Ch 11
"Does this look okay?" Liz asked turning around as she asked her friends' opinions.
"You look great." They all assured her.
"Can we go now?" Maria whined.
"In a sec. Is did that dress of Mrs. McPhee's fit you?" Liz said knocking on the bathroom door.
"Yes." Isabelle lied. It had fit, with a few 'alterations.'
"I don't see why we have to go." Michael groused. "She's your family."
"She's my friend too." Maria said hitting him lightly.
"We're going to help support Resa. This is going to be really hard on her." Dawson said.
"How was she when you dropped her off at the house?" Pacey asked fumbling with his tie till Liz took pity on him and tied it for him since Joey had no idea how to.
"She was doing that half zombie trance thing she was pulling back in Harmony."
“Great." Joey muttered as Maria finished putting her hair in a French braid. "Thanks Maria."
"No problem."
"Hey Jack?" Liz said suddenly. "Did Andi ever come home last night?"
"No but Jen called this morning. She and Grams found Andi on the back porch asleep. Jen said she'd give her a ride to the arraignment and lend her a dress."
"Where was she?" Dawson felt a sudden wave of concern.
"Jen said Andi wouldn't say." Jack said pulling on a jacket. "Everyone ready?"
He got grumbling assents, and they left the house in a large pack.
Max put an arm around Liz. "You okay?"
"Worried about my friends but other then that peachy."
"Everything will work out." He promised her.
"Just keep telling me that." She said as they got in the jeep with Isabelle and Dawson.
Dawson looked slightly out of place in the Roswellian's jeep, but he didn't care. He was busy wondering why on earth he was suddenly so concerned over Andi. "Theresa." He said firmly. "Concentrate on Theresa right now. Worry about Andi later."
"Dawson did you say something?"
"Um, no." He said. "I was just thinking."
"Oh." Isabelle looked perturbed. "Liz did you talk to your uncle? What time's Ethan being arraigned?"
"Ten thirty." Liz said
"Did Resa call your aunt?" Max asked.
"I don't know." Liz looked to Dawson. "Did she call Aunt Pilar?"
"She asked us not to. Pilar works for the Cranes, and Theresa doesn't want word to get back to Ivy, because she thinks Ivy might fire Pilar."
"But Ethan might have called them." Liz pointed out.
"But we're talking about Resa." Dawson pointed out. "Does anything she does make 100% perfect sense?"
"I don't think Ethan would want to get Pilar in trouble. He probably called Sheridan." Liz said before making a face. "Let's just hope she didn't bring Luis along."
Dawson shuddered. "Yeah, I don't want to see him and Pacey booked for murder when they can't restrain themselves from wrapping their hands around Ethan's throat."
"No Luis would take his gun and shoot off a certain vital organ." Liz said giggling in spite of herself.
"I think he'd use a knife for that." Dawson said thought fully. "Carve him up, torture him for a while, then kill him."
Max paled. "He sounds a little..."
"Overprotective? Nuts? Yes to both." Liz smiled.
"Max turn left or you're gonna miss the courthouse." Isabelle spoke up.
"Oh thanks Is." Max put his blinker on and made the turn.
"How'd you know?" Dawson asked.
"Jack told me before we left." Isabelle said. "He didn't want us to get lost."
"There's the death trap." Liz pointed. "Park over there Max."
He did as she asked, only once commenting, "Death trap?"
"Don't ask." Liz and Dawson said at the same time before they looked at each other and started giggling.
"I thought this pile of spare parts was the death trap." Isabelle pouted.
"Hey, it works all right." Max defended his car. "Doesn't look like too much..."
"Can we talk cars later? I wanna see Resa before all this starts." Liz said as she climbed out of the jeep.
"Me too." Dawson jumped out after her. He looked back at Isabelle quickly, wondering how it was that his hair and Liz's and Max's got wind ruffled but hers stayed perfectly.
"There's Jen. Hey Lindley." Liz called.
The blonde looked up and waved. "Hey Liz."
"Where's Andi?" Dawson was concerned that he didn't see the sprightly, hyperactive blond anywhere.
"She went in with Henry. I wanted to wait for Grams who was talking to someone from church." Jen motioned to where her grandmother was standing. Then Jen noticed the two strangers with Liz and Dawson. "Uh hello."
"Oh Jen this is Max and Isabelle Evans. Max, Is, this is Jen Lindley."
"Damn Pacey wasn't kidding." Jen said when she looked at Max.
"What?" He asked nervously. "That my ears stick out?"
Liz touched his shoulder lightly. "They do not. And even if they did I think it's cute."
"You just look like this guy I know. Well that we all know. His name is Chris Wolfe and trust me Wolf is the nicest thing you could call this guy."
"I've heard that before." He said.
"Andi thought he was Chris when he first showed up at the house." Liz explained. "Speaking of which, how did she end up on your porch last night?"
"She refused to say." Jen frowned. "She jumped half a mile when we woke her up, apologized profusely, and was going to try to walk home. Grams wouldn't let her." Jen smiled.
"Yeah Jen that reminds me. How would your grandmother feel about another boarder?" Liz asked as they started to walk in.
"Well, that would depend on who it was." Jen said cautiously. "She wouldn't be too hot on having a guy living in our house."
"You've met Maria right?"
"Yeah." Jen's eyes widened. "You are joking, right?"
"No, why?"
"I've seen that girl around Michael. It would take a crowbar to separate them and you know how Grams feels about that."
"I will talk to Maria. It's just that Amy, that's Maria's mom, has a solid business in Roswell and rather then send Maria home without us I thought maybe she could stay with a friend. Besides your Grams likes Maria and she and Amy got along when Amy would come up here with us."
"Great." Jen smiled. "I'll talk to Grams.”
"Thank you Jen." Liz smiled. Then she looked around. "Jen isn't that Doug?"
"Yeah! Oh my God, he's with Bessie." Jen cried.
"Forget who he's with. What's he doing out of the hospital?" Liz said as she started towards him. "Doug?"
"Liz bit?"
"Yes. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the hospital. Hi Bessie."
"Nice way to greet your favorite cousin." He teased.
"I don't see Pacey anywhere." Liz teased right back. "Now c'mon Doug, what are you doing here? Does Uncle John know where you are?"
"An excellent question Liz bit. Care to answer her Dougie?" Pacey said walking up.
"I'm here to stand behind Resa. Or sit behind her, as the case is." Doug joked weakly. "Dad's gonna know in about ten minutes."
"He's gonna blow a gasket, you do realize that don't you Doug?" Liz asked. "You're a sick man do you really wanna risk his wrath?"
"It's worth it." Doug smiled. "You know, if I didn't know you two better I'd say you weren't happy to see me."
"Of course we're happy to see you." Liz gave her a cousin a hug. "We just like you in one piece."
"Dad wouldn't hit a sick man in a wheelchair. Besides, I have Bessie to protect me, right Bess?" He reached out and touched her hand briefly, taking it away again almost immediately. He didn't want to push her.
Pacey hid a grin and Liz smirked. "So Doug if I introduce you to Max do you promise not to shoot him on sight?"
"Hmm, depends. Has he gotten on both knees, begged your forgiveness and agreed to die should he ever break your heart?" Doug asked, looking perfectly serious.
"Actually yes he did." Liz said looking just as serious. "I love him Doug. Please don't kill him."
"Tempting, but I won't." Doug smiled. "For your sake Liz Bit. How's Resa?"
"I don't know. I haven't seen her yet. Pace have you?"
"No, Dawson was the last one who did."
"Where's Ma?" Doug asked. "Maybe Resa's with her."
"I'm right here." Theresa said, quietly walking up behind them. Her eyes held the barest glimmer of their usual sparkle. "Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital?"
"Something like that." Doug pulled her in for a hug. "How you doing kiddo?"
"I'm okay." She said, sort of distantly. "But are you?"
"Better every day."
"Hey Pacey, do you know anyone that looks like a Barbie doll?" Liz asked out of the blue.
"Just Isabelle, why?"
"Cause there's one headed this way."
Pacey looked up and groaned immediately. "Resa we got company."
"What?" Theresa turned around. "Oh Lord. Sheridan."
"Theresa." Sheridan nodded briefly.
"Sheridan you remember Pacey? These are my other cousins Liz and Doug, and this is Joey's sister Bessie." Theresa made the introductions as a way of stalling for time.
"You know I just remembered that Aunt Beth was looking for us Resa. Something about dinner when Doug comes home next week." Liz said. "I'm sorry Miss Crane."
"Oh, no problem Elizabeth."
"Just Liz." Liz smiled. "Come on Resa."
"Theresa, could you stay for a moment?" Sheridan asked.
"Ah well I don't think that's such a good idea. I'm sure Ethan's waiting for you and Aunt Beth is waiting for me. And Bess you should probably get Doug inside so you can find a seat."
"Please, this will only take a minute." Sheridan smiled. "Don't worry I won't yell at you or anything."
"I'll meet you guys inside." Theresa said after a few minutes.
"You sure Resa?" Pacey asked.
"I'll be fine." Theresa nodded. They nodded and all went into the courtroom.
Sheridan straightened. "Thank you for agreeing to talk with me." She said formally. "I want to know Theresa, why are you really bringing these charges against Ethan? He's not doing a thing to you that you didn't do to him."
"Excuse me, but you have no right-,"
"I know I have no right." Sheridan sighed. "I just want to know if you still love him and you're doing this to get him out of your life?"
"I don't love Ethan and I'm doing this because he hit me, tried to drown my date, and stood out in front of the B&B for three hours while I watched Gone With The Wind with Dawson."
Sheridan smiled, a rock candy kind of smile. Sweet, but hard. "As long as you can remember why you're doing it when Ethan looks at you like you're killing him."
"Resa?" John Witter walked up. "Are you ready?"
"Absolutely." Theresa said turning and walking into the courtroom with her uncle.
Sheridan watched her go with a look of pity and perhaps a bit of remorse.
"All rise. Capeside Municipal Court now in session. The honorable Judge Christine Fiore presiding." The bailiff announced.
Ethan shuffled into the courtroom. He was met with hostile glares in all directions, even from Sheridan. He kept his face down, so he didn't have to look at anyone. Theresa faced straight ahead refusing to look Ethan in the eye. John and Beth sat on either side of her for support. Pacey, Liz, Dawson, and Joey sat behind them, with Andi, Jack, Jen, Henry, Grams, Max, Isabelle, Michael, and Maria filling in the rest of the rows.
"Mr. Crane where is you lawyer?" The judge sounded annoyed.
"I'll be representing myself your honor. I am a lawyer."
"Mr. Crane have you never heard the old adage?"
"I am familiar with it judge." Ethan's mouth twisted into a grim interpretation of a smile. "I am more comfortable representing myself."
"Why's that?"
"Most of the town seems to hate my guts." Ethan was trying for levity. He failed. The judge glared daggers at him.
"If you're trying to gain my pity Mr. Crane you're failing miserably. But if you choose to represent yourself that is your concern. Mr. Prosecutor what are the charges." The charges were read.
"And Mr. Crane how do you plead?"
"Guilty." He said in a firm clear tone. "To assault, but not to battery, stalking or harassment."
There was a mild stir from those gathered in the courtroom.
"That arrogant bas-" Pacey started.
"Shh." Liz hissed.
"Mr. Crane this is highly unusual." If looks could kill Ethan would have been on a spit with an apple in his mouth at that moment.
"I realize that your honor but I don't believe I was stalking or harassing Miss Lopez-Fitzgerald."
"Mr. Crane this is not a trial. This is an arraignment. I don't want to hear any speeches about 'I didn't do it.' Get it?"
"Got it." Ethan affirmed.
"Good." She said. "Your trial will begin within a week. Bail is set at..."
"We wish that bail be denied."
"On what grounds?"
"We feel Mr. Crane is a flight risk. Also, Mr. Crane has not yet under gone psychiatric screening. It is highly possible-"
"Defense agrees to the term. No bail." Ethan said rapidly, to cut off the annoying prosecutor.
"Very well then. Mr. Crane you shall be remanded to the city jail until your trial date. You will under go testing with the results entered into the record. Agreed?"
"Agreed." He smiled pleasantly. "Thank you Your Honor."
She frowned down at him, evidently expecting him to try to pull a fast one. "That's it?"
"I believe so. Unless the prosecution would like to add a charge?" His tone was faintly mocking.
"Don't get cute Mr. Crane." The judge warned before she banged her gavel. "Next case."
Ethan stood with dignity, and walked out in front of the guards. He winked at Theresa as he passed and she shrank back.
"Let's get Resa home." Pacey whispered to Liz who nodded and stood up.
"Resa? C'mon let's go."
"Not yet." She said in a slightly stunned tone. "I can't leave just yet."
"Resa? What are you talking about?" Pacey asked.
"It's not right to leave yet." She tried to explain. "Something bad will happen."
"What do you mean?"
She shook her head hard. "I don't really know. It's just this really horrible feeling, like something scary is waiting for me." She shuddered.
"Like what?" John asked gently.
"I don't know." Theresa shrugged. "Ethan, a car accident, the bogey man?" She weakly tried to joke
"Ethan's downstairs, we can walk, and sweetie there's no such thing as the boogie man." Beth said with a smile, and silently cursed her brother, not for the first time, for leaving his family.
"OK." She stood up. "I feel better. Thanks."
"Anytime. You hungry? We could go to Gail's restaurant."
"Sure." Theresa agreed feeling oddly light headed.
"I can't go to the Leery's." Liz said.
"Why not?" Dawson looked slightly hurt.
"Dawson I love your parents but have you ever heard of a bus man's holiday? I step one foot in there and your mom is going to give me an apron and an order pad. She won't care if it's my day off."
"No, I guess not." Dawson looked abashed. "She really doesn't know when to call it quits."
"What I could do is go to Doug's and get my pajamas because at this rate I'm never going to be able to sleep in anything other then Jack's sweatpants and T-shirt."
"I'll go with you." Max offered instantaneously. "Isabelle and Dawson can catch a ride with Bessie, right?" He was looking a little desperate.
"Ah yeah Max we'll be fine. Drive carefully now." Isabelle said with a grin.
"Pacey gimme your key."
"Where's yours?"
"On my key ring in the McPhee living room."
"You're leaving my keys just laying around?" Doug sounded horrified.
"Chill out Dougie, remember the docs want your blood pressure to stay down." Bessie said solicitously.
"Thank you Bessie." Liz said taking Pacey's key. "Are we still going to Dawson's later tonight for the movie marathon?"
"Yeah." Theresa said. "And I get to pick the movie."
"No you don't!" Pacey said. "Resa, I love you to death but I refuse to watch anything with Scarlet O’Hara or Rhett Butler."
"Jeez." She rolled her eyes. "What about a night of horror movies? The ones that you just can't help curling up with someone when you watch them. Like I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Scream, and The Bone Collector and-,"
"Now you chill, Resa. Chronic high blood pressure is dangerous." Doug said.
"I do not have high blood pressure!" She cried.
"Deep breaths and separate corners both of you." Liz ordered. "Max and I will pick the movies on our way to the Leery's. Six o'clock right?"
"Right." Pacey answered. "Later Lizzie."
"Bye guys." Liz and Max walked off.
"They're cute." Beth said with a fond smile.
"He's cute." Theresa said garnering looks. "What?"
"Stay away from his double Resa. I don't want to have to lock up another guy for you." John Witter warned.
"Who is this Chris guy?" Isabelle asked. "He can't look that much like Max."
"We belong to the same country club." Andi said walking up. "Come with me this afternoon and I'll show you this Chris guy."
"Mind if I come?" Theresa asked.
"The more the merrier."
"Andi, no." Jack said firmly. "Absolutely not." She rolled her eyes, looking bored.
"Jack all we wanna do is get a look at the guy." Theresa reasoned.
"Fine, come over I'll show you his yearbook picture." Jack said.
"Yearbook pictures never look like the person." Theresa sighed. "What is so dangerous about this guy?"
They all looked to Jen, who sighed. "Theresa, please, just this once, trust us on this. Stay away from him."
"I'm not gonna talk to him all I want to do is get a look at him." Theresa swore. "How much could he look like Max?"
"You might not talk to him, but he would talk to you." Dawson said.
"Please, Resa, if you love any of us don't go near him." Pacey begged.
"How's this? Isn't that guy Matt Caulfield throwing a party? We could go."
They exchanged glances.
"Resa, how about we just settle for a movie night tonight, huh?" Joey said. "We'll do something better tomorrow."
"Matt's party is tomorrow."
"Didn't my rules say anything about Matt's parties?"
"Better?" Dawson demanded. "There's nothing better than movie night at my house."
Joey rolled her eyes at Theresa. "Yes, that's why we are not going."
Pacey's voice stressed it. "Resa, I don't care if we have to tie you up, you're not going to that party tomorrow. It's way too dangerous."
"What's dangerous about a party?" Theresa rolled her eyes.
"Pacey didn't you tell her about Valentine's Day?" Joey asked.
"It didn't really come up."
"What happened on Valentine's day?"
"We got tossed in the drunk tank." Joey said.
"You? Little Miss Perfect Joey Potter got drunk?" Theresa's jaw dropped in shock as she started to giggle.
"Well," Joey squirmed uncomfortably. "Not exactly."
"I got Joey and Andi for taking a golf cart and going for a joy ride. Pacey was the one drunk off his ass and hanging upside down from a tree." Doug said.
"You were the arresting officer? Why am I not surprised?"
"I don't know. Why?" Doug deadpanned.
Bessie smirked. "Don't answer that Resa. Doug, time to get you back to the hospital."
He made a face. "Yes Ma'm." He mock saluted her, before wheeling his wheel chair out of the court- room.
"Bye guys."
"Bye Bess." everyone said.
"So who's hungry?" Pacey said with a grin.
"So this is Doug's place huh?" Maria looked around. "It looks like him.” She pronounced.
"Tell me again why you and Maria had to come?" Max whispered to Michael.
"To chaperone." Michael smirked.
"Liz tell me something. Are you absolutely sure Doug's not gay?" Maria said looking at Doug's music collection. "I mean the soundtrack to My Fair Lady?"
Laughter bubbled out of Liz. "Yes, I'm sure."
Max smiled when he heard Liz laugh. "So what are we gonna rent for tonight?" he asked of his friends.
"Not ET." Liz said. "If I see that movie one more time I will not be responsible for my actions." She came into the living room with a duffel bag over her shoulder. "And not Gone With The Wind."
"I refuse to see a musical." Michael said firmly, having been roped into watching The Pirates of Penzance by Isabelle years ago.
"Who says we'll even be watching the movie?" Maria kissed Michael's ear. "I have other plans for the evening." She whispered.
“I hear Witch Island is good for those kinds of plans." Liz said. "According to Dawson that's where his parents made love for the first time."
"Not the kind of info I need on Mitch and Gail, thanks." Maria made a face.
"Yeah Dawson felt the same way. He dropped his camera when Gail told him." Liz was giggling. "Does anyone want anything to eat? I'm not sure what's spoiled or not but I figure we better do something about it before Doug comes home."
"Have fun.” Maria said, starting to make a dash for the entrance. "Michael, you and I are going to my favorite spot in Capeside."
"Bye guys." Michael said with a grin.
"Bye." Liz called after them. "So are you hungry?" she asked of Max.
"Depends.” He grinned.
"On what?"
"What you have."
"Let's check it out. I know Doug buys Tabasco sauce. He likes to put it on his chicken and in his soup." Liz led him into the kitchen.
"Really?" Max smiled. He glanced at the CD collection lining the walls. He pulled out an unusual one. "Elvis's Greatest Hits Sung by the Chipmunks: The Christmas Album." He read in disbelief. Looking up, he said in a joking manner. "Forget gay. Liz are you sure Doug isn't an alien?"
"Positive. He's just a little strange." Liz giggled. "We have tuna fish." she sniffed it and made a face. "Toss this for me will you?" She handed it to Max.
Max held his nose, and threw open the window. He tossed it out.
"I meant in the trash can." Liz started to laugh before she turned back to the fridge. "Oh he's got ice cream."
Max regarded it warily. "How long has that been in there?"
"Doug bought it the day he was shot. A little over three days ago I think." Liz tried to count back but instead she yawned.
"You haven't done any real heavy duty sleeping since then, have you?" Max realized.
"No. I mean I sleep but I always wake up at strange hours and then I can't fall back asleep. I made Doug promise not to tell but the other night I showed up in his room at about five am and wheeled him up and down the hallway for a couple hours." Liz admitted sheepishly.
"Oh Liz.” Max knew how much she hated revealing her weaknesses. That she trusted him so much gave him a joyful feeling.
Liz sighed. "I didn't want to wake Andi or Jack by watching TV or listening to music so I just put on a pair Jack's shorts and went to the hospital."
"Are you tired now?" He asked gently.
"A little."
"C'mon." He took her hand.
"Where are we going?"
"Doug has a bed right?"
"Right."
"You're gonna take a nap."
"Max I don't think that's such a good idea." She yawned.
"Relax." He said soothingly. "You'll be sleeping alone, and I promise, you will sleep."
"What are you gonna do?" She asked as Max led her into Doug's room and sat her down on the edge of it before removing her shoes.
"Lie down." He was inexorable. She did. He put his hand on her head, and started a lullabye. She was drifting out, when she felt a warming breeze spread out from his hand. Liz suddenly knew Max was using his powers to heal her again.
"Thanks Max." she mumbled.
"I love you Liz." He said softly kissing her forehead before starting to get up but Liz grabbed his hand.
"Stay."
"All right." He agreed. "Scoot over a little."
Liz complied and Max laid down with her. She snuggled up to him and put her head on his chest. "Thump, thump." His heartbeat was the most soothing sound she had ever heard.
"Go to sleep Lizzie."
"Love you Max." she muttered.
"I love you." he repeated, loving the sound of those three words.
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