* * 5 * *


Maria went to pick up the mail, Michael came to help. He picked up a couple and handed them out to her. She mumbled 'thanks'. She stepped around him but he moved to stand in her path. Again she tried to step around him but he moved too, she sighed in defeat.

"What?"

"When were you going to tell me."

"As a matter of fact, today. It didn't exactly work out the way we wanted it to."

Michael ran his hand through his hair, he took the mail from her hands and put it on the steps. He put her hand in his, she didn't look at him.

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"The park."

"Michael....."

"I just want to talk. Please."

She felt his hand squeeze hers.

"Alright, but only for a little while."

She pulled her hand from his, stuffing them in her trouser pockets. They didn't speak as they walked. They sat on the park bench. There wasn't any children around, they had the place to themselves. Maria jumped when Michael spoke.

"So how long?"

"What?"

"How long, for you and Max?"

"Almost two weeks."

Michael looked at her, he couldn't believe it.

"You never said anything, not even a hint."

"Can't you guess why? Look at your reaction."

"Bull shit."

Maria got up, she wasn't going to take this from Michael. She started walking away. Michael went after her, he put his hand out to her.

"Look....I'm...I'm sorry."

Maria stopped and stared at him.

"Wow. I can't remember you ever saying that. I didn't even know you knew that word."

"Keep it up and I won't say it again."

He looked around the deserted park.

"The swings are free, do you want me to push you?"

That brought a smile to her face. She loved the swings. She ran over to them, Michael stood behind her, he pushed her a few times until she got her rhythm. He sat on the other swing and watched her go back and forth. When she slowed down her smile was bright, she looked at Michael, her smile dimmed.

"Does Max know that you like to swing? Does he know youy like to have your hair played with? Does he know that you like to be tickled even though you say you don't? Does he know how you like to be touched especially.....does he? Does he know how you like to be kissed?"

"Michael don't do this?"

"Does he Maria?"

Maria got up from the swing.

"I'm not listening to this anymore."

Michael jumped off the swing, he grabbed her by the shoulder and swung her around. He put his hand on her the back of her neck, bent his head and kissed her. Maria pushed at him.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Does he kiss you like that?"

"Go to hell Michael."

"You've already put me there."

Maria rolled her eyes.

"For godsakes, what do you want from me Michael? Do you even know?"

"I want you back."

"You can't have me."

"Why?"

"Do you remember breaking up with me? You broke my heart for the last time. Max mended it, he's who I'm with now."

"So Maxwell's the hero again. Tell me one thing, why Max?"

"He cares, he cares about me."

"I love you."

Tears came to her eyes.

"I can't believe you just said that. Never in all the time we were together, did you ever say that. Now it's too late."

She backed up from him.

"It doesn't have to be."

"It already is. Goodbye Michael."

"Maria......"

She walked away from him, this time he let her go but he shouted after her.

"It's never too late......."