Chapter 1 The door swung open, and she stepped outside, one foot in front of the other, concentrating on the motions.

Leaning against the gritty brick of the building, she pulled out the pack of cigarettes from her pocket, shaking one out easily and placing it between her lips.

Her mouth twitched slightly as she crumpled up the empty pack, another unconscious warning from the part of her that had died a long time ago. But she didn't reach for a light, yet…just stood, taking in the night. There was an eerie stillness that seemed to hover over the street, the town…a quiet, like the calm before a storm. It shook her a bit, but she only ignored the feeling that was growing inside of her. The door opened again beside her, and Maria walked out, silver alien apron shining in the streetlight's glow.

"Liz."

Her voice was low and menacing.

Reaching out, she grabbed the stick from Liz's mouth and dropped it to the ground, crushing it under her shoe.

"I thought you quit."

She only shrugged.

"Guess not."

There were so many more things that she wanted to say to Maria…her best friend, at one time maybe….apologies-caring words. But they just wouldn't come. They formed in her mind, but never reached her lips. There would be other days for that.

She looked down at the ground, at the small pile of tobacco and torn paper.

"That was my last one."

"Oh well…I guess I'm sorry then."

Her voice was sarcastic, an angry edge evident. Liz knew it was easy to ignore that tone. She did it with everyone she knew.

Just like she ignored Maria's heavy sigh, not moving her eyes from the faded stone of the walkway.

"I just…"

Liz sighed herself, mockingly, exaggerated.

"I gotta go Maria. I'll…see you later."

Without another backwards glance she took off across the street, walking away from her home and her friend.

She just couldn't take it anymore. Stepping onto the walk on the opposite side of the street, she heard her cry.

"Liz! Please.."

She didn't want to turn, but somehow her feet moved at their own accord.

"What?"

Her voice came out harsh and cold, shocking her. Maria stood in the middle of the road, shoulders slumped, a tear running crookedly down her face.

"Just talk to me."

She could have broken, then…forgotten everything and just hugged her, talked to her. Remembered how good things had been with them, once upon a time.

But the moment passed, and she knew that she couldn't. She couldn't go back.

"I'm sorry."

It was all she could give her, right now. With one last look at Maria's face, she turned again and walked away. She didn't stop until she heard the screech of the brakes…and the scream that shattered the silence.

Chapter 2 Her head seemed to be spinning out of control as she sat, motionless, in the waiting room chair.

Muffled words, sobs, the sound of the television….all faded to the back of her mind, blocked out by the visions that tormented her.

Maria's face as she'd pleaded with her.

Maria's face as she'd lain on the ground…bleeding and broken, eyes closed.

The ambulance, speeding torward them and then the flurry of activity as they loaded her tiny frame onto the gurney. All of the tubes and machines, beeping and whirring.

Maria…silent, still, pale.

Maria.

'I'm sorry.'

A simple prayer, a cry for help and forgiveness.

Her fault. It was always her fault.

Maria would die because of her.

She knew that she would die.

There was no hope left in her heart.

Maria's face filled her mind, a portrait of life and death all at once. She had been so full of life. And then her mind was flooded with pictures, memories of her life before…high school, college.

She, Maria, and Alex.

Studying, partying, shopping…all the fun they'd had together. Vibrant Maria, the one that had never let them stay sad, their pillar of strength through hard times.

She had loved Maria so much…she had been her best friend, and one of the most important people in her life.

But then the memories grew dark, overshaded with sadness and fear… Liz's Grandmother, dead on her hospital bed.

Her parents, fighting…divorcing.

College.

It had been the last straw..moving away and having to survive on her own. The pressure had broken her, that and the pain.

Slowly-that's how it had started, her downhill journey. Her grades had dropped, and she'd spent more and more time alone, in her room. Until she had finally just stopped showing up at her classes. For awhile, there had been drugs…and sex, a different man every night. By the time her first year of college had passed, she'd already had an overdose and an abortion.

That summer she'd returned to Roswell, in a deep depression and just hoping to find some of the normalcy she'd left behind.

But things had never been the same.

Maria and Alex were happy. Going to college, enjoying their lives. They'd welcomed her back, of course. At first.

She just hadn't been able to let go, though. Of everything she'd seen and been through.

Her friends, her home just weren't enough to bring her back to herself…and she had not known what was.

Until now.

She could only think that if Maria would just get better…if she could see her again, talk to her…she could be okay. She could think again, reach through the dark clutter of her head and find the light again. She would be able to remember how the real Liz Parker acted, and thought…was. And she could be her.

His deep voice rattled her deeply, reaching out to her as none had done in so long.

She raised her head, found the deep brown eyes staring back at her. "I'm Dr. Evans."

She found herself only staring back, unable to comprehend anything happening around her. All she could see was those deep, soulful eyes. "Miss…Parker?"

The wheels began to turn again, and she could think.

"Yes….I'm sorry."

She blinked, struggled to gather her thoughts.

"About Ms. Deluca…"

Her heart began to pound in her chest.

"Is she okay?"

He tried to hide his concern, but she could see through it. His eyes told her everything.

"She's…in a coma."

Another flash in her mind, Maria laughing, eating ice cream from the carton.

"Oh my God."

Her head was spinning again, and this time she couldn't seem to catch it.

Nothing was ever going to be okay again…

"Miss Parker? Are you okay?"

She could remotely feel herself slumping over, blacking out. But she couldn't…she had to be there..for Maria…

"Yeah…yeah, fine."

She propped herself against the arm of the chair.

"Will she wake up?"

The fleeting look of worry crossed his face again.

The scream of sirens sounded in her ears, drowning out all of the sounds again.

She felt the tear slip down her cheek, the first of many that she couldn't hold back.

She made no move to wipe them away…only waited until the screaming stopped, and tried to focus on the doctor.

He was talking, slowly, deliberately.

"….depends on how long she stays in the coma. The longer she does, the less of a chance she has to wake up."

More tears.

"Is there…anything you can do? Please?"

He did not answer her at first, and she felt the hope slipping away once again.

"I think so."

His whispered words brought it all back.

Chapter 3 He slipped quietly into the room, glancing quickly around before advancing toward the bed.

The petite blonde girl looked tiny in the huge bed, the stark white sheets pulled up to her chin and hiding all but her pale face.

He felt his stomach twist in agony upon seeing her.

Every day, no matter how many broken and bruised people he saw, it never managed to affect him differently. It always hurt.

Cautiously, he began to approach her bedside….taking small, measured steps, feeling his hands trembling beside him as he grew closer.

The little voice in his head…the one that sometimes sounded strangely similar to Isabel's, began to question his motives, scolded him for even thinking about something like this…

Struggling desperately to block it out, he continued to stare at the girl.

A face flashed before him, in his mind, and he found himself smiling in remembrance….dark hair, soulful eyes. She had looked so sad, but yet so beautiful. All he wanted to do was help her…to make her smile. He would give anything to see her smile.

He reached out, lightly touching the girl's arm, sliding his hand down until he felt her pulse. It was weak…so very weak, like she was just barely hanging on to life.

The voice surfaced again, begging him not to go through with it…to think once of himself, and his family…to protect them. Reminding him to think this through, to be in control.

But above all of it he still heard her voice…..Elizabeth Parker. "Is there anything you can do…please?"

Her haunted eyes, her broken soul….it was all that pushed him forward, made him continue on his mission.

When he had become a doctor, he had sworn to Isabel, Micheal, and himself that he would never use his powers. He would be like any other normal physician..using human medicine to heal people.

The girl that sat outside had affected him enough to make him break that oath…and risk everything that they had worked their entire lives to protect.

But he couldn't think of that now….and he could not go back. With both hands, he gently cupped her head. She was still, and her eyes remained closed.

He closed his own, concentrating, pouring all of his strength into her, healing her.

A jolt passed through his body, and the flood of images washed over him, so quickly that they were only bright flashes of light. First their were children, playing, dancing, talking…a small dark haired girl and boy.

The same children, growing up…high school, graduation. A girl that he recognized as Liz, crying, throwing things..yelling. Driving off.

He could feel all of Maria's pain, all of the emotions she'd felt as Liz had left her.

It was all over almost as soon as it had begun, the impact of everything knocking him slightly away from her bed, and into the thin divider curtain.

When he opened his eyes again to look at her, he was grateful to see that her eyes were not open, but that she was coming to her senses. Maybe he still had a chance to cover all of this up. Returning to stand beside her, he waited until she had completely awaken, disoriented but alive.

"Huh..where…what happened?"

She was looking around frantically, confused when she realized where she was.

He placed a calming hand on her shoulder, gently pushing her back down against the bed.

"You're fine, Miss Deluca. You were in an accident this afternoon, but everything's okay. You gave us a little scare, but there was no major damage done."

She only nodded, not completely understanding his meaning.

"Liz?"

He shook his head.

"No, she's…"

He felt the presence beside him, smelled the wonderful scent of her before he saw her.

"Hey Maria."

The tears in her voice were evident, but the smile was more so.

"God, I thought I'd lost you…"

Maria had begun to cry now as well, but was grinning giddily.

"I'm so sorry."

Maria sniffled.

"Me too."

Liz walked around to the other side of the bed and leaned down, embracing her friend tightly.

Neither of them verbalized it, but both of them knew that things were going to change.

Max watched them, smiling slightly, before he turned to leave.

"No, wait!"

Elizabeth.

He turned around slowly, plastering on his professional face. There was nothing he wanted more than to talk to her…but he knew that things had to end here.

If it went beyond this moment, this room….everything would fall apart. So he said nothing as she walked over to him, smiling brightly, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He avoided her eyes, instead focusing on the wall behind her.

"It's my job."

He knew it was a stupid reply, but all other words had seemed to fail him just then.

She leaned closer to him.

"No…what you did…it was a miracle. I don't know exactly what it was..but you saved her life. Thank you, so much."

He felt himself waver at her closeness. It was almost overwhelming…the scent of her hair, the feel of her warm breath on his face.

Nodding, he started to turn again.

It would only take 5 seconds to get to the door, and then he could put this behind him forever…

Her arms wrapped around him suddenly, winding around his neck and pulling him tightly against her.

"I mean it."

And, ignoring all reason, he hugged her back, reveled in the feel of her body pressed against his…of his arms wrapped around her tiny waist. It was like nothing he'd ever known, and everything he'd always dreamed of. He knew that, even though he'd only met this woman 30 minutes ago…that their lives had somehow been entertwined, and it was something that he could not change.

Pulling away, he smiled at her, a secret smile that told the secrets of his heart.

"Bye."

She smiled back.

"Bye."

He walked away, knowing that it would not be the last time that he saw her.

Chapter 4 She turned the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life as she pressed the gas pedal lightly.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she spotted the older woman pushing Maria over in a wheelchair.

Leaning over to open the door, she smiled up at the nurse.

"Thanks."

She helped Maria out of the chair and into the car's low bucket seat, snapping in her seatbelt for her.

"It's okay, honey. Just remember to stay off your feet, and take your medicine if you start to feel bad."

Maria nodded lightly.

"Okay."

The woman closed the door, and walked away from the car. Liz knew that for some reason, Dr. Evans was trying to keep up appearances that Maria was still…fragile.

She had no idea why, but she knew that it had something to do with how he'd saved her. And she had no intentions of blowing his cover.

"So…that was weird, huh?"

Liz looked over at Maria as she pulled away from the hospital.

"Yeah. I was really scared. But then…it was just like…well, a miracle."

Maria smiled.

"That doctor was pretty cute, huh?"

Liz grinned.

"Cute? He was hot!"

The girls laughed together, something that they had not done in ages. It was one of the best feelings Liz knew..to be able to talk to her best friend again.

"Yeah, you two looked pretty cozy in there.."

Liz flushed.

"He was your doctor! He saved your life…I thought it was appropriate." "It looked like he thought it was more than appropriate. He was getting into it!"

Liz laughed again.

"Okay. Sure, Maria."

"I mean it. I can see you two…you know, hooking up."

"Oh yeah, me too. I'll just come back to the hospital tomorrow, tell him where it hurts and how he can make it better."

Maria dissolved into a fit of giggles, clutching her stomach.

"And I'll bet that he wouldn't mind that one bit."

As she carefully drove down the highway, Liz couldn't help but remember the day's earlier events. She still couldn't get it out of her head….everything that had happened.

"Maria..I really am sorry about earlier. And…everything."

The silence that came after her words worried her a bit, but she knew that Maria needed time to think.

"I don't exactly remember everything about today. But about everything else…I knew that you were confused, Liz. That you'd had a hard time, and you were just trying to figure things out. But I also knew that when you did, you would be back. And I would have my best friend again. I never gave up on you. Because I had faith that you would find your way."

Tears pricked at Liz's eyes.

"Thanks. You're the best."

She tossed a smile over to her, receiving one in return.

"You too."

An hour and half a carton of ice cream had passed, and they were still sitting together in Liz's floor, having a girl-talk marathon. Everything that had happened in the time that they were separated, they had discussed. Liz was trying to make sense of everything she had been through, and Maria was lightening the mood with her funny tales of Alex's life misadventures.

"So have you..found anyone? You know, the one that 'lights your fire', so to speak."

Maria shook her head.

"Nope. I've dated a lot..mostly jerks, though. Not exactly a garden variety of wonderful guys here in Roswell, but some of 'em are okay. Nobody I'd want to spend the rest of my life with, though."

"Me neither. After all of the guys I went through back in college, I'm not sure if I ever want to have sex again in my life."

Maria dipped into the ice cream again, shoving the heaping spoonful into her mouth.

"Yeah."

Liz sighed, thinking again of earlier.

"Well..I guess there are some exeptions."

Maria grinned.

"Like some certain doctors?"

"I don't know…maybe. There was just something about him. Something that.."

"Made your heart go pitter-patter?"

Liz laughed.

"Yeah, sort of."

"I think you should call him."

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly.

"No. No way. He'll probably think I'm..some sort of weird stalker or something."

"Liz, you'd be crazy not to. I mean..like you said, he did something amazing today. We don't understand it, but it was special. He's special! And the way he looked at you…the look on his face when you were hugging…I can assure you, he would not mind hearing from you at all."

Chapter 5 The hollow ringing of the phone buzzed in her ear, droning on and on until she felt like she would scream. Sighing, she placed the received gently down on the cradle. Tried to ignore the disappointment that was slowly seeping into her heart.

"Not home."

Maria frowned, shaking her blonde head vigorously.

"We'll get him later, then."

Liz propped her elbows onto her crossed legs, focusing on the floor and desperately avoiding Maria's seeking gaze.

"We will."

It was the day after the accident, and Maria was staying with Liz above the Crashdown. Her dad's death had left her the café and all of his money. It was enough to keep her comfortable for the rest of her life. Sometimes, comfortable just wasn't enough.

His memory still haunted her sometimes when she walked the empty hallways, or roamed the kitchens late at night. There were times when she remembered him so vividly, sitting at the bar and listening to Oldies, doing the books. Most of all, she remembered how much she'd wanted him to give her more privacy.

She would give anything to have him with her right now.

Maria was all she had left now, and she had almost lost her too. It just taught her to hold on with a firmer grasp.

She gazed fondly at Maria, who was absentmindedly playing with a strand of her hair.

"I'm sorry, Maria," she whispered softly.

Her best friend only smiled at her.

"You've said that already, silly. You know I love you. And love is forgiveness." She smiled at her friend's simple words.

"Thank you."

The phone was ringing again, and she held it nervously in her right hand. She was beginning to think that he was purposely ignoring her. She was about to hang up when he answered. Finally. That same deep, gravelly voice that'd been taunting her over the past week was playing in her ear, making her smile.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

He paused, and she pulled in a breath.

"It's Liz."

He still didn't answer.

"Liz Parker. From the…."

"Hospital. I knew who it was."

She was hurt by his tone, but tried not to dwell on something so little.

"How's your friend?"

She frowned again. Not exactly the thing she wanted to talk about.

"She's good. Perfect, in fact. Same old Maria."

"That's good."

Another awkward silence left her searching for the purpose she'd actually called.

"Oh, yeah….umm…I was wondering…"

Maria made a little hand signal to her.

"Do you want to have dinner sometime?"

She could hear his breath come out in a whoosh, which worried her.

"I…don't think that would be such a good idea."

She shrugged at Maria, who made another signal.

"Coffee then?"

"No…really, I'm just so busy.."

She could hear his resolve melting away, and smiled a little.

"C'mon. Just a cup of coffee couldn't hurt. I'd just like to..talk with you."

"Well…n.."

"I won't take no for an answer."

This time, she could hear his smile.

"I was going to say nine o'clock okay with you?"

Part 6 A beep sounded distantly from somewhere in the house, perhaps the drier or the alarm on the oven. She jumped a little at the noise, the hot curler bumping against the creamy flesh of her neck. Yanking it away, she pulled the strand of silky dark hair free of the stick, laughing uneasily.

It had been quite awhile since she'd done this.

Maria stood behind her, her mirror image standing tall before Liz, smiling back at her. Calming her fluttering stomach. Easing her nerves.

Her rock, her pillar of strength, just like she had always been. Even in the hard times.

She tossed her best friend a bright smile, and attempted another curl. Her eyes drifted back to girl standing behind her, and the iron drooped down to her bare shoulder.

"Damn!"

Pain seared through her skin. The offending curling iron clattered down upon the vanity's top, knocking off a tube of lipstick.

She turned her head to inspect her shoulder, wincing when she saw the small red welt that was already beginning to form.

She looked back up and found Maria gone. "Maria?"

And then she was back again, smiling reassuringly and clutching a little green leaf in her hand.

Leaning down over Liz protectively, she broke open the leaf and squeezed out some gel onto her finger, massaging it lightly over the burn.

Liz smiled in thanks, reluctantly returning to the task of her hair. Her hand curled around the iron, and she heard Maria's soft laugh behind her.

"Let me."

And then she had taken over, grabbing the tool from her hand, busying herself around her head.

Liz just watched her lovingly, and wondered how she'd managed to get so very lucky.

The car idled for a moment before she turned the key, shifting her gaze over to her passenger as she did.

"So?"

Liz glanced over at her, eyes darting wildly around the small car.

"So…what?"

She placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and Liz felt the surge of calm flow through her. She'd certainly missed Maria's healing touch.

"Nervous?"

Liz placed a featherlight kiss on Maria's finger, reaching up to grasp her hand within her own.

"Not anymore."

Maria looked down, and then back up at her. Her eyes shone in the darkness of the car.

"I've missed you, Lizzie."

She could hear the tears in her voice.

"Me too."

Squeezing her hand, she reached for the door handle.

"Lizzie?"

Looked back at Maria, who still looked like she would cry.

"Hmm?"

"It's just coffee."

She smiled softly at her, then nudged her out of the door.

Liz stepped out, her gaze lingering on the little red car as it drove away into the night.

A pleasant hum filled the air of the small coffee shop, the voices of the evening regulars all buzzing simultaneously.

She inhaled deeply, smiling at the rich sent of coffee.

Her eyes scanned the room and she instantly spotted him, sitting in the corner back booth where somehow she'd known he'd be.

He hadn't seen her yet and she paused a moment, looking down again to assess her clothing. Tight black pants, fuzzy red sweater. Perfect.

She looked up again then, head held high with confidence, and walked back to where he sat.

"Hi."

He looked up at her, those beautiful eyes piercing her momentarily, burning her as they scanned her body.

She grinned.

"Hi," he repeated.

He sounded a little bit surprised.

She slid easily into the seat across from him, dropping her purse from her shoulder and crossing her legs under the table.

He was staring at the table, at his hands. She was staring at him.

"Dr. Evans?"

And then he looked up at her again, straight into her eyes.

"Max."

She smiled at him, the smile she'd used at college when she met guys in bars.

"Okay."

The silence stretched between them again. She was beginning to wonder what had been there before that wasn't now.

"Max?"

He was still staring at her, into her almost.

"Yeah?"

"Why did you agree to come here?"

Another pause, and he averted his eyes, looking back down at his hands. She did the same. He had wonderful hands. Looked back up at her. She didn't have to be looking at him to know.

"I'm not sure. Why did you ask me here?"

Raised her eyes to meet his again. Found herself imagining things about those hands…

"There was just something about you."

He looked intrigued. Scary.

"What do you mean?"

"Like….the way you looked at me. The way you said my name. The way you helped us. Maria…"

Now he looked almost afraid.

"I'm a doctor. I'm supposed to help people."

She shook her head lightly, slowly.

"No. Not like that. She was in a coma, Max. She was going to die. I saw her get run over. I was there. Dammit, I was the one who sent her out on the road. But you….you fixed her, somehow. When there was no chance, you made one."

He just continued to stare at her, his expression now unreadable.

"I wanted to thank you."

She could finally see his smile.

"You're welcome."

A waiter came by their table, asked them what they'd like. He ordered a cappucino and she ordered a Caramel Frappucino.

Max laughed as she did, saying when the waiter left that only girls drank frozen coffee.

"I'm a girl."

He smirked.

"I noticed."

She laughed quietly, placing her hands on the table. Glanced at his again.

"Eliz.."

"Liz."

She earned another smile.

"Liz. I'm glad you asked me here."

"I'm glad you came."

He placed one of his hands over hers. "I like your hands."

"I like your sweater."

She laughed.

"Thanks."

"I'd like to take it off."

Part 7 The straw fell from her lips and dropped against the empty bottom of the plastic cup.

"Done."

He laughed.

"Three? In an hour? And you won't be..wired?"

She grinned.

"Nope."

He scooted closer to her.

She didn't quite remember how it was that she'd ended up on his side of the booth. Or his lap, for that matter. Well, practically. Something about her sweater…

His hand played on her thigh. Her neck tingled.

"I'd hate to see you with the hard stuff."

Her hand was on his neck, playing with the soft hair at the nape.

"Yeah, me too."

He nuzzled her cheek. She could feel the slightest hint of stubble on his chin, scratching her lightly. More tingling.

She found herself looking at the young man who had been their waiter, stacking chairs on a tabletop. It reminded her of the old days, working at the Crashdown. A soft smile played at her lips.

The boy looked at her, hunger in his eyes. She winked at him.

Max's rumbling laugh tickled her ear.

"Stop playing around with his head."

"Mm..but it's so easy."

"I can see how it would be."

Max's hot breath on her neck, then his lips. They were incredibly soft.

"I think they're closing."

"Oh."

"Wanna get out of here?"

He didn't move from his spot.

"Sure."

She tried to keep track of her thoughts as he nibbled at her skin.

"Where we going?"

"My place," he murmured.

"Okay."

Gently pushing him away, she smiled.

"We better go."

His hair was messed up.

"Yeah."

She slid out, leaning across to grab her purse. He rested his hand on her back, sliding it down and cupping her ass for a moment before moving it back up.

She felt more than tingles.

They walked out together, and he grabbed her hand.

"Your car?"

"Maria brought me."

"Right."

Led her to his car, opened the door for her.

The door opened into the darkness of the house, and he stepped inside, easily finding the switch.

Dim light filled the room, and she looked around appreciatively. It was gorgeous. Spacious rooms, expensive furniture, tasteful art. Definitely high class.

"Nice."

He threw his keys down on the small table by the door, took her purse and placed it down too.

"Thanks."

She walked inside more, into the living room, running her hand softly along the leather of the couch.

"Where's your bedroom?"

She turned and checked his face for surprise. There was none. "Down the hall, to the right."

"'Kay."

She disappeared down the hallway, veering off into the first door she came too.

"That's not…" he called.

"I know."

The door closed behind her, and he heard it lock. He thought that he could understand why she'd want a bathroom after all those frappucinos.

He stood there for a moment, surveying the hallway that he'd walked down a million times before, wondering why it suddenly looked so different. So much better.

His skin still tingled, crackled with electricity. His lips burned. And the rest of him…

It was almost scary, the things that this woman was doing to him. Not that he minded.

Planning had always been his way of life. Until now. Things just kept coming at him, flying torwards him so quickly that there was only a split second left to make each decision.

At that moment, he felt sure that he'd made the right ones. After all, he had possibly the most beautiful woman on earth in his house. In his bathroom. And her next stop was his bedroom.

He padded down the hallway, gaze lingering on the bathroom door as he passed. No sounds were coming out, and he wondered if she was beginning to have doubts. He hoped to hell not.

The day came to mind again. The day he'd broken all of his rules. When he'd used his powers, healed someone, fallen in love.

She had come into that hospital, heartbroken and pleading, and left with his heart. He'd risked everythign for someone he barely knew. That had to mean something. That had to mean that what he was doing tonight was right.

The little Isabel voice in his head was telling him no. He told her to shut the hell up.

Opening his bedroom door, he was relieved to see that it was neat. The bed was made. Clean sheets.

Flicked on the light, threw some dirty clothes into the corner. Slicked back his hair and took a deep breath. He couldn't take his eyes off of the bed.

There was a noise from the hallway, and he heard her soft footsteps approaching the room.

He didn't turn around even when he felt her, standing behind him in the doorway.

She didn't say anything as she walked up to him, around him. Her eyes did not meet his, but rested on his chest, firm and toned beneath the sweater he wore.

Finally, they drifted up to his. The passion in her eyes, the fire that burned him from where she stood took his breath away.

He stared at her, this beautiful woman in front of him. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her. He ached for her. Could he deny himself the pleasure of his lips on hers? The question was answered when she took the first step. Leaning forward with her face, she placed her lips on his. It was like a shockwave from a really large explosion.

He welcomed her kiss, knowing this shouldn't be happeneing, and not caring. He found his way into her mouth, caressing her tongue with his. He felt his arousal stir. She was a Goddess. He wanted her, wanted her with so much force it scared him.

Liz was enjoying him. A lot. She'd been meaning to kiss him since the first time she saw him, standing there in the waiting room. She slid one hand up his chest, reaching for his cheek. She cupped his cheek, and brought him even closer. Her chest pressed against his, her nipples hardening immediately.

He could feel her nipples straining through the thin material of her sweater. It made him feel even more aroused, knowing that she felt the same things he did.

Pulling back from their kiss, he looked at her questioningly. She knew what he asked for, she nodded her approval.

Liz raised her arms so Max could remove her shirt. He did it slowly, gliding over her bare skin as much as possible. She wore no bra, and the sight of her took his breath away. Her breasts were perfect. He had to touch them. He grazed her right nipple, and Liz's breath caught in her throat. His touch was so soft, so gentle.

Max took his time exploring her chest. He wanted to savor every moment. Liz was the impatient one, it seemed. It was she who removed his shirt, and went straight for the zipper on his pants. He was amused by her urgency. Guiding her hand with his, he let her release him from the restraing material.

His erection was apparent in her hand. Liz was sort of surprised by it. She got over her fear quickly, and ran her hand up and down the shaft. Max couldn't wait any longer. He removed the remainder of their clothing, and had her lie down next to him.

One last questioning look, one last nod of approval, and he entered her. Her moist flesh welcomed him. Her walls stretched to accomodate his length.

They moved together, flesh against flesh. She reveled at the feel of his naked form, melded against her. They rocked back and forth, he was pounding into her. Not hard, but enough pressure to make them feel amazing. She felt herself being driven over the edge. When she could take it no longer, she cried out.

Max felt her contract around him as she came. That sensation took him to the top with her. They came as one, one unit of ecstasy. The end had been explosive, driving them both mad. They lay together for a moment, neither of them moving. They had no desire to break the contact, the connection.

He closed his eyes, and breathed in. The scent of her filled him, wonderful and sweet and musky.

He exhaled the breath he'd been holding for years now.

His hot breath tickled her face, and the smiled to herself as her eyes drifted shut and she fell asleep.

Part 8 Her eyes opened to the steely darkness of the room, the darkness the enveloped her, frightened her. She was terrified of the dark.

She almost cried out, but choked back the sound when he shifted against her. His strong arm wrapped around her waist, chiseled face buried in her neck.

She was safe. Finally.

She remembered being a little girl, when her dad had tucked her in at night. She'd always been so afraid for him to leave, for the light to leave with him. But too proud to tell him.

So she'd lie there, hours on end, just shivering in fright and repeating to herself that nothing bad was in her room.

It was something she'd never outgrown. A feeling she'd always had, until now.

She felt as if nothing could touch her while she was in his arms, like she could do anything. She could welcome the darkness.

She wondered if she would still be able to once he was gone.

She was thinking again of the change, as she half-comically referred to it in her mind. Her life after everything had gone so suddenly downhill. The bad-girl version of Liz Parker, the uncensored copy.

She sort of reminded herself of that girl again now, the girl she'd sworn off that day in the hospital waiting for the news that Maria was dead. Knowing that it was completely her fault. Praying to God and promising that if Maria could only live, she would never go back to that girl again.

And here she was, wrapped up in Max Evans' arms, a doctor she'd met not a week ago. Naked in his bed.

Still wanting him, even then. Yet another promise she'd broken. She tried to tell herself that it didn't matter. Or that it wasn't true. That what she was doing wasn't wrong.

The things that she felt for this man-the feelings he had stirred inside of her, even from that first simple glance, those words he'd said to her…they were overwhelming. She truly felt that she might possibly love him. But it still felt wrong.

She wondered if she could handle doing it all over again. Of course, it wouldn't be the same. In a way, yes. But wasn't it worth it…the risk, if it meant maybe finding true love?

She could not answer her own question. If only she knew that answer had already been decided.

His eyes darted open suddenly. He was panting slightly, a hangover from some dream he'd been having.

The phone rang again, shrilly breaking the silence of the room, hurting his ears.

Carefully reaching across the sleeping beauty in his arms, he grabbed the cordless that sat on the bedside table.

"Hello?"

There was a pause at the other end of the line, and a string of curses lie in wait on his tongue.

"Max?"

They disappeared slowly, and he was left with nothing but sheer exasperation.

"What is it, Izzy?"

He knew she understood what that tone meant, and he certainly hoped that she would take a hint.

"Max, what's going on?"

He sighed heavily, shifting a little against Liz.

"What are you talking about?"

"With you, Max? Who are you with?"

His eyes drifted involuntarily to her. A smile tugged at his lips. She was breathtaking.

"A woman."

It was Isabel's turn to sigh.

"Let's hope so. Who?"

"Liz Parker."

There was no use lying to his sister. They both knew the abilities they had, as aliens. To sense each other's feelings…strong emotions. He was pretty sure he'd been giving some off earlier. Very strong.

"Who in the hell is Liz Parker?"

He rolled his eyes at her outburst.

"A woman I met awhile ago."

"Oh, so you just decided that since you met her 'awhile' ago, it was fine to go ahead and fuck her?"

His hand was drawn to his throbbing temple. He wondered how she managed to give him a headache to quickly.

"Isabel.."

"I will not calm down, Max."

"Pl.."

"You cannot do this."

He sighed in resignation.

"I know."

He could tell he had shocked his sister.

"Huh?"

"I know. I've known all along, Izzy. Do you think I've forgotten? You, Micheal…everything? Never. I just…had to find out."

"Find out what?"

Her voice was softer now. He wanted to hate her for the sympathy he could tell she felt.

"If I loved her."

"And?"

"I do."

He hung up then, softly placing the phone back onto its base. As he pulled his arm back across the bed, his arm brushed across her bare breast. A tingle ran up the length of his arm, and he closed his eyes.

Wondering how he would ever let her go.

Liz listened to his conversation, never opening her eyes. Even though she heard only Max, she knew what was going on. She'd known the moment she started this. That it had to end.

He was talking to someone, apparently someone close to him. She wondered momentarily if it was his girlfriend. 'Izzy' he called her. She felt sick.

And she wondered at her jealousy. She didn't have the right. It was just sex. Nothing more.

She thought for the first time of earlier that night, and recalled Maria in the car.

No…it wasn't sex. It was coffee. Just coffee.

The next thing she remembered was waking up, for the 3rd time that morning.

The bright afternoon sunlight was streaming through the thin curtains, streaming through her closed lids and reminding her of what today would hold.

Her heartbreak.

She finally opened her eyes to the sunlight. She didn't want the sun to be shining. She wanted it to rain, she needed the rain. The rain could wash away everything, give her a new beginning. She could forget everything that had happened all of these horrible years, and start again. Nothing would have to be the same ever again.

She didn't even have to turn around to know that he was gone. She'd known even as she slept, somehow.

And even before she moved, or stood, she knew there was a note on the pillow. His pillow, the one he had rested his head upon only the night before. The pillow that would now be empty, save that note.

His goodbye note, words from a coward too afraid to face her with the truth. Did he think that she wouldn't know? That she wouldn't understand?

She understood better than anyone. It couldn't work. It could never work. Something in both of them would hold it back, forever, until both of them broke. It was better this way. It was he who did not understand.

She waited just one more minute before she finally stood, soaked in the feeling of his bed and the soft sheets, of lying there for just that short time and knowing how it felt.

Then she did stand, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and pulling herself up, willing her legs to hold her up even though she felt as if she could fall. She wasn't weak. She wouldn't allow herself to be weak.

She dressed quickly, brushing her hair and putting it back into a messy bun. She wore no makeup.

Slipped on her shoes, grabbed her purse from the table by the front door and quietly slipped out.

She never read the note that he had left.

She never looked back.

Part 9 He waited until she was gone before he came back. He'd been watching, parked in his car behind the bushes at the end of the road.

He felt weak, and sad, and empty. Like a coward.

He'd let her go…let her go without a word. There was no goodbye, no last kiss, nothing. Just a note. He hoped that she could understand. He wasn't sure that he did.

When she finally passed, driving slowly by in her car, her expression blank and her face pale, he drove out from behind the bushes. He headed for his home.

When he walked into the bedroom, his eye fell upon it immediately. Still in the same position as he had left it, lying upon the pillow this morning. Untouched.

Unexpected tears welled up in his eyes. She had not even read his note.

She would never know.

Small, measured steps and then he was beside the bed, trembling hand reaching out to delicately seize the small sheet of paper. Sparse words, but so much said. Words she would never read.

'Dearest Liz,

Please, try to understand why I must do this. Know that you do mean something to me, and it wasn't just a one night stand. There was so much more. But nothing else can ever happen between us. I can't exactly explain why, but I hope that in time, you can forgive me. Maybe we'll run into each other again.

I love you.

Max.'

The only sound to be heard in the room was the ripping of paper.

The steps seemed to go on forever as she climbed them, looming above her. Her legs were aching already. She longed for rest.

Maria appeared in the doorway, her face concerned, rushing down to meet her.

"Liz?"

She didn't answer her, just kept on walking. She just wanted to get upstairs. She wanted to sleep. She wanted to never wake up again. The door was before her, a giant welcome. The bed was just a little ahead, and she began to walk faster as she approached it.

"Liz?"

Maria's voice was louder this time, but she barely heard it. It was drowned out by the thoughts in her head, so loud that they overpowered everything else. Rolling and tumbling around and around each other, like a spin cycle inside her brain. She wished she could turn them off.

She dropped onto the bed, pulling her legs closely to her, breathing in and closing her eyes to the delicious sleep that was already overcoming her.

"Liz?"

She didn't even open her eyes to look at Maria. She could see her in her mind, standing in the doorway of the room, staring down at her worriedly. It was almost irritating.

"What?"

She heard her sigh of relief, and the soft sound of carpet as she stepped closer.

"What happened?"

"It was coffee. Just coffee."

She knew at that moment that she would never be able to keep her promise. As hard as she wanted to take it back, the change had happened in her. It had been something that had taken her over so completely, that she would never be able to reverse it. Even though it hurt her, and hurt those around her. Those she had once loved so dearly.

She could never be the old Liz Parker. There was no more rain, nothing more that could cleanse it all away. She was left with the aftermath. She was left with the new Liz Parker.

And she couldn't help but think that the new Liz Parker was the Liz that Max had known. She didn't want to let that go, either.

When she said nothing else, she could hear Maria moving away from her. She had figured it out, too.

The truth about everything. About life, perhaps.

Maybe she had figured it out long before Liz had. Maybe that was why she'd said goodbye last night in the car. Maybe it was why she'd said it was 'just coffee.' Because it was anything but.

It wasn't just coffee.

It was the rest of her life.

She heard Maria walk through the door, pulling it shoftly shut behind her. Gently clicking off the overhead light as she left.

And when the light had gone, and Liz was left alone in the dark with only her thoughts, she thougth again of her fear.

Standing up, she turned the light back on.

Now she had the answer to her question.