Rating: PG-13

Category: Isabel POV (but it's really about M&M with some A/I)

Summary: A look into Isabel's mind throughout the course of one day

Spoilers: Through Surprise

Disclaimer: not mine do not sue

A.N.: This fic is backwards. As in it starts at the end at works its way to the beginning. Don't worry once you start reading it becomes clearer.

5:47 PM Crashdown Backroom

"Why am I doing this again?" I must be insane. Well, yes I am insane because I am now talking to myself. But I know the answer. The answer is because Maria is my friend. And I owe her. I owe her a lot. That's the reason I am doing this. Okay Isabel, pep talk time. You're the Ice Princess; now prove it. Head high, shoulders back. She'll never know what hit her. "

They're not here."

God, she is so rude. I am sorry but there is no way that I was ever that...that bitchy.

"Excuse me?" Okay this is going to be harder than I thought.

"Your little gang or whatever you people call it. They're not here."

Oh she is so not going to give me an attitude. I don't know who she thinks she is but I *am* attitude. I cannot wait to wipe that obnoxious little smirk right off of her bleached blonde head.

"That's good because I wanted to talk to you." Ooh, I think I see a little fear in her eyes. Well, well...doesn't that add an interesting little spin of events.

"Me? What about?" Keeping up her cocky, make me want to puke, fake as her hair, confidence still.

Just give her the infamous thousand-watt smile right back. This is definitely going to be more fun than I thought. "About Michael."

"Well now...another warning to back off? Because from where I'm standing it doesn't look like he is attached, to either of you."

Maybe I could kill her.

"Well now...that's where you're wrong. Because from where I'm standing it looks like it really is. Michael, Maria get the picture?"

Maybe I could make her hair fall out. I bet I could do that. I'm getting better, stronger. At the very least she's going to get one hell of a rash.

"You can talk all you want but he wants me. I can feel these things."

She is such a smug little bitch. It's infuriating. Time to take her down a peg or two or twelve.

"What you're feeling is going to be me, at your back, watching you at all times. See Michael won't tell you this because he, quite frankly, could care less if you drop off the face of this planet. You can delude yourself into thinking there is something there but you'd be wrong. He will never be interested in a druggie who sleeps around with rich pretty boys." That one had to hurt. But the truth so often does. "Didn't think I knew about that did you?"

"How do you know about that?" Nervous now, aren't you?

"I have my ways." Always keep your hand close. My dad taught me well. I know when to fold and when to play. But Isabel Evans doesn't bluff. "Just imagine what Mr. Parker would think if he had this kind of information. Tsk, tsk. I don't think he wants any criminals working here."

"What do you want from me?" My how she has fallen.

"Easy, stay away from Michael. Stay away from Maria. No, let me just put it this way...you are to leave my little gang, as you call us, alone. Because as scary and bad ass as you like to think that you are...that's nothing compared to me. So consider this your last warning. You keep away from us because you don't...want to see me *upset*."

~*~

Okay so this is the end and the next part will take place a couple of hours before this. But not now I have to go back to studying.

5:30 PM Alley behind the Crashdown

This is ridiculous. I should be at home reading a magazine and doing my nails. When did I become nice? This has got be Alex's influence.

But this has gone on for long enough. Maria was there for me when I needed her. She always there for us when we need her and what thanks and payment does she get? None. Okay Isabel, just remember that you have friends who would die for you.

I killed for them.

They would die for you.

Just do it. Deal with Courtney first and then you can kick Michael's ass into gear.

She's your friend. Okay, enough of the pep talk. I can do this. Maria is my friend. I went into battle for Tess, I wore a *uniform* for Liz. This is the least I can do for Maria who has done so much for us.

"Isabel!" Liz seems surprised to see me skulking out behind the Crashdown. She is probably used to seeing Michael hiding in the shadows.

"Hi Liz." I am acting nervous. Don't be nervous.

"Are you okay?" Liz is always so concerned about us. God, they all are and all we seem to do recently is push them away.

Thank you for caring Liz.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She must see through my tight smile. When did I stop being able to lie to these three? I still lie to myself though.

"Isabel..."

"I'm fine. Really."

Liz nodded thoughtfully. She's always thoughtful, like Max is of me and everyone else around them. I never realized how much harder it is to think of other people first. The way she looks at the world is so different. It's as if she actually believes in those around her. Maybe I should hang out with Liz more. Maybe I really have been spending too much time with Alex for that thought to surface.

"Well, if you...if you ever want to, to talk or anything. Just let me know."

Now I know why I am doing this.

Because this is what friends do.

5:12 PM At booth in Crashdown

"She let you go in alone! You could have been killed!" His voice may be barely above a whisper but he is yelling at me with his tone.

"You go off all the time by yourself. Why is that okay? But I am subjected to my over-protective brothers? Explain that one to me Michael." Ugh, he drives me insane sometimes!

"Because...because it's just different that why!"

Oh, yeah makes a lot of sense there Michael. I can't help but roll my eyes exasperated at him.

"Look, Izzy," I think I liked it better when he was yelling at me. Then I could yell back. But this whole softy side to him. It's just so not Michael, "I just, just don't want anything to happen to you. I know how it feels to have...to have killed. No matter the circumstances. Maybe if she hadn't let you go in alone then it could have been avoided, it could be different right now."

"You're right." Damn, I surprised him with that one. "Maria could be dead now too. Make up your mind Michael. Do you want to keep her away from you and safe or have her right there beside me when I am facing off with Whitaker? Because you can't have it both ways."

I wonder if our looks can kill. Probably not, otherwise I would be joining Nacedo in the dustpan under Max's bed.

"Look," Oh damn. Now he is really angry with me. "You can just keep out of it! I don't need your help with any of this all right!"

He never makes any sense. I mean, Max was right when he said that Michael had never been easy. But this...I swear he does this just to give me a headache.

"Where are you going?" I swear it is just so Michael to get up and leave in the middle of a conversation. I have no idea how Maria puts up with this.

"Out." Oh yes, that stellar Guerin conversation at its finest.

"Hey Michael. Where ya goin'?" Out obviously.

Hasn't she done enough for one day?

Perhaps she could run over Maria's dog?

I have to get out of here too.

~*~

Great Isabel. This is not exactly leaving things behind. Just forget about it.

But I can't.

Because Max was right. I hate it when that happens.

5:09 PM Booth at Crashdown

"God she is such a drama queen."

I have no idea how Michael can calmly sit there and let Courtney, let her make fun of Maria. I know that he is trying to be a soldier, be strong, we all are, but I thought he cared about her still.

I'll never understand what goes on in his head.

"I'll take a Will Smith burger and some Saturn rings." I'll gain five pounds just to have you shut up.

"I'll be right back with those."

Bitch.

Another headache. Damn it. My brain feels like it is imploding on itself.

I seem to be getting a lot of headaches recently. Courtney seems to be around for most of them. Interesting. I'll have to look into that.

I can barely stand to be in the same room with her now. Amazing what a difference a day makes. I don't what it is but here is something wrong with her. Something not right.

"How can you listen to her?" If I never had to hear her again I would be happy.

Oh, don't you think that you can roll your eyes at me and ignore me Michael Guerin because I will not put up with your usual crap. I don't roll over and play dead.

"Just stay away from her. I found," He found something. With Michael, that is never a good sign, "I found some pictures of her in Whitaker's office. She told me some story about doing drugs and getting caught with the senator's son."

"So you believe her?"

I can't believe her.

"Whatever. It's not important."

He has had this attitude towards me ever since that night. So much for being there, for understanding.

"Michael what is your problem?"

"Yeah, like you care."

What is *that* supposed to mean?

"What is that supposed to mean?"

He just hasn't been himself...no, that's not true. He has been even more Michael than usual. He barely even flinched at Maria's limp. He's keeping it all in now. That's just cold.

Maybe I'll go over to her house later. Check up on her.

Ooh, that was a random thought there.

"She could have gotten you killed."

Huh? Talk about random.

"Courtney?"

"No! Maria!"

Oh.

"Is that why you have been so...so *you* towards her?"

4:40 PM Crashdown entrance

"Are you gaining weight?"

Ooh, Alex is lucky that Maria loves him. He is also lucky that he wasn't talking to me. Of course, I know that he would never have the nerve to say that to me. That and he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Of course, he is also helping Maria out right now. I think that is was a good thing that Max wasn't here. He would want to heal her. It's kind of funny, this friendship between Max and Maria. She actually calls him girlfriend. It makes him laugh. It's nice to hear my brother laugh.

They are kind of cute, not quite as make me want to gag as Max and Liz, but close. More like how Max and I used to be when we were little. I miss that.

"Bye Alex." He's a good friend. Watching him with Maria and Liz, I realize how lucky I am to have him as my friend as well. He'd do anything for a friend. I love Alex. No, not in love with him but I do love him. He's actually a very good influence on me. Not that I would ever admit that to anyone. I can barely admit it to myself.

Well, it looks like Michael decided to finally drag his sorry ass over here. He can try and deny it all he wants but I have seen the way he looks at her, especially when he thinks that we don't notice. Hate to tell you this Michael, but we notice. We all do. Well, everyone but-

"Looking good Michael." Courtney seems to be as blind as she is blatantly obvious. Can't she get a clue? Michael. Is. Not. Interested.

Poor Maria. Maybe I can do something to help her.

Okay those thoughts have just got to stop!

"Have Max call me when he gets off work." I see they are back to ignoring each other again.

"Sure." Well, I can at least help out the girlfriends. I bet he'll heal her later when he founds out. That is just the sort of thing that Max would do. Me...I am not getting involved.

"Where's sh-they going?" So smooth Michael. I know he is still hung up on her.

"Oh the klutz fell."

Fell my ass! Liar.

"And now she has to go home because she hurt her ankle." Am I the only one that noticed that tone in her voice? Now that headache is coming back.

Michael! She is mocking Maria! Maria, who is hurt and limping. Maria. The girl you love.

"Oh."

How can he be so cold?

4:28 PM Crashdown

"Oh Maria. I am so sorry."

Oh please. How insincere can she be?

"You know you really should watch where you are going."

"Watch where I am going? Excuse me?" Oh, she's done it now. Maria's about to go hypersonic. "Maybe if you used that bleached blonde head of yours as more than just air then, then- Argh! Look at me!"

Maria is covered in thick, chocolate goo. She never has liked alien blasts, well at least the kind with a straw. A big, purple bruise is already starting to form on her ankle.

"Can you walk?" It's funny. Watching Alex with Maria and Liz, not in a funny ha ha kind of way. More of a reflective sense. You would think I would be jealous of them.

Isabel Evans does not get jealous.

I like seeing Alex with Maria and Liz. I know that he'll be okay. They need each other. Maybe they don't need us.

"No, no don't try to walk." Alex quickly picks her up as we all see the pain on her face as clearly as in the UFO center so many months ago.

"Guess I'll have to cover for you." Yeah like she ever actually works.

"Come on DeLuca. Let's get you home before any other *interesting* accidents happen."

3:45 PM In the Jeep, about 1/2 mile from the Crashdown

"You know what Michael! You can just walk if you don't like my attitude. In case you forgot...this is my car and your sorry ass can just walk the rest of the way."

"Fine!"

*Fine!* Yeah I know mocking him in my head doesn't help much but it does make me feel a little better because that little display between the two of them was just too much for even me to handle.

He's actually going to walk. Ha! He would actually rather walk to the Crashdown than have to be civil to me. I don't even want to know what bug has crawled up his butt and died but he can just leave the attitude at home. Maria may put up with it, and hell even Max can turn the other cheek. But I will not sit here and put up with his crap. And he is sadly mistaken if he thinks that I am going to think about this for another second longer.

Yes, I just left him. I drove away. Bet he wasn't expecting that.

Well, at least Alex is at the Crashdown to keep me company. Tess is still in a bad mood. Maybe I should call her later. Later. I want to talk with Alex first. I feel bad about the whole Grant thing. I just wish...I just wish that Alex weren't so nice. It makes it very hard to be a bitch to him. He makes it hard for me to be...he makes it hard for me to be *Isabel* because around him I am just, Isabel. There is a difference. Most people may not know it. I may not even show it. Okay, Isabel enough with the poetry. Don't be Max.

Oh, yippee. Let me show my joy at more exposure with Courtney. I wonder if she is doing these things on purpose.

The lights are too bright in here. I think I am getting a headache. That's like the third one today. Maybe it's a side effect from being forced to connect with Tess. Not that I regret it because I would do it all over again. It's just hard. I am not the kind of person (alien, whatever) to stick her neck out for others. I don't care what that fake guidance counselor Topolsky said. Yes, my friends and family are important. They are all I have...okay some self-sacrifice isn't such a bad thing.

Maybe.

"Hi Alex."

I hate the way my voice is all soft and squishy around him. And I just know that it is Maria who has put words like squishy into my vocabulary.

"Oh hey."

I hate the way his voice sounds all sad and depressed around me. I suppose it's my fault.

Okay, okay. I know that it is my fault. But I can't help it. Alex is a pretty good friend. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve his friendship. What have I done to be his friend?

I'm not much of a friend to anyone really.

Why did I just touch his hand?

Well, apparently his voice box is attached to his hand because his melancholy seems to have been replaced with Maria's mouth.

I like listening to Alex talk. It's calm. It's nice to just listen, and to know that when I talk he actually cares about what I am saying.

"Hey Isabel. What can I get ya?"

She seems to be a little happier now. Being around Alex will do that to a person.

"Hmm, how about a shake?"

I just cannot get myself to say an alien blast. Too many icky associations with that. Icky...another Maria word. Stupid Max.

"Sure." It's nice to see her smile. "One slightly modified alien blast coming right up."

If I were her, I wouldn't be friends with me. It's true. It's just too much trouble and not really worth it.

"Thanks Maria."

"No problem. It's on the house."

"So..Isabel, do you want to go see a movie this weekend?"

Yeah, maybe.

"No."

"Oh."

Okay, I should really stop doing that to him. But his face his so cute when he bites his lip and is all flustered.

"Why don't we rent a movie instead?"

It's nice to see him smile. Maybe there is just something to be said about seeing your friends happy.

"Hey Officer Whitman. How's the thong?"

I would laugh. It's funny, really it is, except for the fact that it came from her mouth. No one makes fun of Alex. Well, Maria does but that's different. And I do too. But that is different as well. We are his friends. At least I think I am his friend. I don't always act like it.

"Here you are Isabel. One alien blast."

Have you ever seen something happen in slow motion around you? It's like you know what is happening and you see it coming and yet you are absolutely powerless to stop it. Because if you haven't then I must say it is certainly surreal. I see Courtney. I see her pushing the chair out right into Maria. I see the shake fall down her chest and her leg fold under her body. I hear Alex cry out for her. I see him reach down to her. I know that he wishes it were he instead. He would do anything for one of his girls. I wish I were one of his girls. Maybe I am. Who knows?

3:20 PM Outside of Courtney's Apartment

"You can some in if you want."

Oh gag. What a pathetic play.

"Why?" I love you Michael. I really do. For once your completely clueless nature is coming in handy. Hmm, that certainly seems to have thrown her off.

"Oh...well, there is so much I could show you."

Um, hello? Grossed out friend sitting right here. Remember me? Tall, natural blonde still able to hear the conversation? The one sitting in the driver's seat waiting for you to get your butt..out...of...my..car!

"We really should be going." Time to say goodbye to your little friend Michael.

Glad I don't have friends like her.

"You both have to be going?" Get out of my car. "Because I was hoping for one of you to stay."

Michael is not deaf. He can hear you throwing yourself at him from your own seat. A deaf and blind 90-year-old man could notice you practically sitting on his lap.

She did *not* just lick his ear.

Ew.

Get out of my car.

I have a headache.

"Goodbye Courtney." Finally Michael gets his head out of his ass long enough to look around and notice the giant slut!

"All right. See you later though."

God I hope not.

I feel a fight coming on. It's weird, my own sixth sense. Hmm, seventh I suppose if I count my powers but I just know when Michael is in a mood. Recently it is more of a permanent condition than anything else.

Maybe I feel the fights coming on because I start them.

"Really subtle there Michael."

"Huh?"

He's genius isn't he.

"I'm talking about Courtney." Clueless look. Shocker. "How can you stand to be around her?"

"I'm not around her. She works at the Crashdown. That's it."

He really doesn't notice it does he?

"Michael she is flirting with you. And I don't trust her."

Last time I trusted a blonde everything got messed up. But I also got to see my mother. I sometimes feel guilty about that. Calling her my mother, I have a mother. I have two. Remember that Isabel.

"Whatever."

If he rolls his eyes at me one more time...I swear to whatever alien god exists, I will so go Xena on his ass.

"Michael, how can you not notice? How has Mar-"

"Don't."

Excuse me? What is with everyone's attitude today?

"Don't talk to me about her."

Her? Now it's her? So much for that Maria girl.

"What is your problem Michael?"

"I don't have a problem. You're the one with the attitude here."

3:00 PM Hallway at West Roswell

"Hey! God Max, I have been looking for you everywhere. Can we go now?"

I just want to get out of here. I really don't feel like having to deal with everyone else anymore.

"No."

Excuse me? What is he channeling Michael now?

"I'm waiting for Maria." He gets this little grin when he talks about her. He used to smile at me like that. She really has helped him a lot. My brother smiles now, even without Liz. I do not understand his friendship with Maria at all. I don't think I want to.

"Okay. Well, where is she?" I really just want to get home. The new Cosmo should be in. Shallow I realize but hey, it's honest.

"Detention."

Maria got detention? Maybe that is what she was talking about in study hall.

"What'd she do?"

Uh-oh. Max has that scowl on his face. Well, more of a sad puppy dog than a scowl.

"She didn't do anything. It was-"

"Hey, you guys ready?"

Courtney.

"I told Courtney we would give her a ride."

Hmm, interesting that 'we' don't have a car.

"You guys go on. Maria will give me a ride to the UFO center."

Ooh, Michael flinched at that one.

" 'kay, we'll see you later Max."

Maria's lucky, well despite the detention thing, Max is a good friend, and brother, to her.

But me...

"can we get out of here?"

"Yeah, I'm coming Michael."

1:30 PM Study Hall

"I mean he acts like I am just supposed to sit around and stare at a blank wall. Actually, not even a blank wall! But at his stupid sports posters! How dumb is that? I know that this is not exactly the greatest arrangement, but what did he expect to happen? I am telling you that Buddha boy is on my last nerve and then...then it's death ray time."

Wait? Buddha Boy?

Never mind. I don't even want to know. Getting involved will only make me more confused I am sure. Better to let Tess babble on. Besides, I need to be nicer to her. Barely tolerating someone's presence isn't the olive branch of friendship or peace or whatever the hell an olive branch is supposed to stand for.

"I'm sure it will get better Tess. Brothers aren't easy. Trust me on that one."

"He's *not* my brother."

That was...intense of her.

"Okay...I was just saying that-"

"I know what you were saying all right and I, I...just forget it."

She's giving up a lot now. I have noticed that more. I think she is tiring of being the outsider of the group. That or maybe I just feel guilty about what happened. She got hurt because of me. Or because of my soul. Or...I don't even know what to think of any of it. So I don't. I just try not to think about it.

Maybe I should invite Tess over. I don't know, have her spend the night or something. It's nice to have her perspective. I like to see how alien I am. Tess is like the alien barometer. I can judge how human I am by her actions and reactions.

She does not like Grant. I'm not sure why though. She won't really say. But I do know that she likes Alex, not that *like*. But she likes him now. That certainly snuck up on me. I'm not sure why though. It's not like he has changed from when she first met him and didn't like him. He's just Alex. Not quite sure what she is thinking on that one.

"Hey."

God Maria sounds depressed. I wonder if it's because of the Michael thing from lunch today. I'm sure that it'll all be back to their normal bitch fest 2000 soon. Not that I mind the quiet. But it just isn't them, Maria is not a quiet person. And Michael can be about as subtle as a sledgehammer. What a frustrating mix.

"Hi. Want to sit with us?"

Not that I care where she sits or talks to or anything like that.

Hmm, shrugging only. That is not the normal mode of communication for Maria. Usually her mouth moves at a faster speed than my advanced brain can keep up with.

"Bad day?" I was more concerned sounding than Tess, at least my invitation sounded sincere. Still more human. So far.

"I hate her." Okay Maria, Tess is sitting right here. I know you don't like her. But still... "I mean what is she even doing here? Does she even go to this school?" Oh Courtney. Whatever.

Tess and Maria are both babbling now about something or other. They can deal with their own problems. I'll just tune them out. Sometimes it's easier that way.

Is this day over yet?

12:15 PM Lunch in the Quad

I wonder if they know how nice the quiet is compared to their usual arguments. I doubt it because otherwise they would be yelling, no matter how angry they are, just to be harassing the rest of us. If Maria not talking to Michael means a little peace and quiet...then hallelujah to whoever helped this new, and restful, development.

"Movie tonight after work?" Max! Don't start anything. I am not getting involved. God, I wonder how Michael feels about this new Max and Maria thing. Like the hanging out all the time and how he is always going to her for advice. Not that I care or am concerned or anything like that. I'm just curious that's all. But only because no one can ever tell what Michael is thinking, especially these past couple of days. I don't know what it is but it's like he's angry with me or us or something. Ooh, maybe it's because of Max and Maria. God Michael, you have got to know that there is nothing there.

"Oh yeah!" Look at him trying to ignore her as if he doesn't care about her.

"No chick flicks please."

"Oh but the Freddie Prinze Jr. one just came out on video." I wonder if those puppy dog eyes used to work on Michael. Max isn't going to fall for a pouty face, there's now way. Oh my God. He's agreeing to see a chick flick? He never lets me rent anything fun at the video store. This is so unfair. I don't like them being friends.

I wonder if Michael even hears the conversation going on around him. Hello in there! Anybody home? It's like he can just switch his ears off. Oh! Maybe that's why he and Maria dated. Makes sense to me.

"Hey gang." Oh gag me. Seriously. Someone please gag me. Or even better her. And what the hell is she doing here? Does she even go to school?

"Courtney." Well, Michael apparently heard her come over.

"How's it hanging Michael?" I hate her smile. It's like a predator going in for the kill. "Given any more thought to what we talked about? You know?"

I think if Maria's eyes get any bigger they will fall out.

"I'll keep it in mind."

I was wrong. They won't.

"That's too bad." If I had a napkin around I would wipe the drool off of her chin. And Maria seems to be foaming at the mouth. Where's Alex when you need him?

"Yeah whatever. I gotta go."

Of course you do Michael. It's what you do best.

Oh my God. She did not. She just grabbed his butt and right in front of Maria. This day cannot get any worse for her.

11:45 am Max's Locker

"I need my book back." Can he possibly stop talking to Maria for just a moment here? All I want is the stupid book he borrowed. "I need it for class. You know class starts in a minute, as in the one I don't want to be late for."

Okay does anyone here even see me talking? I swear he becomes coma boy when talking to her. This is ridiculous. Don't mind your actual sister standing here or anything.

"God, Max...he's, he's just so mean! I mean trust me when I say that I know he was never perfect. Heaven forbid. But this...this is just cold."

Whine, whine, whine.

"Yeah, anyway Max, I need that book."

Don't give me that be nice look. I'm not Michael and it won't work.

"You know what? Don't worry about me. I am through with him and his little mind games. I quit."

"Mar-"

"No, I'll just catch ya later Max. Don't worry. I am under control."

Well, I didn't mean to make her go. Honestly, I didn't!

"You could be a little nicer to her you know." Great, my king can lecture me on the proper behavior towards...towards...my friend.

"Fine. I'll try to be nice. It's just that..." That I killed someone, I found out I betrayed you, and now...now I don't know what to do or where to turn. "I'll try."

"Good. Thank you." It's the first time I think he has smiled at me in days, maybe weeks. "Now here's your book."

"Thank you. Finally." Okay, I deserved that eye roll I suppose. "So meet you in the quad later for lunch? I told Michael I would meet him there."

What? What is that look for? I don't like that worried look.

"I told Maria that I would eat with her." Of course, why would you want to be with us? We're just you're own species and everything. "I'll just...tell her that I can't. Maria'll understand."

Maria? Understand? That's highly doubtful.

"You know what Max, I'm sure that they can act like adults for once. We can all eat together. What's the worst that can happen? She said it herself that she is through with it all."

"I guess."

"Trust me. It'll be fine."

10:00 am Girl's Restroom

"Hey Isabel."

"Hi Maria." I know that she wants me to take care of the stain on her skirt. I could it's just that...people have already seen it and I don't want to do anything suspicious. I can't be too careful now.

"Do you have any lip gloss?"

"No. Sorry." Ooh lip gloss, that's what I need to add to this lip color. It needs to be glossier. No one else is around so...perfect! Now I look like the Elle Macpherson of the 11th grade.

"Oh. Okay well, I'll see you in class later."

Oh look, this is interesting. Michael and Max waiting outside the restroom. I wonder what they want.

"Hey Michael." God, she still wants him so badly. It'll never happen.

"You mind? We were right in the middle of something. So why don't you just run along now?" Okay harsh much Michael?

"Actually Michael, I was waiting for Maria." That's an interesting look Michael has going on there. I think I might be wrong. He is still clearly hung up on her. God, he can be such a stubborn ass.

"We were in the middle of a conversation here Maxwell." Interesting how his eyes haven't left Maria's shoulder. Or rather Max's arm on Maria's shoulder.

"Well, now we're going to class. It's what most of us do during the day at school. Oh wait? Izzy I forgot my Spanish book at home. Can I borrow yours?"

"Yeah. Hey you have been studying for Spanish a lot." Is he blushing? Whatever.

"Hey Michael."

What is she doing here?

"Do you even go to this school?" Leave it to Maria to get to the point.

"Come on Maria. Let's get to class."

I don't even think that Michael hears Courtney talking to him. He's too busy lusting over Maria still and I just know that he is going to be pissier than usual because of Maria's new girlfriend Max.

I think this is going to be an interesting school day.

8:07 am Parking Lot of West Roswell

"Max." He's off in la-la land again. Thinking of Liz no doubt.

"Huh? What?"

"School Max. They usually like it when the students go inside to learn."

"I'm just waiting for Maria."

Why? I'm pretty sure that Maria knows where the school is and she just might be able to make it herself.

"Why?"

"Because she's my friend Isabel. She's your friend too."

"I know that. I'm aware of the fact that Maria is my friend. But thanks so much for the information there Max."

Who does he think he is? The friendship police? Get over it Max.

"You know what Izzy?" He hasn't called me Izzy in a long time. I haven't been Izzy in a long time either. "Mean people suck."

Mean people suck? Since when do the words 'mean people suck' come out of my brother's mouth? He's a walking bumper sticker. Ooh. And I know whose mom just happens to make bumper stickers, alien ones to boot. How fitting that the king alien himself would be spouting off bad cliches.

"Where did that come from exactly? Maria?" Okay, I didn't mean for all that disdain in my voice. Really I didn't.

"Actually...yeah, it probably did. And she's right you know."

'She's right you now.' Blah, blah, blah.

"Fantastic Max. She may be right but she's late. I'm going in."

"Here she comes now."

"Sorry I'm late. Thanks for waiting." Hey, don't look at me all surprised. I waited didn't I?

"Nice skirt." What is that big blob on the hem of that skirt? And what did she do this summer? Cut off all her clothes to microscopic proportions?

"Oh yeah." At least she has the graces to seem embarrassed. "I had a little run-in with a soda in the car. I'm actually going to see if I can catch up with Liz. She may have something I can wear."

"Okay, I'll just meet you at the end of second period Maria."

I just know that as soon as she is gone, I am going to get a look and a lecture. Oh! And there is the disapproving look now! And here comes the lecture.

"Isabel..." He starts with the condescending tone as always. "No." What? "I'm not going to do this again. Because I'm willing to bet that if you think about it, you'll see just how Maria has influenced you as well as me."

"Yeah, fine. That's great Max."

"Maria's your friend. Maybe you should start acting like it."

Please. I have better things to worry about today than Maria.

~*~

9:09 PM Isabel's Bedroom

This is pathetic. I haven't sat up waiting for Max to come home since...I don't think I have ever sat up waiting for Max. I hear coming now. He's passing by my room. I can't believe he's not even going to stop and talk to me. He could at least let me know how Maria is doing. She's my friend as well. I hope he healed her ankle because she really looked like she was in a lot of pain.

I guess that I'll have to ask since he's not going to volunteer the information. It's just Max. Go ask him.

He was right this morning. Max was right about Maria, really it applies to all of them. I guess I have been taking for granted just how much they have done for us. And how I have changed, we have all changed for the better. I'm not even sure when it happened but it did. And as much as I was scared when Liz found out and then Maria...I would be even more afraid without them. I wouldn't trade my friends I have found for anything in the world.

"Max?"

"Oh, hey Isabel. Your door was shut so I thought you might be busy." That's my brother always thinking of everyone else. Maybe I'm more like Max than I ever thought.

"I was just" waiting for you "reading a magazine."

"Oh well night."

Just ask him Isabel.

"How's Maria?" Don't smile at me all proud Max Evans. You can just wipe that grin off your face.

"She's fine. At least she will be."

"Didn't you heal her ankle?"

Why are you smiling at me like that?

"Max...tell me what you know."

"Michael."

"What about Michael?" That reminds me, I still need to give him the Ice Princess warning too. He's going to have to at least try and be nice to Maria. She doesn't deserve the way he has been treating her. Whatever issues and problems they may have, she deserves better.

"He came over to see Maria. He offered to heal her. I figured they needed some time, just the two of them. Michael even seemed..."

"Less mean?"

"He might've even been nice."

"Oh." I can't stop the grin on my face either. It's true that when your friends are happy that it is a reflection of you as well. Maybe this time I won't have to kick his ass. But I'm still going to watch out for her, for all of them, us.

"Night Izzy. I love you."

"I love you too. Goodnight."

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