Rated PG-13 for violence

Disclaimer: I donıt own any of the Roswell characters, although Gabriel is mine!!!

Spoilers: everything up to and including the episode "Leaving Normal"

Category: mainly M/L

Feedback: Oh yeah!

Format: script (INT. means interior, EXT. meansexterior)

EXT. LIZ'S BALCONY

She is seated on a lawn chair, writing in a red book.

LIZ: Today is November 18. My name is Liz Parker. I started this journal not to tediously record every event that happens in my life. I have already seen how dangerous that can be. But there are some things that have to be written down to be understood. And some events that have to be described to be believed. Like Wednesday at the Crashdown, when a stranger came in...

INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON)

The back of a man as he strides across the cafe. Dressed in all black, he heads for a booth in the back.

Around him, the few patrons stare and whisper.

He sits down and grabs a menu.

Lizıs Dad notices him, smiles in his direction and heads to the back.

INT. BACK ROOM (SAME)

Liz is just putting on her apron to begin her afternoon shift.

Liz's Dad sticks his head in the door.

DAD: Liz, are you on?

LIZ: Yeah, Dad. I'll be right there.

DAD: Okee-dokee.

LIZ: Oh, how's Mom feeling?

DAD: About the same. Liz, there's a customer at booth #3 I want you to take care of. I want you to show him our best service, okay?

LIZ: Sure.

INT. CRASHDOWN (MINUTES LATER)

Liz heads to booth #3.

The stranger has his head down, studying his menu.

As Liz reaches his table, she fixes a smile on her face.

LIZ: Hi. Welcome to the Crashdown Cafe. What can I get for you?

As the stranger looks up, Liz freezes.

It's Michael, sort of...someone who looks almost exactly like him! Same eyes, same mouth...even the hint of danger she used to see in Michael before she knew him well enough to call him a friend.

Liz knows she is staring, but just can't help it.

The stranger narrows his eyes and smiles slightly.

STRANGER: I guess you could say I'm new in town. What would you recommend for a hungry traveler?

Liz blinks a few times before answering.

LIZ: Wow. So you're visiting Roswell for the first time?

The stranger looks at her carefully, seeming to size her up.

STRANGER: Actually, no. I've been here before. I'm just here for a few days. So, about the menu...?

Liz rouses herself back to waitress status.

LIZ: Oh, sorry. I would recommend...well, the Sigourney Weaver Special is my favorite.

The stranger smiles.

STRANGER: Somehow, I knew you were going to say that.

Liz opens her eyes wide.

LIZ: Oh...You want a drink with that?

STRANGER: A coke.

Liz smiles and turns to go.

STRANGER: You don't happen to have Tabasco sauce, do you?

Liz freezes, then turns to give him a half-hearted smile.

LIZ No. Actually, people....usually bring in their own if they want it.

Just at that moment, Maria de Luca comes in the door for work.

Liz gives Maria a strained smile and jerks her head toward the back room.

Maria follows her as she exits to the back.

MARIA What is it, Liz?

Liz stops to look back at the booth before exiting the room.

CREDITS

INT. BACK ROOM (MINUTES LATER)

Maria is buttoning up her waitress dress. She stops abruptly.

MARIA: Oh. my. God. Do you know what this means?

LIZ: Yes....sort of. I'm very confused. What does it mean?

MARIA: I don't know. Let me go check him out.

Liz grabs Maria's arm.

LIZ: No! He might suspect something.

MARIA: Well, if he's who we think he is, then he would already be suspecting something. Right?Otherwise, there's nothing to worry about. Did he order a drink? I'll take it to him.

LIZ: No. Maria-

MARIA: Liz, you're being ridiculous. I'm sure it's, like, just your imagination or something. Just let me go see.

LIZ: No. You can't go out there.

Maria stares at her.

MARIA: Liz!

LIZ: Not until you button your dress.

Maria looks down at her exposed chest.

MARIA: Oh. Right. I was going to do that.

INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (MINUTES LATER)

Drink in hand, Maria heads for booth #3, trying to walk as though it were a normal customer and not a dreaded alien who could kill her with one touch of his hand.

She stops three steps away and gathers her courage. Then she approaches the table.

The stranger has his head down, studying the tabletop.

MARIA: Here's your Coke, sir.

The stranger glances up at Maria and then at the drink she just put in front of him.

STRANGER: Thanks.

He goes back to studying the table.

Maria is frozen in place.

The stranger looks back up, furrowing his brow so much like Michael that Maria gasps.

STRANGER: Is something wrong? Because between you and your friend there... (he indicates the back room where Liz is peeking out) I'm beginning to feel rather alienated...if you know what I mean?

Maria is shocked but manages to cover with a strange laugh.

MARIA: Oh, that's funny. Alien...ated...I'm sorry if I'm being rude. Has anyone ever told you that you look just like....uh...Brad Pitt?

STRANGER: No. That would be a first for me.

MARIA Oh, okay. Maria gladly excuses herself to the back room.

INT. BACK ROOM

LIZ: Well?

MARIA: This is, like, an X-file or something. I mean, how much more like Michael could he be? He even does that James Dean sort of rebel-without-a-clue thing, like, wrinkly forehead thing.

LIZ: Cause. Rebel without a cause.

MARIA: Oh, okay, correct my movie trivia at a time like this. Liz, you've got to tell Max. They've got toknow about this.

LIZ: Youıre right. I'll go after we close.

Maria grabs her arm.

MARIA: Until then, stay on his good side.

Liz smiles nervously.

INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (LATER)

Liz is watching the stranger out of the corner of her eye as she wipes up the counters.

Suddenly, he looks up and motions to her.

She puts down the cloth, makes eyes at Maria and walksover to his booth.

LIZ: Hi. How was your burger?

STRANGER: Perfect. I just thought maybe you might be willing to help me with something else. How long have you lived in Roswell?

LIZ: My whole life.

STRANGER: Ever seen any aliens?

He smiles.

LIZ: (trying to laugh) Are you kidding? Around here, we see aliens every day.

Maria, who has moved within hearing distance, shoots her a look.

So does the stranger.

STRANGER: My name is Gabriel. I'm looking for a kid who is probably about your age that I knew years ago. I was hoping to hook up with him again. He would have been an orphan, adopted when he was about six years old.Know anybody like that?

Liz is reeling.

LIZ: Oh, wow. Um....well, I guess I do know most of the kids in town, but I'm not sure that I would know if they were adopted or not.

Gabriel's eyes narrow.

LIZ: I could ask around, maybe. And see. How long will you be in town?

GABRIEL: Just a few days.

He stands, pulls out his wallet and puts a few dollars on the table.

As Liz smiles nervously, he walks closer.

GABRIEL: I'll be back to see what you find.

Liz nods.

Gabriel gives her a small smile and heads out the door.

Liz lets out her pent-up breath.

INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (NIGHT)

Liz pauses as she cleans off some tables, tired but her mind obviously working.

Maria walks up behind her.

MARIA: I'm dying to know what Max and Michael say, but I've got to go home and finish that 500 word essay for Mr. Growsky. Only 495 words to go.

LIZ: Have you figured out what this guy might be doing here? I mean, if he's one of the...you know.

MARIA: No. I'm sort of afraid to figure that one out.

Maria gives her a hug.

MARIA: Be careful, okay?

LIZ: Sure.

Maria exits.

Liz's Dad comes in from the back.

DAD: What a night. We did really well today. You and Maria are a great team.

LIZ: Thanks, Dad. I've got to go out for a few minutes.

DAD: Liz, I think you need to go see your mother. She's feeling pretty poorly and we need to let her know we haven't forgotten her.

Liz nods reluctantly.

INT. PARENTS' BEDROOM (LATER)

Liz has changed into a casual outfit and is sitting at her mother's bedside.

MOTHER: (hoarse) So, your day went okay?

She coughs loudly.

LIZ: Yeah. Don't try and talk, Mom, it'll only make your throat worse.

MOTHER: (nods, whispering) But that means you have to talk.

LIZ: I know. I'm sorry we haven't talked much lately. A lot has been going on.

Her mother motions for her to continue.

LIZ Well, remember Max? He came to the hospital when Grandma...well, the night she had the stroke and then later on, when she...anyway, he's a really nice guy and I find myself sort of wondering about...

She flounders for the right expression, then stops.

Her mother reaches out and holds her hand.

LIZ: Didn't you think he was....?

Her mother nods with a grin.Liz blushes.

LIZ: But, I know what you're going to say. And it's not true. Kyle and I never really had a future together. We're through. I'm sure of that, but now I'm not sure what happens...with anyone else.

Her mother just smiles knowingly at her.

MOTHER: (whispering) One day at a time, sweetie.

Liz smiles.

EXT. STAIRWAY (LATER)

Liz has finally gotten out of the house and heads toward Max's house. It is dark and noises around the town make her nervous.

The town square clock strikes 10:00.

INT. MAX'S ROOM (LATER)

Max, in bed, has fallen asleep with the lights on and a book, "The Alien Has Landed" on his chest.

EXT. WINDOW- THE EVANS' HOUSE

Liz knocks on the window.

INT. ISABEL'S ROOM (SAME)

Isabel turns over in bed immediately.

The tapping on the window comes again.

Isabel rises out of bed, her tall form graceful in a short nightgown.

She cautiously goes toward the window.

EXT. WINDOW

LIZ: (whispering) Max! I have to talk to you.

The window opens.

Isabel pulls aside the curtain.

ISABEL Liz? Wrong window?

Liz pulls back in surprise.

LIZ: Isabel! I'm sorry...but actually I do need to talk to you, too. I need to talk to all three of you.

Isabel steps back and lets Liz in.

CUT TO:DREAM SEQUENCE:
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY

Max and Liz are standing in the hallway, looking deeply into each other's eyes.

The other students in the crowded hallway begin to disappear in groups...until only Liz and Max are left.

Max reaches out and puts one hand around Liz's waist, pulling her closer to him. She leans against him, face lowered.

He holds her close for a moment, then slips her cardigan off her shoulders, caressing her bare arms gently.

She sighs and lifts her face to him, sliding her handsaround his back.

He cups his hand behind her head and leans down to kiss her...

Suddenly, Isabel appears, looking sharply defined and out of place in the soft scenario.

ISABEL: Nice dream, Max.

Max pulls away from Liz quickly.

MAX: Is! I-I.... (flustered) this is sort of a private moment.

Isabel smiles knowingly.

ISABEL: She's here, so you might want to wake up.

MAX: Here? Liz?

ISABEL: In my room. She needs to talk to all of us. I'm going to see Michael right now.

CUT TO:ANOTHER DREAM SEQUENCE
EXT. BIG HILL UNDER A STARRY SKY

Michael sits at an easel, concentrating with furrowed brow on the subject sitting not far away.

Liz is laying back on a chaise-lounge, smiling seductively at Michael.

LIZ: Michael, are you going to draw all night?

He frowns at her and paints a few more strokes.

Then Liz appears in front of him.

She pulls the palette out of his hands and sets it on the table beside him.

LIZ: Let's put those creative juices to better use.

She places herself in front of him and puts her arms around his neck.

He hesitates, then pulls her close and kisses her deeply.

Isabel once again looks out of place in his dream, sharp and focused in this fuzzy world.

ISABEL: Michael! What are you doing?

Michael pushes Liz away and jumps up.

MICHAEL: Isabel! (he looks at Liz) Just a stray thought, that's all. What are you doing here?

ISABEL: The real Liz is at our place; she needs to talk to all of us. Right now.

Michael nods.

MICHAEL: I'm on my way.

Isabel takes another look at the simpering dream version of Liz.

ISABEL: Men.

MICHAEL: Um...Is...don't tell, okay?

She doesn't bother turning around.

ISABEL: Whatever.

INT. ISABEL'S ROOM (SAME)

Isabel wakes up and looks over at Liz.

ISABEL: They're both coming.

She gives her a knowing smile.

LIZ: What?

ISABEL: I would never have guessed it.

LIZ: What?

INT. ISABEL'S ROOM (MINUTES LATER)

A KNOCK on the window.

Isabel gets up to open her window again, wrapped in a Japanese silk robe.

Michael crawls through the window and nods at everyone.

As Isabel gives him a knowing smile, Michael flashes back a warning look.

Liz is seated on the other bed, her feet tucked upunder her.

She is acutely aware that Max's tank t-shirt reveals more of his chest than she is used to seeing. Even across the room, it is very distracting.

MAX: So, Liz, what's going on?

Turning her mind to business, she takes a deep breath.

LIZ: Someone came into the diner today. His name is Gabriel and he looks EXACTLY like Michael. He even asked for Tabasco sauce.

ISABEL: So?

Michael is transfixed by her words.

LIZ: Well, I probably wouldn't have called you all together but he said he was here looking for a kid that he used to know from Roswell. He said that he would have been adopted at age six and that he would be my age now.

MICHAEL: And he looked like me?

LIZ: Looked, talked, acted like you. It was creepy. Maria and I could barely get any work done. He wants me to ask around and see if I can find out what happened to that boy. What should I do?

Michael jumps up.

MICHAEL: I find him. Tell him who I am. This is it. He could be....my family.

MAX: Wait, Michael. What if it's a trap?

MICHAEL: What? How could this be a trap?

MAX: We know that theyıre watching us right now. This would be the perfect way to get us to expose ourselves.

MICHAEL: Who? Who's watching us? The guidance counselor?The sheriff? (shakes his head This may be the only shot we'll get at this. I haveto know.

LIZ: Wait, what if you, one of you, not Michael, comes to the cafe and takes a look at him. I mean, maybe I'm imagining it. Maybe youıll take one look at him and say, "No way, he's a fake." Can't you tell these kinds of things?

MAX: Good idea, Liz. Michael, just wait. Let one of us check him out first. If he sees you, it's all over. Just lay low for day or two and we'll make sure it's safe. Okay?

Michael's look is inscrutable.

MAX: Look, we want this for you as badly as you do, if it's safe. Okay?

Isabel watches on without expression.

Michael finally nods.

MAX: So you think heıll be back in tomorrow, Liz?

LIZ: I think so. He'll want to hear what I have to say. What should I tell him?

Max and Isabel exchange looks.

INT. CRASHDOWN CAFE (THURSDAY)

Liz is working the register when Gabriel enters.

She smiles at him nervously, then turns to look overat Max sitting in booth #1. She looks pointedly in Gabriel's direction and Max nods slightly.

He watches Gabriel walk towards him, trying not to let shock register on his face.

Liz walks over and pours more Coke for Max.

LIZ: You see him?

Max nods tensely.

MAX: Stay away from him, Liz.

She stares at Max for a moment, then looks over at Gabriel, who immediately motions for her to come over.

Liz smiles and waves at him before walking into theback room.

INT. BACK ROOM

LIZ: Dad?

Liz's dad peeks his head out from the supply closet.

DAD: Yes, sweetie?

LIZ: Dad, can you cover for me for a few minutes?

DAD: No, honey, I can't do it right now. I'm up to my elbows in stock. I'll be out there in about half an hour, okay?

Liz hesitates and then nods.

LIZ: Okay.

INT. CAFE (MINUTES LATER)

Liz looks to see if the other waitress has served Gabriel, but he motions to her again.

Liz reluctantly heads toward his table.

As she nears, Gabriel immediately gets down tobusiness.

GABRIEL: So, did you have any luck?

Liz feigns forgetfulness.

LIZ: I'm sorry?

Max watches the scene with foreboding.

GABRIEL: Did you find my friend?

LIZ: I'm sorry. I must have forgotten. What was it you wanted again?

Gabriel looks at her intently, then over at Max.

Max quickly looks away.

GABRIEL: I don't think you forgot anything. You know who my friend is, and who else I'm looking for.

LIZ: Do you want to order something? I can help you with that.

GABRIEL: No, I want to get some answers from you, Liz.

LIZ: Well, I'm sorry, I don't have any for you.

He gives her an appraising glance.

GABRIEL: You tell them to meet me tonight at the abandoned chipper mill. Seven o'clock. You do know who I mean, don't you? Everything depends on it.

LIZ: Who?

GABRIEL: You're a great friend to them, Liz. Maybe too good if you're willing to stand between them and what they really want. Are you sure you're doing the right thing?

Liz forces herself not to say anything.

Gabriel leans forward, feeling her weakening.

GABRIEL: I can help them more than they know, if you'll just tell me who they are.

She is torn...

Finally, Liz shakes her head, breaking the moment.

LIZ: I'm sorry, why don't I get my father for you...

Gabriel reaches out quick as lightning and grabs her wrist.

Liz immediately tries to pull away.

GABRIEL: You want to drag this out, Liz? Fine.

As Gabriel squeezes Liz's wrist, she cries out. He quickly stuffs something in her hand.

The diner has become quiet, the other waitress disappears into the back with a frightened look.

Max is suddenly there.

MAX: Let her go.

As he clamps his hand on Gabriel's, there is a FLASH, then another FLASH, and Max sees a vision.

VISION

Gabriel wrestling with someone, a big man.

A knife flashes up in the air and comes down.

The big man cries out and Gabriel stabs him again.

END VISION

Gabriel releases Liz and jerks his hand out of Max's just as Liz's Dad walks up.

DAD: I think you'd better leave, son.

Gabriel addressed Liz nonchalantly.

GABRIEL: Until we meet again.

He walks out.

Max watches him with hooded eyes, then turns back to Liz.

MAX: Are you all right?

LIZ: I think so. Thanks.

DAD: What did he say to you, Liz?

LIZ: Um...He...uh... (looking at Max) nothing really. He's trying to find someone and asked me to help him. But I don't think I can.

DAD: Well, even if you could, you won't. If you ever see him coming around here again, you call me. Either of you. Okay?

They nod.

Lizıs Dad heads back to the back.

MAX: I'm sorry, Liz.

LIZ: It's okay, really. I'm fine. He...gave me this.

She glances at a card in her hand, then gives it to Max.

Scrawled on the card is this:
"The abandoned chipper mill. Seven o'clock."

LIZ: He wants to meet all of you, I think.

MAX: He talked about us?

LIZ: Not by name, but he said I knew who else he was looking for. Let me know what you decide.

MAX: No. You've done enough. Let us handle it.

Liz nods, gratefully.

INT. ISABEL'S ROOM (NIGHT)

Isabel is carefully applying make-up at her sitdown vanity. She looks perfect already, but isn't satisfied.

A KNOCK at the door.

ISABEL: Enter.

Max sticks his head in the door.

Isabel motions him in.

ISABEL: So, how did it go? Did he look like Michael?

Max nods as he sits on her bed.

MAX: His name is Gabriel. He's dangerous. He made it sound like he knew all about us.

ISABEL: Well, if heıs from the pod, he would know all about us, wouldn't he? What exactly did he say?

MAX: He wants us to meet him tonight.

Isabel smiles widely.

ISABEL: Great! (seeing his concerned expression) Why is that not great?

MAX: I still feel like this could be a trap. And this is too important to gamble with, Is.

She nods reluctantly.

ISABEL: But what if heıs really from Michael's family?

MAX: Then he should be able to find Michael on his own. Think about it, Is. Why is he using Liz?

ISABEL: Liz can take care of herself, Max. We need to be looking out for Michael right now

MAX: Thatıs what I'm doing.

Isabel turns back to the mirror.

MAX: You got a date?

ISABEL Yes.

MAX: Anyone I know?

ISABEL Maybe...Michael is going to want to meet Gabriel.

MAX: I know. But maybe he'll understand why we can't, not like this.

ISABEL: Yeah, right. (looks into mirror and sighs) Just like my date's going to understand why I have to cancel.

Max studies her for a moment.

MAX: I don't think we should meet Gabriel, Is.

She looks at him with determination.

ISABEL: I know. But Michael needs to have a choice in this. It's his life, Max.

EXT. THE EVANS' JEEP (LATER)

With Michael in the back, Max and Isabel drive down a deserted road and stop.

MICHAEL: What did he say, Max?

MAX: He wants us to meet him. Tonight.

MICHAEL: Where?

MAX: Michael, we can't just walk into this blindly. We need to make sure it's safe.

MICHAEL: No, Max. I'm through being safe. And I'm ready for whatever happens. Just tell me what he said.

ISABEL: Max...

Max stares at Michael and Isabel for a long moment, then pulls out the card.

EXT. ABANDONED CHIPPER MILL (6:50)

Michael, Max and Liz have left their jeep and taken a back way to the mill.

INT. WAREHOUSE

They are hiding in a small warehouse, on the upper floor.

From Max's viewpoint, we can see the incoming road as well as all the buildings. All is quiet

ISABEL: (whispering) God, this is creepy.

MAX At least we know the area is safe. No surprises. If he comes now, we'll see him first.

MICHAEL: Max, would you take a break with your conspiracy crap? You've been reading too much.(focusing on the landscape) It's not a trap.

INT. WAREHOUSE (MUCH LATER)

Max is brooding as he checks his watch again. 11:30 and all is quiet outside.

He is seated, still looking out over the mill. He glances over at Isabel, who has fallen asleep on the floor beside him.

Then he looks over at Michael who is peering intently at the back entrance to the mill.

Max slowly gets to his feet, waking up Isabel in the process.

He crosses to Michael.

MAX: We've got to get home. Curfew calls.

Michael doesn't even look at him.

MICHAEL: Fine.

He brushes past Max and heads down the stairs.

Isabel limps over to Max.

ISABEL: One side of my body is completely numb. Carry me.

Max has to smile.

INT. PHONE BOOTH (SAME)

Gabriel, wearing a baseball cap and jacket, is waiting in the booth. He checks his watch.

The PHONE RINGS and he picks it up.

GABRIEL: Yeah?.....No, she didn't budge, didn't give a hint that she knew anything. But she does. I can tell....Yeah, they showed up, without her...I did. Well, how should I handle it?... And if she talks?....(deep breath) Right. Yeah, yeah. Iıve already started it. She should be feeling it right about now.

He hangs up.

Continued next page...

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