She almost laughed out loud as she saw his name in the list. She quickly brought up the chatbox wondering what he would say to her news.
AlienLuvR: I didn’t know you came on at this time…
E.T.: I usually don’t, but I had a lot on my mind.
AlienLuvR: I can’t believe it is eleven already. With a day I’ve had, I thought it was later.
E.T.: Bad day?
AlienLuvR: You could say that… My friends are fighting, and my ex isn’t dealing with it all too well.
E.T.: Why must it always be him to take care of all the problems that spring up?
AlienLuvR: …What do you mean?
E.T.: Sorry… Forget I said that. I’ve just had a bad day.
AlienLuvR: What happened?
E.T.: I… I’m just stuck trying to piece everything together. I have my family and friends at me for everything. I’m tired of it all. I want to let someone else take over.
AlienLuvR: You’re stuck being the responsible one? That must be tough… I feel ashamed to say I have done the same thing to my ex…
E.T.: As long as you recognize it and try to help him out… It isn’t easy to be a leader.
AlienLuvR: That’s an odd way of putting it…
E.T.: Sorry… I can’t really think straight.
AlienLuvR: Do you think… One of these days we could meet?
E.T.: Meet? Face to face?
AlienLuvR: Forget it. It is a stupid idea.
E.T.: It isn’t, but I’m not sure if it is wise… You’re the only friend I have that I can really talk to. I’m not sure if I want to jeopardize that.
AlienLuvR: I understand… I just need someone here. Nevermind…
E.T.: Nevermind? Hardly. I would love to be there for you, but it might complicate things.
AlienLuvR: Complicate things? In what way?
E.T.: It might make me want what I can’t have.
AlienLuvR: Are you… saying you want me?
E.T.: The possibility is there. I don't want to go down that road, if that should happen. This past relationship is killing me.
AlienLuvR: Whoever left you for someone else was a fool… Just as I’m a fool for hurting the one person I love. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.
E.T.: Life and love is too precious to waste… No one has forever, so why not enjoy what you have for the moment..? Why worry about what the future might bring?
Max waited for her to respond wondering what was going through her mind. He was still feeling the tingle of excitement at her suggestion of meeting. What would she be like in person? Would she make him forget about his problems and help him start over again? Could she accept the real truth about what he was?
He was tired of always dishing out advice and being the leader. It was too much of a responsibility having everyone count on him for everything. He wanted just to walk away for awhile and be a normal teenager. He didn’t want to be Max Evans the Alien. Max Evans the King of some planet. Max Evans the leader… He just wanted to be Max Evans the teenager and highschool student.
AlienLuvR: What if by being with him, I hurt my friends and family?
E.T.: From the way you are talking, they are already hurting… Shouldn’t you worry about your own happiness, and let them worry about their own?
Liz frowned wondering how to respond without revealing everything. She couldn’t come out and say she was in love with an alien and by being with him, it would bring about the destruction of the Earth. For one thing, he’d think she was trying to avoid his question. He certainly wouldn’t believe her. He might not want to remain friends with her, thinking she has a few screws loose. She wished there were someone she could talk to without having to lie….
AlienLuvR: I’m not sure if I can sacrifice everyone just for one guy… It would be too selfish of me to put my needs in front of everyone that is counting on me.
E.T.: Perhaps you should move on then… Obviously this guy isn’t worth it if it would hurt the people around you…
Max wondered what kind of creep could have this affect on her. How could he make her choose between her friends and family and him? Why was she still in love with him? Maybe she needed to meet a real guy who could make her happy and let her be with the ones she cares about… He smiled wryly as he pictured himself being that guy. He was the farthest thing from what she needed. She needed a human person, not an alien. Just because she called herself an alien lover doesn’t mean she loved a real alien.
He had to get the thought out of his head. There was no one for him. He realized this finally after looking at the situation he was in. Anyone that should get close to him would be in danger. They could never reveal the truth about what he was and that would put a strain on any relationship. Michael was right… Aliens and humans couldn’t mix. They had to remain focused on the mission of getting home not getting involved with humans.
AlienLuvR: You make him sound like a bad person. He isn’t, really. He’s a great guy… There are other things involved.
E.T.: I didn’t mean to imply that he was horrible… If he’s a great guy, why would you hurt your loved ones by being with him?
AlienLuvR: It’s hard to explain… And it’s getting late. I have school tomorrow and work.
E.T.: Fine… I’ll talk to you later.
E.T. logged off.
Liz felt bad that she had to be so abrupt, but he would never understand what she had to deal with. He couldn’t possibly know what it was like to have contact with an extraterrestrial… So what if he used that as a handle. She sighed as she turned off her computer and got ready for bed. She dreaded tomorrow and what it would bring. Nothing but more stress and problems to deal with. She lay in bed to stare up at her ceiling. She wished she had never met any of the aliens and immediately regretted the thought.
How could she not want to know Max, Michael, Isabel and even Tess? She couldn’t ask for better friends, although at times they could be annoying. She knew she could count on them to be there for her if she was ever in trouble and vice versa. They were a family… them against the world and those who want to tear them apart.
She was drifting asleep when a thought caused her to bolt into a sitting position. Here she was dealing with the problem all by herself… Why not just get the group together and reveal everything? That way they could all deal with it as a group. And then Max could realize how big and important the decision she had to make was.
She couldn’t wait to talk to E.T. tomorrow to tell him her plans. She knew he would agree with her. This was the best way to approach the whole circumstance. She laid back down with a small smile on her face. Things were finally looking up.
Michael stared down at the tray before him stabbing his fork into the dried up meat. How could anyone call this edible? He let go of his fork, arching a brow as it stayed in an upright position. This couldn’t be good. He looked over to Alex sitting next to him watching him devour the turkey-burger with delight. And they claimed his eating habits were disgusting?
He glanced over to Maria, who was pushing around her rubberized green beans, staring down at them unseeingly. He felt guilty for treating her the way he did, but they couldn’t get involved. He couldn’t let his guard down and give free rein to his emotions. She dropped her fork down with a clatter and reached up to brush away a stray hair that fell across her face.
He couldn’t force his eyes away from her dejected appearance as he fought the urge to take her in his arms. Why does she affect me this way? Because you love her, you moron. He immediately tried to deny the thought, but it seemed to engrave itself on his mind to repeat over and over again. So what if he loved Maria? It didn’t mean he had to do anything about it. He was about to excuse himself from the table when Liz rushed over to sit on the other side of him. He arched a brow at her, watching her try to catch her breath.
Ever since her and Max had broken things off, she had been avoiding the quad during lunchtime. She usually hid in the Biology Lab doing scientific stuff. Michael wasn’t exactly sure what exactly, because he was barely passing as it was.
“Well, if it isn’t the elusive Parker. What brings you to our humble table?” He stared at her, challenging her to respond. He didn’t know why he baited her or Maria for that matter. He couldn’t understand why he felt this way around them. This feeling to protect them. He wouldn’t admit it aloud but he thought of Liz as a younger sister, and he knew that if he needed help she would be there without question. That was what really bugged him… He didn’t want that responsibility on his shoulders.
“Well, I was going to ask for your help, but seems like I’m wasting my time…”
He grabbed her arm as she made to leave, yanking her back down onto the bench once more. “What’s wrong, Liz?” He watched her look at him in astonishment. “What?”
“That’s the first time you’ve ever called me by my first name…”
He just shrugged as he munched on chips covered with tobasco sauce. Liz figured that was his way of apologizing. She’ll never figure Michael out, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to. It was better to leave things as they were.
“Um… Where is everyone else?”
“Isabel is over at the other table with her groupies, Kyle and Tess are probably in the Eraser Room, and I haven’t seen Max all day.” Alex answered as he stuffed his mouth with a Twinkie.
“Max is with Mr. Jamieson discussing the extra-credit project.” Maria put in, the first thing she uttered since getting to the quad.
“Well, everyone should hear this… It’s important. Let’s all meet at the Crashdown after closing time.” Liz got up with the others as the bell rang. The three agreed to meet at the appointed time and to let the missing people in on what was going down. They split up in the hall each heading to their classes.
Biology used to be his favorite class only because he had Liz as a lab partner. Now he couldn’t muster up enough enthusiasm for it all. Being Liz’s partner now was pure torture. It was hard to stand next to her and not want to wrap his arms around her or kiss her. She always smelled wonderful and it tempted beyond words. He mumbled to himself as he opened the door. There she was at their usual spot getting their area ready. He walked reluctantly over to her, watching her work.
She looked up and over to him, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before looking down at her pad in front of her. He sat down beside her wondering what to say if anything. He knew he should back away from her and the relationship that he wanted. His eyes raked the room not wanting to look at her.
“Max… There’s something we have to talk about.”
He blinked in surprise, not expecting that at all. He finally looked at her warily. “What about?”
“I can’t say it here. Everyone is supposed to meet at the Crashdown after closing.”
He tried not to show his disappointment. He thought she wanted to talk about what was between them, but it was just wishful thinking. He gave her a curt nod, turning to start up their lab. He thought he couldn’t feel any worse than he was but he was proven wrong. Was it worth all the pain?
Liz was counting the hours before they were to meet. Maria assured her that they managed to convince Isabel, Kyle and Tess to show up, but she was still nervous. She couldn’t understand why, because they were all used to the crisis. This was just one among many, but she didn’t know how any of them would react… Especially Max.
She fidgeted with the cleaning rag, fighting the urge to run to her room and go online. She wanted to talk to E.T.. He would calm her down, she knew. Was she making a big mistake? Maybe she shouldn’t tell them what she knew.
“Earth to Parker… Order is up.”
She looked up to Michael blushing slightly. This wasn’t the time for these thoughts. She had a job to do. She grabbed the plates of steaming food and went to deliver it to the old couple in the front booth. Only thirty minutes before closing and the closer it got, the more antsy she got.
“Liz, you’re going to explode if you don’t calm down. Whatever it is, it can’t be as bad as some of the things we’ve dealt with.” Alex lounged on one of the stools by the register, watching her and Maria work. She knew he was right, but it was easier said than done. She walked over to him and grabbed his hand, placing the cleaning rag in it.
“Get yourself busy…”
“Hey, this isn’t my job…”
“You aren’t doing anything else but annoy us, Alex.” Maria walked up behind him with a broom and dustpan in hand. “You either clean the counter and table tops or go scrub the toilet. Your choice.”
“Uh… The tables are looking real appealing.”
“Thought it would. Run along.”
“Why don’t you all start working? What do you think this is? Home?” Michael arched a brow, leaning over the window ledge waving around a spatula.
“I thought you were the only one that considered this home…” Maria countered.
“Give me a few posters of near-naked women, and it’ll feel a little more cozy.”
“We don’t run that kind of establishment. Save it for later, PeeWee.”
“More than you can handle, DeLuca.”
“We all know you are all talk and no action, Guerin…”
“Hello?! We’re still here.” Alex waved a hand in between the heated looks that Maria and Michael were sharing. The sexual tension was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.
“Looks like we didn’t miss much.” Tess laughed as her, Max, Kyle and Isabel walked into the Café and grabbed a booth.
“Just the angst moments between the two lovers.” Alex ducked as Michael threw a slice of stale bread towards him.
Maria shook her head and walked over to the register as the old couple got up from their booth and scurried over. They were obviously in a rush to get out of there, and she couldn’t really blame them. She wished she could get out of Michael’s disgusting presence before she either decked or kissed him senseless. Both of them sounded intriguing.
Max sat down next to his sister with Tess and Kyle across from them. Liz went over to lock the front door and flip the sign over to “Closed” before joining them. Maria and Alex leaned against the side of the booth, Michael stood like a sentinel with legs wide apart and arms folded across his chest, and Liz stood beside him playing with the hem of her outfit.
“So what is it that we have to know?” Isabel put in impatiently, glaring back at Max when he threw her a warning look.
“Um… Yeah. I don’t know where to begin…”
“I think the beginning is a good place as any.” Michael pointed out feeling the same impatience as Izzy.
“Thank you, Michael… Okay. Awhile ago, I got some disturbing news. It was just before the Skins come about… I got a visit from Max’s future self.”
“Hold up… Are you saying Max from the future came back into the past to tell you something? Isn’t that a bit crazy?” Tess asked, looking around at the skeptical faces.
“Oh? And Aliens are an everyday occurrence I’m sure.” Maria arched a brow, waiting for someone to dispute her statement. “So if Aliens can exist, then why not time travel?”
“Whether it happened or not isn’t the point… What did my future self have to say?”
“Well… he told me that our love would cause the destruction of the Earth.”
“The destruction of the Earth… Don’t you think that is a bit self-centered? Why do you think that your ‘relationship’ should be the catalyst to bringing about the end of the world?” Michael rolled his eyes in disbelief.
“I was told one of us will betray the group and join up with the Skins.”
“Which of us would betray the group? And all because of the love of you and Max?” Isabel appeared confused at this. “The only one that could have been affected would be Tess…”
“Are you accusing me of betraying everyone? Is that what you think of me?” Tess glared across the table to Isabel restrained by Kyle’s hand on her shoulder.
“I wasn’t accusing you of anything. I said you WERE the only one. Past tense. It was the whole issue of destiny. But since everyone isn’t following our supposed destiny, then it shouldn’t apply.”
“Well… I can’t really say what I would’ve done. You all weren’t exactly accepting me with open arms.”
“It was a difficult time for us, and we didn’t really want to accept something that felt forced on us.” Max added softly, looking down at his folded hands as everything seemed to sink in. That was why Liz was pushing him away. She was trying to protect the world from destruction, but she should have seen how absurd the idea was. If it was meant to be then nothing could change it… He spared a quick gaze up at her, wondering why she got quiet. She had her arms wrapped around her waist and she was looking down at her feet. Her cheeks were tinged with a blush as a single tear trickled down her cheek.
“Liz…?”
“I made a whole mess of things… I feel like such an idiot.” She gave a wobbly laugh before leaving the Café with everyone staring after her in shock. What was that all about? They hadn’t meant to make her feel bad. Max got ready to go after her, but Michael reached out a hand to him.
“Let me go… You’re too involved in this to be much of a comfort.”
Max opened his mouth to refuse, but he would have been talking to thin air as Michael went out to look for Liz. Everyone looked around at each other in guilt then away. What Liz did was so self-less… She would sacrifice her love to save everyone. Could any of them have done the same thing if they were in her position?
Michael walked down the street with his hands stuffed in his pocket. He was heading towards the outskirts of town. He didn’t know why he knew that she would be there, but he did. Sure enough he found her huddled in the cave they had used so many times in the past. She was sobbing her heart out, making Michael uncomfortable. There was that protective feeling again… But this time, he wouldn’t analyze it or try to hide it. She needed a friend right now, and he felt he was the best choice.
“Hey, Parker. That was quite a show back there.” He sat down beside her, leaning his back against the stone wall behind him.
“I’m just your local Drama Queen.” She mumbled, her hands covering her face.
“Well, my word of advice. Leave it to Maria or Izzy… It doesn’t really suite you.”
She lifted her head and looked over to him, tears brimming in her dark eyes. “Did you come here to insult me?”
“No, but if it makes you feel better, I’ll oblige.”
She couldn’t help but laugh, returning his grin. He draped his arm around her shoulders pulling her into his embrace.
“See? Don’t you feel better?”
She laid her hand on his shoulder, reaching up to brush the tears from her cheek. “Tons… Why’re you being nice to me?”
“I can be nice. Just don’t get used to it. I’ve got an image to uphold.”
“What would the world think if they knew Michael Guerin was a softy?”
“If you tell, I’ll have to kill you.”
She chuckled then fell silent. She was surprised to find Michael had found her, but she was real glad. She got to see a side to him that she could only guess at. Now she knew what Maria saw in him, and it saddened her that he couldn’t show his feelings more often. He would be irresistible… He needed happiness as much as the next person.
“Do you think what I did was stupid?”
“Stupid? No… What you did was amazing… I have to admit I had my doubts about how strong you were. But you showed us guys up. How could we compete?”
“But I hurt Max, and it almost broke the group up.”
“We all make mistakes, and you had a good reason. Remember that. As for the group, you can’t blame yourself. Everyone contributed to that whole affair. Tonight you made us realize how important our friendship really is.”
“You’re making me like you…”
“Hey, I’m a lovable guy.”
“Can I ask you a question and get an honest answer?”
“Depends…” He looked down at her, his eyes cautious.
“Do you love Maria?”
He thunked his head against the wall, wanting to avoid the question and all that came with it. If he admitted his feelings then there was no turning back. But if he refused, he could ruin everything… He thought about what Liz did for Max and the rest… She tried giving them a future. Why should he deny his feelings and a future that could possibly include Maria into it all? If Tess could be with Kyle, Max love Liz, and Alex’s feelings for Isabel, then why couldn’t he have his Maria?
“You don’t have to answer… I shouldn’t pry.”
“Parker, you talk to much. Yeah, I love Maria.”
She nodded against his chest, but didn’t say anything more. They just sat there letting time pass by in a comfortable silence. When it began to get chilly and the others must have been worrying, they decided to head back. They climbed out of the cave and headed back towards town, Michael’s jacket wrapped around Liz’s shivering form.
It was two in the morning by the time they reached the Crashdown, and they found everyone snoozing in the booth. Kyle and Tess were cuddled in their booth, Isabel’s head pillowed on Max’s chest, and Maria’s head resting on Alex’s lap as he leaned against the booth. Michael and Liz quietly let themselves in and looked down at the slumbering group. They exchanged amused grins before clearing their throat.