PART THREE Scene: The next morning (Sunday). Liz and Ava are in the Crashdown having breakfast. Maria is working. "Thanks, you know, for everything," Ava said. I smiled. "It’s no problem. I’m glad to help." And I meant it. "You sure you don’t mind me wearing your clothes?" she asked, looking down at the jeans and tank I’d given her. "No, it’s no problem at all. We’re the same size and besides, I have tons to choose from," I said, shrugging it off as no big deal. "Yeah, I don’t have so much selection," Ava said, looking down and pushing her eggs around her plate with a fork. I suddenly felt incredibly spoiled and rude. I didn’t know what to say, so instead I reached for our tea mugs. "I’m just going to get us a refill. You want anything else to eat?" "Nah, I’m cool." I headed back to the kitchen and Maria joined me. "Um, Liz, forgive me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that one of the NYC Czechoslovakians over there?" She said, pointing her thumb over her shoulder in Ava’s direction. "Yeah, it’s Ava." "Yeah, so, um, why is she here?" I groaned inwardly. Don’t tell me I’m going to get the riot act from her now. I shrugged nonchalantly and said, "Even Czechoslovakians need to eat." I know I was being snippy, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her anti-Czech comments this morning. I headed to the other counter, Maria right on my heals. She was about to comment some more when the front doors opened and Brody walked in. He smiled and waved in our direction before sitting at a table. I looked to my right and saw a beaming Maria with her eyes locked on him. "So what’s going on with you two?" I asked. "Something, I’m not sure what, but isn’t he great?" Maria said, grabbing my arm and grinning like a cheshire cat. Her eyes were shining and her nails were beginning to leave marks on my arm. I couldn’t help but grin back despite the pain. "What about Michael?" Her smile faded a little and she rolled her eyes. "I’m getting sick of Michael and his hot and cold signals. I’ve found something new and I want to see where it’ll go." She looked back to Brody, her smile growing again. I couldn’t help but grin at my best friend’s antics. Besides, I don’t feel as bad liking him when she’s moving on. The front door opened again and Isabel and Michael walked in. Their expressions were grim and my smile quickly faded. Isabel noticed Ava in the booth and started in that direction, while Michael’s eyes searched for me. He caught my attention and motioned with his head to the booth. I turned to Maria, whose eyebrows were now raised in question. "I’ll talk to you later," I said quickly and then rushed to the booth before she could question me. Ava and I sat on one side facing Michael and Isabel. "So?" I asked hopefully. Isabel looked at Michael nervously then to me before replying. "I got in to Max’s head, but I’m too far away to establish the connection needed for anything longer than a glimpse." Damn. I looked down and then back at her. "Then we go to New York," I said. "Liz, we cannot just pack up and go to New York," Isabel said, shaking her head. "I know, Isabel," I replied. "You can’t. But Michael, Ava, and I can." She looked at me like I was crazy. "What are you talking about?" I swallowed and then began. "I was thinking about it last night after Michael left. You can’t go because your parents are already frantic with one child missing. Besides, if Max calls you need to be here. Michael has nothing to stop him from going. Well, nothing but work and I can handle that. And we need Ava to go because she knows the city and where to find them. She’ll be able to help us. That is, if she’s willing to help," I said turning towards her. Ava nodded in reply. Isabel hesitated, but then nodded and Michael asked me, "But why do you have to go?" I looked at him sternly. "You know why." Isabel and Ava looked confused. "I can tell him, you don’t have to," he insisted. "Don’t start with me, Michael. I’m going, end of discussion. Besides, you’ll need cash, and I’ve got a lot saved up." Lets see him try and fight that argument. "How will you explain it to your parents? And what about work?" His expression showed his assumed triumph. "College visit. I want to check out NYU and Columbia. And I already have the week off from work," I countered. His face twitched. "Fine, Ms. Know It All. How are we getting there? You gonna pay for round trip plane tickets for the three of us?" "No, we’re gonna get there the same way they did. We’re driving." "Whose car are you taking?" Isabel asked. Just then Alex walked over and sat down. "What’s up, guys? Why the staring contest?" he commented looking between me and Michael. "Perfect timing," I said turning to him. "Mind if we use your car, Alex?" "Sure, for what?" he asked as he took a sip of tea. He winced and wiped at his mouth. "Ugh, Liz. What the hell did you put in that?" "It’s mine," Ava said, smiling sheepishly at him. "Honey and Tabasco in earl gray." "Oh. Ava, right?" She nodded. "Next time give me a little warning, ok?" he said returning her smile. He then turned back to me. "So why do you need my car?" "We’re driving to New York," I said, breaking my gaze with Michael and turning towards him. His eyes narrowed. "And why would we be doing this?" Michael turned to him. "Not ‘we’. Me and Ava." "And me," I stressed, turning to Michael. "Accept the fact that I’m coming along. You’re not getting there without me." Alex, Isabel, and Ava looked from me to Michael, watching the silent confrontation between us. "You two do realize that getting there will take like, three days straight if you’re pushing it," Alex said. "And it’s not like my little car is the most reliable of automobiles." "I know," I began. "If there are any problems, Michael or Ava can fix it. But the summit isn’t until 4 days from now, so it’ll be fine time-wise." My eyes were still locked on Michael, challenging him to even attempt to dissuade me from going. Alex nodded in silent contemplation. "Ok, you guys can take it. But only under one condition." "Which is?" Michael didn’t take his eyes off me even thought he was talking to Alex. "You take me with you." Michael and I both snapped our heads to him. "Alex, you don’t have to. You shouldn’t get involved," I said. He took my hand and looked at me. "Liz, I am involved. Maybe not directly, but I am. And if you’re going all the way to New York, there’s no way I’m letting you go without me. I have to know you’re going to be alright." "She’ll be fine, because she’s not going," Michael spat. "Get off it, Michael. Liz is going," Isabel hissed. "She has a point. She came up with the plan. She’s the only one Max will believe." My eyes darted to Michael before looking back to Isabel. "And besides, she does have the funds needed. Alex has the car. They’re going." I smiled at Isabel and silently thanked her for her support. Michael looked frustrated and angry. "We’ll figure out another way," "There is no other way," Isabel stressed. Michael turned his glare to her. "Don’t start, Michael," Alex said, getting a little angry. "Liz is my best friend and therefore my responsibility. There is no way I’m letting her go across the country without me." "I can take care of her." Michael’s eyes were blazing as he said it and my heart fluttered. That surprised everyone, but Alex didn’t back down. "I am not letting Liz out of my sight. I’m coming." When Michael didn’t flinch, Alex added, "And if you try to take my car or Maria’s car, I’ll report you to the state police for grand theft auto. And if you try to leave without Liz or me, I’ll have Sheriff Valenti put in a kidnapping report." Michael scoffed at him. "And who would I be kidnapping?" I caught on and smiled to the girl sitting next to me. "Ava. You can’t go without her. You’ll be lost without her." She grinned slyly at my comment. "Of course, we’ll say you’ve taken Tess," Alex added. "And you know how protective the Sheriff is about her." Ava looked uncomfortable, but she looked intently at Michael, trying to gauge his reaction. Michael looked like he’d backed into a corner. He was fuming and got up, stalking out the front doors. Isabel started to get up but I stopped her. "I’ll talk to him. You and Alex started figuring out our cover story." I left before she could argue. Michael’s long legs and angry strides had gotten him about a block ahead of me. I jogged to catch up while calling his name. When I got to his side he whipped around and pulled me into an alley. The sudden movement and force of his actions made me lose my breath for a moment. The anger in his eyes, directed at me, was enough to make my breath stop completely. "You!" He started. He was furious and turned away from me before continuing. I briefly wondered if I’d made a mistake. I knew I had to go with him to New York, but maybe I should’ve handled it differently. He turned back to me, and got right in my face. Just like he did when he was trying to dominate an opponent. "You are not going to New York," he said through clenched teeth. "We’ve already been over this, Michael," I said calmly. "You’re not going. That’s final." He said as he turned to leave like the discussion was over. Now I was angry. "I am going. Why are you so determined for me not to?" He whipped around and exclaimed, "Because I can’t let you get hurt. You saved my life, and Isabel’s life, and everyone else’s lives. I am not letting you get into any situation where your life is at risk. You’ve already given up too much for us." "I know you feel like you owe me something, but you don’t," I said, taking a small step towards him. "Yes, I do." His face was serious and passionate and suddenly I knew just how important it was to him to repay me for what I’d done. "Then let me come with you," I said softly. He looked at me and his expression softened. "Liz …" he said softly, closing the distance between us. "I know you’re worried about Max, but he’ll be fine. I’ll go, and tell him what he needs to know. And I’ll make sure he comes back safe." He was trying to be reassuring but I wouldn’t back down. "This isn’t about Max. I don’t want you going without me. I can’t stay behind. I refuse to stay behind, worrying about both of you. I’m a part of this. Just let me help you." My eyes were watering and my voice cracked. Why did he have to make everything so hard? He took in my expression. And my words. His hand slid up my cheek and wiped away the tear that slipped out. He sighed quietly. "Ok Liz." My face flooded with relief and I leaned my head against his chest. His arms circled around my shoulders and his palms pressed against my back, pulling me close. He pulled back after a minute and took my hand, leading me back into the Crashdown. Maria heard the front door open and looked our way. The smile faded from her lips when she saw that Michael and I were holding hands. I felt guilty instantly and knew she and I would be sitting down to talk soon. Michael led me back to the booth and we sat down. He hadn’t noticed Maria, or her reaction. Isabel, Alex, and Ava eyed Michael. Sick of waiting for an answer Isabel said, "Well?" Michael looked from me to Isabel. "We’re going to New York." Then he looked at Ava and Alex. "The four of us." Everyone smiled and started working on the cover story. ---------- After the plans had been set, everyone left to pack and plan. Ava went with Alex to meet his parents and pull a little alien magic. That is, of course, after she did the same to my parents. Michael and Isabel went to see Valenti and fill him in. I was in my room, packing when a very angry Maria threw my door open. "Want to tell me what’s going on?" She asked, hands on her hips. I turned my back to her while I continued packing. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, Maria." "Like hell you don’t. What were you and Michael doing holding hands?" She walked farther into the room and closed my door. "Nothing," I replied. She whipped me around and stared straight in my eyes. "Don’t lie to me, Liz. I have known you way too long to believe any lies you tell." My eyes spoke complete honesty as I slowly repeated, "There is nothing going on between Michael and I. Not the way you think." Not that I didn’t want there to be something. But that’s not important right now. Maria’s eyes squinted and searched mine. "Then why were you holding his hand?" Her voice cracked and her eyes began to water. My heart broke as I took her hand and led her to sit on my bed. I sat a moment, letting her regain her composure. "I … Mi- … Michael has been helping me," I struggled to explain. It was the truth if you think about it. "How?" Her brow furrowed and she cocked her head slightly. I swallowed. Here goes nothing. "Max. He’s missing. He and Tess have gone somewhere. Together." "Oh Liz, I’m so sorry." Her arms circled me and she hugged me, trying to soothe me, not that I was crying or anything. "I knew I hadn’t seen him in awhile. Where did they go?" "New York. With Lonnie and Rath." She pulled back and looked in my eyes. "What are you going to do?" I took a deep breath. "I’m going to New York. With Michael, Ava, and Alex." It was then that she took note of the bag I was packing. "Whoa. When did this happen?" "Today." She nodded her head in silent comprehension. "In the Crashdown. I was wondering what you were talking about." "I’m surprised you noticed. Brody seemed to have your complete attention." Maria smiled a little mischievously. "Yeah well, he does have a way of doing that. He’s great Liz. And he likes me. And he actually pays attention to me. It’s great." "What about Michael? You seemed really unnerved when he came in." Even though I’d successfully distracted her from the New York thing, I asked anyway. She tipped her head and thought a second. "Eh," she said with a little shrug. This surprised me and she laughed at my reaction. "Don’t get me wrong. Michael Guerin is … something. But he’s just not what I need. And about the way I reacted … I just freaked more on Max’s part than anything." I gave her a "don’t-BS-me look" and she laughed. "Ok, ok you caught me," she said raising her hands. "I was jealous. I’m just getting over him so some of those old feelings rear their ugly little heads." I gave her that same look again. "Fine! Jeeze, nothing gets past you. Yeah, yeah. I still love him. But the truth is that I’ve found something with Brody that’s … amazing. I think I’m finally ready to let Michael go and move on." I saw in her eyes that she was telling the truth. I gave her a huge smile and then a big hug. "I’m so happy for you, Maria," I said through my smile. "I just finally realized that I’m not the kind of girl Michael needs." "So what kind of girl does he need?" I ask, pulling back. "Honestly, and don’t kill me or hit me when I say this, but I think he could use someone like you." I stopped dead in my tracks and tried to suppress a grin. Was she being serious? "Sure, whatever, Maria." I turned to pack so she wouldn’t notice how excited her comment made me. "How about a girl’s night? Just you and me tomorrow," she asked. She sounded so happy that I dreaded letting her down. I winced. "I can’t. We leave for New York at dawn." "You must be joking? You’d have to miss school." I nodded. Her jaw dropped. "Liz Parker! Miss school?" She displayed her surprise dramatically and I grinned and rolled my eyes. "It’s not like I’ve never done it before. You know how otherworldly events interfere sometimes." "But go across the country?" I shrugged and turned to her. "I know it’s huge. But I have to go." "Let Michael go by himself. Have him bring them back." "It’s not that simple, Maria." There’s no way I could explain it to her. "Besides, everyone knows Michael and Max haven’t been getting along. I’ve got to go." Maria nodded slowly and headed to my closet. "Well then, lets get you packed." ----------- Author’s note: I wrote about Ava’s memory changing powers before Tess’ memory/mind-warping powers were ever introduced in Season 2 of the show. In this story, Ava’s aren’t destructive, unlike how Tess’ turned out to be. Ava’s powers are much more advanced than Tess’s. I guess because she grew up with Zan, Rath, and Lonnie and they all developed their powers together. Not only did she mind warp our parents to tell them Alex and I were going to check out colleges in New York, but she even altered their memories a little so they "remembered" agreeing to it earlier. She even managed to "remind" Alex’s parents that they had promised to let us take their car. They didn’t even question why we were driving instead of flying. Alex, Isabel, and I were really uneasy about messing with their heads so much. Ava insisted that they would be fine and she knew what she was doing. Michael was fascinated by her skills. He asked plenty of questions and requested her help in developing his own powers. Alex and I got a little annoyed at his behavior, but Isabel rolled her eyes and assured us that he didn’t mean any harm by it. So the plan is set. Tomorrow morning, Ava, Michael, Alex, and I are leaving for New York. --------- Monday "Wow Alex, this is nice," I said when I saw the Cadillac El Dorado his father loved so much. True, it wasn’t the dream car for most teenagers, but it would be nice for a road trip. Plenty of power and room for four full grown adults to travel comfortably. "Yeah, my Dad loves it. He’ll kill me if anything happens." Michael arrived just then and slapped Alex’s back. "Don’t worry so much, Whitman. It’ll be fine." He tossed his duffle bag in the trunk next to mine. Ava stood nervously behind him. Isabel was next to her. "I packed a set of clothes for you, Ava. In case you need them," I said, giving her a friendly smile. She smiled back and said thanks. "Um, before you go, can I talk to you two?" Isabel asked, turning to Michael and I. We nodded and went in Michael’s apartment. "What’s up, Is?" Michael asked, folding his arms and leaning against the counter. She sat on the couch and looked at her hands. When she looked up her eyes were full of tears. Michael hurried to the couch and sat down, putting his arm around her. "Don’t worry, Is. We’ll take care of everything. We’ll bring them back to you," he said. "No, it’s not that," she said moving away from him and then running her hands nervously through her hair. "What is it then?" he asked. "There’s something you should know before you go to New York." She took a deep, shuddering breath. "Something about me … about Vilandra. The person I used to be." She refused to meet our eyes and began pacing in front of the couch. "Go ahead, Isabel," I said, sitting on the arm of the couch. She stopped then and looked at us with frightened eyes. "I … she … betrayed her family. She did it because she loved Khivar." Michael looked stricken while Isabel looked ashamed. I sat there in shock. "How long have you known?" I whispered. "My birthday. Whitaker told me the night she died. She said I was one of them. And that I would do it again. And then in Copper Summit, Nicolas told me more of the details." Isabel was crying. "That wasn’t you, Isabel. You’re a different person." Isabel looked to me. "Yeah, Isabel. You wouldn’t do that now. Not the person that you are now." Her gaze swept to Michael. "You mean that? You really believe that?" she asked, afraid we weren’t being truthful. Michael stood and put his hands on her shoulders. "You know I do. I trust you with my life. You’d never hurt me. You’d never hurt any of us." Isabel clung to his arm and let the tears fall. After a minute of watching them like that, I was feeling more than out of place. I was about to leave when a thought occurred to me. "Why tell us this now?" I blurted out. Isabel wiped her eyes and said, "Because Lonnie and I come from the same place. She knows about what Vilandra did. But she’s more alien than I am." She looked at Michael. "I think she’d do it again. To get what she wants. You guys have to be careful around her." Michael and I nodded. The sound of a car honking from the street brought me from my thoughts. "You guys should get going," Isabel said as she stood up, wiped her tears away, and exited the room. We followed her down to the car where Ava and Alex were waiting. "Sorry, we’re just a little anxious to get going," Alex said, giving Ava a mischievous smile which made her grin in return. I wonder what that’s about. "It’s cool, we’re ready." Michael turned to Isabel and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Is, for telling us. And don’t worry, we’ll be careful." "I know. Just be sure to call and check in," she said with a weak smile. "Of course. And you need us, just give Liz’s cell a call," he replied. Next was Alex’s turn. He walked forward and wrapped his arms around her. "See you next week, Isabel." "Bye, Alex. Be careful." Alex grinned. "Always." She turned to Ava and gave a quick hug. Ava was a little surprised. When she pulled back, Isabel said, "Thanks for everything you’re doing for us." Ava gave a nonchalant shrug like it was no big deal, but I could tell she was touched. When Isabel turned to me I tensed up some. I know she wanted to go and I felt like I was taking her place. She gave me a smile. "Good luck, Liz." Then she hugged me and I returned her embrace. As we were getting in the car, Maria’s Jetta squealed to a stop and Maria ran out, with Kyle right behind her. "Stop the car! None of you are going anywhere without saying goodbye to me first." I smiled and hugged her. "You better be careful. New York’s a crazy place," she said, acting like my mother. "I’ll be fine, Maria. I promise." She squeezed once more before letting go and turned to Alex to say goodbye. Kyle looked at me. "Take care of yourself," he said. And when he hugged me, he whispered, "You need anything, call me." I whispered my thanks and pulled back, just in time to catch Maria’s goodbye to Michael. "You watch out for Liz, Spaceboy. If she comes back with one scratch, I’m blaming you. And you will be punished." Her face was stern, well, as stern as Maria gets, and her index finger was poking his chest. "Same here, buddy," Kyle said, backing her up. "Yeah, yeah." Michael smirked. "Liz will be fine. I’ll take care of her." Satisfied, Maria nodded and gave him a quick hug. Kyle still looked a little unsure, but didn’t say anything more. We climbed in the car, guys in front with Alex driving, and pulled off towards the highway. As we pulled away, I looked through the back window for a last look at the three who stayed behind. New York, here we come. |