Rating: PG for language
Category: Other Stories
Disclaimers: The characters of Roswell belong to the WB, among others, but apparently I need to keep borrowing them.
Summary: After Tess leaves what next?
Author’s note/soapbox: This is the continuing saga of my little alternate Roswell universe. Don’t even bother reading this (trust me) unless you’ve read the previous two trilogies. Starting with Dealing: “Dealing”, “Lost Treasures”, “Prepare Yourself” and then Tess: “Attitude”, “Plan C”, “The Spin Cycle”…and pretty important for this story to work (at least where it’s headed) is the fact that Max, Michael, and Isabel do not know that Nasedo can shapeshift!

(Scene: School. Liz is walking the hallways of school before classes start.) Music: Tracy Chapman – Less Than Strangers

Voice over: It’s been two weeks since she left. Funny, in so many ways it’s almost like she was never here. (She sees Max walking down the hall, they share a brief glance) Almost. (She turns to look down a different hallway and sees Michael avoiding Maria in the halls – no eye contact and Isabel walking past Alex without even a glance) I don’t think they know what to say to us…and I guess I can’t really blame them. I mean, what do you say? It’s one thing to write your most private thoughts and feelings down, but another to have them read aloud to you.

(Scene switches to Max and Liz in biology class. Max keeps stealing glances at Liz while she is taking notes from the lecture.)

Voice over continued: And I know Max wants to talk to me. It’s in his eyes when he looks at me – when he doesn’t think I can see. But he’s waiting…waiting for me to tell him that I’m ready to listen. And I’m (she pauses) well I’m waiting too…

(Scene: Lunch Quad. Maria and Liz are sitting at one table. Off in the distance Max and Michael are sitting at another one – looking terrible and watching them, and just for fun Michael is wearing a Spiderman t-shirt.)

Maria: Okay…kissing is one thing but doing the nasty is entirely different. I mean, it’s the Sheriff.

Liz: Maria!

Maria: It’s a bridge that needs to be burned before they get there.

Liz: Maria, you don’t know…

Maria: Liz, I’m not getting kicked out of the house tomorrow for a night of fine dining and a little groping.

Liz: Maybe she just wants it to be special.

Maria: Oh yea, very “special.”

Liz: They’ve been dating for over a month, how do you know they haven’t already?

Maria: Chocolate.

Liz: What?

Maria: She’s been eating a lot of chocolate. It’s a nervous habit…look, my mom’s done this enough times – I know the signs and they’re flashing neon saying tomorrows the night. (Liz just laughs and looks at Maria) I need a plan.

Liz: Maria.

Maria: They must be stopped.

Liz (looking at Maria sideways): Maria.

Maria (looking back at Liz): Liz we’re not talking about just some guy – this is Sheriff Valenti, you know the guy with the gun and the badge and the overwhelming urge to ruin the lives of Michael, Max and Isabel. And have you seen the way they look at each other.

Liz: Yea, your mom hasn’t been this happy in a long time.

Maria (raising her hand to stop Liz and sounding very determined): You’re not gonna make me feel bad about this.

Liz: I didn’t say anything.

Maria: Don’t get me wrong…I want nothing more for my mom than to be happy – except for me to live long enough to see it.

Liz: What are you gonna do?

Maria (seeing Kyle walking across the quad): Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Liz (following her eyes to see Kyle): Kyle? (She’s about to say something more but is interrupted by Alex setting down his lunch)

Alex: What are we talking about today ladies?

Liz: Maria’s mom's sex life.

(Alex freezes before taking a seat and the scene switches to Max and Michael as Isabel sits down joining them.)

Isabel: You cut it close this morning Max…do you have any idea how flipped mom will be if she finds out you haven’t been sleeping at home for the past week…never mind where you have been sleeping.

Max: I know. I know…I guess I’m getting used to sleeping on a dumpster.

Isabel (looking at him and shaking her head): You look like shit. (Michael is about to say something but she looks at him) You always look like shit, Michael. (Michael doesn’t protest but just returns to look at Maria. They all sit there in silence for a moment watching them) We should talk to them. (Both Michael and Max turn their heads to look at Isabel and she looks over at them) It’s been two weeks and we act like nothing’s happened.

Michael: What are we supposed to say?

Isabel: We didn’t even thank them. They could have gone to jail for what they did.

Max: Isabel, we’ve talked about this…

Michael: It’s better than getting them killed.

Isabel: What? And the two of you are going to be able to stop him? We don’t even know who “he” is or what “he” wants.

Max: We can’t take any chances, Isabel.

Isabel: Seriously, Max. Have you thought about what you’d do if you catch him at Liz’s (looking at Michael) or you find him at Maria’s? We have no idea what kind of powers he has.

Max: I don’t know Isabel – but I’m not gonna just sit around my room thinking about it.

Isabel (looking at Max): You’re not Superman, Max (Michael laughs and she turns to him looking at his shirt) and you’re certainly no Spiderman. Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid. (Michael and Max look at each other and then back over to the table)

(Scene: School Hallway. Kyle is talking to some friends at his locker and Maria, taking a big breath, walks up to him)

Maria (to Kyle): I need to talk to you.

Kyle (looking at her with disgust): I don’t think so.

Maria: Look, can we save the pleasantries until after we’re family.

Kyle: What are you talking about?

Maria: Your dad…my mom. (Kyle looks around to his friends and then grabs Maria by the arm and pulls her off to the side.)

Kyle: Okay, talk.

Maria: I think we both find the idea of our parents dating …well, revolting…so I think we should help them…

Kyle: Help them?

Maria: You know, giddy-them-up to the end of their relationship. (Kyle just looks at her) Listen, if you wanna help me end – what we both know is a relationship bound to nowhere – come by the Crashdown after practice. (She gives him a good glare and then turns and walks away. He watches her go and meets the evil stare of Michael – who watched the whole interaction)

(Scene: Crashdown, pretty slow. Maria and Liz are standing behind the counter) Music: Wilco – ELT (Every Little Thing)

Liz: You think he’ll come?

Maria: If he knows what’s good for him he will.

Liz: What are you gonna do Maria? Just because one date goes bad doesn’t mean they’ll stop seeing each other.

Maria: It’s all about bad omens. One bad date leads to another and eventually she gets the message the gods are sending.

Liz: So you’ll keep doing this until she stops seeing him.

Maria: Won’t take long…trust me I know my mother.

Liz: You’re terrible, you know that right?

Maria: Whatever it takes. And do I need to remind you the ugly consequences this relationship could lead to – the other ones besides being forced to go to a hoe down rodeo?

Liz (trying not to laugh at Maria): You don’t have to tell me…I just feel bad for your mom, she finally seems so happy.

Maria: I’m so ignoring that. (Kyle walks in the Crashdown) Ah, Cowboy Kyle’s here – I mean really, Liz, can you see having that for family, I can’t believe you dated him. (She smiles at Liz and then walks over to the booth Kyle sat down at.)

Kyle: I don’t really know what I’m doing here. It’s not like we can stop them.

Maria: Kyle, Kyle, Kyle…you underestimate me – don’t. Just a little information and we’ll be able to pull the emergency brake on this runaway disaster-about-to-happen.

Kyle: I don’t know.

Maria: Look, have second thoughts now – because when the wedding bells ring it’s too late.

Kyle: What are you nuts? They’re not getting married.

Maria: That’s right – not if we have anything to do about it.

Kyle: What’s your plan.

Maria: All we have to do is prevent their night of nookie bliss.

Kyle: What?

Maria: You know…sex.

Kyle: Oh god.

Maria: As disgusting as the thought of our parents having sex might be the thought of waking up every morning to your smiling face across from my breakfast table keeps me focused. Can we get down to business?

Kyle (letting out a sigh): Yes.

Maria: Okay…does your dad have any non-life threatening allergies.

Kyle (playing with some alien thing Maria’s mom made): Obviously not “tackiness.”

Maria: As evident by his wardrobe…think Kyle.

Kyle: Cats. He’s allergic to cats.

Maria: Ooh, cats are good. Any dietary allergies – you know, something that gives him hives?

Kyle: Are you trying to kill my dad?

Maria: Of course not, but a runny nose isn’t going to slow them down.

Kyle: Nuts. (Maria just looks at him) He gets hives if he eats peanuts.

Maria: Perfect. Does your dad have a red shirt – I’m talkin’ bright red?

Kyle: Yea, I think so.

Maria: Good – make sure he wears it. My mom hates men wearing the color red.

Kyle: What?

Maria: Yea, weird I know…it’s almost as weird as men wanting to wear belt buckles bigger than their heads.

Kyle: Are we done yet?

Maria: Almost. Is there anything your dad doesn’t like…colors, food, music?

Kyle (pausing and sadly): Music – he hates Frank Sinatra – I think it has to do with my mom.

Maria (looking at him sympathetically): That’s helpful. (They just sort of sit there in silence for a moment.) So you want to pick me up tomorrow around seven?

Kyle (looking at her funny): Pick you up?

Maria: We’re not going to all this effort to sabotage their date and then not make sure it works. So does seven sound good?

Kyle (letting out a sigh): Seven’s fine.

(Scene: Liz’s Bedroom, same day, nighttime. Liz is sleeping in her bed but is awakened by thunder. She looks over at the window and realizes that it’s pouring – we’re talking monsoon rains. She pauses for a second, still waking up…)

Liz (under her breath): Max…

(She gets out of bed and puts her bathrobe on. She goes downstairs to the back of the Crashdown and opens the back door.)

Liz (quietly): Max? (He doesn’t respond so she steps outside and the door closes behind her) Max, I know you’re here.

Max (stepping out from behind the dumpster – totally soggy): Liz, you shouldn’t be out here…you’ll catch a cold or get sick…

Liz (after catching her breath from seeing him so drenched): And what about you, Max?

Max: I don’t get sick…remember?

Liz: At least come inside…you’ve got to be freezing. (Max doesn’t move) Max, we can stand out here or stand inside. (Max looks at her intently and then moves to the door. He goes to open it but it’s locked. He uses his powers to open it up and they both hurry inside. Once inside Max is obviously embarrassed that she caught him and Liz is trying not to laugh at his soaking appearance.) Max, you’re soggy…you should really…(she sneezes a couple times and looks up at him – he has a shy smile on his face) Never been sick…uh?

Max (shyly): No.

Liz: Uh uh…You’ve never known the torture of a runny nose…(she sneezes again) or the pleasure of having a Kleenex permanently attached to your face? (She smiles at him and he melts inside. She starts to sneeze again and he looks around finding a box of Kleenex he grabs one and as he hands it to her his hand is glowing. She puts it up to her nose and sneezes again and then looks down at the Kleenex and over at Max – she can feel the tingling in her nose go away and suspects that Max is the cause. They stand there in awkward silence for a moment) Well you may be immune to the common cold but you’ve still gotta be freezing. Do you want something to drink…some hot chocolate?

Max (softly still embarrassed): That would be nice. (Liz walks past him into the kitchen of the Crashdown. She grabs two mugs of the dish drying rack and opens up the fridge taking out the milk. Max, meanwhile, takes off his coat and sets it on the table near the couch in the backroom. He joins Liz in the kitchen and watches her in silence for a few moments. As she is about to pour the milk into a pot to boil on the stove he stops her.) Let me. (Their eyes meet as he walks over and takes the milk from her. He pours it into the mugs and then places his hands over them and begins to heat up the milk) Less dishes this way. (Liz watches him – his hands – and when he’s done he places his left hand on the counter while he uses his right to add the chocolate. She gently touches his left hand.)

Liz (without looking at him): It’s amazing. (Max quickly looks at their hands touching and then up at her face)

Max: Why doesn’t it scare you? (She looks up from his hand to his face) Even right after I told you – when I came to talk to you, you weren’t afraid…when I wanted to touch you – to connect with you – you didn’t even flinch.

Liz (she pauses): Something in your eyes…told me you’d never hurt me. (There’s a moment of silence and Liz grabs her mug of hot chocolate and leaves the kitchen. Max stands there for a second and then follows her)

Max: Why’d you do it? After everything I’ve put you through…

Liz: Why wouldn’t I? What happens to you affects all of us – all six of us. Just because you don’t want to be with me doesn’t mean that I go away.

Max: Liz…

Liz: I know, Max…I know. I’m just really confused. I hear the words you wrote me in my head but at the same time I see you kissing her and I – I don’t know what to think.

Max (shyly): Can I show you something?

(Liz looks at him and nods. Max takes her cocoa from her and sets both his and hers down on the table. He steps toward her, very closely, and with both hands cups her face. He looks deeply into her eyes and then the connection is made:

Voice Over: It’s not so much the things Max shows me, when he touches me…it’s the feelings – his feelings – that he shares with me that are so amazing…so beautiful.

(1st image Liz sees: Liz and Max in biology – pre-shooting. She gently touches Max on the arm during a lab exercise. )

…The hope and fear and…giddiness – a giddy Max, it makes my heart stop – from just a touch.

(2nd image Liz sees: The first time Tess touches Max on the arm.)

…And the confusion, and a different kind of hope – one I don’t know but understand – a different fear, from a different touch.

(3rd image Liz sees: Max watching Liz from across the quad.)

(4th image Liz sees: Max standing in the Crashdown just after she told him she hated him because it made it easier for her)

…And that wrenching feeling, you know the one where you can’t breathe and you’re…you’re suffocating from sadness.

(5th image Liz sees: Max kissing Tess.)

(6th image Liz sees: Liz and Max standing outside his house when she tells him that she saw him kiss Tess.)

…And the wave of pain…it’s so great…so overwhelming…it would knock you down if someone isn’t there holding you up. And you can’t tell if, if it’s your pain too you’re feeling…because there’s so much of it.

(7th image Liz sees: Max putting her comforter around her when she fell asleep on the roof.)

…But underneath it all is love. Someone can tell you how much they love you, maybe show you…but to feel it, to be able to feel how much…is…is breathtaking…

The connection ends and they just look at each other. Max is about to get lost in the moment and kiss her when he realizes what he’s about to do. He takes his hands away from her face and backs up. He walks over to the couch and sits down. Liz just stands there trying to breathe.)

(Scene: Maria’s Bedroom, same night. Maria is sitting on her bed looking at the rain pouring down outside. She has a mischievous smile on her face and then lets out a sigh.)

Maria (under her breath): I guess that’s enough…(She walks over to the window and opens it up. She looks over at Michael’s usual spot but he isn’t there. Worried she starts to look around) Michael? (He sticks his head out from behind a bush and shoots her an evil look)

Michael: It’s about time.

Maria (innocently): Well, I had to make sure my mom was asleep.

Michael (doubting her): Right.

Maria: Are you coming in or not? (He stands up and she can see how soaked he is – trying not to laugh) You really need a new hobby.

Michael (as he climbs in the window): You’re telling me.

Maria: I mean, how long are you gonna do this?

Michael (shyly): As long as it takes.

Maria (touched by what and how he said it): You need to get out of those clothes (Michael shoots her a surprised look and Maria gets what he’s thinking and she shoots him back a glare) Please. (Pointing to the ground) You’re leaving a puddle…and besides, they need to dry.

Michael: I can dry them myself.

Maria: And burn the house down too. Just take them off. We’re big boys and girls here…(throwing him an oversized T-shirt) put this on. (She turns around while Michael undresses and hangs up his pants and shirt to dry. He looks totally uncomfortable and nervous when Maria turns back around to look at him) Fidget much?

Michael: Hey, I’m doing you a favor here…

Maria: Oh, no. You’re doing yourself a favor. I didn’t ask for a bodyguard. You sit outside my window because unbeknownst to your conscience you care about me. You sit out there because it makes you feel better to know that I’m safe. Don’t make this about me – it’s entirely about you.

Michael (totally wanting to retreat): I’ll be going...

Maria (smiling at him): But you just got here…and you’re clothes aren’t dry yet. (Michael looks at her smile and starts fighting it when he, for the first time, realizes she’s in her pajamas – just an oversized T-shirt. “Look away” is all he can tell himself.)

(Scene: Back to Max and Liz sitting on the couch in the backroom of the Crashdown.)

Max: I’m so sorry, Liz.

Liz: I know. (She pauses and looks at him, playfully) That’s a pretty handy trick you have to get someone to forgive you. (They smile at each other and she moves closer to him on the couch) I know there are risks Max. I mean, we’re not running from the hall monitor here – it’s the FBI. But I’m willing to take my chances, if you are.

Max (looking away from her): I’m afraid…

Liz: I’ll never ask you to stay. (Max looks over at her very surprised) All I’m asking is that you leave me with more memories than this before you go.

Max (shocked): Liz…

Liz: You could go tomorrow, Max, or it could be ten years from now…

Max (quietly): Or never.

Liz: I don’t want to get to that point and look back at what we could have had all those years…all that time. I need something to hold on to when you leave, if you leave.

Max (looking away): I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to go.

Liz (looking intently at him): I won’t let you stay. (He looks at her) I’ve been thinking about this a lot Max. Love is a lot of things – including letting go. If you’ll love me “now”…I promise when we get to “then”…I’ll let you go. (He still just looks at her) Can you understand that, maybe, I would love you that much? (Max still hasn’t moved – or really breathed. She smiles at him and leans in and gently kisses him. He reaches up with his hand to caress her face and the kiss deepens.)

(Scene: Morning at Maria’s House. Maria is lying in bed – awakened by her mother opening her door.)

Amy: Maria, honey.

Maria (jolts up in bed and looks around the room panicky): I’m up, I’m up.

Amy: Sweetie, I’m taking off. I’ve gotta run by the shop for a couple of hours and then do some grocery shopping. (Maria is all the while looking around the room. She can see Michael’s jacket on the chair – out of sight from her mom but no Michael.) You’ll be alright at Liz’s tonight?

Maria (totally distracted): Uh uh. I’ll be fine mom.

Amy: Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow if you’re gone before I get back.

Maria (absentmindedly): Uh…Okay... (Amy just looks at her daughter and then closes the door. As she closes the door Maria sees Michael standing behind the door – completely frozen holding his clothes. Maria covers her mouth, as she is about to break into hysterics.)

(Scene: Morning at the backroom of the Crashdown. Max and Liz have fallen asleep cuddling on the couch. Mrs. Parker opens the door from the apartment and starts coming down the stairs. She stops when she sees feet on the couch and crouches down to see who they belong to. Max starts to wake-up from the noise of Mrs. Parker. He looks around trying to figure out where he is and what he’s doing there. He sees Liz and smiles. Carefully getting out from her he grabs his coat and leans over her and gently kisses her on the forehead – whispering “ I love you, Liz Parker”. Mrs. Parker watching from the stairs catches her breath at his tenderness. When she hears the back door of the Crashdown close she waits a moment and then continues down the stairs. As her mom sits on the couch next to her Liz starts to wake up.)

Liz (startled): Mom! (She looks around and under her breath) Max? (She looks back at her mom who’s looking at the two mugs of cocoa on the table) Nothing happened…I swear! He was upset and wanted to talk – that’s all we did – talk.

Mrs. Parker (trying to calm her daughter down): It’s okay. Honey, I trust you. (Liz stops panicking and looks at her mom) You’ve always been so responsible… So much older…never quite my little girl. (She looks at Liz and gently strokes her hair) Just promise me that you’ll be careful. You’re only sixteen and you have a lifetime of experiences ahead of you. I trust you to be responsible about the decisions you make…and to talk to me about them first.

Liz (nodding): I will. You don’t have to worr, mom. (She smiles at her mom and then slightly frustrated) I’d be lucky to get him to ask me on a date.

Mrs. Parker (smiling at remembering what she saw and heard Max do before leaving): Oh, I don’t know sweetie. Guys are always slow when it comes to those things…but Max seems like a pretty bright boy. He’ll figure it out.

Liz: Hopefully before I am twenty. (Her mom smiles and gives her a hug)

Mrs. Parker (giving her daughter a sideways glance): Just promise me you won’t make a habit of this.

Liz: Promise.

(Scene: Crashdown, later that day. Liz is working and Maria in standard black attire is waiting at the counter for Kyle to pick her up.) Music: Golden Smog – Until You Came Along

Maria: So did you give Max shelter from the rain last night?

Liz: Maybe.

Maria (playfully shocked): Maybe?

Liz: I couldn’t let him stand all night out there – it was pouring.

Maria: So what? Does this mean space-boy’s forgiven?

Liz: He has a pretty convincing method of asking for forgiveness.

Maria: Elizabeth Parker!

Liz (flustered by Maria’s overly loud reaction): Maria…get your mind out of the gutter. We just talked and fell asleep on the couch in the backroom.

Maria: Just talked, uh uh.

Liz (embarrassed): My mom caught us.

Maria (wide-eyed): What?

Liz: Max had already left…but I was still asleep on the couch and I couldn’t hide his mug...

Maria: What’d she say?

Liz: It was pretty surprising actually. She just said she trusted me…trusted me to be responsible.

Maria: I can recite to you word for word the do-you-know-how-much-responsibility-babies-are speech that I’d have gotten.

Liz: Speaking of you…did you let Michael in?

Maria: After he suffered for awhile. I still haven’t decided if we should be flattered or offended by this display of testosterone.

Liz: I think it’s kind of sweet.

Maria (looking at Liz): You would. I mean, what do they think they’re gonna do. Max maybe has a chance of doing something but Michael – all he knows is how to blow things up. My luck, this guy’s coming after me and Michael’s gonna blow up my house – with me in it.

Liz (through her laughter): At least he cares. Isn’t that what you wanted?

Maria: I guess. (They look at each other and burst into laughter.)

Liz (when they’ve stopped laughing): So what do you have planned for the Sheriff tonight?

Maria: Oh, a little of this and a little of that.

Liz: Maria.

Maria: Well, I let the neighbors’ cats run through our house for about an hour – making sure to cover the couch with kitty cooties. Added crushed peanuts to the rice pudding. And the CD changer is full of Frank Sinatra. If this doesn’t produce a date from hell then I don’t know what would.

Liz: You are so bad. (Before she can comment any more. Kyle pulls up out front.)

Maria: There’s my ride. Wish me luck. (Liz shakes her head at Maria as she leaves.)

(Scene: Kyle’s Car. Kyle is in the driver’s seat with Maria in the passenger seat. She has binoculars and is looking through them toward the window of her living room. Kyle is perusing a Sports Illustrated – swimsuit edition.)

Kyle (looking up from his magazine over at Maria): Is this really necessary (motioning to the binoculars)?

Maria: Okay, have you done this before?

Kyle: No. What and you have?

Maria: Let’s just say I’m no virgin.

Kyle: Really?

Maria: You know what I mean. And speaking of necessary (she shoots an evil look toward his magazine).

Kyle: What?

Maria (looking around the car): Do you have like scantily clad women magazines scattered around your car incase your dates go home early and you’re still in the – mood?

Kyle (seriously irritated): Are we gonna have to stay here all night?

Maria: Just long enough. Trust me I don’t want to be here any more than you do. (She looks through the binoculars and sees Valenti in the middle of a major sneezing fit and her mom trying to comfort him) They look like they’re having fun.

Kyle: Hey, is that Guerin?

Maria: Where? (Kyle points across the way) Yea, not too stealthy, huh?

Kyle: What are you guys like dating?

Maria: No…he’s a member of the can’t-get-a-clue-club you started. (Kyle just glares at her)

----------about an hour later they’re both sitting back in their seats quietly reflecting-----------

Kyle (after a long pause): My dad’ll kill me if he finds out about this.

Maria: Yea, my mom will be pretty upset too. For some reason she really likes your dad – I can’t figure it out.

Kyle: Yea, well, I think my dad’s attracted to your mom’s alien lameness. (Maria just looks at him) Sorry. My dad’s been pretty happy lately…humming a lot.

Maria: I know what you mean…mom’s been eating a lot of chocolate. She never eats chocolate.

Kyle: I think the last time I remember hearing dad hum was before my mom left.

Maria (after a while): Do you miss your mom? (Realizing the personal nature of the question) Sorry…I…

Kyle: I used to think, when I was younger I’d never stop missing her. Now it’s just bad on certain days…you know, birthdays, holidays. Dad still has a hard time around their anniversary. (After a pause) What about you?

Maria: It’s hard to miss somebody you never really knew. (She looks away) I used to wish he’d come back. Now I don’t even know what I’d say to him. I think I’d just beat the crap out of him for the way he treated my mom. She’s been through so much you know…

Kyle: Yea, dad was pretty devastated when my mom left. I don’t think he’s ever really been the same. He’s never been like this (motioning to the house).

Maria: Yea, my mom’s gone out on a lot of dates…but she’s never been this nervous…she’s like a teenager. (They just sort of look at each other starting to feel really bad about what they’ve done.)

(Scene: Alleyway Behind Crashdown. Max is sitting on the dumpster and Michael walks up)

Michael: Maxwell…nice place you got here.

Max: What are you doing here?

Michael: Maria’s staying the night. (He jumps up and sits on the dumpster with Max. They sit there for awhile in silence.)

Max: Isabel’s right you know. What can we do…if he’s going to hurt them he will?

Michael: I don’t get it Max. What’s he waiting for?

Max: I don’t know.

Michael: What do we do?

Max: Wait.

Michael: Waiting bites.

Max (smiling): Wasn’t so bad last night. (Michael looks over at Max surprised) What you didn’t have a good time last night?

Michael: No complaints. But that’s just it, Max. Everyday we get more and more…sucked in.

Max (looking over at Michael): Michael, I can’t possibly get anymore sucked in. (Again they sit in silence for a few moments) You gonna stay here tonight?

Michael: Yea…why?

Max: Well, if you don’t mind I think I’ll head home and spend some time with Isabel.

Michael: She’s been pretty left out lately.

Max: She’s as attached as we are…she just won’t admit it. It scares her too much.

Michael: It scares us all, Maxwell – what’s new.

(Scene: Liz’s Bedroom. Liz is sitting on her bed doing some homework and Maria walks in and sits down on the bed.) Music: Aimee Mann – Wise Up

Maria: I’m a horrible person.

Liz: No you’re not, Maria.

Maria: I intentionally gave a man hives tonight. What qualifies you for the terrible person award if it isn’t that?

Liz (trying desperately hard not to laugh at her): You were doing what you thought you had to.

Maria: Hives Liz, have you ever had hives? And my poor mother…all she could do was apologize. I am a horrible daughter. Oh god, and Kyle...

Liz: Maria, I’m sure it wasn’t that bad. (Maria just looks at her) At least no one was seriously hurt, I mean no one had to go to the hospital…Did they?

Maria: No.

Liz: See, there you go. It could have been worse.

Maria (she looks at Liz almost pleadingly): I think Kyle and I have decided we can work around our parents dating. I mean really Liz, is it that dangerous? Maybe the Sheriff will like Michael – once he gets to know him…

Liz (just trying to calm Maria down): It’ll be fine, Maria, we’ll figure something out. And who knows – they could decide that it’s not working out on their own. I mean, on their next date...

Maria: You mean if he forgives her for trying to kill him. (She lets out a sigh) I deserve a slow horrible death for this.

Liz: You deserve…a hot fudge mint chocolate chip ice cream sundae with whip cream and nuts…

Maria (cringing at the word “nuts”): No nuts.

Liz (smiling at her): Come on (She grabs Maria’s arm and pulls her off the bed).

(Scene: Liz’s Roof same night, very late. Michael is asleep on the lounge chair. He’s having a vision – tossing and turning, very sweaty. He jolts up from the lounge chair looking terrified.)

Michael (shakily): He’s dead.

Back to Area 51 (Section III)