Use Six Against The World (Sense of Completion)

Parts 1/Parts 2/Parts 3/Parts 4/Parts 5/Parts 6/Parts 7/Parts 8/Parts 9/Parts 10

Parts 11/Parts 12/Parts 13/Parts 14/Parts 15/Parts 16/Parts 17/Parts 18/Parts 19/Parts 20

Parts 21/Parts 22/Parts 23/Parts 24/Parts 25/Parts 26/Parts 27/Parts 28/Parts 29/Parts 30

Parts 31/Parts 32/Parts 33/Parts 34/Part 35/Part 36/Part 37/Part 38/Part 39/Part 40 (Conclusion)

Author: Linda

E-Mail: Crazy4Roswell@aol.com

Rating: PG-13 for now (for content)

Category: Max & Liz, Maria & Michael, Isabel & Alex, Kyle & Cassie (She's mine)

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, just borrowing 'em. I'll return' em the way I found 'em.

Summary: This sequel deals with issues the six were left with right after my other story ended. What 'other' symptoms might Liz develop carrying Max's child? What happens when Kyle and Maria commiserate about their parents' dating? What happens if Kyle finds out about the alien trio? And, what about the other alien pods from the same crash as the trio? Can there be more alien shape shifters out there?

Spoilers: Anything up to Independence Day, but nothing specific. The story actually takes place before the balance, in my own little world.

Author's note: If you haven't read my previous story, "Us Six Against the World," it is recommended before reading this one. This story begins the day after my other story ended.

I Knew I Loved You
By Savage Garden

Maybe It's Intuition
But something's you just don't question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
And there it goes
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe

CHORUS:
I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life.

There's just no rhyme or reason
Only this sense of completion
And I your eyes
I see the missing pieces
I'm searching for
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than a little crazy
But I believe

:: CHORUS::

A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I've found you

::CHORUS::

Sense of Completion (Part 1)

Liz hurried up the steps of the high school anxious to see Max. It was still fairly early, school wouldn't start for another half hour, but she and Max wanted to see each other.

They had all returned from Jordan's ranch yesterday, and their parents had pulled them all apart immediately and none of them had seen each other since.

Liz knew Max was frustrated. He had called her late last night to tell her he and Isabel were still talking with their parents, and probably would be for awhile. The Evans' were letting them know how unhappy they were that Max and Isabel hadn't come to them instead of running from the law.

Liz had told him that her parents weren't too happy either, and were not letting her out of their sight that night as well. She knew that Maria and Alex had also been 'spoken' to for up and leaving without telling their parents. She had heard from both of them last night, too.

She yawned as she remembered how late it was before she had finished talking with her parents, and then even later after she had talked with both Maria and Alex, and then of course, Max.

She rounded a corner in the hall and crashed into someone. She started to bounce off of the larger form, and fall back, but strong arms caught her.

She looked up, startled to see Kyle frowning. "You okay? Sorry about that." He apologized and let her go.

"It's my fault, I wasn't paying attention. Sorry." She smiled.

"So how are you doing? Heard you got back yesterday from Albuquerque. Did your parents give you heck?" he asked with a small smile, teasing her.

Liz laughed and rolled her eyes. "Understatement. I thought they were going to ground me for months! But they just said they were disappointed in me and had expected better. Which is worse actually, than getting punished. You know, the whole guilt thing," she added.

Kyle nodded and shifted his gym bag. "Yeah, that sucks." He grinned. "But you are okay? I mean, after the kidnapping and all."

Liz put her hand on Kyle's arm, her eyes smiling up at him warmly. "Yes, I'm fine. I honestly don't know what Maria and I would have done if you hadn't come in when you had, and wrestled with Tommy like that. Thank you again, Kyle."

Kyle looked down, embarrassed with the praise; he had not been fishing for that. "Yeah, well, I'm just sorry I didn't realize sooner what was going on with him. I mean, he was supposed to be one of my best buddies." He frowned.

"Are you okay Kyle? I mean Paulie was your friend. And to know that he had something to do with Vicki and the others...How is she by the way?" Liz asked tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and shifting her backpack.

"Oh, well that's where I'm heading. I came in early for a practice, but my dad just called and said that the hospital called saying Vicki just woke up. They say she's going to be okay." Kyle smiled, looking relieved.

Liz smiled brightly up at him. "I'm so glad Kyle! I knew she would."

"Yeah, thanks, I'd better go see her. See you later, Liz, and welcome back." He smiled and continued down the hall toward the entrance of the school.

Liz turned back around and headed for her locker, hurrying again, to see Max. When she rounded the next corner and saw him leaning against her locker, with his own backpack slung over his shoulder, she stopped in mid step. Just the site of Max always left her breathless. She couldn't believe how lucky she was that he had always loved her.

Max saw Liz and straightened up, their eyes locked and connected. Then Max walked toward her. Liz smiled when Max approached, but before she could say anything, Max took her in his arms and his mouth closed over hers. The kiss was one of hunger, but also need. Need to be close to her again. Liz wrapped her own arms around Max's strong broad neck, and just hung on. Returning the passion and need.

When Max finally lifted his head, he slid one hand between them and gently placed his hand over her lower abdomen. "How's the little one?" he whispered.

Liz smiled, loving how gentle and caring Max always was. "Fine. Just missing you, like I was," Liz answered softly, looking up into Max's warm twinkling eyes, with her own bright ones. "And thank you," she said kissing Max on the jaw making him smile.

He looked down at her. "For anything in particular?" he teased.

"Hmm...I just bumped into Kyle and he told me he was heading to the hospital. Vicki woke up all of a sudden," Liz said and cupped his jaw in her hand and caressed his face.

"I'm glad." Max smiled back at her.

"No one saw you did they?" Liz asked with concern.

Max shook his head and then looked past her at the figure approaching them.

"Oh my God! You guys are not going to believe this!" Maria exclaimed as she approached them.

The halls were starting to fill up, and so the three of them moved over to Liz's locker to get out of the way.

"What's up Maria? You okay?" Liz frowned. Maria really looked distraught.

Maria huffed, then shifted her weight to her other foot, and put a hand on her hip. "Guess who I found with my mom in the kitchen this morning? He came over for an early breakfast before work!" she almost shrieked.

"Maria, who?" Liz asked, knowing whoever it was had really upset Maria.

Maria calmed a little, looked between Max and Liz and then leaned in closer. "Sheriff Valenti!!!" she exclaimed in a loud whisper. "Oh my God! My mom is seeing the Sheriff!" Maria said again, still in shock.

Max raised an eyebrow and Liz swallowed. "Are you sure, Maria? Maybe it was business?" Liz said and exchanged worried glances with Max.

"No. My mom introduced me to JIM. Like I didn't know him! 'Oh honey, you know Jim don't you?'" Maria mimicked and started pacing nervously.

"Maria sniff some cedar oil and try to calm down," Liz said softly, and held Maria still to look into her eyes and calm her.

Maria took some deep breaths. "You're right. Of course, I need to calm down. Oh God, why is this happening to me?" she started again.

When a pair of arms wrapped themselves around Maria from behind, she automatically calmed.

"Morning." Michael looked around, and then looked down at Maria and smiling, he kissed her, not giving her a chance to answer.

Isabel and Alex came upon the scene just then and Alex rolled his eyes. "What, again? Can't they stay apart for a second?"

Isabel laughed and had her arm intertwined with Alex's. She looked happy.

Maria raised an eyebrow at Alex when she and Michael came up for air. "You got a problem with that Whitman?" she teased with a twinkle in her eye that matched Alex's.

"Who me? No problem." He grinned back at her.

"How are you feeling Liz?" Isabel asked looking over at where Liz was leaning back against Max while his arms were contently around her, listening to the banter around them.

Liz smiled brightly. "I'm great, Isabel. Thanks."

"Anymore unusual symptoms?" Isabel continued. "Remember Jordan said you could expect some."

Liz nodded. "Yeah, but so far nothing new."

"But we're still going to have to share our Tabasco Sauce, huh?" Michael teased.

Maria laughed and then became serious again. "Okay you guys, we've got a problem. You gotta help me, what are we going to do about my mother dating the sheriff!?" she asked, starting to get panicky again.

Michael's arms tightened around her. "What?" he asked in surprise.

Part 2

"Your mom is dating Valenti?!" Michael repeated in a whisper, but his own voice was far from calm.

"I don't think there is anything we can do about it, but let's talk about it after school at the Crashdown. Not here in the hall," Isabel reminded them, looking around nervously.

They all agreed and started heading to their classes as the first bell rang. "See you in Biology," Max whispered and kissed Liz quickly before he let her go and headed down the hall to his own class.

Liz smiled and sighed. Then she turned and saw Isabel frowning as she started to open her locker a few down from Liz."Isabel?" Liz asked.

Isabel looked at Liz with concern. "I don't know, Liz. I'm worried about this thing with Maria's mom and the sheriff. Do you think he's using her to get closer to us? I mean he's been trying to get Maria to talk to him for months. I know she won't, but maybe he's trying a new approach to spy on us?"

Liz frowned herself, and then shook her head. "I don't know, Isabel, but let's just wait and see. Maybe he really just likes her, and it won't be something we have to worry about. Either way, we'll talk about it later." Liz smiled again and squeezed Isabel's arm lightly in reassurance. An assurance she wasn't quite convinced she felt herself.

Liz was trying to concentrate on what her teacher was saying in her Chemistry class second hour, when she suddenly felt light headed and the room started to spin. She sucked in her breath, closed her eyes and took deep breaths. She was probably just overtired. She waited a minute, and then opened them and she felt a little better. She was still feeling light headed, but at least the room had stopped spinning.

"...and Liz Parker and Cassandra Owens."

Liz heard her name and caught the end of whatever her teacher was saying.

"I will be handing out the project outline, and then it will be up to you students to find the time needed outside of class. We will devote half of every period to letting you work with your partner on this project, but you will need more than that, so I suggest you start planning on when to get with your respective partners outside of class to work on this. It will be due in 3 weeks, and will be counted as one third of your grade."

Liz heard the chorus of groans and smiled. She knew she was in the minority when it came to Chemistry. She actually loved it, and looked forward to the projects that Ms. Wells assigned to them. They were always a challenge, and Liz loved a challenge.

"You can spend the rest of this period getting with your partner and deciding how you are going to get started." She heard Ms. Wells say, and looked around to find her own partner. Cassandra Owens was in the back of the room, as usual, and trying tolook as in conspicuous as possible. Liz grabbed her books and headed over to the empty desk next to her partner.

"Hey, Cassandra. Guess it's you and me." Liz smiled in greeting. She had Cassandra in several of her science courses, but didn't know her that well, for Cassandra was a very quiet student. But Liz knew she was very smart, and that Cassie shared the same love of science that she did. Liz was looking forward to partnering with her.

Cassandra smiled, and Liz was surprised at how it changed the girl's face. The girl had a pale complexion with only a dusting of freckles, light green eyes, and her hair was a dark red. When you looked at the girl, everything was just there. There was nothing remarkable about Cassandra. However,when she smiled, it brightened her whole face and her eyes warmed up and looked greener, and her cheeks took on some color.

Liz smiled at the change and then got down to the topic of their project. Cassandra was writing a schedule of times outside of class they could meet, when Liz suddenly felt dizzy again. She closed her eyes and swore to herself. She would have to make sure she got something to eat after this class. Maybe that would help until she could get some sleep tonight.

"Liz? You okay?" Cassandra asked.

Liz opened her eyes and was relieved to see that the dizziness had again passed, leaving her still light headed but not as much. Liz smiled when she saw the frown of concern on the other girl's face.
"Yeah, I just have a headache. You know. Didn't sleep too well last night," she explained.

Cassandra nodded, "I can imagine with what you've been through. Thank God you didn't end up like-the other girls did," she added in a low voice.

Everyone knew about what had happened with Paulie and her and Maria at the Motel in Albuquerque four days ago. Her parents had told her last night that the whole town was just glad that their stalker had been found and they were all safe again.

Liz frowned for a second as a fleeting thought came back to her of what Max had said about there still having been two other pods besides Paulie's that were unrecovered. But she shrugged it off as Max had. Even Jordan felt sure that those pods had been found at the crash site back in 1947 by the government, and taken care of the same ways as the other aliens had.

Kyle was pulling some books out of his locker when Max approached him. Max owed Kyle a lot for helping Liz and Maria, and he wanted to make sure Kyle knew that.

"Max. How are thing? The parents give you hell?" he grinned teasingly.

Max grinned back and shrugged. "More or less," he answered and then cleared his throat. "Ah, Kyle, I didn't get to thank you for being there for Liz and Maria in Albuquerque. That took a lot of guts to go in there knowing Paulie had a gun and all," Max said.

Kyle shrugged and looked awkward. "It's okay Max, it was the least I could do. I mean I should have known something was wrong with Paulie. If I had paid more attention, I might have prevented what happened to the other girls, and Vicki."

Max frowned. "You can't blame yourself, Kyle, no one noticed it. And at least Vicki is okay. You got there in time to prevent her death."

Kyle cringed and rubbed his neck. "Yeah, and got you accused as the stalker," he reminded Max.

Max gave a small forgiving smile "Wasn't your fault. I would have thought the same thing had I seen come up and found you sneaking around her house.Oh, and Liz told me Vicki woke up. How is she?" Max asked.

Kyle nodded and gave Max a relieved look. "Yeah. Yeah she did. And she seems okay considering she was in a coma for over a week. The doctors say she'll be fine and they are amazed at her recovery."

Max just nodded and smiled, pleased that Vicki was all right. He had brought her out of the coma, but hadn't stayed around to see how well he had been able to heal her. He hadn't wanted to have her wake up while he was still there, so he had taken off before she had completely woken up. "I'm glad. Well, I better get to my next class," Max said and started away.

Kyle chuckled. "Yeah, you wouldn't want to be late for Biology with Liz," he teased.Max grinned and nodded as he headed for class. And Liz.

Maria was the first one of the gang to show up at the Crashdown that afternoon. Liz had told her to go on ahead since she had to meet withone of her lab partners for a few minutes after school.

Maria was glad that the afternoon rush of kids hadn't shown up and the cafe yet. She wanted a few minutes to think. And she was also glad that Liz's dad had given them a few days off of work to rest after their experience with the stalker.

She stopped in her tracks, however, and turned pale, when she saw who occupied one of the booths. She was not happy to see that the only other person in the Crashdown was Kyle Valenti.

Part 3

Maria walked over to Kyle and sat across from him in the booth. "How long have our parents been seeing each other?" she swallowed. She might as well find out as much as she could.

Kyle looked up at Maria, and then shrugged. He didn't look too happy either. "Hell, I don't know. All I know is I came home late one night about a week ago and found your mom at our house. I didn't like it. I don't have to like it, but what the hell can we do about it?" he sighed. "They don't need our permission to date if that's what they want."

Maria took in a deep breath and tried to calm down. Kyle didn't know what she knew. And what his dad suspected he knew. "Don't you think it's strange that after all these years, now your dad becomes interested in my mom?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, I guess, I mean, I try not to think about my dad's sex life or whatever," Kyle stammered and got up to pace.

A few students came in and the place started filling up. A friend of Kyle's waved at him.

Kyle turned back to Maria who was just sitting where she had been. "I don't like it either, but what I like or don't like has never been a big priority for my dad." He said and started to walk away to join his group of buddies at another table.

"Kyle?" Maria called out.

Kyle turned and waited. He looked tired. She wondered how he'd been doing through all of this. It had to have been hard on him too, the whole stalker issue. "Thanks. I never thanked you for coming in and jumping Paulie like that, when he had a gun and everything," she said softly.

Kyle nodded and shrugged. "It's no big deal, anyone would have done it." And he walked away.

Maria looked after him. Did he really believe that? Not just anyone would have risked his life like that. Kyle? The one she had always thought was just another insensitive jock? Then she sighed and tried to think about what Kyle had said about their parents. Maria wished she could believe that it was just that. Two people interested in each other. She knew her mom dated, so that wasn't the real issue. It was WHOM she was dating. And why the sheriff was interested in her mom.

Michael, Alex and Isabel walked in just then, and when they saw her, they headed over.

Maria moved over and Michael slid in next to her. He looked at her, "You're worrying too much again. Sniff some cedar or something," he told her.

Maria glared at him but he only grinned. Then Maria smiled, realizing he was trying to egg her on.
Michael put an arm around Maria and she snuggled up against him. She was so glad that he had stopped fighting what was between them. Now that he knew about his past, and had some major answers, he was more relaxed and happy with where he was. Knowing there was nothing out there he was missing.

"Where are Max and Liz?" Isabel asked looking around, as she slid into the booth, and made room for Alex.

"Liz had to meet with a lab partner for something right after school, and Max was going to drive her here when she was done. They should be here soon," Maria answered and then nodded toward the door when the pair walked through.

"You just look a little pale," Max was saying as they came up to the group.

"I'm fine. Just tired. I don't think any of us got much sleep last night," Liz explained.

Max frowned, as he pulled a chair up to the booth, and sitting in it, he coaxed Liz onto his lap.

"You do look a little pale," Alex piped up, looking his friend over.

Liz gave him a look. "Thank you," she said pointedly.

Alex shrugged. "Well you do. Don't give me that look, Parker. Max is right."

Liz looked down at Max and hugged him and smiled. "I'm okay. Don't worry. Just tired. I'll get a good night's sleep tonight," she promised.

Max hugged her closer to him and nodded. "You sure will."

"What does that mean?" she asked.

Max smiled at her and his eyes took on that intense look. "I'll be there tonight to make sure you sleep good," he answered.

Liz just stared, and then smiled. She wouldn't argue with that. But then she felt the hardness beneath her and laughed. "And just how much sleep will I be getting?" she teased.

"Enough. If you behave yourself." Max grinned and squeezed her arm lightly knowing she could feel his excitement at having her close. It was inevitable. It always had been.

"So what are we going to do about Valenti and Maria's mom?" Isabel asked anxiously.

"Well, what can we do?" Max asked looking around at the worried faces.

"Maybe he really does just like Maria's mom. She's really sweet and fun," Liz proposed.

"And if he's not really interested in her?" Michael asked with a frown.

"What do you suggest, Michael?" Max asked and looked at Liz as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I don't know. I guess all we can do is be extra cautious and see what Valenti's up to, if anything." Michael sighed not liking it, but not having a better answer. And apparently none of them did, because no one came up with anything else.

Liz opened her eyes, and the dizziness had passed. But she met Max's concerned frown. "I'm hungry and just a little dizzy okay," she finally admitted. She just didn't want to worry anyone when it was probably nothing.

Max went pale and jumped up. He sat Liz back down and looked around. "What do you want to eat? You should eat if you're dizzy. How long have you been dizzy?" he asked.

"Only since mid morning. Max, it's okay. I'm just tired and didn't eat well this morning," Liz said and then looked to Isabel and Maria for help.

"Max, let me go get us some fries or something," Maria said and Michael got up to let her out.

"I can get it myself. I'm not crippled guys." Liz sighed.

"You sit right there. We don't want you to faint on us or anything," Michael added, holding a hand out to prevent Liz from standing, and he followed Maria into the kitchen.

"Bring a milk for Liz!" Max called to them.

"Chocolate milk!" Liz called out as well. "If I have to drink milk, I want chocolate milk," she insisted with a pout.

Max took her face gently between his palms and studied her face. "You're sure that's all? No other symptoms?"

Liz understood his concern. They still didn't know what to expect from this pregnancy. Jordan had told them that every woman had different symptoms, and just to be aware of them. But she didn't want Max and everyone to worry about her every time she took a breath for the next two years!

"Max. I'm fine. I'll tell you if it's anything more okay? I'm just dizzy and I think its just cause I'm tired and hungry okay?" She smiled to loosen the worry around Max's gorgeous eyes.

Max finally nodded, knowing she was telling the truth. He just wanted to take care of her. Her life, and that of their child's was his responsibility no matter what anyone said to the contrary.

Liz stood up, let Max sit back down, and then she snuggled back onto his lap, and cuddled into him. "Max, I will honestly go insane if every time I so much as blink over the next year and a half, you guys all panic."

Isabel smiled. "She's right, guys. Liz will let us know if she feels it's something we should be concerned about." Isabel winked when she saw Liz thank her with her eyes.

Alex looked a little pale himself, worrying about his friend, but then smiled and nodded at the logic behind what they were saying.

Maria and Michael came back out with loads of fries and some steak, which Michael placed in front of Liz. Liz's looked up at Michael and raised an eyebrow in question.

Michael shrugged as Maria placed a glass of chocolate Milk in front of her as well. "Steak is good for you. It has a lot of iron and protein," he said and looked a little uncomfortable when they all stared at him as if he had grown another head. "What? So I can cook and I read up on foods," he mumbled.

"I can't eat all this!" Liz exclaimed looking around at all the faces waiting for her to eat.

"Maria?" Liz looked to her for help.

"Here Chica, I didn't know how much to put in your milk." Maria smiled down at her friend as she handed her the bottle of Tabasco sauce.

Liz just rolled her eyes and they all laughed.

Later that night as Liz was dozing in Max's arms, she had a flash of something but couldn't make it out.

She gasped and sat up.

"Liz?" Max whispered and sat up as well, putting his arm around her.

Max had snuck in her window earlier, after everyone had gone to bed in her house and in his. He had just held her and stroked her hair, as she had dozed off.

"Max! I...I don't know...I felt something," she tried to explain.

Max looked confused but placed a hand on her tummy. "The baby? Already?"

"No. No, just a feeling I got, like something's going to happen."

"Happen? What do you mean? To you? What?" He paled.

"No. I...I don't know. Maybe I just had a nightmare." Liz shook her head and turned to Max. "I'm sorry. I think I just had a nightmare is all. You know. I'm okay really. Probably too much Tabasco sauce. It probably gave me a nightmare," she teased and tried to pry a smile out of Max.

Finally Max relaxed and did give a small smile as his eyes, warm with love, met hers. "Come here. Let me just hold you. No more nightmares okay?" he whispered against her hair as they snuggled back down in her bed, and he kissed the top of her head.

"I promise," Liz whispered back and frowned to herself, knowing she hadn't really fallen asleep yet to have a nightmare, but what else could it have been?

Part 4

Liz felt more refreshed the next day as she was opening her locker. Thanks to Max, she really had slept better the night before. Although she had wanted to do more than just sleep with Max last night, he had insisted she get some rest and that they had the rest of their lives to be together. Liz smiled. She loved that thought!

As she put her books in her locker and traded one for another to take to the library, she felt lips connect with her neck. She tingled and immediately felt the jolt of passion and love. Then she sighed when the mouth continued to kiss her neck, and arms came around her as well.

Liz turned around easily in Max's embrace and slid her own hands around his neck. "Hey." She smiled brightly up at him.

Max studied her face. "Hey. You look better today." He nodded and smiled back, more relieved now.

"What time did you leave this morning? I wish you would have woken me," Liz said, kissing his neck briefly where it opened at his shirt collar.

"You needed to sleep. And if I would have woken you this morning when I got up, you would not have gone back to sleep, and I wouldn't have left," he whispered in a low, hoarse voice.

Liz sighed and smiled up at him. "Charmer," she teased.

"I'll see you in Biology, if not before." He grinned and then took her mouth in a long, sweet kiss.

They both moaned as they finally pulled apart and Max, his eyes somewhat dazed with passion smiled down into Liz's equally dazed face.

"Damn, shouldn't have done that. Now I'll have to walk with my books in front of me for the rest of the day," he said and winked as he left.

Liz leaned up against her locker and swallowed. How the heck did he manage to do that to her every time!

"Can you walk?" she heard a teasing voice behind her.

Liz turned to see Kyle standing a few lockers down, opening his own locker. He looked tired and rushed.

Liz smiled. "Yes, I can walk. Why were you going to offer to help me?" Liz teased back.

Kyle raised his hands up in front of him. "No way! I don't want to get the big guy pissed at me." He grinned.

Liz stopped smiling when she saw the tired look in Kyle's eyes, and the sadness as well. "You okay Kyle? How's Vicki?" she asked quietly.

Kyle shrugged. "Fine. I guess. She went home yesterday, and she said she was fine on the phone last night."

When Liz just waited for him to continue he sighed. Liz had always been a good listener. And he did want to ask her a few questions. "Okay. Vicki and I realized that we were just friends. She's not wanting anything to tie her down, and to tell you the truth, I'm relieved," he admitted and leaned back against his locker now.

"I'm sorry, Kyle," Liz replied.

Kyle waved her off. Then straightened up and looked at her seriously. "Hey, Liz, how did you know Evans was the one for you? I mean, we dated, and had fun, but it was like lightning hit you or something with Evans."

Liz smiled at that description. "Lightning. Yeah, you could say it was like that."

Kyle watched her face brighten at the thought of her and Max, and he sighed.

"Kyle? Ahh...you're not still thinking--?"

"Us? No," Kyle interrupted and smiled at her. "We weren't meant, Liz. Evans is just perfect for you. I don't know how to explain it, but you guys are just the perfect couple. You think alike and when you two are in the same vicinity, wow! The air around you heats up," he said in amazement, and shaking his head.

Liz laughed and then looked into Kyle's still sad eyes and said serioulsy. "And that makes you sad?" she asked.

Kyle sighed and shifted from one foot to the other, not sure why he had brought this up now. He didn't even know himself what he wanted. "I guess, seeing you and Max so perfect together, and there being so much...there...I don't know. I kinda want to find that myself you know?" he finally
admitted.

Liz brightened. "Do you think you've found her?" she asked hopefully.

Kyle shook his head. "No. That's just it. I'm really not the kind of guy who can do and say things like Max can. I mean, I wouldn't know what to say to a girl, or even how to act to make her happy. You girls are really confusing." He gave her a side smile.

Liz laughed. "Kyle. When you find the right girl, you will know how to be. You will just know what makes her happy and she will know what makes you happy."

"Yeah, well you and Max didn't make each other happy for quite awhile," he reminded her.

"True, but then, we were fighting it. Or rather he was," Liz admitted. "But once we stopped fighting it, and gave in to our feelings, it was much easier."

"Yeah, well, I can't believe I will ever find someone like that for me. I mean the way Evans looks at you, and the way you look at him, I can't imagine anyone feeling that strongly about me or ever looking at some girl the way Max looks at you."

Liz only smiled. "That's only cause you haven't found her yet. You will, Kyle." Liz felt sure about this.

Kyle nodded. "Yeah, well, thanks for listening, Liz. Sorry I made you late for your first class," he said and started away.

"You didn't. I'm heading to the library to work on a chemistry project," she called after him, and then realized she was late and raced toward the library.

Liz was out of breath when she finally put her books down in front of her lab partner Cassandra Owens a few minutes later. "I'm sorry I'm late. Kyle Valenti needed some cheering up," she
explained briefly.

"Kyle? Why? Is he okay? Is Vicki okay?" there was concern in Cassandra's voice.

Liz looked up from opening her book and nodded. "Oh yeah, Vicki's fine. It's just that they broke up and you know..." Liz shrugged.

"Kyle and Vicki broke up?" Cassandra's voice went up and Liz noticed the girls eyes light up.

Liz got a humming feeling through her and looked harder at Cassandra. The girl looked excited and happy and all because Kyle had broken up with Vicki. Liz wondered if there was a possibility here. She wanted to shrug it off, but that humming seemed to get louder when she thought about the
possibility. Kyle and Cassandra? she thought. It seemed to spark right and she caught her breath. She didn't know why her intuition was so strong here, or why her body hummed strangely when she got an idea. What the heck was happening to her?

Cassandra looked down and around awkwardly as Liz continued to study her. When Liz realized she was staring and making the girl uncomfortable, she shook herself and smiled. "Sorry. I...my mind wandered. So Cassandra," Liz started, opening her chemistry book.

"Cassie," the girl interrupted softly.

"Cassie." Liz smiled and nodded. "Let's see what we can salvage of what's left of this hour," she said with apology.

Alex walked toward the Crashdown after school that day. He had stayed after school to practice with his band, and had told Isabel he'd meet her there afterwards.

A large shadow came out in front of him, blocking the sun. Alex looked up from his thoughts.

"Going somewhere, Whitman?" A male voice said snidely.

Alex looked up at the two football players standing in his way. It was two troublemakers who loved to give Alex hell. Don and Phillip were grinning above him and Alex sighed. He didn't have time for this today. "I'm late guys and don't have time to chat, although I'm sure I'd be real interesting," he said and tried to get around them.

"What does that mean? You don't go anywhere unless we let you go," Don threatened, enjoying the bullying.

"Alex?"

The three guys turned to see Isabel walking across the street toward them. "Oh, what is your girlfriend now going to stick up for you?" Phil whispered as they all watched Isabel approach.

"I'll be right in, Isabel. Meet me in the Crashdown," Alex said, not wanting them to start on Isabel, or for her to get her temper up at them. Only he knew what she was capable of doing.

"Well just come with me." Isabel smiled too brightly and taking his arm, she tried to get around the football players.

"And why don't you stay with us, Evans? You really are a hot one, you know that?" Phil said now standing in her way.

"Get out of the way, Phil," Isabel warned.

"Maybe if you will come play with us, we'll let your little boyfriend here go," Don offered.

Isabel and Alex both got angry. But Alex held Isabel back knowing she was ready to pounce and that she would not think about what she was doing.

"And how about you guys move aside and let them pass?" another voice cut in.

They all turned to the new voice. Kyle stood behind the two jocks, looking casual, but mean.

Part 5

"Hey, Kyle! Hey buddy. We're just having some fun." They started toward him.

"If I catch you guys bothering or bullying others I'll have you kicked off my team," Kyle warned.

Both boys looked angry but kept quiet. Not only was Kyle the star football player, but also he was the captain and could have them thrown off the team.

The guys gave all three of them angry looks, but then walked off.

"Sorry about that," Kyle said to Alex and Isabel who were standing together, Alex with his arm around Isabel. And Isabel with her fists clenched.

"Nice friends you have, Kyle," Isabel remarked.

"Hey, just cause they are on the team doesn't make them friends of mine. They're just bullies. They bother you again, let me know and they'll be off the team," Kyle told them.

"Thanks, Kyle." Alex nodded and smiled. The guy wasn't so bad after all.

"Yeah, thanks," Isabel said, surprise in both her voice and her expression.

Cassie Owens opened the door to her house with her key. The key she had had around her neck since she was 8. The year her mother had left her and her father.

She was greeted by a furry white cat that purred loud enough to sound like a lawnmower, and rubbed up against her legs in welcome.

A rare smile came across the girl's face as she put her books down in a chair, and bent to pick up the cat and bury her face in the soft fur and welcoming purrs.

"Hi, to you to, Frosting," Cassie mumbled into the cats fur, rubbing her face back and forth against the cat's. The cat licked the tip of Cassie's nose, and a bright musical laugh, if slightly rusty, came from the girl. "You're glad to see me aren't you baby? Huh? I'll feed you, come on," Cassie said and carried her pet into the kitchen and placed her on the floor next to her bowl.

While the cat was eating, Cassie went back into the living room to get her books, then brought them in to the kitchen, got a glass of milk, and started her studies. She looked at the clock. She would wait until she was done with her Calculus before she started dinner. She knew her dad always worked until late at night, so she just had to worry about herself. But she found that she
needed to set a timer to remind her to eat, since often she would get so busy with her schoolwork that she would often forget to eat.

Tucking a long red strand of hair behind her ear, the girl got started on her schoolwork. She didn't want to lose her 'A' average. For she planned on getting a scholarship to one of the major schools for science. She was not going to stay in Roswell forever.

Kyle got home, threw his books down, and headed for the refrigerator. He was starving and since he hadn't gone into the Crashdown as us usual after school, he was going to have to find something to eat at home.

He was supposed to have gone to the stores for groceries today, but had gotten out of practice late, and then had forgotten. His father had left him a note telling him he wouldn't be home till late, so Kyle just had to worry about himself. As usual.

He made a quick sandwich, and went to eat his dinner in the living room with the TV for company.

Liz got out of the shower, wrapped a towel around herself and brushed her teeth. Then she combed out her hair and taking a bottle of lotion down, she lifted a leg onto the closed toilet seat, and began her ritual of lotioning herself before bed. It calmed her.

"Need help?" a deep voice said from the doorway of the bathroom.

Liz smiled and looked up. Max was leaning in the doorway, hands folded, and his eyes smiling, but dark with passion.

"Hi," Liz said softly and putting her leg down, she walked into his arms.

"Hmmmm. You smell nice," Max said in a husky voice.

"So do you. Did you take a shower before you came over?" she teased smelling the fresh shampoo and soap on him as well.

"Yeah. But I wish I would have known then I would have taken one with you instead," he whispered and kissed her lips softly at first, then trailing his lips down her neck and taking in the moisture still running down her chest as he went.

Liz wrapped her arms around Max's neck, and ran her fingers through his hair in the back of it. It was a soft, sensitive spot that she knew that Max loved.

"Any more dizziness?" Max asked when he raised his head. He looked into her eyes for the truth.

Liz smiled and shook her head. "No. Not since yesterday. I had chocolate milk this morning for breakfast, and one for lunch and that seemed to help."

"Hmmmm. With Tabasco sauce of course," Max teased, with a twinkle in his eye.

Liz laughed and nodded.

"So, you feel okay? No other symptoms?" Max asked again, looking her face over for any signs of pain or fatigue.

"Not a one." Liz smiled up at him, getting that tingling feeling in her stomach at the way Max was starting to look at her.

"Good. Then you won't need this," Max murmured as his mouth captured hers, and his hands loosened the towel from around her, and he let it drop to the floor.

Liz sighed and Max moaned as he brought her up against him and ran his hands gently down her bare back. When he reached her bottom, he lifted her up and Liz wrapped her legs around Max's waist. She liked the feel of the rough denim against her softer parts, and sighed into his hot, devouring mouth.

Max then walked her to her bed, without breaking the kiss. When he felt the bed with his knees, he released Liz's mouth, lifted his head and gently placed her down on it. He stood up and just looked down at her. His eyes burning a path down her bare body, giving her goose bumps and making her squirm with wanting.

Max knew what she was feeling, and he grinned at her reactions to just his look. Then he turned off the light, and left the bathroom light on for affect, and then he slowly leaned down and took her mouth again.

Liz moaned and threw her hands around him, trying to pull Max down on the bed with her. But Max resisted and stood up again.

Liz looked up at him with a pout, and Max laughed low in his throat. "You didn't finish your lotion ritual," he said.

Liz looked at him like he was crazy. "Who cares! Come here!" she whispered, reaching for him again. "Max? Where are you going?" Liz asked in frustration.

Max went into the bathroom and came back out with the lotion. Liz's eyes widened and Max just grinned more. He opened the bottle and loved the aroma of peach and something else that hit him. It was Liz.

"Turn over, love," Max whispered and he sat down on the bed next to her hips.

Liz complied without question, and cradled her head in her arms, and looked up at Max's beautiful, intense face as he started to put lotion on her back.

His hands were so soft and gentle, and his eyes were fierce with passion and love. The contrast made Liz's stomach do flips. What had she done to deserve him? she asked herself for the thousandth time.

Max met her look, kissed her neck once, and whispered in her ear. "I ask myself the same question about you all the time."

Liz lifted her head in surprise. She had NOT said that out loud.

Max laughed and continued to lotion her back and then only skimmed her bottom, before he moved on down to her thighs, calves and feet. Liz was squirming and sighing, and finally she couldn't take it any more.

Max seemed to know this, and he flipped her over, and brought his mouth back down on hers.

Part 6

Liz was just melting. Her whole body throbbing and aching for Max's touch. She opened her mouth wider under the onslaught of his hot probing kiss. He could always send her flying with just a kiss.

Liz sucked his tongue into her mouth and caressed it with hers. She knew Max loved that. Then she nibbled on his bottom lip and then sucked that gently into her mouth as well. As Max started to lower himself onto her, Liz lifted her head and started to sit up.

Max sat back quickly. "You okay? You dizzy?" he asked with a frown.

Liz smiled with overwhelming love for this man who cared so much for her and their baby. "I'm dizzy, but that's your fault. But I want you without clothes, now!" she answered as she slid her hands up under his loose navy blue button down cotton shirt, and letting her fingers trail up his rigged stomach, slightly grazed his already hard nipples with her nails, and then finally pulled the shirt up over his head with his help.

They both reached for his jeans button at the same time, and they shared a laugh as their fingers tangled.

"Hurry," Liz whispered.

Max wrapped Liz tight around him and soothed her hair down though his fingers in total contentment. He didn't even need to sleep. Liz seemed to replenish his energy instead of drain it. He kissed her sweet moist lips that were swollen from their earlier passion, and licked them gently as if to make up for the rougher passion of before.

Liz hugged Max closer and inhaled his scent as her face was buried in his neck. Her hand gently ran up and down his ribcage in a gentle caress. They couldn't stop touching each other. Even when the passion was gone, they needed to touch.

"You feel okay?" Max finally asked, raising his own moist swollen mouth from hers.

"Hmmmm...you tell me?" she teased.

Max laughed and pulled her down more on top of him. "My Liz, always," he whispered as she dozed.

"I love you, Max. My Max, always," Liz murmured back to him as she fell asleep.

Maria and Liz were standing at Liz's locker the next morning when Maria suddenly sighed and looked at Liz intently. "Liz? I think I need a girl's night tonight," she said.

Liz looked at her friend, saw the confusion and tension in her, and nodded. "I'll supply the ice cream. You bring the hot fudge." Liz smiled. She could tell Maria needed to talk.

"Thanks." Maria smiled.

"Ahhh, girl's night again? I'll bring the whip cream and Tabasco Sauce, of course," Isabel said, coming up to join them with a smile on her face.

Liz and Maria laughed. "Most definitely the whip cream!" Maria exclaimed.

Isabel laughed. "Well, we'll have to make sure Michael knows how much you like that," she teased.
Michael came up behind Maria and slid his hands around her waist and hugged her to him. "Tell me how much she likes what?" he asked, nibbling on Maria's neck.

"Nothing!" Maria said before Isabel or Liz could answer.

Both laughed but kept quiet.

"Ah, all my ladies smiling and laughing together. What a way to start the day." Alex smiled as he joined them, and gently taking Isabel's chin in his hand, he leaned down and gave her a sweet quick kiss.

Isabel was surprised at Alex's open affection in public, but she loved it. He was one of the few men she actually had to look up at. She pulled him back to her and looked at him. He got the hint, and smiling, he brought his mouth down on hers again, this time for a deeper kiss.

Maria and Liz cleared their throats, Michael laughed.

Alex and Isabel came up for air and blushed. "Don't you have to be in class or something, Michael?" Isabel said with fake irritation.

"Not until I get mine," he said softly and turning Maria around, he pulled her closer and slid his own tongue into her mouth, and caressed the deepest recesses of hers, devouring Maria to get his fill for the next few hours without her again.

"Can't you two take that to the eraser room?" Another voice said from behind Alex and Isabel.

Max grinned when Michael and Maria came up for air and gave him a look. "You're one to talk, Max," Maria quipped with a laughed.

Max just smiled and shrugged, then handed Liz a thermos.

"What's this?" she asked, taking it from him.

"It's hot chocolate and Tabasco sauce. It seems to keep you from getting dizzy. You should always have what you're craving. I read that," Max explained.

Liz's eyes warmed and she kissed his lips quickly. "Thanks," she whispered against his lips and then pulled away before Max could deepen the kiss. "Oh, no you don't. I have to go to my first class," Liz explained with a raised eyebrow.

"Guess that means you won't be taking it to the eraser room buddy," Michael teased.

Max laughed.

"Yeah, well neither will you, space boy! I am late!" Maria exclaimed and started down the hall. "Liz, Is, my place 6 p.m.!" she called as they all separated to go to class.

Part 7

Cassie came into the Crashdown after school and looked around for Liz. She was to meet her here to continue working on their project. Her eyes roamed the place and then homed in on Kyle Valenti. He was with a few of his football buddies, and his laugh made her catch her breath. He is
so gorgeous! she thought.

"Hey Cassie, do you want to sit down here or go to my room to work?" Liz said interrupting Cassie's staring.

The girl flung her head around, blushed and stammered. "Here's. Here's fine Liz." She swallowed. She hoped Liz hadn't caught her staring at Kyle like that. How embarrassing! It was bad enough to have a crush on the school football captain, and especially for someone like her. What were her
odds of getting Kyle Valenti to notice her? None, she thought. She didn't even try.

"Okay, I'll go get us some drinks first, what would you like?" Liz asked. Liz tried not to smile too brightly at having caught Cassie dreamily looking at Kyle. She didn't want to embarrass the girl more, but she was thinking of ways to get them to talk to each other.

Liz got their drinks and came back to one of the booths that Cassie had sat at. It couldn't have been farther from Kyle and his group unless it had been outside the cafe. Liz was amused at how hard Cassie worked at not being noticed by Kyle or many people.

They had been working for about an hour on their project when Kyle and his friend got up to leave.
Kyle had said hello to Liz earlier, so he was about to just pass by the table she was at, when his eyes connected with the girl sitting across from Liz.

The intense green eyes that he caught for a second before the girl bowed her head back down stopped him in his tracks.

Liz saw Kyle stop and head over to them. She was pleased. She was going to call him over if she had to.

"Hey Liz," Kyle said, but looked at the girl across from Liz who now had her head down.

"Hey." Liz smiled and looked over at Cassie to see what she thought of Kyle looking at her, then frowned when she saw Cassie looking everywhere but at Kyle.

"Ah Kyle, you remember Cassie, Cassie Owens don't you?" Liz introduced them.

"Cassie?" Kyle frowned in thought.

"Cassandra Owens. Remember she was the school treasurer last year and worked on the school yearbook with a bunch of us?"

Kyle's face took on a look of recognition at the reminder and he was surprised. Last year she had been a skinny little thing, shy like she was now, but really skinny and unnoticing in her manners and very unapproachable if he remembered correctly.

She still probably wouldn't have been unnoticeable if it hadn't been for that look he had caught from her. Her eyes... "Hey Cassie, how are you?" Kyle wanted her to look up so he could see into her eyes again.

Cassie couldn't ignore looking at him when he was talking to her and she finally raised her head and smiled softly at him.

Kyle felt a kick in his stomach when he met intense green eyes again, and had to take a deep breath. What the hell? he thought.

"Hey." Was all Cassie said, but this time she didn't look away. She couldn't. Kyle's own eyes were holding hers.

Liz was ecstatic to see the way the two were looking at each other. Maybe this was going to be easier than she thought.

"Ah, well I'd better go. See you later Liz, Cassie."

Liz noticed the way Kyle said Cassie's name softer and saw that Cassie had too, for she had a stunned look on her face after Kyle left.

"He's a great guy," Liz said.

"You...you dated him last summer, you...you guys are still friends. That's nice." Cassie actually smiled again.

"Kyle's a great guy. It's just that with Max and me, it was just chemistry or something; we just knew we were meant. You know, you can tell when you look someone in the eyes," Liz coaxed.

Cassie's eyes flew up to Liz's and then she blushed. She knew Liz had seen the way she had looked at Kyle. "I guess." She shrugged.

Liz just nodded and let it go. Today had been a great start, and she hadn't had to do anything yet! Yet being the key word.

Liz got to Maria's just at 6:30, and found Maria and Isabel already laughing and ordering a pizza. Liz stopped to put the ice cream she had brought, in the freezer.

"Liz! The pizza will be here in 15 minutes." Maria told her as Liz came into the living room. Maria was sprawled out on a two-seater couch, and Isabel was curled up in a chair.

Liz flopped down on the larger couch, kicked off her sneakers and sprawled out on her stomach facing them. "Okay, Maria, any special reason you needed a girls' night?" Liz teased with a smile.

"I asked her the same thing, and she avoided it," Isabel said with amusement.

Both of them were watching Maria. Maria finally rolled her eyes and rolled over onto her own stomach on the couch. "Okay, if you guys want to get right down to it." She sighed. "Well, it's Michael." Neither was surprised, so Maria went on. "I know we want to have a future together. I mean, he's said as much. But, I'm not sure, I mean, we haven't...done it yet. Michael hasn't brought it up, but I know he's concerned about what might happen with us. You know, about getting pregnant too."

"Well, didn't anyone ask Jordan about how to avoid that?" Liz looked at her two friends.

Isabel shook her head and looked uncomfortable. "I didn't think to. I mean, Alex and I aren't at that point yet. I figured you had asked, Liz, or you, Maria, and you would tell me when I needed to know."

Maria shook her head and sighed. "I thought maybe Jordan had told the three of you when he was explaining about your physical differences and stuff. Or that at least Jordan had sat Max down and told him what to do to prevent it from happening next time."

Liz laughed. "Well no one told me if Jordan told Max. I assumed that one of you two would know since it's already too late for me," she teased.

Maria rolled her eyes. "Oh boy, we're really prepared. Maybe Jordan told the guys?" she wondered.

"You haven't talked to Michael about this yet?" Isabel sounded surprised.

"Not really, you know how sometimes Michael can be really closed up about things. Well, he hasn't pushed that side of us since we came back from seeing Jordan, so I didn't know what that meant. And he's been a little quiet lately, so I didn't ask him yet. I was hoping to find out from you
guys. Thinking maybe Michael didn't want to talk about it right now. That's just it, I don't know what Michael is thinking."

"You two seem like your okay together," Liz replied.

"Yeah, I mean, we are, it's just that lately, he won't open up as much. And I haven't pushed him. I think he's got to work whatever it is out in his own time. But I tell you if he keeps this up much longer I will ask."

"Good!" Liz nodded and then got up to get the pizza when the doorbell rang.

When they all had their pizza and drinks, Liz turned to Isabel. "What about you and Alex?" she asked.

Isabel smiled and tucked a long blond strand of hair behind her ear as she bit into her slice of pizza. "Well, he's really a slow mover. I'm not complaining though, cause all the other guys I dated were too aggressive. It's been such a refreshing change with Alex, but even I'm getting to the point where I'd like to go a little faster!" Isabel rolled her eyes and smiled.

Liz and Maria laughed.

"Yeah, well that's Alex." Maria nodded.

"You're going to have to take the initiative, Isabel. Alex will wait until you give him the go," Liz added, reaching for a second piece of pizza and putting on the Tabasco sauce that Isabel had brought.

"I just wanted to make sure that I should do that, that he wouldn't mind," Isabel answered, then looked over at Liz. "And how are you and my brother doing? He doesn't sleep at home anymore," Isabel said with a teasing grin.

Liz grinned and nodded. "Yeah. Well, we're doing great. I mean, Max is just upset that we can't be together together yet. He feels he has to take care of me and the baby now, you know?"

Isabel smiled. "Yep, that's Max. I hope he knows that you guys can't be together yet. Our parents and yours would freak!"

Maria laughed. "Can you imagine. 'Oh mom, by the way, I know I'm just turning 17, but I wanted to let you know that I'm getting a place with Liz Parker, cause she's pregnant with my baby.'"

Liz laughed and threw a straw at Maria. "Brat! Like Michael doesn't spend a lot of time at your place at night?"

Maria just smiled. "Yeah, okay, so Michael stays the nights with me most of the time too. But can you imagine if my mom ever caught us? Or your mom, Liz...Can you imagine if she ever caught you and Max?"

Liz shook her head and reached for a third piece of pizza. "Don't even think it, Maria! I don't know what would happen if my mom and dad forbid me to see Max."

Isabel and Maria exchanged amused glances at Liz's appetite. "Well I know Max wouldn't go for it." Isabel grinned. "Mom and dad would have to tie him to his bed to keep him away from you."

"So what should we do about the protection issue?" Maria sighed as she finished her second piece of pizza and groaned in fullness.

Isabel frowned in thought. "Well, I guess we could plan a trip this weekend to visit Jordan. There's a lot more questions we all have now anyways. And I know Max wants to ask about your symptoms, Liz."

"So we'll plan it for this weekend." Liz nodded.

"Yeah, I think we better." Isabel grinned as Liz reached for her fourth piece of pizza.

They all looked at Liz's slice of pizza and laughed. "Oh hey guys, I also want to have a get together one night this week and invite my lab partner Cassie Owens over."

"Is she new here?" Isabel asked.

"No isn't she the one who is class treasurer for the second year?" Maria asked.

"Yeah, that's her. She's really sweet, and I think she is crazy about Kyle, and today he seemed interested too, but you know guys. And Cassie is so shy!"

"Yeah, she's really unnoticeable isn't she? I mean she kinda just blends in with everyone. It's like she's plain on purpose," Maria added.

"Well girls," Isabel grinned and looked from one to the other. "I think it sounds like we need a 'make-over' night!"

Part 8

Tina Monroe pushed by Cassie in the hallway and knocked the books out of Cassie's hands. "God you are such a klutz!" Tina rolled her eyes and continued down the hall. Tina was one of the popular girls. She was a cheerleader and had dated a few of the football players, but Cassie knew she hadn't dated Kyle.

Yet.

She didn't know what Tina had against her, but she could feel the hate coming from the girl. She shrugged and sighing, she bent to pick up her books.

"Here, let me help," a voice said close to her ear, and then she turned to see Kyle bending next to her and gathering her books.

When he looked at her their eyes locked again and they just froze. Neither one could turn away. Finally, Cassie looked down and swallowed. "Ahhh...thanks," she mumbled and stood up.

Kyle stood up and handed her her books, trying to catch her eye again, but Cassie was looking down at her books, shifting them around, trying not to meet his eyes. Kyle frowned. He didn't understand this girl.

Most girls couldn't wait to at least talk to the captain of the football team. He knew most of them just wanted to be seen with him cause he was popular, and he hated that. The reason why he had dated Liz was because she hadn't been like that. And now it seemed Cassie was definitely not impressed with whom he was status wise. Maybe that was why he found himself drawn to her. Because she didn't fall all over him like the other girls who were fake and just wanted to be known as the Quarterback's girl, to get in with the popular crowd.

"Cassie, I was wondering if you wanted to maybe take in a movie tonight or something?" Kyle asked. He was not one to play games. He wanted to get to know her, and he figured he needed to know if she was interested.

Cassie's head came up and her eyes were wide with surprise. She didn't know what to say. She wondered if she had heard him wrong.

Kyle couldn't look away from her huge, green eyes. He noticed the few sprinkles of freckles on her nose, and wondered suddenly where else she had those little freckles. Then he shook himself and froze. Where the hell had that come from?!

He had never really had a thing for redheads before. Hadn't thought much either way. But now he felt drawn to her dark red hair, creamy soft complexion, the few freckles that sprinkled around her nose, and he was definitely drawn toher green eyes.

You are losing it, Kyle, he said to himself.

Cassie wanted to say no. She shouldn't. But she couldn't say no. "Yes," she blurted out.

"Yes?" Kyle repeated sounding surprised. From the look on her face he had been afraid she was going to turn him down.

"Umm. Sure," Cassie said and licked her lips.

Kyle's eyes homed in on her cherry red lips and he swallowed. Down boy! he thought. Then he cleared his throat and heard the bell ring. "Ah, can I pick you up at 7?" he asked.

Cassie smiled shyly and nodded. "I'd like that."

Kyle nodded and grinned. He found himself still grinning when he entered his first hour class.

Tina Monroe rushed into her 1st hour class and looked around. When she saw that Max Evans was sitting in the back and that there was an empty desk next to him she smiled. This was the only class she had with the mysterious, sexy Max Evans, that none of his closest friends or sister was in.

The guy was a total puzzle. He was quiet, reserved, kept his feelings so deep inside, and he was gorgeous and what a bod! The more aloof and hard to figure out he was, the more excited it got her.

This was the only class she had him all to herself in, and she was determined to get what she wanted. No one had ever turned Tina down anyways. Tina knew she was gorgeous. She had long dark hair, thick and curly, and she had a knock-out build, and she was tall and knew the guys fawned all over her when she passed by.

But this guy barely knew she was alive, or so he acted, and she was challenged and drawn to that. She had become more and more aware of him the last couple of months, and when he had been accused of murder and then ran, she had found him even more exciting. Under the tall dark quiet guy was a rough side she'd bet. And she wanted to be the one to tap that part of him.

"Hi, do you have an extra pen? I can't seem to find mine," she said softly, leaning toward her next conquest.

Max turned at the voice and then nodded. "Sure." He got out another pen and handed it to her.

When Tina reached for it, she slowly caressed his big strong hand as she slid the pen away.

Max looked at her in surprise, and when she smiled shyly, he frowned and turned back toward the front of the class.

Ooooooh, she loved a man who played hard to get. And she knew she could get him if she kept after him. A tall dark dangerous guy like Max Evans was just what she wanted, and she knew that she was exactly what he needed. She certainly didn't worry about the little brainy, mousy Liz Parker with whom he was seeing. As a matter of fact, up until less than a year ago, Max Evans had never been seen with a girl. Liz was probably desperate after Kyle was smart enough to dump her, and she grabbed onto the first guy who looked at her.

She didn't think Liz Parker was Max Evans type. She figured it was his first girlfriend, so he too was settling for now as well.

She had on a very low cut dress, and knew her full figure was nearly overflowing from it. She had noticed more than one guy almost falling over his tongue today when they saw her. And she was now going to give Max Evans a close up of her charm.

She looked over and then slid her paper onto the floor between their desks. When she saw Max instinctively reach for it, she bent down too, and met his look half way. She made sure her position was one where he had a perfect view of what was barely contained in her neckline, and waited.

Max couldn't help but notice her overflowing flesh so close to his face, and was actually afraid that she was going to fall out of her dress any second. He quickly handed her her paper and turned back toward the front of the class. What was up with Tina Monroe? He wondered. Why was she trying to flirt with him? He couldn't imagine. He had never given her a second look, so he wondered what she was up to.

He forgot about her quickly. He was busy thinking of the thermos he still needed to get to Liz. He had missed her this morning because he had been late. Isabel had decided to ride with him this morning, instead of Alex since Alex had to go in early and Isabel didn't do early. And being Isabel,
she had been running late, which had made Max late as well.

When the bell rang, Max headed for Liz's next class to get the thermos to her. He didn't notice the ugly frown and anger that was in Tina Monroe's eyes as she watched him rush off.

Liz could feel the beginning of the head spins as she headed for her second hour. If she could just get seated, she could close her eyes and let it pass. She could see everything starting to get black, and she paused, leaned against a locker right outside the classroom, and took a deep breath.
Then she closed her eyes to wait for it to pass. It was her own fault.

She had forgotten to drink her own chocolate milk this morning before she'd left home. Usually she drank that and then the one Max gave her, and she was fine, but today she had been in a hurry, and then Max had been late. So she hadn't gotten either dose. She promised herself that if she could just make it to her class without passing out; she'd never again forget to drink her milk before she came to school.

"I've got you, babe," she heard Max's husky voice and his arms come around her at the same time.

"I'm okay, Max," Liz tried to say, but Max hushed her and led her down the hall.

Liz kept her eyes closed, knowing she would pass out if she opened them. She let Max lead her where ever. When she heard the door close, and lock, and then felt Max lift her up and sit her down on a box, she leaned back against the wall and swallowed.

"Here, Liz. Drink," Max whispered as he held the thermos up to her lips and she obeyed.

After drinking half the thermos, Liz felt better, and finally opened her eyes. She smiled lovingly down into the face of her dreams. "Thanks," she whispered back, and gently caressed his strong jaw and cheek.

Max watched the color come back into Liz's face, and sighed in relief. He thought he was going to pass out when he'd come upon her looking pale and ready to faint, leaning against that locker. From now on he was going to pick Liz up everyday and bring her to school himself, making sure she had enough of the chocolate and Tabasco that she needed so this couldn't happen again.

"Don't blame yourself, Max. I was stupid enough to forget to drink my usual cup before leaving for school this morning."

"You scared the hell out of me," Max admitted on a sigh, and pulled her closer to him, putting his lips against her hair as she leaned her head against his neck with a sigh of her own. "Liz Parker, have I told you lately how much I love you?" Max swallowed huskily and looked down into her now upturned face. God she was beautiful, was all he could think.

"Max, you tell me with every look and touch. But I love to hear it as well." She smiled and let her eyes speak of her love as well.

Suddenly their eyes heated with more than love and she groaned and pushed her lower body into his. Liz, who was already seated on the box and their lower bodies perfectly matched, wrapped her legs around Max to bring them even closer.

Max caught his breath, and then moaned right before he took her mouth with his in a deep, velvet kiss.

Liz rubbed her lower body against Max's arousal, and tried to ease both of their need. Then realized that this only fueled it more.

Max swore, and tearing his lips from hers, he met her eyes and knew she needed their joining, too.
Liz was shaking with need, and Max waited no longer. He adjusted them and then he joined her body with his. They both sighed at the immediate full connection. Then their eyes met.

"Hi." Max smiled at her.

Part 9

Liz laughed realizing they hadn't even greeted each other yet today. "Good morning, Max," Liz whispered against Max's hot, wet lips.

Max brushed his lips against hers in return and then teased her mouth open and slid his tongue into her waiting sweet heat. He loved the flavor of Liz, chocolate and Tabasco sauce.

Liz pulled him closer and ran her hands up under his shirt so she could touch his smooth, muscular back. She loved touching Max. Everywhere and all the time. She couldn't get enough of him. Liz loved the fullness when Max was a part of her. She didn't know when she ended and he began she just felt complete. She just held on as Max loved her.

When Max loving Liz, and collapsed against her, burying his head in her neck, Liz soothed his wet hair away from his face, kissed his forehead and whispered her love.

When Max was finally able to breathe normally again, and looked up at her with an amazed smile, Liz laughed lightly. "Well, if I wasn't already carrying your baby, I would be after that," she teased and laughed harder when Max actually turned red. Liz wrapped her arms around Max harder and hugged him closer. God how she loved him!

"I don't know why this keeps getting locked! When people are done, they should unlock it!" they heard the janitor say, as the key rattled in the lock.

Max quickly pushed Liz's skirt down, and turned with his back to the door as he quickly adjusted his own clothing.

The door opened as Max was zipping up, and he heard Liz gasp. Max turned back around and saw that it was the janitor and the principal, and swore softly.

Liz and Max sat in the outer office of the principal's office as the principal talked to their parents in his office. Liz shifted on the seat, then froze and couldn't help but giggle.

Max looked at her like she was crazy to find anything funny right now, but Liz whispered in his ear, and Max turned red and then couldn't help but chuckle, too. He put his hand in his pocket and sure enough, her panties were still there.

Liz was blushing, and laughing, and tried to stop both as the door to the principal's office opened and Liz's dad, Max's mom and the principal came into the outer room.

"Liz, honey, is this true?" her dad looked surprised and a little shocked. Not his baby girl!

Liz looked from her dad to Max's mom and saw a little bit of a warming in Max's mom's eyes. Diane and Liz had gotten closer while Max had been on the run, and Diane seemed to have accepted a while ago that Max loved this girl and that this was something special between them. For Max had never given her any reason to have to come to school for any reason before, especially for this! She knew that Max was drawn to Liz and that she was drawn to him as well. She sighed, knowing she was still going to have to talk to Max about being careful.

"Dad, is what true? That we were kissing? A lot of people use the eraser room to sneak a kiss, I'm not a little girl anymore," Liz said quietly.

"A Kiss?" the principal asked with a raised eyebrow.

Both parents looked from the Principal to their teens.

Max and Liz tried not to blush under the intense scrutiny, but both of them were red-faced at being caught by the principal.

And Max was equally embarrassed knowing it was Liz's dad he was confronting. He tried to put himself in Mr. Parker's place and it wasn't too difficult, knowing he would have a baby of his own soon, and how he would feel. But Max loved Liz. He wanted to marry her now, but knew they couldn't. And he wanted to be honest and tell the world that she was his, and that she was already carrying his child, but he couldn't do that either. His jaw tightened as he held back all he wanted to declare.

"Liz, honey, I know you and Max are...taken with each other, but to be so irresponsible..." Liz's dad was at a loss for words. He didn't know how to handle this. He had never had any trouble with his daughter before. She was always such a good, sweet girl. She was so bright and driven to
accomplish so much.

Then he met Max's eyes and saw that teen's eyes didn't waver, instead, they met his honestly and straightforwardly. But he could tell that Max was upset about the whole situation. He really liked Max, but was still reeling from finding out that his daughter had been caught making out heavily,
according to the principal, when they'd been found.

"Well, I assure you, Mr. Von, this will not happen again. Right Liz?" Her dad stressed meeting her eyes pointedly. He would talk to her later. Then he looked again at Max to get him to agree as well. And saw the boy nod as well.

Liz nodded. She just wanted to agree to anything to get them away from this scene.

"Max?" Diane Evans directed towards him. She would need to talk to him later as well. She loved Liz and was thrilled that she had made such a difference in her son's life. Max was so much happier and open and carefree. She knew that Liz was good for Max, but didn't want to let them think she approved of what they had been doing.

Max nodded as well. "Yeah," he said taking a deep breath and sliding his hands in his pockets, only to freeze again, and then, bite his lip to keep from grinning when he came in contact with Liz's panties again.

"I knew you two would get in trouble one of these times!" Isabel rolled her eyes and grinned at Max and Liz.

They were all seated around the picnic table at lunch. Liz was sitting on Max's lap, despite what had happened earlier. Isabel and Alex were across from them, and Maria was leaning back against Michael as he faced her on the bench.

Maria laughed but then sobered. "Honestly, what are you going to do if your parents tell you two you can't see each other?"

Max frowned, but Liz shook her head. "It won't happen," she said positively.

"Oh? I've seen your mom when she's upset Liz," Maria reminded her.

"We'll be more careful." Liz just said.

"Oh, you mean Max won't crawl into your window every night to sleep with you anymore?" Michael teased.

Alex snorted a laugh and Max and Liz tossed first Michael, and then Alex a frown. Their friends were really having fun at their expense, Max thought. But he knew that nothing would keep him from Liz. Even though he couldn't announce it to the world, Liz was his.

She turned and met his eyes, hers understanding. He knew she had read his mind just then and that she too wouldn't let anything come between them.

"What about your symptoms Liz? Have your parents said anything? Been suspicious at all?" Isabel asked.

Liz shook her head. "I've been pretty much able to keep it from them. They don't know anything."

"That you know of. I mean we don't know what symptoms you might have next. Even Jordan didn't know what to expect, as all pregnancies are different," Michael added.

"Well you better not touch someone who's bleeding," Isabel said, tongue in cheek, and then winked.

"Or go without your chocolate Milk," Alex winked.

"Or let them see your increased appetite," Maria teased with a laugh.

Liz smiled slowly and looked down as she played with Max's fingers. "Well, it's a good thing we're going to go see Jordan this weekend," Max said, hugging Liz tighter to him.

They all agreed there. The trio needed to know more about who and what they were. There was still so much they didn't know.

Tina Owens' eyes glittered with rage as she watched that Parker girl throw herself all over Max. Boy was she desperate or what? she thought.

"I thought you said as soon as you wanted him he'd be yours? He looks pretty taken by Liz Parker if you ask me," another cheerleader said, from next to Tina at their lunch table.

Tina turned red with anger. She looked around at the faces of her friends and knew she couldn't lose face. "Oh he'll be mine alright. After all, what has that little brainy mouse got compared to what I have." Tina smiled confidently. "I just haven't had a chance to persuade him yet."

She knew how to get what she wanted, and she would do anything to accomplish it. And right now, her eye was on one tall, handsome, mysteriously sexy Max Evans. And nothing was going to stop her.

Part 10

"Hey Tina!" another cheerleader caught up with her in the halls later on Wednesday. "Did you hear what happened earlier in the eraser room?"

Tina paused. She was usually up to date on all the gossip, but she had missed this one. Her friend was dying to share the juicy gossip, so she smiled and shook her head.

"Max Evans and Liz Parker were caught by the principal making out in the eraser room!" Barbie exclaimed with excitement.

Tina narrowed her eyes. Barbie knew she was planning on Max Evans being her next conquest. "So. Everyone has gotten caught at one time or another." She shrugged.

"Uh huh, but Max was caught practically with his pants down!" The girl couldn't wait to share all the details.

Tina's face turned red, but then she calmed down. "Well, that just shows you how desperate little Miss Parker must be. She never let Kyle take her there. Wow, she must feel she needs to go to desperate measures to keep him." Tina smirked, quite content now. "She's probably feeling his disinterest already. And what guy, especially an all man like Max Evans, wouldn't take a girl up
on it if she threw herself at him?" she finished.

Barbie rolled her eyes at Tina's blatant denial of the fact that Max Evans and Liz Parker were a hot item. She couldn't wait to see Tina rejected for a change.

"As a matter of fact," Tina continued, thinking. "I have an excellent idea on how to break those two up for good. Doesn't look like it would take much though. Want to help me with this plan?" she asked her friend slyly.

Barbie's eyes widened with pleasure. She loved being in on a good plan and if it worked, then when Tina was done with Max, she could have him. "What have you got in mind?"

Liz walked down the hall to her last class. She was not looking forward to the end of the day. First she and Max had detention with the principal, and then they would have to go home and face their parents. Liz sighed. She didn't know what to tell her parents. She couldn't tell them the truth, and yet, she couldn't completely lie. But if it meant being able to continue to see Max, she would tell them whatever they needed to hear. She just wasn't happy about it.

As she passed by the cafeteria the smell of fried fish came wafting out. Liz suddenly turned pale and looking around, she saw the nearest bathroom and ran for it.

When she came back out with a wet paper towel now on her forehead, she bumped into someone leaning against the wall right outside the bathroom. Strong arms steadied her and she looked up. "Hey, Michael." Liz smiled.

Michael looked down at her intently. "You okay?" he asked.

Liz sighed. She was not going to be able to take it if she was asked that again. "Yes. I'm fine," she said as calmly as she could.

Michael nodded and realized Liz didn't want to be constantly asked that. "Okay. I just want you to know, that if you ever need anything, you know, and Max isn't around, I'm here, okay?"

Liz knew they had all gotten closer, but it still surprised her. For Michael to actually come out and say something that nice. "Okay." She smiled and nodded.

"Good," Michael said and pushed his hands into his pockets. "Morning sickness?" he couldn't help but ask.

Liz laughed. She couldn't stop them from completely asking after her. "Yeah. I guess. I mean, I just passed the cafeteria and that was it."

Michael shuddered in exaggeration. "Well, that would make anyone sick," he teased and winked at her as he headed to his own class.

Maria looked at the clock at work and wondered how much longer Liz was going to be stuck upstairs talking with her parents. It was after six and Maria was just glad that the dinner hour wasn't too bad tonight. She brought another order over to a booth and then saw Kyle and Cassie come in and sit at a table so they could sit near each other. Maria thought they looked cute
together.

"Hey guys, what can I get you?" Maria smiled as she came over to them with her pad out.

"Hey, Maria. We'll have one ice cream sundae and I'll have a chocolate malt and some fries." Kyle grinned at Cassie when she nodded.

"You got it, coming right up," she said and headed away.

Maria hustled around for the few minutes, wondering what was happening with Liz and her parents.

But when she turned around with the order for Kyle and Cassie she sucked in her breath and froze. Her mom and Jim Valenti were just coming through the door laughing.

"So you agree that you should just take your time with your relationship with Max?" Liz's mom asked her.

Liz was seated on the couch with her hands under her, looking trapped. She couldn't tell them that it was too late to take their time.

"We don't want to forbid you to see Max. We know that would just make it worse, but just know that you are young and you and Max have plenty of time to grow up. So take things slower. You know all the problems with sex these days don't you?" her father asked.

Liz rolled her eyes and swallowed. "Yes, please--" she started to change the subject.

"Liz, honey, it's not just teen pregnancy alone that's the issue these days. There are so many diseases out there. Everyone has to be so much more careful now, which isn't a bad thing." Her mother smiled a little to lighten the tension in the room.

This wasn't easy for her or her husband either Mrs. Parker thought. They had never had to have this talk before. Liz had never given them any reason to worry about her this way in the past, so this was difficult for all of them. They realized that they were actually luckier than most not to have had to face this until now, but it still wasn't easy .

"And we don't want to worry about your getting pregnant either," her father added, so that his daughter wouldn't think that that wasn't why they were talking to her.

Liz turned red and just wanted to bolt. Oh God! she thought. I hate this. I hate having to lie. But I can't NOT lie. There is too much at stake. She couldn't tell them she was already pregnant, because she wouldn't have the baby for another year and ½. So she had to keep quiet.

"Sex is such a big step. It changes your whole life. It's a lot of responsibility, and you don't want to have people believing that you are too loose. It's a small town Liz, and we just don't want to see you end up pregnant and without a father for the baby like the Tores girl did last year. Remember hon? She couldn't graduate high school with her class and the father of the baby left town," her mother reminded her.

Liz, still red in the face, looked up at them at that. "Max would never leave me." She could finally speak the truth.

"We're not saying he would Liz. Just that it's...there's a lot to consider before you take that big step. Everyone thinks their fist love will be their only love, but you have time. Don't rush into the intimate side too fast," her father added. Both he and his wife were trying not to pace in front of Liz, but it was hard to sit still and talk about this.

Liz sat frozen like a statue. What could she say! She figured if she said nothing that she wouldn't be lying exactly.

"Liz? I know this is not easy to talk about, but you do understand right? We only want what's best for you. We just want to make sure you don't rush into anything. So you will take this slower?" her mother asked realizing she hadn't gotten even that much out of her daughter.

Liz swallowed and nodded. "Yeah. No more eraser room incidences okay?"

Her parents looked at each other again and then her mother took a deep breath. "And you know that if you and Max are already sexually active, that you can still come to us. And if you are sexually active already, I can make an appointment with my doctor," her mother said uncomfortably.

Liz's eyes widened and she thought quickly. "I know, but you don't have to worry okay?" Liz said in desperation and pleading in her eyes. She just wanted to get out of there before she threw up. Her nerves were not making it easy on her stomach.

Her parents nodded and let her go.

Liz bolted down the stairs to help Maria with what was left of the dinner crowd.

Phillip and Diane Evans were having just as difficult a time dealing with this as the Parkers. Neither one of them had had to worry about this with Max. With Isabel she seemed well able to take care of herself and hadn't ever seemed to take any one guy too seriously or dated any guy more than a
few times, so they had had their normal be careful about sex and safe sex and that had been it. But with Max, they had almost worried that they would never have to talk to him. And now, they had gone from nothing to a very serious relationship between Max and Liz.

"Max, we know you're a good kid and that we've never had to worry about you, because you're so level headed and cautious in general, but a girl can make you forget those things," his father said.

Max tried not to smile at that, but his father saw it and chuckled. "Yeah, I'm sure you agree with me there. Women are a tough bunch to ignore," he teased and winked at Max as Diane playfully slapped her husband and sounded outraged.

"Honey what your father is saying is, we just want you to be careful and use the brains we know you have. Be cautious and don't let things get too serious too fast with your first girlfriend," Diane Evans tried to explain.

Max's jaw hardened. This much he could tell them. "Mom, dad, Liz isn't just my first girlfriend. She will be my only one. Ever," he said meeting both of them in the eyes seriously.

His parents exchanged looks and both sighed. "We had a feeling that that might be the case, Max. Since you haven't fallen for just anyone all these years. And Isabel said you've had a crush on Liz Parker since grade school, but still, honey you have time. If you and Liz are meant, you have the
rest of your lives," his mother tried to explain.

Max swallowed and nodded. God how could he tell them it was too late to wait for later? He sometimes wished he could go back and change things, go back and make sure he hadn't made love to Liz that night on the beach in Mexico for the first time, but he couldn't regret it. And he couldn't be sorry she was carrying his baby either. Although he wished that Liz didn't have to go through all she was going through at this age. But they had, and they knew they were going to be together forever, so they would make the best of what was. Their love was stronger than any problems.

"And Max, I know I've told you before how to protect yourself son, if you do have...a sexual relationship. But, if you do need anything, we would rather see you two being careful. There are a lot of other things to worry about these days than just getting a girl pregnant," Phillip Evans continued.

Max stiffened and just wanted to get this talk over with. He hated lying to his parents, but he had no choice. He had gotten used to keeping things from them, but he wanted to tell them about Liz. That she was his life and that it was too late to go back and slow down. He wanted to tell them and
everyone that she was pregnant with his child, and he wanted to take care of Liz. Full time. But he knew he couldn't, so he just sat and waited stiffly.

"I just want you guys to know...that what Liz and I have...it's special, and we are going to be together for the rest of our lives." Max could at least admit that much.

His parents accepted this and nodded. Max wasn't a normal teen who rushed into things, so they knew he was serious. "And we understand that. Liz is a beautiful, sweet girl, but you have time. Just take things slower okay?" his mother said softly.

Max swallowed again and just nodded. What else could he say? "Can I go now?" he asked.

"Just one more thing son," his father said with an uneasy look at his wife.

Part 11

"We know that if you and Liz have...become intimate, that you were probably each other's first, but you should still be tested...we do need to call a doctor. You've never needed to go to one before but--"

"No! It's okay. I'm fine, we're fine," Max said interrupting his father and turning first white and then red. God what was Liz going through? "You don't have to worry okay?" he managed.

His parents let out their breaths and smiled. Then they nodded. "Okay, good," his mother said and got up.

Max got up too. "Can I go to the Crashdown and meet the gang?" he asked, not sure if they were done with him.

"Yes, of course," his father said, not wanting Max to think he was grounded for being a teenager. They just wanted Max to be a responsible one.

Max nodded and grabbing his jean jacket, he too bolted out the door. He had to get to Liz. To find out what her parents had said. He knew it must have been hell for her even more than him.

Maria was pacing in the back when Liz came rushing down the stairs. "Is there a fire?" Maria teased but then stopped when she saw how pale her friend was. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It was just hell," Liz answered and rolled her eyes.

"I'll bet. They aren't going to forbid you to see Max are they?" Maria worried.

Liz shook her head. "No, thank God." Then she saw how nervous Maria was and frowned. "Nevermind me. Are YOU okay?"

Maria threw up a hand and continued pacing. "Guess who's out there having a dinner date!" she said with disgust.

Liz winced. "Your mom and the Sheriff?" she guessed.

"Ha!" was all Maria could say as she continued to pace.

"Look Maria, if you want to stay back here for awhile, I'll go wait on them. You've been covering for me so I can take over for awhile alone," Liz assured her friend.

"No. They are not going to make me hide in a back room. But I will let you wait on them." Maria smiled and they both headed back out front.

When Amy Deluca laughed, Kyle cringed. How much worse could it get than to be on a date at the same place your dad was on his date?

"Do you want to leave?" Cassie asked gently. She could see how uncomfortable Kyle was with his dad and his date so close.

"No. Of course not. It's a small town. We're bound to run into my dad again now that he's dating," Kyle assured Cassie.

"But we don't have to sit here and watch. We can go somewhere else."

"The movie starts in 20 minutes and it's right around the corner. It's okay. And I think I'm not the only one who's uncomfortable." Kyle nodded his head towards Maria and Liz as they came out from the back.

Liz went over to wait on Maria's mom and Sheriff Valenti and Maria made her way over to Kyle and Cassie. "You guys need anything else?" she asked with a tight smile.

"Nothing that would help. How about you?" Kyle inclined his head toward their parents and Maria laughed for the first time in an hour.

"No offense, Kyle, but I don't like this. It's just...I don't know." She sighed.

Kyle grinned. "No offense taken." He nodded and glanced back over at their parents, who were oblivious to their kids.

"I'm sure this can't be much fun for you Cassie." Maria felt bad for her.

Cassie just smiled in understanding. "No, but I know it's nothing compared to how you two are feeling. There's really nothing you can do about it. Is there anyway you two could just come to accept it? It would make it easier on you guys," Cassie suggested looking between the two.

Kyle sighed and nodded. "You're right. I guess it's something I'm going to have to learn to get used to." He seemed resigned to it but still not happy.

Maria still looked too worried, and Kyle didn't understand why. He had seen her fear and worry the other day, and hadn't understood it. But then he realized that Maria feared his father as the sheriff. And he remembered how his father still had something against Max Evans, and how that was what was probably bothering Maria. After all, if your mom was dating a cop, and that cop was suspicious about one of your best friends...now it made sense to Kyle.

And yet, it didn't make sense as to why his father had this suspicion about Max. At first he wanted to be happy that Max might not be a good guy. So that he could win Liz back. But now that he knew Max and saw Liz and him together, he knew Max was a good guy. And he knew he and Liz had never been meant.

He saw his father's eyes focus on the front door as it opened and he turned to see what had gotten his father's attention. Then his eyes narrowed and he looked at his father again. Max Evan had just walked in. What is it dad? What the hell aren't you tell me? Kyle wondered and wished he knew.

Max saw Liz heading toward the back and he nodded to Maria and followed Liz out back. "Liz?" Max said as he came through the back and saw Liz at the refrigerator.

Liz spun around and then sighed and leaped into Max's arms. Max caught her as she literally jumped into his arms, and he chuckled. Then put her down and grew serious. "How'd it go? They didn't tell you we couldn't see each other did they?"

Liz shook her head and smiled. "Not that it would matter, but no," she said, and lifted her head up to his for a kiss.

Max smiled down at her and gently kissed her sweet lips. He had been so afraid that her parents would forbid them to see each other, and then they would really have trouble.

"How about you? What did your parents say?" Liz asked, kissing Max where the open V of his shirt was near his neck.

Max sighed and closed his eyes, enjoying their closeness. "You don't want to know." He chuckled just glad it was over.

Liz smiled against his chest and then looked up. "At least they didn't want you to go to a doctor," Liz teased.

Max stared at her. "You too?" he swallowed.

Liz nodded, her eyes wide. "What are we going to do, Max? What if they make us go to the doctors? I mean, normally we should. I mean we are active and I'm--but we can't." Liz bit her lip.

Max swore hating that Liz couldn't be looked at by a doctor. They definitely needed to see Jordan and see if Jordan could recommend someone to check Liz out. And probably him as well. "We'll get Jordan to recommend someone, don't worry," he whispered against her hair.

"But we won't be able to go this weekend." Liz frowned.

"Why?"

"My parents didn't tell us we couldn't see each other, but I doubt they'll let me go overnight with you anywhere soon. And we'd never make it there and back in one day."

Max nodded knowing she was right. "We'll think of something. But either way, we will go the following weekend. Maybe by then they will have calmed down some about all this."

Liz hoped so. They had so many questions for Jordan. And Liz needed to know why she was having nightmares and foreboding feelings lately.

"Hey guys, so did you ask Cassie about tonight, Liz?" Isabel came up to Maria and Liz the next afternoon at the Crashdown while Maria and Liz were working.

"Yeah. Cassie seemed hesitant at first, like she couldn't imagine why we would want to invite her to hang out with us for a girls night, but she said okay."

"Hmmm," Isabel said. This Cassie sounded a lot like herself when it came to having never had a close girl friend before. Cassie was in for a treat.

Isabel thought and smiled, remembering how overwhelmed she had been the first time she had really starting becoming part of the Liz-Maria girls club. But she had secretly loved it as well. Now Isabel couldn't imagine not having girl friends to talk things over with. There was nothing like it. If
you found someone you could trust that was, Isabel thought.

"Does she know you want to do a make over on her?" Maria asked Liz.

"Well, I didn't tell her that it was her exactly, I just told her that we usually talk guys and listen to CD's and hang out and do girl things like try out new hair styles or make up an stuff. Which is all true," Liz answered.

"In other words, not exactly," Maria teased.

They all turned as the guys came in together, and three connections were made. The guys sat at their booth and the girls came over.

"You guys have a break coming up?" Michael asked Maria and pulled her into the seat with him.

"Agnes and Dale came in for their shift about 10 minutes ago so I guess we can take a little break. What do you think, Liz?" Maria teased.

Liz was already seated on Max's lap on the chair he had pulled up, and Isabel had made herself comfortable with Alex.

"What can I get you guys?" Liz asked as she looked around.

"Let Agnes get their orders, Liz." Maria frowned over at the lazy waitress that she didn't like.

"Yeah, and then they would never get their food, Maria," Liz laughed.

"True," Maria agreed with a dry smile.

When Maria and Liz came back out with the food, the six dug into the fries and drinks as if they hadn't eaten in days. "So Max, Alex, what do you guys have planned tonight since the girls are doing another girls night?" Michael asked across the table.

"I've gotta work late," Max answered with an apologetic look. Then laughed when Michael rolled his eyes at him. "Well, at least someone works, Michael," Max threw back at him.

Alex laughed when Michael frowned. "Well I'm not doing anything but homework which I don't really need to do. What do you have in mind, Michael?"

As the guys talked over the girls, and the girls talked around the guys, the table became noisy.

Liz was drinking her chocolate milk and reached for a fry. She suddenly wanted mustard on it. She tried to reach across the table to get it, but couldn't. She started to ask Michael for it, but he laughed and didn't hear her. Liz tried again to reach for it but when she couldn't she frowned
at it.

Suddenly Liz's eyes widened as the bottle started moving toward her on it's own.

It whizzed across the table and came at Liz and Max. Only Max's quick reflex and catch stopped it from hitting him in the chest. They all stopped and stared at Liz.

"Oh Shit!" Max exclaimed.

Part 12

They all just froze not knowing what to say after Max's comment. He put the bottle back on the table slowly, watching how pale Liz was as she just stared at the bottle, her eyes following it as he placed it back on the table.

Then her eyes filled with tears and she jumped off of Max's lap and ran into the back. Max bolted up and ran after her.

"What the hell?" Michael shook his head.

"Poor Liz." Isabel felt for her.

Maria wanted to go to her friend, but knew Max and her needed to talk first.

Alex looked pale himself. "Why did she cry?" he asked confused. "I mean, she knew she had some powers and she didn't cry when she healed you, Maria."

"No, she fainted," Maria stated dryly.

Max pushed open the door to the back of the cafe but Liz was nowhere to be found. Something told him she had not gone upstairs, since her parents were there. He crossed the room and slipped out the back door, his instincts leading him to her.

Max's own heart skipped a beat as he saw Liz sitting against the wall of the alley with her feet pulled close to her chest and her face bent in her arms sobbing. He had never seen Liz cry like this before and he hated it. It tore at his heart.

He bent down in front of her and then he gently lifted her off the dirty alley floor and cradled her in his arms. He didn't know where to go, so he sat back down with Liz now curled up in his arms, sobbing.

Max was at a loss. He brushed the hair out of her face where it had stuck on her wet cheeks, and he kissed her head gently. "Please don't cry, Liz. Please. It's okay. We'll work this out. We'll
talk to Jordan and it'll be okay." Max tried to soothe her.

Liz heard the worry and hurt that Max shared with her and she stopped crying and took in a few deep shaky breaths. She concentrated on listening to Max's steady heartbeat under her to help calm her down.

Max quietly thanked God she had stopped crying. He had never seen her cry so hard before. It had not only tore at his gut, but it had scared him.

Liz rubbed her eyes to get rid of the remaining streams of tears and looked up at Max, bending her head back against his shoulder to meet his eyes.

Max looked down at her with worry in his.

Liz lifted a hand and gently caressed Max's tight jaw. "I'm sorry. I don't really know why I cried like that." She said softly. "Max, you don't need extra to worry about. I'm just adding to your normal worries." She sighed.

"Liz shhh--" Max started to tell her.

Liz put her hand gently over his warm mouth to stop him. He let her talk. "Max. I'm scared. I don't know what to do. I can't tell my parents, and they don't understand about us and they never will. I'm gonna have a baby and I'm afraid I'm too young to be able to take care of one! What if I mess the baby up? Look how I messed our lives up." Liz shared her fears.

Max knew she needed to get it all out so he kept silent for now. Just holding her and soothing her hair as she spoke.

"How can I be a good mother when I don't even know how to be one? How can I expect to raise a baby when I lie to people, to my parents? What kind of example does that set? And Max, will I be able to take care of the baby if it's got alien tendencies? How will I know when or if it gets sick, and how to take care of him or her? What if they get hurt and start bleeding? How do I take him or her to a doctor? I'm so scared I'll do something wrong! And you, we're still just kids ourselves in a lot of ways! You have been taking care of Isabel and Michael all of your life, never having had a normal carefree one, and now look what I've done. I've given you even more to worry about and stress about." Liz sobbed again but bit her lip to contain it. Then she just buried her head back into Max's neck.

"Liz." The one word was filled with raw emotion and pain. "Liz, I love you and I wouldn't give up anything that's happened. Maybe it's sooner that we planned, to have a family at 18, but it would have happened any ways. I'd never let you go. It's true what I said, that I could go through anything as long as we're together. And Liz, we are. We are together. Forever. You won't ever have to deal with all of this alone. I'll be here. We'll go to Jordan's when it's time for the baby. I know they must have doctors up there who know how to handle human/alien births and such. Jordan didn't seem overly concerned for your health. He must have answers. And please, Liz, don't cry for me. Not now. Before yeah, maybe, when all I had was the responsibility of Isabel and Michael and was so alone. No one knew, and I couldn't talk to anyone. I felt so lonely. And then I would see you laughing and joking with friends and I would wish I could be one of them. I would wonder if you would be my friend if you knew who I really was. That Max was lonely and
scared. But now...Liz, because of you, Michael and Isabel have changed for the better too, since we let you humans into our lives. And me, Liz, I'm not alone anymore. And not only am I now able to be around the girl of my dreams, but she knows who I am and amazingly enough, loves me!" Max's voice was hoarse with emotion as he let his own feelings pour out.

Liz sat quietly listening, and when Max stopped she lifted her head and cupping his jaw, she gently pulled him down to her parted lips for a soft kiss. Their lips just brushed, healing each other's words of pain.

"I do love you. And I do want to have your baby. I want that more than anything in the world. I wish we could tell the world about the baby, and live together now, and not have to pretend we are just casually dating."

"I know. I know. I want that too. God knows how much I want to take care of you. And be able to let the world know that you're mine. And that I have the right to be with you whenever, and that I have the right to take care of you." Max kissed her forehead, sharing her frustration.

Liz took another deep shaky breath and let it out. He was right. They would work it out, as long as they were together.

Max shifted Liz on his lap and reached into his pants pocket. He pulled out a little square box and Liz held her breath. "I was going to wait until we had a romantic night out. I've had this since we were at Jordan's. He gave it to me. It was my mother's. He was going to give it to Is, but she had agreed that I should have it, that you should have it," he said hoarsely, so much emotion in his voice.

Liz's hand shook at she reached for the box that Max held out and opened it. She sucked in at the rare gem.

"Jordan said there was a lot of that on our home planet." Max explained and took the ring out of the box with one hand and reached for Liz's hand with the other. "I never thought I would be able to ask anyone this question before. Although I knew if I ever did, it would be to you." He admitted and met her soft, loving eyes. "Liz Parker, will you marry me?" he whispered deeply.

Liz's eyes filled with tears again, but this time with overwhelming happiness. "Yes. Oh Yes Max." she whispered back and kept her eyes on Max's as he slid the ring on her finger.

Then they both looked down at the ring on her finger and the symbol it represented. Max took a deep breath, amazed to see his ring on her finger. He slowly lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. His eyes gleaming with love for her.

Liz gave a trembling smile and then bit her lip when he tucked her hand in his, against his heart.
"But Max. I can't wear this yet."

He could hear the pain in her voice again at the thought of so much that had to be kept hidden still. Max smiled and reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a chain and let it dangle from his fingers.

Liz's eyes widened and met his with joy.

"You can wear it next to your heart until I can put it on your finger for good," he told her. Then he realized how long they had been outside and he sighed and stood up putting Liz down gently and holding her at her waist. "Now you have work and a girls night tonight. And I need to get to work.
Promise me one thing okay?" He smiled and kissed her nose.

Liz nodded and grinned now.

"No more flying mustard okay?" he teased.

Liz laughed and wrapped her arms around him.

The solitary figure in the car beyond the alley dialed the car phone. "They're still together. We won't fail this time." The person promised into the phone and watched the two teens head back inside the Cafe.

Part 13

Max and Liz came out front holding hands, and the others turned with worried looks towards them.
Liz gave a bright smile, and looked a little sheepish. "Sorry guys. I don't know what came over me," Liz admitted.

Isabel and Maria gave her understanding looks and smiles, and Michael and Alex just looked relieved that she wasn't upset anymore.

"Well, I gotta get to work. Unlike the rest of you bums," Max teased and kissing Liz lightly on the lips and releasing her hand slowly, he turned to go.

"Well, if it isn't the stud of Roswell High?" A deep voice called out as Max passed a table of football players and cheerleaders. Whistles and cheers also followed.

Max stiffened, turned red but kept walking. Great Max, he swore to himself. Good job, you and Liz will never live this down, he thought to himself as he walked to the door.

"Hey Max, way to go buddy!" another football player called out.

Max continued to ignore them as he ducked out the door, his face bright red.

Michael and Alex chuckled as they watched their friend practically run out of the cafe. "They aren't going to let you guys live that down for a long time." Michael grinned.

Liz blushed, but smiled. She didn't care what anyone thought. And she did think Max looked so cute when he was embarrassed.

"Yeah well, I don't like hearing all the girls at school gush over what a stud my brother is, and for me to tell them the minute he breaks up with you, Liz," Isabel smirked and rolled her eyes.

"You're going to have to change your telephone number Is, or your parents are going to be taking calls from girls for the next 2 years." Alex laughed and Isabel hit him playfully on the arm.

"Well, you girls ready to head upstairs?" Maria asked.

"I guess it's just you and me tonight Alex." Michael sighed as he watched the girls head for the back, his eyes on Maria.

"Be still my heart," Alex quipped and Michael laughed.

"You sure you're okay babe?" Maria asked Liz as they got the CD's out and flopped down in Liz's room waiting for Cassie.

"Yeah. I just felt a little overwhelmed is all. You know, with all the responsibilities to come and stuff."

"Understandable." Isabel nodded. "But you know Max will be there with you Liz. You'll never be alone." She smiled in reassurance.

Liz nodded and then smiling, she slid the necklace out from under her sweater and held it out to them.

"Oh my GOD!" Maria cried when she saw the beautiful, unique diamond ring.

Isabel smiled brightly, glad Max had given it to her.

"Lizzie, it's beautiful." Maria's eyes filled with emotion.

Liz only nodded through her own tear filled eyes, and then Maria and Liz hugged.

When the doorbell pealed, Isabel laughed and wiped her own eyes. "Okay, enough girls, or we are going to scare Cassie away when she gets here," Isabel reminded them.

They all laughed and Liz put the necklace back under her sweater as Nancy Parker knocked once and came in with Cassie. "You girls have fun tonight. Let me know if you need anything." Nancy
Parker smiled as she left.

"Hey Cassie. Glad you could come over." Liz smiled.

"Thanks. I...I'm glad you invited me," Cassie said shyly.

Isabel knew how the girl felt and sent her a grin. "Welcome Cassie, to our ladies night. Where we talk boys, hair, make up, boys, food, boys, music oh, and did I mention boys?"

They all laughed.

"Well, since everyone in Roswell now knows about Liz and Max's relationship, we'll skip that one," Isabel teased flipping through a Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Liz laughed and threw a pillow at Isabel. "Brat!"

"So, Cassie how was your date last night with Kyle? Did it get better after you left the Crashdown?" Maria asked as she sat on the floor painting her toenails.

Cassie blushed to the roots of her red hair.

Isabel laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Apparently."

"Come on you guys, you're embarrassing her. She's obviously not used to your teasing. You don't have to tell us Cassie." Liz defended her.

Cassie was overwhelmed. She had never just talked about things with other people before. It had always been just her and her dad, and they certainly didn't talk. But for some reason, the thought of having someone to actually talk to, other girls her own age, who might be able to give her some
advice, was too exciting to pass up. Her instincts told her that these three could be trusted. After all, she had watched Liz and Maria's friendship over the years and had always envied how real it was.

"Well," Cassie began, pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them. "He was really sweet during the movie. And about half way through it, he finally managed to take my hand." Cassie smiled remembering.

Isabel and Maria exchanged surprised glances when they saw the way the smile and the light in Cassie's eyes changed her appearance.

Liz just smiled having already witnessed it before. "Cassie, that's great for Kyle. With me, he didn't even reach for my hand until the third date. He's shyer with girls that he lets on," Liz confided.

But when Cassie blushed again, Liz laughed. "Oh my God, Cassie! Did he kiss you?"

When Cassie nodded and buried her hands in her face, the three girls laughed and squeeled.

"Cassie! That is great! I'd say Kyle has finally taken the plunge!" Liz exclaimed happily for Cassie and Kyle.

"Ah, Liz...I mean, I'm sure he felt the same for you." Cassie tried to be diplomatic.

Liz waved a hand in the air to stop Cassie. "No way. Let me just tell you now, Kyle and I were good friends and we both knew it. The few kisses we shared were nothing earth shattering, and we didn't kiss until like the 3rd week we started going out. It was nothing, Cassie. Kyle and I are much better as friends," she assured the girl. She wanted to get that out in the open immediately, so Cassie wouldn't feel awkward opening up about her feelings for Kyle.

"Really? Not earth shattering?" Cassie smiled. She felt much more relieved after hearing how Liz and Kyle's relationship had been casual. She had been worried about how she would compare to Liz, when she was with Kyle, but now felt much better.

The utter surprise in Cassie's voice wasn't missed. "Obviously we are talking earth shattering for you though?" Maria inquired.

Cassie's emotions, which had always been suppressed, were dying to unload, especially since she had never felt anything like this before. When she had gone home last night, she had spent half the night trying to figure things out on her own.

"Well, have you guys ever felt like first you were falling, then you were flying, and then something just exploded in your head?" she asked intently, curiously.

Isabel raised an eyebrow. "We are only talking a kiss here right?" she asked.

Cassie blushed and nodded. Maybe she was too naive and people didn't feel that strongly over only a kiss? Cassie wondered. But Liz nodded and came to her defense again. "I know what you mean, Cassie. That's how it is for me and Max all the time." She smiled brightly.

Cassie was relieved to know that there wasn't something wrong with her, and she laughed. "Well then you must have touched the heavens in the Eraser Room yesterday," Cassie teased with a twinkle in her eyes.

This set Isabel and Maria off again into fits of laughed, and made Liz throw a magazine at the two girls but then she laughed along with them.

Suddenly the beginning of a song started playing and the girls all squealed. "Turn it up Maria!" Liz exclaimed.

The song "Affirmation" by Savage Garden started and all four of the girls got up and started dancing around the room.

"I believe the sun should never set upon and argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

When the chorus part came all four girls threw their heads back and sang along.

"I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love 'til you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye..."

When the song ended the four flopped back on the bed and laughed.

"You know what guys? I think its time for the ice cream ritual!" Isabel reminded them and they all trotted into the kitchen.

Part 14

When the girls were back in their room with their choices of ice cream and toppings, they sat around and took the new Cosmo quiz and then flipped through the new make up and hairstyle ideas.

"Mmmmm, Maria, that would be so totally cute on you," Liz said around a spoonful of ice cream as Maria turned the page.

The all checked out the short styled hair making comments. "Okay, what do you guys think of me crimping my hair?" Isabel asked pointing her ice cream spoon at a picture of a woman with long crimped hair.

"That'd be way cool for a night out, but it would take you like forever in the mornings!" Maria exclaimed shaking her head letting them all know that was not what she would want to do.

"What do you like Cassie?" Isabel asked her, looking from the page to Cassie's long straight red hair, and back to the page again.

Cassie looked surprise and shrugged. She dipped her spoon into her hot fudge, stuck it into her mouth and rolled it around thinking as she looked over the different longhaired styles.

"I think Cassie's hair straight the way it is is great," Maria said, looking Cassie's pretty strawberry hair over jealously. "I always wanted red hair and green eyes." Maria sighed as she lifted her spoon up above her mouth and let the hot fudge drip into her mouth.

Liz laughed. "Maria you are so totally cute as a blond. I always wanted to be a blond like you and Is." Liz sighed.

"I always wanted your deep brown hair Liz. So soft and silky and bouncy. Mine just hangs." Cassie sighed too.

Isabel narrowed her eyes as she looked Cassie's hair over and then put her ice cream dish down and stood up.

"Come on," she said and took Cassie's hand and led her to Liz's bathroom. The other two followed them in. "Liz, you have a pair of hair scissors?" Isabel asked looking around.

"Yeah, to the right," Liz said and came in and sat on the closed lid of the toilet. "What are you going to do?" she asked curiously.

Cassie too wanted to know what when she saw the scissors come near her long hair.

Isabel laughed. "Relax, Cassie. I think the only reason why your hair isn't as bouncy as Liz's is because you haven't had the ends cut in a long time. If I even out the bottom, it will grow thicker and getting rid of all the dead ends will make it healthier and more bouncy," Isabel explained.

Cassie relaxed and smiled at that thought.

"Okay, while you're doing that, Liz and I are going to look though the make-up for the right colors to match your skin and eyes," Maria said, looking through Liz's makeup.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Cassie, tomorrow night the six of us are going to go bowling and just hang out since it's a Friday night. Do you and Kyle want to go with us?" Liz asked picking up a lipstick color for Maria's inspection and put it back when Maria wrinkled her nose.

"Well, I know Kyle mentioned he wanted to do something Friday night, but he didn't say what. I think he said we would decide on Friday," Cassie said as she watched Isabel cut her hair in the mirror.

"Figures! Just like a guy." Maria snorted.

"Well, now you have plans," Liz told her. "Tell Kyle we'll all meet here at the Crashdown at 6pm tomorrow."

As the girls were leaving Nancy Parker came over to say good night. "Please be careful girls. Are you getting rides or walking home together?" she asked.

"My mom's picking me up," Isabel said as she reached for her sweater on the hook near the door.
"I'm right around the corner," Maria said even though they knew that.

Cassie just shrugged. "I walked here," she answered.

"I'll take both you and Maria home," Nancy Parker insisted.

Liz frowned. "Mom, what's the big deal?"

"You haven't heard? There's a man-hunt out for a convicted murderer who escaped the federal penitentiary in Florence, Arizona. Apparently he was recently spotted and chased by the state police not to far from here, but he alluded them again," Nancy Parker explained with worry.

"My mom will drop them off, Mrs. Parker. Maria's on our way home, and Cassie lives in our neighborhood don't you Cassie?"

Cassie nodded, surprised Isabel knew that.

"Okay, then it's all set, thanks for letting us raid your house, Mrs. Parker." Isabel smiled.

Mrs. Parker laughed and said good-bye to the three girls and walked away.

"See you guys tomorrow in school." Liz grinned and closed the door behind the three.

Liz felt really good about tonight. Cassie had fit in faster than she had thought. And with the bouncier hair and right eye make up and color, Liz couldn't wait to see what Kyle's reaction would be.

Liz sat in her first period class smiling dreamily as she played with the chain around her neck, that hid the diamond ring beneath her clothes.

When Max had picked her up this morning and made sure she drank the thermos he'd brought her, as they drove to school, Liz had been cranky. She had snapped at him telling him to stop treating her like a kid, and had even threatened to pour it over his head.

But Max had looked surprised only for a minute than had laughed and mumbled something about reading up hormones and pregnancy, and she had wanted to hit him even more.

But when they had pulled up in front of the school, Max had turned to her, slid a hand through her hair and then cupped the back of her neck and slid his warm open mouth over hers. By the time he had let her out of the jeep, she's been smiling and relaxed. Max had chuckled and thrown an arm around her as they had headed toward the building.

When Max had left her in front of her first class, he had gently caressed the gold chain and reminded her with his eyes what was on the end of it. "See you third period in biology," he had said softly, and then had kissed her gently and shifting his backpack, he had sauntered away leaving Liz still dreamy as the class wore on.

Max too was having trouble concentrating. He hadn't seen Liz last night. He had worked late, then when he'd gotten out he'd seen that Liz's light was already out, and he knew he would have to go home, and wait awhile before he could slip out again and go to her. He knew by that time it would be too late and Liz needed her sleep. So he had sighed longingly up at her building across the street from where he worked, and headed home instead.

So today he had been so happy to see her, even her unusually cranky mood hadn't bothered him. He smiled as he remembered her behavior. She had acted like a kid. A pouting one at that. Good thing he had read up on what to expect from pregnant women and that their hormones made them a little crazy.

Tina watched Max out of the side of her eyes with a smile of her own. She would wipe that smile off of his face and replace it with a bigger one after she was done with her little plan for him today.

When the bell rang for 1st period class to end Tina made sure she was right behind Max and that he didn't get too far ahead of her. She watched when he was just getting ready to pass the eraser room, and she tapped him on the shoulder.

Max stopped and turned around.

"Hi, Max. I forgot to give you your pen back the other day." Tina smiled flirtatiously.

"Oh, yeah, thanks," Max said distractedly and reached out a hand for it.

Tina saw Joey Palmero nod, from down the hall, that the eraser room was free, and Tina pushed Max into the room with one shove.

Max, caught off guard, could only stumble back into the room. He heard the door close, light switch on and then Tina push him up against the same box he had sat Liz on the other day. Then Tina was all over him. She threw herself tight up against him and started rubbing herself on him. Her hands were all over his chest and gripping and gliding around all his muscles, moaning and whispering her surprised pleasure at his excellent build.

Max, at first shocked, had just stood frozen. Then he tried to gently put his hands on Tina's arms and push her away. When she held tighter and nipped at his neck and chest, Max realized she had undone his shirt. He frowned now and not wanting to, but left no other choice, he firmly pulled Tina off of him and pushed her away.

Tina stumbled, not expecting his resistance, and just stared. Max's shirt was open and his sexy chest was revealed to her eyes in all its glory. Tina wanted to faint. Then she saw her teeth marks on his neck and chest and smiled evilly.

It was then that the door opened and Max and Tina turned to see Tina's friend and Liz standing in the doorway.

Part 15

Max swore silently. Normally he would feel he could explain this to Liz, but since her hormones were making her over emotional, he cringed.

Tina's friend's eyes roamed over Max's exposed chest with admiration and appreciation. "Oh, I'm sorry did we interrupt?" she asked sweetly.

Liz looked from Tina to Max and then back to Tina.

Tina smiled with total satisfaction, licked her lips, and walked back over to Max and ran a hand down his chest before he was able to push her hand away again. Max backed away from Tina with anger and started to explain to Liz.

But Tina knew she had the stage set, and she wasn't going to give it up just yet. "Oh, come now, Max, don't pretend you didn't enjoy it. Just cause your little girlfriend caught us..." She let the words float off as she turned back to Liz with a smile. Then, without warning, still close enough to Max, Tina snaked a hand out and cupped Max through his pants.

Max pushed Tina away harder this time and swore.

Liz's eyes narrowed and she turned to Tina as the girl straightened from her fall against another box.
Tina's eyes glowed with satisfaction, waiting for the tirade. The quick crack across the face caught her off guard, but she had expected it, and she held her cheek and only smiled wider. "Poor, Liz. Always the last to know." She dripped the words like honey.

"Liz--" Max started, trying to come between her and Tina.

Liz held a hand up, not taking her eyes off Tina. "Next time you try to stage a drama, make sure the players are willing and ready," Liz said softly, but with warning in her tone.

Then she let her eyes fall to Max's crotch, looked back up at Tina, and then smiled and put her own hand over Max's soft flesh covered by his jeans.

When it immediately hardened, Liz smiled and removed her hand, but not before raking her fingers down his now huge erection. Max held back a groan and just looked at Liz with a smile. He could
read her like he could read himself. She had seen his lack of arousal during the whole groping done by Tina.

"This is what I mean by ready, Tina. It's got to look real or it doesn't work," Liz said and then came closer to Tina again.

Tina's eyes slowly pulled away from the now huge erection Max was sporting, to Liz as she came closer. Her own eyes narrowed as she realized how little effect she had had on Max, and how Liz knew it as well. "Bitch!" Tina spit out.

"You don't know what a bitch I will become if you put your hands on Max again," Liz assured her and stared her down.

Tina pushed past Liz, totally embarrassed now, realizing how horribly wrong her plan had gone, and how her friend had witnessed the whole thing and would no doubt be sharing the juicy gossip with their crowd in no time.

Tina was in shock. She stared at Max as if he was another life form. No one had ever NOT reacted to her touch before.

"Oh Tina," Max said softly as Tina started out the door.

Tina turned back around warily. She still hoped for some kind of positive response from Max, but somehow she knew better.

Max smiled softly, but his eyes were cold. "Close the door on your way out," he said, as he pulled Liz up against him. They both laughed when the door slammed shut.

Then Max put his forehead against Liz's and his eyes reflected his love. "I love you, Liz. Thank you for believing in us," Max said in a hoarse whisper, constantly amazed at how much Liz trusted and knew him.

Liz smiled and kissed Max on the nose sweetly. "It's just a good thing you hadn't responded to her charms," she teased him.

Max laughed and tilted her head up to meet his lips in a soft, light kiss. "What charm? She mauled me."

Liz looked down at the bite mark on Max neck and chest and frowned darkly. Max quickly placed his hand over them and they were gone. Liz smiled her thanks and started buttoning up Max's shirt. When she was done, she kissed him lingeringly on the lips, but didn't deepen it.

When she pulled her lips away, Max's followed, but then she raked her nails down his still hard flesh, and Max jumped. Liz walked toward the door, opened it, and looked back over her
shoulder with a sweet smile. "See you at lunch, Max," she said with a wink and left.

Max groaned and leaned back against the wall after she'd gone. Women were going to be the death of him, he just knew it.

"Oh my God! She didn't!" Maria dropped her sandwich in shock and just stared at Liz.

They had all gone to the Crashdown for their hour lunch since they were sick of the cafeteria food.
Alex, Michael and Isabel were also wide eyed and shocked after Liz's announcement.

Michael swallowed and gave Liz an uneasy look. "Ah, Liz...where's Max? Is he alive?" They all laughed and Michael relaxed realizing Liz wasn't upset about what had happened.

"What did you do, Liz?" Isabel asked with a dancing light in her eyes. She could tell from her friend's satisfied smile, that Liz had gotten even.

"Other than slap her and then molest me in front of the two uhhh..."

"Bitches" all five of them responded when Max couldn't. And then watched as Max came up behind Liz and sat down next to her.

Now all eyes were wide and shocked as they looked from Liz to Max and back to Liz again.

"I should start hanging out around the eraser room. Seems like I miss all the fun," Alex mumbled with a wink at Liz.

"You do and you'll get plenty of action from me bud, but it won't be pleasant," Isabel warned with a teasing glint in her eyes.

Alex raised his eyebrows innocently and Maria and Michael laughed. "Never piss a woman off, Alex. They are more vicious than any guy could be when they're out for revenge," Michael added.
Then he got a slap on the arm from Maria, and a pickle thrown at him from Isabel.

As the group bantered and teased each other, Liz pulled out a can of sardines and a can of anchovies and started to open them. When she realized how quiet everyone had gotten, she looked up and saw all of them staring with horrified faces at her lunch.

Liz put her nose in the air and just pulled open the top of her anchovies. What did they know? She took her fork and dug into the can and then brought it to her mouth and sighed at the taste.

Alex looked like he was going to be sick, and the others just seemed to be waiting for Liz to get sick.

"You're not going to kiss her after she eats that are you?" Michael asked Max.

Max shook his head in a serious no as he watched with horror himself as Liz ate from the two cans casually.

Suddenly Liz put down her fork and frowned.

"She's gonna be sick!" Alex panicked.

Liz gave him a dirty look and got up. "I don't want this anymore," she said matter of factly and took them with her as she headed for the kitchen.

"Ah, Liz hon, where are you going?" Maria asked curiously. It seemed they never knew what she was going to do next.

"Oh, I'm just going to make myself a quick sandwich, I'll be right back." She smiled sweetly and went into the back.

"Thank God she's not going to eat any more of that." Alex wiped his brow in relief.

When Liz came back out with her sandwich they all stared again. "Ah Liz, what is that?" Max dared to ask.

Liz looked at her sandwich and shrugged, "Turkey with peppers, onions, sweet pickles, and sauerkraut," Liz answered as she bit into it. Then she stopped, and her eyes filled with tears.

Michael and Alex looked ready to bolt. Max looked like he might follow. Maria and Isabel exchanged grins and Maria touched Liz's hand. "What is it, Chica?" Maria asked gently, knowing the slightest thing could set her friend off.

"I forgot the peanut butter," Liz said and put her face in her hands and cried.

Alex turned pale at the mention of peanut butter, the visual image of that added to the sandwich was enough, and bolted for the bathroom.

Michael backed his chair up from the table, looking at Liz like she had grown another head.

Max, at a loss, pulled Liz into his arms as Isabel went to get the peanut butter.

As Isabel headed toward the kitchen they heard her chuckle as she mumbled, "This is going to be a long year and a half."

Part 16

Friday afternoon, as Kyle was heading over to the field to practice, he kept thinking about Cassie. She had looked different today. He wasn't sure what it was, but she just seemed to shine more. Of course, it was her smile and eyes that had gotten him at first, but today she had also just looked more vibrant and he hadn't been able to think of much else all day.

He wasn't used to being obsessed by a girl. Even with Liz, he'd looked forward to dates with
her, but she hadn't been on his mind all the time like Cassie was now. He wasn't sure he liked it either. He frowned and shook off the thoughts as he ran out onto the field to practice. They had a game next weekend and they needed to really focus so they could beat their rival team and be in competition for the statewide championship in football. Kyle really wanted to take the team to the top for the next three years, so that he could get a scholarship to any school he wanted, and then go into pro football.

He had dated Cassie every night this week, except for her girls' night Thursday night, and he had missed her a lot last night. He had been neglecting homework and barely had his mind on practice all week. He frowned.

He didn't like the fact that she took over his thoughts all the time now. Maybe he didn't really want what Liz and Max had. It was too overwhelming and scary, and Kyle didn't like feeling tied down to one person. To have to answer to them. Not that Cassie ever asked him to. She'd been great.
But maybe that was the problem. She was too good to be true, and Kyle was waiting for something to go wrong.

Cassie waited for Liz in the library after school to work on more of their project. She yawned as she waited. Every night this week she had barely gotten any sleep. She smiled as she remembered why. Even after dating all week, Kyle would call her when he got home from dropping her off, and
they would talk on the phone until late. And last night, because they hadn't seen each other, they had talked until 3am after she had gotten home from the girl's night.

She was amazed at how quickly she and Kyle had gotten so comfortable with each other. And how much she enjoyed talking with Kyle about anything and everything. She was surprised at how fast she had gone from coming home alone to no one and not having anyone but her cat Frosting
to talk to, to having some girl friends to actually share things with, and now Kyle! It was almost too good to be true. And she couldn't help but feel a twinge, for it really was too good to be true. And in the back of her mind she remembered that she didn't deserve to be happy. Then she pushed that thought aside.

Liz came into the library after school and found Cassie waiting for her. She hoped her earlier lunchtime crying spell didn't show on her face. Maria and Isabel had helped her put cold water on her eyes in the bathroom and cover the rest of the red with make-up. Liz hoped these emotional outbursts stopped soon! This emotional roller coaster was driving her crazy, and she knew it was scaring the hell out of Max. Poor Max. And the rest of the gang too. She tried not to laugh as she thought back to Alex and Michael's faces at lunch.

She also felt bad for Maria and Isabel, because she was sure this would make their guys hesitate about having babies of their own someday.

"Hey Cassie." Liz smiled as she put her backpack down and took out her books.

"Hey." Cassie smiled back. She thought Liz looked a little pale and she frowned remembering how Liz had felt faint the other morning. And then she remembered the gossip about the eraser room from the other day as well. And the one this morning. Boy, Liz had been busy lately.

"Ah, so you and Max are okay right?" Cassie asked as Liz sat down. "I mean, I heard part of what happened this morning. How that--Tina tried to cause trouble for you and Max. You didn't fall for it did you? Cause I've seen the way Max looks at you Liz and there is no way..."

Liz laughed warmly as Cassie tried to defend Max. She was touched that Cassie wanted to make sure that Liz was okay. "Yeah, we're fine. I didn't believe it for a second." Liz winked.

Cassie blushed. "So that rumor is true? You...showed Tina how wrong she was?"

Liz laughed again. She guessed Barbie had had a field day with that story. Not only had Tina not gotten a response, but that Liz had showed them how much of one she could get. She turned red thinking about it; now that she was calm she couldn't believe she had done that. Poor Max! If he stayed with her after all this...

"I don't know what came over me, but she made me so mad."

"I think I would have felt better if I had slapped her like you did." Cassie winked.

"Not when she was still all smug about it. She made me so angry. I wanted to pull her hair out, but then I just wanted to show her how pathetic she was. Geesh! Poor Max!"

Cassie's soft musical laughter turned some heads in the library. Liz saw how the new haircut, had lifted and fluffed up her hair, and how the right shampoo and conditioners and hot oil treatments they had given Cassie last night made her hair shine even more. And the eye-make up they had played around with really set her eyes off. Liz was pleased at how much better it seemed to make Cassie feel about herself as well.

"So, you ready for our date tonight?" Liz asked as she pushed a strand of hair out of her face, and opened the page in her notebook with their project notes.

"Ah...yeah. I guess," Cassie said hesitantly with a frown.

"What's wrong?"

"It's probably nothing. I'm just over tired. Kyle just seemed a little...distant today is all. I'm sure everything's okay. I guess I still just can't believe how lucky I am, and I'm always expecting the worst to happen to change this sudden luck back again."

Liz felt for Cassie. She remembered how when she had first fallen head over for Max, and how she had waited for something to go wrong, and then it had. But only to correct itself again. That fear was normal. But not fun.

"Cassie, you and Kyle were meant. I can tell." Liz smiled assuredly and watched as Cassie smiled.

"Well, we'll see. Let's get to work though, so we don't have to work on this over the weekend." Cassie sighed and Liz nodded.

Kyle swore as he sat down on the bench with the coach and the assistant over him. His finger was killing him and he cursed himself for being so stupid. He knew it was broken. He knew better than to get distracted during a game or practice. And he knew he had to stop this whole distraction problem. He would have to take things more casually with Cassie. Maybe just see her less. Maybe
date others so as not to make Cassie too important to him.

He knew he was out of the rest of today's practice and that the coach would try to keep him out of practice the rest of the weekend and maybe part of next week as well. The coach knew Kyle was ready, and he wanted him well enough to play next weekend. But Kyle couldn't miss practice this next week. He needed to get the plays down just right with the guys. And he needed to set up their runs and his passes until they were perfect. He was furious with himself, and would make sure he practiced all next week even though the coach, his dad and the doctor might argue. And he would make sure nothing like this happened again.

Kyle left the locker room and headed toward his car with his backpack slung over one arm. He had taken some aspirin for the pain and had his finger in a splint, but he was in a foul mood.

When Tina Owens stepped in front of him he was not pleased to see her. "Hey Kyle! How's my favorite football star?" she flirted, tilting her head to one side and batting her eyelashes.

"Better than you from what I've heard," he said dryly.

Anger shot from Tina's eyes as they narrowed on him. "Watch it, Kyle. You have nothing to be smug about. Liz Parker dropped you flat for that guy if you remember. I thought you would be glad to see them broken up," she retorted.

Kyle just shook his head. "You thought wrong. I wouldn't stoop that low ever, Tina. Especially when I know how useless it would be. I can't believe you actually thought you could take Max Evans' interest from Liz!" he said amazed.

Tina huffed and stalked off. Kyle felt a little better having told her off. But he was still angry about his finger.

"She deserved that, Kyle," another voice said from behind him.

Kyle turned to see one of Tina's cheerleading friends, Susan Altman standing there smiling. He couldn't help but look her over. She was the sexiest cheerleader on the team. She had long blond hair and a build that was to die for. And she wore her cheerleading outfits to perfection. He had dated her for a while before he had dated Liz. She was pretty decent compared to most of the other cheerleaders and friends she hung out with.

"Hey, Susan. How was your cheerleading practice? You girls ready for the big game?" he asked with a light smile. There was no reason to take his anger out on her.

"Yeah, but I head what happened to you? Are you going to be okay? Will you be able to play in next weekends game?" She really looked worried.

"Yeah, I'll play never doubt it," Kyle said, and then saw Cassie walking out of the building with Liz out of the corner of his eye.

His first instinct was to jog over to her and offer her a ride home, but then he bit back the impulse. He was going to treat Cassie more casually he reminded himself. He knew they had a date tonight with Liz and her gang, but that didn't mean he had to only see her.

"Hey Susan, what have you got planned this weekend? Say tomorrow night?" Kyle asked suddenly.

Susan blinked. "Just the usually party at Barbie's house. You planning on going?" she asked.

"Depends? If you'll go with me or not?" Kyle smiled.

Susan smiled and looked surprised. "Sure."

"Okay, great." Kyle said and felt a little better. He would just take the dating thing more casually. No more heavy feelings for one girl. He would keep his goal on his football career, and not get tied down emotionally to one girl. He was sure Cassie would be okay with that. After all, they had just started seeing each other. They could just casually date so it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Girls like Cassie could get a guy in a lot of trouble with eyes like hers. He needed to stay focused.

He caught Cassie's eyes as she and Liz passed not to far away, but he only nodded and turned back to Susan.

Cassie swallowed and tried to keep the sting out of her eyes as she passed Kyle, and walked with Liz over to the parking lot.

Liz frowned at Kyle, but he wasn't even looking at them. What the heck was wrong with him!? She had seen the look between Cassie and Kyle, and how Kyle's eyes had lit up for a second, and then had quickly lowered to hide it, and then he had turned back to Susan Altman.

"Cassie. Don't let that bother you. Guys are stupid that way. I'm sure he's just panicked. Guys get that way when they realize how much they actually care for someone. And I know he cares for you a lot."

"Whatever. He can do what ever he wants," Cassie said casually.

"I'm sure you two are still going out tonight. I'm sure Kyle will call with a good explanation. Will you call me about tonight? I want you to go no matter what happens with you and Kyle okay?" Liz asked.

Cassie wasn't sure if Kyle was going to still want to go out tonight, and she wasn't even sure she would want to with the way he had acted all day, but she would wait and at least see what he had to say for himself. But either way, she would go bowling with her new friends.

"Well, either way I will go bowling with you guys tonight so count on that." Cassie smiled at Liz.

Part 17

Liz finished up her afternoon shift and ran upstairs to get ready for their bowling date tonight. She was supposed to meet everyone downstairs at 6:30, and then they would all head together to the bowling alley in the next town over.

She had heard from Cassie, that Kyle was still picking her up and meeting them at the Crashdown at 6:30, and that he had told her he would talk to her tonight. Cassie had agreed, but told Liz she wondered what he wanted to talk about, and that she didn't know if it sounded good.

Liz hurried up in the shower and ran around throwing her clothes on. She didn't know why she was jumpy, but she felt something and she didn't know what. She was anxious and nervous but couldn't figure out why. She frowned, wondering if it was just another pregnancy symptom. She had had the nightmares again last night. She didn't know what it had been about, just that there was trouble or something coming. Then she shook the thought off, realizing it was probably just the strange combinations of food she'd been eating lately that were probably giving her nightmares.

There was a knock on Liz's door and her mom peeked her head in. "Liz, Max is here," she said with a hesitant smile. She had agreed not to tell Liz that she couldn't see Max, but she was a little apprehensive for them, because she remembered being a teenager as well.

"Okay, can you tell him to come on in?" Liz asked, brushing her hair.

Her mother hesitated again, but then nodded and left the door wide open. Liz exchanged smiles with her mom and then sighed when her mom left. She guessed she couldn't blame her mom. If only she could tell her mom it was too late.

"Hey," she heard from the doorway. Liz spun around and her face lit up when she saw Max standing in the doorway in his black top and black jeans. He looked so sexy and yet he made her feel so safe at the same time.

Liz dropped her brush and met Max as he came into the room. She put her arms about his neck and played with the hair at the back of his neck, as Max pulled her closer and lightly caressed his hands down her back. "Hey yourself," Liz finally answered and then Max leaned down and closed his mouth over hers.

When they heard moving around in the living room, Max lifted his head and smiled knowing that was their hint that the kiss had lasted long enough. And he had to agree, because as usual, within seconds of being near Liz, he was fully aroused.

Max's warm eyes lovingly looked Liz over, and then met her eyes. "How are you feeling? Better?" he asked softly, reminding her of this afternoon at lunch.

Liz blushed and nodded. "Yeah, sorry about that. I don't know why I do that. I--I hate it."

Max laughed and gave her a squeeze before he released her with a sigh. "We'll see what Jordan says next weekend." And then he took her hand and laughed once again as she looked him over and let him know she hadn't missed his reaction to her. He squeezed her hand and winked. "Behave yourself. We have to get past your parents," he said and watched as Liz nodded and walked a little ahead of him to hide his problem.

Once they were down the stairs Liz headed for the outer restaurant. Max pulled her back for a minute and captured her mouth again.

She loved the taste of Max, and had already missed him from just this afternoon. She moaned when he sucked her tongue into his mouth and caressed it with his. Then he nibbled at her bottom lip and sucked that into his mouth as well.

Liz nudged herself between Max's legs and he shifted to give her more room to snuggle in between. Liz sighed when she snuggled her heat up against Max's hard arousal and pulled him closer.

Finally Max pulled his mouth from Liz's and brushed back a strand of her hair. "I missed you last night," he whispered, talking about his not having stayed the night last night like he had been lately.

"I missed you, too," Liz said breathlessly, and started to pull him down for another kiss.

"I'll be over tonight," Max promised as their mouths melded again.

"I knew we'd find them back here," they both heard Maria say with amusement in her voice.

They lifted their heads and smiled over a Maria and Michael who stood in the doorway from the front of the restaurant. "Come on Romeo, everyone else is here," Michael teased and winked at
Max and then at Liz.

Liz was happy to see Cassie was there, and that she looked great. But she did sense a tension between Cassie and Kyle, and finally she saw Cassie just pull Kyle over to a booth. Liz didn't blame her for wanting to get the talk over with so she knew where she stood.

Cassie walked over to another booth farther away from the couples and stared at Kyle as he sat also.

He looked uncomfortable and tried to look around. But Cassie just waited and Kyle had to look back at her sooner of later, so he chose sooner. Might as well get it over with, he thought.

"You said you had something you wanted to talk to me about." Cassie got right to the point.

Kyle just stared for a minute, drowning again in her eyes. Then when he saw her eyes narrow with impatience, he shook himself and cleared his throat. "I guess you're wondering why I was talking with Susan Altman this afternoon," he started.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "No. I am just curious why you practically ignored me all day, and then barely looked at me this afternoon. I don't care who you talk to," Cassie said calmly. Kyle was not going to get to her. If this wasn't going to happen she wanted to know now. She hadn't been surprised when she'd realized that Kyle had probably already lost interest in her in a romantic way. He probably saw her as a friend since she was such a good listener, but had come to his senses about his romantic feelings for her. And she couldn't blame him really. Even her mother couldn't love her enough to stay. And her father certainly couldn't stand being around her too much. But she was not going to let this guy see her cry, or feel sorry for her.

"Ah, I didn't mean to ignore you It's just...I think we should just take this dating a little more casually. You know, you can see others if you want, and so will I. But I'd like to still see you once in awhile, like tonight. You know? Just take it slower," Kyle blurted out and then sighed that he
had gotten it out, but then held his breath when he saw Cassie's almost too calm look as she stared back at him.

"I see. Well, that's fine. If you want to date others that's your business. However, I'm not into group dating. So I will have to excuse myself from your list of dates. But we can still be friends, and I don't want to ruin tonight, so we will just have fun tonight...as friends." Cassie managed and
swallowed past the lump in her throat. She was proud of herself however for being able to keep her composure. She had expected something like this. It had been too good to be true for Kyle Valenti, the captain of the football team and basketball team to be interested in her for long.

Kyle felt sick to his stomach. She was taking it really well. He should be happy. Heck they could be friends and just hang out together and he could even still talk to her about things he guessed. But yet the thought of not being with her romantically at all...he knew he hadn't even kissed her
yet, but he was missing it already. He wouldn't be able to kiss Cassie if they were just friends. And how close would they be if he was dating others. But it's what he wanted and needed he reminded himself.

He started to speak, trying to organize his thoughts, when Cassie got up suddenly and walked over to the group waiting over at another booth. Kyle got up and followed, not as relieved as he should be. Had he just blown even his friendship with Cassie? And could he live with just being her friend? He remembered how Liz and Max had tried to be just friends, and how miserable they had been. He cringed. He would not be like that.

"Okay, are we ready?" Isabel asked looking around and smiling at Cassie, and then narrowing her eyes at Cassie's pale, pinched looking face, and then she turned to Kyle, who looked uneasy. She gave Kyle a dirty look figuring he had taken the smile from Cassie, and she let him know it.

Kyle shifted and looked away from Isabel Evans' hard stare. That girl could give the deadliest looks. And he really couldn't blame her this time though. He, too, could see that even though Cassie had said she was okay with just being friends that she was looking a little upset as well.

"I say we take only two cars. Cassie and I will sit in the back of mine and chat, while Michael and Kyle sit up front," Maria said, taking hold of Cassie's arm and also throwing Kyle a dirty look.

Kyle cringed remembering how territorial girls could get when one of their own was hurting. Michael looked at Kyle with pity knowing Kyle was not in for an easy night with the girls.

Kyle looked to Alex and Max and they just shrugged as if saying, 'you got yourself into what ever it is. We aren't going to try to get in the way of the girls' wrath.'

Kyle looked to Liz who was frowning at him. At least she didn't look like she wanted to kill him, not like Maria and Isabel had.

But Liz's look of disappointment was almost worse. A guy couldn't win around here. Why couldn't he do what he felt like? If he wanted to keep it cool with Cassie that was his own business.

Then Liz noticed his finger for the first time. "Kyle, what happened?" she frowned at the splint.

Kyle shrugged. "Broke it at practice today. Didn't watch the ball when I tried to catch it. My own fault."

"You'll be able to play next Friday though won't you?" Alex asked. They were all looking forward to beating their rival team.

"Yeah. Definitely. No more stupid mistakes either," Kyle assured them.

Cassie looked at the splint and remembered how angry Kyle had seemed earlier when she had asked him about it when he'd picked her up to bring her here. He had told her the same thing and had said he didn't want to talk about it.

Liz looked around the restaurant to make sure things were covered, and noticed Alice and Tanya were working tonight. One good one bad. But they could manage. The crowd was light tonight. Just a couple of small groups at two different tables.

"Ready?" Max asked near her ear as he placed his hand on her back lightly.

Liz looked up at him and grinned. "With you? Always," she teased. And then laughed lightly when Max's jaw hardened with desire and his eyes burned into hers.

They all heard the sound of sirens in the distance and just looked toward the door when it opened and two men came in with guns and started waving them around and shouting.

"Get down everyone, get down now!" One of them screamed as the other one pulled the blinds down on the cafe to keep the people on the outside, and the now three cop cars from looking in.

Max's hand froze on Liz and then he pushed her down and behind him. He was trying to think quickly but met Michael's look and they knew they would just have to see where this went.

Kyle swore and when he saw the gunman come in, he grabbed for Cassie and threw her down as Michael grabbed Maria and Alex grabbed Isabel. The other people in the cafe also got down and were crying or whimpering.

"Shut up! No one say anything either!" The same gunman who had called out before said again. "Jamie, get the people toward the back of the room. Away from the door!" the man ordered again to the other one who had been closing the blinds.

"Get up and get to the back! You heard Will!" he yelled at the two tables with people who were now on the floor, but still too near the door.

One of the older woman whimpered and her husband tried to shush her.

The man called Will went behind the counter and grabbed Alice up and placed the gun against her head. "First person who moves will get this lady's head blown off. We have nothing to lose by taking one of you out. We're already wanted for murder, so don't try anything heroic!" he said and glared specifically at the four healthy looking teens.

Max, Michael, Alex and Kyle exchanged helpless, angry looks. Michael looked at Max and Max knew he was asking if they should use their powers, but Max motioned him that there were too many people around. Michael nodded but looked even grimmer.

They were helpless. And anything they tried could get one of the girls killed.

Part 18

It had been about two hours since the men had taken over the Crashdown. The hostages were against the back wall of the front room where the men could see them and keep an eye on the door as well.

Max had his arm around Liz, who was trying to be calm. Next to Liz was Maria, who held Liz's hand and who had Michael's arm around her as well. Then on the other side of Max was Cassie, who was being held by Kyle, and then Isabel and Alex, who were also holding each other. Then, next to them were two older couples and another woman who was with one of the older couples.

The two waitresses who were on duty when the men had taken over were still over by the men to keep everyone else in line. All in all there were 15 hostages in the place. Max had gone over it a dozen times, and still couldn't come up with a way to get them out of this safely, and not risk their own alien identities or anyone's life in the process.

*I love you Max.* he heard Liz tell him but her lips didn't move.

Max tightened his arm around her and met her gaze. *We're going to be okay, Liz. I promise. * Max answered Liz back without talking as well.

"*What the hell are we going to do?*" Michael's voice broke into their thoughts. He too was communicating without talking.

Max was surprised. They must have all heightened their powers with the crisis. *Is?* Max tried in his head.

*Yeah. I hear you guys, too,* Isabel answered back in her head as well.

*Why the hell can I hear you guys!?* They heard Alex ask next.

*I can too,* Maria's added.

The six of them exchanged looks. *It must be because Michael and Isabel are touching Maria and Alex,* Max tried to explain.

* Liz too?* Michael asked.

Max gave him a look as if to say 'you have to ask!?' With so many strange things happening to Liz, Michael had to smile at that as he nodded.

"What the hell is going on out there?" the guy named Jamie asked as he paced around behind the counter nervously.

"Calm down Jamie. When the police realize that we are not going to answer them by shouting like they are with those horns, they will call, and then we can deal with them," Will answered as he sat calmly next to Alice, with the gun still aimed at her.

*Max, that guys gives me the creeps!* Isabel said as she looked at Will.

*Yeah, he's too calm! * Alex added, hugging Isabel tighter.

*The one called Jamie is the one I'm worried about,* Maria said, looking him over as he paced.

*Ditto, he's too unstable, don't know what he'll do,* Michael agreed.

"Please, my wife needs to use the bathroom," one of the older men finally spoke up.

"Who cares? Shut up old man!" Jamie snapped and headed over to stand before them.

"Jamie. Let them take turns going to the bathroom. Do you want to clean up a mess?" Will said calmly, never taking his eyes off the four teen boys. He knew if anyone were to give him trouble, it would be one or all of them.

"Go check out the bathroom to see if it has a window, and then stand outside the door while they take turns," Will added.

Jamie grumbled but motioned with his gun for the old lady to stand up.

Kyle looked over at Max and Max read the fury and frustration in Kyle's eyes. Max only nodded his understanding. He could tell that Kyle wanted to do something too, but was afraid for the girls.

After they had all had their turn going to the bathroom, Jamie started to look over the young female hostages. He started grinning, and Max swore to himself. He heard Kyle swear under his breath, and Michael and Alex start to swear colorfully in their thoughts as well.

Liz tightened her hand around Max's and swallowed. The group of hostages was all standing against the back wall now. They all needed to stretch their legs.

When Jamie came and stopped in front of Isabel, the swearing got louder in their heads.

"Hey pretty thing." Jamie smiled at her.

Isabel ignored him and squeezed Alex's hand telling him not to do anything. But just then Jamie reached out and pulled Isabel's face back around to him. "I'm talking to you! You think you're too good to talk to me? Huh?" Jamie spat out.

Alex shoved Jamie's hand off of Isabel's face, and stood in front of her. Jamie knocked Alex hard against the head and pushed him against the older couples and Alex fell back, not expecting the blow.

"You bastard!" Isabel screamed and ran to Alex. She grabbed a bunch of napkins on the counter near Alex and held it against the gash on his head.

*I'm okay, Isabel,* Alex reassured her with his thoughts.

Jamie suddenly pulled up Isabel to her feet. Before the other guys could react, Isabel hauled back and slapped Jamie across the face and pulled away from him. Max and Michael quickly pulled Isabel back as she tried to lunge after Jamie again.

Everything happened at once. Maria and Liz ran to Alex since Isabel was struggling with Max and Michael to get free of them. Max and Michael were too busy trying to calm Isabel down, and only Kyle and Cassie saw Jamie's shocked face after Isabel had slapped him, turn to rage and saw him point his gun at Isabel.

"No! Max, Michael?" Kyle yelled and tried to jump in front of Jamie as he heard the gun go off.

Cassie had known what Kyle was going to do and she too jumped in front of Kyle as he jumped in front of Isabel.

At first the shot quieted everyone immediately. Then Cassie looked up at Kyle, where she had stepped in front of him, and saw the blood on his arm. "Kyle, your arm?" she whispered, and when she leaned forward to touch his arm, she winced and paled. Then she moaned and with a look of shock, met Kyle's eyes and then she passed out.

Kyle grabbed her thinking she had fainted from the sight of his blood, but when he caught her against him he felt the wetness against her lower back and side. "Oh My God! Cassie's been shot!" Kyle's voice was hoarse as he slowly lowered himself and Cassie still in his arms, to the floor.

"DAMN YOU, JAMIE! Now look what you've done!?" Will finally lost his cool.

"Me! You saw what that bitch did to me!" Jamie complained.

"WE HEARD A SHOT IN THERE. IS EVERYONE OKAY?" They heard the police over the
megaphone outside.

Isabel, Michael and Max knelt down near Cassie and saw what looked like a bad gunshot wound. Cassie was bleeding pretty badly, and it looked like it had nicked an organ. Max put his hand over the bleeding to see if he could visualize where Cassie had been shot and how badly.

Michael and Isabel waited and then felt sick when they saw the frantic look on Max's face. Alex pulled himself up with Liz and Maria's help, and they too knelt down next to Kyle and Cassie.

Liz put her hand on Cassie's pale face and pushed a strand of hair back from her already cold and clammy skin.

Cassie took her eyes off of Kyle's anguished ones, and met Liz's knowing look. "I'm dying, Liz," Cassie said calmly. She could already feel the life leaving her body.

"NO! Damn it NO! Don't say that Cassie! Fight! Don't leave me," Kyle sobbed as he tried to hold his hand over her wound to keep pressure on it. But he could feel the pulsing blood that seeped around his hand and he too knew it was draining the life out of Cassie.

Max met Michael and Isabel's eyes and saw their agreement and resignation. He met Liz, Maria and Alex' teary eyes of anguish and knew they all agreed.

Max turned to Kyle. "Kyle. Move your hand," he whispered.

The gang looked to see what the two men were doing and saw them yelling at each other. Then Liz looked over at the other hostages and saw that they were all busy trying to calm each other down.

"Kyle! Please, move your hand," Max whispered again.

Kyle met Max's eyes and something in Max's eyes told him to trust him. Kyle took his hand off of Cassie's wound and he watched as Max replaced it with his own.

Cassie was watching Max already, and so he just met her eyes and concentrated on finding the bullet and repairing it as much as he could to hold off the bleeding. He knew he couldn't dissolve it completely and heal her like he had Liz. That would be too obvious. But this way he could at least give her a chance to live. He would make the wound less serious.

Cassie was barely conscious, but something told her to keep looking into Max's intense eyes.

Kyle watched in shock, not moving, only holding Cassie and swallowing as he tried to understand what was going on.

Kyle saw the blood slow under Max's hand. It no longer was pumping out profusely. And Cassie looked a little less pale and a little more alert.

Max moved the bullet from her lower kidney and healed the kidney. He moved the bullet over to a non-vital organ, and let it do the little damage it could over there. He had to leave some trauma to Cassie since everyone knew she'd been shot.

"You're going to be okay now, Cassie," Max said softly, as he removed his hand from her wound, which was now only bleeding a little. "Hold this on the wound, Kyle," Max said as he grabbed a napkin and handed it to Kyle.

Kyle did as Max said, but just stared at him as did Cassie.

Liz couldn't help but smile around her tears at hearing the same words Max had used on her so many months ago. And now he had risked his life again for another human being. She met his eyes and showed her appreciation and love.

Max nodded and then looked around at the others in the group around them. They all smiled, showing they were glad that Max had saved Cassie.

Then Max turned back to Kyle and Cassie who both stared at him in shock and confusion.

Part 19

Kyle and Cassie exchanged glances but neither said anything. Then Kyle looked around at the others. He had not missed the exchange of agreement Max had gotten from all of them after...whatever it was that Max had done. The others, he realized were not surprised by what had happened.

Then flashes came together in Kyle's head. Rumors that Liz had been shot, but then Liz denying it, saying it hadn't been blood, just ketchup. Rumors that Max had been involved. And all the times his father had followed Max around like a hound dog on a trail. And the little bits and pieces he had heard about how odd the shooting had been that day at the Crashdown, and how his father always talked about aliens and Max...Aliens...

Kyle narrowed his eyes as he looked at Max. He must be mistaken. But it all fit. The reason why his dad was so obsessed with Max. And that all of it had started after the shooting in the Crashdown last fall. But maybe Max was just a healer of some sort...

"Max?" Kyle finally asked, meeting Max's calm gaze. "Are you--is my dad's obsession and his trailing you have something in common?" Kyle finally managed to get out. He did not want to say anything too loudly. He just realized how dangerous it could be.

Max looked at him intently for a second then nodded slowly.

Kyle swallowed, not sure he still had it right. He looked around at the others and saw their anxious faces. They were scared. But they were not surprised by what Max had admitted. They were scared of him, and the knowledge he now possessed. Still, he had to make sure.

"So...my dad has been right...and my grandfather? All these years?"

Max again nodded and held his breath waiting for Kyle's response.

Kyle felt Cassie squeeze his hand and he looked down. He met her eyes as they pleaded with him. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew Cassie was begging him not to tell anyone this stunning knowledge. Kyle nodded and smiled at her lightly, squeezing her hand to reassure her.

He looked at all of them, then back at Max. "I owe you, Max," he said and looked back down at Cassie and then over at Liz, "For both of them. And your secret is safe with me," he said softly.

Max let out a breath and nodded. He looked at Cassie, who nodded her acceptance as well.

"How is the girl?"

They all looked up to see Will, the leader coming over with a frown.

"She looks bad. You should let her go," Kyle said quickly and squeezed Cassie's hand when she started to argue.

"She don't look that bad to me. And no one is going anywhere until we get what we want," Will said, looking Cassie over and seeing her alert eyes and that there was still some color in her face. He looked relieved and then walked back toward his partner who was busy pacing and swearing.

The phone suddenly rang and Will smiled as he went over to pick it up.

"Max, we've got to do something," Michael whispered as the two men were distracted by the phone call.

"Maybe we can cause a distraction and you guys can do something about the guns," Maria said.

"You are NOT going to distract anyone! I will not have you shot next!" Michael growled and grabbed her to him.

"We have to do something! We can't just sit here," Liz agreed with Maria.

Max stared her down. "YOU are going to do exactly that. Just sit there! Do you want to jeopardize the baby?" he reminded her.

Liz paled and her hand slid over her stomach. She shook her head. Max's eyes softened and he caressed her cheek.

"What if when one of them sleeps, I go into their dream and convince them to give up?" Isabel offered.

Kyle and Cassie looked from Liz to Isabel and then to each other. "Ah...Max. Isabel is... like you?" he asked to clarify.

"And Michael," Max confirmed.

Kyle and Cassie stared again, this time at Michael who just grinned at them.

"And Liz...you're pregnant? Is that possible?" Kyle whispered looking between Liz and Max.

"Yeah. And it's okay, Kyle. I'll explain later," Max assured him.

"No wonder you looked so pale and dizzy this past week," Cassie said softly and touched Liz's hand gently in support.

Liz nodded and smiled.

"We need to plan something! Can we chat later please!" Isabel stated impatiently.

"She's right." Michael agreed and looked around trying to come up with a plan.

"How about if I distract them, and you guys...do whatever it is you--ah--do."
Kyle offered.

Cassie swallowed and shook her head, then met Kyle's eyes and knew he was going to help no matter what. She sighed and closed her eyes. She was tired from the pain, and she needed to save her strength for anything they might have to do suddenly.

"Kyle, what about your arm?" Max asked.

Kyle looked down at his arm just now remembering that he had been hit and was bleeding. He knew what Max was asking and he shook his head. "It's nothing. Leave it. We don't want to add anymore suspicion." Kyle gave him a small smile.

"I don't give a damn how long it takes! We want that money and a ride out of here in three hours! After that we start killing hostages, starting with some teens we have in here!" Will yelled into the phone.

"Okay, I think we should see if one of them is going to try to rest. I think this is going to take awhile for them to talk with the cops outside. If the hot tempered one, Jamie goes to sleep, we'll let you try your sleepwalking, Is." Max paled at the mention of Will shooting hostages. "And if that
doesn't look like it's going to happen, we'll work on a way for Alex and Kyle to distract them. And we'll do something with the guns."

"One girl was shot, but she's okay. NO! We are not going to let anyone go. And she will be the first one we shoot again if we don't get what we want! You have three hours!" Will said and put down the phone.

He came back over to all of them, and motioned for them all to go over against the back wall again.
Kyle lifted Cassie and brought her over, and gently sat with her in his lap. The blood had slowed a lot, but he kept the pressure on, knowing there was still a bullet in her and that she was still bleeding.

"And no more talking!" Jamie yelled at them all. He was mad at Will for yelling at him, and mad at the teens for causing him to shoot them sooner than they had planned. Which could cause the authorities outside to try to move in on them.

Everyone went back to being quiet, and just waited to see which way their plans would fall.

Max felt someone staring and he turned to meet Cassie's gaze. She had a peculiar look on her face, and looked like she wanted to ask him something. But she just swallowed and smiled. Now was not the time to talk about anything. They didn't need to provoke the men anymore.

Max sighed and looked back over at the men. They were dangerous and had nothing to lose. His jaw tightened as he thought of all that could still happen. He felt Liz squeeze his hand and he met her eyes. *It's going to be okay, Max. I have faith in you guys* Liz assured him. He could see the worry in her eyes, but also her belief in him.

*You just take care of our little one* Max thought to her, and hugged her to him.

"You guys aren't seriously going to try to go in there! You'll get all those hostages killed!" Valenti argued in a low voice with the FBI men who were making plans with a map of the Crashdown they had acquired from the Parkers who were now standing outside the building with the other town's people.

"Sheriff, this is our case now. We know what we're doing. We've handled situations like this before. There are always risks and causalities to consider. We just have to determine which way we will lose the least amount of life," one of the FBI men said impatiently, knowing they had to cooperate with the local sheriff at least enough to explain things to him.

"Least amount of life!!???" Valenti whispered angrily, not wanting the town folk to hear them and panic. He knew his son was in there along with the among others, Amy Deluca's daughter and the Evans' kids and Liz Parker.

He looked over at Amy who was standing with the Parkers and Evans, trying to be strong. He didn't know what to tell them.

"Oh God. How could this happen?" Diane Evans whispered as she held on to her husband's arm anxiously.

Nancy Parker shook her head beyond upset. She couldn't even comprehend how this had happened. If only they had been downstairs when it had happened. Maybe they could have gotten the kids out of there.

Jeff Parker tried to comfort his wife, but knew there wasn't much they could do except wait and have faith in the authority around them.

"Oh God, why Maria? She's all I have left. None of those kids deserve this after all they've been through." Amy held a hand over her mouth to keep a sob back.

Nancy Parker put her arms around her friend to try to comfort her. And Diane Evans came up next to them to add support. "They'll be okay. You'll see. They will all get out okay," she tried to reassure herself as well as the other mothers.

When they had heard one of the teenage girls had been shot, they had panicked, but Sheriff Valenti had found out for them who it was and that Cassie was okay as far as they'd been told.

When Jim Valenti came over to Amy, she went into his arms and looked up at him anxiously. "Jim? What is it? What are they going to do?" she asked.

Jim looked back over at the FBI agents, and then down at Amy and over her head to the waiting families of the hostages, and his jaw hardened. He didn't know what was going to happen. But he didn't trust the FBI with their plan. "It's going to be okay Amy," Jim Valenti lied.

Part 20

Kyle winced every time he watched Cassie bite her lip to hold back the pain. And he could see that she was thirsty with the way her lips were cracked and she kept licking them. God he wished he could do something, anything to take the pain away. He didn't want to ask Max to risk anything else, so he tried to think of a way to distract Cassie.

He looked down at her and was amazed that she had jumped in front of him to protect him like that. They had only started dating the beginning of this week. But maybe she had felt the immediate pull that had scared him witless as well. This girl was stronger than she looked he thought. And he
realized he might not be comfortable with the strong feelings he had for her so fast, but it wasn't going to change the fact that he had them.

"I got scared. I'm an ass. It was too good to be true and too fast. I was afraid to trust that we would work. And I broke my finger at practice cause I was daydreaming about you," Kyle blurted out in a whisper.

Cassie's eyes flew up to his and she stared wide-eyed. Then slowly she blushed and smiled. Kyle sucked in his breath. She didn't just smile. She lit up. And Kyle felt so good, knowing he had made her light up.

"I...I was afraid too. And was expecting you to pull back," she admitted.

"SHUT UP!" Jamie yelled as he headed toward them.

Kyle swore under his breath and frowned at the man who approached them. "She needs water. Can she please have some water?"

"Why the hell do we care if she dies of thirst? She's gonna be the first one we kill if we don't get what we want in 2 hours and 45 minutes!" Jamie smiled, glancing at the clock in anticipation.

Cassie sucked in and Kyle swore under his breath.

Kyle met Max, Michael and Alex's looks and they knew they didn't have much time to do something about this.

Liz shivered and looked out toward the front of the building and then the back. She put her hand on Max's arm and he turned to her. *Oh my god Max! They are going to storm the building.* Liz warned.

*Now?* Max asked holding her tighter.

*I don't know...I just feel it.* Liz replied.

*Do you mind if I say I can't wait until you get over all these odd symptoms?* Max teased to ease her tension.

Liz smiled and then shivered again. Max hugged her tighter and looked at Michael and then Alex and Kyle.

*That's it Max. We gotta make a move.* Michael spoke for them all.

Max nodded in resignation. He really didn't want to have to put everyone in more danger, but it didn't look like the authorities were leaving them any other choice.

He looked down at Liz. He couldn't lose her. Or the baby. He would cease to exist himself. But if they didn't try something, she could either die by the authorities moving in, or the men when didn't get what they wanted.

Max watched the men closely. Jamie was pacing again, holding his gun loosely by his side, and looking anxious and ready to explode.

Will was sitting by the phone, his own gun in his hand facing the hostages, but his eyes were narrowed worriedly on his partner who was out of control.

Max knew he could probably get the guns to fly out of the men's hands, but he didn't want anyone else to see it.

"Kyle, put Cassie behind you," Max whispered, not taking his eyes off of Will.

Kyle didn't question it. He shifted and put Cassie behind him.

*Michael, can you make the lights go out?* Max asked. Michael narrowed his eyes and then nodded. *Isabel, you concentrate on Jamie. When Michael gets the lights out, focus on getting the gun to fly out of his hand, I'll do the same to Will.* Max explained.

*What about us!?* Maria frowned, not liking just doing nothing.

*Stay down and stay safe for me. I can't believe I'm saying this, but someday I'd like to see what symptoms you will have.* Michael met her eyes with and intense, but loving look.

Maria sucked in her breath and just nodded. Leave it to Michael to admit something that serious in the middle of a crisis.

"Kyle. Michael is going to force the lights off, and when he does Isabel and I are going to get the guns out of the guys hands telepathically. When the lights go out just keep Cassie down," Max warned.

Kyle, still amazed at what the three could actually do, just nodded. Cassie was staring at Max in a strange way. It couldn't be, she thought as her heart started to thud loudly and almost leave her breathless.

"We'll call Will Thompson in 5 minutes and try to explain that their money is on it's way and distract him so you can go in." One of the FBI men explained to the leader of the team going in.

Jim swore as he listened grim faced. He wished he could do something. Everything was going to go to hell in 5 minutes and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Unless--

Max watched Will, waiting for the right moment when his guard was down the most. They all waited for a signal from Max.

"Hello in there!" a voice called out over a megaphone from outside. "This is Sheriff Valenti. I would like to come in and talk to you. I will be unarmed and you can always keep me as another hostage if you don't like what I have to say."

Kyle paled thinking of his father putting himself in that situation.

Will frowned, taken by surprise by the sheriff's actions.

Max realized it was going to have to be *Now!* He told the group and Michael focused completely on the lights and they went out suddenly, leaving them all in the dark.

Max concentrated on the gun in Will's hand and felt it pull out of the man's grasp. When he heard it clatter across the counter, he sighed but swore when he saw Will reaching for it.

Kyle leaped to his feet, having already thought of this, and he jumped over the counter in one move and tackled Will to the ground. Alex followed suit and tackled Jamie who was stunned when the gun was pulled from his hands. He knew Max, Michael and Isabel were going to have their
hands full just concentrating on what they were doing.

"I got this one!" Kyle called out as he wrestled Will to the ground.

"This one is down, too!" Alex said with a smile in his voice.

Michael got the lights back on and they all stood up. Max ran around the counter and saw Kyle in a wrestling position over Will. He grinned at Kyle and Kyle smiled smugly back.

Isabel ran to Alex as Alex stood up with Jamie in a backward arm hold. "This one's finished!" Alex said angrily and jerked the guy a little harder.

"Thompson!?" They heard Valenti's voice on the megaphone again.

Max realized that the FBI was probably going to storm any second. He ran to the front door and called out. "It alright, Sheriff. We've got the two guys contained. Their coming out!" Max called out and nodded to Alex and Kyle.

Alex went out with Jamie and Kyle with Will to prove to the authorities that it was not a trick. The FBI swarmed around the two men and took them away from Kyle and Alex.

Alex's parents ran forward and he was suddenly crushed between them, but he didn't mind.

Nancy Parker, Amy Deluca and Diane Evans couldn't be held back another second. They ran into the cafe before anyone could stop them, the two concerned fathers not far behind.

Liz and Maria helped Cassie up, and sat her in a chair. Liz got her some water and suddenly the door flew open and she saw her mom running toward her. Liz sobbed and ran to her mother and was enveloped in a safe hug. Amy Deluca grabbed Maria as well, and Maria just buried her face in her mom's shoulder. Just the smell of her mom was reassuring and made her realized how scared she had been, and how safe she felt now.

Isabel was in her mother's arms and Diane Evans reached out a hand to Max. He took it and hugged his mother as well.

Michael watched as Mr. Evans then wrapped his arms around his whole family and closed his eyes in relief. Then he gasped in shock as Mr. Evans reached out a hand and drew Michael into
the circle as well.

Kyle didn't wait for his dad to run up to him outside. He turned and followed the parents back into the cafe and when he spotted Cassie, he strode to her and lifted her up.

He met his father half way across the room. "Cassie needs to go to the hospital!" Kyle said in a strained voice.

His father nodded and motioned to the awaiting ambulance outside. "I'm proud of you, son." Jim Valenti swallowed and put his hand on his son's shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"Thanks Dad. You were great out there yourself." Kyle admitted with a small smile. And then he carried Cassie out to the awaiting ambulance.

The FBI now came into the cafe and the leader came up to the Sheriff. "That was a stupid move Sheriff. You could have gotten everyone in there killed with that stunt about going in to talk to those two." The man frowned.

Jim Valenti looked at him like he was crazy, considering the risk the FBI had been willing to take, and he turned away from the man. "We will need your statements folks." The sheriff sighed knowing he had to get this out of the way before he could let the tired hostages go.

"No Kyle. I don't want to go to the hospital!" Cassie panicked and struggled to get out of Kyle's arms.

"Cassie what's with you? Of course you're going. You've got a bullet in you." Kyle frowned and continued walking with the struggling bundle in his arms.

"Okay, wait. Get Liz...and Max and the others please. I need them."

Kyle looked down at Cassie's pale frightened face and looked puzzled. "Please Kyle! Max, Michael and Isabel...I...I think I'm one of them," Cassie whispered and watched Kyle sway a little as his eyes grew wide and his mind whirled as he tried to take in this latest news.

Part 21

"You...you're...Oh my God." Kyle whispered. "Are you...are you sure?" he had to ask.

Cassie shook her head. "I...I think so. But I need to talk to them first. I'll explain it all later. Please Kyle, I can't go to the hospital."

"Yeah, well, there is no way that you can get out of that now. Everyone knows you were shot." Kyle whispered again as he sat her on the edge of the ambulance and watched the attendants come forward.

"Then get Max and the others, Kyle, quick!" Cassie said with panic in her voice as the paramedics started to look her over.

Kyle rode in the ambulance with Cassie and held her hand, giving her a reassuring look and telling her that the others were right behind them in their cars.

Max, Michael and Isabel looked stunned as Max drove the jeep behind the ambulance.
"How the hell did we not know...she can't be one of us. She must just think she is." Michael frowned.

"We can't take a chance Michael! We have got to switch her blood, just in case!" Isabel replied.

"When I healed her, how come I didn't sense it?" Max was frowning too.

Isabel shook her head. "I don't know, but that's not something someone would say lightly. She must have a reason for thinking it, and until we find out what it is, we have to make sure her blood isn't taken just in case."

"Can't you go any faster, Alex!" Maria complained as they followed the jeep in Alex's car.

Alex, Liz and Maria had told the trio ride together so they could discuss the alien aspect of all of this, and they were following in Alex's car.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I can go faster, if you want me to drive right into them," he remarked.

"I can't believe it!" Liz just said, still not able to take it in.

"Yeah, well, it's not your blood they are going to use!" Maria quiped. She had agreed to have them use her blood since Liz's could be full of strange hormones or something with her pregnancy.

"But wouldn't the others have known? Wouldn't they have sensed it?" Liz continued to question.

"I don't know. You would think," Alex added.

"Well, we'll find out soon enough." Maria said as they pulled into the hospital parking lot behind the jeep.

"Okay, just hold still Maria." Isabel said as she placed the needle on Maria's inner arm.

"So this is how you did it before?" Alex asked watching in facination as the needle started to glow around Isabel's hand, and the blood started flowing into the tube.

"We should invest in these needles." Maria mumbled as she looked the other way and not at the blood flowing from her veins.

"Have you talked to her Max?" Liz asked as she looked around the corner to make sure no one was coming.

"Yeah, but only enough to move the bullet to the edge of her skin so they won't have to operate. Then I had to leave. I just talked to Kyle and he said we could all go in in a little bit, and that we should try the same plan we did last time with changing the blood sample vial." Max answered, looking out with Liz to make sure no one was coming.

"Have they drawn her blood in there yet?" Michael asked.

Max shook his head. "No. They were just about to when I left a minute ago."

"Well, then I'd better go charm the nurse... it'd be lucky if it was the same one." Michael winked and walked toward where Kyle had gone with Cassie.

"She is a very lucky lady Sheriff." The doctor was saying when the group came back into the waiting room.

"How's that?" Jim Valenti asked.

"Well, not only did the bullet not hit any vital organs, but it seemed to have lodged just at the edge of her skin in the back, and we just had to break open the skin and pop it out. Didn't even have to operate. No major blood loss," the doctor explained.

The sheriff frowned but just nodded to the doctor. When the doctor saw the teens waiting, he nodded for them to go into the room Cassie was now in. They were keeping her overnight for observation to make sure there was no further bleeding internally that they had missed with
the x-rays.

"You kids can go in now. She said she wanted to see you. She's going to be fine," the doctor explained.

When they went into the room that Cassie was in, they saw that only Kyle was there. Michael agreed to stand by the door to make sure no one came in unexpectedly, and then the others went up to Cassie.

"Okay, the vial has been exchanged. So what's going on?" Max asked Cassie gently. He didn't want to make her think they didn't believe her or trust her. She looked so pale and weak lying there.

Cassie swallowed. "I...when I was little, my mom caught me doing some strange things...devil things she called them. I was able to heal a dog that was injured once, and I was able to make objects come to me as well. My mom saw this one day and screamed at me and told me I was a witch or a devil or something, and then she left a day or two later."

"She left because of you?" Kyle asked sounding astonished.

"I...I was adopted. When my mom learned that I could do strange things, she wanted nothing to do with me, and my father told her she was crazy and so she left," Cassie explained.

"So, how come Maxx couldn't tell you were one of us when he healed you?" Isabel asked.

Cassie shook her head. "I don't know. I never knew myself until I saw the things you guys could do. They were all things I had done when I was younger and had since completely surpressed and put in the back of my mind all these years."

"That could be it," Max said thoughtfully.

"What could be it?" Maria asked.

"The reason we couldn't sense her all these years. She had been surpressing that side of herself and didn't even know what it was she had to begin with," Max explained.

"But how do I know for sure... I mean, maybe I just have special healing abilities and such. Some people really do." Cassie bit her lip. "I didn't mean to scare you guys if it's not true, but after I saw all the manipulating you guys could do with your minds, it made me think that that is where I got it all from." Cassie explained.

"We'll take you with us to Jordan next weekend." Max said and the other's nodded.

"Jordan?" Kyle and Cassie asked together.

"Long story." Isabel smiled.

"Cassie, can you do any of the manipulating anymore? Have you tried since when you were little?" Max asked.

Cassie shook her head. "No, I believed my mom that there was an evil side of me and so I never wanted to do any of those things again. I didn't even realize I could do them before. They just happened."

"Hmm...that was how we started out. We did things without knowing we could do them." Isabel commented. Then she went over to the windowsill and put her lipstick on it. "Here, try to make this come to you."

Cassie swallowed and looked to Kyle. It had been so long since she had used that skill, and she was still afraid to use it because she had conditioned herself to believe it was evil and that was why her mother left her and her dad.

"It's okay, Cassie. You can do it. It doesn't make you evil," Kyle reassured her, knowing how she was feeling.

Cassie nodded and then turned to the lipstick and frowned at it in concentration.

At first nothing happened, then it moved forward a little and slid off the windowsill and onto the floor.

Cassie looked disappointed but Max, Michael and Isabel looked from the lipstick to Cassie in amazement. "You moved it. It doesn't matter how much. Just the fact that you can move it after all this time of not using your skills." Isabel smiled.

"Just to be sure though, we'll bring her to Jordan," Max said and then explained to Kyle and Cassie who Jordan was.

Part 22

Liz slowly came awake, but before she even opened her eyes, her body started throbbing and shaking. Liz shot up in bed and frowned. She didn't have pain, only...something like an ache deep inside. Like she needed something, but she didn't know what.

She looked around her room and frowned remembering that after she had gotten back from the hospital late last night, her parents had hovered over her so that Max decided that he shouldn't try to sneak into her room that night. It had been two nights now, and Liz missed him. Just the thought of the last time they were together, made Liz start to throb and shiver again. She threw off the covers and after a shower, she got dressed and went into the kitchen.

"Hi honey. Did you sleep okay?" Her mother looked her over, saw how tired her daughter looked and hugged her close. She could have lost her little girl last night was all she could think.

Liz hugged her mom back and then moved toward the refridgerator. Her body was still throbbing and humming, like she was craving something, but she didn't know what. "I slept okay. You should know, you kept checking me." Liz gave her mom a sideways look.

Her mom looked sheepish. "I know, I'm sorry honey, it just scared us so much, that I had to check on you to reassure myself that you were okay." Her mother admitted.

Liz nodded and realized that Max had been right about not trying to sneak into her room last night. She held back a smile trying to imagine what her mom would have said if she would have found Max in her bed.

"What are you plans today sweetheart?" Her father asked coming into the room and hugging her tight.

"Ah, I was going to go see my friend Cassie, they're going to let her out of the hospital today, and we were all going to go over and spend some time with her," Liz said frowning into the refridgerator and then closing it and going through all the cabinets with the same frown.

"Well your mother and I were supposed to go that monthly convention for the restaurant today and come back tomorrow afternoon, but I think we'll cancel it. We don't want to leave you alone tonight." Her father said with worry, seeing how tired his daughter looked, and the deep circles under her eyes.

Liz spun around from combing the closets. "No! Don't cancel. I...I was going to have Maria spend the night tonight anyways, and...I'll be gone probably all day spending time with Cassie. Please, you won't even see me much today, and Maria will be here tonight."

Her parents looked at each other and her mother sighed and her father came up to her. "Okay Lizzy, if you're sure, but promise me you will call us if you have any problems or need anything tonight. Okay?" her father hugged her again.

"I promise. Just go and have a good time. I know you like the group of people that you meet with every month. Have fun. I'll be fine." Liz urged them, and then went back to looking in the closets.

Nothing sounded good! She was starting to get jumpy, not knowing what it was she was craving. She only knew that her body was wanting something and was going to drive her crazy until she got it. She sighed to herself, hoping that these strange new symptoms that kept appearing, would not last the whole year and a half.

She saw her parents off and promised she would check in on the cafe later on tonight since she and Maria were not working tonight.

When her parents were gone Liz gave a frustrated sigh and then shivered again. The ache inside of her was getting worse. She ran to the fridge and grabbed the whole gallon of milk, and the bottle of Tabasco that she kept stashed in her room, and poured the whole bottle into the milk and drank the whole gallon of milk.

Liz sighed as she started to relax a little, but it was only 10 minutes later, when she was putting on her sneakers, that it started again. The throbbing was low in her belly and constant now. And she grabbed a sweater to try to stop the shivers, and then decided to go see Max. She needed to tell him about this. She had promised him she would let him know if there were any new symptoms. No secrets they had agreed.

Max came out of his room with a frown, and bumped into Isabel. "Well, you've finally decided to get up?" Isabel teased looking at the hall clock which read 11 am, and then back at her frowning brother. "You look awful." Isabel commented seeing his haggard face and tired, red rimmed eyes. "You didn't sleep much last night did you?" she observed.

"No. So what's it to you?" Max sighed impatiently. He wanted to go get something to eat, and not be interrogated the minute he came out of his room.

Isabel raised an eyebrow at her brother's obviously agitated mood. "Excuse me." She rolled her eyes and headed toward her room. "You going over to Cassie's later? Alex and I are going to go shopping, and then stop by."

Max frowned. He just wanted to see Liz. He didn't care what they did after that, but he knew they needed to talk more with Cassie and plan when to go see Jordan. None of them felt they should wait another week before going. "Yeah, we all need to talk and make plans, Liz and I will be there
later too." He sighed and headed down the stairs.

He came into the kitchen as his mom was leaving. "Oh, I'm glad you're up. I was leaving you a note, to tell you that your father and I have to go to the office and work on a case for awhile today. You look tired honey." Mrs. Evans remarked giving her son a hug, knowing she could have lost him last night.

"I'm okay. Just a little tired. I'll...I'll probably go to bed early tonight." Max said trying not to smile at how perfect this was going to work out later.

"Okay honey. You have the number at our office if you or your sister need anything. Don't hesitate to call okay?"

Max nodded and watched his mom leave, and then ravaged the kitchen for breakfast. He didn't know why, but he was starving today. Max was finishing his third bowl of cereal when there was a knock on the back door. He knew it was Liz, and jumped up, opened the door and smiled.

"Hey." Max said and then he pulled her into the house, slammed the door behind them, and took Liz into his arms and ravished her mouth.

Liz moaned and wrapped her arms around Max's neck. And just sighed into his mouth as he devoured hers. Their open mouth kisses hot and needy.

Liz felt safe in Max's arms, with his scent all around her, his strong arms holding her up, and his hot mouth making love to hers. First he sucked her tongue into his mouth and caressed with with his own, and then, without taking his mouth from hers, Max turned and lifted her up against the wall so Liz could wrap her legs around his waist.

Liz moaned and realized the shaking had stopped and the wild ache was now not as sharp. Her body was telling her that it was finally getting what it had needed. She was too far gone to fully understand the full ramifications of this new symptom.

Liz pulled back and Max lifted his head and grinned at how carried away he had gotten. He moved back from the wall and let Liz's feet slide back down, but he kept her in his embrace.

"Morning." He grinned again, seeing how ravished and dazed Liz looked.

Liz licked her lips and nodded. Max's eyes followed her tongue and narrowed again with passion.
Liz was busy running her hands up and down Max's chest and arms. She couldn't touch him enough. She leaned forward and kissed the open v where his shirt was open, and then swirled her tongue around his throat to taste him. She couldn't get enough of Max. It was the taste and feel of Max that she needed.

Max let Liz's hands wander and he moaned and leaned his head back just enjoying Liz's touch. They didn't even hear the car horn.

"That's Alex, I'll see you later Ma..." Isabel stopped mid sentence when she came into the kitchen and saw Max and Liz near the back door. They turned to Isabel both still looking dazed with passion, and she laughed shaking her head. "Not that you two care, but I'm leaving, we'll see you guys later?" Isabel asked, looking them over with an amused grin and wondering if they would make it out of the house today.

"Yeah, later." Max said and he and Liz walked Isabel to the front door.

The horn honked again, and Isabel waved to Alex as she opened the door. "Later guys." She grinned and ran out.

Max closed the door behind his sister and turned around and grabbed Liz. Their tongues dueled, and Max lifted Liz up and grunted when her legs came around him again.

Not stoping the kiss, Max just moaned and walked up the stairs with Liz wrapped around him. He couldn't wait any longer, and knew Liz wasn't felt the same way.

Max kicked his door shut just in case someone came home, and then sat down in a chair with Liz still wrapped around him , his mouth continuing it's sensual assault on hers. She tasted so good. Her mouth so sweet and that combined with the spicy Tabasco sauce that he could taste on her tongue, drove him crazier.

Obviously he had the same affect on Liz, for she was reaching for his shirt, and unbuttoning it with shaky hands, and kissing him everywhere she exposed another part of his chest.

"God Liz, I missed you last night." Max sighed and tilted his head back to enjoy her mouth and hands on his chest. He helped her shrug off his shirt and then lifted her sweater up, kissing her
again hungrily when it came off and fell to the floor.

Max stood up with Liz in his arms, and carried her the three feet to the bed and followed her down on it. Max took Liz in his arms and just sighed in contentment. He loved this part of their loving just as much. The closeness and the hugging and touching that they shared, warmed his heart and soul.

When Liz reached sat up and reached for him, Max opened his eyes. Liz met his surprised look with a wicked smile. "I forgot to tell you my newest symptom."

Max saw her smile and knew she wasn't upset over whatever it was. "Oh?" he swallowed tying to concentrate on what she was saying, while her hands caressed him.

"Hmm.... I now have cravings for...." Liz licked her lips and then leaned up closer to Max until her mouth was just about to cover his. "You." She smiled and Max's eyes grew wide before they glazed over with passion as Liz brought her mouth down over his.

*Maybe he could stand another year 1/2 of this after all* he thought, as his arms came around Liz and he pulled her up on top of him. *If it didn't kill him first* was his last thought as he captured her mouth again.

The shadow inside the car outside the Evan's house picked up the cell phone and dialed the familiar number.

"They're both here. It's just the two of them... Okay, let me know when you want me to make my move." the shadow said into the phone, then hung up and sat staring at the house with hard, evil eyes. Then the shadow looked around, saw the area was quiet, and then shapshifted into another person, and smiling, started up the car and drove away.

Part 23

Liz slowly woke up, she was feeling refreshed and less tired. She stretched and then smiled as she felt Max against her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him from where her head was pillowed on his outstretched arm. He was sleeping and looked so good to her. The love that filled her eyes would have blinded Max had he seen it.

Liz watched Max sleep. He was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest guy she had ever known, and she still was amazed that he loved her. Her eyes traveled over his tosseled hair, to his long eyelashes which fell over his high cheek bones as he slept. Then she followed down to his strong jaw, which even in sleep looked strong, and then to his mouth. His beautiful sensitive mouth. She sighed silently and continued her journey to slide her eyes down to his muscular, bare chest and out to the muscular arm that her head was still pillowed on. Liz wanted to explore further, but her eyes could only travel down to his washboard stomach, before the sheet covered them both. She just had to enjoy the feel of Max against her lower half. Their legs were entwined, and Liz had one leg thrown over his hips. She could fell him underneath her leg, and knew he was relaxed and soft. She loved all of Max and wanted to be with him forever.

Liz wanted to be able to be in Max's bed legally. She wanted to be his legally.Liz looked down to her own bareness and lifted the chain from around her neck. She never took it off. Not even when she was undressed. The ring on the end of the chain fell between her breasts, and she knew that Max loved to see it there.

They both wanted that ring on her finger, but they knew that they had the rest of their lives to be together, it was just tough to be together like this knowing that they couldn't be like this whenever they wanted yet. That someone might come home, and that they had to sneak around to be together like this was not what they wanted. But Max was worth it, Liz thought. Max was worth anything and everything to her. Their closeness, their bond got stronger everyday.

Liz frowned as she remembered her ache and shivering from this morning, and how since she had been with Max, just in his presence, the new pregnancy symptoms had gone away. That could be a problem she knew. How could she satisfy that craving all the time? She grinned as she thought how she'd explain that one to the principal.

She put her hand against her tummy and wondered if she would have a boy or girl and if it would have Max, Michael and Isabel's powers or not. Would the baby be healthy? Shouldn't she get checked? Jordan had said there was a doctor up in the hills near him who could help her with the unusual birth. She wanted to make sure she was doing the right things for the baby, she thought as she unconsciously rubbed her hand over her lower, still flat tummy.

Another, larger hand covered hers and Liz looked up into Max's intense eyes. They were full of emotion and love for her. He knew what she was thinking, for their connection was strong, especially when they were touching. "We shouldn't wait any longer. We should go see Jordan today. Can you come up with a reason for not coming home tonight?" Max asked in a husky voice
from sleep.

Liz smiled and met his eyes, her own hand rubbing against his which rested against her tummy now. "My parents won't be back until tomorrow night. It's their monthy convention this weekend. They left this morning."

Max's grin widened and his eyes lit up with a mischevious look. "So either way, we have tonight together," he mumbled as he leaned down to her and opened his mouth over her waiting one.

It was already 11 am by the time Liz and Max headed back over to Liz's to get her overnight bag. As Max had been packing his bag, Liz had gone to take a shower in Max's bathroom. But almost simultaneously, Liz pulled the shower curtain open to call to Max, only to find Max already there about to open the curtain and step in. Liz had given him a sexy once over and pulled him in with her.

Max parked the Jeep out front and they went up to get Liz's overnight bag packed. Everyone was going to meet them in 15 minutes inside the cafe. They had all agreed today would be the best time to go to Jordan's ranch.

Max had called their parents and told them that Isabel and he were going to be spending the night at friends houses if it was okay. Max was going to stay with Michael, and Isabel was going to Maria's house.

Liz grabbed her toiletries out of the bathroom as Max went through her draws to get her clothes out. He pulled out a white lace teddy and grinned, his groin tightening again already. He swallowed and folded the soft teddy and put it in her bag for tonight.

Liz came out of the bathroom with her needed items and saw Max holding up a matching pair of blue underwear and a bra, and she giggled. Max turned around with a grin and his face a little red at having been caught staring. "I like these. Will you wear these tomorrow?" he asked as he caressed the soft silk.

"Sure. But why not tonight?" She smiled and started to put her toilitries in the bag.

Max reached into the bag and pulled out the while lace and silk teddy and grinned at her and raised his eyebrows several times. Liz laughed again and slipped into his arms and hugged him tight. Then she buried her face in his neck and sighed as Max's arms came around her. "Oh Max, sometimes I'm so happy it scares me." Liz admitted.

"I know. But everything will be okay Liz. We'll work everything out, as long as we're together." Max said as he ran his hand through her soft hair.

Liz felt Max's body react to their closeness and she met his eyes and her's lowered with growing passion equal to his. Max sucked in his breath and groaned as he moved away from Liz and
shook his head. "We have to be downstairs in five minutes. Tonight." he promised and winked.

Liz grinned and put the last of her clothes in the bag and zipped it, nodding and sighing.

They took two cars up to see Jordan. Liz rode with Max in the Jeep with Kyle and Cassie in the back, while Michael drove Maria's car with Maria, Alex and Isabel with him.

"So, your Uncle Jordan will be able to tell if I'm an alien for sure?" Cassie asked biting her lip anxiously.

Kyle put an arm around Cassie in comfort, knowing she was worried. Kyle had stayed with Cassie until they had released her from the hospital this morning, and had taken her home. Her father had left a note that he was going to be out of town for the weekend which explained why he hadn't shown up at the hospital when the sheriff and the hospital had called the house.

He had sheepishly called Susan Altman and canceled their date with Cassie listening. He didn't want any secrets between them, so he told her about the spontaneous date he had made with Susan yesterday when he'd gotten scared after he had broken his finger. Kyle and Cassie had had a long talk, and although Kyle admitted all of this alien stuff was still a little hard for him to grasp, he knew one thing for sure. He would be there for Cassie no matter what turned out to be the truth about her.

Cassie leaned her head against Kyle's shoulder and sighed. She still couldn't believe that Kyle was still sticking by her after finding out about all of her strange abilities and the equally disturbing idea of what could be the reason behind her abilities.

"So, it, it's okay for a human and an...alien to have a baby?" Kyle ventured the question he had been wondering since he had found out Liz was pregnant with Max's child.

Liz and Max exchanged smiles and Liz turned around in her seat to face Kyle and Cassie. "We were worried at first as well. That was the real reason why Maria and I ran away and why you found us in that Motel in Albuqureque," Liz explained. "I...I was afraid when I found out I was pregnant, that it would kill me, or the baby, or my side effects or symptoms would be so bad that the government would realize I was carrying an alien child or hybrid, and want it. So I ran."

Cassie turned pale. "That must have been a horrible feeling!" she whispered, trying to imagine being a pregnant teen let alone having all the further complications and worries added to that. "When are you due? You don't look pregnant yet at all." Cassie finished.

Liz smiled again and laughed. "Well, according to Jordan, all hybrid births have taken 2 years gestation."

"Two years!" Cassie and Kyle said together.

Max and Liz laughed. "Word of caution, Kyle. Birth control doesn't help," Max said dryly.

Liz saw Cassie blush and Kyle grin. "That must have been a surprise." Kyle chuckled now that he knew Liz was going to be okay. Now he could tease them. "So like what is it... super sperm?"

Cassie covered her face in embarassment and Liz, equally embarassed, gave a shout and slapped Kyle. Max just laughed. "Not sure. That is what we also have to ask Jordan about." Max answered with a grin.

"Isn't it a little late for that?" Kyle joked again.

This time Liz laughed, remembering her own thoughts that had run along the same lines. "Yes, so unfortunately we didn't ask Jordan how one would normally take care of birth control. So now Michael and Isabel don't know either. And for obvious reasons they want to know. And Isabel doesn't know how it works for her. And for you as well now, Cassie," she explained.

"Oh lord. I can't even think that far ahead. My mind is so jumbled. I mean, what if I am.. an alien. Or what if I'm not. Then what's wrong with me?" Cassie started to worry again.

Liz brightened and smiled at Cassie. "How do you feel about Tabasco Sauce?" Liz asked suddenly.

Cassie frowned and shook her head. "What about it?"

Max and Liz exchanged frowns. "Michael, Isabel and I need the hot sauce on everything to make the food more tasty. Otherwise it's just too bland and doesn't have any taste," Max answered.

Cassie frowned for a second in thought. "Does it work?"

"Yeah. It works great."

Cassie sighed and then smiled. "Thank God! I have always wondered why I nothing had much taste for me. I always put a ton of pepper on my food but it didn't really help."

Liz laughed. "I guess that answers most of the questions as to if you are an alien or not. Here. Try this," she said and pulled Tabasco sauce out of a bag of food Max had packed for them. Liz handed Cassie the Tabasco Sauce and some chips. She watched Cassie's eyes grow wide and her mouth almost start to water as Cassie eyed the Tabasco Sauce.

Cassie poured some of the Sauce on her chip and then tasted it. She rolled her eyes and smiled, making heavenly noises as she finished the chip. "Yes!" She laughed finally, really enjoying food for the first time in her life.

Kyle looked shocked and a little freaked out, which made Liz laugh. Then she reached for her chocolate milk in the thermos that Max had packed and tasted it. Perfect. She closed her eyes in enjoyment herself. Max always knew exactly how to make it for her.

"What's that?" Kyle asked suspiciously as he watched Liz drink out of the thermos.

"Chocolate milk." Liz grinned innocently at Kyle. Then bit her lip to hold back a laugh when she saw Kyle start to relax.

"I make it for her every morning. It's one of her cravings. About a gallon of milk, and a whole bottle of ...ah... Tabasco Sauce," Max added, waiting for Kyle's reaction in the mirror.

Kyle turned and stared at Liz and the others all laughed. "So is this new for you? Or have you always liked...Tabasco Sauce on things?" Kyle ventured to ask, not sure he wanted to know.

Liz laughed again. "It's new. One of the first ways I realized I was pregnant. I'm sure it will go away once I've had the baby."

"One of the ways....Ah...what other symptoms have you had? Or should I ask?" Kyle said turning a little paler.

"Well Kyle, most of them are freaky, but there's one you'll love," Max teased.

Liz laughed and hit Max playfully, and then Max grabbed her hand, held it tight against his thigh, and a loving look passed between them.

"Care to share then?" Kyle asked curiously.

Cassie cringed when the two lovers laughed again. She didn't know if she wanted to know!

Part 24

Maria looked over at Alex and Isabel in the back seat of her car and saw they were asleep cuddled together. She bit her lip and turned back to Michael as he drove her car following the Jeep.

He had been really quiet lately about the whole closeness issue. He never pushed, and in fact, he usually backed away before Maria did. Maria knew that they should wait until they knew how to avoid pregnancy, but Michael almost had a fear of the subject. She had left it alone until now, but since they were going to Jordan to get more answers about everything, she wanted to know where she stood with Michael. Had he changed his mind about her? Now that he realized there were other aliens like himself out there, was he hoping to get with one of his own kind, or a girl of mixed blood at least?

Maria felt sick to her stomach at the thought, but wanted to be prepared. "Um, Michael." Maria started in a low voice, so as not to wake the two in the back.

Michael had been doing his own thinking, and turned around in surprise when he realized Maria was talking to him. "Yeah?" He glanced at her with a smile and then looked back to the road.

Maria bit her lip and sighed. Just say it Maria! She commanded herself. "Well, since we came back from Jordan's last week...well, you've been really quiet about...us. I mean, about our relationship, or whatever. I mean, are you having second thoughts about us? I mean, if you want to look for one of your own kind to be with now that you know there are more of you out there then..."

Michael whipped his head back around to Maria in shock and then slowed the car down. He wanted to stop, but knew that the Jeep wouldn't know what they were doing, and would stop as well. He held out his hand instead, and when Maria put her hand in his without reservation, he sighed. How could she even think that!

"Maria." Michael started. He too spoke softly, not wake up the other two. "I'm sorry my hesitancy has made you think something that crazy," he said squeezing her hand.

"But..." Maria started, only to be interruped by Michael.

"Maria. I've been scared. Ever since we found out about Liz being pregnant, and even though Jordan said it would be okay, all I could think of is if it had been you, and it wouldn't have been okay, and I could have killed you because..."

"Michael!" Maria interruped him now and slid over closer to him in the front seat.

Michael slid his arm around Maria and kissed her forehead. "I don't want anything to happen to you Maria. I want to talk to Jordan before anything else...I mean, what if Liz and Max were just lucky? What if something can happen to you, because of who I am." Michael admitted his fears. "I was stupid not to ask Jordan about birth control last time, but I was so overwhelmed with all that he had already told us..." Michael explained.

Maria let out her breath of relief. "So, it's not that you want to meet someone else? One of your own kind?" she had to hear it from him.

Michael laughed and pulled her closer. "You are my kind Maria. The only one I could love. And if Jordan gives us an answer tonight, you won't be able to fight me off." He teased.

Maria gave him a sexy once over, and slid her hand up his thigh so it was very high up, and when she felt Michael's body tense up, she met his eyes. "Fight you off? Why the heck would I be stupid enough to do that!" she said and winked when Michael glanced over at her.

It was dusk when the two cars drove up to the ranch house. Jordan was waiting for them on the porch. Max wasn't surprised that Jordan had just known they were coming.

As they piled out of the cars, Jordan came up to them. He seemed to home in on Cassie, and came over to the Jeep.

Cassie looked hesitant, but met Jordan's eyes as his seemed to search hers. Then Jordan's eyes went to Kyle who had moved closer to Cassie, letting Jordan know that Cassie was important to him.

Jordan met the boys eyes and what he saw there made him smile and nod. "Come children, it's good to see you all again, we have a lot to talk about." Jordan said as he led them all into the house.

Jordan and his wife Nadi were introduced to Cassie and Kyle when they entered the house. But before Max could add anything more, Jordan help up a hand and looked to Cassie. "She is one of us," he said.

Cassie let out her breath. At least she now knew where she had gotten her strange abilities from. Kyle squeezed her hand and sighed a little too in relief. He was relieved that Cassie had her answers, but he was still unable to completely take in the fact that he was in love with an alien!

Jordan looked from Cassie to Kyle and smiled. He had gone deep into Kyle Valenti's soul and found a pure heart, and one that beat for Cassie.

"Was I...the other pod that was missing from the crash? With, Max, Michael and Isabel?" she asked Jordan. She liked the man immediately. He made her feel safe and comfortable. He made her feel like she belonged.

"Yes. You are from their crash. You are...were Paulie's sister. I'm sorry," Jordan told her painfully. "But I don't think he ever knew." Jordan explained.

Cassie swallowed and nodded. She had been wondering that since she realized she might be an alien, and after what Max, Michael and Isabel had told her about Paulie and the other pod. She took a deep breath trying not to cry. Paulie had been evil, she knew. But maybe if he had known there was another member of his family...but she shook that off and realized that she couldn't think that way.

"How were we not able to sense Cassie, Uncle Jordan?" Isabel asked.

"Why don't you tell me about your life growing up Cassie?" Jordan asked and they all made themselves comfortable in the big living room. Michael and Maria sat in an overstuff chair together, Max, Liz, Alex and Isabel sat on the couch, and Kyle and Cassie sat with Jordan on another couch.

After Cassie had explained how she had been very young when her mother had caught her using some of her abiitites unknowingly. And how her mother had been hysterical thinking her daughter was a witch or something, and would get them all in trouble or alienated from the town, she made Cassie promise to never to any of those things again.

"So you repressed that side of yourself. And didn't even know what it was you could do or what you were capeable of." Jordan stated."Well, since you supressed the few abilities you were develping at a very young age, you never put out any kind of sign. You had no idea you could, or what you would be looking for," Jordan added.

"Paulie on the other hand, must have somehow figured out he had abilities and special powers, because his were very far advanced for his age. Even further along that you three." Jordan nodded to Max, Michael and Isabel.

"I still can't believe it." Cassie said softly trying to take all of this in. She wasn't a freak. She wasn't an evil witch or something. She was just from a different place, like the other three.

"Ah, Jordan." Michael spoke up finally. He exchanged looks with Maria who smiled and nodded.

Jordan laughed in a deep low voice. "Ah Michael, I was wondering when the rest of you would get more curious about your sexual situations."

Maria blushed, as did Isabel. Alex looked uncomfortable, but Michael met his uncle's eyes straight on and nodded.

"We have had to set up labs and come up with our own variations of birth control and other drugs for certain ailnesses. But we did come up with several different types of birh control pills and controseptives for the problems lately of diseases."

"What like a Super Sperm Condom?" Kyle couldn't help but put in.

Cassie blushed and covered her face, but Jordan laughed. "Something like that. I don't know if it's super, but it is different in the way it reacts to regular controseptives." Jordan said with humor, then continued. "There are pills for Teronian females with human males, and..."

"Teronians?" they all asked.

Jordan looked surprised but then shook his head. "There was so much to tell you all last time. I never told you our home planet name or our race. Forgive me children."

"We...we are called...Teronians?" Isabel asked hoarsly, tears filling her eyes. Alex put an arm around her understanding her emotions.

"We come from the planet Teron. And we are known as Teronians." Jordan nodded.

When they all just sat there obsorbing it all, Jordan continued. "We have also developed a birth control pill for human females with our male Teronians."

"Now you tell us." Liz mumbled and got a chuckle out of everyone. Max grinned and squeezed her hand.

"So, if the Teronians use the right condoms, it would keep the human from getting pregnant?" Michael wanted to make sure.

"Yes. As well as the human version can at least. Nothing is 100% guaranteed as you know." Jordan explained.

"What...what about if us females, Teronians or humans wanted to just use the pill. Does it work right away?" Maria asked, and flushed when the others smiled.

"Yes. But don't forget the caution of diseases these days." Jordan frowned.

"Are there new...or different diseases to worry about for Teronian/human relationships?" Alex asked.

"The diseases seem to do mostly the same things to our race as they do to the humans. The cures might be a little different, or medicins a little different, but it's basically the diseases so far. Our labs are keeping up with the latest all the time. There is also a new pill coming out for the children of mixed human/Teronian blood."

"The diseases Jordan, do you have any cures for them, that the humans don't have yet?" Max asked.

Jordan shook his head. "Not yet, but we are working on it. Some of the scientists feel very postive that they are close."

"But the diseases still come from a lot of sexual activity right? I mean, if two people have never done it then..." Maria asked.

Jordan nodded seriously but again cautioned the use of no condoms. Maria nodded, but knew they all wanted to know the answers to both ways of protection.

"Jordan...you keep saying... labs?" Liz asked finally. Her mind had been on those words since Jordan had first mentioned them.

"Yes. But first little one. How are you doing?" He asked gently, looking Liz over for any signs of a problem.

Liz smiled and then blushed. "Good. Except for the strange symptoms."

Jordan nodded. "Make a list for me if you will. I have all the new mothers do that, so that we can see how many different ones there are out there, and how many are consistant."

Liz nodded and blushed again when she met Max's amused eyes. "I...I will. But Jordan, the labs?" Liz couldn't help but bring up again. Her own curiosity was at a peak.

"Yes. We have a full laboratory and it's funded by the government itself." Jordan said with real amusement in his eyes.

"The Government?!" They all exclaimed.

Jordan chuckled. "Of course, the government doesn't know about ALL the experiments going on. Dr. John Polk started the physicilies back in the early 60's."

"I've heard of him." Liz whispered in amazement. She had known about the famous molecular biologist and geneologist and knew he had his own physicilities, but just hadn't realized that they were around here, and that he did more than they knew.

"Yes. John was always ahead of his time in his thoughts and ideas, and when one of our Teronian women met him and they fell in love, he added a whole new dimension to his ideas and experiments. He quickly got a grant to start his own labs, and he has been working on molecular biology and geneology for several decades now. They've made some great progress."

"They? How many work there? Do all the researchers know about the...other research?" Liz asked her mind going in a million different directions.

Jordan smiled and nodded. "The only way to guarantee that the secret be kept, is to allow only people who are related to Teronians, or have Teronian blood in them or are already with a Teronian and know the secret to work at the labs. We have raised a lot of the children to become researchers and scientists."

"I...I want to work there Jordan. When I finished high school." Liz whispered almost pleadingly. Her eyes were wide with the wonder and amazement of it all. And to think she could help her own child. To come up with things to help the children of mixed blood.

Max squeezed Liz's hand feeling her excitement.

Jordan smiled and nodded. "You get through high school with good grades little one, and we will work on a program for you that includes college, and an internship with us."

Liz smiled brightly and hugged Max closer in excitement.

Later, as Maria was getting ready for bed, there was a knock on the door. She was sharing a room with Michael as she had last time, and he had given her time alone to wash and change. She knew it was him knocking and smiled as she opened the door.

Michael stood there fresh from a shower himself, and grinning at her with his intense eyes. He pulled a hand out from behind his back and produced a red rose for Maria.

Maria's face softened and she looked up at him with tears in her eyes and a bright smile. Then she took the rose from him.

Michael stepped into the room, closed the door and took her into his arms. "Hey there gorgeous." He said softly against her lips before covering her mouth with his in a hot open mouth kiss.

Part 25

Michael lifted his head finally, and they both took deep breaths. "You sure, Maria?" Michael asked.

Maria smiled and hit his arm. "Where's the guy I was going to have to fight off?" she teased.

Michael grinned, his own eyes turning playful. He suddenly scooped Maria up in his arms and walked to the bed and after dropping her on it, he followed her down.

Maria laughed as she bounced once, but then Michael was on top of her and they were kissing again. Maria sighed as she locked her arms about his neck, and just enjoyed the closeness, knowing where it would lead.

Maria moaned as Michael moved his open mouth from her lips, down over her jaw and neck. He licked the line of her jaw up to her ear and then he dipped his tongue into her ear.

Michael could hear Maria's sighs of pleasure and his own pleasure was heightened. He loved knowing he could make Maria purr for him. Only him.

Maria arched up as Michael's hands started roaming her body. The feel of his big strong hands lifting up her top, and sliding their way up to cover her breasts made her gasp. It was always this way. They had gone this far before, and as usual, Maria wanted more. And now finally, they weren't going to stop.

Maria let her own hands start to wander, and she pulled the shirt up off of Michael as well. Michael leaned back to let her slip his shirt off, and he in turn removed hers. The he was kissing her again.

Maria moaned low in her throat so as not to make too much noise, and slid both of her hands in Michael's hair to hold him in place. Then Maria's hands began to wander as well.

Michael moaned low in his throat now, and just enjoyed the feel of Maria's hands teasing him. Always before, this had where he'd stopped them. But now he didn't have to. He could give himself to Maria as he had always wanted to. Michael leaned back and looked Maria over, then slid his eyes back up Maria's heaving body, and met her eyes.

Hers were smiling and pleading for more. He saw her hands reach out to take him in her arms once again, and he kissed her again with all the passion he had inside. Then he let his lips start kissing her neck and chest.

Maria bit her lip to keep from crying out and instead she dug her fingers into Michael's shoulders instead. Michael didn't mind. He didn't even feel it.

Michael didn't stop until Maria reached for him with her hands. She wanted him in her arms, and Michael crawled back up her body and obliged.

He loved seeing the passion glazed look in her eyes and the smile of surprised pleasure still lingering there as well. He had done this to her. He grinned liking the thought.

Maria's senses were still spinning as she held onto Michael. She had never imagined how totally she could give of herself until now. As she slowly came out of her own passion-filled daze, she felt the very hard evidence of Michael's own passion in the jean clad body against her leg.

Maria sat up and quickly started pulling off Michael's jeans. "Michael," Maria sighed.

Michael's eyes were burning into Maria's with a mixture of fierce passion and love. Michael started to roll over and make love to her, but when Maria shook her head he realized she wanted to stay where she was, on top of him. He grinned and pulled her down for another kiss.

Maria later collapsed on top of Michael with a whispered, "Oh...wow."

Michael held her to him and caressed her back. He grinned at Maria's words. "Yeah, ditto." He managed to say while still trying to catch his breath.

When his own heartbeat was steady again, and he could sense Maria dosing, he pulled her up closer to him and kissed her nose. "I love you Maria Deluca. Always." He whispered and saw her smile as she opened her eyes and tipped her head back so she could see him.

"Ditto, Michael." She said and he chuckled. "I love you Michael Gurien" Maria then said softly and slid a hand up to cup his cheek and then she put her head back into the nook of his neck and jaw
and fell asleep.

Michael dozed off with his own smile of contentment.

Liz was just coming back from the labs with Jordan when she spotted Maria sitting on the porch just enjoying the morning sun. Liz hugged Jordan in thanks for taking her around the facilities, and then went to join her friend on the porch.

One look at Maria and Liz laughed. "Maria you look like the cat that ate all the cream."

Maria blushed and then laughed at the pun. And now her best friend was here to talk to. She had so much she wanted to ask and talk about. She hugged her knees to her chest and winced a little.

"Don't worry. That will go away soon. And it was worth it wasn't it?" Liz asked, but knew from her friend's dreamy smile that she agreed.

"Wow, Liz. I don't blame you for having gotten so carried away with Max. I don't know how Michael and I waited so long! We've done it three times since last night!" she whispered with a giggle.

Liz's eyes widened and she burst out laughing herself. "Maria! I always knew you two together would be quite a combination, but three times!!!"

Maria smiled and nodded, and then winched again as she shifted, but when she met Liz's knowing eyes, she shrugged and smiled wider. "Definitely worth it!" she winked.

Liz nodded. "If you want, Max could ease your pain. He did to me." She said seriously, then when Maria gave her a shocked look, Liz burst out laughing again. She loved teasing Maria, and it felt good that both of them were able to share this experience with each other.

"He did? Well, don't tell Michael! He feels bad enough about the fact that I have to be uncomfortable at all." Maria said.

Liz nodded. "Of course not. Although it would be funny to see his face if you asked him if Max could take the pain away." Liz laughed again.

Max came out of the bathroom from a shower, and heard Liz's laughter. He homed in on her and headed toward the front screen door where a breeze was bringing in Liz's unique scent.

He stopped when Michael came out of the bedroom next to his with a wide, contented smile on his face.

Max grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm gathering from your that smile, and Liz and Maria's laughing outside that you two finally did it." Max threw at Michael with a raised eyebrow.

Michael just grinned more and headed toward the porch. "Maria's out front?" Michael homed in on his girl as well, and Max laughed and followed Michael outside to the girls.

Part 26

Max and Michael came out onto the porch and when Maria looked up, she met Michael's very intense eyes, and she shivered and blushed. Michael grinned and sat one step above her on the stairs and wrapped his arms around her as she slid in between his legs and hugged him.

Max grinned and winked at Liz as he too sat down, leaning his back on the porch step railing, and stretching out his legs. He held out his hand and Liz snuggled up next to him, resting her head on his lap.

The two couples just enjoyed the light spring breeze, the smell of wildflowers, and the quiet of the moment with the people they loved. Cassie came around the corner of the house just then and stopped when she saw the couples' quiet moment. She started to step back but they had seen her.

"Come join us Cassie." Liz smiled and waved her over.

Cassie joined them and leaned back against the step rails herself. She had so much going through her mind. She needed to share it, but she wasn't sure if Kyle was ready for any more. She knew he was overwhelmed right now, and didn't blame him for getting up early and going up into the hills for some time alone. He had kissed her and told her it wasn't her. That he just needed to get this all straightened out in his own head, and she believed him, but felt bad that she had put so much on him all at once.

"You look like you have a lot on your mind." Max asked Cassie in a deep gentle voice. He sensed her inner struggle, and knew Liz did as well. They exchanged glances.

Cassie smiled. "I forgot that I can transmit my thoughts easily around you guys. I'll have to remember that."

"Don't try to block us Cassie. You need all of us now." Michael said, surprising the others.

Cassie met his eyes and knew he understood how lonely she had always felt. And that she didn't need to be alone anymore. She sighed and nodded, then looked at all of them.

"I never knew. You guys grew up knowing you had powers and even figured out what had happened and that you were from the Roswell Crash. I never suspected, so this is really tough for me to take in all at once. And...and I know it's even tougher for Kyle. I wouldn't blame him if he decided it was all too much. I mean, we've only just started dating. I can't expect him to go through this confusion with me. I'm not even sure how I feel about my being an alien." Cassie admitted and tucked her knees up against her chest and hugged them. "I mean, I grew up not believing in aliens, and then I realize I am one." Cassie laughed.

"We can only imagine how that must feel. I know how freaked out I was when I found out about these guys. Never mind if I'd found out I was one too." Maria said, squeezing Michael's arm, and looking up at him on the step above her, as she remembered her initial fears.

"Cassie. Where is Kyle? Maybe you need to talk to Kyle about all this too." Liz asked with concern for both Cassie and Kyle. Relationships weren't easy when they were normal. She knew how hard it was when it wasn't.

"Kyle needed some space. He left earlier to hike up the hill above us. I saw him earlier just sitting on an out jutted rock, overlooking the valley." Cassie swallowed.

Liz put her hand on Cassie's shoulder. "Would you like me to go talk to him? I think I know how he's feeling. I mean, knowing you've fallen for someone so fast is overwhelming enough." Liz explained, and then met Max's smiling eyes remembering how fast Liz had fallen once he had let her in. "But to then find out that the person you are totally in love with is from another planet..."
Liz trailed off.

Cassie looked up hopefully at Liz. "Do you think you could talk to him? You wouldn't mind? I'm just not sure what he's feeling, and I think you would be able to help him with that."

Liz got up and took Cassie's hand and squeezed it lightly. "Of course." She said and leaning down to give Max a quick kiss, she headed out toward the hill Cassie had mentioned.

Cassie watched her new friend go off, and then looked back at the three and frowned. "I...I know this is going to sound really weird, since I am just discovering I have special abilities, but I feel...like someone else is out there. Like someone connected to me."

Max and Michael sat up straighter and exchanged looks. "What do you mean connected?" Max asked.

"I don't know. ¦Like a relative. I mean I know Paulie is dead, and I never even suspected we were related, but I sense that someone is trying to contact me. I don't know, maybe I'm just paranoid about these abilities I never realized I had." Cassie shook her head.

Maria met her eyes with warm ones. "You should talk to Jordan, Cassie. I know he wants to talk to you today any ways. I think you should tell him about this. Don't ever shrug off any feelings you get."

"She's right. If you are sensing something, you should talk to Jordan." Michael agreed, and Max nodded.

Liz found Kyle right where Cassie had said she had seen him earlier. He was throwing rocks out over the open valley below, deep in thought.

"Mind if I sit." Liz asked softly, so as not to startle him.

Kyle looked around and then smiled when he saw her. "Cassie send you up here?" He asked.

Liz laughed and nodded, then came over and started to sit down next to him on the ground. Kyle jumped up and reached for her hand. "Here, let me help you." He said, thinking about her condition.

Liz laughed, let him help her sit, and then she hit him playfully on the arm. "Don't you dare get like Max and the others. I swear, if I have a bunch of overprotective worriers the whole term of my pregnancy, I will go crazy!" she smiled at Kyle's sheepish look.

"Yeah, well, it's kinda hard not to want to make sure you're okay. How are you any ways Liz? I mean really? Being a teen and pregnant would be scary enough for anyone, but with and alien baby..."

Liz looked at Kyle and tilted her head. "I know I was afraid myself when I first realized I was pregnant. And not knowing how carrying an alien child would be, it did make the whole young teen pregnancy thing a lot worse...but Kyle..." Liz said with a smile as she placed her hand over her still flat tummy. "I wouldn't trade one second of any of this. I know in my heart that Max and I were meant. And so is our child. I don't know how I know. I just know how right it is."

Kyle looked at the peace in Liz's eyes and nodded. "Just follow your heart huh?" he gave a small grin himself.

"Yeah. Definitely. It won't steer you wrong Kyle." Liz met his eyes with reassuring, completely convinced ones.

"I do love her." Kyle said, looking out over the valley below again.

"Does she know?"

"No. I don't think so. I mean, she knows I care for her. But...I'm just beginning to realize how much, since even though I feel overwhelmed, I want to be with her. Be there for her. I just--don't know what to say, what if I say the wrong thing?" he sighed in frustration.

Liz laughed and Kyle turned back to her with a questioning look. "Sorry, but to see the big man on campus afraid of saying the wrong thing to a girl...well--" Liz couldn't help but smile and tease.

Kyle chuckled remembering how he'd never been good at what to say and had not really been that concerned about it before.

"Kyle, you are never going to always say the right thing. That doesn't matter, as long as Cassie knows that you love her and want to help. That you won't leave her."

Kyle nodded, his shoulders feeling lighter as he took in all Liz was saying. "What about for you? What's the hardest thing about being with an alien?" he asked.

"At first it was really tough cause they didn't have any idea who they were or where they came from or who their people were and if there were anymore of them. They were so confused. Max was always pushing me away, afraid to get me involved knowing that...well your dad was suspicious, and I could be in danger as well, and also, he didn't know what would happen in a alien/human relationship. He didn't want me hurt at all." Liz smiled remembering how sweet Max had been even then.

"But obviously you two overcame that. Even before you found out that it was okay." Kyle couldn't help but ask.

Liz laughed. "Well, yeah. I think our bodies and spirits must have known for us, because we couldn't stay apart."

Kyle nodded and sighed. "Yeah, I don't want to give Cassie up, even though it's not going to be easy. I mean...my father..." Kyle trailed off. His own father was after the aliens and might hurt them if he found out about them.

Liz nodded understanding Kyle's situation. She knew that was something he would have to deal with himself. And talk over with Cassie. Suddenly Liz felt the throbbing and shivering again and she bit her lip. Not now!

"Liz? You cold? You should go back to the house, here let me help you." Kyle started to stand and help her up as well.

Liz took his hand, and then released it once she was standing up. "Yeah, I feel a little chilly. I think I'll head back." She said knowing what she needed and not liking how it just popped up anytime. She tried not to smile as she headed back at a fast pace, and knew Kyle was following.

"You sure you're going to be okay?" Kyle frowned worried about Liz and her symptoms he'd been hearing about. "Do you need Tabasco Sauce or something?" he asked as they neared the front of the house.

Liz laughed when she saw Max still on the steps. "Or something." She mumbled and ran toward him.

Max met Liz's eyes as she came toward him and saw the look. He swallowed and his own body responded. He stood up and hugged her when she got to him.

"I think she's having one of her cravings Max. Better take care of her." Kyle said worriedly.

Max smiled down at Kyle. "I will, thanks."

Cassie stood up as well, and Kyle reached for her hand. "Let's walk." He said softly.

"Liz? You okay? What is it Chica?" Maria asked worriedly, exchanging glances with Michael.

"I'll be fine Maria. But I need to go inside and--ah lie down a bit." Liz stammered, blushing, and then hit Max's arm when he grinned.

"What is it!? Liz? We're all going to need to know the possible symptoms to expect." Maria looked pale.

Liz knew Maria was worried, and she realized she couldn't let her friend wonder and think the worst. "Maria, it's okay, this symptom or rather craving...ah...is just a little inconvenient at times." Liz grinned and then blushing again she buried her head in Max's neck.

Max held Liz tighter to him and took over. "She's okay Maria. And Michael, you will love this craving," Max started with a wider grin, but then jumped. "Ouch!" he said as he felt Liz nip at him.

"Ah, it seems that she is craving...me." He grinned again, and as Liz's hand started to wander across his chest and she shivered again, he lifted her up in his arms. "Excuse us." He grinned again and pushed the screen door open and carried Liz inside, her head still buried in his neck.

Michael and Maria just stared with their mouths open at what they had just seen and been told. Then Michael gave a shout of laughter as he heard a door slam inside.

Maria hit his arm. "That is not funny!" she tried to sound indignant.

But when Michael looked down at her with a raised eyebrow Maria couldn't help but start giggling. "Wanna go make a baby?" Michael teased, wiggling his eyebrows and grinning at Maria.

Maria laughed harder, then looked at Michael seriously. "I don't think we have to right now. I'm having cravings on my own." She said and pulled him into the house as well.

Part 27

Isabel and Alex walked hand in hand through the farmland. They had left before anyone else had gotten up this morning, and had decided to just walk around the little village market that Jordan's people had put together to sell their wares.

It was now almost noon and they had bought some fruit and cheese and some cold drinks, and with a blanket in hand, they walked into the tall cornfields. Alex found a good spot and set up the blanket, while Isabel put out the fruit and cheese for their little picnic.

Isabel sat down and arranged the food and then smiled up at Alex as he stood above her. She held out her hand to him and he took it in a gentle grip and stretched out next to her.

"This is nice. We don't get much time alone." Isabel said shyly as she nibbled on a piece of fruit.

"I know. I like this. Being with just you." Alex smiled and just watched her. Isabel was beautiful. And now that he had gotten to know the real Isabel, she was even more beautiful to him.

Isabel glanced over and saw Alex watching her, and with a smile just for him, she stretched out beside him and snuggled into his body as he put out and arm for her to lean on. She loved the feel of Alex's long lean body against hers.

He was so tall and lean and warm and loving. He made her feel safe and adored. Alex was loyal to his friends to a fault, and very protective. And with her, he was even more of those things. She couldn't ask for a better guy. She still wondered how she had gotten lucky enough to have someone so warm and sweet fall for her. She knew she had always put up the rough front to keep people away, but Alex hadn't paid much attention to it. He had just continued being Alex, until he had slowly wormed his way into her heart.

Isabel was lying on Alex's arm just enjoying the peaceful sunny day. She loved just being with him. But she knew she was ready for more. She remembered the girl talk she'd had with Maria and Liz, and how Alex wouldn't be the aggressive one. Isabel bit her lip and arching her head up to look at
him, she was surprised to see Alex staring intently down at her. His eyes looked soft and yet she saw a glimpse of passion before he looked away.

"Alex," Isabel whispered.

He could hear the plea in her voice and he swallowed and turned back to meet her eyes again. Her eyes told him what she wanted. That was all Alex needed. Slowly, he curled his arm around her head where it was pillowed and rolled her closer to him. Then he leaned in, their faces so close he could feel her sweet breath on his lips as she parted hers.

Alex groaned and then took her mouth with a passion he had been holding back. He had known that if he let himself go, there would be no turning back. And last night, when Jordan had given all of them the contraceptives, Alex had known it wouldn't be much longer before he and Isabel finally
consummated their love for one another.

Alex loved the taste of Isabel and concentrated all of his efforts on pleasing her. He ran his hands down her back, stroking and caressing her until he had pushed up her shirt enough to slide his hands under it.

Isabel moaned at the feel of Alex's big warm hands caressing her flesh. She leaned in closer to him and gasped when she felt his eagerness.

Their eyes met and Isabel smiled a shy, but wicked smile. "Alex, I love you," she said, bringing her arms up around his neck and rolling onto her back so that she could pull him down on top of her.

They helped each other remove their clothes and then, with eyes locked, Alex joined with Isabel in the most intimate way. They smiled at each other, both thinking that they had waited long enough, and then Alex leaned down and took Isabel's mouth as he took her body.

Jordan saw Kyle and Cassie walking hand in hand toward him as he was fixing the harness on one of the horses in the pasture outside the barn. He knew when Cassie was ready she would come to him with her questions. He didn't know if he had all the answers, but he could give her some, as he had with the others.

"Are you enjoying the peace this place lends itself to, children?" Jordan smiled as they approached.

"It's beautiful here. I wish I didn't have to go back to Roswell." Cassie smiled wistfully. She felt

Kyle squeeze her hand, and she met his eyes. "I wouldn't like to be that far away from you." Kyle winked.

Cassie grinned. They had talked about their fears and Kyle had admitted his, but that he wanted to see this through with her. She was amazed, but wouldn't turn down his love and protection.

"Many people come back here to live after they are done with their schooling. You will always be welcome. Both of you." Jordan said, looking from Cassie to Kyle.

"Jordan. Thank you. You make me feel like I've found home for the first time in my life." Cassie said with tears filling her eyes.

Jordan opened his arms and Cassie hugged him close. "Welcome home little one." He said gently.

Kyle swallowed back his own emotions at the touching scene. Then held Cassie when she came back to stand by him. "Tell him Cassie." Kyle urged softly.

"Jordan, I...I don't know what to make of these feelings I've had lately. It's only been since I realized who or what I was, so I could just be imagining it. But--"

"But?" Jordan gently prodded.

Cassie could tell by the look on Jordan's face that he didn't think she was crazy. "I--I started sensing someone...or something. Like someone related to me maybe? It's just a sense that there's someone that I'm feeling. And it's not Max, Michael or Isabel." Cassie tried to explain.

Jordan frowned for a minute. "I honestly don't know of any other survivors from your crash, other than the 5 of you, but then, I didn't know about Paulie until it was too late either. Please be careful and listen to your feelings and senses. They will help you in the long run."

Cassie nodded. Then she shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Kyle wrapped his arms around her as well and leaned his chin gently on her head.

"Is this something we should be wary of? Concerned about? Could it be something dangerous for Cassie?" he asked with a worried frown.

Jordan met the boy's eyes squarely. "I honestly don't know. But if it is someone she is sensing, and they start to sense her in return, you may want to just keep your eyes open for some sort of contact."

Kyle nodded and squeezed Cassie tighter as she shivered again.

Jordan's wife Nadi introduced Liz and Max to Dr. John Polk, and explained Liz's connection to them and her pregnancy. "Jordan mentioned that you would be coming to see us to check on your pregnancy. And he told me that you are an honor student who has an interest in Molecular Biology as well." The doctor smiled down at the petite girl. Then looked to the strong Teronian standing protectively next to her. He held out his hand. "Max Evans, right? Jordan mentioned you as well."

Max held out his hand and liked the doctor immediately. He was worried about the tests that Liz would have to go through to be checked out, but he felt better knowing he trusted the doctor. "What kind of tests does Liz need? Will they cause her pain?" Max asked with a worried frown.

The doctor met the young man's eyes and answered him seriously. "No. It is no different from a regular gynecological exam; we just know to look for different things. And what to expect and not expect." He explained.

Max nodded and looked to Liz who smiled at him, showing him she wasn't worried. He sighed in relief. Liz reached out for his hand, and they clasped hands, needing the contact.

"First we will go to my office and I will have you tell me about your pregnancy and your symptoms. We need to log it all down." He said and led the way to his office.

Liz blushed as she and Max followed the doctor down the hall. She had to tell him 'ALL' of her symptoms? Max grinned as he watched Liz, then cleared his throat when she gave him a dark frown. They sat together on the little love seat near the doctor's desk, and Max put his arm around Liz, trying to ease her concerns and embarrassment.

"After we are done with the questions I will ask, you can go with Nadi into the back room there and she will give you a gown to change into just like at a regular female exam, and then I will be in." John smiled gently, sensing the girl's unease.

Liz looked to Jordan's wife Nadi and smiled. At least she would be with someone familiar to her. Nadi smiled understanding Liz's unease and concerns. "How long before we know if the baby is okay?" Liz asked.

"And if Liz is okay." Max added brushing a strand of her hair back.

"Right away." John smiled. "And I will explain what we are looking for and the whole procedure to you. Would you like to know what the sex of the baby is?" he asked.

Liz and Max exchanged surprised looks. They hadn't thought about this. "We're not sure." Max said for them. As they had communicated telepathically again, with their feelings.

"Your connection is strong I see. That is a good sign." John said understanding their silent communication.

"Dr. can...can Max come into the exam room too? We both want to know how this works, what you will be doing and what you will be looking for." Liz asked, hugging Max closer to her.

"If you both are comfortable with that, I think it's a find idea. That way I can explain to both of you what to expect and what the procedures are as we do them." He nodded.

Liz relaxed, now more at ease, and Max smiled, glad he didn't have to leave Liz alone. "I am really interested in working with you after my schooling, to help with the advances you are working on for the children of mixed blood." Liz said, putting her hand over her stomach.

"I am pleased to know you are interested in working here after your schooling. We need more dedicated doctors here at these facilities. Especially ones who have their own personal experiences to share." John replied.

When Liz and Max came back to the house, the rest of the gang was waiting to hear everything.
The anxiety on all their faces made Max and Liz smile which eased their minds immediately.

"Everything's okay?" Isabel asked wanting to actually hear it.

"Yes! Fine! And it's fascinating! Dr. Polk is wonderful and he took us step by step though what he was doing and what he was looking for and what we could expect." Liz exclaimed excitedly.

Max smiled down at Liz, loving the glow that surrounded her.

"You got to be there?" Alex asked Max. Then he smiled and Isabel came into his arms, and meeting his eyes with her own smile. She knew Alex would want to be there someday for her as well.

Max and Liz noticed the looks between Alex and Isabel and they smiled and looked to Maria and Michael. Maria smiled and nodded, and Michael grinned and rolled his eyes. They hadn't been told anything, but they could sense the closeness between the two as well, and had come to the same conclusion.

"I'm so glad everything is okay." Cassie smiled widely at Liz.

Liz took in the peaceful look on Cassie's face and was glad they had brought her here. This place always left them all feeling peaceful and relaxed.

"I hate to break this up, but we'd better get back." Michael reminded them.

Cassie frowned and Kyle gave her a squeeze as he hugged her to him. "It will be okay Cassie. You're not alone. You've got other's like you now, and you've got me." He whispered to her.

The others looked at each other knowing how Cassie felt. Leaving the ranch to go back to Roswell was always a return to reality.

They never knew what awaited them in Roswell.

Part 28

As they were getting ready to leave late that afternoon, Maria pulled Liz aside before they joined the others in the cars. They were all saying goodbye to Jordan and Nadi any ways.

"Liz. What did Dr. Polk say about your symptoms? I mean, did he tell you what you can do to get over them...I mean--especially the newest one. Did you tell him you couldn't always find time for your...cravings?" Maria asked worriedly. She couldn't help but wonder what reactions might occur if a human who was pregnant with a Teronian's child, didn't get what she was craving. Michael and her weren't planning a child for a while, but she still wanted to know to be prepared, and to help Liz in any way she could, by knowing what to expect from her next.

Liz bit her lip and blushed. It had been so embarrassing to talk about, even with the doctor. It had made her feel a little better when Nadi had admitted with a soft special smile, that she too, had had that similar craving. And the doctor had confirmed that several of the women had remarked about that. But it still didn't help with the problem.

"He didn't have an answer. Other's have had the same...ah cravings, but they haven't come up with something to stop the cravings, other than the craving itself." Liz said dryly.

"What about being dizzy if you don't get milk and Tabasco?"

"The doctor just said my body needs certain vitamins and substances in order for the baby to grow, and that my body would let me know what those things were."

Maria's eyes widened. "You mean you NEED to make love to Max at certain times in order for the baby to grow?" she asked in astonishment.

Liz laughed. "No. That is just my hormones in overdrive. He said that he didn't know what I would feel if I didn't follow through with my cravings of the hormones, he said to write them down though, and if they seemed dangerous to the baby or me, to let him know right away."

"Does he think it will be dangerous?"

Liz shook her head. "No. Max asked him the same thing. It is going to be much more difficult for Max to stay in his own bed at night now, especially since he is always worried that something bad will happen to me or the baby when he's not around." Liz sighed.

"Well, I don't think you want him too far from you at night either." Maria teased, tongue-in-cheek.

Liz laughed and slapped Maria's arm. "You just wait until it's your turn!" Liz warned and headed toward the jeep where Max, Kyle and Cassie waited.

"Liz, you never told us if you found out if you were having a boy or girl?" Cassie asked as they two vehicles pulled out of the drive back toward Roswell.

Liz and Max exchanged smiles.

It was after dark when they returned to Roswell. It had been mostly a quiet trip back since they were all trying to keep the peace and beauty of the mountains with them as long as possible.

"We'll see you guys in school tomorrow." Liz said as they dropped Cassie and Kyle off at Cassie's house, where Kyle had left his car.

"Thank you both for everything." Cassie smiled and hugged Liz before she backed up and waved as the jeep drove off.

Kyle sighed. "I'd better get home and see what the old man has been up to. The not I left him was kinda vague, but he probably has been too busy to worry about it. Can I come back later?" he grinned.

Cassie smiled shyly and nodded.

Kyle took Cassie into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her. Cassie wrapped her arms around Kyle's strong neck and sighed into his kiss.

When Kyle finally released her he stepped back with a crooked grin. "I don't want to leave, but..."

Cassie laughed. "I know, but you'll be back."

"Cassie. I won't slip and say anything to my dad. You don't have to worry." Kyle reassured her as he got in his car.

Cassie smiled widely and kissed Kyle again softly on the lips. "I never thought you would. See you later."

Kyle shook his head at his unbelievable luck as he drove back toward his own home. What was it about the Teronians that drew us humans to them so strongly he wondered, and what made them so loyal? He didn't have the answers, but he knew he was one lucky guy. Now, if he could just help them by keeping them one step ahead of his dad. He could get inside information for them if
nothing else. And he was determined to help any way he could.

"At least we made it before your parents got home." Max said as he took his lips from Liz's as they snuggled in the jeep in front of her place.

Liz smiled and nodded. "I know. But I'd better get in before they come home and ruin our good luck. I know they usually take the 9pm plane back, so they should be here any minute." She said with a sigh.

"I'll be back later." Max whispered and gave her another long kiss before letting her go.

"Max, only if it's safe. I don't want us to get caught and be told to we have to stay away from each other." Liz panicked.

"Shhh...I know. I won't let that happen." He promised and waited until she had gone up to the apartment above the Crashdown, before he took off for home himself.

He was so engrossed in what he was going to tell his parents about the lateness of his stay at Michael's, that he didn't see the car following slowly behind him with no lights on.

Max spent about an hour with his parents and Isabel, talking about each of their weekends, and glad their parents weren't upset about his supposed stay over at Michael's last night.

When they all went up to their rooms for the night, Max closed his door and lay down in the dark, dressed, waiting for the house to settle down before he could go to Liz.

He heard a light knock on his door and frowned. His parents usually didn't bother him once they said goodnight, and if it was Isabel, he knew she would just barge in. He grabbed a robe from the back of the bathroom door and wrapped it around him so that his clothes didn't show.

Then he cautiously opened the door. Isabel was standing there biting her lip. Max raised an eyebrow at her and opened the door for her to come in. Isabel came into the room and saw Max discard the robe he didn't need to hide his street clothes, and she smiled.

"You always just come right in. I thought it was mom or dad." He frowned at her for scaring him.

"Oh well, now that I know you and Liz spends so many of your nights together, and I never know if it's here or there…" Isabel trailed off.

Max smiled. He hadn't thought of that. "Thanks." He said warmly and then sat on the bed. "So, what's up?" he asked and patted the bed beside him for a brother-sister talk.

Isabel bit her lip and sat down. She looked down at her hands, and then at the floor. Then she sighed and met Max's smiling eyes. "Alex and I...we...I...we made love yesterday." She finally got out.

"I know." He grinned when he saw her head shoot up and stare at him with her own frown.

"Well why did you let me stumble around about it then?" she said with exasperation as she stood up and started to pace.

Max chuckled. "I wasn't sure you were going to bring it up. Thought maybe you wanted to keep it to yourself."

"Hump!" was all Isabel said, as she paced around. "Ah, Is? Are you okay? Did...did something happen?" Max asked starting to get worried since Isabel looked agitated.

"What? Oh no. I just...It's just, well, I don't know where Alex and I stand now. I mean...Do you think he thinks less of me?" Isabel said hesitantly, biting her lip as she turned to look at Max.

Max's face went from surprise, to amusement, to serious again when he saw how unsure Isabel was feeling. "Is," Max began. "Alex adores you. He would never think less of you. How could you think that? He loves you. Do you think I think less of Liz?" he asked in amazement.

"No! Of course not. But you and Liz have this special thing--you're soul mates and all." Isabel sighed and sat down again.

Max smiled at her. "Is. Alex loves you and I'm sure he feels the same way about you as I do about Liz. Trust me, a guy can see when another guy is whipped." He teased and laughed when Isabel hit him.

Suddenly Max felt itchy and stood up. He felt antsy like he couldn't sit still.

"Max?" Isabel looked at him as he jumped off his bed.

"Ah, I'm just late getting to Liz's. Are we done with our little brother-sister conversation for tonight?" Max grinned with a teasing light in his eye.

Isabel laughed and hugging him briefly, she nodded and opened the door. "Thanks Max." she whispered as she closed the door.

Max swore as he grabbed his jacket and pulled his sneakers back on. He needed to be with Liz. He didn't know if he sudden erection and need for her was her craving coming across to him, or his own. He wasn't getting symptoms was he? Or maybe he would just share hers now. He chuckled as he climbed out his window. Now this could get interesting, he thought.

Liz paced her room with a frown. Think of something else! She commanded herself. She had goose bumps and felt like she was going to jump out of her skin with want for Max. Then she felt dizzy suddenly, and sat down. What next!? She wondered in exasperation.

"Liz!" she heard Max say and then he was there, climbing in her window. Before Liz could get up to go to him, he was across the room and pulling her to her feet and kissing her senseless.

Liz moaned and clung to him feeling better already. Then Max released her and started to sway. Sitting slowly on the edge of her bed, he looked shocked. "Liz. Did you have your second glass of milk today?" he asked already guessing the answer.

Liz met his eyes, her own wide with realization of what was happening, and shook her head no.

Max swore and closed his eyes. Liz just covered her mouth with her hand but the giggle escaped any ways. Max opened his eyes, stared her down, and then pulled her onto his lap. "This is not funny!" he said but this only set Liz off again.

The phone rang in Jim Valenti's study at home late that night. He had been waiting for the call. He picked up the phone with determination. "Yeah."

"I figured you'd be interested. Can you meet me at the old soap factory in half an hour?" the voice asked.

"Yeah," the sheriff answered and heard the phone on the other end hang up. He put the phone down and frowned. Now what the hell was that all about? He wondered. After all this time...

He sighed and stood up. There was only one way to find out.

Part 29

Jim Valenti stood facing Topolski in the dark soap factory, with only a flashlight to see with. "What do you want? And where did you go all of a sudden?" he asked harshly, wondering what game she was playing with him this time.

"I was sent away! Those kids found out about me and I was taken off the case! But they can't stop me. I was so close to getting the evidence against Max Evans!! And they will not stop me! I came back to get it and I will." Topolski ranted as she paced.

The Sheriff thought her eyes looked a little glazed, and wild, and he narrowed his eyes as she watched her pace and fidget. "Where have you been all these months?" he asked quietly.

"Oh they thought they could keep me away. Well they couldn't. It doesn't matter where I was. I'm back that's all that matters. And I have the way to get that evidence."

Jim Valenti frowned at the woman. "And just how do you plan to do that? I'm gathering the government is not backing you this time." The shrill laugh seemed a little off to Valenti and he narrowed his eyes. Topolski wasn't playing with a full deck. This could be trouble.

"I have my ways, trust me Sheriff, this time I will prove that Max Evans is an alien, and the government will be sorry they took me off this case." She smiled maniacally.

The empty glass of milk sat on the end table by Liz's bed. Max was smiling down at her, playing with her hair that fascinated him so. He loved these quiet moments with Liz in the early hours of the morning, when it was quiet and the night was theirs. After they had made love, yet still joined, when they just cuddled, talked and caressed each other, not able to ever stop touching each other.

Liz was running her hands gently up and down his smooth, muscular back and just staring up into his eyes. Her favorite thing in the world to do. "Max, are you worried?" Liz finally asked.

Max looked from where his hands were running through her hair, into her eyes. "You mean about what the doctor told us about your pregnancy?" he smiled and shook his head. "I'm overwhelmed, but not worried. He said you'd be okay. That's all that matters to me." He whispered and then frowned at her. "Liz? It's okay isn't it? I mean, you don't have regrets, I mean if you do I understand--"

Liz gave him a squeeze and smiled. "You know I don't. You'd know if I did. I am just worried that maybe we are just taking this too calmly."

Max laughed and kissed her lips in a sweet gentle kiss. "Leave it you Miss Parker, to worry because we aren't worried." He chuckled.

Liz giggled at how it sounded and sighed. "Okay, so what can I say, we are two young teens with enough problems to face. All we need is the extra information we got from the doctor yesterday!"

"It's going to be okay Liz. I'll always be here for you. We'll get through anything because we're always going to be together." He promised.

Then he sighed as he looked at the clock and knew the first early light was going to soon approach.
He slipped out of Liz, and out of the warm bed and sitting on the edge of the bed, he reached for his clothes on the floor and got dressed.

Liz sat up, letting the covers drop around her waist, and hugged the back of Max. Her bare front to his bare back, and sighed with a smile. She loved the heat of him, the scent that was just Max, and she loved the cute little curl at the back of his neck. She reached for it and twirled it around with her fingers as Max tied his shoes.

"I am not getting back in that bed with you." He said with amusement in his voice, and then turned to her and pushed her back down on the pillow.

Liz met his eyes with smiling ones, and then they widened as he slowly slid down her and moved the covers aside. "See you later little ones, sleep tight and be good to mommy." He whispered and kissed Liz's tummy before sitting up again and slowly letting his hand glide off of her stomach as well.

Liz laughed knowing he had teased her into thinking she was going to get her way and get him back into bed, and she pretended to pout as he stood up and reached for his shirt.

"Later." He chuckled, and leaned down once more to kiss her pouting lips before he pulled himself away from the temptation that was Liz, and climbed out the window. One day he wouldn't have to crawl out of her window.

And he couldn't wait for that time.

Maria yawned a second time as she and Liz were serving the after school crowd in the cafe. Liz caught Maria's eyes and smiled. "Busy night?" she asked with a teasing look.

"Very funny. Why aren't you tired? I know Max spends the night with you every night. When do you two sleep?" Maria quipped.

Liz laughed. "How do you know we don't sleep?" Liz asked. Maria just looked at her with a dry humorous smile, and Liz chuckled and shrugged.

Maria watched her friend turn to get another order off the bar and then stopped her before she sped off to serve it. "You never told me what the doctor said." Maria said, standing in front of Liz, blocking her way.

Liz grinned, moved around Maria and served the plate to the starving table of teens.

"Well?" Maria asked when Liz came back around the counter and Maria grabbed a plate herself.

"Everything's fine Maria. Only I'm going to have twins." Liz said calmly and waited for it to hit Maria.

Maria nodded and then started around the counter with her order. She froze suddenly, and Liz had to grabbed the plate as it slide out of Maria's hands. "Twins!" Maria whispered when Liz put the plate safely on the counter again.

Liz just nodded and grinned again.

"Oh my God, girl!" was all Maria could say as she grabbed the plate up again and ran it to her table.

Liz turned when the door jingled, and she nodded to Michael, Isabel and Alex as they entered and took their usual table. Maria made a path to them after she served the other table, and then Liz saw the warm intimate look Maria and Michael exchanged and she smiled happily. Her friends both deserved to be happy, and she could tell they were. Everything seemed to be going so smoothly for a change, Liz thought.

Then as she poured a cup of coffee for a man sitting at the counter Liz got a flash.

**Pain, then fear, and then nothing.**

She paled and shivered. Then she looked around, her eyes looking for Max. He had said he would meet them at the Crashdown after school as well. She had to see him. She had to know he was okay. Those flashes of feelings made her need to see Max.

"What is it Liz?" Alex asked as he came over to talk to her and saw her pale face and huge eyes. She looked in shock. He panicked and turned to get the other's attention.

"Liz?" Maria asked as the rest of them came over.

"Where's Max? I have to see Max!" she stated frantically, looking around.

"Again!?" Michael rolled his eyes.

"No! I need to know he's okay. I felt--I felt something."

"What? What did you feel?" Michael asked now frowning and intense.

"It was--I don't know pain and fear and--then nothing."

"Are you sure it was Max?" Isabel asked, getting just as worried.

"I don't know--what else could it be? I--"

Just then the door jingled and they all turned to see Kyle, Cassie and Max come in. They all sighed and relaxed as a whole. Then Michael turned around and looked at Liz. "I for one can't wait until you are over these symptoms. They are going to kill us all!" He teased and squeezed Liz's hand and then went over to greet the rest of the gang.

Liz took deep breaths and sighed. "You okay Liz?" Isabel asked still standing there with Alex frowning at her.

"Yeah. I can't wait for these symptoms to pass also." Liz smiled and waited for Max to come toward her.

Alex and Isabel smiled, glad she was okay, and headed back over to the table as Max came up to Liz. "Hey." He smiled.

"Hey." Liz smiled back, her eyes twinkling at him as he stood across the the counter from her. Liz tilted her head and a little worried line came back across her forehead. "You okay Max? Your eyes look a little strange and you look pale."

Max grinned suddenly and shook his head. "I'm fine. It's all the late nights I guess. Finally catching up to me."

Liz stopped smiling and nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure that's what it is. Max, you need to sleep more."

"Yeah, yeah I think I'll stay in my own bed tonight. Try to catch up on some of that missed sleep." He grinned and rubbed the back of his neck.

Liz felt a quick flash of disappointment that Max wouldn't be with her tonight, but she knew he needed to sleep, and so did she. She nodded. "Yeah. You're right. We both could use the sleep." She winked.

"Yeah. You coming over to talk with us?" Max asked as he nodded his head back to the table and started toward it.

"Sure, I'll be right over." Liz grinned. But when she turned back around to take off her headpiece to take her break, she frowned again. That flash still bothered her.

"You'll never get away with this!" Max swore and struggled against the ropes holding his hands above him.

Topolski laughed and came across the floor of the old factory to where the boy was tied to the pipes. "I already have."

Max was sitting on the cold cement floor of the old soap factory, in one of the many upstairs offices that were now empty, with his hands tied above him on an old pipe. He struggled again and then realized that if he just waited for her to leave, he could escape.

"And don't think of using your powers to escape. I have a man watching over your friends right now. And if I do not beep him every half hour, he is to kill them." Topolski laughed when she saw the shock and pain on Max's face.

"They'll come looking for me. You can't hide me forever." He grinded his teeth in helpless frustration. He could not risk that she was telling him the truth.

"They won't be looking for you Max. Because you're not missing." The voice was cheerful and yet high pitched.

Max looked up at her, noticed her slightly wild eyes and narrowed his own. "What do you mean?" he asked, sure he wouldn't like her answer.

"I mean, right now you are sitting at the Crashdown with your friends having a cherry cola," Topolski responded and then laughed.

The blood left Max's face as he realized what she was saying. "Nasedo," he whispered and his head started spinning, as he tasted pure fear.

Part 30

Liz yawned as she opened her locker the next morning. She had had a miserable night and now this morning, it was starting out strange as well. Max had forgotten to pick her up this morning, so she had called Maria who was usually late herself, to come get her.

When Liz had mentioned to Maria how unlike Max it was to have forgotten her, Maria’d shrugged and said he probably had car trouble and when she saw him, he’d have an explanation.

Liz frowned at how off she felt. She had had nightmares last night. Strange ones again about Max in trouble, and then she’d felt the pain, anger and fear, and then nothing. She had also needed to be with Max and had had to fight that as well, knowing that they both needed the sleep. She had hoped that Max hadn’t been up on and off all night with the wanting as well. She would hate to be the one keeping him up when he needed sleep so badly. He had looked so pale yesterday. Maria had told her she was worrying too much. But Liz couldn’t shake the feelings she was having of trouble. She would have to tell Max about her feeling he was in danger. He would take her seriously. He knew she had special vibes right now. She had to warn him of whatever, so he could be prepared.

As she turned from her locker, she saw Max running down the hall toward her. He stopped when he got to her, and frowned looking worried.

“Liz! I’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up! The jeep broke down. Here’s your milk though.” He smiled when he saw Liz wasn’t upset.

As Liz smiled and took the milk Nasedo had handed her, he sighed. Of all days for the stupid jeep to break down. He had waited for Evan’s sister not knowing if she was coming with him or not. He had watched Max’s schedule, and knew that he always picked Liz Parker up 20 minutes before school, unless Isabel was running late. But some days Isabel didn’t ride with Max and Liz and Nasedo had waited too long to see if she was going to ride with them that morning or not. Then when the jeep had broken down, he’s been about to fix it when the sheriff had come by and stopped to help. The help was looking under the hood, then calling a towing service. By which time Nasedo knew he was too late in picking up Liz Parker. But he smiled as he remembered the thermos of milk that Max always brought for Liz every morning. At least the kid was consistent, Nasedo thought.

He watched Liz take a sip and wrinkle her nose. Now what? He thought.

“Ah…Max. You forgot the Tabasco Sauce.” Liz whispered, leaning in close to him.

“Ah…oh…I did? Sorry! I guess since I was running late…besides I’m not having any so I figured I’d give you a break on the stuff.” He quickly put in.

How the hell was he supposed to know that Max put Tabasco in his girlfriends milk!? He followed them enough to know and overhear that it was milk he brought for her everyday, but Tabasco??

Liz looked at him blankly for a second, then blinked and nodded.

“Something wrong Liz?” Nasedo asked, not liking the look that had passed over Liz’s face. He had a feeling he had already done something wrong. He had told Tolpolsky that Liz was going to be the hardest to convince. That they should have taken her as well. But Topolsky had been firm on no humans being hurt. She said her people would not be happy with her if she hurt a human.

Now Nasedo cursed as he realized that there were too many intimate things that he couldn’t possibly know that went on between Max Evans and Liz Parker. He knew if he connected with her he could find out what some of those were, but he wasn’t sure if she could connect back with him, and he couldn’t take that chance. Another reason Nasedo had wanted to take Liz.

Liz noticed the narrowing of the eyes watching her and she quickly smiled, suddenly looking totally besotted with the man in front of her.

But Liz knew for a fact that this was not Max! But how could she prove it without making him suspicious.

“Max…I missed you last night. Could you tell last night how much I missed you?” she asked leaning closer to him and putting a hand on his chest.

“I actually slept really well Liz. I guess I really needed it.” Nasedo had a chill up his spine telling him that Liz was suspicious. Her question was a leading one. He knew he couldn’t answer it correctly. And he’d been right. He’d seen the little shift in her eyes when he’d answered. She was suspicious. He would have to let Topolsky know that he was right. That they had to do something about this before the whole thing was blown.

Just then, the bell rang. Nasedo sighed relieved to be able to get away from the knowing eyes for a bit.

“Well, see you in Biology. Gotta go!” Nasedo quickly hugged the girl and gave her a kiss on the forehead and smiling, he started off.

“You forgot something.” Liz smiled.

Nasedo stopped, thinking. He knew many times Max would just kiss Liz on the forehead before they separated for class, so he wasn’t sure what she was looking for. He didn’t want to get too close to her in case they made a connection. He came back up to her and looked intimately down into her eyes.

“I’ll give you a proper hello and goodbye later. If I kiss you now I won’t stop.” He said and with a wink, he loped off.

Liz waved after the man who looked like Max and swallowed, trying not to pass out. That was NOT MAX!

Even if she could forget the mistake he made with the Tabasco, and then his trying to cover it up by saying he wasn’t drinking any, or forget his not kissing her or hugging her when he first saw her, she could not forget the fact that this was the first time he had not intimately, and secretly put his hand on her tummy to greet the little ones. He was almost obsessive about that, as Liz liked to tease him.

She had to talk to tell someone. She tried to think whom, and then saw Michael heading toward his own class. “Michael!” Liz called out and ran down the hall toward him.

Michael stopped when he heard her, and then ran meeting her half way when he sensed her anxiety and saw it in her face and heard it in her voice.

“Liz! What is it? Are you sick? Are you going to faint?” Michael asked as he stopped before her and looked her over.

Liz swallowed and shook her head. She had to get her thoughts together if she wanted Michael to believe her.

“Michael, there’s something wrong. Max isn’t Max.” She started.

Michael raised an eyebrow. He didn’t want to tell her he thought she was the one that wasn’t herself, he knew how the slightest thing could set her off and he certainly didn’t want a crying female on his hands.

“Oh?” was all he felt would be safe to say to that.

“Yes. First he didn’t pick me up this morning, which I understand, but then he forgot the Tabasco Sauce in the milk. And then he didn’t even say hello to me, and he didn’t say goodbye to the babies like he always does either.” Liz tried to get it all out.

Then she cursed herself realizing how hysterical she sounded. Calm down Liz and now explain why each of the things Max forgot meant something. She took a deep breath but Michael interrupted her.

Michael felt this was something only Max could handle. A highly emotional female, especially a pregnant one who was feeling neglected was not his area of expertise. Obviously she needed some TLC and Max was being too dense to realize it.

“Okay Liz…relax. I’ll go get Max.” He said in a soft voice, trying to calm her.

“No! No Michael please…don’t do that. Okay?”

“Why not?” Michael looked at her strangely.

“Because…I can’t tell you right now. Can you come with me somewhere more private so we can talk?” she asked looking around worriedly. She was so afraid that the alien that looked like Max would sense her thoughts and know what she was up to.

“Look, I’ll meet you behind the gym in five minutes okay? Can you get Maria or Alex or someone else too? I want to explain this to as many of you as I can.” Liz looked around again; just sensing she had to get out of the hall.

“Okay. Five minutes.” Michael agreed and watched her run down the hall. Then he sighed, shook his head and went to get Maria. He knew if anyone could calm Liz down and talk some sense into her, it was Max or Maria. And since she didn’t want to see Max, he figured he’d grab Maria. Liz definitely was going through another pregnancy crisis.

“Hey Michael. What’s up?”

Michael turned around when he saw Max coming out of the bathroom. “Hey Max. Not much.” Michael said. He wanted to tell Max but had stupidly promised Liz he wouldn’t.

Nasedo knew where Michael was going, and he had to stop him. “I thought I saw Liz a second ago. Is she okay?” he frowned with a show of concern.

Michael let out his breath. “Yeah, you know Liz. This pregnancy is just making her really emotional. But she’ll be fine. She’s gone back to class.” Michael said and hated lying to his friend. But he also didn’t want to upset Liz anymore right now. And if she didn’t want to see Max for some reason, he would let Maria find out why.

“Her pregnancy…yeah…that’s what it is. She’s been really over emotional today.” Nasedo shrugged and smiled. “She’ll be fine. At lunch, I’ll take her on a picnic just the two of us. I think we just need some time together, alone.” He winked.

Michael grinned and nodded glad Max already knew Liz was upset and was going to take care of it. “Sounds good. You usually can calm her down like no one else can.” He slapped Max on the back and headed off.

He was still going to get Maria, since he had promised to meet Liz behind the gym, and she would be waiting. Then Maria could calm her down, until Max took her out at lunch.

*******************

Nasedo was cold with anger and fury. The teen had broken all the rules and slept with the human! He had helped create another child of mixed blood! How could any Teronian be interested in a human! He shivered at the thought. He hated them all.

But now he had a great reason to get Liz Parker out of the picture. And this time Topolsky would love him for the prize he would bring her. Then maybe she would start to trust him. To believe that he was so brainwashed that he was really on her side.

He didn’t care what she did with the girl or Evans. Evans had been a means to an end, and now another disappointment as well. He knew if he got the boy for Topolsky, she would believe him to be on her side, and then he could make his escape. He had been working on a way to get the chip out of his system so they wouldn’t know he had removed it, and then they couldn’t track him and find him with it. And now he could deliver the second even bigger prize to her, and convince her even more that he was on her side.

*******************

Liz paced behind the gym as she waited. She tried to keep her mind blank. She did not want the alien to sense any of her thoughts.

“Looking for me Liz?”

Liz froze when she heard the familiar voice behind her. But she knew it wasn’t her Max. The voice was his, but something was off. She felt the cold coming from the person who looked like Max. She didn’t feel Max.

Liz spun around and smiled widely. “Max! Hey. I was waiting for Maria. We’re going to skip next period and go to the mall you know? You know how I promised I would go get that special outfit…” Liz leaned in closer and gave him a secret wink.

Nasedo had to admit the girl was good. She had been caught, but played it off like a pro. Only he was not fooled. The humans were so stupid compared to his race.

“Oh, there she is.” Max said, and looked behind her shoulder.

Liz turned and then everything went blank.

**********************

Max was in a half-drugged state and had lost track of time. Topolsky had been keeping him drugged enough so that he could not use any of his powers to communicate with his friends, but not enough to knock him out completely.

She had brought him to another room with instruments and a few flat tables that looked like exam tables. Max had tried not to show his fear when he saw his worst nightmare before him. Then Topolsky had given him over to a male nurse, who had made him strip down to his shorts, and then had given him some bottoms to a pair of scrubs, and told him to put them on.

Now Max was tied to the table in the cold sterile room, and had already had blood drawn from him. He didn’t know what they were planning next, because before they could continue there had been a commotion out in the hall and Topolsky and the male nurse had left the room to see what it was.

Max sighed at the small reprieve but then felt as if his body had suddenly drain of all his blood when he saw Topolsky, the male nurse and someone who looked like him, dragging Liz into the room.

Max swore and tried to ignore the fear that was deep in his belly. His anger took over. He tried to sit up, fighting the ropes. “What the hell are you doing with her!?” Max spat out trying to pull against the ropes.

“Why Max, you have been a bad boy. You didn’t tell us you had gotten a human pregnant. Imagine my superiors faces when I bring them the first human to be pregnant by an alien.” Topolsky smiled wildly, her eyes glazed and wild as she laughed happily.

“Put her on the other table over there and we will get started on her as well. I am going to want a full work up on her and to know what changes her body is experiences with an alien growing inside her.

Max swore and fought the ropes until Topolsky nodded to the male nurse who gave him another injection to calm him down.

Part 31

Maria and Michael looked around behind the gym, and then Maria looked in the girl’s locker room and bathrooms for Liz.

Maria came out of the locker room with a frown at Michael. “You sure she said behind the gym?”

Michael sighed and nodded, running a hand through his hair. “Max. Max must have decided not to wait until lunchtime to take her away. She was really upset, and he was worried. I’m sure that’s all it is.” Michael gave a half grin thinking of how Max was probably calming Liz right now.

“Hey, what do you say…” Michael suddenly said in a low voice as he leaned Maria up against the building. “You and me also go out for a picnic.” He whispered and closed in on Maria and covered her mouth with his.

Maria put her arms around Michael and sighed into his kiss. She let him deepen it by opening her mouth wider and sucking his tongue further into her mouth to play chase with her tongue.

When Michael moved his mouth from hers to her neck, Maria arched her head to one side to give him better access and sucked in air. She ran her fingers through his hair and swallowed.

“But it’s not lunch time yet. How do we go on a picnic at 10 o’clock in the morning.” She tried to sound responsible.

But when Michael growled and covered her mouth again as if to quiet her reasoning, Maria gave up the lame fight and pulled him closer to her.
When she felt the familiar bulge against her lower belly, she sighed and her legs gave out.

Michael felt Maria’s total surrender and he groaned as he lifted her up under her bottom, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Without taking his lips from her neck, he walked them into the locker room behind the gym, and into one of the shower stalls, pulling the curtain, that a few of the showers had, closed behind them.

Then he shifted so that his lower body was positioned against Maria’s heat, and he rubbed against her teasingly through their clothes.

Maria had a skirt on, so only her panties were between her and Michael’s Jean-swollen erection. She loved the friction, and she pressed herself back and forth against his hardness with deep sighs and groans.

Michael watched Maria’s head fall back against the wall of the shower, and he hardened even more at her total surrender and pleasure.

He had wanted to take her lovingly and romantically, but he couldn’t wait. The past few nights since they’d first made love, he’d been gentle and romantic, but now, neither one of them wanted gentle.

Maria’s hands were gripping Michael’s hips to her to as they grinded together. He felt the wetness through her panties and through his jeans, and groaned, swore, and then holding her up against the wall with his body, he quickly undid his zipper and sprung himself free with a sigh.

Then he slid a hand inside her panties, moved them aside, and positioned himself against her wet heat.

Maria sobbed and whispered her approval, and lifted slightly to make the angle better, and then she pushed down on him frantically, taking him all in in one movement.

They both sighed when their bodies joined, and then they were kissing again. Their hands everywhere and pulling at each other’s clothes.

It wasn’t long before Maria’s breath became shallower and her movement faster. Michael slid a hand between them and his thumb found the nub that fascinated him so, and then he pressed on it and moved it around, and Maria bit his shoulder to keep from crying out loud, as she came apart in Michael’s arms.

That was all Michael needed. He held her against him and then moved faster pushing her against the wall, until he too finally let go and gave himself up to his Maria.

When they headed back to the main building a few minutes later, they shared a content, secret smile.

The last thought Maria had of Liz was that Liz had probably just enjoyed the same loving she had if Max had taken her on a picnic. Liz didn’t need her anymore she was sure of it.

*********************

Max felt excruciating pain as he pulled himself back to consciousness. He was fighting the drug he’d been given. He could not be put out when they had Liz and his babies now too! Max felt the pain in his head but ignored it as he opened his eyes and looked over at the table beside his.

His heart did a flip when he saw Liz lying there still unconscious. He saw her breathing, so he calmed a little, but just seeing her lying there tied to an exam table was almost too much for Max to bear. He had done this to her. By loving her and getting her pregnant, he had done this to her. And now not only was her own life in danger, but their unborn babies as well. Max felt a cold knot of fear in his stomach that almost made him want to double over in pain from it. No…please no! Let this be a dream, he prayed. Let them do whatever they had to do to me, but not to Liz, not to his innocent children!

“Liz! Liz can you hear me? It’s Max. Liz baby wake up please.” Max whispered across to her. He was so close, yet not close enough to even reach his tied down hand to hers. He wanted to touch her, to connect with her. He needed to know how she and the babies were. That they hadn’t done anything to her while he was out. And he couldn’t let them put him out again. He had fought off the drugs this time, but would he be able to do it again? “Liz!” Max whispered urgently again, and his voice broke with emotion as he saw her lying there tied to an exam table because of him.

Liz slowly came back to consciousness. Someone was calling her. No…Max. Max was calling her. She could feel him in her brain. Pleading with her. And it was her Max. She could feel the connection, the warmth and love radiating from him. But she also felt the pain, anger, fear… and guilt. She tried to open her eyes, but they felt so heavy. She tried to move her arms, but a sudden restriction made that impossible. She felt as if her hands were being held down. Her legs as well. Then she felt the cold flat surface below her and her mind started to focus more. And she could hear the agony in Max’s voice now as he called her to him again.

Her eyes flew open as she realized she was tied down, and that it was her Max calling her. “Max!” she called out and turned her head to see him lying down tied up, and facing her with a pained expression on his face.

“I’m here Liz. It’s okay babe.” Max tried to comfort her as he saw her eyes widen in initial fear of not seeing him. He was so frustrated. He fought against the ropes again, wishing he could just touch Liz. Comfort her. Hug her.

“Oh Max. Are you okay? I knew that other one wasn’t you. He couldn’t even pretend to be! Max I was so worried about you! Are you okay? What have they done to you? Oh God! Max. You’re tied up too!” Liz rambled, tears filling her eyes as she realized how tired and drawn Max looked, and how his worst nightmare was actually happening. And hers too. She didn’t know how many nights she had woken up in cold fear of him tied to an exam table and being experimented on and probed. And now it was a reality and she couldn’t take it. Her heart hurt and her tears fell unheeded.

“Liz…don’t cry Liz. I’ll get you out of here I promise. Please don’t cry baby. God I wish I could hold you. Touch you. Damn!” Max swore and his own voice was hoarse with emotion. Lying there seeing Liz tied to a table, and crying bravely for him was killing him. Even in the predicament she was in, he could feel the pain she was feeling for him, not herself.

“How touching. Don’t you agree Martin?” Topolsky said as she came into the room with the male doctor.

Max and Liz froze both afraid for each other as the two who entered the room went over to the instruments.

Part 32

“Please! Let Liz go. She’s innocent. I’ll do anything you want. I’ll cooperate fully if you let Liz go.” Max pleaded. He had to try. He couldn’t watch them hurt her or their children.

“You’ll do anything? Tell us anything? Give us any information? And show us the extent of your powers without a fight if we release Liz?” Topolsky asked with amusement as she walked over closer to Max.

“Yes. Anything.” He swore with emotion, hoping beyond hope that Topolsky had a little bit of a weak spot when it came to hurting other humans. “Liz is human. She’s innocent and you could get in a lot of trouble if people found out you were…experimenting on a human.” Max swallowed trying hard to get past the thought of his last statement.

“She is a human isn’t she?” Topolsky sounded like she was thinking it over. “But…” She added with a smile as she leaned in closer to Max. “She is NOT innocent! She let you touch her and give her your alien seed! She let herself become impregnated with an alien child and plans to keep this baby and in turn keep your race multiplying! Therefore she is NOT innocent and deserves to be treated like an alien since she loves one and is willing to carrying one.” Topolsky spat out, her eyes full of anger and fear.

Max felt the coldness settle lower in his belly realizing that in Topolsky’s eyes, Liz was just as much, if not more of an enemy for betraying her own kind.

Liz too felt frozen with fear. Her babies! My God, they wanted to kill her babies! Nothing she could say could convince Topolsky or the mad doctor to let the children live unharmed. She could see the fear in their eyes as Topolsky talked about more aliens multiplying. Her heart fell into her stomach as well as she realized how helpless she was in helping protect her own babies. It wasn’t fair! Maybe she and Max deserved this, for breaking all the rules and loving out of their own kind, but the children were innocent.

*Max! Oh my God, Max!* Liz sobbed her thoughts to him.

Max turned to her with a tortured expression of guilt and pain in his eyes. *Forgive me, Liz. What have I done to you and our babies!* Max’s own thoughts tore through her and she could feel his overwhelming pain.

*Can you contact Michael or Isabel?* Liz thought hopefully.

Max looked away for a second. *No.* he said in a dull helpless voice. *They’ve given me some kind of drug to prevent me from contacting them, apparently they’ve had Nasedo all these years to experiment on, and have learned how to disable our powers quite a bit* he explained in a drained voice.

*Then how are you communicating with me?!* Liz asked suddenly, getting Max to turn back around to her with his own eyes wide.

*I… I don’t know…* he frowned in thought. *Maybe…maybe they don’t know about the human/alien connection and this drug they’ve come up with doesn’t work on that connection.* Max thought with sudden excitement.

Then with the same thought, Max and Liz thought together.

* Liz! You can communicate with Michael and Isabel!!*

*Max! I can communicate with Michael and Isabel!!*

“What are you two doing?” Topolsky asked with eyes narrowing as she watched the two who seemed to be talking with their eyes. “My God! You are communicating with each other aren’t you? You slimy beings now can get into our minds as well!” Topolsky spat in fear and revulsion.

Then she nodded to the silent doctor who came up to Max and zapped him with a hand held device. Max arched his back up in pain and bit his lip to keep from crying out as electric charges sliced through his body.

“NO!!! STOP! Please!!!” Liz screamed and pulled tight against her own ropes. She thrashed around until her wrists and ankles were raw from the friction with the rope.

*Liz! I’m okay. Don’t get upset. Think of the babies!* Max thought to her through his agony. But he knew she knew he wasn’t okay. She could feel his pain just as he felt her fear and agony.

“Please! Stop! I’ll do anything! What do you want!? Please! Anything!!!” Liz pleaded between sobs.

Topolsky nodded to the doctor who calmly moved the hand held object away from the withering alien, and waited.

Topolsky walked over to Liz now with a satisfied smile on her face. “I want you to stop communicating with him for one thing.” She said calmly.

“Yes! Anything.” Liz’s voice shook with fear and revulsion. She wanted to be sick. Watching Max withering in pain was killing her.

Just then, the door opened again and the one who looked like Max came in.

“Just what am I supposed to say to their friends when I go back to town without the Parker girl?” frowned Nasedo with disgust in his voice.

“Just call Liz Parker’s best friend Maria DeLuca and tell her that you and Liz are planning on spending the night together alone somewhere, and for her to cover for Liz with her parents, and you can have Max Evan’s friend, Michael Gurien cover for you with his. That she’s emotionally drained from the pregnancy and her earlier emotions and the two of you need time alone.” Topolsky shrugged casually.

Nasedo’s eyes narrowed. Why wasn’t Topolsky more worried. She had originally only wanted to take Max just for that reason. That they wouldn’t be able to explain Liz’s disappearance. Now she didn’t seem concerned. Why? What did she have planned? What could she have decided would be a good way to cover Liz’s disappearance? Then he realized that her death would do it. And possibly his! He should have known! Topolsky and her cohorts wouldn’t leave things unresolved. And now that they had three new species to work on, one alien, one human carrying an alien, and then the baby of mixed birth all to experiment on, they would no longer need him. Thus, he was expendable.

Nasedo said nothing as he nodded and exited the room. He would just have to speed up his own plans. And now that he knew what they planned for him, he decided to free himself of them tonight. Then he could go after what he really wanted, his daughter.

**********************

Liz felt drained and sick as Topolsky and the mad doctor finally left the room. Both she and Max had been poked and prodded, and she had cried as they had zapped Max every time he had lost control and tried to fight them when they were working on her. She had sobbed to him to stop and finally he had, realizing how much it was killing Liz when he was zapped.

“Max, I’ll…I’ll get through to Michael and Isabel. Hang on Max.” Liz cried as she watched Max who had been staring up into space for the last few minutes struggling. She felt the pain that still tore through his body, and how he was trying to control that pain with his mind. However, she knew that in his weakened condition, that he was having a hard time healing himself. And she could feel the agony he felt that he couldn’t try to heal her pain as well. She bit her lip and concentrated on contacting Michael and Isabel.

She had to get them out of there. Max couldn’t connect with them, but maybe…just maybe she could. She k new if she couldn’t, that she and Max would both die, along with their babies, for there was no other way for them to get out of this.

*******************

“Just how long do you think that Nasedo can keep her family and friends from wondering where the girl is?” Martin asked Topolsky as they headed down the hall to their own suite of rooms.

“We’ll have to plan the ‘accident’ of both Max and Liz now that’s all. And we’ll have to do it sooner rather than later. We’ll have to take care of it tomorrow at the latest. Call Agent Berry in the morning and tell him to get the plan into motion for tomorrow, and to make it look like both Liz Parker and Max Evans were in the accident.” Topolsky said coldly and with a smile on her face.

Soon, soon now she would have enough evidence to go to her superiors and show them her find. Once she had a little more evidence and tests done, she could watch them all beg her for forgiveness and take her back in style!

********************

Maria frowned as she hung up the phone.

“So what did Max say?” Michael asked as he sat next to her in the booth at the Crashdown.

Maria looked around at the gang as they were getting ready to call it a night. “Just that Liz couldn’t come to the phone cause she was sleeping.”

Michael, Alex and Kyle all chuckled but Isabel and Cassie saw Maria’s worried face and they grew worried as well.

“What is it Maria?” Isabel asked. She had learned to trust her friend’s instincts. Especially when it came to each other.

“I don’t know. Liz would have talked to me. She would have wanted to make sure we got our stories straight for her parents.”

“Did you mention that to Max?” Isabel asked.

Maria nodded. “Yeah, and he told me that I was to call her parents that Liz was too tired and over emotional to talk to them right now.” Maria frowned even deeper thinking about how odd that was.

Isabel and Cassie both exchanged looks, feeling something was wrong now too.

“Maria’s right guys.” Isabel said looking around the table at the now quiet group. “Something’s not right.”

Part 33

Liz tried for over an hour to connect with Michael, Isabel or Cassie, but was unsuccessful. The tears of frustration were running down her cheeks as she tried again.

“Liz…it’s okay. Please don’t hurt yourself. You need to save your strength for yourself and …the babies.” Max pleaded, his own voice hoarse from the emotions he’d had watching Liz trying so hard, and knowing it was draining her and getting her no where.

“I don’t understand Max. Why can’t I connect with them? Damn! We’ve been able to connect with each other for months now!” Liz asked in frustration as she closed her eyes, resting herself for a second to ease the headache that was throbbing.

“I don’t know. Maybe you are just too far away? Always before, we’ve connected with you three when we were in the same room. Maybe your connections to us are only for close proximity?” Max frowned in thought.

Liz’s mind refused to accept that there was nothing she could do. She would not lie here and watch them slowly torture Max to death, and then take her babies away to experiment on at some later date.

Max too was thinking over their options. No way was he going to watch them torture and kill Liz and their babies. He didn’t care about himself, but he had to try to get Liz out of there.

Jordan! Suddenly the image of Jordan came to Max and he swore for not thinking of it sooner. “Liz! Jordan. Try to contact Jordan!” Max whispered excitedly. This had to work!

“Yes! Of course. His powers are stronger. Maybe he can feel my trying to connect with him even if my signal is weak or something.”

*******************

“Liz told me in the hall that she didn’t think Max was Max. I just didn’t listen.” Michael said beating himself up about it as the group sat around the Crashdown after hours trying to sort out what they knew and what they could do.

“Michael. How could you possibly know what Liz meant? She’s been very emotional and not very logical or rational lately to say the least.” Maria smiled at him and put a hand over his clenched fist that sat on the table.

“Still…”

“Still nothing! The thing is what do we do now? If that really wasn’t Max, then whoever it was has Liz and probably our Max too.” Isabel bit her lip.

Alex put a comforting arm around her and sighed. “Well, we all pretty much agree that if that wasn’t Max, only Nasedo could have shapeshifted into him. So now we have to think where Nasedo would take them and why.”

“What about Jordan?” Cassie asked looking around at them.

“We sort of promised ourselves we wouldn’t run to Uncle Jordan for everything. Besides, the less we are seen with Jordan, the safer he and the rest of our people will be. So far, it doesn’t look like the government is even aware of them, and we’d like to keep it that way.” Isabel explained.

Cassie nodded and sighed, feeling helpless. She wanted to help her new friends.

“And you’re sure it’s Nasedo?” Kyle asked taking Cassie’s hand as he sensed her frustration.

“What do you mean?” Michael asked looking at Kyle now.

Kyle shrugged. “I mean, it’s probably Nasedo since he’s the only one we know who can make himself look like Max, but what if it’s Max, only a brainwashed Max or something?”

“Okay, say we go with that for a minute, and it isn’t Nasedo. Who do you think is brainwashing Max?” Michael asked with narrowed eyes. At this point, they would try every scenario.

“The government, FBI? And maybe my dad knows something. I mean, if they’re in town I’m sure he’d know it.” Kyle continued.

Cassie tightened her grip on Kyle’s hand, knowing what he was thinking.

Kyle no! It’s too dangerous, and we can’t ask you to spy on your own father!” Cassie whispered.

Michael sat up straighter and pointed at Kyle. “That’s a great idea! Can you get into your father’s office? Will he be there this late?”

Kyle shook his head. “I’m not sure. He could be. With him, I never know what he’s going to be up to.”

“If he’s not at his office, he’s probably with my mom.” Maria said dryly, and both Kyle and Maria exchanged similar sour faces at the thought.

Maria jumped up when the phone in the back room of the Crashdown rang. That was Liz’s phone line. The cell phones inside the Crashdown didn’t always work as well with all the machinery that was on all the time and the other cell phones around. She kept a phone downstairs as well as up stairs in case while she was working someone needed her.

Maria picked up the phone and heard everyone else crowd around the back room as well.

“No. Liz isn’t here…Jordan? She WHAT?” Maria started, but Michael held out his hand for the phone. “Hold on Jordan, Michael wants to talk to you. Yeah he is.” Maria chuckled and gave Michael the phone.

When Michael hung up he was frowning.

“What? What is it?” Isabel asked for them all.

“Well, Jordan is not sure, but he thinks Liz was trying to contact him. And he felt that Max and Liz were in trouble. So he called to see what was up. I told him what we knew, and he is going to try to reach out to Max and Liz himself as well.”

“Liz was trying to reach him? Why not Max?” Kyle frowned. “Either Max really is brainwashed…” he didn’t want to think of anything else.

“So is Jordan going to let us know if he does connect with them?” Cassie asked.

“Yeah. Yeah, he said to sit tight and he would let us know as soon as he knows. So. Let’s find out where your dad is, Kyle, and see what he knows.” Michael brought the conversation back around to Kyle’s plan. That way they wouldn’t have to just sit around. Michael wasn’t big on waiting and figuring options when he could act.

“I’ll call him at home first and see if he’s there. Then I’ll try the sheriff’s office and then Maria, you can try your place.” Kyle nodded and Isabel handed him her cell phone.

“We can check his office at work and at home for anything that could let us know if he’s been in contact with the FBI or something.” Alex said warming to this idea.

“He’s at work.” Kyle whispered as the office clerk was switching him.

“Hey dad, yeah, um, I tried to call you at home to tell you I’d be late tonight. I’m going to study with the gang at the Crashdown for another hour or two. Yeah, just wanted to check in and let you know where I am.”

When Kyle hung up they all stood. “Okay, so Michael and I will go check out my dad’s office at home. Alex, you and Isabel go to the station and hang out until my dad leaves, he said he’d be heading home soon. Then Isabel you can get into his office there and look around.” Kyle took initiative.

Isabel smiled and looked around at the gang. “Hmm…he might have possible potential as a man of the law after all.” She said and then winked at Kyle.

Maria stood in front of Kyle and Michael as they started for the door. “What about Cassie and I? What do we do?” she said with her hands on her hips.

Michael knew what he wanted to do with her, as she stood all feisty in front of him, and his smile said as much. This caused Maria to gasp indignantly and hit him.

“You two stay here and wait for Jordan’s call. Then you call us on the cell phone if Jordan finds anything out and we’ll come get you guys.” Michael said ignoring Maria’s outburst.


“Okay. I hope he gets through. At least Liz was able to try to connect with Jordan.” Maria sighed knowing it meant that Liz was okay for now.

******************

Nasedo watched from outside the Crashdown as all but two of the group left. He smiled realizing that the one he wanted was staying behind. He waited until all of the others had taken off before he came out from around the alley and put a hand over the door to open it.

Maria swung around and saw an older gentleman coming in. She had just locked it behind Michael and Kyle. What?

Cassie and Maria exchanged looks and tried to act casual. “I’m sorry sir, but the Crashdown is closed for the night.” Maria said hoping that the door just hadn’t locked right.

“I know. I’m not here for the food.” The man said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Cassie felt the pull when the man met her eyes. He was one of them! Nasedo? She thought to herself.

“Very good little one. It has taken me a long time to find you. I now know that you’re just coming into knowledge of your past, so that is how I have been able to home in on you finally.” The man said.

Maria felt chills run up her spine as she looked from the confused Cassie, to the eerie man staring at Cassie.

“Nasedo.” Cassie said out loud for Maria. She did not want to try to communicate telepathically with Maria in case Nasedo didn’t know that the humans could do that with them.

Maria sucked in her breath. She had hoped her instincts were wrong.

“I’m not just Nasedo as the others have been telling you, Cassie. I am your father.” He smiled again and stepped closer to Cassie.

Part 34

Cassie’s eyes went wide with fear and then narrowed. “You raised Paulie didn’t you?” she asked softly.

“Of course! I found my son out in the desert after many years of searching. Would you like to know what happened?” He asked stopping about three feet from the girls.

Cassie nodded. Maria just swallowed.
“When the ship crashed, I managed to get the pods to safety in the cave, but then I too was captured along with the few survivors of the crash. The only thing that kept me alive was pretending to work for the government and giving them any information they needed. I let them use me. And I was using them as well. I knew that if they someday trusted me enough, I would have the freedom to find my children. And I found Paulie and was able to keep him hidden while I continued to work with the government.”

“The government knew you were an alien and let you have the freedom to walk around?” Maria asked unconvinced.

Nasedo smiled at the little blond and then looked back at Cassie. “I was not completely trusted. They put a transmitter in me so they would always know where I was when they had me out doing something for them. It has only been recently that I have found the way to disable the transmitter without their knowledge. Which I did tonight.”

“What about Liz? And Max? Where are they?” Maria asked finally.

“They are in the hands of the government. That was what finally gave me the chance to disable the transmitter. They are too busy with your friends to worry about me.” Nasedo laughed.

Cassie felt sick listening to the calm way that Nasedo talked about giving Max and Liz over to the government.

“Imagine how excited Topolsky was when I brought them not just one alien, but a human impregnated by an alien.” He smiled again.

“You BASTARD! You gave up one of your own for your own safety?” Maria said angrily and Cassie had to hold her back as Maria tried to leap at him.

Cassie narrowed her eyes on the man calling himself her father. The man who had raised her brother to be a killer. A hater of all humans and obviously a person not too concerned about his own race either. She wanted nothing to do with this alien claiming to be her blood. But she had to think.

“I will do anything to get my children and try to get as many humans in the process!” Nasedo said to Maria ignoring her anger as if I couldn’t affect him. He smiled at Cassie.

“And now I’m here for you Cassie. And I won’t let them hurt you like they did Paulie. The humans deserve all the suffering I can inflict on them for what they’ve done to our people. I care not about the life of a human or one alien if it will free me and help me find my children. And now that I’ve found you Cassie, I’m going to take you out of here. We will find our own way to survive here and get even.”

Cassie shook her head. “No. I don’t want to go with you. I don’t hate the humans. They have been good to me.”
“I am your family! You are my blood!” he started to get annoyed.

“I don’t care if you are my blood. You are not my family. I don’t want to be part of someone so filled with hatred. You raised my brother and he was a cold blooded killer. And look what happened to him. She destroyed his mind with your hate. I will not go with you any where.” Cassie said with tears running down her face now.

“No. You don’t mean that. You are mine. You are not one of these…humans. They took you from me. They killed our people. You are one of us Cassie.”

Cassie took a deep breath and tried to think. Obviously Nasedo knew where Max and Liz were and from what he had said, they were in danger of being experimented on just like their own people of long ago.

“I will go with you on one condition.” She finally said. “You will help us get Max and Liz away from the government safe. Tonight.” She bargained.

“Cassie!” Maria gasped.

Cassie didn’t take her eyes off of Nasedo. She waited for him to decide. “Sure you can probably force me to go with you, but not willingly or without a lot of fight. But I will come with you without a fight and not look to get away if you will help me get my two friends out of the hands of the government.”

Nasedo knew Cassie was serious and nodded slowly. There was much he could teach her and a lot of power that the two of them could develop together to destroy the humans once he had her on his side. Nasedo nodded finally.

“All right.” He agreed. “I will take you with me to where they are being held. You will wait for me outside the building. When you’re two friends are free, you will come with me no fight?” He had to hear her say it again.

“Yes. I will come with you if you get Max and Liz out of where they are, and safe.”

“Then let’s go. You too!” he pointed to Maria. “I don’t trust you to be left here alone now that you know.”

Maria knew the only thing that kept Nasedo from just doing away with her was Cassie, and she swallowed the bile she felt thinking of Cassie going off with him.

**************************

Isabel and Alex watched as the sheriff rode off from the police building and they called Michael and Kyle to let them know that he was probably on his way to the house.

Isabel and Alex made their way into the building, hoping to find something that could help them locate Max and Liz.

***********

“We gotta hide! He’s on his way.” Kyle said and motioned for Michael to follow him out of his dad’s office and just down the hall into the kitchen. He knew his dad always went to his office first when he got home.

When the door slammed and the sheriff’s boots could be heard on the tile coming in, Kyle held his breath.

Michael was frustrated that they had found nothing, and hated waiting. He shifted a little trying to be patient.

When the phone in the sheriff’s office rang, Sheriff Valenti strode across the hall to his room.

“Yes. You what!? A surprise huh? Yeah, well I’ve never liked surprises.” Valenti said into the phone and then hung up.

Then he strode back out the door and they guys heard the car start up.

“Let’s go! This may be it.” Kyle said grinning as he grabbed the keys and they proceeded to follow his father.

*********************

Isabel hung up the cell phone and looked at Alex. “Michael and Kyle are following the sheriff. They think they are on to something. They want us to head out onto the old highway where they are headed and try to follow but not too closely.” She said.

Alex nodded and grabbed Isabel’s hand as they raced for his car.

********************

“Amazing. These babies are pretty far along development wise in the girl here, yet she does not show yet.” The doctor frowned as he talked with Topolsky, both looking over the two teens on the tables.

“How can that be?” Topolsky asked with suspicion. She always kept an eye on Max. She acted as if he was a slimy snake that needed to be watched at all times.

“Well, the babies are very tiny still. Only their development is farther along than they should be for their size.” The Doctor frown.


“So are they developed enough to take them out of the girl?” Topolsky asked.

“NO!” Max shouted and tried to fight against his ropes again.

Topolsky came closer to him and smiled. “You will have nothing to say about it alien! And I almost feel sorry for the girl there. No wonder she fell for you. You shapeshifters can look like anyone can’t you. So you take the shape of a very well developed male and what girl could resist you. Look at those muscles as they bulge when you fight the ropes.” Topolsky rambled on, looking over the naked chest of the alien before her. She had to admit it was some form the alien had.

“Poor girl. But now you have to pay for your weakness.” She sighed as she turned now toward Liz Parker, who was equally upset and fighting the ropes.

“I’m probably making your life easier girl. God knows what would happen to your body if these things were allowed to continue to grow in you. Although, once I give you two over to my supervisors, I have no idea what they will have planned for you two. Who knows, they might want you to create more of these mixed breeds for experimentation.” Topolsky finished with a smile.

“I think you should give them over to our superiors and let them decide what to do with the babies. They might want to monitor the pregnancy.” The doctor added.

“Hmm…. Decisions, decisions,” Topolsky smiled crookedly. “But wouldn’t it be even better if we present them with the mixed breeds separately? That way we give them that many more surprises, and we get to find out more about the breeds.”

The doctor shrugged as if he didn’t care either way.

“Tell me, do you mate the same way as we humans do?” the FBI agent asked as she looked back over at the well-built alien. She looked him up and down and knew from earlier experiments, that he had all the right parts.

“Or is there something special that these creatures do to make a human want to mate with those slimy things?” She looked back over at the girl on the table again.

Liz didn’t bother answering. She knew Topolsky was insane, and wouldn’t listen to any pleading. She just hoped that her message for help had gotten through to Jordan. She couldn’t be sure if he had heard her or not, but she felt as if something had been probing her mind. She just prayed that Jordan had gotten the message and was on his way.

*I love you Max!* Liz thought to him but kept her eyes straight ahead so no one would suspect their communicating.

*I swear Liz, somehow I will get you out of here!* Max thought back, gritting his teeth at the total frustration and anger of being so helpless knowing they could do anything to Liz and their babies.

Please Jordan. Please we need you. Max prayed silently.

Part 35

Topolsky paced the room in thought. Should she give the FBI the two teens as they were or take the babies out and have the added bonus to bargain with? But she didn't know enough about the beginning process of the babies and how they developed. She would love to spend time monitoring the babies to see how they grow. But she didn't have that much time. She knew she couldn't keep the teens here indefinitely. Then she smiled as she came up with the perfect solution.

"Dr. is it possible for you to set up a lab for a test tube baby?" she asked as she came back over to where the doctor was monitoring the couple on the tables.

"I could get one set up. Of course! You would not have chosen me to help if you didn't know that I can do more than those idiots at the bureau want me to." He frowned.

"Yes, of course you can. Okay. Help me get these two untied. I'll hold the gun on the girl while you untie them both. That way if the alien there has thoughts of being a hero, he will only get his girl killed." Topolsky smiled, almost looking forward to shooting someone.

Max took deep breaths as he watched the doctor untie Liz. Don't act too excited. This could be the break they needed. He kept his face impassioned and his eyes on Topolsky with the gun pointed at Liz.

When Liz was freed, she sat up slowly, painfully stiff from having been in that position too long. And her bladder also needed attention. And she was getting dizzy. No now! She thought.

And then slowly inched off the table, rubbing her hands as she tried to get to Max. But the doctor finished with Max and he leaped up and ran to Liz before she could get more than half way to him.

His warm comforting arms slid around her and warmed her frozen body up. Max should be freezing, but he was so hot. His heat penetrated through to her and she felt warm for the first time in many hours.

"You're so cold." Max said softly, rubbing his hands up and down her arms.

"I'm warmer now." She whispered and looked up at him. She wanted to kiss him and knew by the emotions they suddenly shared, and the narrowing of his eyes, that he wanted to kiss her too. But they held back, afraid of what Topolsky would do if she saw them any more together. She was not sane and they didn't know what would unbalance her.

Max gently slid his hand down Liz's soft hair and Liz sighed and snuggled into Max's warm chest, secretly placing her lips on Max's heart from inside his arms so that no one saw. Just being able to hold each other again made her feel better. And she knew it was the same for Max.

"Amazing really. You actually find this repulsive alien shape shifter attractive?" Topolsky said in a totally shocked voice, her head tilted to the side trying to comprehend it. "Well it will work for what I need." She smiled again, her eyes glazing a little as she giggled.

Max felt a chill go up his spine and wondered what Topolsky had planned for them now. He turned around to her fully, keeping Liz in his arms. "Let her go Topolsky. I swear I will do whatever you want. No fight what so ever. You can take me apart, examine anything you want, do any experiments on me and I will cooperate fully, just let Liz go." Max said hoarsely.

Liz's arms tightened around Max to let him know she would not leave him, but it was pointless since Topolsky just laughed, having no intention of releasing Liz who was the first human they knew of to be pregnant from an alien.

"Oh sorry but I have plans for both of you. If I give my superiors the two of you just as you are, with the babies intact, then I want something in return." She smiled.

Max swallowed and Liz felt ill. It couldn't be good.

"I will create a child of mixed species and watch it grow from day one. I will know more about the breed and what it can do and what it's capable of than anyone else. I will be able to experiment with it and monitor its progress step by step." She said, relishing the prospect.

"How exactly do you plan to do this?" the doctor asked with a smile, liking the idea of having a new experiment to play with.

"Well, all we need is a sample from each of them and we can then put it in a tube and then you can do whatever you do with it to make it grow into our new experiment." Topolsky answered proudly.

Liz thought she was going to be ill. They were talking about a baby...like it was a thing. An animal with no feelings or emotions! Her whole body started to shudder with her fear and repulsion.

Max knew exactly what Liz was feeling, and he felt the same way. He swallowed back the bile in his own throat and closed his eyes as he prayed again for Jordan. He held Liz closer, absorbing her shutters of fear as best he could.

"I can get a sample from the girl?" the doctor smiled, licking his lips and looking Liz over.

Liz shuddered again and clung to Max. Max hugged her closer to him, dying inside at how helpless they were against these monsters.

"Hmmm...and I suppose I can get your nurse in here to get a sample from the alien. She doesn't know what he is, so she will be more than happy to ah-relieve him of a sample." Topolsky laughed.

Liz closed her eyes against Max's chest and couldn't stop the tears that overflowed and rolled down her cheeks and onto Max's still bare chest. They would physically go in and remove an egg from her body, but how? They would kill the babies wouldn't they? How else could they get an egg from her while she was pregnant?

*NO. NO. NO. I won't let it happen Liz! I promise! * Max told her silently. He didn't know how he could stop it from happening, but he knew he would somehow.

Topolsky saw the fear and revulsion on both teens' faces and she smiled and walked right up to them.

"Or we can do it a much easier way." She let the sentence hang in the air for a minute. "Unfortunately we will still need to go in to get the egg from the girl, but we might be able to keep the babies in there alive by using another female. It doesn't really matter who." Topolsky shrugged. "But we will need a sample of your alien seed." Topolsky nodded to Max. "Now we can do that the easy way, or the hard way...either way we will get it." Topolsky's voice was harsh.

When neither one of the teens asked what their options were, the doctor laughed. "They don't want to know their options? Interesting."

Liz swallowed her nausea again, and just waited. They both knew they would find out soon enough what was going to happen to them. Liz was at least relieved to know that they wouldn't have to operate on Max. It was much easier to get his sample. Although she knew it would be just as horrific if some person forced him.

"I could be nice and let your girlfriend Ahh...collect the sperm for us, since she has this strange appeal for you." Topolsky grinned looking at Liz and waving the gun.

"Hmm. So do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way? Should I get a nurse to get the sample, or let Liz get it? It's up to you." She laughed as she saw how neither choice was acceptable to them. "DECIDE!" she finally demanded.

"Liz, of course." Max swallowed and gritted his teeth at having no control over this situation.

Liz held onto Max tighter, knowing that neither one of them wanted this. Liz did NOT want to give that mad woman anything of Max's that might be part of him and used for experiments.

"Very well, we will leave you two alone for a half hour. I hope that's long enough." She raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't have my sample by then, we will do it the difficult way, but just as fun." She smiled again and led the doctor out of the room.

As soon as the doors closed, Max lifted Liz's chin in his hand, and brushed a tear off of her face with his thumb. "Come here. God I've missed you!" he whispered and covered her trembling mouth as she lifted her head and eyes to his. The kiss was full of love and need and fear. When Max lifted his head he sighed and leaned his forehead against Liz's. "We will get out of this I promise."

"Max, do you think Jordan heard me?" she bit her lip.

Max nodded. "Yeah I do. I just hope he gets here soon!" he sighed.

"What are we going to do if he doesn't?" Liz asked meeting his eyes with wide frightened ones. "I mean--Max--we can't give her a part of you to use as an experiment!"

"Shhh. I know that. That won't happen remember? Jordan said that we could only procreate if we are with the one we love and who loves us in return, and there has to be trust on both sides." He smiled as Liz's eyes suddenly lit up at his words.

"We won't be giving her a baby of yours to use!" Liz whispered and closed her eyes again and whispered her thanks.

"Hopefully we won't even have to give her a sample at all, if we can hold out until Jordan gets here." Max sighed and again silently called to Jordan.

Liz leaned against Max's chest and with her eyes closed she again called out an SOS for Jordan.

Jim Valenti parked the car outside the warehouse where he had met Kathleen Topolsky last time, and got out and headed toward the door to the side. When he stepped inside with his flashlight, Topolsky was waiting for him with that smile on her face that gave the sheriff the creeps.

"I have him Jim! I have him and the proof that he's an alien and there's more!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" the Sheriff frowned but feared he knew.

"Max Evans! I've got him. I've got the proof too. Experiments have been done, and now I will be vindicated!" she said anxiously.

Jim Valenti swallowed. Max was captured? Had been experimented on? "Is--is the boy alive?" he asked in a dry voice.

Topolsky just waved a hand in annoyance. "Yes, yes, of course. I am going to give him over to my superiors. But I have the proof first. And there's more. I have the girl! Liz Parker too!" she started again.

"WHAT!? You took a human too? What the hell kind of government agency is this?!" Valenti was now frightened. How was he going to get them both out of here, and was Liz okay? What had they done to her?

"Oh relax Jim! She's no innocent human. She's a danger now, just as Max is! She is carrying an alien baby!" Topolsky spat and shivered. "We can not let the alien species grow!" she said angrily.

"Is--is she alive, Kathleen?" the sheriff hated to ask.

"Yes, I will let my supervisors deal with that problem. I just want the recognition that I was right! And be taken back with high command. Maybe I'll be put in charge of the whole program." She smiled happily, in thought.

Jim Valenti swore. How the hell was he going to get them out of here? He knew there was more than just Topolsky watching them. "Can I see the proof Kathleen? For my father's sake?" he asked suddenly.

"Of course! That's why I called you here Jim. I knew you would want to see the proof too. We are so alike Sheriff. We will both do anything to get the proof we need."

Jim Valenti swallowed back the bad taste in his mouth and was glad to realize suddenly, how wrong she was. Now if he could just find a way to get the kids out of here alive!

Kyle, Michael, Alex and Isabel exchanged frightened and angry looks. They had followed the sheriff to the door and had listened to the conversation within.

Isabel grabbed Alex's hand and swayed on her feet; almost ready to pass out when Topolsky had mentioned experiments had been done on Max already. Alex had put his arm around Isabel and was still quietly giving her his support, while inside he too was sick and terrified. Both Max and Liz were in the hands of that madwoman!

Nasedo motioned for Cassie and Maria to stay hidden at the bottom of the stairway that led to the rooms where Max and Liz were being held. He would return with them, and then take what he wanted in return. He slowly crept up the stairs with one goal in mind.

Part 36

The doctor was monitoring the room the teens were in with an impartial stare. So far the two hadn't done anything, and it had been 15 minutes. He frowned, but then shrugged realizing that even if the teens didn't cooperate, they could still get the sample another way.

The doctor heard a noise and turned with the gun in hand. Then he relaxed when he saw Topolsky come back into the monitoring room, and he glanced back into the other room. "Where's Valenti? Didn't he show?" the doctor asked.

But before he could turn back around he felt a sudden whisper of movement, then a flash of pain and then nothing.

Nasedo looked down at the dead doctor with a smile. He had wanted to do that for a long time. Then he glanced down into the exam room where the two teens were quietly talking, and he frowned, and then sighed. He changed back into Max knowing that was the only way they would believe who he was, and he headed for the room.

Liz sat on the table, with Max standing next to her, his arms around her while she continued to call for Jordan.

They both swung their heads towards the door as it opened, knowing it was not time yet, but they were probably being watched and Topolsky was probably angry. But instead they saw Nasedo.

Max looked at the image of himself across the room and sucked in his breath. Too weird, he thought.

Liz stiffened also holding her breath. Had they sent Nasedo in here to threaten them into cooperating? And why hadn't they just use Nasedo's sample all this time? The thought crossed Liz's mind.

"Because all their experiments made me sterile! Damn then!" Nasedo spat, having read Liz's mind. "Not that I would ever want to be that close to a human." He finished with revulsion clear in his voice.

"Why are you here?" Max asked, waiting for the worst.

The image of Max smiled back at him. "I'm here to get you out."

Max's eyes narrowed. "Why would you do that? You brought us here," he asked suspiciously.

"I'll get what I want and you'll get what you want. Now do you want to stand around here all night asking questions or do you want to get out of here before Topolsky comes back up here with your sheriff?" Nasedo asked in disgust.

Max helped Liz off the table and took her hand. *It's our only chance right now. * Max thought to Liz. And she squeezed his hand in agreement.

Nasedo led the way down the hall, and toward the back stairs he had come from.

"What the hell? Freeze! Don't move!" Topolsky yelled as she and the sheriff turned the corner in time to see two Max's and Liz heading down the hall in the other direction.

When Topolsky pulled her gun, the sheriff took that opportunity to knock it from her hands, but before he could do anything more, she turned to him in a rage of insanity, and attacked him.

Nasedo couldn't let either of those two live, especially Topolsky. His eyes narrowed as he came back down the hall, closer to the two struggling, and shot a bolt of something that looked like lightening at the two struggling.

"NO!" Max yelled not know how, but he knew what Nasedo was going to do.

A shove of his arm took Nasedo's aim off. He was only able to catch Topolsky's arm, but it was enough to push the sheriff and Topolsky apart and Topolsky was thrown up against one wall while the sheriff, having been thrown up against the wall across from her, straightened and looked down the hall at where the bolt had come from. He was breathing hard and was shocked. For looking back at him were two Max Evans'!

One of the Max's lifted his arm again and aimed it at the sheriff.

"DAD!" the sheriff heard before he was tackled to the floor by 160 pounds of varsity wrestler.

Then all hell broke loose. Topolsky came at Nasedo like a crazy woman and Nasedo blasted her into dust with his electric bolt of light. At the same time, Isabel, Alex and Michael came out from the stairway where Kyle had come from, and ran to help Kyle and the Sheriff up.

Another blast from Nasedo pushed all of them apart, and they all watched in fear as Nasedo re- aimed at the sheriff and Kyle again, who were still close together after the blast.

Cassie and Maria had also come flying up the stairway behind Nasedo, and Max and Liz, when they heard the first blast, and Cassie saw Nasedo aim at Kyle and the sheriff again.

"NO! Nasedo! Please!" She cried and ran in front of Nasedo to stop the kill.

Nasedo lifted his arm just in time and the bolt went wild up into the ceiling, leaving a huge whole. "DAMN IT GIRL! I could have killed you!" Nasedo growled, cursing in fright. "Move aside! The Sheriff can not live!" He said and pushed Cassie aside.

"NO! Please!" Cassie begged, then realized Nasedo wasn't listening to her. "DADDY?" she tried as a last chance.

Nasedo stumbled for a second, met her eyes with surprised ones, then shook it off and let his eyes turn cold again. Then he aimed once again at the Sheriff and Kyle.

The bolt went out straight for Kyle and the Sheriff. They both held their breaths unable to move as the bolt, in slow motion came right at them.

When the bolt exploded in front of them, and they closed their eyes from the glare, Kyle thought that was it. The sound was deafening, and he wondered if he was supposed to feel nothing after being hit. But then wasn't he supposed to be toast like Topolsky right about now?

He opened his eyes and frantically looked to see his dad was still right beside him looking just as surprised at still being alive. The he noticed a shining light around him and his dad, and also around Alex, Michael and Isabel who were behind them.

And then there in front of them, between the light surrounding them, and Nasedo, was Jordan.

Jordan stood facing Nasedo with a calm exterior.

Nasedo just laughed when he saw the big man. "You thought I was dead didn't you Jordan?" he said with an evil light glowing in his eyes.

Max had pushed Liz and Maria behind him when all the action had begun, and was still keeping them protected against the wall behind Nasedo. Now he sighed when he saw Jordan, and he could feel the two girls sigh next to him as well.

Cassie looked between Jordan and Nasedo, for she was still against one of the walls near Nasedo where he had pushed her the last time. She held her breath, not sure what would happen to Jordan. She had seen the evil and destruction Nasedo could do.

"I thought you were dead Nasedo, yes." Jordan answered quietly and started forward.

"Stay where you are Jordan! I'll kill you too if I have to." He threatened, raising his arm once again.

Jordan just advanced, shaking his head. And continued on after Nasedo blasted him and it bounced off the light surrounding Jordan as well.

Nasedo looked confused. It hadn't hit him that a shield had protected the sheriff and the others before, because he had been so focused on Jordan's appearance. Now he realized what was happening and he panicked. Jordan had improved in his own powers as well over the years.

"I'm leaving Jordan, but I'm taking what's mine with me." Nasedo said and suddenly grabbed Cassie, who was still to the side of him.

"NO!" Cassie heard from down the hall, and met Kyle's eyes with sad ones as Nasedo squeezed her arm and held her closer to him.

"You are not taking anyone. Go if you must, and don't come back to these parts. But you will not take another innocent one and turn them into an animal like yourself." Jordan said quietly. Jordan knew he shouldn't let Nasedo go, but with the people all around them, and Nasedo blocking him from using his force field on the rest of the teens, he knew they would be in danger if he and Nasedo had it out. The time would come though.

"YOU CAN NOT TELL ME WHO I CAN TAKE! Cassie is MY DAUGHTER! You have no say here! These filthy humans took me away from my children, used me and kept me from them, and now I will not lose her. They killed my son! He killed my son!!!!" Nasedo shouted, staring at the sheriff with fury and hate.

Cassie felt a stab of pity for the man who called himself her father, for he had suffered at the hands of the government all these years, but he was also no longer a sane, caring Teronian. He was a cold-blooded killer, and he made Cassie quake to her very bones being this close to him. But she had made a promise. And she knew if she went with him quietly, she might save all the others including Jordan from anymore harm.

"Please Jordan. Let us go. Everyone will be safe if I go with him." Cassie swallowed and pleaded hoarsely with Jordan.

Jordan met her eyes and his own sent her a shining ray of warmth. He could feel how cold the girl was. And he knew her pain, and her suffering to sacrifice herself for all of them.

Jordan saw Max start to move from behind Nasedo and he shot him a sharp look and a no.

Max stopped completely and knew that Jordan needed to take care of this, and not be distracted. He felt Liz's hand slide into his and he just held it tight. She knew how difficult it was for him to just do nothing.

"It's a good thing you stopped the boy, Jordan. Or I would have killed him so fast and easily." Nasedo laughed evilly. He hadn't even looked behind him, but he had known that Max had moved. He had felt it. These teens were so pathetic to think they could go against his powers.

"Cassie No! I won't let you go!" Kyle called out and tried to move down the hall toward them. But the light also held him back. He swore and met Cassie's eyes helplessly.

Cassie could see the pleading in Kyle's eyes for her not to do this. She met his eyes, smiled a sad smile, whispered her love, which she knew Kyle read on her lips, and then turned to Nasedo.

"If we leave now, without any more harm coming to any of them, I'll go with you quietly." Cassie said looking intently into Nasedo's eyes.

Nasedo was torn. He wanted to kill that sheriff for shooting his son, and he wanted Jordan dead as well. Jordan was his enemy and a mighty strong adversary. He couldn't afford to let him live. But he knew he didn't have the advantage against Jordan right now, and there would always be next time, now that he knew Jordan lived.

"You will come with me quietly?" Nasedo met Cassie's eyes and saw her promise in them as she nodded.

"Yes. I promise," she said softly, holding the tears and shaking at bay for the moment. She had never been so afraid before in her life.

Part 37

Jordan watched with narrowed eyes as Cassie and Nasedo made their agreement. He felt Cassie's fear and revulsion and was so proud of her. He was very proud of all of these kids.

Nasedo turned from Cassie to look at Jordan. "All right. I'll leave with Cassie. And I'll leave everyone else unharmed." He answered in a hard voice.

Jordan knew Cassie was making this sacrifice to save everyone, and so he nodded to help get Nasedo away from harming all the rest of them.

"Jordan! NO! You can't let her go!" Kyle shouted, bumping into the light field in frustration, his eyes burning with anger and frustration. Max, Liz and Maria all met Jordan's eyes as Nasedo and Cassie walked past them and down the stairs behind them.

Jordan held up his hand for them to hold back and let Cassie go. He met Max's confused eyes with his own quiet ones.

Liz and Maria looked at one another and then Liz swallowed as Cassie disappeared down the stairs. "Jordan?" she whispered. She trusted him completely, but still...the look on Cassie's face had torn at Liz.

Jordan waited a few minutes until he knew the two were out of the building, and then he turned to the other 5 behind the light field down the hall. He waved it away.

Kyle came running down the hall, but was stopped by Jordan's hand on his shoulder. Kyle tried to shrug it off and continue, but he couldn't. He was frozen in place. He turned to Jordan with pain and anger on his face. "How could you let him take her?! You might be willing to let her go but there's no way in hell I'm going to!" he swore, pleading with Jordan to release him.

Jordan looked at Kyle and saw and felt the boy's frustration and rage. "Kyle." He said softly, getting Kyle's attention with his tone. "Cassie isn't going anywhere. I just let them leave the building. Now I will let you go if you promise to stay behind me and not do anything foolish. Will you trust me?" Jordan asked, meeting the boy's eyes intently, waiting for Kyle to decide.

Kyle looked deep into Jordan's eyes, and something he saw in there calmed him. He knew Jordan wouldn't let Cassie leave with Nasedo. He nodded finally, knowing it was going to kill him to hold back, but whatever would bring Cassie back to him safely was all he wanted.

Jordan sighed and lowered his hand from Kyle's shoulder. Kyle was instantly able to move his feet.

Jordan than looked at the group of anxious faces waiting for his next move. "I want all of you to follow behind me, but stay out of sight." He told them and when they all nodded, he met the sheriff's eyes. He knew the sheriff wanted answers. "Later sheriff I will give you your answers." And when the sheriff nodded, Jordan turned and headed down the same stairs that Nasedo and
Cassie had taken.

Cassie slid into the seat next to Nasedo and took deep breaths. She was scared, but more that Nasedo would change his mind and go back after the others than she was for herself. She waited for him to turn the key and get them out of here.

But the car wouldn't turn over. Nasedo narrowed his eyes, looked up at the building knowing who was responsible, and got out and went to the hood of the car to fix the problem.

Cassie waited in the silent car; the only sounds were her pounding heartbeat, and the deep breaths she was taking to keep calm.

Nasedo ran his hand over the front of the car, lowered the hood and then turned around when he felt Jordan's presence. "I knew you'd come to see us off." Nasedo said in a hard humorous voice.

"You can not take the girl Nasedo. She is an innocent. If she goes with you she will be hunted like you will be, and when you turn your hate and violence on your next victim, Cassie will pay for it just like your son did. Do you want to destroy her as well?" he said softly.

Nasedo's face smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I won't make the same mistakes I made with Paulie. I was still being held by the government and couldn't properly train Paulie. He made careless mistakes because I wasn't there to help him. But with Cassie, I will be there. With our combined power and my training of her on how to use it, we will be unstoppable." He said ferociously.

"Do you want your daughter for her powers or herself? I think you don't care about Cassie as your daughter. If I thought for a second that you had any compassion or decency left in your body, I would consider letting Cassie decide. But I will not let you try to turn that girl into a killer. And I don't think you will be able to. Paulie grew up with only your influence, Nasedo. Cassie's lived a different life. A life in which she was raised by the humans and even believed she was one, all these years. You won't be able to turn her. Then what do you plan to do, kill her yourself? Do you really want it to come down to that? After all that has happened to you do you really want the government to win completely by getting rid of you and all of your children?" Jordan asked hoarsely. He had to get through to whatever was left of the old friend he'd once had.

Nasedo looked into the vehicle at the wide frightened eyes of his child and saw, very clearly and distinctly, for one second, his wife sitting there instead. He blinked and saw his daughter again. She did look so much like her mother with her dark red hair, light skin and tiny freckles whispering across her nose. He saw it in her eyes. He would not be able to turn her. He swore and walked to the car and opened the door and got into it. Then he turned to his daughter who sat staring at him waiting for his next move. He knew she was terrified of what he had become, but that she would go with him to protect the others. She didn't have one evil bone in her body. No hate for anyone. He would only destroy her if he took her with him. And she was all he had left of her mother.

He swallowed and turned his cold eyes upon her. "GET OUT." He said tightly and gripped the steering wheel.

"Will you kill my friends?" Cassie still confronted him.

Nasedo shook his head. He would leave her and her friends alone. There were many others he needed to destroy first any ways. He could spare these few useless ones, for her. For his beautiful daughter who looked so much like her mother looked when he'd first met her all those years ago when life had been good and decent. He gripped the steering wheel harder, knowing he could never be that person again. They had destroyed any good that was left in him and he was going to pay them back for what they did to him and to his wife and the others that they'd taken from the crash that night.

"No. Now go, get out of here!" he said between gritted teeth and waited.

Cassie didn't question it. She leaped out of the car and started to close the door. Then she hesitated for a second and looked back into the car. "Thank you." She whispered before closing the door and watching her father drive away.

She met Jordan's eyes from across the space where the car had been and her eyes filled with the tears she had been holding back.

Then Jordan held out his arms and she was safely locked inside the big man's warm hold. Jordan felt more like a father to her than Nasedo or her stepfather ever could.

"Cassie!" she heard Kyle's hoarse voice, and turned and saw the whole group coming out of the building toward them.

Kyle was the first one to her, and he grabbed her and held her close. He kissed her head and then her forehead and then her nose and finally down to her trembling mouth. "Don't you EVER do a stupid thing like that again!" he shouted in fear, and kissed her again, this time deeply.

Cassie sobbed into his mouth and clung to him. He felt so good and safe and real.

Jordan stood back and watched as the teens all hugged each other in relief that they were all okay again, and he met the sheriff's eyes as the sheriff came up to him. "You were all in the crash?" Sheriff Valenti asked, still trying to absorb all he had seen tonight.

"No. My sister, her husband and her three children were. As well as Nasedo, his wife and his children Paulie and Cassie," Jordan explained.

"Then you--?"

"We were in another spacecraft. We all left our planet because it was dying. We did not come to this earth to do you humans any harm, despite what your government believes. We are not a violent race. We came here to escape certain death from our planet, and came to a planet not that unlike our own, or so we thought."

"There are more of you?" Valenti asked taking in all that the big man had said.

"Yes. We are peaceful and have learned to adapt into your world. We are only a hand full in the vast majority of humans, but we are among you."

Valenti took a deep breath, met Jordan's eyes and nodded. Then he looked toward Max, Michael and Isabel, then back to Jordan. "Your sister's children?" he asked.

Jordan nodded. "They are good kids. They would never harm anyone. They are more human than Teronian because of the way they were raised."

Valenti turned to look at the group of kids then turned back to Jordan and swallowed a lump in his throat. "I think they are more human than a lot of the people I know." He said quietly. "Why did you let the killer go? The one you call Nasedo." The sheriff finally asked. That was the only thing that didn't sit well with him.

Jordan looked off into the night in the direction Nasedo had gone. "It is not over for us. But it was not the time right now. The children's safety was more important. But the time will come," Jordan said as he squinted into the night.

Part 38

It was a bright sunny day the following weekend, when the teens and Sheriff Valenti pulled up to Jordan's ranch.

Jim Valenti had talked in depth to his son and they'd had the best talk in their lives. He had missed so much of his son's life while chasing aliens only to find out that the aliens were less alien and more human than many of the people he had worked with in his career.

Jordan came up to him and held out his hand. "Welcome. I'm glad you decided to come with the kids."

The couples gathered around Jordan and the Sheriff, smiling. Jim Valenti saw remarkable changes in these teens out here. They were so much more relaxed and happy and content. He had not realized just how unhappy and uptight the teens had been in the last year since the shooting at the Crashdown. But out here, they were all different, at peace. Even his son's face was at peace and
his eyes un-shadowed up here in these mountains. He took a deep breath and could almost feel that serenity in the air himself. He would love to bring Amy here some day.

"She would be welcome. As would you, any time." Jordan replied.

Jim Valenti looked at Jordan, startled and then grinned. "Some things are going to be a little difficult to get used to."

Jim Valenti looked over at Max and Liz. The boy had his arms around the girl's stomach and was gently rubbing it almost absently as he stood behind her. Liz Parker was leaning most contently back against his shoulder, a secret smile on her face. Maria and Michael were sitting on the porch
steps, Maria between Michael's legs and also leaning back against him while he played with her hair absently. Isabel and Alex had their arms around each other and were standing next to Jordan, just enjoying being back on the ranch.

Then he turned to his son and the young woman who had won Kyle's heart. She was a brave, intelligent girl, and he couldn't hope for anyone more loyal and true for his son. And they two were just snuggling together leaning against the porch with the other couples.

"What about you kids? Have you told your parents any of this?" The sheriff asked the teens.

"I...I wouldn't know how." Maria bit her lip and met the sheriff's eyes, knowing how close he was getting to her mom.

"She would understand better than you think, Maria. Your mom loves you and only wants you to have a happier life than she's had." He told her softly.

Maria nodded and exchanged looks with Kyle. It wouldn't be long before there was a wedding in Roswell.

"What about you Liz? I mean, what have you told them about your pregnancy?" Jim asked.

"Nothing. I won't show still for almost another six months. If I told them about the baby now, I'd have to explain why the pregnancy's going to be two years long. I'm not ready to tell them I'm pregnant and in love with an alien." She bit her own lip in worry, for one day she would have to tell them something. Max held her tighter in understanding, and kissed the top of her head.

Jim nodded in understanding and looked at Max and Isabel. "What about your parents? Do they know? I mean, how can you keep this a secret? Your mom was suspicious after the fire. No thanks to me." The sheriff admitted under his breath, but loud enough for them all to hear.

"I know my mom suspects something is different--but I don't think she has a clue as to what it really is. And Isabel and I have been discussing what we should do." Max said and exchanged looks with his sister. He knew what she wanted to do. Had always wanted to do. Maybe it was time. He really would love for Jordan to meet his parents. For his parents to meet someone very important to both Max and Isabel. Someone who they wanted to spend many weekends with in the future, if they could.

"I'll help you kids in any way I can, if you decide to talk to them. And if not, I won't say anything. But I think you kids have really great parents, and I think they will understand." The sheriff looked around at the teens, then back to Max and Liz. "Or at least, they will understand most of it." He cleared his throat. No parent was going to take well to the fact that their teenagers were young and pregnant. He didn't envy Liz Parker in whatever she told her parents.

But they were good kids, he knew, and he would help them out if he could. It was the least he could do after adding to their last year of hell.

Liz slipped into their bedroom that night at Jordan's, with her milk and Tabasco sauce. The girls had just had another ice cream fest in the kitchen and Liz was still smiling over the girl talk. When she heard the shower running in the private bathroom she and Max had, she smiled even wider. The milk forgotten, Liz put it down by the bedside table, drawn to the open bathroom door allowing the steam to come into their bedroom.

Her urge was sudden and swift, and she giggled wondering if Max had felt it.

"Liz Parker! You had better be nearby and not still in the kitchen just talking or thinking about these urges!" Max growled from behind the curtain.

Liz giggled out loud and Max flung the curtain back. Liz gasped at the sight before her. There was her Max in all his naked glory. His well-defined muscular body was sleek with the water slicing down over him. His feet were planted apart, leading up to muscular, wet thighs, which led her up further to his obvious approval of her actions, which answered her question if he had felt her urge. Then to his lean waist and ribbed stomach, to his well build chest, arms and neck.

When she finally got to his strong jaw and mouth she saw a playful smile on his sexy lips.

Part 39

"Like what you see, gorgeous?" Max's voice was hoarse and raspy with need. Liz's eyes roaming up his body made him even harder if possible. Those big doe eyes that he adored were huge with want and desire and appreciation as she slid them ever so slowly up his body, resting on certain parts longer than others on her travel upward.

At Max's question, Liz met Max's eyes and saw the burning light of passion in those dark eyes she loved so much. She grinned and could only nod, feeling her stomach do a flip when she saw the sexy curl of his lips, his hooded eyes and even more aroused flesh.

"Max," Liz whispered and came forward to the edge of the tub. She was in her pajamas and had her slippers on.

Max ignored all that and looking down at her so close to him now, he lifted her straight up, level with his mouth, and then turned with her in his arms, leaned her against the shower wall and captured the sexy mouth that so distracted him.

Liz giggled as the water soaked her, clothes and all, but her laugh was swallowed up when Max covered her mouth and slid his tongue deeply into hers.

Liz sighed and let her hands roam down his muscular shoulders and chest. There was nothing better than touching and loving Max.

Later, Max carried Liz out of the shower, and placed her gently on their bed. He removed her wet pajama top and her soggy slippers, smiling at how completely they had lost control, and then he crawled up onto the bed with her.

He leaned on an elbow caressing her face and pushing her wet hair gently out of her eyes. He loved just looking at Liz. Especially after he had made love with her. When her eyes were still glazed and dreamy, and her mouth was all sexy and swollen from his kisses.

"Have I told you lately how much I adore you?" he whispered, kissing her lips very gently now.

"Hmmm. But I love to hear it any ways." She sighed and let her own hands glide over his smooth skin and muscular chest absently. They just couldn't stop touching each other.

Michael and Maria snuggled up in their bed and sighed, slowly letting their breaths become even again. He could feel Maria smiling against his chest and he grinned. He loved making her wild, and he just loved her. From her tiny painted toenails to the top of her short blond hair. He hugged her close and sighed.

"I love you Maria." He whispered and kissed the top of her head, leaving his lips against her head, starting to doze.

"I love you Michael." Maria murmured before she too fell asleep in Michael's big strong arms. Never having felt this content or happy before in her life.

"Alex, you were so wild." Isabel smiled against his chest as they lay in their bed.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry. You just drove me crazy. Damn I can't believe I did that." He shook his head, concern in his eyes as he looked down at her. He had literally attacked her and thrown her down on the bed.

But Isabel's laugh and bright shining happy eyes made him relax. "I like that side of you Alex. Will you show me that side more often?" she asked softly, and a little timidly.

"Now you get shy?" He teased with his dry humor. "After you paraded yourself shamelessly around the room for me, until I lost all control."

Isabel just laughed and hugged him tighter. "I love you Alex," she whispered and sighed. How had she ever gotten along without him in her life? She understood more and more what Max and Liz felt, as she fell more and more in love with Alex.

"I love you more than life, Isabel. My beautiful, Isabel," he whispered back, and let his hand slowly run through her long blond hair as he too dozed.

Part 40 (Conclusion)

Cassie lay in her bed that night, feeling torn. She was so relieved to be here with Jordan and her friends and Kyle, safe, and yet her heart couldn't help but feel for Nasedo. For just a second, when he had looked at her across the car, his eyes had warmed, and she had had a glimpse of the man he had once been. Before his soul had been destroyed.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, and turned over. She couldn't think of him as her father, only as the cold evil man who had taken Max and Liz, easily killed Topolsky, and had viciously and with pleasure tried to kill Kyle and his father.

But for that one second, he had showed her a glimpse of what he had once been, and she couldn't help but mourn for that. Jordan had known how she was feeling without her having to tell him, and he had taken her aside earlier and held her and talked to her and just let her tell him what she was thinking. He told her stories of what her father used to be like, but that this wasn't her father. Not to think of Nasedo as her father. They were two totally different beings now.

But to mourn the loss of what had been her father was okay. She had felt better, and after that she had enjoyed the girls ice cream fest and then gone to bed. Only now, in the dark all-alone, she couldn't help but think about it again. She felt lonely, even with all of her new family and friends around her.

She heard a soft tap on her door and turned toward it, wiping the tears off of her face, and then called out softly for the person to come in. She knew it was Kyle before he opened the door and peeked his head in. "Hey, I wasn't sure if you were awake." He said barely seeing her in the dark.

"Yes. Come in. Please." She said and sat up as he padded over to her bed and gently sat on the edge of it facing her. He looked awkward.

Cassie smiled, now able to see his features through the window where the moon shown in. She saw his uncomfortable look and her heart melted. "Kyle. What are you still doing up?" she asked, not sure what to say.

"Oh--I figured you would be upset after all that had happened. And I--I just couldn't sleep. Images of you leaving with Nasedo haunted me. God Cassie! You would have gone with that killer for all of us." He swallowed, still unable to believe her sacrifice. He knew she was deathly afraid of Nasedo, but she still would have gone. He reached out a hand and slid it over her long, soft red hair. He loved the feel of the cool strands sliding through his fingers.

"Kyle," Cassie whispered and shivered at his gentle caress.

Kyle met her eyes and leaned in for a kiss. He kept it sweet and light, and then he sat back. He grinned when he saw the disappointment in her beautiful green eyes. "Ah Cassie, I can't. If I kiss you the way I want to kiss you right now, I'll never leave." He swallowed trying to explain it to her.

"Then don't." she whispered, shifting to get closer to him.

Kyle knew Cassie had many emotions going through her right now, and that she needed his understanding and love right now more than she needed anything else.

"Cassie. It's too soon. I know you've gone through a lot, and I heard you talking with Jordan. I'm glad he's there for you. But I want to be as well. I didn't come in here to seduce you." He smiled. "Although, I don't know about the next time I knock on your door." He winked at her. "But tonight, I just want to hold you and know that you are really safe and that you are not going anywhere." He admitted softly.

Cassie's eyes filled with tears at his sweet wonderful words. He would hold her and not ask for anything more. "Kyle, but I wouldn't mind doing more than--"

Kyle put a finger to her lips and she stopped. "I know. But I want to get to know you and do this right Cassie. You are special to me. You mean something to me, and I want to do this right. You know, with all that romantic stuff that I usually suck at." He grinned.

Cassie laughed softly and hugged him to her. "Will you stay with me all night at least?" she asked against his shoulder.

"I was hoping I could." He said and took her into his arms and lay down with her. Taking a deep calming breath now that she was safe and in his arms, and he just enjoyed the feel of her against him. How she fit him so well. Now he knew what it meant when someone was "right" for you.

As their breathing calmed, and they clung to each other, Max reached for the diamond ring on the chain between Liz's breasts. "I can't wait until this is on your finger." He swallowed, imagining it there for the world to see.

Liz smiled contently; her eyes still filled with emotion, and just caressed his jaw that she loved so much. "Max, I was so terrified for you when I realized that Topolsky had you and saw you lying on that table." Liz said in a trembling voice.

Max knew she needed to talk about it and he just held her tighter. "I know, God Liz, my heart stopped when they brought you in. I could have killed them with my bare hands for laying a finger on your or threatening you or our babies." Max said into her hair, and slid his hand over her lower abdomen that was amazingly still flat considering it was holding not one, but two of his children.

"I know, I know. I was so scared for you and the babies." Liz nodded, and put her hand over Max's as it lay over their children. "Max?" Liz swallowed and looked up into his warm, love filled eyes. "What are we going to tell our parents? I mean, are we going to tell them just about the pregnancy when I'm about 8 months from delivery? Or are you wanting to tell them all of it?"

Max sighed and met her worried eyes. "I don't know. I know that telling them about you being pregnant will be enough for them to handle at one time. But should we tell them after that? I know Isabel wants to tell our parents. And I'm just not sure if I agree. But I will think about it since I know how important it is and always has been to Isabel, and it would be nice to have Jordan meet them, but--" he swallowed.

Liz felt his fear and she hugged him closer. "Max! They would never reject you or Isabel! They love you. Unconditionally! I know it. You should have seen your mom when you were gone. She came to see me all the time to see how I was, and just to talk to someone who missed you and loved you as much as she did."

"It's going to be pretty shocking for them if we tell them. I mean, that their children that they raised aren't even human. That they're a different species. Aliens." He swallowed.

"Max. I love you and will stick by you in any decision you make. I know they won't reject you, but I want you to want to tell them. And as for my parents, I don't know either. I think I will just see how they take the pregnancy." She winced, only imagining how that would go over.

"We'll do it together Liz. I won't let you face them alone. And I'll let them know that I'll take excellent care of their little girl. Always and forever," he promised huskily.

Liz nodded and snuggled her cold nose into Max's warm neck. He smiled at the feel of her cold little nose, and sighed in contentment. They had a bumpy road ahead of them, but at this minute he knew that both of them had never felt the total sense of completion that they did right now.

Liz echoed his thoughts. She knew that as long as they were together there would always be that sense of completion.

THE END ;-)