That Voice

By Winnie

Rated PG

Category Isabel/Alex

 

Alex sat in the Crashdown at his regular booth waiting for his girlfriend. It was the day after graduation. She told him to meet her there at 12. It was 12:06. He waited patiently when a pair of soft hands from behind him covered his eyes.

"Guess who?" said the sweet voice.

"That could only be the most beautiful girl in Roswell. Hey Sonya." He replied.

"What?!?!" The girl snapped, snaking her hands away from his eyes.

Alex began to chuckle. Without turning around he said, "Just kidding, Isabel. You know you're way better than her." He turned around to face a bright red Isabel Evans.

"Not funny." She pouted as she plopped down next to him, arms crossing her chest.

"Oh, I thought it was pretty funny." Alex gently placed his fingers under her chin turning her towards him for a soft kiss.

Isabel, satisfied with the kiss, went happy again. "Guess what?" She smiled with glee.

"What?"

"I have something for you. Close your eyes, its a surprise." Alex covered his eyes with his hands, then split his fingers for a peek.

"Noooooo... Alex, come on. No peeking." He once again shielded his eyes.

Isabel waved a hand in front of his face to make sure he wasn't looking. When she felt it was safe, she pulled a large case from behind the booth, and set it on the table. She sat back down and said, "OK, open." He removed his hand and saw a black guitar case.

"Iz, what is this?" he asked, knowingly. He opened the case and his eyes widened. "Oh Iz, you bought me a guitar. A Gibson SG too, wow!!"

"Look at the inside of the case." Isabel hinted. He looked inside at an engraving on a thin gold plate mounted on the case.

He read it aloud, "To my dear Alex. You're going to make it to the stars. I know you will. Maybe then we'll meet again and be together. Will love you forever more, Isabel." Alex gave her a strange look. "That’s beautiful, Izzy, but I’m rather confused by what it means."

Isabel suddenly looked saddened. "Alex, this is a goodbye present."

"What do you mean by goodbye? Like goodbye, I’ll see you in the morning?" He asked with hope, when he knew it meant something bad.

"No, Alex.... I got a scholarship in England. I'm going to study abroad. It's a great opportunity for me to research the language of ancient people. Also to research unknown writings and link then to past cultures. It might even help me decipher my own language." She tried to make the opportunity worth saying goodbye.

"You can't do that here?" Alex almost pleaded with his eyes.

"It's a scholarship, to find opportunities like that here is almost impossible. If I did, it would cost a fortune because there is no sponsorship for that field here," she explained.

"So how are we supposed to have that long of a distance relationship?"

"We're not," she replied. "We have to end it here, because if we kid ourselves it would only hurt more later when the time will come."

To Isabel's disappointment, Alex didn't fight back. He understood how much the scholarship meant to her. He knew that their love would always last. He knew they belonged together and someday they would be.

"I'll write you every day," he said after a moment of silence.

"I don't think that’s wise, I probably won't be in one place. You might not even be able to find me. Plus, I won't find you when you go to college," she replied strongly.

"I'll write anyway, If we were meant to be, those letters will find their way to you somehow. Someday," he replied sweetly.

"Goodbye, Alex, I hope someday I'll hear you play that guitar on your hit album." She got up and gave him one last kiss, and walked out of the Crashdown.

***

"That’s when she got up,
she walked out of my life,
My heart felt broken,
like a stab with a knife.
I will never feel her soft touch,
or hear her sweet voice again.
How I miss her love oh so much,
Unless I pick up that pen.
Its time to write a letter,
to my one sweet love.
Let her know just how I feel.
From where she is above."

Isabel clicked on the hotel radio as she stepped into the shower. The steamy water ran down her face as a song began to play.

Radio: "That's the song that started the craze, folks. Its called 'Out of My Life' by our big hunky new stars, Spacey! This is Shana at Da Bomb 97.5. Here we are in the studios with the lead singer of the band, Alex Whitman. So Alex, tell us about how you came up with this touching song."

Isabel opened her eyes at Alex's name. She turned off the water and wrapped a towel around herself, listening intently.

Radio: "Well, Shana, it was actually one of those spur of the moments songs I wrote when my girlfriend left for school out of the country," Alex replied.

"Awww, if you don't mind me saying, Alex, you're quite the hottie when you're sincere. Not to mention on stage, too."

"Oh, why thank you, Shana."

"What good manners. I don't know where your girlfriend is right now, but I bet she wants to be with you."

Isabel groaned, sitting down on the toilet lid. "Oh, you have no idea, Shana, no idea at all."

***

Alex sat in his studio tuning his guitar when his cell phone rang.

"Yeah? Right now? But the concert isn't for at least 8 hours... Rehearsal? But we got it down, man... Yeah, see you in an hour."

"So he wants us to do 'Someday' instead of 'Alien Girl' for the finale." Tommy, second guitarist, filled Alex in.

"What? But 'Alien Girl' is a hit, it gets people pumped up," Alex complained.

"Well, Jim thinks slow and serene is better for the finale, so we got to rehearse it."

"Please, Jim calls himself a manager. He doesn't know what the people want." Alex was frustrated. "I guess we'll do it his way. Then he'll see I’m right. Oh shit, I forgot Isabel at home."

"Can't you play one concert without that ratty guitar?" Raney, the drummer, asked.

"Nope, don't call my guitar ratty. It was a gift, and it brings me good luck."

"Well, rehearse first, then drop by to pick it up."

"Fine," Alex gave in.

***

After rehearsing for 4 hours Alex got a chance to go home.

"Hey, why don't you take the Limo?" Raney asked.

"No need, I drove," Alex explained.

"Well, at least have the limo pick you up. Girls will be here by the time you get back. We don't need you to pull up in the thing you call a car."

"Sounds good, I’ll call when I’m ready."

***

Alex went home and showered. He grabbed something to drink and picked up the phone. "Hey Tommy, can you send them over? Thanks, later."

Alex plopped on the couch to wait. He looked at his guitar case, opening it up. He took out Isabel with extreme caution, seeing as how it was almost 5 years old. Inside the case he saw something glinting off the light. He looked in, and saw it was the gold plate engraving from Isabel. He touched it gently.

*Flash*

Isabel walking down a windy city street.

*Flash*

Alex didn't bother to explain the vision. He knew it was something to do with Isabel and it would come up later. He heard a beep and ran out the door.

***

Isabel impatiently waited, her ear to the phone. "Hello, this is Da Bomb 97.5. What would you like to request?

"Hi, actually I wanted to know if Spacey was in town or something?" Isabel frantically asked.

"Yeah, they have a concert tonight."

"Any tickets left?" she asked eagerly. The woman on the other line began to laugh hysterically.

"Honey, sold out for weeks. But we do have a last minute contest for tickets. You can call in, let me give you the on air number."

Isabel quickly jotted it down. "Thanks."

Isabel sat in her hotel room, waiting. After being caller, 12, 53, and 76, she was frustrated. She turned on the radio, listening intently.

Radio: "Sorry caller 89."

She quickly picked up the phone and hit redial. "Please, please, please..."

Radio: "Caller 94...95...96"

"Please, please me..."

Radio: "Hello?"

"Hi, did I win?"

"Caller number 97!!!!!!"

"I won! I won!"

"Damn it!!!" Isabel slammed down the phone. She would have to find another way to get into the concert, another way to see Alex.

***

"Could you stop here, please?" Isabel asked the cab driver. "Thanks." She tossed 15 dollars into the front seat and stepped out of the cab. Whoa, look at all these screaming girls. There's still 3 hours before the concert begins.

She walked into the crowd of people. This feels claustrophobic. Suddenly the girls, if possible, got louder. She turned her attention to the limo pulling up. Wouldn't the whole band already be here? A tall man with dark hair stepped out. Oh my god! Isabel shoved her way to the front, getting as close as she could.

Alex walked between the velvet ropes which restrained the crowd of girls reaching for him. A few feet from the door, he heard a faint whisper over the mob of screamers.

"Nice job, Alex." He knew he had heard that voice before. He quickly turned, scanning into the crowd. Where is she? Where is she?

Just then he looked at a hole in the mass. He caught a glimpse of the long flowing blond hair retreating, before his security urged him into the building.

"Hey man, something bothering you?" Raney asked.

"Naw, I was just thinking about something," Alex responded. More like someone. Raney still looked worried. "Don't worry, man, I’ll be fine." The drummer shrugged and walked away.

Alex returned to his thoughts, but couldn't seem to figure them out. Is that why I had that flash before, to tell me Isabel's here? What is going on?

Alex, baffled, grabbed his guitar. The band was looking at him weird so he might as well look like he was practicing. He began playing a tune. Suddenly words began to flow to his mind, as if the music sorted out everything for him. He quietly sang the words to himself.

***

There were now 30 minutes before the concert started. Isabel had kept a close eye on that back door. Two security men stood there. They proved hard to get by, even the most gorgeous women in the sluttish outfits couldn't get by them. After a long period of waiting, a man came out from the back door. He was blond, about 5'9, wearing a navy blue suit with a bright blue tie. He was talking on a cell phone, when he paused for a moment to speak with the security man. Isabel heightened her hearing. "I'll be back in five minutes, I need to get the new promos from my car." The security man nodded.

Isabel stood up straight and passed her hand over her body and face. She turned into a blond man, wearing a navy blue suit and bright blue tie. She became the absolute replica of the man. She practiced deepening her voice to match the man. She held her throat gently until she got it right. She stepped out from the bushes and walked to the door.

In her new voice, she spoke, "I'm such an idiot, I had the promos inside the whole time." She smiled at them, and they gladly let her in.

Yes, now I guess I have to get to the arena. She walked around in her disguise until it was safe to change. As she walked towards the stage, she spotted Alex's dressing room, his door open. Inside she saw him playing his guitar, the same one she gave him almost 6 years ago. A smile crept up her face, glad he still used it. Suddenly Alex stopped playing, he paused for a moment, before looking straight into her eyes. They first looked hopeful, then filled with disappointment and confusion.

"Hey Jim, something wrong?" Alex asked, seeing his supposed manager staring at him.

Isabel, remembering her disguise, stopped staring and held down a blush. "No, Alex, its nothing." She continued to walk, thinking about how Alex had sensed her.

That was strange. Why did I get that strange feeling Isabel was so near? Better question, why was I momentarily attracted to Jim? Alex shook the thought from his head. He didn't even want to think about homosexual tendencies, his love life with an alien was complicated enough.

***

The concert was a success, like every other one. Except, this concert was different, but unknown to the audience. For Isabel and Alex, it was like being together even with over 1,000 people between them. Isabel had no choice but to stand in the nose bleed section, but all that mattered was Alex.

Alex continued to have a strange feeling Isabel was around. He tried to focus on his playing, not looking into the crowd, but his eyes betrayed him and kept leading him to the left of the nose bleed section in the back. When he looked over he saw nothing but people too far away to see distinct features, but someone was there.

Isabel didn't scream or dance around, but only stared and listened to her love. Every song sounded as if he sang to her. Every once in a while he could see him look her way, she wasn't sure if he knew though. One of his glances got the girl in front of her excited.

"Did you see that, Did you see that? He looked straight at me. Alex looked straight at me!!!!!" the juvenile screamed to her friend.

Isabel could only roll her eyes, I know Alex, don't worry. I know it was for me. She smiled to herself as the next song, 'Alien Girl', began to play.

***

After the concert...

"Do I have to stay for this backstage party?" Alex asked, restless with the girls taking pictures with him.

"They paid for those passes, man, which pays us, so yeah, you have to stay," Tommy replied, slapping him on the back.

Why can't I just go? I keep thinking about Isabel, I just want to go home and think!!!

Another girl, around 17, ran up to him. "Alex, will you sign my bra strap?"

What is it with girls and wanting me to sign their underwear? Isabel would never do that. She would smack me if I even saw her underwear. He grabbed the girl's pen and signed.

"I can't take this, Jim, I'm leaving," Alex told his manager, glad he didn't feel an attraction. Alex stepped outside into the brisk city air. Most of the girls had left already. They had stopped trying to get in to the party.

He walked down to where the limo was waiting. The driver opened the door for him and he stepped in, exhausted.

Someone sat on the opposite side of him. Their face was hidden in the shadows. "Hello, Alex."

"I knew you were here," Alex replied, keeping his voice steady.

"Really? How?" she asked, a bit amused.

"I can always sense you, Isabel," He replied honestly. Isabel got up from her seat to the other side so that she was sitting next to him.

"That's good to know."

Alex could only stare at her. The years had been very kind. She dressed simple now, a soft blue tank top and black denim jeans that hugged every curve. He hair was let loose, gently falling against her shoulders.

Feeling strange from the awkward silence, Isabel continued, "That was a great concert. I always knew you would be a big star. And you used my guitar."

Alex nodded. "Never leave home without it. So how did you get into my limo?" Alex asked curiously. His security was pretty tight.

"Don't you think Isabel Evans knows how to turn on the charm?" Alex cocked and eyebrow, challenging her 'charm'. "Okay, charm and a little bit of power."

Alex suddenly remembered her powers. "Isabel, PLEASE tell me that was you in a Jim disguise at my dressing room." She nodded. Alex let out a sigh of relief. "Thank god, I thought the lack of women in my life was turning me gay."

Isabel giggled, "A lack of women? I don't even see how that could be possible."

Alex suddenly went dead serious. He took her hand in his and stared her straight in the eyes. "Isabel, there could never be anyone else, I gave my heart to you a long time ago."

After a long intense gaze, he returned his eyes to the floor. Isabel became flushed and found it hard to breathe at that moment.

They continued their silence until they reached Alex's studio. "This is me. Do you want to come in or should I just ask Jeff to drive you home?" Alex asked, his eyes giving away his every desire.

Isabel, following her heart and body, replied, "I think I'll come in." She took hold of his hand and he helped her out of the vehicle.

She stepped through the door. The apartment was relatively clean. there were a few items of clothing and such thrown around, but it was understandable. "So you own a place here?" Isabel desperately tried to start a conversation only to hear the sound of his voice.

"Yeah, sorry it's sort of a mess. I was kind of in a rush this morning." He began to frantically pick up shirts and jeans sprawled around the couch. He threw them into a room in the back and closed the door. "Do you want a coke? I don't have any coffee. I'm not here much, mostly on the road, so I don't even have the basic elements of food."

Isabel couldn't help but smile. He was always so dedicated to pleasing her that he never realized she liked him exactly how he was. "A coke would be fine."

"So Iz...." He sat down on the couch next to her, but far enough to feel a protective wall between them. "Why are you in Sacramento?" His hands nervously played with the coke can.

"Oh, I was called over to examine an ancient document at the UC. They believe that it might be an older form of Indian writing." She nervously took a sip of coke.

"Right, so should I be calling you Dr. Evans now?" He smiled, beaming with pride at his love's accomplishment.

"Not yet, I'm still working on it. I'm an assistant to Ryan Hart, the world renowned cryptographer. Its great, there's such an advantage working with a Nobel prize winner."

Alex nodded with approval. He could see how much she enjoyed her work, just as he did. "So have you showed him the sketch of the cave writing?"

Isabel shook her head, "I need to figure this out myself. I can't risk him knowing." Alex understood. She still has those same worries and still suffers from them...poor Isabel.

Suddenly Isabel began to giggle. "Remember when you took me to the UFO center to look at the Machu Picchu writings? Well ,turns out you were right, they did help me decode parts of the writing. They seem to be time measurements. Something about there only being a certain time to return. One of those once in a blue moon things."

Just then something hit Alex, he realized Isabel was finding a way home. She could actually leave. "So..." he started nervously, then strengthened. "If you figure it out, will you be leaving?"

There he had done it, he just put it out there. Silence lay between them. "Isabel, would you leave?" Alex repeated his question.

"I don't know, Alex." Her voice quivered. She never thought she would ever need an answer for that question. "Maybe I’m wrong, I really don't know."

She looked over to Alex, his eyes penetrated hers. He looked hurt, he wanted a certain answer, and that wasn't it. She instantly felt pain and regret in her heart, so strong, she could have swore it was real. She broke down, she couldn't look at him anymore. "It's getting late, Alex."

"Uh, yeah." He looked down in disappointment, he never should have done that. Now she couldn't even bare to stay, he had hurt her. "Do you want to stay here?" He raised his eyes to her apologetically. In hers he saw desire and doubt. "I mean, you can sleep in my room, I'll sleep out here."

Yes Alex, I want to stay, I want to forget all the worries of the world and lay in your arms forever.

Isabel sighed. Now was not the time to follow her heart. "Um, no, That’s okay, I think I'll go back to the hotel."

"Well, at least wait here, I'll call you a car, I don't want you waiting out in the cold." Isabel nodded in agreement. Alex went to the phone and called.

When he got off, he went to her again. "Sit down, it will be a while. "

Isabel tried to forget the moment that passed only minutes ago and went to small talk mode. "So how long will your tour be here?"

"Until the day after tomorrow."

"So soon?" Isabel asked with disappointment.

"Yeah."

"So I guess you would be dreadfully busy tomorrow."

"Well, I have a meeting in the morning for the promos, then probably a rehearsal. Why? Did you want to do something tomorrow?" He looked into her soft brown eyes and saw great desire. "Because I can blow it all off, it's not important stuff."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, totally. Why don't you meet me here?"

"Okay, around nine then, or is the pop star too tired to wake up at nine?" she nervously joked.

"Ha ha," he laughed flatly. "Nine is fine." It's not like I will actually be able to sleep tonight.

***

The next morning, Isabel showed up at Alex's doorstep promptly at 9, for once. She hadn't spent much time getting ready, only pulled back her hair, and wore soft khakis and a black shirt. She softly knocked on the door. "Just a second!!" she heard Alex’s muffled yell through the door.

Isabel waited and found her hands beginning to moisten. This could almost be considered a date for Alex and herself, something that could determine their whole relationship.

Isabel began to panic. What if today goes wrong, and he never wants to see me? What if he doesn't like who I’ve become? Then her senses kicked in. Chill, Isabel, it's not a date, just a 'lets catch up' type of thing. Chill.

When Alex opened the door she tried her best to imitate a calm rational person when she was actually shaking to her very bones.

Alex wore slightly baggy jeans and a skateboarding T-shirt topped off with sunglasses propped at the top of his head. Isabel smiled, "Holding on to your youth?" she joked, referring to the T-shirt of his favorite pasttime.

"Since when did you become the smart alleck?" he joked back as he gestured her into the apartment.

It looked clean, more like spotless. "Did a little cleaning after I left?" Isabel asked, trying to picture Alex with a mop and bucket.

"Um, yeah. Couldn't sleep. I have these insomniac tendencies, or at least I did last night."

"I know what you mean," Isabel mumbled under her breath. She too, tossed and turned last night.

"Hmm, did you say something?" Alex asked. He could have swore she said something.

"Oh, it was nothing. So where will we be off to this fine day?"

"Well, have you had breakfast?" Isabel shook her head. "Well, good, I know this great little waffle shop. its nice and quiet. Shall we, my dear?"

"Sounds wonderful. So will we be taking the attention attracting limo, or is it possible for you to travel in something with a lower profile?"

"Isabel Evans prefers low profile?" He acted in an overly shocking tone. "Well I never!!!! Ouch!!!!.. Okay, you don't have to hit me, I was kidding!!!! Actually, I do have my own car, and it couldn't get more low profile. It screams, 'Don't look at me'." They both grabbed their coats and headed for the door.

***

"Excuse me, waiter?" Alex called from the cozy booth in the corner of the waffle shop. "Could I get some Tabasco sauce for the lady?"

"You remembered," Isabel commented, touched by the gesture.

"How could I forget? It's your little dietary quirk." He smiled warmly. "Don't you just love this place? Makes you forget you're in a big city. More like a small town like..."

"Roswell," Isabel cut in.

"Yeah, like Roswell." he repeated. "So, have you talked to any of them lately?"

"No, I travel too much to stay in touch."

"Same here," Alex replied. It was strange how they were both surrounded by the world watching them, yet they felt so isolated and separated from those same people.

***

Their day was exhausting. After breakfast was sightseeing. Then Alex took Isabel over to the college so she could see the document very quickly while he was mauled by fans. After, they went shopping, which didn't take as long as expected. During the late afternoon they went to the disco roller rink, and for dinner, a petite French cafe just outside of old Sacramento.

They stepped through the studio door laughing hysterically. "What about that music store clerk that was playing your CD and didn't even recognize you until that girl screamed and fainted at your mere touch?" Isabel laughed as she fluttered her eyelashes, mocking the teenage girl.

"Yeah, so much for a low profile day."

They both sat on the couch. Alex's arm ran along the back of the couch as Isabel's head rested against it. They sat in a comfortable, but strictly friendly manner. "So Iz, how 'bout you model those clothes you bought for me?" he asked sarcastically.

"Um... no." she replied sweetly. "But I do want to listen to my new, very first Spacey CD." She laughed and jumped up to dig through her bags.

She popped it into the CD player and returned to the couch with the CD case. "Lets see... Oh, track 9, 'Alien Girl'." She gave Alex a wicked grin, making him blush as she grabbed the remote and pushed play.

As she flipped through the tracks she noticed something and began to blush. Almost every song was in reference to her, and it wasn't just her ego. 'Her Other World', 'In The Stars', 'Off Balance', 'Dreamwalking'.

"Well, Alex, I must say you are quite the musician, and this is only the first album," Isabel commented.

"I had a really good inspirational subject." he replied honestly, making her turn even more red with embarrassment. The next track flipped on. 'Out of My Life'.

They both went silent, feeling awkward at the theme of the song. "I wrote this when you left."

"Yeah, I figured" She looked down, feeling ashamed and sorry.

"You know, before I found out you were here, I was playing with the guitar, and I touched the engraving on the case, and well... I had a flash... of you."

"Are you really surprised, Alex? You and me, we're connected like that. Ours souls are always together. We're connected."

Alex and Isabel sat and talked about the old times. They even felt comfortable talking about the day she left.

"Oh, I have something special for you." Alex got up from his seat and went in to the bedroom. He returned minutes later with something hidden in his hands. He handed it to her.

"What's this?" she asked as she stared down at the unmarked CD in her hands.

"Go play it," Alex simply replied.

Isabel stood up and walked over to the CD player where she replaced the CD. Soft guitar playing started the CD.

"Dear Isabel,

It's only been a day since you left. I miss you already. I went to the Crashdown yesterday and sat down at our booth. It was really busy, yet the world seemed empty to me without you there across the way. I wish you were here. This is the first recorded use of the guitar you gave me. Did I tell you that I love it? I hope you like this CD. I bet you're just getting settled in right now. Hope you are happy in Europe. Someday I will see you again. I'll write tomorrow. I love you.

Forever yours,
Alex.

"Dear Isabel..."

"Alex, what is this?" she asked, confused.

"I told you I would write every day." He gently caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "So I wrote you a song everyday. Well, I sang you a letter everyday.. Just like I promised.

****Flash*****

"I'll write you everyday."

"I don't think that’s wise, I probably won't be in one place. You might not even be able to find me. I won't find you when you go to college."

"I'll write anyway, If we were meant to be, those letters will find their way to you somehow. Someday."

****Flash******

"And now that you have listened to the CD, you have officially received the letters. Which means we are meant to be." Alex grinned.

Isabel was speechless. It was the most romantic gesture she had ever received. She couldn't contain her feelings. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Alex raised his hand and wiped it way with his thumb.

"Come on, Iz, let's dance."

He took her hand and led her to an empty spot near the coffee table. Isabel seemed paralyzed, so he took her arms, wrapping them around his neck while his held her waist. Their bodies fit perfectly. Curve for curve they matched. Isabel let her head rest on his shoulder where it rested comfortably. They fell into a blissful dream land as they swayed back and forth.

Isabel wasn't sure how long they danced, only that it was long enough for her feet to hurt. She had missed his gentle touch, the warmth of his strong body wrapped around hers. She found that what she missed most was his smell. Alex never wore cologne, yet he had this scent all his own. It was indescribable except to Isabel it was the sweetest smell in the world. With every breath she took it in. Suddenly she felt a need she hadn't felt for an eternity but longed for day and night.

"Alex?" she whispered quietly.

"Hmm?" Alex broke out of his own dream state at the sound of her voice.

"You know how we are connected?" she started, not sure how to ask for what she wanted. She felt him nod against the side of her face. "Well, I need more than that. I need to be connected with you physically."

Alex pulled back slightly, not sure of what she just asked for. Then Isabel leaned in, making it perfectly clear with a kiss. It started soft, just two lips joining. It became heated and deep. Alex could feel her tongue slip past her lips and his. Isabel pulled back just as suddenly as she had started. She took his hand and led him into the bedroom.

"Isabel? Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked as he closed the door behind him.

Isabel sat on the bed and nodded. "I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life." She pulled him down on the bed with her as she caressed his lips with soft kisses.

Between swift kisses he asked once more, "Are you sure?"

Isabel frantically nodded as she lifted his shirt off. "I want this, Alex, I need it."

It was then the two loves became lovers.

***

Alex watched his lover sleep. It was the happiest night of his life. Isabel was finally, completely his. Nothing could ever come between them now. He knew Isabel had waited for him, just as he had for her. They were both so unsure, yet their love proved that it would be the best night of their lives. There would never be anyone who could compare.

Alex gently bent down and kissed her bare shoulder. She stirred and her eyes flutter open. She turn her head slightly, looking over her shoulder at him. She turned under the sheets to face him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"What are you doing?" she asked lovingly.

"Watching you sleep. Don't worry about me, go to sleep." He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Aren't you going to sleep?'

Alex shook his head. "No, I don't want to wake up and find out this was a dream or that you had to leave. So I won't sleep."

Isabel smiled, "I'm not going anywhere." She lightly planted a kiss on his chest before drifting back to sleep.

***

Isabel woke up, the sun peeking through the curtains. She let out a yawn and turned to greet Alex. Except he wasn't there. She looked around the room, there was no sign of him. She got up and picked up the shirt he had been wearing, and slipped it on. It felt soft against her bare skin and smelled like Alex.

She stepped out of the bedroom and checked the bathroom. He wasn't there so she checked the living room and kitchen. Alex was nowhere to be found. Just then she remember the tour was leaving today. In a panic she called out "Alex?" There was no response. She called out again. "Alex? Where are you?!?"

"I'm right here," he replied as he walked through the door holding a grocery bag. Isabel ran to him, wrapping his arms around him, nearly crushing the bag.

"I thought you left for your tour, or maybe for some other reason..." she trailed off.

"Shh, Iz, I would never leave you like that. I just went to pick up something for breakfast. I thought I could make it back before you woke." He put the bag on the kitchen counter and began taking things out. "I was going to surprise you with breakfast. Why don't you get cleaned up? You can take a shower if you like. " He walked over to the stool she sat on and bent down, kissing her lightly on the forehead. Then he shooed her away to the bathroom.

***

Isabel stood in the bathroom, towel around her and a head of damp hair. She took her time looking around at what made Alex. At the sink was the usual. Toothbrush, cup, toothpaste. She smiled, it was the kind with the swirls.

Then there was the hair care essentials. Gel, hair dryer, and comb. On a mounted rack, there were razors, shaving creme, and even and bottle of unopened Old Spice aftershave.

She began to imagine in her mind what it was like when Alex got up every morning. He probably stepped in, wearing a t shirt and boxers, face all droopy. He would scratch his head lightly and begin to brush his teeth. After splashing his face with cold water, he would slip into the shower, where the steaming water caressed every muscle of his lean body. Entering every crack and crevice of his strong, perfectly sculpted arms.

Then Isabel stopped herself. Why are you thinking about this when he's just outside? He's finally yours and you still fantasize about him.

She quickly stepped into one of the new dresses she bought. She checked the mirror, making sure she knocked his socks off. As she headed towards the end of the hallway she heard Alex speaking. She stayed still, putting her eavesdropping skills to practice.

"Just an extra hour, Jim," he pleaded.

"No, we can't lose that time," the voice replied over the speaker phone.

"It's only an hour, I just ran into an old friend and we want to catch up."

"Well, if this 'old friend' is the same one you missed yesterday's meeting for, I say you have had enough time to catch up. Time is money, my friend."

"Don't call me that. You're my manager, not my friend," Alex replied bitterly.

"Exactly. I am your manager, and I am managing your time. Be here at ten, That’s two hours, more than enough." Then there was a click on the speaker.

"Damn it, it always goes his way!!" Alex cursed as he returned to the nearly burning eggs at the stove.

She stepped out from the hall and cleared her throat, drawing his attention to her. "You're leaving soon?"

"Yeah, my manager is being a total ass. Don't worry about it." His face lightened. "I made some eggs, toast, and bacon. Accompanied with a dabble of Tabasco sauce." He smiled, almost lighting up the whole room.

Isabel sat at the counter and stared at the plate of food he made for her. Suddenly she lost her appetite. She picked at the food while staring at Alex, knowing she only had two hours with him.

Alex looked up from his food and his eyes met hers. "Don't do that, Iz."

Isabel shook it away. "Do what?"

"The staring thing. Its making me very uncomfortable. Look, I know there's not much time but we can make the best of it."

"It's just not fair. I finally find you again and you have to leave," Isabel complained, pushing away the untouched food. Alex got up and took her to the couch.

"I know, Isabel. Life sucks like that." He sat there, playing with her fingers as he contemplated an idea. "What if...you came with me?"

Isabel was shocked. Go with him on the tour? He would be like a little groupie. Or worse, the ex that came back for the fame. That’s what people would think. The thought sickened her. "I can't, Alex... I'm sorry. There's so much work I need to do. What would people think? I came back for your money. I heard that interview. People think I'm some kind of bitch for leaving you."

Isabel knew they weren't the real reasons why she couldn't go, but it was the best way to explain it.

"Who gives a shit what people think?" Alex snapped "I know that’s not true. Isabel, if you have a real reason to say no, say it."

"Alex... it's just not the right time for us to be together. You are at the peak of your long-lasting career, and I'm getting started at one with a future. Its not time yet. I don't want to be in the public eye. I need time to figure out my life. I took time off doing that this weekend and now I need to get back on track." She faced him, holding his gaze. He needed to see that this was the truth.

"Then when is the right time?" he asked.

"When our lives settle down. I'm not sure when it will be, but when it comes we will find each other," she encouraged, lifting his face with her gentle touch.

"How are we going to find each other?"

"Dear Alex. I thought you understood. We are connected, two ways now. We will find each other."

He cupped her face, slowly moving his hand down to her neck, rubbing it tenderly. "Promise?"

She grabbed his hand stopping his movement. "Promise." She leaned in, sealing it with a kiss. She ran her hands along his chest, memorizing his every muscle.

As they came up for air, Alex focused his attention on her face. He ran his fingers through her hair, knowing he wouldn't touch it for years.

"You know, I’m going to write a song about this," he joked, lightening the mood.

"Oh really, what will you call this inspired song?" she flirted back.

"I don't know. How do you explain a feeling like this?" Swiftly he lifted her up and placed her in his lap. He enfolded her in his arms and passionately kissed her.

As his warm kisses ran down her neck, she replied, "I don't know either, but what ever it is, I don't think its appropriate for young teenage ears." She laughed in pure bliss.

"Actually, I don't see what’s inappropriate about 'love'," he said as he caressed her body.

Alex and Isabel sat in silence, enjoying it. Alex absently stroked Isabel's leg as she sat on his lap, arms wrapped around his neck. They feared conversation because it always led to the same topic, someone leaving. However, it was inevitable for their two hours rapidly turned to one.

"Iz, I think I need to get ready to go." Alex whispered, trying no to disturb her serenity.

"No!!" Isabel whined back as she squeezed tight. "You can't leave."

"I have to, Iz. Even if I didn't, I still need you to get off my lap." He said shyly.

"Why?" She enjoyed being cradled like a child in his arms, and she felt no shame of it.

"Because, Iz, I need to go. Not leave. I mean to the bathroom." Isabel giggled and hopped of his lap.

Isabel waited patiently for his return. When he stepped out, he approached her. "I have something to give you."

"Well, I hope you washed your hands before you plan on giving it to me," she replied sarcastically. She gave him an encouraging smile, telling him to continue.

He reached down into his pocket, withdrawing something very small. Isabel's mind began to wander, to places it shouldn't have been. Oh my god, is he going to do what I think he will? What a big commitment! He slowly opened up his hand revealing a rusted bronze key.

"Alex, is this what I think it is?" she asked, very excited. (No, she was NOT thinking of marraige.)

He nodded. "Oh, Alex, the key to your place. Are you asking me to move in?"

"Yeah, even though we both aren't ever here. When we are, this will be our place. And you can come here whenever you want." Je smiled warmly. He held out the key to her. She took it into her hand, still feeling the warmth of his in it.

"Oh, Alex!" She leapt into his arms, hugging him tightly as he swung her around. "You know, that’s a pretty big commitment. This means we have a relationship. So no running off with groupies on the tour now," she teased as she reached for her purse.

"Way to make me feel claustrophobic. It's not like I ever got involved before when we were apart. It's always been you, Isabel." He gently kissed her on the cheek as she happily slid the key onto her chain.

Alex gathered his things and put them at the door. "Alex, wait!" Isabel yelled from the back. She came running from the hallway with a Polaroid camera she had dug up from the closet.

"I need a picture." She snuggled up next to him, holding the camera our toward them. She took two, one for his sake as well.

Finally the time had arrived for his departure. Isabel strained not to reduce herself to tears.

"Are you going to be okay here by yourself?" Alex asked.

"Yes... I am a grown woman and grown alien, you know," she retorted.

"I know. Just checking. So don't forget to check the mail whenever you are here. I’ll probably write you stuff. And tell me so I know when to call."

"I know. You better leave. Your driver is getting impatient," she informed him. He nodded, giving her a quick but satisfying kiss, and was out the door.

Less then two minutes later, Isabel stood at the door watching it, when her cell phone rang.

"Hello? Oh, hi. Yeah, you want me to come in and look at the document now? Yeah, be there in an hour." She hung up the phone to get ready when it rang again.

"I said I was coming."

"Hey, its me."

"Oh hey, Alex, sorry about that."

"It's okay, I just called because I forgot something...."

"What?"

"I love you."

Isabel smiled to herself. "I love you, too. Okay, bye..."

She hung up the phone, grinning like a kid in a candy store. She turned on the radio, playing Alex's CD of letters. She walked to the bedroom to get ready, remembering the last moments and words with Alex.

***

Epilogue

Isabel walked to her car, speaking on her cellular phone. "Michael, I know it cost a lot to receive a call from Australia, but you would be mad if I didn't tell you right away. So anyway, do you want it or not? No? Fine. Bye."

She stepped into her rental car, sighing with exhaustion. She placed her suitcase on the passenger seat and opened it, pulling out a piece of paper. Max doesn't want it, and neither does Michael. That just leaves me. She stared at the paper of decoded glyphs. Eight years it took me to figure out the cave writings, Eight years. Now neither of them even wants to know how to get home. All that work... She placed the paper on the dashboard and started the car. As she drove she clicked on the radio.

Radio: "All right, mates. We're back. Welcome to 78.3, the best pop, rock, and r&b in Sydney. We have a special treat, these boys are the latest international hit, selling out here at 6 million. They are nice American boys. They're Spacey and here’s the newest song, titled 'Love'."

 

The song began to play and Isabel recognized word and feelings they had that weekend. She caught a glimpse of the directions "Home" and thought. With one quick movement she gestured her hand, making the paper levitate. Another motion caused the paper to rip itself up. With one point at the window she sent the paper out the window flying into the air.

"Never would I leave," she said to herself as she drove to the airport to take her to Sacramento.

The End