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Title<\/b>: One Two Three GO TEAM! [Max\/Liz, Maria\/Michael, Isabel\/Alex, Kyle\/Tess]
\nRating\/Warnings<\/b>: R for character death. But don’t worry, it’s nobody you like.
\nSummary<\/b>: Liz is kidnapped, and when the others come to save her they may find some things they though they had lost.
\nA\/N<\/b>: Set after the end of season 2. Things just needed to be fixed, dammit.<\/p>\n
One Two Three GO TEAM!<\/b><\/p>\n
Liz stared at her journal, which remained as blank as it had for the last several hours. For days she had been trying to put into words how she felt about everything, but she was beginning to think it was a lost cause.<\/p>\n
A month ago, everything had been wrong. Alex was dead, Tess was pregnant, the aliens were leaving for home, and it looked like she really didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have a place in Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s destiny. But then just as suddenly as everything had fallen apart, it all fixed itself. Well, not all of it. Alex was still gone and Tess most likely had had the baby by now, but Michael, Max, and Isabel had figured out Tess just in time, and in the end Tess was the only one who left.<\/p>\n
Leaving Max staring at Liz, blinking like he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d just woke up from some ridiculous nightmare.<\/p>\n
That night he had crawled in her window and begged her to take him back and Liz broke down, pouring the whole story of Future Max out to him. Max had stared at her in disbelief and then burst into tears. Liz had sat with him for hours while he cried until he was hoarse and then collapsed into exhausted sleep, clutching her like he was afraid she would disappear.<\/p>\n
Liz had watched him and held him close until he woke with a start and stared at her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he had whispered, voice raspy. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take it back. I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fix it, not even for you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I pushed you away,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz had replied gently.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max had squeezed his eyes shut.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Stop it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz had ordered, brushing tears off his face. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s over. We were both wrong and stupid, but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s over now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
And then things had been relatively normal. Max and Liz were together, Michael and Maria were together, and Isabel and Kyle had become really close. Just friends, but they had each lost someone very close to them, and seemed to be good for each other.<\/p>\n
Liz was about to give up trying to write and go back into her room when she heard the thump of someone hopping off the fire escape behind her. She closed her journal on her lap and smiled.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max, I thought you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d never get here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You should watch your back, bitch,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz heard Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice and then everything went black.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Michael climbed up Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fire escape with an uncharacteristic grin on his face. He was planning the best date Maria had ever had, and he wanted Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s input. As he cleared the last rung of the ladder, the grin was wiped off his face. The lawn lounge chair that was always there was tipped over and Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s journal was flung upside down on the ground. He picked up the journal and flipped to the last entry.<\/p>\n
August 12, 2001.<\/i><\/p>\n
And that was all. Liz had been here earlier, but she was definitely gone now. Michael slipped inside Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s room and hid her journal, chest tightening. Liz would never leave it out laying around like that, not after he had stolen her journal two years ago. Something had definitely happened to her. He hurried back down the fire escape and practically flew to the Evans\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 house.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Liz opened her eyes and tried not to throw up. Her head was throbbing and she ached everywhere. Slowly she sat up and tried to see where she was through the spots in her vision.<\/p>\n
A room. Just a plain room, no furniture except the mattress she was propping herself up on. Nothing on the walls, no window, one door. Liz was willing to bet that the door was not going to open, and she wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t planning on rushing over to try it out until her stomach settled down.<\/p>\n
She tried to remember what had happened.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was sitting on the roof,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said out loud, hoping the sound of voice would help clear her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And I thought Max had come, and I heard Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6but that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s impossible.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz looked around the bare room helplessly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked the empty air.<\/p>\n
As if in response the door creaked open. Liz pressed herself against the wall, heart hammering in her ears.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Finally awake?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz would have known that cold voice anywhere.<\/p>\n
It indeed was Tess standing in front of her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s going on?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked weakly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where am I?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153As if I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to tell you that,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess snarled. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know Isabel will dreamwalk you the minute you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re asleep. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry, though,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she purred, seeing Liz blanch. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find you soon enough. But it will be on my terms.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why are you here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz demanded, ignoring her head and pushing herself unsteadily to her feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You got what you wanted, you got the heir. Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you go to your stupid planet and leave us alone!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ooh, such venom,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess smiled maliciously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jealous that your precious Max gave it up to me? He wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t very good,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered conspiratorially.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Funny, he said the same thing about you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz spat back. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe because he had to keep his eyes closed the whole time so he could go through with it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He was only the means to an end anyway,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess shrugged. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s too corrupted by you humans to ever be a king.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why are you doing this, Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked, tiring suddenly of the cat-fight.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She started to laugh shrilly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You stupid human, haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you figured it out yet?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz stared at her, confusion and dizziness roiling in her stomach.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not Tess. That weak bitch could never have fulfilled my destiny,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she sniffed disdainfully. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even want Max, she was going to screw everything up for that ridiculous jock Kyle.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz swallowed, feeling like she was about to pass out again.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ava. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re Ava,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said weakly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Very good, human,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava smirked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t as stupid as you look.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Suddenly a lot of strange things made sense to Liz. Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shift in affections, Tess being nice to Liz one day and then reverting back to ice-bitch the next, her renewed interest in Max. Liz sank along the wall down to the floor, unable to support herself anymore.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have big plans to make for your friends,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava laughed icily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be back to play with you later.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz sat numbly on the floor as Ava left, slamming the metal door behind her.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you mean gone!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max shouted at Michael.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max, calm down!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel snapped. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What happened, Michael?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I went by to ask her some stuff about Maria,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael explained. He told them about the lounge chair and the journal.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh god,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max fell, rather than sat, onto the couch. He looked up at Isabel and Michael. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153About an hour ago I got a splitting headache. I thought it was from not sleeping, but if someone took Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll call the others,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said grimly. She went into the kitchen to use the phone. Michael sat next to Max on the couch.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sweat it, Maxwell,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find her.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Every time I get her back, something else happens,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said despairingly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m starting to think that we really aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t meant to be.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s crap,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said bluntly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t love her, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d all be dead right now. So shove it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks, Michael,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said dryly, but he knew that Michael was expressing fervent feeling in his own way.<\/p>\n
Isabel returned from the kitchen. She tried dreamwalking Liz while as they waited for the others, but she couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get through.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153At least she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s conscious,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said. Max looked sick and said nothing.<\/p>\n
When Maria and Kyle arrived, Max nearly did start to cry. A month ago the group would have been packed into his living room. Now they could sit on the couch.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz has been taken,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max told them without precursor.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh god,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria cried, clutching Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arm.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What are we going to do about it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle asked immediately.<\/p>\n
Just then the phone rang.<\/p>\n
All five of them exchanged glances, then dashed for the kitchen. Michael reached the phone first, deftly evading a tackle from Maria.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he demanded of the phone. He listened for a couple seconds, said \u00e2\u20ac\u0153got it\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and then hung up.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It was Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said tightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And she has Liz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Liz thought that she should sleep. Who knew how long it would be before Ava came back. But she just laid there, staring at the ceiling.<\/p>\n
I wonder if Max even knows I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m gone yet, she thought, the realized that he was supposed to come see her that night. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He must know by now,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said out loud. Her voice, which was supposed to sound reassuring, just sounded hollow in the empty room.<\/p>\n
She decided that she needed a plan. Any plan, it didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t matter what.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153How long has it been Ava and not Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked herself. She ran back through the past couple months, searching for clues. It had definitely been Ava who killed Alex. And it had definitely been Tess flirting with Kyle at Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a start,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Between Christmas and May. And Kyle had that episode at the prom about Tess being like a sister, so between Christmas and prom.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Eventually Liz narrowed it down to between Las Vegas and prom, but then realized that Alex had been in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sweden\u00e2\u20ac\u009d before then.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There must have been something going on between Tess and Alex before Ava came!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz realized. Had it been Tess making him translate the book all along? And where was Tess now? Had Ava killed her too? Liz shook her head, which was beginning to ache. How was she going to find out for sure?<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I could get flashes from Ava!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz exclaimed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have to touch her\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d chewing on her lip, Liz began to formulate a plan.<\/p>\n
She would be ready when Ava came back.<\/p>\n
* * * * * * <\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you sure that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all she said?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked for the fiftieth time.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael replied, being surprisingly patient.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153And you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re sure it was Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle asked for the two hundredth time.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Either her or Emilie de Ravin,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said cynically. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They sound an awful lot alike, you know.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hate that show,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said disgustedly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The WB ruins everything,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel agreed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Could we focus for a moment here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max pleaded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How long has it been?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Fifteen minutes and 36 seconds,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said immediately.<\/p>\n
They all stared at him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u015337 seconds\u00e2\u20ac\u00a638\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle trailed off.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did she say when she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d call back?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max asked Michael.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nope,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he replied. Max raked his hand through his hair, making it stand on end.<\/p>\n
There was silence for a minute.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you sure\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle started.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not answering the phone next time!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael interrupted, throwing his hands in the air. The phone immediately began to shrill. Everyone stared at Michael, who folded his arms. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Absolutely not.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I will,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, getting up and snatching the phone before anyone could protest. They stared at him in shock as he calmly said \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hello, Tess.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He listened silently, motionless. When he hung up the phone, he looked paler than he had before, if that was possible.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What did she say?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She wants us to bring all four orbs and the book and meet her in three hours,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said hollowly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We only have one of the orbs, Maxwell,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess knows where they are,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel demanded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can we sit down?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max asked weakly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll tell you everything then.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
When Liz heard Ava opening the door she tried to look hostile, yet helpless.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hard to do.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just got off the phone with your spineless boyfriend,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava said sweetly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He was very subdued, he didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even demand to speak to you. Most people do that I understand.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure he knew it would be pointless,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz replied, but she still felt a little stung. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He knows what he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s doing.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hah!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u02dct have a clue. Now Zan, he knew how to handle a situation. He would of got us home months ago, and I wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to deal with you pathetic humans anymore.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If you hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t killed him,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz sneered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have been that great a leader if you just wanted to get rid of him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Rath and Lonnie did that!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava hissed, eyes narrowing. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zan would have saved us!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He could barely hold you four together, much less rule a planet,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said archly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you dare talk about Zan like that!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice started rise and she advanced on Liz. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know anything about it!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know that he wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t half the man Max is!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz taunted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a good thing you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t try to replace Max, I would have known the difference in a second! It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even matter that Zan is dead, he could have NEVER been king!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Ava screamed with rage and slammed Liz into the wall by the throat. As soon as Ava\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand closed around her skin, Liz closed her eyes and forced a connection.<\/p>\n
Images of New York, Zan, Rath, and Lonnie flashed through her mind, but she concentrated harder, focusing on what she wanted to know.<\/p>\n
Ava was so furious, she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t realize what was happening at first. When she finally realized that Liz was using her, she screamed again and squeezed Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s throat tighter. Blackness crept into the edge of Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mind, but she fought back, still rifling Ava\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s memories. Ava threw Liz on the ground like she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d been burned and fled the room in a black fury.<\/p>\n
Liz lay on the ground, gasping for air. Tears began to trickle from her clenched eyes. Tess was alive. She was here, being held near Liz.<\/p>\n
And so was Alex.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Max passed his hand over rock and a silver handprint lit up before the rock slid aside, revealing a small cavity.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t believe those stupid orbs were here on the reservation the whole time,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said bitterly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I guess Nesado hid them here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t trust us, so he didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t tell us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But Tess knew,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said harshly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said a little too quickly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe she found out on Antar.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why are still you standing up for her?!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria demanded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said uncomfortably. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Something about it just isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t right.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Something hasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t been right ever since we met Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael growled.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Cool it, you two,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said tiredly. He slipped the three orbs from the cavity into his bookbag, which already held the other orb and the book. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve only got an hour until we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re supposed to meet Tess.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Liz was still laying on the ground when Ava returned. She didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even bother to look up.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Go away, Ava,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said dully. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max is going to kill you when he finds out what you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve done, and if he doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Isabel certainly will.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not here to talk about them,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava said, the sweetness in her voice hardly concealing her open malice. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve brought you a playmate.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz raised her eyes and froze.<\/p>\n
Ava was holding a baby. Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son.<\/p>\n
Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mind whirled frantically. Ava is trying to torment me, she thought. Maybe if I act like I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to see Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son, she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll leave him here for a while!<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why did you bring him?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked stiffly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought you would want to meet Max and my son,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava purred, her smile growing wider.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz retorted, trying to sound bitter. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mine.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no way to talk about a permanent fixture in your boyfriend\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava said, laying the baby down on the mattress next to Liz. Liz struggled to keep the hope from showing on her face. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll leave you two alone to get acquainted. Play nice,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava said, giving Liz a malicious smile before sailing out of the room.<\/p>\n
Liz let out a huge sigh and immediately pulled the infant onto her lap. For several minutes, Liz couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t speak. She examined every part of the baby, and marveled at how small and perfect he was. He grasped her finger in his tiny fist and Liz began to cry.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll get you out of here somehow,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered fiercely. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your dad\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s been searching for you since before you were born.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz went on talking about everything. She told the baby about Max, the others, Roswell, high school, anything she could think of. After watching him for awhile, Liz noticed that the baby was very listless. She tried to wake him up, but she couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get him to a state of full awareness. Finally she decided to try and connect with him like she did with Ava.<\/p>\n
It was hard for Liz to clear her head of the anger and fear she felt, but she took several long breaths and concentrated on Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son.<\/p>\n
She pushed gently, trying not to scare the baby, and his consciousness washed slowly over her, unlike the fierce stabbing of Ava\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mind.<\/p>\n
Liz didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see any clear memories, just a sequence of feelings. There wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t any pain, but an overwhelming lethargy and a sense of something not quite being right. Liz felt his contentment and surprise at being held close, and realized that Ava probably didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hold him very much. When she thought of Ava, Liz felt the baby get agitated. Conflicting emotions of love and nervousness rolled through her, and she concentrated on sending calming feelings. She thought hard about Max and how loved and safe he made her feel.<\/p>\n
Liz opened her eyes to see the baby staring at her face with wide-open eyes, face screwed up with concentration.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered, holding him as close to her as she could. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your daddy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s coming to get us as soon as he can.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Maria pulled up in front of the abandoned building Tess had told them to meet at. She turned off the engine and the five teens sat in the car, no one moving.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Should we be getting out?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael asked finally. Max shook himself as if just waking up.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I guess so,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said slowly. They piled out of the Jetta and cautiously approached the front door to the building, then stopped, unsure what to do.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t all go in at once,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said suddenly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153In case it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a trap.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll go around the back and see if there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s another way in,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael offered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take Maria with me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max, Isabel, and Kyle watched Michael and Maria disappear around the corner, and then Max took ahold of the door handle.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Here goes nothing,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said to no one in particular. He pushed open the door and peered into the darkness inside. He looked back at Kyle and Isabel, who shrugged at him. The trio walked slowly inside.<\/p>\n
They had barely walked a dozen steps inside when the door slammed shut behind them and the lights flicked on, blinding them momentarily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Took you long enough.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max whirled and rubbed at his dazzled eyes. Through spots, he saw Lonnie leaning on the door they had come through. He felt Isabel tense beside him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Liz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max demanded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Lonnie gave a short, barking laugh.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll get to her soon enough,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said darkly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But we get to play with you first.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel asked harshly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d whispered an oily voice in her ear. She spun around to see Rath had crept up right behind her while she concentrated on Lonnie. She threw a wild punch which Rath dodged easily, stepping back. His laugh wrapped around Isabel like fur, feeling slightly obscene.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to enjoy playing with you most,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he purred.<\/p>\n
* * * * * * <\/p>\n
Michael and Maria snuck around to he back of the building and found some windows. Michael climbed on top of the dumpster and peered inside.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is anybody there?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria whispered loudly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not sure,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said, shaking his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Too dirty.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He held his hand up to the glass and tried to turn the lock with his powers. His control wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fine enough, however, and he ended up snapping the lock off completely. Swearing, he simply gave up and put his fist through the glass with a grunt.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Michael!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria hissed, eyes wide.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m fine,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He said irritably. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Be quiet.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He covered what remained of the lock and melted the rest of it, then forced the window up. Maria scrambled up the dumpster and Michael looked inside to make sure no one was there, then helped her through the window.<\/p>\n
She waited for him, stifling a sneeze from the dust which covered the floor, inches deep. Michael took stock of the room, which was empty except for some wooden crates lying scattered haphazardly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Stay behind me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he ordered Maria tersely, then walked silently towards the one of two doors in the room. He rolled his eyes as he heard Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s heels clicking loudly behind him. He took a deep breath, and threw open the door.<\/p>\n
It was a broom closet.<\/p>\n
Michael slammed the door, swearing.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not a word!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He glared at Maria who was giggling nervously. Michael crept to the other door and opened it a crack.<\/p>\n
On the other side, Lonnie and Rath were circling Max, Isabel, and Kyle with their backs to Michael and Maria.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m gonna storm them while they aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t looking,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael whispered to Maria. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hide here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No way!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria protested. She glanced around and picked up a short length of pipe laying on the floor near her feet. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bring it on.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Michael let out an uneasy sigh, but nodded sharply.<\/p>\n
They burst through the door, Michael hurling an unfocused energy bolt that knocked Rath, stunned, to the floor. Maria swung the pipe at Lonnie, but Lonnie grabbed the pipe mid-swing. She gave it a sharp tug, and Maria stumbled to her knees. Lonnie pulled back to strike her with the pipe and Isabel tackled her from behind, driving them both to the ground.<\/p>\n
Max and Kyle hurried to secure the dazed Rath and Michael set Maria on her feet while Isabel wrestled with Lonnie. Lonnie flipped Isabel onto her back and brought the pipe down hard.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153NO!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max screamed, diving for Lonnie, and blowing her off Isabel with an energy blast at close range. Lonnie flew into the far wall with a sickening crack and fell to the floor.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Michael!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle called, struggling with Rath who was starting to wake up. Michael dashed over and grabbed Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arms. Together they forced Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hands behind his back and tied him to a pole with a length of chain Kyle found on the floor. Michael melted the chain together just as Rath really began to struggle, then struck Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s head against the pole, returning him to unconsciousness.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isabel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max demanded frantically. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Iz, are you all right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I think I fainted\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re all right,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max gasped, more to reassure himself than her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re all right\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t say the same for Lonnie,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said in a shaky voice. All the heads in the room swiveled towards Maria. Max felt as though his head were made of lead.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s dead,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said simply. Max shook his head back and forth, and moved his mouth, but no sound came out. He could only hear the rushing of his blood in his ears.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel was shaking him, and he stared at her uncomprehendingly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have to go, Max. We came for Liz, remember?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max repeated. He shook himself like a dog shakes off water. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have to find Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said, standing shakily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be hard,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said tersely. Max whirled to find Tess stepping out of the shadows. Kyle, Isabel, Michael and Maria all moved closer to Max.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re looking to Max for protection, I wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t expect too much,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess sneered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s been rather\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6vulnerable lately.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Liz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max demanded harshly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Worried about your silly human girlfriend?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess taunted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t there larger issues you should be worried about? Like your son?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max stiffened.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where are they?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s voice took an edge of deadly calm.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where are the orbs?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have them,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max replied, not moving. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you need them for? They were just supposed to give us the message about our destinies. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been to Antar, what more could they tell you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Antar!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess spat. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t expect any answers there! Kivar isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t interested in me any more than he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s interested in you. All he wanted was to destroy the heir. If he got the rest of you in one fell swoop, so much the better. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re pathetic,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she snapped at Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s sharp intake of breath. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you really think I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be so stupid to tell him I had the heir with me? And what would stop him from killing me?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Certainly not your charm,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel snapped.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So why come back here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And why the orbs?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I worked a deal with Kivar,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess smiled viciously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I made him see that he could use the heir to his advantage, raise the heir to follow him. In exchange for you and the orbs, I keep my life and stay on Antar, raising our son.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max flinched visibly at the words \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcour son\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 and clenched his fists.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take us all, Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said tightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now where is Liz?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess shrugged carelessly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not that it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll do you any good. The humans are free to take her home after we leave.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t going anywhere,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael growled. He put a hand behind him to push back Maria, and touched empty air. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her edging towards Tess stealthily. He forced himself to look at Tess and not Maria and silently vowed that the next time he would harness her to him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I trained you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess sneered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know that none of your powers area match for me, especially yours, Michael.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been practicing,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael shot back, desperate to keep Tess talking. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How do you know what we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re capable of?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, please,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess snorted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be serious.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Deadly serious,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael smirked. He heard Isabel hiss sharply and knew that she had seen Maria too. Max was oblivious, just staring at Tess, clenching and unclenching his fists.<\/p>\n
What am I doing? a scared voice silently asked Maria. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re saving Liz, she told the negative voice harshly. Her foot kicked against something and she looked down to see the pipe rocking back and forth on the floor. Maria was far enough around the side of Tess at this point to bend down and slowly pick it up without being noticed, then she continued edging towards Tess so slow it made her want to scream.<\/p>\n
Michael was having much the same thought. He was running out of ideas to keep Tess occupied. He nearly shouted with relief when he could see Maria behind Tess without taking his eyes off Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face. He tensed painfully, knowing that Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life might depend on his aim.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153BITCH!!!!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s war cry made Tess turn her head, but not fast enough and the pipe cracked down on the side of Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isabel, Max, now!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael cried frantically. Stunned from Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hit and the combined force of Max, Michael, and Isabel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s energy blasts, Tess crumpled to the floor. The pipe slipped out of Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s limp fingers and clattered across the floor. Michael rushed to Maria and squeezed her breathless.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to kill you!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he snarled in her ear.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is she\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria choked out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s alive,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said, kneeling and checking Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s pulse. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Barely.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all I need,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max growled. He dropped down beside Isabel and took Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s head in his hands. He forced a connection hard, raping her mind of the information he wanted.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s downstairs,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said harshly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s go.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
He rushed off without looking behind him to see if anyone followed.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Rath came too and glanced around the empty room with only Ava lying unconscious on the floor. He snapped the chains that were holding him, ignoring the angry burns the hot metal produced on his skin. He walked over to Ava and shook her awake.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ava!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he snapped. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Zan?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava groaned in response. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Zan?!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Rath demanded again, shaking her harder.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153With\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009dAva moaned.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You left her with the human?!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Rath screamed at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You stupid bitch! You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve fucked us all!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Us both,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ava corrected, coughing. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Lonnie\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s dead.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re DEAD!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Rath screamed, tossing Ava back to the floor where she lay limply. He raced in the direction Max had just lead the others.<\/p>\n
Ava began to crawl to the door.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153This is the hallway,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max announced. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s close.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153TRAITOR!!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Rath roared, tearing down the hall from the other side, charging at them. He was throwing unfocused energy blasts in every direction, wild shots completely uncontrolled in his rage.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Down!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max shouted, taking Kyle and Isabel to the ground with him. He heard Michael and Maria drop behind him. Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shots embedded in the walls and ceiling, and flew over their heads. As he approached, Max took careful aim and let fire a single shot. The blast tore through Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s knee and dropped him to the floor. Rath screamed incomprehensibly and continued to fire wild shots.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What now, Maxwell?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael demanded over the noise.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good question,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max muttered.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Liz huddled against the wall when the crashing outside the door began, clutching the baby to her. She tried to comfort his feeble whimpering while containing her own terror. The screaming and explosions grew louder outside, getting closer and Liz felt her own scream building, threatening to break free.<\/p>\n
Suddenly something hit the door and blew a fist-sized hole in it. Liz sat stunned speechless, clutching Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son so tight he started to struggle. She leaped to her feet and rushed to the door. She reached her hand cautiously through the hole, flinching every time she heard a scream or a blast. It sounded like it was right outside the door. She reached her arms as far as it would go, stretching onto her tiptoes with effort.<\/p>\n
She felt the door latch under her fingers.<\/p>\n
She flipped the bolt open and took a step back, then kicked the door open as hard as she could.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Max watched in shock as a door next to Rath flew open and cracked him in the head with a sickening smack, and he slumped forward onto the floor. A final blast from Rath hit the ceiling right above him right as Liz flew out the door. The ceiling, weakened by previous hits, cracked.<\/p>\n
And collapsed on Liz, burying her under the debris.<\/p>\n
Max leapt to his feet and ran towards her, choking and groping blindly in the dust of the collapse.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz! LIZ!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max cried, tossing rubble out of his way.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max, stop!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel cried, coughing in the dust of the collapsed corridor. She pulled him back by the shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But Liz!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he struggled against her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let me, Maxwell,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said, pushing past him. Michael closed his eyes and put out his hand, pushing the dust and smoke down the hall so they could see. Underneath the fallen ceiling panels and plaster, Max could see a leg sticking out. He broke away from Isabel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s grip violently.<\/p>\n
He started tossing debris frantically behind him and Isabel, Michael, Maria, and Kyle joined in silently. In a matter of minutes, Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s body appeared, curled in a tight ball. Max pulled her onto his lap.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz, oh god Liz, wake up,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max begged, tears tracing paths through the dust on his face.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh my god, Max!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel cried. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s holding\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6is that\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jesus,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle whistled.<\/p>\n
Max looked down and realized that Liz was clutching a baby. She had been protecting it with her body when the ceiling collapsed. He reached down dumbly and touched the infant\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cheek. It let out a feeble wail.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz opened her eyes and coughed weakly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max cried in relief. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t move, let me heal you!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she shook her head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The baby\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6she did something to him\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll check him, Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said quickly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let Max heal you, please.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz reluctantly let Isabel take the baby from her. Max took ahold of her face before she could protest and opened their connection. She was hurt badly, but not fatally. As Max knitted her back together, he started to see flashes of her last few days here.<\/p>\n
Isabel looked the baby over and didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see any injuries, but Liz was right, something was wrong. He was hardly crying or fretting at all. In all the noise and confusion he actually seemed listless and like he was about to fall asleep. Isabel took his tiny hand in hers and opened a connection.<\/p>\n
When she discovered the problem, she had to fight back tears. The blood vessels in the back of his neck had been constricted to limit the blood flow to his brain. It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t getting enough oxygen so that he was never completely awake. Isabel didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think she could do such delicate work, and she pulled out of the connection.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That bitch,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she hissed, clenching her jaw.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She squeezed the blood vessels in his neck so his brain wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get enough oxygen. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s why he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s so sleepy.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria gasped, wide eyes filling with tears.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Probably so he wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t cry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said tightly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll kill her,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael growled with quiet rage. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess is dead when I find her.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said. They looked over to see him clutching Liz to him, face pale. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Tess.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Kyle was the first to speak.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What? What are you talking about?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Ava,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said quietly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Its been her the whole time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Then where is Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle demanded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ava kidnapped her and has been holding her here for weeks. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s something else.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max glanced at Isabel.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d She begged. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t play games, Max.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alex is here too,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alex?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel whispered. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alex can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be. He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s dead. Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t he?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz told them. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He and Tess were working together, and Ava\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz subsided in a fit of coughing.<\/p>\n
Isabel looked like she was about to faint, and Maria took the baby out of her arms.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kyle, take Izzy and go look for Alex and Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max ordered him quietly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They should be near here, if this is where Liz was being held.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
As Kyle helped a shell-shocked Isabel up, Maria told Max what Isabel had said about the baby. Liz nodded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He never cried,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, tears falling down her cheeks. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153All he did was sleep. I was so scared, I thought he was sick, I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know what to do.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max reached over and took the infant\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand. As soon as he touched the baby, he knew it was his son. He swallowed the lump in his throat and tried to concentrate on healing the delicate blood vessels in his son\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s neck and brain.<\/p>\n
Suddenly the infant scrunched his face up and began to wail, ear piercing shrieks of confusion and fear. Maria, Liz and Michael let out sighs of relief. Max just looked lost and sick. Liz held out her arms and Maria gave the baby back to her. He quieted some, but continued to whimper.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have to get out of here, Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said gently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The rest of the hallway might collapse. We have to find Alex and Tess and get out of here as fast as we can.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max stared at her dumbly, then nodded a little. Maria and Michael helped Liz and Max up and they followed the hallway Kyle and Isabel had taken.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Kyle hurried down the hallway, calling out Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s names. Isabel trailed behind numbly. Suddenly someone was pounding on the door beside them.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kyle!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d They heard through the door. Isabel froze. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kyle, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re in here!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Kyle threw his shoulder against the door, but it didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t budge. Isabel put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him out of the way.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Move back!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she yelled through the door. She put her hand on the door and slowed its molecules to practically nothing. Kyle threw a hard kick at the door and it shattered, scattering shards across the floor.<\/p>\n
Kyle and Isabel stood silent and motionless in the doorway, neither sure what to do. Inside the room, Tess dropped the force field she had put up to protect her and Alex. Isabel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s legs gave out and she crumpled to her knees. Alex rushed past Tess and sank down next to Isabel, gathering her up in his arms. Kyle and Tess continued to stare at each other across the room.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought she was you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said, not sure what to do.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess said simply. Kyle took a dozen slow steps towards her. When he was close to arm\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s length the familiar crackle between them started up, tugging at him. A crackle he hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t felt in weeks, and suddenly he understood it.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he choked out in relief, pulling her roughly towards him and kissing her hard.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered, clinging to him so tight she could hardly breathe. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Alex stood up, carrying Isabel who looked like she had passed out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Ava?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked Kyle.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She escaped,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said tersely. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Rath\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s unconscious out in the hall.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What about Lonnie?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked. Kyle shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said quietly to the unasked question.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153All four of us are killers now,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess murmured darkly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not like anybody left us a choice,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle replied grimly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d better go find everyone else. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not sure how stable this building is.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you mean?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A section of ceiling collapsed on Liz and the baby,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle told them.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s got Zan?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex demanded.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank god,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess said with fervent relief.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zan?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s what Ava was calling Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess said bitterly.<\/p>\n
They suddenly heard Michael calling their names.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s go,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said, clutching Isabel tighter to him.<\/p>\n
They met Liz, Max, Maria, and Michael in the hallway.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isabel!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max cried out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fine,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She fainted.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He turned to Maria, who had gone white and was covering her mouth with her hand.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t believe it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she gasped, tears spilling over her cheeks. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh god, Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex handed Isabel gently to Max and held his arms open for Maria. She threw herself at him, sobbing loudly. Liz hugged Alex gently, still protectively holding the infant against her. Even Michael put a hand on Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulder and just shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We missed you, man,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said gruffly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We needed you, Alex,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Especially Izzy.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jesus Christ, man,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d was all Kyle could muster. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Jesus Christ.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So this is him, huh?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked Liz. Liz held the baby up a little for Alex to see. The baby was not impressed and wailed loudly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s got quite a set of lungs!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Must get it from your side,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d He elbowed Liz gently.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh Alex,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria and Liz both exclaimed, laughing and crying at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We had better get out of here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said, as a random shudder shook the building. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think Ava intends much of this building to last the night.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Izzy, come on,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, shaking her gently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have to wake up now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said faintly. She opened her eyes and began to cry convulsively. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I had this dream and Alex was alive\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You weren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t dreaming, Izzy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said gently. Isabel froze.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m right here, Izzy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said. He let go of a reluctant Maria and Liz and took Isabel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not going anywhere.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max slowly stood Isabel on her feet. She never took her eyes off Alex as he lowered her to the ground. She took a shaky step towards him and reached out to touch his face, then collapsed in his arms.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Izzy, we have to go,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex told her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I hold your hand, can you walk?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel pulled away and stood unsteadily for a few seconds before nodding.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s get out of here then,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, taking Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand and leading them back down the hallway.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Outside in the cool night air of the desert, they were faced with another problem. While five people had fit in the Jetta on the way to the building, and six could have possibly managed it, eight was definitely not going to make it.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t quite think this through, did we?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said to no one in particular.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do we do?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked, looking at Michael.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153How should I know?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he demanded.<\/p>\n
As they were pondering, the unmistakable sound of a car engine approaching whined in the distance.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh god,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said moving closer to Max. Isabel clutched Alex so tight she was bruising his arm, and Tess hid behind Kyle.<\/p>\n
When the car actually came into view, all the teenagers nearly passed out with relief. The car pulled to a stop in front of them.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Need a ride?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti asked. He glanced over the group, his eyes widening when he saw Alex and the baby, and narrowing when he saw Tess.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t her, Dad,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said wearily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It was Ava.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess and I have been being held here for weeks,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex confirmed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why is it that every time I get involved with you all, I end up with more questions than I started with?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti held up a hand as Max opened his mouth. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t start explaining now, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to get back to Roswell and then you are going to tell it all from start to finish. Michael, I think we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d better go to your apartment, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s further out of town than my house and there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s less chance of anyone seeing us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Michael nodded. Kyle, Tess, Max, Liz, and the baby rode with Valenti. Maria Michael, Isabel, and Alex rode in the Jetta. The Valentis\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 car was filled with a tense silence. Tess squeezed Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand so tight her knuckles were white and stared out the window. Kyle watched her, his heart aching. The only family she had ever known was with him and his father, and now even that fragile trust had been shattered by the same person who had kidnapped her. It was ridiculously unfair.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said quietly in the back seat. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think you should hold your son.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think I should,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max replied, voice nearly inaudible.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Please, Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s already had one parent desert him tonight.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I hold him,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, finally looking Liz in the eye, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll all be real.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Liz didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t reply, but laid the baby in Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arms. Max shifted the weight awkwardly as his son whimpered with uncertainty, then began to cry.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said helplessly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just not used to you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, folding her arms tightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hold him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max stuck out a forefinger and pushed it into the baby\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fist. He grabbed Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s finger and stopped crying mid-wail. To Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s amazement, a connection formed and he started to see fuzzy images of his son\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s first days of life. Mostly it was just an overwhelming amount of simple emotion: fear, confusion, loneliness, and a pervading sleepiness. Then there was a blur of dark surrounding what might have been a face and sudden comfort. Max realized with a start that it was Liz. Max wondered if his son was getting anything out of this from him, and tried to send the idea of safety and affection.<\/p>\n
Then it was over and Max was looking at Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s smug expression.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I told you so,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said. Then her tone softened. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How do you feel?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I should have been there,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max whispered fiercely. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I should have protected him from her. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the first good thing he ever knew, and he has no idea who I am.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s less than a month old, Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz soothed him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153In two weeks, he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have forgotten everything and he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be perfectly normal.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max stared at her.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, as normal as he can be anyhow.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p>\n
Max looked back down at his son who was moving his head quite a bit, staring with eyes wide open. Max held him closer so his son wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wriggle out of his grasp. The baby tried to bring a fist to his mouth and bopped himself on the nose. Liz and Max laughed as he let out a squall. Max led the fist with his finger in it to his son\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mouth, who promptly began sucking on it.<\/p>\n
Max looked up to see Tess and Kyle watching them from the front seat. He smiled self-consciously.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153My son just hit himself in the nose,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he announced with a goofy smile.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So this is the heir to the Antarian throne\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said sarcastically. He reached over the seat and tickled the baby\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stomach. The baby kicked his feet and cooed, drooling on Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand. Tess looked small and lost, and on the verge of tears.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can hold him if you want.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she whispered.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, voice hard. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ava did all this, and you should NEVER feel guilty. Come on, go ahead and hold him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess hesitantly took the infant out of Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arms. The baby looked irritated at the loss of Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s finger, but then grabbed a fistful of Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s blond curls and shrieked with glee.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ow!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d exclaimed Tess, laughing along with everyone else. Tess tickled him and he squealed and yanked harder on her hair.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re good at this!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe we should give one of these a try!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A-hrmph,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti cleared his throat loudly and Kyle turned red.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Many years from now I mean,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle added hastily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153When we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re fifty\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sheriff,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz spoke up from the back seat. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean to hold up the explanation process, but I think a stop for basic baby supplies might be wise.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d <\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Already on it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti replied. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I recall from my days of late night infant care, the convenience store near Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s apartment has the basic equipment.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You make it sound like we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going camping,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle made a face.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
An hour later, everyone was in Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s apartment, and Max was finishing his explanation.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t understand is how you knew where to find us,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max finished.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was driving by and I saw Maria peeling out of her driveway with the five of you crammed in there,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153So I followed you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But why didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you get there until after we had already rescued Liz, Tess, and Alex?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked, perplexed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, ah\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti turned a little red and looked at his boots. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was pulled over,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he admitted.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Pulled over?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle asked incredulously. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153For what?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Speeding,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti coughed quickly.<\/p>\n
The teens glanced at each other, then all burst out laughing.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, I think I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve embarrassed myself enough this evening,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti said wryly, putting his cowboy hat firmly back on his head. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Looks like its time to head out. Kyle, Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mind, Dad,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said, glancing around at the others, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like to all stay together for at least tonight. Before everything gets crazy tomorrow.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s too bad an idea,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isabel, Liz, why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you tell your mothers that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re sleeping over with\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6oh damn. I was going to say Tess, but she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s been missing all this time\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Umm, actually,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I doubt my parents know that. I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t tell them anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Me either,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel added.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, it all works out then,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti agreed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maria, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll stop by on my way and tell your mother.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I could just call her,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria pointed out naively.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll ask fewer questions if I do it in person,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti said with a smirk. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll have other matters on her hands\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153AAAHH!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria screeched, covering her ears.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh my god,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said, looking queasy. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Was that really necessary?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to tell my mom everything tomorrow,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max told Valenti. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to need help explaining my son officially. Paternity and whatever else.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Call me when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re ready,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti nodded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll come over. Between your father and I, we should be able to work it out.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks, Sheriff,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said with relief.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You really have to stop calling me that,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max shrugged. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You do realize that I had nightmares about you for my entire childhood? You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll always be Sheriff Valenti to us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The others all nodded, except for Tess who shrugged helplessly. Valenti couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t help but smile cheesily. He sobered as his eyes came to rest on Alex.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Son,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he sighed, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have any idea what we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to tell your parents.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Neither do I,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex admitted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll think of something.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Could I talk to you alone outside for a minute?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess glanced at Kyle who squeezed her hand reassuringly, then nodded. She followed Valenti out to his truck in the street.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just wanted to say,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti began awkwardly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153that I know it wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you before. She hurt Max and Isabel worst, and if they say it wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you, then it wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you. I just wanted to tell you that tomorrow, when you and Kyle come home, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll start this whole family thing all over again. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not saying it won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be hard at first, but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll give it my best shot.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess responded by throwing her arms around Valenti\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s neck.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take that as a yes,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Valenti murmured, hesitantly hugging Tess back.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
When Tess came back in, the eight teens and one infant stared at each other.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So, what are we going to do?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I am starving for some real food,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said quickly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153And a hot shower!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess chimed in.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll order pizza while you two get cleaned up,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you want on your pizza?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Everything!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex and Tess exclaimed simultaneously.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Which one of you is showering first?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael asked. Alex and Tess glanced at each other, then raced for the bathroom. Alex got their first and slammed the door in her face, wicked laughter wafting out from behind the door.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you ever heard of ladies first?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess demanded, banging on the door.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If you find any ladies out there, send them in!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex called back.<\/p>\n
Tess narrowed her eyes and Max and Michael exchanged glances, wincing. Tess stood outside the door arms folded
\nuntil she heard the sound of water running. Then she calmly unlocked the door, strode into the bathroom, and flushed the toilet. Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s scream echoed through the apartment.<\/p>\n
When he emerged in a towel fifteen minutes later he shot an icy glare at Tess, who ignored him as she ran into the bathroom and slammed the door.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You totally asked for it, man,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shove it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex sneered, snatching the clothes Michael offered him and stalking into the bedroom to change.<\/p>\n
Michael, Maria, Isabel, and Alex went to pick up the pizza while Max and Liz heated formula in the kitchen for the baby. Kyle lounged on the couch. When Tess emerged from the bathroom he swallowed hard.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did Michael set out clothes I could wear in his bedroom?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess asked, running a hand carelessly through her wet curls. Kyle nodded wordlessly, unable to take his eyes off her. The way he was staring at her made Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s chest tighten and she flushed slightly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thanks,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said huskily, walking a little too quickly into the bedroom and shutting the door behind her. She leaned against the door and took several deep breaths.<\/p>\n
She came out of the bedroom just as Maria, Michael, Isabel, and Alex returned with the pizza and was frozen in place by the open desire on Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel called. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are you guys hungry?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Starving,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle murmured, gaze sweeping over Tess from head to toe. Tess shivered, physically feeling Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes slide over her skin, leaving a burning trail. Even though she was fully dressed, Tess felt like she was completely naked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey, you two,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, coming into the room and breaking the spell. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eat already!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess reluctantly turned to follow Liz into the kitchen and felt strong hands close on her upper arms. Tess inhaled raggedly as hot breath brushed her ear.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I start touching you now, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll never stop,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle whispered, voice rough.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You are touching me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess pointed out huskily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153And believe me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle growled, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153there isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t much stopping me from taking you on the floor right now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s knees went weak and she put a hand to the wall for support. His hands slid off her and Tess leaned heavily against the wall, breathing hard.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tess, are you all right?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked when she walked dazedly into the kitchen. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You look a little flushed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, I may have overdone with the hot water,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess said, voice still breathy. She looked over and caught Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s stare. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153God, it felt good though,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said deliberately.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex agreed heartily, completely missing the sexual overtones. He devoured his slice of pizza in five bites and Isabel laughed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to choke,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she teased him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Slow down!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz, come here,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max called from the stove. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t figure out if this formula is hot enough.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Drip it on your arm,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she told him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Make sure its not burning.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153OW!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max cried sharply.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your daddy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s pretty silly,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria told the baby, who Isabel was holding.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your daddy is injuring himself for your physical safety,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said sourly, coming over with the bottle wrapped in a towel. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was going to put Tabasco in it, but I thought we had better try it plain first. Who knows what he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll eat.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a good idea,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not even sure if its safe to give Tabasco to babies.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t give them honey,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I saw it on ER.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Obviously a good source,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n
Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s son wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t drink the formula plain, and didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like the spicy version either.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do we do now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just try different tastes until you hit something he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll eat,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel suggested.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll make a chart!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz volunteered immediately, and everyone laughed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just try something less spicy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess suggested. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe its just too much for him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
They diluted the Tabasco in several weakening potencies, but the baby wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t into any incarnation of the spicy formula.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s assume that \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcspicy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t doing it for him,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, crossing off a line in her notebook. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That leaves us with \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcbitter,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcsour,\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 and \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcsweet.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have something sour!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria exclaimed. She dug through her purse and came up with a blue raspberry ring pop. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s even pacifier-shaped,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said smugly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153This can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be healthy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, examining the electric blue object.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just a taste won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t kill him,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria replied casually, taking it back from Max and popping it in the baby\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mouth. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think you can figure out what to do with this, kid.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The baby sucked on the ring pop energetically, obviously happy.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Guess that solves that problem,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sour it is.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, he isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eating that thing,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said protectively. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s sour and won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t turn him into an ADD candidate?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think I have some lemon juice,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said, getting up and opening some cabinets. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max mixed some of the leftover formula with the lemon juice and gave it to the infant. Soon he was happily nestled in Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s arms, drinking the concoction greedily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ugh,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess made a face. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can smell that from over here. Why on earth would anyone eat that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ha ha!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle exclaimed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The tables are turned now! Now you know how we feel all the time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you think he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll always like sour things?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you think he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s different than what we are?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know for sure,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve read that babies\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 taste buds don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t develop completely for the first year or so. You might have been the same way, you were just in your pods when it happened.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s true,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said thoughtfully. His son finished eating and started to fuss. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max asked, looking perplexedly at the girls.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just because we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re girls, we should know?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess challenged.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you people ever watch Lifetime?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said, exasperated. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He probably needs burped. Hold him up against your shoulder and pat his back.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maria, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t harass him,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s only been a father for a couple hours.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the right of every person without children to tell parents how to raise their kids,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria sniffed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the way it works.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
Alex awoke from his doze with a start. Isabel, pillowing her head on his chest, looked up at him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you asleep?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Granted, Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s couch isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the most comfortable bed\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said petulantly, letting out a yawn. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You keep waking up, you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t any better.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know what I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to tell my parents. I can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just go home tomorrow and say \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcoh, Mom, Dad, I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really dead. I was kidnapped by the alien who faked my death.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I know how you feel,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said gently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hate lying to my parents, too. But the truth is that they won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t care what happened. They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll just be glad you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re back.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel lowered her eyes. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Like me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have to tell them something,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex pointed out, holding Isabel tighter.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alex, I think we may have to accept the fact that there is no rational explanation about your death and subsequent resurrection, except the truth,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel said.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You could tell them that you found me in the desert,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex offered.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We may have to,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Isabel snorted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They really won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t care much. Just say you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t remember what happened to you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said doubtfully.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just go back to sleep,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she yawned. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll dream up some plausible excuse.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Speaking of,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex said thoughtfully, drifting off, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I had this crazy dream that while I was gone you were hooking up with this Hispanic guy\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * * <\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, setting the chair down to block the way out of the kitchen. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153but I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m telling you, one-month-olds don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t crawl, alien or not.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have any idea what he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s capable of,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said from the kitchen floor, where she was trying figure out how to put one of Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shirts on the baby without smothering him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Poor Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lost three of his shirts tonight. And I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not sure your son is going to leave this one in returnable condition\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s another thing,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, settling down on the pile of blankets and pillows they were using for a bed. He took his son from Liz. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t go on calling him \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcthe baby\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 or \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcyour son.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re going to have to name him.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ava named him Zan,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, trying to sound casual. Max wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fooled.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not calling him that,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said vehemently. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That name doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t bring anything but blood and death.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did you have something in mind?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not really,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max shrugged. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just not that.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you have any family names? You could name him after your dad,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz suggested.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said seriously, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153someday he might have to rule a whole planet.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153King Phil?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max raised an eyebrow and Liz began to giggle.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153King Max isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t much better,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153All the more reason to rectify the issue now,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max replied.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t many names that sound dignified after the word \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcking\u00e2\u20ac\u2122,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said thoughtfully. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It makes most people sound like a spoiled child.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s always Charles, Edward, Louis, George…\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max ran through a list of all the European kings he could name. Liz wrinkled her nose.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Those are terrible!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153King Louie of Antar?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
The suggestions kept sounding worse until Liz and Max were crying with laughter.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Maybe we should just pick something normal, and not worry about reigning a world just yet,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz suggested, wiping her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We should just give and call him something trendy,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, half-kidding. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Like Brent.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Or Devon,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said, still giggling<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Justyn with a y.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153A.J.!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ja-son<\/i>!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hey,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said suddenly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wrong with that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ja-son<\/i>?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max repeated staring at her. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well for one thing\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz interrupted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just Jason. That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a perfectly normal name.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153King Jason,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said slowly, trying it out. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I like it. What do you think?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he asked the baby. Jason waved his arms and laughed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Looks like we have a winner.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max sighed suddenly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What am I going to tell my parents?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What am I going to tell my<\/i> parents,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz replied gloomily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Liz,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to be a part of this. I would understand if you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to stay with me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz began.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You could still have a normal life, finish high school and go to college,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max went on. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I mean, this isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fair. He isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even your son, why should he take away your future too?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz interrupted. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Stop it. Your son isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t ruining anyone\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not leaving you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz said firmly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Lots of people have babies in high school. Not like it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a great thing, but they manage, and so will we. Besides,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz added, lowering her eyes, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153this might be my only chance to have a family with you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max opened his mouth and then closed it again. He hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t thought of that. Liz went on hesitantly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even know whether hybrids can have children with humans. And I want to have kids. I want to have them with you. And babies need mothers. So I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m staying.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said with relief. Liz looked back up at him.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think I can do this by myself,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max admitted guiltily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153and I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to do this with anyone else. I love you, Liz.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max, I love you too.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz yawned suddenly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153God, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m tired.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Kidnapping does take it out of you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, laughing. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Here, lay down.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max stretched out on the blankets with Jason on his chest and Liz snuggled into his side.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What are you going to tell your mother?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz asked sleepily.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to have to tell her all of it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max sighed heavily. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the baby\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mother, Max?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcHe doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have one, Mom, we found him in the desert.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Or, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcWell, Mom, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a girl that looks exactly like Tess, funny enough, but she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s gone and she isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t coming back. No, no, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m very sure.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz pointed out gently.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I do want to,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said uncomfortably. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m scared. What if she hates me? What if I scare her?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max, your mother loves you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz assured him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She will love you no matter what. Even if you really were green and slimy and had a third eye.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Max smiled at the old joke, but didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really feel much better. He decided to change the subject.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wonder what Alex is telling his parents.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Now there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a good question,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz agreed \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m glad I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not in his shoes.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yeah.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max yawned hugely, setting off Liz. They glared balefully at Jason, who was waving his hands at nothing energetically and laughing.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t your son go to sleep?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz demanded, struggling to keep her eyes open. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought infants slept most of the time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He has been sleeping for the whole first month of his life,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max replied. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s very well rested I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure. Or it could be that hybrid babies only sleep a few hours a day\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not funny!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz hissed, pinching his arm.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mmm,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max murmured, his own eyes starting to close of their own accord.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Max,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz sighed softly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153we have to stay awake.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max said, eyes now firmly shut. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even crawl yet. He isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t going anywhere.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think this is child neglect\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Liz\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes were closed now too.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t tell if you won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
And with that both new parents were out cold.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mmm, Michael,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria sighed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You really shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t start that\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why not?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael asked. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You taste good.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153God, you do too\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria pushed at Michael weakly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sure we can,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We do it all the time.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153But six of our friends are right outside this door, probably listening to every\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6ooh\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shirt,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael commanded. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Off. Now.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Noo, Michael,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria folded her arms across her shirt.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Either you take it off,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael said evenly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153or I blow it up.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Maria stared at Michael, then began to giggle. Michael used the lull in Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s defenses to peel her shirt off and fling it over his shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bra too,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said tersely.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nuh uh,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria said firmly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We totally aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t doing this.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You had your chance,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael shrugged finally. He pinned his squealing girlfriend to the bed and held her wrists down. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Stop struggling.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What are you going to do now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria demanded smugly. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have to use both hands to hold me.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Michael\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mouth quirked in a half smile. He lowered his head to Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s chest and used his teeth to unhook her bra, then nuzzled it out of his way.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Much better,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said. Maria\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s scathing retort came out as a whimper.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6fair\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria gasped. Michael wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have bothered to answer, even if his mouth hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t been full. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6jeans,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Maria hissed triumphantly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That would be true,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Michael mumbled, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153if you hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t taken them off before getting into my bed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Damn\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
A low moan floated out of the bedroom, over to where Tess and Kyle were doing their best to ignore both it and their arousal. They lay on the floor next to each other, staring at the ceiling, being very careful not to touch each other.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a mechanic?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Well, someone has to pay the bills,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he answered nonchalantly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s very macho,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess commented.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s nothing to go all fem-Nazi about,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle said defensively.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No, no, in a good way,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess reassured him. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Honestly, I think there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s something very sexy about a man who\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s willing to get his hands dirty. With the sweat and the grease\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and the chrome\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and the muscles\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I think you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d better stop,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle interrupted, just as a little shriek issued towards them.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sorry, got a little carried away.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
They lay in silence for a few moments.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you want to go for a walk or something?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle asked.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess answered almost before he stopped speaking. Kyle laughed quietly as he helped her to her feet and they slipped towards the door.<\/p>\n
As Kyle shut the door behind them, Tess closed her eyes and just felt the cool night air from the desert ruffling her hair. She felt Kyle come to stand beside her and slip his hand into hers. She opened her eyes to find him watching her with open appreciation and blushed.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Come on,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he tugged her gently off the porch.<\/p>\n
They wandered down the sidewalk in silence for a little while. Tess tried to keep her eyes on where she was going, but her gaze kept drifting to the sky, and more than once Kyle had to pull back onto the sidewalk, or steady her when she stumbled on the uneven pavement.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sorry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said after half a dozen trips or so. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just, I spent my whole live staring up at the stars. It was the thing I missed most when\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she trailed off and shuddered a little. Kyle squeezed her hand tightly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Come on,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he said again, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want to show you something.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Several blocks away, they came to a small park with several large rocks strewn about haphazardly. He pulled Tess up to sit beside him on one of the largest rocks and stared up at the stars with her in the clear desert night.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We used to play out here when we were kids,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle explained. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153One time, in elementary school, we had a class overnight trip here for science class. It was right after my mom left, and I wanted to be alone, so I wandered off from the others. I found Alex sitting here on this rock. He was just staring up at the sky, swinging his feet. Finally I asked him what he was doing, and he looked at me, really calm, and said he was waiting. I asked him what for and he said, \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcI don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know yet. But it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s important.\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 And then he asked if I was waiting too. Before I answered, our teacher found us and made us come back with her. But I never forgot Alex just sitting on this rock, staring at the sky like he was ready to wait forever, that whatever he was waiting for was worth it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Alex told me he always loved the stars,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess said softly.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I guess he knew how important they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be to us,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle reached over and tugged one of Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s curls gently, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153even if the rest of us didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t yet. And when Isabel and Max showed up at school later that year, he looked at me like he was saying \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcSee? What did I tell you?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wish I could have been here when I was little,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess sighed wistfully. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I wish I could have grown up with all of you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Me too,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle agreed. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I was getting tired of being the only one who was still waiting.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess met his gaze shyly, and he leaned over to kiss her gently, this kiss saying everything their desperate kiss earlier hadn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t had time for.<\/p>\n
Kyle began to feel a little dizzy, and realized with awe that he had connected with Tess before the flashes actually engulfed him.<\/p>\n
Tess breaking out of her pod to discover that she was utterly alone\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess starting school late and being ignored by the other kids\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess packing her things again before she\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d even fully unpacked from the last move\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s first day at any one of dozens of high schools whose name wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worth remembering, with people whose hostility towards her remained long after their names had been forgotten\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s first days in Roswell, where Isabel had been the only person to ever be truly friendly towards her\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess watching Max, Isobel and Michael with envy, waiting for the inevitable move and rejection, compounded by the realization that she could never replace Liz in Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6and then\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n
Kyle when his father explained that his mother wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t coming back\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Kyle burying his anger and hurt in sports\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Kyle being jealous of how close Liz, Alex, and Maria were\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Kyle purposefully making shallow friends and dating vapid girls to keep his relationships superficial\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Kyle spending his whole summer at football camp while everyone else was on vacation, so he could be the football star\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Liz breaking up with Kyle for Max, blaming him for Paulie and the other guys ambushing Evans in the alley\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Max healing Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s confusion and frustration with everything and everyone\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6except\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/i><\/p>\n
The last thing Tess saw before the connection broke was Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s memory of Alex sitting on the rock, waiting, legs swinging against the rock patiently, like he was prepared to wait forever if he had to.<\/p>\n
Waiting for them. Waiting for her.<\/p>\n
Both Tess and Kyle collapsed against the rock simultaneously, gasping.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What base was that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Tess asked after a long moment.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Home run,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Kyle laughed breathlessly, thinking about his crestfallen confession to Max that he had only gotten to second base with Liz. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Want to go for a grand slam?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Tess rolled her eyes, knowing it had probably been too much to ask for that she got a human who wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t so fond of sports metaphors.<\/p>\n
* * * * * *<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Everybody ready?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Max asked, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves before they all went back to real life in Roswell.<\/p>\n
Max looked around at the eight faces staring back at him, which all echoed his own reluctance to go back out into the outside world.<\/p>\n
Maria, chewing on her lip, nervous for all of them and sneaking glances at Michael. So full of energy and all things glittery, Max was thankful for Maria almost as often as Liz, grateful she was showing all of them what it really meant to live with your whole heart.<\/p>\n
Alex, looking even more tense than Max did, but putting on a brave face and a goofy smile for all of them, especially Isabel. Max valued his candor and his humor, knowing that they all needed it to keep from taking themselves too seriously.<\/p>\n
Tess, apprehension tinged with outright joy at actually having a family to go home to, with people who loved her for was she was, instead of what she had been on another planet, in another time. Max had feared for a long time that she would be what drove them all apart, but now realized that she was closing the circle.<\/p>\n
Michael, looking outwardly calm, having opted to go with Alex to tell his parents he was alive. Orphaned several times over, Max was sure that Michael knew that they were his real family, and that there was a better chance of the UFO convention being cancelled than of them betraying his trust.<\/p>\n
Liz, his soulmate, holding his son, knowing full well that the scene with either of their parents was not going to be pretty, but standing by him anyway. He could see the gears of her little scientist\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s brain clicking away, working on a plan for them.<\/p>\n
Kyle, holding onto Tess\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand like he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d forgotten there was another way to stand. Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s guilt about turning Kyle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life upside down was alleviated by the knowledge that he was fully one of them now, and the happier for it.<\/p>\n
Isabel, his sister, still clutching Alex like she thought he might vanish if she breathed too hard, anxiety for him warring with the excited fear she felt about telling her and Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s parents the truth about them after all this time.<\/p>\n
Jason, his son, who clearly had no idea what anxiety even was, and for whom each day was a fascinating miracle where everything had to be touched and experienced and then put in your mouth.<\/p>\n
Max took stock of his own emotional situation and saw the same mix of fear and elation in himself as in all the others. There were lots of reasons to be scared, his parents, his son, his uncertain future.<\/p>\n
But Max was starting to realize that the reasons for the profound feeling of good were more numerous and deeper rooted. These people, all teaching him something unique and essential, were filling up the places that his existence as a willful outsider had torn in him and making him whole. Unbidden, the words that Michael had said to him in Las Vegas rose in Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mind.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Whoever sent us down here was smart. You know why? Cause they sent us together. And so long as we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re together, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re gonna make it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/i><\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t this the part where we all put our hands in the middle and shout \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcGo team!\u00e2\u20ac\u2122?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked, breaking into Max\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s reverie. He stuck his own hand out and raised an eyebrow at the others. Maria giggled, then put her own hand firmly on top of Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s. Tess, then Kyle, then the others followed suit, finding Alex\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s charm hard to resist.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153All right, is everybody ready?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Alex asked. Everyone nodded, trying to suppress giggles and snorts. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153One\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6two\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6three\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153GO TEAM!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n