Chapter 2

I had a few more minutes before we had to leave for the airport and used it to look at my room for the last time. The photographs on the mirror, the mementos on my shelf, my bed...

"Liz?"

Sighing, I look at my mom in the doorway. "Hey mom."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I'm just…" I can't continue.

"You know that you don't have to go, that you can change your mind, anytime."

"I know, but I think I need to do this, for my own peace of mind. I'm not running away from you and dad, just from -"

"Everyone else?"

"Mom!" I looked at her in consternation, then smiled a little. "Yeah, I suppose."

"Lizzie, honey, you know, your father and I… we don't like to pry or push. But, do you think that we haven't noticed how you have slowly but surely been withering away here."

I turn away from her gaze, trying not to cry. Walking to the window, I look out at my balcony that used to be my safe haven – my space – until it was ruined by the arrival of… No, I promised myself that there would be no more thoughts of the aliens, and especially not my past future visitor.

"Lizzie, when Alex died, I felt so helpless. I didn't know what to do for you, and all I wanted was to hold you tight and not let go. To protect you from the world, and I couldn't because you were drifting further and further away from me."

Hearing the tremor in her voice, I walked over and wrapped my arms around her. "I love you mommy, and I know that I hurt you and daddy by not being honest, but at that time I couldn't."

"Oh Liz, I understand honey, and I didn't mean to bring this up again. I understood when we spoke about it last night, and that whole Max thing –"

Breaking away, I once again went to my window. I was glad that I had come clean about Max, Tess and the baby, hoping that one day I would be able to be completely honest about the other issue as well.

"Sorry, I know that I said I wasn't going to bring that up again, but you're my baby, so you will just have to forgive me for wanting to go over there for the sole purpose of castrating Max Evans," she said, disgusted.

I surprised myself by laughing. "Wow, should I tell daddy to keep you away from the kitchen knives?" I said, turning around to face her once more.

Smiling, she replied, "No, that would just put the idea in his head instead."

"And what are we laughing at?" came a male voice from the hall.

Looking at my mom, I grinned and called, "Nothing daddy."

"So, are we ready to go?" My father leaned against the door frame, with a smile on his face.

"Yeah dad, all packed, let's go."

Walking downstairs and into the Café, I came face to face with Maria.
"Hi," she said hesitantly. "I just came to say goodbye, and um…"

She was looking down, shoulders slumped, and it was so unlike the bubbly Maria to look dejected that I dropped my purse, threw my arms around her and held tight. Once upon a time, we were best friends, and we'll get that back…

"I'm going to miss you too Ria, lots."

Her face brightened, "Will you write and call everyday?"

I couldn't help but grin at her. "I can't promise everyday, but definitely every week, how's that?"

"I love you Liz."

"Liz, we have to go or you will miss your flight."

Nodding my head to acknowledge my dad, I hugged Maria one last time and whispered, "I love you too Ria."
Breaking away, I picked up my purse and not looking back, I walked out the door and jumped into the car with my mom and dad. Amazingly enough, I found that I was embarking on this journey with a lighter heart, and even *gasp* found myself looking forward to the change.

If my eyes had strayed, even a little, I would have seen Max watching me from across the street with a sad smile on his face.

****

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have just begun our descent, and will be landing at the Metropolis City Airport shortly. Please ensure that your tray tables are in the upright position and your…

I stopped listening and stared out the window at the city below, thinking about my farewell with my parents.
The ride to the airport had been uneventful, with everyone mostly keeping their thoughts to themselves. But at the airport, saying goodbye had been considerably more upsetting than I had thought, particularly as my dad didn't want to let go, holding me so that I could hardly catch my breath. And if I have to be honest, I had a hard time letting go as well – pulling away only when the final boarding call was announced. My mom had tears running down her face, and I couldn't help but shed a few myself, as I kissed them both, before turning and walking towards the gate to begin my new life.

Sitting back in my seat, I contemplated this new life, what it would entail, and tried to figure out what I was feeling. Anxiety for sure… I mean anyone would be nervous starting fresh in an entirely new environment where you don't know anyone or the area or the hangouts or indeed what people did for fun – this was stepping out of your comfort zone in a fairly big way.
But along with that nervousness I felt a sense of anticipation. To think, I was no longer answerable to the Pod Squad for any decisions I had made, no longer would I have to look over my shoulder or feel threatened should a stranger come to town. No more running from the FBI or evil aliens. It was actually freeing.

That was it, I felt free…

A/N.
First, I'm sure that Smallville does not have its own airport, so I made up one in Metropolis.
Second, there seems to be some debate regarding how far Metropolis is from Smallville. So for the purposes of this fic, I made it 45 minutes.
Third, I promise that we will be in Smallville in the next chapter – there were a couple of things that needed settling in Roswell, which I tackled in this chapter. Please bear with me, I'm getting to the action.

For those of you who left feedback, great big hugs and kisses. It is much appreciated.

A/N.
Just a few comments:
1. Thanks for the great feedback
2. Tess is not evil, just pathetic. I'll be sure to have Liz kick her butt along with Max's in another fic.
3. I'll be getting to the good parts soon.
4. Will not be following Smallville plot which is way too convoluted for my tiny mind - but I will be creating my own and explaining as and when I'm writing.
5. ENJOY !!!!