, he looks like a pretty nice dragon."
"Alright, everyone, let's go, dinner's ready," Julia announced from the doorway. She ushered her family and guests into the kitchen, having them form a line and pick up a plate and utensils to serve themselves. Once their plates were full she sent them back out into the living room to settle down and enjoy their meal.
Half an hour later Isabel was sitting on the sofa close to Kyle, wondering why Stephanie seemed to think he was so hilarious. Sure, he could be funny, but really? She knew while he was busy running his mouth and entertaining the Reindeer Whisperer at least he wasn't solely focused on what was waiting for him back at the cabin and she couldn't really fault him for that. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something just wasn't setting right as she watched the two of them making small talk and laughing.
Kyle was reaching over to grab another roll from the basket Julia had placed on the coffee table and he caught sight of Isabel as she shifted her gaze to the empty tree stand in front of the window, still waiting to be filled for Christmas. He could almost see the kaleidoscope of colors go off over her head as the proverbial light bulb switched on.
Isabel looked at Maggie, smiling at the little girl who was sitting in her chair next to her daddy, her empty plate balanced precariously on her lap. "Maggie, are you just about ready to be Santa's Little Elf Helper?" she asked.
Maggie started to bounce up and down in her seat, nearly upsetting her plate. "Oh, yes! Christmas on the Lake is the day after tomorrow! Mama an' me, we have Santa's arrival marked on the calendar and we put an X on every day to see how many days is left." She turned her head to look at Mama. "Is it time yet to put an X on today?"
Julia smiled. "Soon. After you've cleaned up for bed and have your PJs on."
The little girl stood up, oblivious to the 'dragon' behind her as she faced Mama, her plate in hand. "Is it time for Magic Bars? Cindy's ready for hers." A log shifted in the woodstove and made a crackling sound and her gaze shot to it as she took a step back towards Daddy.
"Y'know, I don't know what a Magic Bar is," Michael said as he shifted to sit on the edge of the cushion. He turned from the waist to take his girlfriend's empty plate and stacked it on top of his before getting to his feet. "Princess Maggie, maybe you could introduce your Captain to dessert," he said to draw her attention away from the woodstove.
Maggie's eyes widened as she turned to look up at him. "You never had a Magic Bar?" She crossed the room and reached up to take his free hand and started to tug him along with her. "You gotta have one, Michael. It's like that commercial for tater chips… you can't eat just one."
"I think we should limit Michael to just one," Kyle said with a grin. "Too much sugar and he'll be bouncing off the walls. Maria will never be able to put him to bed tonight."
"You're a funny guy, Valenti," Michael muttered, leaning over the back of the couch and freeing his hand long enough to give Kyle's ear a hard flick. He lowered his voice so his words didn't carry past his intended target. "At least I'm not sleepin' with Mickey Mouse."
"Hey," he rubbed his stinging ear and turned to glare at Michael, "keep it up and you could be."
Michael just snorted at that and glanced down when Maggie's little hand slipped into his again. "In your dreams."
Isabel could've kicked him when she saw Kyle swallow hard at the unintentional reminder of the nightmare he'd had before they had come up to the house. "Michael…"
He looked at Isabel when she called him. "Yeah?"
"Don't overdo it," she warned and knew from the way he glanced between her and Kyle that he had gotten the message loud and clear.
"So anyway," Kyle said as his attention focused on Stephanie once again, "you were explaining why you're sleepin' down at the barn tonight instead of in a nice warm bed."
"The wind's getting worse and it helps settle the reindeer." She smiled and flipped her hair back over her shoulder. "They were born in captivity so they're not accustomed to the elements the way that wild reindeer are."
Travis settled deeper into the cushions and yawned widely. "What she means to say is she needs to be there to keep an eye on the space heaters she'll be using to keep the temperature in the barn from freezing our furry friends."
"Mom, may I be excused?" Eddie asked as he finished his dinner. "I'm ready for dessert."
"Yeah, me too," Brian said as he got to his feet.
Julia nodded and motioned for them to make themselves scarce. "Speaking of the temperatures," she said, drawing the gazes of the others in the room, "they are dipping down very low tonight." She looked at Isabel. "Two of the cabins will fare well in these situations, but I'm afraid the cabin you and Kyle have won't provide you with adequate heat to get through the night. Edward and I thought you'd be more comfortable staying here at the house tonight."
"Oh, well…" she and Kyle exchanged a look. As much as she knew he would like to avoid what was waiting for them at the cabin after dinner, they both knew putting it off was only going to put Michael more on edge.
He caught the sympathetic look in her eyes and he reached over to take her hand as he looked at Julia. "We appreciate that. We had plans to spend a little time together after dinner, so if it's alright, maybe we could come back a little later?" Part of him wanted so badly to avoid what was coming, but the other part wanted to get it over with. Who knew, maybe somehow he would get some answers about what was happening to him. At least he didn't have green sparks arcing off of his skin the way Liz had when she had started to develop her powers.
"Oh, no, of course." Julia smiled. "Every couple needs their alone time."
Max snickered at that, earning him a glare from his sister that promised revenge when he least expected it. He didn't care. It would be worth it.
"Stop teasing them," Liz murmured as she stood and took his plate. "Would you like some dessert?"
He looked up at her and smiled as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
She couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up at his expression and she didn't try. She felt freer than she had in so long and she wanted to embrace it. "I'm gonna clean up a little bit and then I'll bring you something."
Max felt his heart nearly trip over itself when she laughed and it sounded so carefree and unburdened. "Could I talk you out of a coffee too?"
She sighed and rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, I guess I could bring you a cup of coffee. I'll expect payment later, Mr. Evans."
He grinned as he nodded. "And you shall have it, Mrs. Evans."
"I think I'm gonna barf," Kyle muttered when he overheard the quiet, teasing conversation.
"Don't you save that for after a beer blast?" Max asked with a quick glance at him.
He looked at Liz. "Is nothing sacred?"
"Not only is that not sacred, it wasn't exactly a secret, Valenti," Michael said as he came back into the room with a small plate and sat down next to Maria. He lifted his elbow to block his friend's hand when he reached for one of the treats on his plate. "Hey, you want someone to bring you dessert, ask your wife nicely." He snorted and held the plate out towards Maria to offer her one of the sweets. "Although, if I were you, I think I'd ask very nicely." He watched Maggie settle down next to her daddy again before turning his attention back to Maria.
Maria broke off one corner of the dessert and popped it in her mouth, her eyes widening as the chocolaty-buttery goodness melted on her tongue. The flavors of coconut and graham cracker crumbs combined with the sweeter flavors to create a taste that was simply unbelievable. "Oh, my gosh," she mumbled, "that's so good!" She looked at her boyfriend. "Did you…" she reached up to wipe a smudge of chocolate from the corner of his mouth. "Nevermind." She broke off another small bite and leaned forward to kiss him before getting up. "Don't eat all that because I'll be back before long and I'd like to enjoy the rest of it."
He popped part of the Magic Bar in his mouth and his gaze bounced between her and Liz. "Where're you goin'?"
She reached down to press her forefinger under his chin and he obediently closed his mouth. "Not attractive," she whispered. "I'm gonna help Liz clean up the kitchen."
"Oh, that's not necessary," Julia insisted when she realized what the girls intended to do.
"We'd like to do it," Maria said as she and Liz moved to the doorway.
Michael and Kyle looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
We'd like to do it? Kyle mouthed.
Girls, they thought at the same time.
"Hey, Maria, where're you goin'?" Eddie asked as he came out of the kitchen with dessert.
"Liz and I were just gonna clean up the kitchen."
"Oh." He looked around them at the living room. "Well, I could help you."
"You know what? That's really sweet and I appreciate it, but we thought maybe we'd have a little girl time while we're cleaning up."
"Girl time?" he echoed with a confused look on his face.
Brian smirked at his clueless little brother as he squeezed past them to go back to the living room. "That's what they call it when they go off together to talk about guys," he said wisely.
"You've cracked the secret girl code," Liz said, shaking her head.
The teenager bit into a Magic Bar and grinned smugly. "I know." He continued on his way into the living room with his brother trailing behind him.
Maria snorted as she and Liz went to work in the kitchen, working around each other with practiced ease. "We go off together to talk about guys," she muttered under her breath. "Can you believe that?"
Liz laughed quietly. "Isn't it true?"
The blonde paused for a moment and thought about that. "Well, okay, most of the time it probably is true but that's not the point." She giggled and handed Liz another dish to place in the soapy water she had filled the sink with before going back to drying the silverware and placing them in the proper drawer.
She watched Liz as she scrubbed the baked-on apple and cinnamon and noted the easing of her facial muscles and the gleam in her eyes. For the past couple of days her complexion had appeared dull, her eyes lifeless, and her own heart just felt lighter in response to her best friend's more relaxed features. She smiled when Liz glanced up at her and her lips lifted in response to the look on her face. How many times had they looked at each other and without a word between them known exactly what was on the other's mind?
It was a moment of comfort, the sort she would've experienced back home when they were closing up for the night at the Crashdown or maybe just sharing a meal together before starting their shift. She smiled when the scent of cinnamon wafted through the air as the water in the sink sloshed in response to Liz's vigorous scrubbing.
"That smell reminds me so much of Mom's cinnamon rolls. Remember the ones she'd bake for Christmas morning?"
Liz's hands stilled as she lost herself in the pleasant memory. "Yeah, she'd always drop some off at the café on Christmas Eve and the customers would take an order to go so they'd have them to share with their families on Christmas morning."
Maria felt her chest squeeze at the memory and she swallowed hard as she wondered if her mom would be making the cinnamon rolls this year. Would Jeff Parker even care about selling them to his customers this Christmas? She cleared her throat and steered the conversation to a safer topic. "Okay, so keeping with tradition, Chica… how're you doing? You and Max look like maybe things have gotten better."
"Yeah," Liz said and smiled, "yeah, I think maybe we're getting back on track."
"You've found a way to leave what happened in the past?"
"Some of it's a little… well, not easier, but certainly less difficult than others, so I'm just trying to focus on finding acceptance with them one thing at a time." She shrugged. "There's no way we'll ever know what happened with," she turned to make sure they were alone and lowered her voice, "Future Max, but other than a question or two I've put it where it needs to be."
Maria nodded and threw her arms around her best friend. "I'm so glad things are getting better for you and Max. And you're right, Chica, it's best to let that go. Sometimes we have to accept that we're never gonna have all the answers." She laughed quietly as she leaned back. "I know for someone with a brain that works like yours doesn't find that easy to accept, but you're less likely to drive yourself crazy this way."
"What about you, Maria?" Liz asked. "How're things going with you and Michael?" She reached into the sink to pull the plug so the water could drain and then took the dishtowel from Maria to dry her hands. "Have you guys really talked? Maybe dug up a few of your own issues that needs to be dealt with?"
"Things have been pretty hectic," she hedged. She sighed and turned to lean back against the counter as she twisted the towel in her hands. After several minutes she shook her head. "No, we haven't really sat down and talked. And I know we're running out of time because he's ready to pack everyone into the van and hit the road again as soon as Christmas on the Lake is over."
Liz snorted. "You know we're not leaving before Christmas. Isabel won't allow it."
"I know how he can be when he feels boxed in and he's restless. I understand where he's coming from, ya know? And I know we can't stay here forever, but if we could just stay through Christmas."
"He sounded pretty serious the other night when he was talking about all of us splitting up." She shook her head. "I like the thought of not being on the road all the time, but… the six of us not being together? I can't even imagine it."
"It would be nice to live someplace that didn't have wheels." Maria laughed. "I wouldn't miss Michael propping his feet on the dashboard and clipping his toenails, Kyle snoring loud enough to rattle the windows, or Max eating those damn sunflower seeds and leaving the shells everywhere."
They looked at each other and spoke at the same time, "And Isabel griping about all of them."
Liz chuckled. "I'll take the sunflower seeds over toenail clippings any day."
"Both of those habits suck for everyone else riding with them."
Maggie ran into the kitchen and looked up at them. "Are you guys done yet?" She was clutching something red and white to her chest, nearly suffocating Cindy who was buried behind the material.
Liz looked around and nodded. "Yeah, I think we're finished."
"What've you got there?" Maria asked as she dropped to one knee in front of the little girl.
Maggie's eyes widened and she grinned. "Isabel wants to see my elf costume and so Mama said I could get the Santa hats for everyone!"
"Everyone?" Liz almost choked on the word.
"Well, there's not enough for everyone, but Michael and Max were really nice an' said they'd let you wear theirs." Her smile widened and she lowered her voice. "I got an elf hat though an' since Max is an elf too I'm gonna give it to him."
"That was nice of them, wasn't it?" Maria asked as she and Liz each took a hat. She stifled a laugh when Liz reached out to run her fingers over the rougher green material of the elf hat… that had large elf ears sewn onto the sides. "That's a pretty cool hat, Maggie." She had a feeling he was going to be happy to see the one his sister had picked out for him to wear for the Christmas on the Lake festivities after seeing the atrocity the little girl was going to present him with.
"Eddie picked that one out last year." Maggie grinned. "He put it on Daddy when he was sleeping and Mama took a picture of him."
"I'll bet that's a great picture," Liz said with a laugh.
They walked into the living room, hearing Isabel as she went over the planner that was never far out of reach. Kyle was leaning forward, his chin resting in his hand as he reached over to point something out.
Maria's gaze immediately sought out Michael, easily picking up on the tension in him as he listened to Isabel assigning more duties and making notes. He was ready to leave, to go back to the cabin so he could find out what Kyle could do.
The girls sat down next to Michael and Max, looking up to catch Julia and Isabel looking at them before they had time to wiggle around and get comfortable. They glanced at each other and smiled as they faced the head of the holiday insanity and only encouraged her when they asked, "Is there something we can do?"
Beside her Maria could feel Michael tense up even more and she shifted to lean into him as she slid her hand into his, lacing their fingers together.
Isabel checked something off of her list as she smiled in satisfaction. "Yes, there is."
Maggie leaned against the arm of the couch closest to Isabel and peered at the planner over her shoulder. "Is there gonna be practice for Santa's Elf Helper?"
Liz leaned forward and smiled warmly at her. "Oh, yeah, if us elves have to be there, so does Santa's Elf Helper."
The little girl squeezed her beloved toy tightly to her chest. "Here that, Cindy?" She looked around the room before her gaze settled on Isabel once more. "Oooh, can Cindy help too?"
"I'll bet Isabel doesn't have anyone down for cookie duty yet," Max said as he draped an arm around his wife's shoulders. She settled into his side, her body relaxed and the smile on her face telling him everything he needed to know. He glanced over at Michael, noticing the way he was watching Isabel and Kyle so intently. His gaze dropped to the couple's linked hands and he wondered if either of them was conscious of Maria's free hand softly stroking his arm in a soothing gesture.
"Max?"
He looked down when Maggie called his name and he focused his attention on her. "Hey, Maggie."
"I brought you an elf hat. I forgot you already got one though."
He held his hand out for the hat and cringed internally when he got a good look at it. "That's really somethin', isn't it?"
"Now that is impressive," Kyle spoke up. "Finally a set of ears that rivals yours, El Presidente."
Max shot a look at him. "You know, Isabel does have my costume all picked out, but… if it's okay with you, and only if it's okay with you, I'd really like to share with my good friend Kyle." He turned the hat in his hands, fingertips brushing over the obscenely large ears poking out from the sides of it. "I know he's not an actual elf, but, I think Santa would probably be willing to make him an honorary elf for Christmas on the Lake, don't you?"
She smiled brightly and turned to look at Isabel. "Would Santa do that?"
Isabel could practically feel the negative energy pouring off of Kyle at that moment. "Well… I tell you what. I'll definitely check on that because that hat is too special to miss the big event."
Kyle glared at her. "I'm not worthy of that hat."
Max snickered. "Oh, Kyle, no one is more worthy of that hat than you."
Michael shifted and his eyes moved around the room, slowly checking on everyone and noting where they were. Edward was passed out in the recliner, sleeping soundly while conversation flowed around him. Travis had excused himself a while ago to go and check on the reindeer, giving his sister a little more time to enjoy the warmth of the house. The boys had taken off to play a video game for a bit before bed and Maggie of course, was busy working out her busy elf schedule with Isabel.
Time to get this show on the road, he thought. He gave Kyle a pointed look before he turned to brush a brief kiss to Maria's cheek. He eased his hand from hers and stood to stretch, faking an impressive yawn before dropping his hands to his sides again. "Time for Santa's elves, wranglers, assistants, and elf helpers to get some sleep," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kyle could feel them staring at him as he dropped down on the loveseat, still bundled in his winter gear because it was so freaking cold in the cabin. His first stop upon arrival had been the thermostat, but it was doing little to break the chill. Break the chill, he snorted silently. Nothing was going to help the cold front that had settled over the cabin. No wonder Julia had suggested he and Isabel sleep up at the main house for the night. With these temperatures about the only resident it would be fit for would be Frosty the Snowman. Or maybe the Snow Bumble. That thought hit him when Michael started to move through the rooms restlessly, his movements slowed considerably by the bulky outerwear he was still wearing.
Isabel watched him as he played with the remote, certain that he probably had no idea it was even in his hand. Without even realizing it she started to mimic his movements, the pendant on her necklace rasping against the chain as she drew it back and forth. His nerves were stretched thin even though he tried to hide it. His nightmare played over and over in her mind and she could only imagine how terrifying his new abilities were to him. She understood how important it was for them to know what he could do and she knew their situation only added more pressure. No matter how much she wished they could take things at a pace that was comfortable for him she knew it wasn't possible.
"Kyle, do you remember when I started to develop my powers?" Liz asked as she released Max's hand to move closer to her friend.
He glanced up at her, his right hand in constant motion as he flipped the remote over and over. "Yeah." He chuckled and it sounded strained. "Kinda hard to forget that."
"You supported me through that whole thing. We're all here, Kyle, we'll get you through this."
Maria nodded. "I know this's scary…" she trailed off when he shot a baleful glance at her. "Terrifying?" Another look, this one bordering on a glare. "Um, intimidating?" That earned her a derisive snort. "Okay, I can't think up an appropriate word to describe masculine fear at the moment, but what I was trying to say is that it's gonna be alright."
"Uh-huh, and if I don't come back? What happens if I end up traveling through the alien version of the Twilight Zone?"
"You kinda know what you can do," Liz reassured him, "so maybe your power somehow allows you to connect to an object, place, or person you know."
"You said you were trying to meditate, right?" Maria asked. "You let your mind go blank and then you started to think about…?"
He shrugged helplessly. "That's the thing! I'm not sure. I don't recall actively thinking about bein' back home in our kitchen, so I don't know if that's what happened."
"What about after?" Liz sat on the arm of the loveseat next to him. "Any idea what brought you back?"
"Sheer panic," he responded with a shrug. "I mean, it was so real. I could see Dad, I could feel that damn loose tile rocking under my boot, I could smell his five-alarm chili, and when he saw me he looked shocked."
Maria glanced up when Michael shifted and she realized he had stopped pacing, a sure sign that he was at the end of his patience. "Kyle, do you remember that time when everyone back home disappeared? We were all alone outside of town at the 'Welcome to Roswell' sign and Liz had just disappeared right in front of us? You remember that huge Skin guy that attacked us?"
Michael frowned as he listened to her recounting the story. Where had he been when that had happened?
Kyle shrugged. "Yeah, I remember." He remembered turning the Skin to dust and then disappearing into the great unknown right after. He had no memory of where he had been, of how long he had been gone, all he could remember was that for that brief time he simply hadn't existed. He swallowed hard. He didn't want to just fade from existence again. Maybe their lives weren't ideal but that didn't mean he was ready to just let it go.
"We made it, Kyle," Maria said quietly. "We survived that and we'll survive this. Just try and see if you can do it again. You're not alone in this. We're here and we won't let you get lost. Maybe try to concentrate on your dad or your house back home and let's see what happens."
"And if it's a one-way ticket and I don't return to my current position as Assistant to the Christmas Nazi?"
"You will," she said, her voice insistent. "And if worst comes to worst Isabel can dreamwalk you."
"No centerfolds being fed chocolate cake and no towel boys," Isabel muttered.
"Okay, Kyle's starting to feel a bit like a trained monkey and he's not a trained monkey." He rolled his head from side to side, the sound of vertebrae popping into place making the girls wince. He linked his hands together and cracked his knuckles and Liz got up to move away from the sound. He was attempting to relax but between the cold and the tension humming inside of him that was an impossible feat.
Maria watched him for a moment before speaking up. "Is there anything we can get for you that'd make this any easier?"
"Maybe a life-size statue of Buddha would help," Max offered, taking a step back when all his comment earned him was twin glares from his sister and his wife. "Or not."
"Lay off, Max," Isabel insisted. "He's been through enough without your smartass comments."
"Valenti, we've gotta know what you can do," Michael said, the words ringing through the cabin like a directive rather than a request.
He slouched down further into the cushions and dropped his head back to stare at the ceiling as he released a pent-up breath. "Okay already, I get it," he said sharply. He focused on calming his breathing and inhaled shakily. "The things I do for my friends."
The room fell silent as they all stopped to watch him and after a moment Michael resumed his pacing but his gaze never moved from Kyle.
He shifted his position slightly, straightening up and closing his eyes as he forced his mind to go blank while he cleared his thoughts. Once he had pushed everything else aside he formed a picture of his dad in his head and slowly the scene began to fill itself in as the living room came into focus. His heart started to race as the feeling of being pushed underwater began to come over him and his expression revealed that panic.
Maria moved to sit next to him, watching him carefully and wondering if they could stop whatever was happening to him if they needed to. His breathing began to increase and behind his closed eyelids his eyes were moving rapidly. He reached out blindly as if he was grasping for something to anchor him and without thinking Maria lifted her hand.
"Maria, no!" Michael shouted as he realized what her intention was but it was too late. Her hand wrapped around Kyle's and as soon as she touched him they vanished from sight.