Rating: PG-13-some bad language
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to the WB.
Summary: Maria, Liz, Michael, and Max go to Arizona to find out about Maria's father. Spoilers: none--takes place BEFORE Heat Wave. It's the way I thought the story should have gone since 'the kiss'. (It's first season)
Comments: I this was the first fanfic I ever wrote and I really don't think it's the best I've written, but I'm procrastinating studying for an Oceanography test so I figured I'd give it a try. It's first season--BEFORE Heat Wave--pretend Alex knew from the beginning (I goofed when I wrote this). I apologize for the cheesiness--especially in the pool!
Feedback: I wouldn't mind some-I know it's not the greatest but I'd like to know what you thought.

"Hello?" Maria asked, answering the phone and pausing in her homework.

"Mrs. Deluca?" the voice on the other end of the phone asked.

"No, this is her daughter. Who's this?"

"You don't know me, but I knew your father."

"What?" Maria whispered; it was all she could say.

"Your father lived in an apartment across from mine. We became very good friends."

"Do you know where he is now?" Maria asked, with a little hope in voice. Maybe she could finally find her father and meet him.

"Oh, um, he passed away two weeks ago. I was helping the landlord clean out his apartment when I found this number. I figured I give it a try although it looked really old."

"Oh...." Maria trailed off. She couldn't believe her father was dead. All of her hopes of finding out about him were squashed. "So, why did you call me?"

"Well, I thought you or actually your mother might want to come here and go through his things," the stranger said. "I don't really know what to do with all of it. And I think it's more your place than mine."

"Oh, yeah I guess," Maria stated despondently "Um, where do you live? Where did he live?"

"I live in Clifton, Arizona. The address to my apartment building is 2386 SW Arid St. apartment L45. That's on the third floor. Your father's was L46."

"Ok, thank you. Oh, and what is your name?" Maria was tremendously confused, but she was on auto pilot and was asking the questions you always ask when taking down a phone message.

"I'm Jonathon Grimly. If you are going to come, please come by next Tuesday, because the landlord wants it clear by then. Otherwise she's going to throw everything away. Today's Wednesday, so that gives you five days to get here."

"Ok, thank you, Mr. Grimly." With that Maria hung up the phone and sat silently in her desk for the nest five minutes. * I can't believe my father was so close and I never knew it! Now he's dead, and I'll never get to know him! Should I be feeling sad now? I mean I never knew the guy but he was my father. What do I tell mom? Do I tell her anything? Should I just go to Arizona myself? Ugh! I don't know what to do! I guess I'll call Liz.* Maria's thought's continued to torture her as she dialed Liz's phone number.

"Hello?" Liz answered her phone.

"Liz? You're not going to believe what just happened!!" Maria then proceeded to tell Liz everything that had happened on the previous phone call.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Michael!!" Isabel screamed as she tried to tear her journal from Michael's grasp. "Give it back! It's mine!"

"Oh, come on Is, you stood there waving it in front of me, just begging me to take it. And now you're upset?"

"Oooo! This has got to be because you have no siblings to fight with."

With that comment, Michael let go of her diary and Isabel fell on the floor. Isabel's statement had reminded him for the umpteenth time that he had no true family.

"Ow, Michael!!" Isabel stood up, rubbing her backside. She then noticed Michael's expression and recalled what she had just said, "Oh, Michael, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. It's just you certainly know how to annoy me!"

"Yeah," Michael chuckled halfheartedly.

At that moment Max walked into the Evan's home.

"Oh, hey, Max. I came to see you and Is was here and...come on I have to tell you something. See you later, Is."

"Ok, Michael," Max replied, sensing the urgency in his voice.

Once they were in his room, Max asked, "So what's up, Michael? Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I guess, well, no actually not."

"What's wrong?"

"I had the strangest dream last night..."

"And?" Max asked, a little intrigued, but more worried about what trouble this new dream might lead them into.

"And it was about Maria. She was in trouble in Arizona."

"Arizona? Are you sure your teenage emotions aren't just sending you nightmares? You can't possibly believe it's a vision, can you? You're visions always have something to do with us and 'home'."

"Yeah, I sure it's not my emotions," Michael replied annoyed. Of course his emotions had something to do with it; at least they had something to do with why he was so worried about Maria. But they weren't the cause of his vision--he knew it was vision from the future. "And I think Liz was involved," Michael said, knowing that would check Max's skepticism. "What? Are you sure? I think we should wait on this one, Michael. I have a feeling you're just letting your feelings get in the way."

"Max, Maria and Liz are going to be in trouble. I know it. I'm not sure what kind of trouble--maybe those men who have been following us. I'll wait a day or two, but I'm not waiting long."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The next day at lunch, Maria and Liz were talking about their upcoming trip to Arizona. Maria had decided not to tell her mom; Liz and she had decided to leave Thursday afternoon. They figured they'd tell Max, Michael, Isabel, and Alex on Thursday and have their help in making the arrangements.

"Yeah, I guess you and I will leave this afternoon and we can get Isabel and everyone else to cover for us," Maria was saying, when Michael walked up.

"Cover for who?" Michael asked. He had decided to go to school today to check on Maria, he was sure she was in or was going to be in trouble.

"Oh, for Liz and me. We're going to Arizona this afternoon." Maria replied happily. She had gotten over the initial shock of her father's death. Liz had convinced her that she was lucky to be able to even see his things. Although she could never know him personally, Maria decided that seeing his things was second best.

"Arizona!" Michael's voice raised uncontrollably. "Why are you going there?" he asked, trying, but failing, to control his voice.

"What's your problem?" Maria asked amused. "It turns out my father has been living there for all these years and..."

"and we're going there to see his apartment," Liz chimed in cheerfully. She was very happy for her friend.

"Oh, won't he mind?" Michael asked, not even paying attention to the words coming out of his mouth. He was trying to think of a way to keep them from going without angering Maria. He knew if he angered Maria there would be no stopping her.

"No.....he died two weeks ago," Maria replied a little depressed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Maria." The word 'died' had brought him out of his thoughts. Suddenly he realized that Maria felt the way he felt whenever they found 'something' and nothing came of it or it disappeared before they were able to make anything of it. Michael didn't want her to miss this chance now; he just wanted her to be happy but safe too.

"I didn't know. How long should it take you guys?"

"Oh, about two and a half days if we don't take two many breaks. We should be back by late Monday, maybe Sunday if we drive our asses off. But it's a three day weekend this weekend so it doesn't matter."

"Yeah, you know if you had a few more people come with you guys you'd be able to take turns driving and you'd hardly ever have to make any stops. You might even be able to do a little sight-seeing before you left," Michael replied, getting an idea.

"Yeah, that would be a great idea!" Liz said excitedly.

"Why don't you and Max come? Is and Alex can stay here and cover for us. I don't think they'd mind--Is hates running after things and Alex will go anywhere Is is."

"Yeah, we could tell our parents that we decided to spend our long weekend at Desert Bay. Is and Alex could go up there and if any of our parents call Is can talk to them as us," Maria said liking the idea more and more.

Desert Bay was a resort in Northern New Mexico. It was a place a lot of teenagers hung out at during the summer and long weekends.

"Ok, that sounds good. It's only fair we come on your 'truth searches' every once and a while, huh?" Michael asked amused, he loved the idea of spending time with Maria. Plus he would be able to keep an eye on her without angering her.

"I'll tell Max and Is. You tell Alex and we'll all meet you at Maria's at 4."

"Tell me, Is, and Alex what?" Max asked walking up with Isabel and Alex. They had all been kept late after Geometry, a punishment for being late to class for the third time.

"Yeah, tell us what?" Isabel reiterated.

"oh, well....." Maria, Liz, and Michael then proceeded to tell their three friends their plans and their friends' parts in them.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"I can't believe I agreed to this," Isabel said as she, Max, and Michael drove to Maria's.

"I'm wasting an entire three-day weekend!"

"Oh, come on sis, a whole weekend alone with Alex at Desert Bay? And you're unhappy? Quit the act, I know you too well," Max replied with a grin.

Isabel turn ten different shades of red in a matter of seconds and smacked Max playfully yet firmly on the back of the head, "Shut up, Max."

Max only answered her pathetic attempt to hurt him with a snide grin and turned his head back to the road.

"Okay, so, Izzyy, if mom, dad, Liz's or Maria's parents call you're going to cover for us, right?"

"Yeah, I guess I'll alternate between telling them you're in the pool and disguising my voice to be like yours."

"That should work, Izzy. And I know you'll have fun. We're here," Max said in a cheerful tone.

Michael had sat in the back of the Jeep in silence while the above situation took place. He had been contemplating about how he was going to protect Maria without her realizing it. *Maybe I should just tell her. No, then she'll think I'm a sexist pig and I'll probably get slapped. I can hear her now, "I can take care of myself, thank you very much, Michael Guerin!" No, that would definitely not be good. I guess I'll just play it cool and hope my vision was wrong. Oh, how am I going to stand an entire weekend with Maria and not being able to touch her? And I have to lie to her, or at least deceive her about my actual goals for this trip. This is horrible!*

"Michael? Earth to Michael! We're here. Wake up! Maria's inside!" Isabel almost yelled the last sentence at him.

The sound of Maria's name tore Michael from his thoughts and brought him back to reality. "Oh, um, sorry Is."

"That's okay. You're just excited aren't you? A whole weekend with Maria, ooh you must just be gushing with happiness," Isabel said in a teasing sarcastic ten year-old's voice.

"Yeah," Michael choked out.*Yeah, a whole weekend with beautiful Maria. What am Igoing to do?*

"Hey guys!!" Maria yelled, sticking her head out of her door. "Liz and Alex are here. We'll bring our stuff out. Bye, Mom! See you Monday!"

"Bye, sweetie! Have fun," was the faint reply the three teenagers outside heard.

Liz, Alex, and Maria came out in single file, each with one bag.

"Okay, well Alex is letting us use his Volvo guys because it has the largest trunk and I'm not sure how much stuff we're going to bring back with us," Maria said this with a large grin on her face. She was tremendously happy. *Great,* Michael thought, *I'm going to stomp on her happiness. Great goin' Guerin.*

"Oh, alright, so I guess, Alex, you and Izzy are taking the jeep then?" Max asked.

"Yeah, I guess," Alex said in reply. He was still a bit confused about this whole thing, but really excited about spending a whole weekend with Isabel. He wasn't quite sure why he had to come at all--it seemed like he really had no pertinent job to do in this whole "mission" thing, but he didn't care. He was going with Isabel. Alex was pulled from his thoughts when Max tossed the keys at him.

"Here you go, Alex. Be careful with her, don't go over 70 or she'll overheat," Max said in an almost paternal tone.

"Okay, thanks," Alex said.

"Ok, ok, this is getting boring. Let's stop the small talk. Max and Michael, you two take your things and put them in Alex's car. Alex, put your things in the Jeep. Liz? Maria? What are you waiting for? Put you things with the guys'," Isabel said. She really enjoyed ordering people around.

"Alright, sergeant," Michael said in a mocking tone, putting his hand to his forehead in a salute. He was getting happier. *Maybe things will be okay.*

And so everybody got into their respective cars and began their respective journeys.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Michael!! You just missed our exit!!" Maria yelled. Max and Liz were asleep in the back and she and Michael were in front. Michael was driving and she was taking her job as navigator very seriously. It was the afternoon of the same day they left-but it already felt like they had been driving forever.

"What? I did not! I'm following the road signs-they say Arizona exit 45 and were only at exit . . . oh, um, we're at exit 47 now."

"Really? I didn't notice," Maria replied sarcastically. "Gee, and I thought you aliens were supposed to be smart because you have all those special powers. Then again, you can't use those well, can you?" *That was a little harsh, wasn't it?* Maria thought to herself.

A dark scowl came over Michael's face. "Look, I'm sorry ok? It was an accident. I will simply get off at the next exit and go back and get off at exit 45, alright? Just don't blame this all on me, after all-you are the "navigator" aren't you?" Michael shot back, sounding really pissed off. *Why the hell is she so touchy?* he thought to himself.

"Whatever. Look, I'm sorry. I'm just kind of uptight about seeing my dad's place. I'm kind of having second thoughts. You know? Maybe I just shouldn't have gone at all and should've just forgotten about that stupid phone call. What if I see something there I don't like? What if I find out things I didn't want to know? And worst of all, what if I find out he was a great guy and I just never got a chance to know him. I know my fears sound stupid and superficial compared to yours, Max's, and Isabel's "what if we get exposed" fear, but I'm still scared. Sorry, kind of got emotional on you there," Maria squeaked out the last part, she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Maria, it's ok. It's understandable-it is a very stressful situation you're going into," Michael replied warily. He didn't want to say anything to set her off-she was vulnerable at this moment and could either start crying hysterically or start yelling at him-neither option sounded very appealing at the moment. Maria's head shifted to the right as Michael turned off the expressway. "Look, Maria, how about we stop for a while and get something to eat and drink and then we'll go back and find exit 45. How's that sound?" He was exhausted and he could tell that she needed to get out of the car.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Maria said with fake enthusiasm.

"Look, there's a 7-Eleven. We can get sandwiches there. And hey we can eat them in that park across the street," Michael said, pulling into the parking lot.

"Ok, um, I'm going to go to the bathroom and um, wash my face. I'll meet you inside," Maria said, with the twinkle in eyes beginning to glitter again.

*No, I should definitely not tell her. She's got enough to worry about right now-and there's still the possibility that nothing will happen.* Michael thought as he watched Maria step out of the car and he turned the engine off.

"Oh, and Michael?," Maria said, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"No problem, sweetie. See you inside." *"Sweetie?" Where did that come from?*

Maria couldn't help but smile a little at the last comment as she walked toward the restrooms. *Maybe he didn't just kiss me "to come me down"*

"Max, Liz, wake up," Michael said, still in the car. "Max! Come on, man, wake up. It's only 3:00, I don't even know how you fell asleep."

"Oh, um, huh? What?" Max replied sleepily. "Oh, hey, Michael." Looking down, Max then realized that Liz was sleeping on his shoulder and he had his right arm around her. He smiled sheepishly, relishing the feel of her in his arms.

"Oh, come on. Stop that crap. You two just ended up that way, ok? Enjoy it all you want, but don't while I'm here. I've been driving for 8 hours now and have had to listen and deal with Maria that whole time," Michael replied, noticeably annoyed.

"Oh, sorry. I'll drive next," Max said. "And hey, I know you enjoyed being relatively alone with Maria in the car this afternoon, no matter what you say. What are we doing here anyway?"

Michael could feel himself blush a little, "Oh, uh, Maria wasn't feeling all that well. So I figured it would be good to get a late lunch and get out of the car for a while. I though sandwiches from 7-Eleven and resting in the park."

"Oh, very romantic, Michael. Your idea? Sounds a little feminine for you, don't' you think?" Max said grinning. "No, just kidding man, it's a good idea."

"Talk about romantic, Maximillien, Liz drooled on you," Michael retorted grinning. "Whatever, I'll meet you inside once you dry off," he continued, stifling a laugh.

Max didn't know how to respond to him, and so he let Michael go without a witty comeback. He smiled as stared down at the beautiful dark-haired girl in his arms. "Liz," Max said softly, rubbing her face with the back of his left hand. "Liz, wake up. Time to eat." "Hmmm? Oh, hey Max," Liz replied, blushing when she noticed Max's arm around her. "Did you say food? Oh, very elegant, Max, 7-Eleven," she said playfully.

"Don't blame me! It's the one with the spikey hair's fault!" Max said just as playfully and made an exaggerated movement with his hands.

"Oh, come on, Max. Let's just go inside."

"Okay."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Hi, um, where are your sandwiches?" Michael asked a man behind the counter.

"Ugh, you dang kids, waking a man up from his afternoon nap for crappy sandwiches? Don't you have eyes, boy? They're right over there," with that the old man pointed a long bony finger to the back left corner of the store and went back to sleep.

"Thanks."

"Real polite, you dang kids today . . .," the man grumbled on with his eyes closed. *Damn, what's his problem--you'd think he'd be happy to have some business.* Michael found the refrigerated display case the sandwiches were stored in and bent over it to search through it. He became engrossed in his task and didn't even register the chime of the bell as the door to the store was opened. Then all of sudden he felt two arms go around his waist and a voice say, "Boo!" He turned around so fast that Maria landed on the floor and he bumped his head on the case.

"Shit, Maria! You scared the hell out of me."

Maria, in the middle of a laughing fit, could only nod in response. "Sorry, it was just too tempting," she finally choked out between gasps and laughs.

"I'm glad this amuses you," Michael said rubbing his head. "Here, let me help you up." Michael then offered his hands to Maria and she took them, still terribly red.

"Thanks," Maria said as Michael pulled her up. "Whoa! Wait! Watch it, there's a bucket of water right there!" Maria yelled as Michael struggled to keep his balance--somehow in the process of helping Maria he had knocked over a bucket of mop water in the corner. The water was now all over the floor and his rubber soles were slipping on it.

"Ahh! Maria! Help me," Michael said as he fell to the flooded floor, taking Maria with him. Maria toppled onto to Michael and they both landed with a huge SPLASH!

"Oh, thanks for the help, Michael," Maria said sarcastically. She place her hands onto his chest and propped herself up, while blowing a piece of damp hair out of her eyes.

"Sorry, guess that didn't help much did it?" Michael laughed looking up into Maria's eyes; their noses were almost touching. They both started to lean toward each other and were about to kiss . . .

"Maria? Michael? What happened?" Liz asked, interrupting Michael and Maria. *Damn!* Michael and Maria thought simultaneously.

"Michael?" Max asked, astonished.

"Oh we, um, just fell," Maria replied hiding her face against Michael's chest. They both began struggling to get up.

"What in the hell. . .You dang kids, get the hell out of here," the old man yelled coming out from behind the counter.

"Wait, mister, please sir can we get some sandwiches or something?" Max asked, turning on the charm.

"Here," the man replied, throwing four sandwiches at Max. "Now get out of here."

"Don't you want some money for them?" Michael asked. He and Maria were now standing next to Liz and Max.

"NO, just get out."

With that the four teenagers left the 7-Eleven.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

They walked across the street to the park. As they walked, Liz realized something.

"Maria!!"

"What, Liz?" Maria asked turning around.

"I just realized that your shirt is all wet," Liz whispered, "and just to remind you--your shirt is white."

"Oh, my god!! I didn't even realize it. Ugh! I am so embarrassed," Maria said, crossing her arms over her chest and turning crimson. "Uh, Max?"

"Yeah," Max answered, stopping and turning to face Maria behind him.

"Can I like borrow your jacket please?"

"Why, it's like 95 degrees out here. I was just thinking of taking it off."

"Just because I do."

"Max, give your jacket to Maria," Liz said earnestly.

Max, still bewildered, took his jacket off obediently and handed it to Maria.

"Thanks."

"I still don't see why . . ." while Max was saying this Maria uncrossed her arms to put the jacket on. "Oh, sorry, I'm really thick sometimes."

"Yeah," Michael said, grinning, trying to get his mind off of Maria, her shirt, and their "almost-moment" at the store. "He really is thick." With that Michael knocked his hand on Max's head and began running to the park.

"Oh, man, I'm gonna get you now!!" Max yelled. He ran after Michael and tackled him to the grass.

"Oh, guys are always the same aren't they?" Maria asked.

"Even alien ones," Liz added, laughing.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"I can't believe they only had one room! And one with only one bed!!" Isabel whined.

"Oh, come on, Is. It's only 4, we can go swimming or go to the beach if you want."

"No, well I don't know. What do you want to do?"

"I don't care."

"Great, I got stuck with they indecisive one."

"Well, at least you're not stuck with a whiney stuck-up brat."

"Oh!" Isabel said getting an evil grin on her face. "I never thought of you as the comeback type!" she yelled, grabbing a pillow and swinging it at Alex's face.

"ugh!" Alex said, ducking from a second blow. "Oh, I'll get you!," Alex replied grabbing a pillow.

"Ahh!!" Isabel ran and tripped over one of her bags, landing on her back on the bed.

"Ha! I've got you cornered now!" Alex said kneeling on the bed beside her. He gently smack her on the head with the pillow and then dropped the pillow and fell onto the bed, laughing.

Isabel then took the chance to tickle Alex.

"Oh, stop, please, Is! Stop!"

"No, it's just too much fun!" Isabel squealed. Isabel was now basically on top of him, still tickling him. Alex then rolled over, switching places with Isabel. This shocked Isabel so much that she stopped tickling him. And the before either of them knew it, they were both leaning toward each other and were completely engrossed in a long searing kiss.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

It was now about ten o'clock at night and Max was driving. After they had eaten, they got right back into the car. Michael and Maria were in the back and Liz was asleep in the front seat.

"God, I'm tired," Maria said yawning. "Why is it that driving, even if you're not the one actually doing it, always makes you so tired?"

"It's just being stuck in such a small space without moving for so long," Max replied. "I'm really tired too. Maybe we should stop for the night. It know it really wasn't part of the plan, but I'm exhausted. Obviously so is Liz. Michael, you drove most of the day and you're tired too, Maria."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. We should get there by midday tomorrow," Maria replied, rubbing her eyes.

"Boy, I can't wait to get to a nice warm motel room and change my clothes-I'm still so cold, even though my clothes are dry. I think I caught a chill."

"Here," Michael said, lifting his right arm up, inviting Maria to cuddled up next to him. Maria moved next to him and he wrapped his arm around her.

"That sign says the next stop where there's any place to stay is 20 miles down the road, so it will be another few minutes. That's not too long, Maria," Max said, turning his eyes to the road.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Maria? Maria, wake up. We're here," Michael said, rubbing her shoulders.

"Ugh! Stupid clock!" Maria replied sleepily, smacking Michael as if he were the "snooze" button on her alarm clock. " I'm in the middle of a good dream ..." she continued, drifting back to sleep.

"Maria," Michael choked out, stifling a laugh.

"Mom, go away." She again waved her hand towards Michael, but he caught it in his own before it reached his face. Suddenly Michael was in a green field covered in wild flowers. *I must have somehow gotten into Maria's dream! I really shouldn't be here--if she sees me she'll kill me! Then I'll really have a pissed Maria on my case.* Right then Michael heard a noise, which caused him to turn around abruptly. *Nope, no chance of her seeing me.* Michael thought sadly looking, almost glaring, at what had made the noise. There, in the midst of the wildflowers was Maria. Actually you wouldn't be able to tell who it was if you didn't know exactly what Maria's back looked like, which Michael did. Maria was literally lying on top of someone, passionately kissing him. The guy, whose face was covered by Maria's, had his hands all over her and partially under her blouse. "Ugh," Michael groaned aloud. He suddenly felt physically sick. *I knew I shouldn't be here. Damn these stupid powers. If I could only control them I wouldn't be here right now!! Who the hell is that guy anyway? Why does he have his hands all over her!! Jesus, Michael, get a hold on yourself!! It's only Maria's dream. Plus besides you don't have any on Maria-she can do what she likes with whomever she wants. You don't care at all-she's just a friend. Ha!! Yeah right, keep kidding yourself, Guerin. Well, whatever, for all I know it could be a fictitious dream guy--no this looks way too real. There's got to be some true feeling, at least subconscious feeling, behind it. This is a real guy. Who the hell is it? Ugh! Forget this. This is none of my business. I've got to get out of here.* Michael closed his eyes and put his hands on his head. *If only I knew how to.* And then he was back in the back of the car with Maria's hand still firmly grasped in her own.

"Maria, wake up," Michael said firmly, letting go of her hand. It came out a little harshly, but he couldn't help it. Maria's dream had really gotten to him. He shook her a little and she finally opened her eyes.

"Oh, hey Michael. Where are we?"

"The motel, Max and Liz are inside getting rooms."

"Oh, okay, well lets go inside. It's cold out here."

"Fine," Michael replied mono-syllabically.

"Is everything okay?" Maria asked outside the car, stretching.

"Yeah," Michael wasn't paying attention to Maria at all. *Who was that guy? He had dark hair--that really narrows it down. Had to be someone she knows well because those weren't getting-to-know-you and I'm-attracted-to-you kisses. Those were I-need-you kisses and I-can't-even-begin-to-comprehend-my-feelings-toward-you kisses. Damn, I'm starting to think like a girl. What the hell is bothering me?* Michael smirked at the thought and silently answered his own question, *Maria.*

". . . I can't believe how tired I am. And my legs are so cramped!"

Michael only caught the last part of what Maria said. "I don't see how you could be so stiff. You certainly seemed to be moving a lot and with quite a bit of agility," Michael replied, referring to the dream in an off-hand way.

Maria's face darkened for a second and Michael knew she was thinking of the dream. Then just as quickly as it had faded her smile returned. "Just what are you talking about Michael? I was sound asleep, in your arms for God's sake. I know I didn't move a whole lot."

"Yeah, I guess. Whatever, let's just go inside. It's taking them a really long time just to get us two rooms."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

". . . one hundred and fifty dollars for one hotel room for one person for one night? And fifty extra dollars for each extra person for each night? That's absurd! This is a motel! Not a hotel! Your prices are supposed to range from like eighty no actually possibly even sixty to a hundred dollars per room. And you're not supposed to count by head! "

"Max, calm down," Liz said, pleading with him.

"Excuse me young man, but this is my motel and I can charge however I want. If you don't like it, go to another motel!" a crotchety old man sputtered back at Max.

"There are no other motels or hotels for the matter around here!"

"I know that," the man replied with an almost evil grin.

Michael and Maria had walked in during Max's shouting fest about the price of a room. After the man pretty much said they had no where else to go Max looked about ready to explode and Michael jumped in. Placing his hand on Max's shoulder, Michael said, "Sir we'd like a room for one please. The rest of us will sleep in the car." Max was about to object when he saw a glimmer in Michael's eye. "And can we possibly get a room in the back so the highway noise isn't too bad?"

"Yes. Room 207. That comes to an even 175 with tax."

"175? Sir, I believe you must have done your math wrong," Michael said quickly, trying to control the anger that was building up inside of him.

"No, boy, my math is fine," the man said glaring at Michael with a "don't try me" look.

"Yes, sir," Michael said taking the cash from Max. All four of them, actually all six of them, had pooled together their cash for the trip, but they definitely couldn't afford what the man would want for two rooms and four people, especially with his crazy tax. "No wonder you have so little customers," Michael whispered under his breath.

"Thank you very much and here's your key. Check out is by 7:30 tomorrow morning," the old man said, obviously not hearing Michael's last comment.

"7:30? Sir it's nearly 11 at night could we possibly get 8:30?" Maria asked. She had been quiet the entire time because she was so tired. However hearing that they would have to be out of there by 7:30 tore her from her sleepiness at least for a moment.

"Well, I guess so, but if a group of people come in tomorrow morning, I'll kick out which ever one of you is in there."

"Thank you." With that the four people walked out of the lobby.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Michael, I don't get what we're doing. I think I'm slow because I've been driving for the past few hours. What are we doing?" Max asked utterly confused.

"Max, I thought you would have caught on by now. We have a room in the back so we say we're putting one person in it, when in actuality all of us stay in it," Michael grinned triumphantly.

"Oh, that makes perfect sense. I can't believe I didn't think of it or get it when you started talking to that stupid guy. Bye the way, thanks for stepping in. He just was really getting on my nerves."

"No problem, it's nice to be the calm one every once and a while," Michael replied swinging his arm around Max's neck for a second.

Michael, Max, Maria, and Liz then went back to the car. They drove it to the back and brought their things upstairs.

"I am just so extremely tired," Maria said while Max was unlocking the door.

"Yeah, I just can't wait to fall into , ugh, bed," Liz choked out the last part as she got a glimpse of their room.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

There was one bed, which was to be expected, but it was a single and there was no phone, no TV, and no closet. There was a small table with two chairs and there was a bathroom, but it didn't seem to have a door. There was one door in the room, which seemed to be one that lead into another room.

"Oh, great. Now what do we do?" Maria whined.

"Well, if you want, you two girls can squish in the bed and me and Michael can sleep on the floor. At least there's some form of carpet on it."

"Yeah, I guess that will work," Liz said. "This will certainly be an interesting night. You know, I just realized we haven't eaten anything since lunch. Maybe we should find something. I'm tired and all but I'm also hungry."

"Yeah, I am too," Maria said, yawning.

"Me too. Why don't Max and I go and find something. I think I saw a diner on the corner. You girls get cleaned up or whatever you do. You might want to take a shower in our doorless washroom," Michael said the last part sarcastically and the entire group burst out laughing.

"Yeah, that sounds good. What kind of food do they usually have at those places?" Liz asked.

"I don't know, I think they may serve breakfast all-day. You might just want to go with a safe order of pancakes," Max stated smiling.

"Pancakes sound good to me," Liz replied cheerfully gazing straight into Max's eyes.

"Me too," Maria said in the midst of a yawn.

"Okay, pancakes it is," Michael said.

Max and Michael then left for the diner. When they returned with four orders of pancakes they found Liz sitting on the end of the bed combing out her damp hair. She had obviously decided to take a shower. Maria was curled up in a ball at the head of the bed sound asleep.

Max and Liz sat at the table and began to eat. They were soon taken up in exchanging a few words, but mostly just staring into each other's eyes.

"Maria, you should wake up. I've got some pancakes for you. You really should eat something and you have slept a lot today already," Michael said gently. He didn't like the thought of her sleeping now. *What is she dreaming about?* Maria had a completely content look on her face, which scared Michael tremendously.

"I don't want any food--I don't need any food," Maria said sleepily, opening her eyes.

"Yes you do. You haven't eaten anything since lunch. Come on," with that Michael pulled Maria up into a sitting position and put his left arm around her shoulders. "Hey why don't you take Max's jacket off. It's really warm in here with the heat you've got to be dying in it." *Not to mention I really don't like you in his jacket. Maybe it was him you were dreaming about. God, I really need to forget about this,* Michael thought to himself.

"Yeah, I guess," Maria replied struggling to get the jacket off.

"Here let me help you." Michael then finished pulling the jacket off her and threw it at the end of the bed.

"Thanks. I really don't understand why I'm so tired."

"I think it's just the stress and the anticipation of seeing your dad's place tomorrow. Plus it's got to be tough finding out your father is dead. I mean to now know that all of your dreams about him aren't going to come rue at all has got to be horrible." *Man, she really does have a lot to worry about right now. I should definitely not tell her about my vision of her being in danger or mention the fact that I was in her dream. Damn that dream!*

"Thanks for the optimistic look on it, buddy," Maria replied sarcastically while playfully punching his arm. However Michael could tell it was just a façade because her face had fallen for a minute.

"Sorry, it just finally hit me how hard all of this crap has go to be for you--I was thinking out loud."

Maria could tell that he was earnest in his apology and smiled a little. "It's okay. It's the truth. But really, apologizing? You're messing up your rep, Michael Guerin."

Michael laughed out loud. He was glad to see the old sarcastic joking Maria back. "Well if I had to mess it up, I'm glad I messed it up for such a wonderful person," he replied honestly, not able to keep himself from staring into her shining eyes of a second. He found himself leaning forward . . .

*My god, is he going to kiss me?*Maria mentally asked herself.

Michael then caught himself and said, jokingly trying to cover up his embarrassment, "Plus I really wouldn't want you pissed at me. That would be seriously scary"

*Or maybe not,* Maria thought. *I guess it was just "to calm me down." Damn I could use some calming right now.*

*Way to ruin a moment, Guerin.* Michael mentally kicked himself. *Wait--I wanted to ruin it, didn't I? I don't like her. Really I don't--why does that not sound convincing? I'm hopeless.*

"Hey you want to get out of here?" Michael asked Maria, trying to change the subject that was bouncing through his mind.

"And go where? We're in Arizona in case you don't remember."

"I don't know; maybe just a walk around this crazy motel. I just know I'm gonna puke if I have to see one more 'tortured star-crossed lovers' glance between those two," Michael said frustratingly pointing to Max and Liz.

Now it was Maria's turned to laugh a loud. "Yeah, I agree. It is pretty sickening. Let's go," Maria said tapping Michael lightly on the shoulder and standing up. "But what about the pancakes?"

"I guess we'll take them with us." With that the two friends left the small, raunchy, expensive motel room with two servings of pancakes.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Alex, wait. We can't do this. I, we, can't get too close," Isabel gasped, pushing Alex away with her hand. Both there their faces were flushed and Isabel's lips were bright red and a little swollen.

"What?" Alex asked breathless. *I can't believe this. We've been kissing for like an hour. And now she pulls a "Max?"*

Alex still held Isabel in his arms and they still lay on the bed. Isabel pried herself from Alex's grip and sat up. Trying to fix her hair with her hands, Isabel replied, "Alex, look, I really really like you, but I can't afford this. If, when, we leave I won't be able to leave you unless we don't get too close. I can't hurt you like that."

"Is," Alex pleaded, sitting up and placing his hand on the back of her neck, "I get your reasoning but you're hurting me just as much now. And we don't have to kiss or anything, but please don't take your friendship from me."

"But if we stay friends, we'll grow closer together and it will hurt even more to be apart."

"Then let's not be apart," Alex said. His circular reasoning was making perfect sense to him.

"But-" Isabel's reply was cut off by Alex's lips and they both fell back on the bed and resumed their prior positions. However the kisses they shared were less wanting and rushed; they were now more slow and loving.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Alright, truth or dare," Maria asked Michael, sitting side by side on the edge of the pool with their bare feet in the heated water. They were eating pancakes and talking like the good friends they were growing to be.

"What?" Michael asked a bit surprised at the question. They had been talking about unimportant things like school and things they liked and hated, but now it was getting personal.

"You heard me, truth or dare?" Maria repeated, looking straight into Michael's eyes, the gleam evident in her own.

"Um, truth I guess," Michael replied, turning his head away worried. *I wonder what she'll ask me.*

"Okay, what's your favorite color?" Maria asked, not surprised at the relieved expression on Michael's face. *I bet you thought I was going to ask you something personal,* Maria thought, smiling at her ability to read Michael's actions.

Michael smiled too. "Bluish green," Michael replied looking straight into Maria's eyes. "Really?" Now it was Maria's turn to be surprised, the obvious comment about her eyes caught her off guard. "I always thought it was-"

"Black," Michael finished for her.

"Yeah." Michael and Maria chuckled to themselves and then burst out laughing.

"Oooh," Maria sighed, catching her breath after their long laughing session.

"Okay my turn, truth or dare?" Michael asked smiling. *I really like this. It just feels so good and right.*

"Uh, dare I guess," Maria answered talking a bite of pancake.

"Damn, I was hoping you wouldn't choose that. I'm no good at dares," Michael admitted. "I don't really play this game a lot," Michael continued sarcastically.

"Oh, well it's fun!" Maria said playfully punching Michael in the arm. "If you want I'll choose truth."

"No!" Michael replied quickly. "It's okay, just let me think."

Maria couldn't help but giggle at Michael's serious expression. She turned her head to keep her from going into another laughing fest.

"Are there any rules to the dares?" Michael asked, a sly grin beginning to form on his face.

Maria didn't notice this because she was looking down into the water. "No," she replied nonchalantly, "just nothing too embarrassing."

"Okay," Michael said, "I have one."

"What?"

"I dare you to go swimming," Michael stated coyly.

"What?" Maria asked flabbergasted.

"That seems to be your word tonight. You heard me, pixie-girl."

"And if I refuse?" Maria asked as she realized that Michael was serious.

"Hmmm," Michael replied putting a finger to his lips playfully. "I'm not too familiar with this game like I said earlier, but I do believe I can double dare you to do something worse."

"Ugh!" Maria growled, folding her arms like a frustrated six-year old.

"Come on, Maria. It is your game and you did choose 'dare,'" Michael stated, placing emphasis on the operative words.

"But it'll be cold," she whined.

"Oh, stop being a baby. It will not. We have our feet it now, don't we? It's heated."

"Yeah, I guess. How long do I have to say in for?"

"Uh, five minutes."

"Five minutes!"

Michael nodded, enjoying the scene very much.

"Wait, I just remembered that I didn't bring a bathing suit on this trip," Maria said hoping it would get her out of this uncomfortable situation.

"I wasn't thinking that you needed one."

"What? Whatever you're implying, Michael Guerin, is never going to happen!" Maria yelled, standing up and slapping him on the back a few times.

Michael laughed at her attempt to cause him pain. "Hey, stop. All I meant was that you go in your clothes and then change when we get back to the room."

"Oh, I thought-" Maria stopped before she finished her phrase.

"I know what you thought," Michael smiled his crooked grin. "You've got a mind on you, girl."

"Oh shut up. Besides if I did do it I'd then have a ball of wet clothes I'd have to drag around with me."

"You forget you're traveling with Czechoslovakians with special Czech powers," Michael answered smartly. He found it quite amusing to have the upper hand in this conversation. "Stop being a baby and just go. Or are you a chicken?"

"Er! That's not going to work on me. I am a chicken. A full blown chicken," she replied huffily.

"Fine," Michael said, laughing to himself.

Maria was still standing over him; Michael easily pushed her legs out from under her and she landed in the water.

"Ahhh! Michael! It's freezing!"

Now standing up and laughing like a maniac, Michael replied, "Oh come on it's warm!"

"No it's not. It was just warm over there by the light!" Maria said pushing her wet bangs out of her eyes and pointing to an underwater light near Michael.

"Well you'll get used to it. You have to stay there for five minutes."

Maria began walking toward Michael, struggling with the extra weight of her wet jeans. "Fine, if I have to be here you're going to join me," she said while pulling Michael's pant leg, causing him to fall into the water.

"It is cold, geez," Michael stated, standing right in front of a shivering Maria.

"See?" Maria asked looking up into Michael's face.

"Yeah. What is it with us and water today?" Michael asked while pushing his hair out of his eyes. *God she's beautiful. Oh, stop it Guerin!*

*Man, you can see every one of his muscles through that wet shirt. Stop it, Maria!*

Maria laughed out a response uneasily, "I don't know." She rubbed her upper arms, "Oh man I'm cold."

"I can fix that!" With that Michael splashed her and dove down into the water. He was really glad that they were out of that tension-filled moment.

"Ooo! I'll get you!" Maria chased after him.

The two swam circles around each other for a few minutes until Maria finally grabbed hold of Michael. Her left hand held fast to the collar of his black T-shirt while her right hand was on his right shoulder, for Michael was facing away from Maria. She then wrapped her legs around his waist like a small child would when taking a piggyback ride.

"Ha! I got you!" she yelled triumphantly as she folded both her arms around his neck.

Michael couldn't help but place his hands on her feet to secure her. Maria's proximity and touch was making him lose his composure.

"Yeah you did," Michael choked out as the skin of his fingers came into contact with the soft skin of her feet. *She's so close and so soft. I can smell her Cyprus oil. Forget it, I can't take this anymore.*

*Geez his hands feel good. Ugh! I can't think like this, I'm only going to get hurt. It's just a protective thing--he's just securing my feet so I don't fall like an older brother would do. Does he think of me as a sister-*

Maria's thoughts were interrupted by Michael's actions. Just then Michael had let go of Maria's feet and swiftly swung her around so that she was in front of him with her legs and arms still around him.

"Michael what are you-" Maria tried to ask as he maneuvered her. Her question was cut short however when she saw his eyes. They held a hungry, needing look.

She only had a moment to look at his eyes though before Michael suddenly crushed her lips with his own. His moist soft lips engulfed Maria's and he could taste the chlorine on them.

They kissed passionately until they both needed air. As they gasped Michael leaned his forehead against Maria's.

"Was that to 'calm me down' too?" Maria couldn't help the slight edge in her faulty voice.

"No. That was to calm me down," Michael whispered near her ear as he gasped for breath.

"Oh," Maria laughed lightly.

Michael's arms tightened around Maria and pulled her into a deep hug. "I just had to do that."

"I'm glad you did," Maria responded as she placed her head on his shoulder.

"You know, suddenly I'm not cold anymore."

"What?" Maria asked leaning back with laughter in her own eyes so that she could look into his. "Talk about a cheesy line!"

"Yeah, I guess. But it's the truth," Michael replied laughing. "God you can always make me laugh."

"Are you kidding me? You? Mr. Stoic? Come on! Hell the only emotion you can't hide is anger."

Michael's smile disappeared and his grip on Maria lessened.

"Oh, I'm sorry Michael I didn't mean for that to come out that way. All I meant was that you never show any emotions. I always thought that you only thought of me as annoying. I just thought I always pissed you off."

"No. I mean you did, you do, but it's not you I get angry with. It's me. I get angry at myself for how I am when I'm around you and what I'm feeling. I'm not supposed to feel these things. I'm supposed to be alone. No attachments, but I can't help these emotions. And the only way I can stop feeling them is by not being around you, but if I do that I either hurt you or piss you off. It's just all so intense and that's without us even being involved. I realized tonight that it really can't get any more complicated if we did get closer; plus I couldn't take being with you anymore and not being able to call you 'mine.'" As Michael said this his arms tightened around Maria once more.

"Oh, Michael. I have no idea what to say."

"Maria Deluca without anything to say? Now that's a first."

"Oh, shut up. So, um, what's next?"

"I don't know. I really don't know."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The next morning, Michael woke before the others. He was lying on the single bed, for Max and Liz had fallen asleep at the table. Looking down beside him, Michael saw Maria curled up in his arms and couldn't help a smile. Their chaste touching last night had caused Michael to inadvertingly enter Maria's dream plane again and he stumbled upon the same dream as before, but he now knew the plot and the characters of the dream and the dark-haired guy was someone he knew fairly personally--him.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Later that day, all four teenagers were entering Maria's late father's apartment building. While standing in the elevator, Michael's feelings of inevitable doom came upon him once more, yet stronger than they had ever been before.

"Maria, I should tell you something before we go into your Dad's--" The 'ding' of the elevator door opening cut him off.

"What?" Maria asked, whipping her head around to face him. She couldn't believe everything that was going on--Michael admiting his feelings, her father, etc.

"Well, you see I sorta had this vision," Michael replied stepping out of the elevator with her next to him and Liz and Maz close behind. "It involved you in Arizona. You were in danger."

"What?" Maria asked the question as if it were the silliest thing she had ever heard. "When did you have this vision?"

"The day before you and Liz told me about you coming here."

Maria's eyes flashed with pain for a moment, but then it disappeared. "Oh. Well, don't worry about it, nothing's happened right? And you're here to protect me so it doesn't matter."

"Yeah, but Mar-"

"Oh look we're here," she said mock-elatedly; glad she had cut off Michael's protest.

"Oh yeah," Liz replied, taking notice of their surroundings for what seemed like the first time. She had been too engrossed in her conversation with Max to notice anything else.

"Why don't you and Liz go on in ahead while I talk to Max for a sec, 'kay?" Michael asked, speaking directly to Maria.

"Fine," Maria answered; here mind was on other things now. Opening the door, she entered with Liz close at her heels.

"What's up?" Max asked, once the girls were out of sight.

"I'm still worried about Maria, Max," Michael stated pointedly.

"Don't be, it's oka-" but Max's words were cut short by a loud short bang.

"What was that!?" Michael yelled as he opened the apartment door and ran inside. Running from room to room, Michael found no trace of Maria or Liz until he reached the far bedroom. The gruesome sight that met his eyes knocked the wind out of him.

A man, a burglar, was half-way out the bedroom window, but Michael was not concerned with him in the least; the floor concerned him. In the middle of floor lay an unconscious Maria with a pool of bright blood surrounding her, pouring from a small bullet hole in her stomach.

"Maria!" Michael rushed to her side and hugged her limp body to himself. A sudden connection was made.

Maria was dancing in bright, white sunshine while two angels floated beside her.

"Hey, Michael!" She greeted him cheerfully when she noticed his presence. "Isn't this a great dream?"

"Maria, sweetie, this isn't a dream," Michael didn't try to hide the fear and sadness in his voice. "You're in danger here. You have to come back with me." He held out his hand to her.

At that same moment a long black limo pulled up beside them. The rear rightside window rolled down and a middle-aged man's face came into few. When the man spoke, Michael knew exactly who he was--Maria's father. "Maria, honey, you ready to go home?" the man asked with a large smile on his face.

Nodding, Maria answered, "Uh-huh, Daddy." Turning to Michael she said with a wide smile, "I told you there was a better place for me than Roswell, New Mexico," and then she hugged him.

Tears rolling down his face, Michael held onto the frail girl with all his might and replied, "Yes, my sweet angel. Heaven."

Back to Area 51 (Section II)