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Wednesday,
14 February 2001 Max and Michael are running like their life depends upon it down empty school corridors. They turn a corner and stop to look back. Michael is sweating, out of breath and on the verge of panic. Max is much calmer. He says "I think we lost them". Michael says "Are you sure?" Max replies "Not really". Michael asks "Where's Isabel?" Max sternly replies "She's gone, Michael! Now pull it together or we're gonna be next". Michael asks "What do they want from us?" Max, ignoring Michael, says "We need a plan. We can't fly by the seat of our pants anymore". Michael, panicking, says "They've got to want something! Maybe we can talk to them". Still ignoring Michael's questions and suggestion but this time looking directly at Michael, Max replies "It's time we step it up. Face the demon. No more hiding!" Michael, scared to death, says "What are you talking about?" He hears a noise and turns to look. There are people approaching, wearing ski masks and carrying flashlights and laser sighting rifles. Michael calls out "Max!" and turns back to see he is all alone. The enemy has him cornered against the lockers. He cries out "No, please!" but is cut down by a swath of bullets. Michael jolts awake from his nightmare, checking his chest for bullet wounds. He gets up and opens the refrigerator. He starts to reach for something and stops when he realises his hand is shaking. He hits the refrigerator with both hands in anger and frustration, then rests his head, trying to catch his breath and calm down. He goes to a shelf in his apartment and pulls down the bag of money he received from the Duprees. Michael jumps through Max's bedroom window carrying a duffel bag. Max jolts awake and says "What's going on?" Michael replies "We are leaving, is what's going on. You and me, we're getting out of town for a couple of days". Anxious, Max asks "What? Why, what's wrong?" Michael, agitated and pacing the room, replies "I need a road trip, I gotta clear out the cobwebs". Concerned with Michael's state, Max says "What the hell are you talking about?" Michael snaps back "I'm talking about getting out of this two bit town for a couple of days and having some fun! Is there something wrong with that!" Somewhat taken aback, Max replies "No, there's nothing wrong with it". Michael continues to pace and Max says "Do you want to tell me what's really going on?" Still agitated, Michael replies "Nightmares, Maxwell. I can't shake 'em. I've had them every night for two weeks. I mean, my brain needs a vacation or, I swear to God, I am gonna lose it on someone or something and it's not gonna be pretty!" Max can see that Michael truly does need a vacation so he agrees. Michael wants to leave right now but Max convinces him that they have to create a cover story so they are not missed and it will have to be after school. He asks Michael where they are going and Michael replies "You're gonna love it. It's a place without rules, without responsibilities, a place where we can forget our troubles. It's a city of dreams". It's not clear to Max so he asks "Which would be…?" Michael replies "Vegas. We're going to Vegas, baby!" Thursday, 15 February 2001 Arriving at school, Max is trying to convince Michael that he does not have to spend the whole $50,000, that he should save some of it to build his future on. Michael feels the money is tainted and he doesn't want to build his future on tainted money. He says it's haunting him and he wants to get rid of it. Max tries to tell Michael to be reasonable but Michael jumps down his throat, saying "Hey, I'm not gonna be reasonable. This isn't a reasonable day in my life!" so Max backs off. Michael tells him to get busy on their cover story and they will meet in the lounge after 5th period. They separate and Isabel, who overheard the last part, follows Max and asks "Where are you going after 5th period?" Max tells her they are going to Vegas because Michael needs a break. Peeved, Isabel replies "And I don't!? Do I really have to give you a list of things I have had to deal with lately?" Surprised by her outburst, Max replies "No!" Isabel continues "Then I'm sure I don't have to stand her and convince you that if anyone needs a break, it's your loving sister who has asked for so little but given so much!" Defeated, Max replies "No". Isabel continues "And I'm sure whatever plan you come up with will work just as easily for three as it will for two. Right?" Max agrees. Pleased, Isabel goes off, saying she will meet them in the lounge later. In Spanish class, Michael is reading a book on casino gambling while repeating Spanish phrases along with the rest of the class. Kyle, sitting next to him, gets his attention and asks what he's reading. Michael tells him he and Max are going to Vegas. Kyle wants to join but Michael says it's for aliens only and assumes he understands. Kyle asks him to place a bet for him. He also asks to see Michael's book. The teacher catches him with it and gives him detention. After class, Kyle catches up with Tess in the hallway and says even though she held out on him, he will cover for her with his dad if she places a bet for him. She has no idea what he is talking about and asks if someone stepped on his head in gym. He deduces that their "Martians only field trip to Vegas" must be a surprise organised by Max and Michael. Maria overhears this last part and corners Michael. At first he tells her she can't come because he doesn't want her cramping his style. She convinces him he needs her because no one knows how to spend money like she does. He agrees, on the condition that she understands this is not a romantic getaway for them. He also doesn't want her telling anyone else. They are to keep this "low profile". Maria tells Liz about the trip in the science lab and tries to convince her to come too as a gal pal, since Michael will be off "doing some dumb guy thing". Vegas is not Liz's idea of fun. Also, because this is where she and Max would have gotten married, if she and Future Max hadn't changed their destinies, she never wants to go to Vegas. Maria reminds her that it never actually happened and that she has to let go of it and create her own memories. Alex comes in and Maria asks him if, given a choice, would he rather a) dissect pig babies or b) take an all expense paid trip to Vegas. Alex replies "When do we leave?" Maria tells him "Today, after 5th period". Maria makes a final attempt to convince Liz by singing "Viva Las Vegas". Tess catches up to Michael and says she hopes he doesn't mind but she invited Kyle on their trip to Vegas because he has been such a stand up guy and did save the world from the crystals. Michael interrupts with "Our trip?" and Tess says "Yeah, and I just wanted to let you know, too, that when I first moved to town, I felt like a complete outsider. You know, no friends, barely any family, but you really helped me feel welcome". Bubbling with enthusiasm, she tells him how thoughtful it was of him to plan this trip and how much it means to her, especially since she's never been before. She asks again if it's OK for Kyle to go. Not wanting to burst her bubble, Michael reluctantly agrees. Liz is in the science lab working on her experiment. She notices the clock on the wall says 2:50 and starts singing "Viva Las Vegas". Michael gets his duffel bag from his locker as the 5th period bell rings. He goes to the lounge and finds Maria, Isabel, Tess, Kyle, Alex and a chauffeur holding a "GUERIN PARTY" sign. He says to Maria "This is low profile?" Max joins them. He has arranged for their names to be added to the list of students attending the debate team's trip to Santa Fe as their cover story. Their topic is "Space travel - wave of the future or misbegotten dream?" They are about to leave when Liz rushes up to them and asks if she can join them. Michael warns her "No lecturing, no moralising, no whining about spending the money on the homeless. This is about fun and debauchery. You got it?" Liz replies "Yes. I know how to have fun". Rolling his eyes, Michael responds "Right!" and they all leave. Maria has reserved the Presidential Suite at their hotel. Even Michael is impressed. They all go off in different directions, checking out the amenities. Michael calls them all back into the front room and tells them to "Line up, IDs out!" As they comply he says "This town has some restrictions about having fun. I'm gonna fix that. You are no longer high school students from Roswell, New Mexico. You are of-age party machines". He waves his hand over their IDs, then asks them to read off their "aliases". Kyle: Harvey Wallbanger, Tess: Pina Colada, Alex: Tom Collins, Isabel: Brandy Alexander, Maria: Margarita Salt, Liz: Shirley Temple and Max: Rob Roy. Michael calls himself Dr Love. He then hands them each $3,000 and lays down some rules. The money must be spent there and is not to be hoarded. The most important rule is that he and "Rob Roy" run alone, if they see them at a table, they are to go to another one. He sends them off to "clobber the house". As the others rush out, Max (obviously pleased that she is there) stops Liz and tells her "I was kind of surprised to see you down for this kind of trip". She replies "I could say the same thing to you". He responds "I'm only here for Michael". Lowering his voice so Michael will not overhear he says "He's kind of going through something. I just want to keep an eye on him". Liz replies "Oh, so this isn't a vacation for you". Max laughs and says "This is the last place I'd ever want to take a vacation". Liz agrees, saying she is just there for Maria. Michael interrupts them, sending "Shirley" on her way. He asks "Robby" to "pick his poison - blackjack, craps, roulette". Without much enthusiasm, Max replies "Yeah, whatever you want". Michael says that's not the spirit he is looking for but says not to worry, Dr Love will show him the way as he leads him out of the suite. In the casino, the girls are trying to decide what to do first. Ending a call on her cell phone, Maria says she just made an appointment for a salt scrub at a spa and takes off. The others decide to try their luck at the tables. Isabel walks right by the guard with no problem but Liz and Tess are challenged by him. He doesn't buy their "IDs". Liz caves and admits they are only 17. He suggests they try the hotel's video arcade. Tess is none too pleased with Liz. At a blackjack table, Kyle explains the intricacies of the game to Isabel. She loses her first hand and decides that figuring out the "math" of the game isn't what she wants to do on her vacation, so she takes off. Alex tells Kyle that an "all or nothing strategy has the best chance of beating the house" and promptly loses his entire $3,000 in one hand. Maria comes to his rescue. She found a flyer at the spa, posted by a booking agent looking for singers. She offers to give Alex her $3,000 stake if he will be her accompanist at the audition. Michael is explaining the game of craps to Max. He tells him he will love the game because "it's fast, it's loud, it's everything livin' in Roswell isn't". Michael receives the dice and rolls a six, setting the point. He announces that he will roll a six "the hard way" (two threes) and does, impressing the other players. Maria runs up to him to tell him about the audition. He reminds her that he told her not to bother him and Max at the tables. She is very disappointed that he doesn't understand how important this audition is to her. That it has been her dream to sing in a Vegas supper club. She walks away, stunned that her pleas for him to come watch have gone ignored as Michael continues to focus on the game and continues to win. Isabel is at the slot machines. She is extremely bored and welcomes the interruption of a young woman in a bridal gown who sits next to her, bemoaning the fact that her maid of honour got food poisoning just before the ceremony and that someone spilled red wine on her dress. A waitress brings club soda to get out the stain and Isabel offers to help. Out of the bride's sight, Isabel uses her powers to remove the stain. Tracy is ecstatic, calling Isabel her "good luck charm" and introduces herself. Isabel introduces herself as Brandy. Tracy's groom to be Glen, and his best man Dave, come over. Tracy introduces "Brandy" and explains how she helped. Dave suggests that maybe Brandy would be willing to fill in as maid of honour. Attracted to Dave, who is very good looking, "Brandy" agrees. At the booking agent's office, the unmannerly agent who is eating his lunch, tells Maria "OK Blondie, you're up". Alex begins to play the piano and Maria sings "I've Got The World On A String" flirting with the agent during the song. When she finishes, he flatters her saying "Honey, you've got some set of pipes! I was truly moved". She thanks him and he responds "No, no, no…thank you. Now, take off your clothes". Maria's jaw drops and Alex rushes to her defence saying "Hey, who do you think you are! You treat her like a lady!" Surprised by their reaction, he replies "I'll treat her like a stripping lady, because that's what she's auditioning for." Alex and Maria recheck the flyer and realise their mistake, she missed the "BYOG-string" part. A cheering crowd has formed as Michael keeps making the throws he calls. Getting nervous, Max under his breath, admonishes Michael saying "You're cheating!" Michael whispers back "Want to say that a little louder? I don't think the pit boss heard you!" The pit boss is examining the dice, like they may be loaded. Still whispering, Max says "This isn't right, using your powers like this". Michael sarcastically replies "Thanks for the sermon, Dad". Max reminds him that is not why they came and Michael replies "No. We came here to have fun, which is exactly what I'm doing". The pit boss gives the croupier a new set of dice and Michael announces to the crowd "Folks, this is the fourth set they've given me but when you've got the hot hand, you've got the hot hand". He rolls another winner and the crowd cheers. The pit boss calls over the bouncer. Max notices and says "Michael, he knows". Michael replies "He doesn't know anything. What's he going to say, I'm using my mysterious alien powers?" Michael rolls another winner and the pit boss closes the table. Michael confronts him and the pit boss says "You're done. My advice is, take your winnings and move on down the strip". Max readily agrees but Michael says "The hell we will. I'm here to gamble. There's another table over here". The pit boss says "Listen punk…" Michael angrily replies "Punk!" and punches him in the face. The guards grab Michael and Max jumps into the fray trying to help, so they grab him too. Liz is playing a pinball machine in the video arcade near a poster for an Elvis chapel. Tess decides it's because they are so small that they didn't fool the guard so they should try again, while she uses her mind warp on him. Liz isn't interested and says "Tess, I'm fine here in the arcade". Tess laments, "Great! I'm stuck in the party capital of the world with Liz Parker". At Liz's glaring look, Tess continues "Or, if we're feeling dangerous, we could always challenge a couple of 8 year old boys to foosball or go to the ice capades". Liz notices the Elvis Chapel sign and lashes back "You know, for your information, I didn't want to come to Vegas in the first place. I knew that this was going to be the most miserable trip of my life. I knew it! But I didn't listen to my instincts. And by the way, Tess, I don't enjoy being stuck here with you either". Tess replies "Fine!" and leaves. As Tracy and Glen leave the Presidential Suite, Tracy throws the bridal bouquet to "Brandy" who is standing by a three-tiered cake when Maria and Alex walk in, wondering what's going on. Isabel explains, introduces Dave and offers them some cake. The phone rings and Maria answers with a mouthful of cake. It's Michael. In a lamentable tone she says "Do you want to know where I was tonight? I was auditioning to be a stripper! Little innocent me". Michael responds "You get the job?" Maria continues "Do you not even care!? This wouldn't have happened had you been with me!" Getting impatient, Michael asks "Is there someone else there that I can talk to?" Maria snaps back "We are talking!" Michael replies "Look I can't. I'm in jail with Max. What you need to do is shut your trap, get down here and bail us out". Maria responds "Wait a minute. If you're in jail, than that means this is your only phone call". Michael concurs and Maria summarily hangs up on him. Alex is back at the blackjack table with Kyle, asking him how he handles the conflict of Buddhism and gambling. Maria interrupts saying they need to bail Max and Michael out of jail. Kyle is reluctant to leave because he's winning, so Maria tells the dealer he's a member of Gambler's Anonymous. It's against casino policy to cater to gambling addicts, so the dealer refuses to deal to him. Isabel and Dave are slow dancing in the Presidential Suite. Dave wonders how she can afford such a luxurious suite and she replies "It's a friend's". He asks "Is your friend a Kennedy or something?" She laughs lightly and replies "More like a prince". He tells her what a great day it has been, with the wedding and spending time with her. They kiss. He tells her he would like to go back to his hotel room, where it is more private. She says that she will have to think about it and they kiss again, more passionately. When they break she says "OK, I've thought about it. Let's go". In the jail cell Max is hanging on the bars, despondently saying "Are we having fun yet?" Michael on a bench, replies "No thanks to you". Max snaps back "Hey, this isn't my fault! If you hadn't been showing off…" Michael responds "Here we go…another lecture!" Max angrily asks "What is with you?" Michael lashes back "What's with me? Not you man. Definately not you!" Confused Max replies "What the hell is that supposed to mean? The only reason I came on this trip was for you". Michael sarcastically responds "Oh yeah, out of the goodness of your big, fat, bleeding heart, you skipped out on 6th period and you went to Vegas for poor, screwed up Michael! Yeah, big hand, Max!" He applauds. Disgusted Max sits down saying "Whatever! You're talking to yourself now, Michael. I'm done". Talking to an imaginary person, Michael says "Gee, Michael, why'd you want to go to Vegas with Max in the first place? It sounds like a really stupid idea. No, no, see, you don't get it. Max and I, we're guys, and sometimes guys just like to go out and tear it up for no good reason. But Michael, Max is no fun, he's a straight arrow, he's a responsible guy!" Max interrupts with "I'm here aren't I?" Michael looks at Max and disdainfully says "This is a private conversation" then turns back to the imaginary person and continues with "As I was saying Michael, it's like this, Max and I, we use to be tight. We grew up together. And it's no big deal that we can go out and have fun for a couple of days. We use to be friends". Max jumps up shouting "Oh give me a break! This isn't about friendship. This is about your irresponsible, reckless behaviour…" Michael interrupts, shouting back "Hey, I've been going through some heavy stuff the last couple of weeks! In case you missed it, I got shot!" Max counters with "I know, I healed you!" Michael responds "You put your hand over my shoulder and you did your little trick, like a robot. You're a machine, Max. You wouldn't know the first thing it takes to heal me. To really heal me. Max is silenced by this last attack. Max angrily bursts into the Presidential Suite. He picks up the phone and calls the airlines, inquiring about the next flight out. Maria tries to convince Michael to talk him out of leaving but Michael is indifferent to her pleas. Max starts to leave and Maria stops him saying "Please don't go. I'm blowing the rest of Michael's cash on a beautiful, expensive dinner. I'm even taking care of what everyone's wearing…" Michael interrupts with "He's not invited anymore". Max replies to Maria "Thanks, but I'm just gonna go home" and leaves. Michael says "Finally my vacation can begin". Max finds Liz at the video arcade. He comments on how good she is at the pinball game and she replies "Oh well, yeah, after 6 hours and a thousand quarters, you sort of get a rhythm going". He tells her he is leaving and she asks if everything is OK. He says "Yeah, it's just…Vegas. Kinda makes my skin crawl". She nods in agreement and, pointing to the Elvis Chapel sign, says "And who would ever want to get married in an Elvis Chapel? Right?" He laughs and says "Not me! Not in this life time". Liz is disappointed but covers by agreeing with him. There is an awkward moment and then he says he has a plane to catch and leaves. Outside the hotel a bride and groom get out of the taxi Max is about to take. He stops and stares at them as the groom picks up the bride to carry her over the threshold. As Max is staring at them, they become Max and Liz also dressed as a bride and groom. They are extremely happy and share a romantic kiss before the vision turns back to the actual couple. At the dinner Maria planned at a supper club, they are all dressed in their finery and Alex takes a picture. Maria tells Michael that he "cleans up nice". He decides the lobster they had for dinner wasn't enough and asks Maria for some money to grab a cheeseburger at a fast food place. When he leaves, Maria asks Liz why she even tries. She is worried because she plans on being a "worldly woman" and Michael is trapped in a world of "armpit farts and PlayStation". Michael surprises her, and everyone else, by going on stage and introducing Margarita Salt as this evening's vocalist, telling them "You're gonna love listening to this performer and, even though she'll never believe me, I love listening to her too". Maria is thrilled as she approaches the stage to welcoming applause. She sings "I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good", a sultry song, impressing the audience. Michael watches from back stage. Tess tells Kyle they are going to dance and leads him to the dance floor. Alex steps back to take a picture and Isabel, who just arrived, joins him. She tells him that Dave was exactly what she was looking for in this town - a good looking smartass that she could chew up and spit back out - but when he went for some ice, she went to find a cab. She doesn't know what she really wants and thinks she must be the biggest freak on the planet. Alex assures her that when she is ready, she will find someone and make him the happiest man ever. Pleased by his remarks, she asks him to dance and he accepts. Liz is watching all the happy couples on the dance floor when Max suddenly appears, holding his hand out, inviting her to dance. She asks why he decided to stay and he tells her about the vision. She says "That's weird" and he agrees, saying "It's like this memory flash of something that really happened. But then…" Liz is about to respond when Maria's song ends and everyone starts applauding. Michael joins Maria on stage. She thanks him and they kiss. Friday, 16 February 2001 The 8 of them returning to the Presidential Suite. They are all laughing and enjoying themselves, Liz and Max are holding hands. They all stop short when they see Jim Valenti sitting in the suite, holding the "Guerin Party" sign from the limousine service. The party is obviously over. Jim calmly says "At 3:30 yesterday afternoon, Vice Principal McClure contacted me. Apparently my son didn't show up for detention. News to me! So I called some of Kyle's friends. Nobody knew where he was. So I made a few other inquiries. Without alarming any of your parents, I deduced that you were all missing. By 4:30, I was in a panic! That maybe it was a mass kidnapping! Or an invasion! I knew you guys had to be in some kind of trouble because there was no way that you'd just take off without telling me!" They are all chastened by his words, knowing he was right. Max says "We just took a little vacation". Michael adds "It was like Spring break". Jim calmly continues "So you skipped school? Missing class is excusable if it involves saving a planet; yours, mine, any other. It is not acceptable if it is done in the name of underage gambling. Is that clear? Each one of your parents is gonna hear from me later today. I expect you back in Roswell this afternoon. Kyle, get in the car!" Kyle replies "I was up $1600". Jim screams "NOW!" and Kyle jumps to action. Jim follows him out the door and Michael says "I'm glad I'm an orphan". Tess replies "Yeah, me too". From the hallway, Jim shouts "Tess! Don't make me come back in there!" Tess sheepishly obeys. Maria and Liz go to their rooms. Max asks Michael "Are you tired?" and leads him outside. They get some coffee and as he pays for it Michael says "That's the last of it". Max tells him "You were right. I do act like a machine sometimes". Michael replies "Forget it. I probably said too much". Max responds "No, it's all right. It's something I needed to hear. You needed a friend and you got a chaperone. I'm sorry. I guess, I feel so responsible for you and Isabel…and even Tess. Sometimes I let that get in the way of letting you all know how much you mean to mean. But without you, I'd be lost Michael". Michael replies "Who ever sent us down here was smart. You know why? Because they sent us together and as long as we stick together, we're gonna make it". They head back to the room discussing what they should do until it's time to leave. Michael suggests they watch Braveheart and Max asks how many times he can watch that movie. Michael says "I'm still trying to get an accurate body count". |
