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Thursday,
21 December 2000 It is nighttime in a downtown Roswell Christmas tree lot. Max is measuring a tree because he has orders from Isabel (AKA the Christmas Nazi) to pick out the perfect tree. She has supplied him with a diagram and specific parameters of height, circumference, colour and density of foliage. Michael is trying to get him to hurry up because he is cold and he wants to get to the hardware store before it closes, to get Maria's present. Max suggests that, since she expects something significant this year, perhaps he should rethink the hardware store. Their attention is drawn to the sound of screeching tyres. They look in time to see a father throw his daughter to safety, out of the path of an oncoming car, only to be hit himself. There is a sickening crunch as he hits the windshield, rolls to the ground and lies very still. A crowd gathers around him; a man calls out for an ambulance; a woman says "He's still breathing"; the little girl keeps calling for her father. Max and Michael look on, distressed. Max is torn with indecision, but chooses to walk away when Michael tells him "Let's go". Friday, 22 December 2000 The next morning in the Evans' kitchen. Diane's newspaper headline reads "Father of Two Dies Heroically in Tragic Accident". Diane and Phillip commiserate over the family's loss. Phillip asks Max "Where's the Christmas Nazi?" and Max replies that she is checking the lights on the house. Isabel comes in from the back door, dragging a small Christmas tree behind her, berating Max with "This is, by far, the most pathetic Christmas tree, I have ever seen. Did you even refer to my diagram?" Max apologises, saying something came up so he had to run out that morning to get it and the choices were limited. Isabel is disgusted with him and says, had she known he couldn't handle it, she would have squeezed it in herself, between the Hunger Drive and Christmas dinner at the nursing home. Diane brings up the family of the deceased father and, as Isabel mentions that she and others are considering organising a vigil, Max notices the father sitting on top of the washing machine in the laundry room. Shocked, he walks over to him. Isabel starts telling Phillip about burned out lights and, turning to Max for his input, notices that he is standing in front of the washing machine. She does not see the father and sarcastically comments "Great, he's doing laundry now". Max stares at the father with uncertainty, then whispers "I'm sorry". The father looks disdainfully at Max and says "How could you let me die?" At the Crashdown, Michael is trying to convince Maria to give him more time to get her gift, asking what difference it makes if he doesn't have it until, say the 27th, instead of the 25th. Maria feels it makes a big difference and tells him "You give me that damn present on December 25th or I'll never speak to you again". She then takes off to deliver Brody his lunch. At the UFO Centre, Brody tells her that he will be away for the next few days so she shouldn't bother bringing his lunch. He is obviously down spirited but tells her everything's fine when she asks. She reluctantly leaves, wishing him a Merry Christmas. At the Valenti home, Jim and Kyle are watching a football game on TV. After a disappointing play, Kyle says "His mind and body are in deep conflict. When one's heart and one's mind are not in balance, one's body is the first to fail". Disconcerted, Jim replies "I'm very concerned that you're starting to make sense to me". Tess comes in from outside, complaining about the day she had, amongst crazy Christmas shoppers. She sits on the ottoman, directly in front of the TV. They sway back and forth, trying to watch the game around her, as she tells her tale. Therefore, they are at an angle when a touchdown occurs and they both execute a sideways cheer. They are only half paying attention to Tess as she tries to find out how they celebrate Christmas, without revealing her own interest. She learns that they have a plastic Christmas tree in the garage but they haven't bothered to bring it in these past few years. Kyle adds "We like it in the garage. I use it to dry my socks". She brings up Christmas dinner and they say they have Christmas dinner at the Crashdown; all you can eat for $7.95. Clearly disappointed, Tess bravely smiles and says "Great! You know, I don't celebrate Christmas anyway". Jim replies "Great" then he and Kyle cheer another play, not noticing Tess' disappointment. At a store, Isabel discourages Michael from getting Maria an electric toothbrush for Christmas. She tells him "Think about all that you and Maria have shared, all that she means to you. Then start coming up with some ideas. OK? A Christmas gift should be personal, thoughtful and something someone would never get herself". She tells him she has to go, rattling off a list of all the things she still has to do (rehearsal for the holiday pageant, dinner at the nursing home, wrapping presents) and complaining that she now has to add getting a Christmas tree to it. Michael hails the Christmas Nazi as she leaves and she stops, turns and says "What did you say". He pretends he said nothing but she knows otherwise. That evening, Maria and her friends are going to the homes of those experiencing misfortune to sing Christmas carols. Max is watching as they sing in front of the home of the father that was killed. His widow and two children are sombre but appreciate the thought. The father, John, appears before Max and says "What are YOU doing out here?" Max replies "I just wanted to make sure they're all right". John responds "They're not all right". Max explains "If I had exposed myself last night, there are people I would have put at risk". John counters with "But it was OK for you to heal Liz Parker?" Max asks how he knows about that and he replies that he knows everything in Max's mind, heart and soul. Max promises to watch out for his children. John asks for how long and Max replies "Until they're OK". Angry, John spits out "They'll never be OK, Don't you understand that? They lost their father last night!" Max is visibly distressed and has no reply. In the Crashdown Max reminds Liz that they had agreed to be friends and tells her "I think I need a friend". Maria and her friends are going to the last house on the list - a 5 year old girl with cancer. The little girl comes out when she hears the singing and calls to her daddy to come out too. Maria is shocked when she sees Brody appear behind the little girl. He too is surprised to see her. Max is on Liz's on her balcony. He is telling her about seeing John get hit by the car and that he could have healed him but didn't. She tells him he can't hold himself responsible for that man's life, that if he had healed him he would have risked exposing Michael, Isabel and Tess. John appears on the balcony and says "Well that was the sugar coated version, Max. Now tell her what you were really thinking". Max cringes then, with a strained voice, says "I wasn't thinking about Michael, Isabel and Tess. I was thinking about myself, in the White Room, and being tortured. I didn't heal that man, because I was protecting myself. Why couldn't I trade my life for his?" Liz tries to console him, but he is distracted by John, who is singing "Amazing Grace" while he walks along the top of the balcony railing. Liz does not see John and is confused by his behaviour. Scared, he tells her that John is haunting him - that he actually sees him. As he says "I have to do something", John falls backward off the railing. Max runs to him, reaching out to catch him, but nothing is there. John appears back on the balcony, saying "You need to restore the balance, Max". Max says to Liz "I need to restore the balance". Saturday, 23 December 2000 The next day, Maria meets Brody outside his home. She learns that Brody's daughter, Sydney, has inoperable bone marrow cancer. He tells her she's with him for a few days, for Christmas. He apologises for not mentioning her before but explains it's hard to talk about. She tells him "If there's anything I can do, anything at all…" He tells her she did enough just coming by the night before and compliments her singing voice. Sydney comes out, dressed as a princess, to tell Brody she's having trouble with her crown. He explains that she is participating in the holiday pageant that day. Maria introduces herself to Sydney. She is quite taken with her and watches admiringly as Brody helps Sydney with her crown. At his apartment, Michael explains to Isabel how a dirty, old, car bumper, he got for Maria's Jetta, meets all her criteria: He personally knows how upset she is about how much they screwed up her car, it was thoughtful of him to go to the junkyard to get it and it's something she would never get herself. Isabel sighs, then says she's going to adjust her schedule to take him shopping and rectify this situation. Perturbed, Michael replies that he is not going to obsess over this present and make everyone else around him miserable. Miffed, Isabel replies "What are you saying? That I get obsessed and make everyone around me miserable?" Michael replies "I didn't say that". Ranting, and pacing the room, Isabel says "You know, is it too much to ask, that ONE day a year, I can be like a normal human being, with a normal life and have a merry Christmas?" Michael replies under his breath "No, Mein Fuhrer". Isabel whirls around saying "What?" Michael pretends he said nothing but cringes waiting for the axe to fall. Isabel smiles knowingly, then as she prepares to leave, asks if she can leave some of her presents there while she continues shopping. He says sure and breathes a sigh of relief when she leaves. At the grocery store, Jim tells Kyle to "go long" and tosses frozen dinner boxes to him, backing up into Amy's cart in the process. They are very pleased to see each other. She notices Tess and says "Oh my God, this must be the famous Tess, my daughter Maria has told me so much about you!" Smiling, Tess replies "I deny everything!" Amy praises Jim for living the Christmas spirit by opening up his home to Tess. She tells him "This must be a very special year for all of you. You have a new member of your family!" It's obvious that Jim hadn't thought of it that way before but he readily agrees with Amy. As Amy collects her turkey, she says "Remember Jim, if you ever want to stop by, there'll always be a DeLuca Christmas pie waiting". Jim replies "Thanks, Amy". Tess has been observing their flirting with interest. At the park, Maria is telling Liz about Brody and Sydney. She has been crying all day and tells Liz that she wants to be with them because Brody is such a good man and Sydney needs a mother: Liz realises that Maria is talking about marriage and reins her in by reminding her that she's only 17 and that she can't just step in and become someone's mother. Maria realises she's acting crazy and Liz tells her she just cares too much but she should leave them alone and let Brody and Sydney have this time together. Maria replies "It's so wrong. It's Christmas. Christmas is supposed to have happy endings and miracles. Liz notices Max and gets an idea. Then hugs Maria to comfort her. Isabel is addressing an audience, welcoming them to Roswell's 23rd Annual Holiday Pageant. She points out that they may know her as the Director of the Pageant or as the President of the Hunger Drive or even as the Christmas Nazi. She looks pointedly at her parents, Max and Michael as she says the last. She then introduces the children who all come out in various holiday costumes. Brody applauds enthusiastically as Sydney comes out. Liz runs up to Max and whispers in his ear. He looks up at Sydney on stage, then glances at Brody, then back at Sydney. John comes up behind Max and Liz and says "Looks like we have a plan". At Michael's apartment, Max is telling Michael, Isabel and Tess about Sydney. Michael, repairing the bumper for Maria's Jetta, angrily bangs on it as he reminds Max that healing Sydney will leave a silver hand print which will act as a calling card to the FBI. Max disagrees saying Nasedo destroyed all records so no one will make a connection. He realises that he's asking a big favour, that there are a million reasons not to do this and only one reason to do it - he needs to. Isabel and Tess say they are behind him. Michael accepts that he is the "odd man out" and adds "We are here for a reason, Max. So, call me a selfish jerk, but I don't think we should risk everything just so you can feel a little bit better about yourself for Christmas. It's three against one, I'm voted down anyways". Max tries to placate him but Michael interrupts with "You made your decision before you walked through that door. I know you did, I could hear it in your voice. So, why don't you just go do what you're gonna do and make sure you don't screw up". That evening, at the Valenti home, Kyle and Jim are watching TV as Tess makes final preparations for their dinner. The home is very festive with all the Christmas decorations she has put up. She asks Kyle to get two more chairs for the dining room and is shocked to learn that there are no others. Jim tells her they usually eat in front of the TV so they had no need for more chairs. Upset, Tess responds "I have been cooking for 20 hours while you two have been sitting back on the couch like two beached whales, not even noticing or caring that I am living here. OK, I am here! Hello! Hello? So, since I'm living here, I should have a damn chair to sit in!" Jim and Kyle are shocked and chagrined by her outburst. Jim quietly says to Kyle "We could bring my desk chair over". Kyle quietly responds "Good idea". Tess asks where Amy will sit. This is the first Jim and Kyle are hearing that Tess invited Amy to dinner. Looking frightened, Jim asks when she's coming. The doorbell rings and he goes into panic mode as he tries to sweep away the mess he and Kyle have made in the living room and straighten up his own appearance, all the while yelling at Tess for inviting someone over without telling him first. He takes a deep breath, opens the door and greets Amy with a big smile. She's all smiles too, thanks him for the note, inviting her over, says "I miss you too" and steps into the house. Meanwhile, Max enters Brody's home and sees John sitting in a living room chair. He tells Max he's too late, Sydney was rushed to the hospital and adds "Boy, do you have a dilemma". Max knocks on Michael's door. He tells him he is going to the Phoenix hospital. He realises it's a little more dangerous and thought he should know. Michael responds "I'm going with you. I just want to keep you from getting us all killed". Back at the Valenti home, the four of them are all laughing and enjoying the evening immensely. Amy and Jim start reminiscing about their past, as Tess brings in the food from the kitchen. Kyle is especially pleased that Tess has prepared his favourite dish - 3 cheese potato gratin, with bacon on the bottom. He follows her into the kitchen and asks if she needs help carving the turkey. She smiles, says "I got it" and waves her hand over the turkey, creating perfect slices. He thanks her for putting the whole thing together, saying "This is the best Christmas dinner we've had in a long time. I mean two guys living alone, we just never really had the Christmas spirit". They both notice how much Jim is enjoying Amy's company and Tess says "Well, it looks like he's got the spirit now!" Kyle smiles and says "That's a really great gift that you gave him. To both of us, I mean". Tess replies "This is a great gift to me too" and proceeds to carry the turkey into the dining room where it is well received. Kyle watches her and smiles appreciatively. At the hospital, as they approach the door to the children's ward, Michael arranges a signal with Max - "three knocks means we're screwed". Max goes into the room and kneels by Sydney's bed. She awakens and asks "Who are you?" He gently tells her it's OK, he's just a dream and she should go back to sleep. She closes her eyes and he passes his hands over her body. Then he places his hand on her stomach. He breathes in sharply from the strain of the healing. We see flashes of her past - Brody holding her as a baby, running happily about her home as a toddler, etc. Weakened, Max stands up, then pauses when he sees the little boy in the next bed. John appears beside him and smiles, knowingly. Cut to the other side of the door, where Michael is standing guard and a nurse is becoming suspicious. Michael knocks three times. Max hears, but goes to the little boy anyway. The nurse approaches Michael and says "Excuse me, I'm supposed to check this ward". Michael responds "I'll save you the trouble. Someone just checked it". Max is healing each child in the ward. One child wakens and asks "Are you an angel?" Max is getting weaker and weaker, his vision is impaired and he is stumbling from one bed to another. The nurse has notified security and they are approaching. Michael goes into the room and locks the door behind him. He discovers that Max has collapsed and runs to him. Security is trying to break down the door. Michael looks to the heavens and says "If there's a God, please help us now". Security and the nurse burst through the door to discover the children all awake and playing on their beds. The window is open. Sunday, 24 December 2000 The next day, in the Evans kitchen, they are all watching a news broadcast as one of the mother's of the healed children is interviewed. She tells everyone that her son was cured of his cancer. Max is very pensive. Diane calls it a "miracle" and Phillip reminds her that all the children were undergoing experimental treatment. Diane thinks the imprint of the hand on the children should be enough to convince anyone that God was involved, even Max, who she hopes will join them for the midnight service. At Michael's apartment, he is polishing the bumper (which now looks new), when Maria comes in. He quickly covers it. She tells him she heard about what he did for Sydney and the other children. He tells her it was Max, not him. She says "This whole thing with Sydney has made me realise how stupid I've been about this gift thing. I don't need a gift". He tells her he already got her one and she gets as excited as a child. She notices the smell from the polishing solvent and pulls off the cover. He tells her it's not dry yet. She asks if it's a Jetta bumper and he says "Not yet, but it's gonna be". She looks at him sweetly and says "Michael, that is so thoughtful!" He is pleased that she appreciates his effort, kisses her on the cheek and says "Merry Christmas". She says "Thank you, Michael. Thank you". Then she playfully swats him on the arm and says "So, do you want to exchange gifts now?" She points to the wrapped presents Isabel left behind and asks if one is for her. Michael now realises she expects more than the bumper as a gift, so he lies and says "Yes. I'll go and get it". He walks over to the gifts, not knowing how he is going to get out of this. He tells her not to look. He notices a note from Isabel attached to one that reads "Michael, just in case, Love, The Christmas Nazi". Michael smiles, removes the note and sees a tag that says "To Maria Merry Christmas Love From Michael". He hands her the gift and all excited she says "What is it? What is it?" Sitting in a chair, under his breath he replies "That's a good question". Not sure what's inside will please her, he reminds her that he was in Phoenix saving lives, so he was strapped for time and then silently prays to God. She is astonished to find real pearl earrings. He is too. Sitting in his lap, she says "Oh my God, this must have cost you a fortune!" He replies "I'm sure they will". She tells him "These are the most beautiful earrings I've ever seen. But I don't need this gift. This year, my gift is you" and kisses him. Hopeful, he replies "So you don't want the earrings then?" Dashing his hopes she replies "Oh no, I'll keep the earrings" and hugs him. He breathes a sigh of relief and shakes his head. That evening, Max taps on Liz's bedroom window. He thanks her for telling him about Sydney. She asks if he's still haunted and he replies "I don't think so". She asks why he healed all the children. He replies "How could I not? How could I not use my gift?" She gently responds "As beautiful as that is Max, you can't keep doing it. I know it seems like there's no reason for those kids to have cancer, or for a father to get killed saving his child, or for any of it, but maybe there is. Maybe there is someone, or something out there that's planning all of this. And maybe you have to respect it. You're not God, Max. You're the one who told me that. Will you come to midnight service?" He replies "I'd like to, but I don't believe in God". Her disappointment shows. He wishes her a Merry Christmas as he leaves. She shuts the window and resignedly says "Merry Christmas, Max". Max and John are walking outside John's home. John assures Max that his family will be OK, because his wife is pretty remarkable. Max vows to be there for them if they ever need him. He tells Max he should go be with his loved ones now. He walks through the closed door of his home, then disappears. Max is at home alone, using his powers to fix a burned out Christmas light. Michael comes in. Max is surprised he is going to the midnight service saying "You don't believe in anything". Michael says he's hedging his bets, since his prayers were answered twice in the past two days. He asks Max about his powers. Max replies that they are starting to return. Michael tells him he's pissed that he didn't have the ability to help the kids in the hospital that Max couldn't get to. He takes him to Brody's house so Max can see Sydney and Brody snuggled together by the Christmas tree in their living room. At the midnight service, being held outside, the choir is singing Christmas carols. Jim, Tess and Kyle are sitting together holding candles. Amy, Maria and Michael are in the row behind them. Jim and Amy smile at one another. Maria is wearing her new earrings and Isabel, a couple of rows ahead, notices and motions to Michael that he "owes" her. Diane and Phillip smile when they see Max approach. He kisses Diane then moves further down the row to sit next to Liz. She smiles at him and teasingly says "I thought you didn't believe in God?" He takes her hand in his and replies "I believe in you". It gently begins to snow. |
