Author's Note: A few small parts and/or quotes in this part were borrowed from the Season Two episodes "A Roswell Christmas Carol" and "Cry Your Name", and also the Season Three episodes "A Tale of Two Parties".
Part 59
Christmas Eve was magical. It was when a years' worth of dreams and wishes were realized, hidden in packages so carefully wrapped by loved ones. It was a night that made even the most distant possibilities seem attainable, a night when hope shined as brightly as the stars above, and a night that even history had shown to turn enemies into friends for a few short hours. It was a night for families to celebrate being with their loved ones, to open their eyes to the gift they had been given and should cherish openly for more than just one day a year.
Inside the Stevens' home, two families had come together to celebrate and prepare, to create a Christmas that not a single one of them would ever forget. The atmosphere inside the family home was one of warmth and love, peace and hope, comfort and acceptance. The assignments had been handed out and everyone was busy fulfilling his or her task as the tree was decorated and presents were assembled and wrapped.
Isabel was standing back, slowly moving back and forth as she observed the overall picture. At Julia's request she was the person responsible for directing this production so she was overseeing the placement of each and every ornament. "No, Max, move it to the right."
Her brother heaved a longsuffering sigh and untangled the thin gold string from the branch and moved it as directed. He held it in place for her approval before leaning over so he could hook it over the appropriate branch. He used his position to glance at the picture window, easily seeing the reflections of his friends and loved ones.
Liz and Maria had been charged with retrieving the ornaments from their packing and they reminded him of two little girls as they sat on the floor sorting through them. Michael had managed to get himself assigned to toy assembly duty because he'd been smart enough to act clumsier than he actually was and after nearly dropping multiple ornaments Isabel had ordered him to make himself useful by helping Edward. Lastly there was Kyle, settled in one corner of the couch drinking hot chocolate and eating Magic Bars while helpfully providing suggestions like a good assistant. He was being pampered because he'd helped place the tree in the stand out on the porch and then later helped get it set up inside. Yeah, how much of a job could that have been?
Julia was giving them a history of the ornaments as they were unwrapped and carefully handed up to him, unless they were on the lower branches and then the lady of the house would place them herself. His gaze landed on the first one that had gone on the tree and he recalled the story she had told of Grandma and Grandpa when they'd lived in the cabin Michael and Maria were staying in as she directed his placement of the ornament.
Liz carefully unwrapped an ornament and was immediately captivated by what appeared to be an old Santa wearing a long red robe that was faded and made out of felt. It was trimmed in white and just came to the tops of his black felt boots. The felt was old, giving it the appearance of suede. She stood and held it up to Julia. "He looks more like a woodsman than Santa."
"And old too," Maria chimed in. "I'll bet there's a story behind him."
"Yes, Santa was Grandma's gift to Grandpa," Julia said, her eyes lighting up as she accepted it and she gazed at it with a soft smile on her face. "She made it for Grandpa the year they were married. She made him to resemble her idea of the man who would soon become her husband. See, he built their first home on the lake. Grandpa loved to work with his hands and he especially loved woodworking. It was the very first ornament on their Christmas tree."
Liz looked up at her own husband and then back to Julia. "That's a wonderful story," she said softly.
"Would you do me a favor, Liz, and hand it up to your husband? We have a special spot for it near the top of the tree, just beneath the star."
Maria watched the couple's eyes lock as Liz reached up to pass the special ornament to Max, their hands touching and staying there for a moment. It was the first Christmas together for her best friend and her 'girlfriend' and even though the ornament was a part of Julia's family history, the moment between her friends was theirs alone.
Her mind wandered to Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. It was comfortable and warm, an inviting home away from home that had provided a place of solace and allowed her and Michael to finally come to terms with their relationship and their past and given them the opportunity to begin to heal. "Their cabin is so special," she said with a smile. "We're so glad we were chosen to stay there. It's so… enchanting."
Michael rolled his eyes. Enchanting, he thought. Now there was a word to describe a refrigerated box that came with its own mouse.
"When were they married?" Maria asked, choosing to ignore her boyfriend when she caught the quiet snort he probably wasn't even aware he'd let out.
Across the room Edward and Michael paused, not moving until Julia spoke up to answer the question. "They were married inside the cabin in front of the fireplace on New Years' Eve, 1927."
Isabel smiled at the look exchanged between the older couple. "Something tells me there's more to the story."
"You'd be right about that," Edward said. "When I proposed to Julia in the spring of '87 I'd pictured a wedding on the beach between the big lake and the cabin in June or July when it's good an' warm and the sun doesn't set till well after 9pm."
Julia smiled at him as the memory crossed her mind. "We had a lovely wedding on New Years' Eve in the cabin in front of the fireplace just like Grandma and Grandpa."
Edward looked at Michael. "It snowed unexpectedly the next day, just like it did a couple days ago." He shook his head. "I spent two days digging us out by hand with a shovel. Very romantic."
Isabel shot a triumphant look at Michael that he chose to ignore.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when the girls started making those sounds that almost always preceded some story about somebody's baby. He watched as Maria lifted out an ornament and held it up with care. Yeah, he thought, the special 'First Christmas' ornaments for each of the kids were next.
"Ooh, is this Eddie as a baby?" Maria asked as she handed it to Julia.
The woman looked at it for a moment, a gentle smile on her face as she turned to hand it up to Max. "Yes, he had those cute cheeks and the dimples."
His fingers traced over the ornament as he studied it and he couldn't stop himself from wondering if Zan's new parents would've gotten one of these for him. Technically it wasn't his first Christmas, but it would be the first one with his new family.
Maria pulled the next two ornaments out, Maggie's and Brian's, and Liz's thoughts shifted. It was funny how at Christmas babies seemed to be everywhere. During Christmas on the Lake they'd come out in droves to see Santa. And now, as her eyes fell on the Nativity set on the table her mind paused to think about the real Christmas story, that of a baby born on a cold dark night. A child whose life would change the world.
Liz watched her husband as he finally, seemingly reluctantly, hung the ornament on the tree and in that moment she felt the sharp pang of loss. All of these months she had watched him struggle with his own loss and she had hurt for him. She could remember the brief time she had spent with him as he'd waited for his dad to make arrangements for Zan to be adopted by a good family. She knew how much he'd wanted to hold his son close and never let him go, she'd seen the way it'd torn him apart to give him up, and watching him now, she suddenly felt that loss as if it were her own.
It was her loss, she realized with startling clarity. Zan was so much more than just Tess' son; he was a part of Max, and for that alone she loved him. There was a connection there, most likely because her connection to her husband, Zan's father, had been reestablished and was now stronger than ever. It was allowing her to really open herself up to the possibility that maybe someday, somehow, they would find a way to bring his son home. Their son, she thought and as she lifted her head she caught his gaze and smiled. Yes, Zan was their son.
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Michael took the opportunity to take a break, taking a seat and helping himself to the Snapple and Christmas tree shaped cookies left out for Santa. He frowned at the carrot arranged on one side of the plate of treats, peeled and cut into thin rectangular sticks. Oh, well, he'd had to eat worse, he decided and picked one up.
"Whoa there, Santa," Edward said with a laugh. "You don't have to eat those; they're for your reindeer." He nodded at his wife. "Julia will use them along with a few celery ribs in the roasting pan to rest the turkey on." He took a drink of his bourbon-laced eggnog and set the glass down so he could remove the electric and acoustic guitar they'd bought for Eddie out of its box. He was reaching inside for the amp and mic when a pair of bright headlights cut through the room.
Max was using one hand to balance himself against the ceiling, the other stretched out to receive the next ornament from Julia when the lights nearly blinded him and he squinted against them, freezing when he saw the large vehicle coming up the driveway. His gaze swept around the room, seeing the girls freeze in response, and he shared a look with Michael and Kyle.
"Looks like Santa's sleigh's here," Edward said as he got to his feet. "It's my Aunt Connie and the kids' grandmother."
Julia turned to her husband. "She's your mother, Edward."
Michael watched them, easily detecting the tension rolling off of the man of the house.
"They came down with Maggie's gift and they'll be staying the night in the big cabin."
Max accepted the ornament, carefully cradling it in his palm. "Did they have to come far?" The road conditions still weren't optimum the last he'd heard.
"No, not too far. Aunt Connie and Edward's mom Candace live over by the old decommissioned air base."
He nearly lost his balance but quickly recovered.
Edward was getting an eggnog refill as the lights outside were suddenly switched off. "Aunt Connie's truck can handle it. She's got four-wheel drive and tire chains if she needs them. By the look of those headlights a second ago I'd say she left the snowblade at home."
"Go easy on the eggnog, Edward, we're almost done here," Julia suggested quietly.
"So," Michael shoved half of a cookie in his mouth, "want some help settin' up the mic an' amp?" His head turned sharply when he heard his girlfriend's snort and he leveled a look at her. "I have a girlfriend who sings," he said before she could open her trap and ask him when and where he'd learned that particular skill. And then he gave her a small smile when she just stared at him. He turned to Edward, scratching his thumb against his eyebrow as he muttered low enough that the words wouldn't carry to Maria, "The instructions are on the box, right? I mean, not that we'll need them or anything."
Julia stood back, taking in the decorated tree that had been lovingly decorated by Santa's very own elves and her eyes glistened as she looked at Edward. He was finally finished setting up their children's gifts and she reached out to him. "So many memories here, Edward. Can you believe it? 15 married years of Christmases together."
Michael glanced over at Kyle where he was now peacefully sleeping on the couch and his inner child that rarely made an appearance, and strangely enough only seemed to appear when he was screwing around with Valenti, decided to come out to play. While everyone was otherwise occupied he scooped up the carrot sticks and hung over the back of the couch, careful not to jostle his good friend while he arranged them to his satisfaction. He snickered under his breath as he viewed his handiwork and then flicked Kyle's ear.
"C'mon, Valenti, time to get back to the cabins."
His voice drew Julia's attention and she hid a smile, choosing not to comment on Michael's artistic talents. Had he been one of her boys he'd be in trouble, but he wasn't so she turned her gaze to Isabel who was watching him with a disapproving look on her face.
"Michael…"
"Hmm?" He was leaning on the back of the couch, chin resting on his crossed arms as Valenti slowly woke up.
Kyle glanced around blearily and suddenly realized his nose was partially stopped up. He reached up to press against it and scrambled to his feet when he realized something was stuck in his nose. He pulled the carrot sticks free and pinched his nose before breathing through it, the passageways now clear but filled with the strong scent of fresh carrot. He glared at Michael who was laughing like the big idiot he was. "That's not funny."
"Yeah, it was."
"Oh, the stockings still need to be hung." Julia moved out of Edward's embrace to go and collect them.
Kyle was still trying to figure out how to get rid of that damn carrot smell when he caught sight of Isabel. She had that gleam in her eyes as she watched Julia sifting through the sack containing the stockings she and the girls had decorated. It would be her last official job as the Christmas Nazi this year and he had a feeling she'd be a little sad when it was over.
She accepted the sack when Julia was finished sorting, nodding with a smile and motioning for Liz and Maria to join her.
Edward frowned as he looked at Julia. "Three elves to put up five stockings?"
"There're 13 this year, Edward."
"Thirteen?" he echoed in disbelief.
"Thirteen," she said with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. "Isabel and the girls have a surprise for us. All of us including Aunt Connie and Grandma Candace."
Michael's amusement over the carrot sticks had dissipated and now he was starting to get grumpy. He'd had enough of all the Christmas stuff and as much as he loved Maria and wanted to make her happy he was ready for a break.
As the evening drew to a close Julia presented each couple with their own ornament to hang on the trees that were now dressed and waiting for them in their cabins. "Just like Grandma and Grandpa have their first ornament on our tree. We want you to have your first ornaments from us to take with you after putting them on your trees to start your own memories." Her eyes watered as she gave them a smile. "We hope to see you for Christmas dinner. There's no rush to come up to the house, we won't eat until five."
She gave each of them a hug and thanked them before stepping back and letting Edward move in to shake their hands. He gave Michael a look as he took his hand, and out of earshot of his wife said, "You will be here for dinner. My Julia has it all planned, starting with a 24-pound turkey and a 12-pound ham."
Kyle snorted. "How could I possibly forget that 24-pound block of ice in my lap?"
Edward watched as Kyle's wife silenced her husband with a look before shifting her gaze to him.
"I can't seem to take him anywhere," Isabel said with a smile.
Maria squeezed Michael's hand as she cast about for something to say before he could speak up, but before she had the chance to run interference Max took a step forward, his hand held out to Edward. Their host accepted the proffered hand and shook it as he studied its owner.
"We appreciate everything you've done for us, Edward, and you can be sure we'll see you at dinner."
The man of the house nodded as his hand was released. "Until dinner, then." He watched them as they donned their winter gear, preparing to face the cold on the short trek down to the cabins. He observed them casually, taking in the silent conversation that passed between Michael and Max and in that moment he realized his belief all along had been nothing more than a misconception. Whatever their story was, it wasn't Michael that held the position as the group's leader. That role belonged to Max and while it went unspoken and unnoticed by outsiders, it was obvious it was understood within the group. Understood and respected. He wondered yet again what it was these kids had been through to form such a strong bond, but he had a feeling it was something he would never know.
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Maria shivered as she put the two small boxes down, her gaze lingering on the Christmas wrapping paper that covered them. She knew without looking that Michael had gone to start a fire in the fireplace and she shifted to turn on the lamp that sat on the table between the two chairs in the living area.
Even though it was just after three in the morning she was still feeling good. She felt energized. She smiled to herself. She felt alive. Spending Christmas Eve with the Stevens family and continuing their role-playing for a few more hours as they played Santa's elves was partly responsible for that. But most of it she knew, lay with the man crouched down in front of the fireplace.
She was excited for the kids, especially Maggie, and she couldn't wait to see them after they'd received their gifts. She turned slightly, her eyes moving back to Michael as he took his time with the fire even though it was already roaring. He hadn't commented on Max making a commitment to dinner the following night and extending their stay at Stevens Sanctuary beyond what he'd already decided would be their departure date. As a matter of fact, he hadn't said anything at all.
She knew he was on overload and needed his space. It had been a day filled with Christmas activities, putting the big day together for the kids, and it wasn't the kind of thing he was used to or comfortable with. He had been fine while he was busy, his mind occupied and keeping his thoughts away from old memories. Memories that she knew held little if any joy for him.
She reached for the small gift boxes and carried them over to their chairs, dropping down into the soft cushions of hers and giving the one with her name on it a shake. There was a quiet scratchy sound that intrigued her so she shook it again. She smiled when the slight noise drew Michael's attention and she held the one with his name out to him.
He got to his feet and reached out to take the box from her, the slick green wrapping paper nearly disappearing when he wrapped his big hand around it. He turned his hand palm-side up, staring at the gift for a moment before he slouched down in his own chair. He shifted a little to the right to avoid that one loose spring that liked to announce itself at the most unexpected moments.
Maria played with the ribbon on her box as a familiar feeling washed over her; the desire to stay in this place, to be able to put down roots and live their lives as part of this warm, accepting little community. Before that thought could take hold though, she tamped it down. They still had time; more than expected, thanks to Max's intervention. He had given them all the gift of one more night of enjoying this brief reprieve from their lives. She inhaled slowly, drawing in a deep breath that she held for a moment before slowly releasing it. She rolled her head along the back of the chair to look at her boyfriend.
"Beat?" she asked quietly.
"Doesn't even begin to describe it," he answered after a moment.
"Why don't we open our gifts and put them on the tree and just go to bed? How's that sound?"
He nodded slowly, his eyes locked on the flames dancing in the fireplace.
She got up out of her chair, her box clutched in her hand, and she nudged him. He shifted to make room for her on his lap and as soon as she'd settled down his arms came around her, pulling her in close to his body. She laid her head in the crook of his shoulder and sighed in contentment. "This feels so good."
His right hand rested on her thigh and he was just about to agree with her when she suddenly sat up, her eyes meeting his with a challenging gleam. He didn't know what was coming but whatever it was he'd go along with it.
"I'll bet I can open mine up first," she said with a grin.
Michael sat up straighter and snorted. "You're on." And with nothing more than that he snatched the small box from her hand and tucked it under his arm as he ripped the paper open on the one he held.
"Michael," she shrieked, the sound filled with chastising laughter, "you're cheating!"
"I think that only applies if you have the foresight to actually include conditions in the challenge." He looked at her for a moment before pulling her closer for a short kiss. "You'll wanna remember that for next time." He released her box and handed it back to her as he reached inside his own and pulled out a glittering Santa ornament.
Maria smiled as she pulled hers out and held it up next to his. Hers was a snowflake ornament and like Michael's it looked like a cut-out cookie decorated with sparkling frosting. Her eyes were shining as she looked at him. "Aww, Michael, it's us, Santa and Snowflake."
"Um-hmm." He held his out to her. "Why don't you stick 'em on the tree and let's hit the sack."
She rolled her eyes at him but got up to find a home for them on their tree. She knew even though he appreciated the gesture he just wasn't comfortable receiving gifts and it was easier to blow it off than try to find the words to express himself in these moments. "Well," she said as she moved around the tree, "since you made that romantic proposal so inviting…"
Michael pulled his shirt over his head with one hand and yanked the covers back with the other. "You wanna light a fire over there, Snowflake?"
"And suddenly you're in a big hurry."
He flopped back on the bed, stacking the pillows behind him to raise his upper body enough to allow him to watch her in comfort. "When it comes to getting you in bed I have an extremely low tolerance for waiting."
Maria snorted and shook her head at him as she found a suitable branch. "Michael, waiting is something you have a low tolerance for regardless of the reason." She smiled when she heard him shifting restlessly and she took her time seeking out the perfect branch for the second ornament and then leaning over to plug the strand of Christmas lights in. She crossed the room to turn the lamp off, leaving the room cast in the warm light from the fireplace with the colored lights from the tree blinking cheerfully.
She turned to look at him, taking in the pose that in spite of appearing relaxed was anything but. "Close your eyes and promise you won't peek."
"Maria," he growled impatiently.
"Michael," she said, her amused tone holding just as much patience. She could practically hear the wheels turning in his head as he tried to figure out what she was up to. "Just close your eyes and keep them closed."
"Is this really necessary?"
She moved to stand at the foot of the bed, resting one knee against the trunk that resided there. "I guess that depends on how badly Santa wants to see the surprise Snowflake has for him."
"C'mon over here an' let's check out Santa's surprise first." He grinned unrepentantly when she just rolled her eyes at him.
Maria motioned to his face. "Close those eyes."
He huffed in annoyance but did it anyway.
"And no peeking or the surprise will be rescinded."
"Rescinded," he muttered. "What've you been doin', reading the dictionary?" He felt stupid just lying there with his eyes closed. He cracked one eyelid just a bit and his eyebrow lifted in interest when he caught sight of her bending over her bag. He heard her humming under her breath and saw a flash of something green being pulled out of the bag. He tilted his head to one side in an attempt to figure out what she had in her hand and her hips began to sway as she started to sing Santa Baby quietly.
He listened to her. She had talent, but it was so much more than that. She had a gift, one that deserved to be known outside of their small circle. He knew they had no way of knowing what the future held but he wanted so badly for her to have the opportunity to share that gift. He hoped one day maybe she could have that.
"I know your eyes aren't closed, Santa. Close them or the surprise gets put away," she warned softly.
"What makes you think I'm lookin'?" he muttered.
"Because I can feel it."
He smirked smugly and closed his eyes. "Fine, but hurry it up."
Maria waited a few moments, waited for that feeling of being the focus of his intense gaze to pass, and when it did she knew he'd closed his eyes. She moved closer to the fireplace and kept an eye on Michael to make sure he behaved himself as she stripped out of her clothes so she could shimmy into the Snowflake lingerie Isabel had given her a hand with. That had been a little awkward but they'd gotten over it quickly enough. She smoothed her hands over the outfit and took a moment to soak up the heat from the fireplace before turning to face the man waiting for her.
"Santa baby," she sang as she glided across the floor. And the slight embarrassment she'd experienced over asking Isabel for this favor was worth it the moment he opened his eyes and she saw the heat flare to life as he took her in from head to toe. His gaze lingered in all the right places and it still took her breath away that she could draw such a reaction from him.
Michael sat up and motioned wordlessly for her to take the last few steps that would bring her into touching distance. "I don't know that I'd go around tellin' anybody that you've been an awful good girl," he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into bed.
"No?" she asked breathlessly when he immediately rolled her onto her back and braced his weight over her.
"Huh-uh." He met her gaze as his hand skimmed her back and side, searching for the snaps or zipper or whatever it was that held the scraps of material together.
"So if I'm not a good girl, what am I, Santa? A bad girl?"
He studied her features in the firelight and he shook his head as his big hand slid down to settle on her bare thigh. He lowered his head to kiss her, taking it slow for just a few moments and drawing it out so that by the time they pulled apart they were both breathing heavily. "You're not a good girl or a bad girl." His hand moved once again but this time he found what he was looking for with perfect precision and he set about slowly sliding the zipper down as he met her gaze. "You're my girl, Maria."
The declaration brought tears to her eyes and she threw her arms around his neck as her lips locked with his and their bodies crashed together. That was what she wanted more than anything else. To be his again, in every sense of the word.
And as Christmas morning drew closer he made sure she knew in no uncertain terms that she was his.
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The cabin was comfortably warm, the couple inside enjoying the simple act of sharing the same space as they settled in for the night. There wasn't much left of the night as the predawn hours slowly passed. They had spent more than an hour on the ice before the cold had finally forced them to leave that moment behind and walk away with the memories of skating under the stars on a night so cold and silent that it felt like they were the only two people in the universe.
Upon returning they had warmed up with hot chocolate and then opened the gifts the Stevens had given them. Ornaments that resembled Christmas cookies made in the shape of a reindeer wearing a Santa Claus hat and striped scarf, and a red and white striped candy cane.
"They're cute," Liz said with a smile.
Max held the reindeer up and made a face at her. "Every time you look at this thing you're gonna think of me aren't you?"
"Every year." That thought caused a flood of warmth to rush through her. "Every year, Max." She motioned to the tree. "Hang yours first."
He walked over to the tree that she had already plugged in and he stuck it on the first branch he came to. She shook her head at him and carefully chose a branch to hang the candy cane on and then took a step back to look at it. "Our very own ornaments on our first tree."
Max reached for her, pulling her into his arms. "I wish this was real, Liz." He hugged her tighter and rested his chin on her head as he stared at the ornaments. "I want that so bad for you."
She pressed a kiss against his chest. "Want it for both of us, Max." She sighed quietly. "We'll have that one day. And we had tonight. It was special, helping the Stevens decorate their tree and get everything ready for morning. They have so many memories on their tree."
"Kind of a nice tradition, huh? We finally get settled somewhere maybe we can do something like that and put our own twist on it."
"That would be nice," she admitted. "I was watching you while you were decorating the tree and I saw the way you looked when the baby ornaments were given to you." She rubbed his back when she felt him tense. "You were thinking of Zan."
"Yeah."
"So was I," she admitted and immediately felt his heart rate increase. "Do you think there's any chance that one day we could bring him home?"
His heart stuttered in his chest. "I've always been scared to allow myself to hope for that."
"Because you didn't think I could handle it."
"That's part of it, but there's also the reality of our situation. I hope one day we'll be safe enough and stable enough to have kids and raise them, but bringing Zan home…" he swallowed with difficulty. "What made you change your mind?"
"I had a moment while I was watching you and I realized that Tess may have given birth to him but Zan is our son. I'm connected to him through you and I hope one day we can bring him home, to our home, and we can be a family."
Max drew in a shaky breath at her unexpected revelation. He couldn't imagine a better gift that she could've given him. At that moment it didn't seem possible to feel any closer to her. He had lost the ability to speak and he was overcome with the need to show her just how much he loved her. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed in a few short strides, his eyes never leaving hers.
His mouth crashed into hers just as her back made contact with the mattress beneath her. She returned his demanding kisses with a need that uncurled deep within her. She began to tug at his clothes, desperately needing to make contact with his skin.
He pulled away long enough to draw air into his oxygen-starved lungs. Liz had his shirt nearly up over his head as she called out his name, his muscles tightening in response to the needy sound. In one fluid motion he rid himself of the shirt and he called her name roughly, his hot breath singing her neck. His hand traveled up under her sweater, finding the clasp of her bra with unerring accuracy. His hand made contact with warm damp skin and he heard her hiss when his thumb found its way to the rigid tip just begging for attention.
His hips arched forward when she reached for his belt and he drew in a ragged breath as he forced himself to pull back slowly. His hand slid across her belly, finally coming to rest at the button of her jeans. Removing clothing, reaching for protection, it all happened so fast, but in spite of that it felt as though time had slowed down.
The moment of clarity had Liz contemplating the way her body felt as if it was on fire as every cell in her body seemed to call out for his touch. Their gazes, locked and unbroken, were suddenly sprinkled with black specks that heralded what was to come next. She blinked as her head dropped back, arching in tandem with her hips.
Max's arms came around her, lifting her and holding her in his embrace as his hips flexed forward, bringing them together with one deliberate thrust. The connection was powerful; joining them together physically, emotionally, and mentally. Their connection was wide open and it only enhanced their joining.
"Max, please… Max…" She felt him draw back and move forward again, repeating the move over and over, the demanding rhythm building and answering her cries. Her hips rose to meet his and she rocked forward, digging her nails into his taut shoulders. The black specks that had appeared in her field of vision suddenly swirled and came together, exploding into a series of rapid flashes.
It was overwhelming and it all came together as her release claimed her. She held on tightly as Max broke eye contact, his head snapping back as her name spilled from his lips on a low, guttural cry that accompanied his own completion. Every muscle in his body was trembling and his dark eyes were damp as he rolled to bring her into his arms so they could catch their breath.
They lay there in silence, their embrace warm and loving as time once again began to pass, and he fumbled tiredly for the covers. He hauled them up over them and then draped his arm over her waist, smiling an exhausted but content smile that was mirrored on her face as they slid into a peaceful sleep.
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The lights on the Christmas tree blinked cheerfully and images of the lights danced on every available reflective surface. The joyful feeling the holidays always brought with them had begun to slip away as each step took them further from the Stevens warm family home. It almost felt as if they'd left Christmas there, tucked safely away inside its walls. It was quiet in the cabin, so quiet she could almost hear the nearly silent plink that accompanied every blink of the lights.
Kyle was still in the living room, probably staring sightlessly at the very same lights as they reflected against the darkened television screen. He had turned it on at nearly the same moment she had turned the Christmas tree lights on. She had hung the ornaments they had been given, but it had felt more like a duty than a joyous occasion. The ornaments were lovely and the gesture was appreciated, but Kyle wasn't interested in the festivities of Christmas and she was just… drained.
By some unspoken agreement they had maintained their silence and while he had taken up residence on the couch flipping through the muted channels she had moved from room to room like a ghost. Every bit of the energy that had coursed through her veins during the preparations for Christmas on the Lake, the event itself, and helping the Stevens family on Christmas Eve itself had simply fallen away, leaving her as easily as water left the sink to slip down a drain. If only it was that easy to wash away the damaged feelings that refused to let her go. Now that it was over she couldn't stop her thoughts from treading through the minefield of her mind.
She had finally retreated to her room and prepared for bed, crawling under the covers, and hoped for the oblivion of deep sleep. But as of yet that wish had been denied. She glanced down when she realized she was unconsciously twisting her wedding rings around her finger and she held her hand up, watching the diamond catch the lights from the Christmas tree. Why hadn't she ever tried to contact Jesse? She stared at the rings until the lights lost their sparkle and began to blur into a kaleidoscope of color. She sighed. She knew why she hadn't tried to contact him.
But what about her parents? No, she didn't have a picture of them, but she'd managed to connect on the dreamplane without the benefit of a visual aid before. It had been a while, but she knew it was possible. It wasn't as easy of course, but it could be done. A memory of the time she'd done that when she was younger rose to the surface and a sad smile crossed her features. She'd managed to scare Mom badly enough that she hadn't been able to sleep for a week.
She linked her fingers on top of the covers and stared at the ceiling until her eyes began to burn and she closed them, allowing them a moment to moisten. She sighed quietly and concentrated on the silence once more, turning her head just a bit when she heard the rustle of material as Kyle shifted restlessly. She rolled over to face the wall and made another furtive wish for sleep. How could it be so difficult to fall asleep? She was exhausted but it seemed even that wasn't enough incentive for her mind to let her body rest.
She rolled over again, blinking against the darkness and reaching out for the lamp beside the bed. Her hand collided with something unexpectedly and she muttered under her breath as she tried to remember what it could've been. She fumbled around for the switch and after the quiet click warm light flooded the room. She was swinging her legs over the side of the bed when she suddenly froze and a confused smile crept across her face as she reached out to touch the surface of the nightstand next to the bed.
It felt real.
She pulled her legs up, hugging them as she looked around the room. Her bedroom in the house she'd grown up in. And everything was just as she'd left it. She glanced at the alarm clock next to the bed, smiling at its familiar face. 10:30pm… That was strange, she thought as her brow furrowed. It must not be working. She reached over and picked it up, shaking it lightly before bringing it up to her ear. No, it was ticking off the seconds.
She knew it had been well after midnight when they left the Stevens home and it had been at least another hour before she'd finally given in and crawled into bed. In an effort to hold onto her parents she'd quickly become adept at tracking the time zones so she knew what time it was at home no matter where she was. Who cared what time it was? She was home.
She sighed happily and slid down, laying her head on her pillow and allowing herself to relax into what was certainly the most comfortable mattress in the world. Her eyes were just closing when a quiet knock at the door had them snapping open again. It had to be Mom, she thought, Mom, coming to bestow the same goodnight wish she'd made so many times over the years. That thought had her quickly climbing out of bed and her heart soared with anticipation as she grabbed the knob and turned, pulling it open.
"Alex!" His name came out on a whisper. "What're you doing here?" she hissed as she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. She hurried to shut the door before anyone could see him.
"Oh, ya know, I was in the neighborhood and it is Christmas Eve…" His arms came around her and he held her close.
She hugged him back, her hands clenching in the fabric of his gray sweatshirt. "But you can't be here!" What would her parents think of finding him in the house at this hour?! She paused and she closed her eyes as she rubbed her forehead against the soft material at his shoulder. They wouldn't see him though, would they? Her eyes began to water as she leaned back to look up at him. "I'm not really here with you, am I?"
"No," he murmured quietly, "you're talking in your sleep."
Isabel swallowed hard, forcing the tears down as she looked up at him. "I want to be here."
"I know." He pressed his lips against her forehead for a moment. "But it's a dream and you'll eventually wake up." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and turned her, walking her over to the bed and helping her under the covers.
"Alex… Please stay?"
He hesitated for the space of a heartbeat before he nodded and settled down beside her, pulling her into his arms. "I'll always be here for you, Isabel."
"I don't know where I belong anymore," she whispered.
"I'll hold onto you and maybe that way you won't be so lost."
She settled into his arms, releasing a sigh of contentment. She wondered just how long she could hold onto the dream even as a warning about the danger of getting caught up in the dream drifted across her mind. A slight frown creased her brow but she burrowed closer to Alex, relaxing as his comforting presence surrounded her. "Thank you for staying." She smiled when she felt his lips brush against her neck as he wished her a Merry Christmas.
Her eyes grew heavy as she sank even further into his embrace. It took an effort to form the words and work them past her lips, but just as sleep claimed her she managed a sleepy, "Merry Christmas, Alex."
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The silence in the cabin was comforting after the constant noise that had accompanied yet another busy day. They had left the Stevens a couple of hours ago and Isabel had been quiet. Not the kind of quiet that was calm and relaxing. It was the kind of quiet that came at the end of an adrenaline high; a quiet that was so loud it almost hurt. She had moved from room to room for a while, restless in the Christmas aftermath. He had dropped down on the couch and sent up a silent prayer to Buddha for getting him through the anxiety-inducing festivities in once piece.
Oh, they still had Christmas to wade through before the fun times were over, but for him the worst of it was finished with. At least Christmas Day would be spent amongst themselves and he had a feeling they'd probably just stay in their own cabins until it was time to trudge up to the main house for the big feast. He'd be happy to forego that joyous occasion but after everything the Stevens had done for them it would just be rude. Buddha wouldn't approve.
He had waited until Isabel had gone to sleep before he's turned the lights off on the Christmas tree and the darkness only seemed to enhance the quiet. He sighed in exhaustion as he sank into the mattress, pulling the covers up over him and rolling over to face the wall. The branches of the leafless trees outside cast spindly shadows on the walls, the sinister tendrils creeping across everything in sight. Somehow that seemed fitting. He closed his eyes and wondered offhandedly if she would try to dreamwalk her parents tonight. Or maybe Jesse.
Nah. His tired mind discarded that thought before tugging him into a light doze that was soon interrupted by familiar sounds.
He frowned and moved to find the source of the noise, smiling as his surroundings suddenly began to morph and transform around him and he recognized the living room of the house he'd grown up in. The television was turned on, the channel tuned to the football game, and the coffee table littered with drinks and munchies.
But where was Dad? He should be there. They always watched the game together.
"Okay. I think we're just about ready."
He recoiled, mind and body, in response to the sound of her voice. He jerked and the sudden jarring motion pulled him from the dream and back to consciousness. His eyes snapped open and his gaze sought out the familiar shadows in the cabin as he reached up to run his palm across his damp forehead. He kicked his right foot out as if the motion alone could eject her from his memory. "Not goin' there," he muttered under his breath as he rolled over to find a new position that would bring sleep without another visit from the snow witch.
For a moment he considered getting up and walking it off but he was too worn out to bother getting out of bed and making the effort. Without even realizing it his eyes fluttered shut and he gave in to the siren call of deep sleep.
The table had been set with Christmas dinner and he was sitting on the barstool he had grabbed so Amy could have the third chair. He watched as Dad and Amy laughed about anything, everything, and nothing. Dad was in his element and Maria's mom would blush like a school girl from time to time as they managed to sneak the occasional flirtatious comment into the conversation.
He sighed quietly and hung his head, wanting to shut out the images as Tess made the rounds with the rolls. He blinked and looked up just as she reappeared with his favorite dish in her hands and placed it on the table. Try as he might he couldn't stop the question he knew was coming.
"Is that three-cheese potato gratin?"
"With bacon on the bottom. Your favorite."
Their eyes met and as they did he felt the pressure begin to build behind his eyes. His tired, foggy mind was fighting to make the connection. It was her eyes, he thought. Bright, a beautiful blue, and so sharp they never missed a thing. And they held his attention. He drew in a shallow breath and shook his head, breaking that contact.
Rather than follow her into the kitchen when he excused himself, he got up from the table and turned to go in the opposite direction. He moved away from her and into the living room. The pressure began to subside and he was just about to drop down on the sofa when there was a knock at the door.
He frowned for a moment as his muddled mind attempted to make sense of the changes. But before he had time to put any thought into it his mind urged him to move to the door and he obeyed it without hesitation. As he watched his hand reach for the doorknob, turn it, and pull it open he felt the pressure slip away completely.
Isabel's grin was infectious and it lit her face up as she hit him with a cheerful, "Hi!"
His response was a little more low-key. He had plans. He was a man on a mission. "Hey."
"Kyle Valenti, it is your lucky night." And her right hand shot up to present him with a close-up of the movie she held.
He smiled at that familiar and loveable Christmas-crazed gleam in her eyes before turning to glance back at the dining room. It was empty and relief washed over him as he realized that Christmas dinner with Tess was gone, wiped away by a better memory.
He turned back to her, intending to ask her inside, but his eyes collided with empty space. He ran a hand over his chest absentmindedly and took a step forward to look for her when he was suddenly shoved backwards as Michael barreled through the door. His mind scrambled to make sense of it when Dad came in behind him, Isabel cradled in his arms as her life bled out of her from an unmistakable gunshot wound.
His chest constricted. "Oh, my God, what happened?!" He could hear the fear in his own voice, could feel it causing tremors to run through him.
"Get the trauma kit out of the garage!"
He ran to the garage, rummaging around for the kit Michael had ordered him to retrieve, but things were hazy and he couldn't find it.
Even in sleep the memory caused fear to rush through his veins, pushing his heart into overdrive as his thoughts automatically shot back to Isabel. Unaware, he spoke, though the words were whispered. "This can't be happening again."
Suddenly the haze around him cleared and his hand landed on the kit and he ran back into the house that was quiet.
His brow furrowed in sleep. It shouldn't be quiet. It should be chaotic as the guy Jesse had called showed up to remove the bullet.
He dropped the bag and walked through the house, finding a pale Isabel lying in his bed. In a heartbeat he was at her side, his hand gripping hers as he wished desperately for the power to heal the way Max did. If ever there was a good reason to be jealous of Max Evans that was the moment. His grip on her hand tightened and he reached out with the other, carefully placing his palm over the wound and focusing as hard as he could. He expelled the frustrated breath he hadn't been aware he was holding as his attempt to save her failed. Tears rolled down his face as the reminder that he couldn't help her flashed in front of him once again.
He suddenly sat up, waking as a thought occurred to him. She was lonely and she desperately wanted to see her parents. He scratched his jaw as he recalled his promise to her that she would see home again. He got out of bed and padded quietly to her room, sitting beside her restless form and taking her hand.
"Maybe I can channel my focus in another direction."
He frowned as the scene shifted and he looked down at her and realized his mind had taken him right back to his room and her still form. He wasn't awake. She was still shot and her life was slipping away. He was still trapped in the nightmare and it didn't matter what he did, he couldn't save her. A few more tears escaped, hot with anger and frustration.
"I have alien powers but what good are they if I can transport people with nothing more than a thought but I can't save her when she needs me?" He stood abruptly, letting go of her hand and running his fingers through his hair just as a sharp cramp shot through his leg and woke him.
He sat up, wide awake and sweating as he looked around his room. For just the space of a heartbeat he thought he wasn't alone, but he brushed it off and attributed the feeling to the nightmares. "Useless friggin' alien powers," he muttered as he leaned forward to massage the cramp out of his leg.
"You have the power to save her."
He froze and his gaze darted around the room. "Alex?"
"You warned her about the danger of losing oneself in the dream."
He rubbed his eyes and blinked as he tried to decipher his friend's presence but he never materialized.
"Save her now. You know what to do."
The whispered words faded into the howl of the wind as it whipped around the side of the cabin and he scratched the back of his head as he looked out through the doorway of his room.
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The sound of her name being whispered roused Isabel from the peaceful dream and at first she fought it, wanting so desperately to hold onto something happier. But the quiet voice was insistent and eventually she could no longer ignore it in spite of her wishes to do so. She tried to shift, to reach up and rub her eyes, when she realized that her hand was being held. Her heart leapt in her chest when she opened her eyes and saw Kyle sitting there, his hair in disarray and looking like he'd woken up and pulled on a pair of jeans and a thermal shirt.
"Kyle," she mumbled tiredly, "what're you doing in my room?" She pushed herself into a sitting position, her eyes finally focusing and trying to make sense of his hand holding hers. She blinked and lifted her gaze to his.
He put a finger to his lips and shook his head. "Don't let go of my hand."
"I'm still dreaming." It was a dream within a dream, she thought as her free hand sought out Alex. Her head snapped to the side when she found nothing but empty space beside her. A quick look around the room identified the location and she realized she was indeed still in her bedroom at home.
"You're home, Isabel," Kyle whispered. "We've gotta be careful though."
She squeezed her eyes shut. Why was her mind doing this to her? She opened her eyes again and they settled on the alarm clock that now read 12:45am. She looked at Kyle again, opening her mouth to ask what he was doing when the muffled sound of her parents' voices registered in her ears and her heart leapt in her chest.
Kyle never said a word as he gave her hand a gentle tug, helping up out of bed and leading her over to the open bedroom doorway. His hand tightened around hers when she started to pull it free and he held her still when she would've bolted down the hall to the living room. He shook his head sharply in warning and crept out into the hall, leading the way. He could feel her nerves in the slight trembling that coursed through their clasped hands and he paused to turn and look at her, his voice low as he finally spoke.
"Whatever you do, don't let go of my hand. I don't know how long I can keep us here and if we get separated – "
"I can handle my brother and Michael."
"So can I, but I'd just as soon not end up back in the Arctic Circle and leave you here." He tightened his grip in warning as started to move again. "So don't let go of me."
Isabel rolled her eyes at him when he pulled her along behind him. "You do know it's kinda hard to be the little woman when I can see over your head, right?"
"Pick on my height again and I'll tell your parents we got married during a layover in Atlantic City."
Well, at least he hadn't said Vegas, she mused, running into his back when he stopped suddenly in the entryway that led into the living room.
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Diane stared at the Christmas tree that was decorated and lit up, her damp eyes causing the multi-colored lights to blur. She hadn't wanted to put it up, had resisted when Philip had suggested it, but he'd insisted it was necessary to keep up appearances. Her heart had broken a little more with every ornament she'd unwrapped, feeling as if each one was a symbol of the shattered pieces of her soul.
Almost every ornament had a story behind it. There were a few boxes of ornaments that were just decoration, but some of them had such special meaning and she'd shed more than a few tears while unwrapping them and finding that perfect spot for them on the tree. She looked up at her husband where he sat on the couch beside her, his eyes locked sightlessly on the tree. She had come into the room earlier and caught him standing next to the tree, a strand of the garland tugged away from the branches and clenched in his fisted hands as he held it to his nose. They'd caught Max doing that very thing so many times when he was younger and they'd never really thought much about his claim that the way the garland smelled after being warmed against the lights made him think of Christmas. Philip's eyes had been closed and she'd quietly backed out of the room to let him have that moment.
She was pulled out of her thoughts when he kissed her temple and rubbed her shoulder before pulling her tighter against his side. She glanced down when she felt him pressing something into her hand and her eyebrows lifted when she saw the small green velvet box with a glittering red ribbon tied around it.
She accepted the gift and shifted slightly, carefully untying the ribbon and laying it across her lap. She looked up into his eyes, seeing his love for her and the quiet strength that had drawn her to him from the beginning. She lifted the lid, feeling the quiet protest of the tiny hinges and gasped quietly when she saw the ring nestled inside the box.
"Oh, Philip," she whispered as a small smile settled on her lips. She lifted the ring out, identifying it as a mother's ring when she pinpointed the birthstones of their children flanked by their own birthstones. Her thumb ghosted over the stones and her heart swelled when she saw the tiny stone between his and Max'. Zan, she thought, her heart aching for the grandson she would never hold again. Her hand rose to cover her heart as her eyes watered for what must have been the hundredth time that day. "It's beautiful."
Diane was watching him as he took the ring from her, the diminutive piece of jewelry dwarfed between his fingers. His hand shook just the slightest bit and she knew as much as he tried to hide it, to protect her from his own fears, that he held so much worry for their children and their grandson.
"So you always remember to believe," he whispered, his thumb rubbing over the stones for a moment before lifting her hand up to press a warm kiss to the skin just above the ring.
She wrapped her arms around him and settled into his embrace, closing her eyes and listening to the reassuring beat of his heart. She smiled to herself as she imagined the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway, the looks on her children's faces as they saw the tree and the look on Zan's face when he saw the pile of presents bursting beneath the lowest branches. If only it was real. She rubbed her forehead against his shoulder and opened her eyes, freezing when she saw the two people standing in the doorway.
"Philip…"
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Kyle's arm was nearly pulled out of its socket when Isabel barreled past him and yanked him behind her in her haste to reach her parents. But he just went along with it and hurried to keep up with her as they approached the couple who were now on their feet, the shock on their faces clearly expressed.
"Mom! Dad! It's really me and I'm home!"
She threw herself into their arms and he was forced to endure a hug that felt like it would never end. Although it wasn't as awkward as it could've been and it did put off the explanation as to why he hadn't let go of their daughter's hand.
"Isabel, honey, how is this possible?" Philip asked when he finally released her to take a step back.
Diane did the same, her hand staying on her daughter's arm as her motherly gaze traveled over them. "Isabel, you're… honey, you're in your PJs and you're both barefooted! Come over here and sit down."
She could see the questions in their faces when their eyes landed on her hand, still firmly clasped in Kyle's warm grip. Without giving it a second thought she pulled free of his hold and cut off his protest. "There has to be another way for you to keep us here. Try focusing on something in the room."
Try focusing on something in the room, he mocked silently. Alright, well, there was the Christmas tree that looked remarkably similar to the one that had appeared in their cabin the night Isabel had gotten plastered on the beer batter Edward had used for the fish fry. Or there was the mantle above the fireplace that was dressed with fresh greens and scented candles. He released a pent-up breath and his gaze settled on her again. Her features were animated; filled with joy and contentment and he felt himself cave. His hand brushed her arm as he leaned in close to her.
"Okay, but promise to stick close, got it? If I start to do a fade-out I need to make sure I can get to you." Her only response was to flash a quick smile in his direction and then her attention went right back to her parents.
Philip was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that his daughter and Jim Valenti's son were standing in his living room. "So I take it you have some sort of ability that's allowed you to bring Isabel home?"
Isabel reached for her parents' hands before he had the opportunity to explain. "Mom, Dad, we probably don't have much time. If you're being watched we don't wanna put you in more danger than you already are. The less you know the better off you are."
"Don't you worry about that, honey," her dad assured her. "We have contingency plans in place."
Diane made a shushing motion with her hand to stop the question-and-answer session. "How's your brother? How's Max? Didn't he want to come home with you?"
She glanced at Kyle. "This was a last-minute decision. Mom, Max misses you guys so much. We were just talking about that recently and he told me how much he regrets not telling you and Dad about us when I wanted to tell you." She looked between them and her heart contracted when she saw the love and acceptance in their eyes. "I always wanted to tell you." She shut her eyes for a moment and swallowed hard before changing the subject. "Um… Jesse?"
Kyle turned to look at her fully, his eyes filled with concern as he watched her. He was unaware of the way her mother was watching him. He could see the tremors moving just under her skin, could almost feel the hot tears forming in her eyes. He moved to give her some space, facing away from her to allow her the privacy to deal with the emotions, but stayed close enough to grab her if it became necessary.
Diane's thumb stroked her over her daughter's hand as she contemplated her next words. She glanced down for just a moment when she felt the stone on the engagement ring her son-in-law had given to Isabel. She wasn't surprised that she was still wearing it, certain that it was her way of trying to hold onto the life that had been ripped away from her.
Philip cleared his throat quietly and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes that were soft but direct. "He stayed for a few months and when he didn't hear from you, he left."
Behind her Kyle could feel his muscles tensing up in response to the catch in her breath as she tried desperately to keep herself from falling apart.
"He's in a safe place, honey." Philip squeezed her hand. "He left you something. I'm gonna go get it, okay?" He paused at the doorway to look back at his little girl, praying she wouldn't disappear before he got back.
She watched her dad get up and leave the living room, his steady gait taking him to his study. The air in her lungs suddenly gave way and in spite of her best efforts to hold it back a hiccup escaped and worked its way up to a sob. "Oh, Mom, you were right. I made a mistake with Jesse. I should've listened to you. To all of you; Max, Michael, even Alex… you all tried to tell me but I wouldn't listen. I…"
Kyle was acutely aware of the moment Isabel fell into her mother's waiting arms. He bit down hard on his bottom lip as the woman's warm soothing voice began to calm her only daughter. He shoved his hands in his pockets and let his gaze wander around the room that was a reflection of the woman who had decorated it. He didn't want to eavesdrop on the private conversation but he couldn't exactly leave the room either.
"Shush, Isabel," Diane whispered as she rubbed her little girl's back. "Oh, honey, you and Max have had way too much to shoulder in your young lives and you've been alone in it." Her eyes flicked up to take in the sheriff's son. They didn't know him that well, but she could feel the connection between him and her daughter. He was a source of strength for Isabel and his efforts to give them privacy while staying close by in case she needed him spoke volumes. She leaned back slightly and reached up to brush the hair out of Isabel's eyes before letting her fingers drift down to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "You have nothing to apologize for here." She didn't comment on the inclusion of Alex in the list of people who had tried to convince Isabel that Jesse wasn't right for her or that at the very least she was rushing things. She glanced up when her husband came back into the room with a folder in his hand.
Isabel smiled weakly at her dad when he sat down next to her mom and pulled a handkerchief out of his pants pocket. She accepted it with a teary laugh, clinging to the linen cloth like a lifeline. She pressed it to her nose, catching a whiff of his aftershave mixed in with the laundry detergent her mom had been using for as long as she could remember. She swallowed with difficulty when her eyes landed on the folder Dad was opening up and she dabbed at her face with the handkerchief when he held a pen out to her.
Philip pointed to two lines with X's marked next to him. "Just sign and initial the document and it's done."
Her vision blurred until the letters on the divorce papers began to run together and she drew in a shaky breath when she felt a familiar hand settle on her shoulder, giving it a supportive squeeze before Kyle returned to his post. He was just there. His presence was reassuring, his easy acceptance a soothing balm to her wounded soul, and she wanted him to know just how much she appreciated everything he did for her. Of course, it would also embarrass him like nothing else if she ever came right out and told him.
Diane watched as her husband led Isabel through the signatures and initials even though they were clearly marked. Her gaze lifted to the sheriff's son once again. He had stepped back, giving her plenty of space to do what needed to be done. His features were carefully blank, but when Isabel removed her rings and placed them in her father's palm, she saw that mask slip and in her opinion the relief, the hope… the love there, said so much. And as she turned her attention back to her daughter she knew she hadn't yet realized that the young man who had become her best friend and confidant was in love with her.
"Isabel."
She turned her head, looking at Kyle and seeing the exhaustion in his features. Not just from the day, but from the strain of maintaining their presence in Roswell. They really didn't know much about his new power yet and she could only imagine the toll it was taking on him. She could also see the regret in his eyes, the silent apology for interrupting her time with her parents. She nodded and looked at her parents once again.
"Mom, Dad, I don't want to, but we have to go." She gave a shaky laugh. "If Max and Michael knew he had done this they'd be having fits." She shot a quick glance at him. "And this ability's relatively new and Kyle's never maintained it for this long."
Diane and Philip stood and pulled their daughter into their arms, holding her tightly and wanting to never let her go. Eventually though, the reality of their situation intruded and they released their hold on her. Isabel smiled tightly as she looked around the room and her gaze paused on a framed picture that rested on a shelf.
"Mom, would you mind if I take that with me?"
Diane turned to follow her gaze and she hurried across the room to grab it even as Philip stepped around his daughter to extend his hand in Kyle's direction.
"Kyle, we appreciate what you've done." He lowered his voice as Diane and Isabel spoke in hushed tones over the photograph. "And thank you for taking such good care of her."
"We take care of each other, Sir," he said as he returned the man's handshake.
Philip just nodded with a smile that said he understood what it took to take care of his little girl before going back over to his wife and daughter. He watched as Diane took a few steps in the young man's direction, hugging him tightly as the heat of embarrassment flooded his cheeks.
"I can't thank you enough, Kyle." Her eyes were glistening as she met his gaze. "You'll have to wait a while, but she's worth the wait." She patted his cheek and moved back away when her husband called her over, no doubt to save the poor boy from more discomfort.
Isabel wondered what all of that hushed conversation was about and hoped that her parents hadn't completely embarrassed Kyle with their well-meaning gratitude. "Mom, Dad, I hope you know how much Max and I love you." She threw herself back into their arms and clung to them with every ounce of strength she had. "Tell me you believe we'll see each other again."
Philip closed his eyes as he felt them begin to burn in response to his little girl's plea and he inhaled deeply. "We'll see each other again." He didn't know how, he didn't know when, and he had no idea where, but he did believe every word he was saying as he made a promise to her. "You're not alone in this anymore, honey."
"No," Diane whispered, her gaze locking with Kyle's over Isabel's shoulder, "no, you're not."
Isabel felt Kyle's presence next to her and in spite of the momentary thought that they could take her parents back with them she stepped back and her hand slid into his without hesitation. "I love you both so much." She blinked and in less than a heartbeat her surroundings changed and they were once again in their darkened cabin.
"Thank you, Kyle," she said, her voice hushed and filled with tears of happiness as she hugged him. "Going home was the best gift anyone could've given me."
He wrapped his arms around her, savoring the freedom to hold her for a moment before he dropped his arms and stepped back to give her a grin. "Well, even though you cut me off before I could get Jodi Ann into the showers…" He chuckled when she punched his arm. "I'm glad it worked out." He pressed his forefinger to his lips. "But not a word of it to El Capitan or El Presidente, otherwise we're gonna be in for it."
She smiled and nodded. "You have my word."
"C'mon, you're beat." He gestured to her bed. "You should get some sleep before it's time to get up and make breakfast."
Isabel slipped under the covers, smiling tiredly as he fussed over them for a moment. She reached over and set the framed 5x7 photograph on the table next to the bed, running her fingers over the edges before easing back into bed. She shuffled over and patted the mattress. "It's warmer in here, Kyle, why don't you stay?"
Yeah, because you're in the friend zone so I can sleep next to you just like I could if you were Max or Michael, he thought, mimicking her voice in his head. He made a face and considered just going back to his own room but hers really was warmer and it wouldn't be the first time he'd slept with her. He really had to do something before he did end up joining the monkhood. He got comfortable, leaving a blanket between him and the mattress, keeping something between them in an effort to avoid any completely embarrassing situations the next morning and sighed tiredly when she curled up next to him, already on her way back to dreamland. He turned his head to brush a kiss against her head and closed his eyes, hopping on that train right behind her.
She smiled a sleepy smile as the memories of the trip home infiltrated that hazy state between awake and asleep and she hoped it would lead her dreams in that direction. She snuggled up against Kyle's side and sighed contentedly as she surrendered fully to sleep and just as the night sounds around her began to blur into white noise she heard him whisper, "Merry Christmas, Isabel."