* * 4 * *


Max parked the jeep outside Maria's house, he turned the engine off. Maria looked at his profile, she reached over and ran her hand through his hair.

"So I think that went well."

Max laughed under his breath.

"You think? Everyone's mad at us....though I didn't know how they would react, I just....I didn't think Liz would do that to you, how could she hurt you like that? She...."

"Shhh."

He turned to her mimicing her movements, brushing hair from her face.

"You look sad Max."

He sighed deeply.

"Do you want......."

Maria cleared her throat.

"Do you want to forget about this....us? We could go back to the way it was, before."

"NO! No, that's not what I want, Maria we can't let them break us up. I won't let them."

He leaned over and captured her lips, she melted against him.

"Ahem!"

They broke apart quickly, Amy was standing next to the car, arms folded in front of her. Maria smiled sheepishly.

"Hey Mrs Deluca."

"Hello Max, may I say what a lovely shade that is on you."

Maria giggled when she saw he was now wearing her lip gloss. She wiped her thumb against his lips removing it.

Amy laughed at Max, she watched the blush creep up his neck until his whole face was bright red.

"So are you two coming in or are you going to stay here all day? Personally I would say come in, we don't want the neighbours getting a free show."

"MOM!"

"I can't, I promised dad I would be home, family dinner."

Max could see Max was feeling embarrassed, her mom had a way of making people nervous. She needed to rescue him.

"It's okay Max, mom leave him alone."

"I can't help it, he looks so cute when he blushes."

Amy pinched at Max's cheek, Maria couldn't believe she did it. She stared at her mom, her mouth gaping open.

"Mom, go away."

Amy shrugged her shoulders, Maria buried her face in her hands.

"Your mom's cool."

Maria stared at him amazement.

"After what she just did? You're nuts Max."

Max put his arm around her, he pulled her across the seat. She poked her tongue out licking his top lip, he groaned and captured her mouth. Maria had to pull away she gasped for breath.

"You should go."

"I know."

He went to kiss her again but she turned her face so that he came into contact with her cheek.

"Hey no fair."

Maria jumped out the jeep, she slammed the door shut and leaned against it.

"Your going to be late."

She blew him a kiss, he caught it and put it in his pocket.

"I'll save it for later, I'll call you okay?"

"You don't have to."

"I know but I will anyway."

He started up the jeep, she moved back as he pulled away. He tooted at her she waved back at him. Before going in she checked the mail box, she took the bundle that was inside. As she flicked through the mail she turned to the house, it was mainly junk mail. As she neared the steps she looked up. She dropped the letters to the ground.

"Michael......"