Title: Crossed Wired
Parts: 7 in all, finished
Author: Bernadette
e-mail: pinay1ucla@aol.com
Disclaimer: Don't own anything having to do with Roswell...the lucky Melinda Metz and Jason Katims do though....
Rating: PG-13
Summary: In the aftermath of Destiny, Max and Maria find solace and love in the last place they expected to
Spoilers: Up to Surprise I guess
Author's feedback: Please send me feedback so I can feel good about myself!!

Part One

Max sat patiently on the curb outside the Crashdown Cafe, shuffling the rocks in the street with his feet. Ever since his encounter with Liz in Congresswoman Whitaker's offce, he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. As he sat there debating whether or not to go inside, he felt a slight kick to his bottom.

"God, can you get anymore pathetic?" Maria asked with a sarcastic tone as she sat down next to him.

"Oh hey Maria. Did you just finish your shift?" He seemed distracted as he turned toward the Crashdown looking longingly at Liz who was waiting on a table nearby.

"Yeah...and I decided to come out here and bother your sorry ass since you've been permanently camped out here since 10 am."

Max turned around with an annoyed look on his face, "I have not!!" as he tried to swat her in the shoulder.

Maria swerved to avoid the friendly jab,"Okay keep saying that to yourself....uh huh....." she said as she started to giggle.

"Besides," Max quipped, "I'm not the pathetic one butting heads with Courtney for the right to flirt with Michael." He said with a smug grin on his face. "You two are just as bad as guys fighting over who has a bigger..."

"Max!" Maria screamed with embarrased surprise.

"Collection of legos.....legos, Maria" Max said with the most prudish look on his face. "Get your mind out of the gutter girl."

"Not until you get your butt out of the gutter, waiting for Miss Parker over there to make the first move."

Both of them turned back just as Liz had turned in their direction. She smiled and Max's heart soared and was shatterred all over again. Maria, sensing his hurt feelings, thought quickly to change the subject, "So you heard from Michael lately?" She figured she might as well zoom in on her pain to spare Max the pain he was obviously feeling.

Ever since the summer, she had felt alot closer to Max, practically the only friend she had over the summer. In a way she knew exactly how he was feeling, because she was going through the same thing he was. Besides, Liz was away in Florida and Alex was still convinced that he and Isabel could work things out. *That boy!* she thought. He must be in love thinking he could pull off that pseudo-strip tease last night.

Max shrugged his shoulders "You're guess is as good as mine. He and Tess are always off somewhere practicing their powers. He's actually become really good at controlling them. And ever since last night's encounter he has become hell bent on protecting everyone." Max slumped his shoulders as he said this last phrase.

Maria noticed, "What, feeling a little upstaged by your second in command?"

"It's not that. I just feel like there's this gap between us. Ever since we were told our destinies, he's been even harder to deal with." Max could barely even talk to Michael lately without getting upset. He had always sensed this kind of competition with Michael, ever since they were little. Max was always bailing Michal out of one mess or another. Little did he know then that being Michael's savior was not something new to him, at least not in this life.

Quietly thinking about all this Max turned to Maria. "Well, you know Michael." Max said mindlessly.

Maria recoiled a little feeling hurt because she THOUGHT she knew Michael, but she obviously didn't. She had called him all summer and he had not even acknowledged her presence even when they were on shift together at the Crashdown. After all they had been through this past year, he acted as if none of that mattered. But what should she have expected? She could barely get him to thank her for saving his sorry ass that night on the reservation. And now with this whole Courtney thing, she was feeling even worse, knowing that nothing had changed between them.

"Yeah well, I thought I did." She shook her head as if to shake the thought out.

Turning to Max she said, "Look we have been pulling this whole Dawson's Creek lost love attitude for way too long."

"C'mon" she said as she pulled Max up by the arm, "We are going to have fun today."

Max looked at her hesitantly, "What did you have in mind? Oh God, please no more yoga!" holding up his hands and backing away, " I don't think I could take another one of those abnormal sitting positions."

"Ha ha, very funny Evans. No I had something a little more teenage in mind. Enough of this soap opera drama." She reached into her bag and pulled out two tickets.

"What are those?" trying to figure out what the tickets were for.

"Duh, they're tickets genius!" Maria responded.

"I can see that, I mean tickets for what?"

"Well...." Maria said taking his arm, "I figured you needed a little pick-me-up so I got my Mom to get me these Counting Crow tickets last week. They're playing in Albuquerque tomorrow night." She could see Max practically drooling over the tickets.

"Wanna go?" waving the tickets in front of him and teasingly smiling at him.

"Are you kidding?? I've been trying to get these tickets for two months!" He immediately tried to grab them like a little kid reaching for candy.

"Yeah I remember you couldn't shut up about that concert at the beginning of the summer. So I figured you know" she shrugged her shoulders suddenly feeling a little embarrased at her generosity,"Well whatever, here" handing him the tickets.

"Wait a minute" scratching his head, "why are you giving me both tickets? Aren't you coming with me?" He was confused and a little bit scared she would say no. He didn't know why, but he hoped she was planning on coming with him.

"Well they're your favorite group so...."

"So nothing. Maria, this is the nicest thing anyone's done for me in a while. I've been so worried about this whole 'leader of my alien race' thing that I really haven't had time to think about anything else."

He looked at her with gentle eyes, a look usually reserved for Liz Parker alone, "I really appreciate this, and you ARE coming with me. We'll make a night of it. We can get dressed up and I'll pick you up and everything." He was getting more and more excited making plans, feeling like a normal teenage boy.

Maria looked a little hesitant, "You mean like a date? Not a date right, not a real date anyway." Of course he couldn't mean a real date. Not for Maria Deluca. Liz was the one who got the flowers, the football players and the sensitive alien types, not her. But here he was standing in front of her with those incredibly deep soulful eyes and she found herself unable to say no.

"Great so I'll pick you up at 6 at your house" Max said as he ran towards the jeep.

As he ran away Maria realized it would be a very long 26 hours. She got into the Jetta so giddy and so excited. It felt good, for the both of them to not think about their estranged significant others. But at the same time Maria couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Why was she getting so emotional over a friendly outing with Max? Maria took one last look at the Crashdown and saw Liz wiping down the tables and waving goodbye.

"Ay yay yay....what am I doing?"




Part Two

Maria had been too excited and nervous the whole day, anticipating her pseudo-date thing with Max. As she stepped out of her bathroom, fresh from a shower, she sat at her window trying to calm herself down and trying not to be so damn giddy. It was nothing to get excited about, really. "NO. Really." She thought to herself. She sighed as she slowly combed her hair thinking about the events of the past week. So much had happpened and she wanted to let go of all the tension building up inside her. She wanted to enjoy tonight, worry-free.

As she stared blankly out of her window, she didn't notice a dark figure watching her from the shadows, a figure that had been there every night, all summer long watching her and longing for something that he knew he shouldn't be wanting. During the day, out in public, Michael knew that he could never show any kindness or concern for Maria because he knew he would only end up hurting her somewhere down the road. Yet he could not seem to get the image of her face out of his head, the hurt and the love he saw there that day he told her he loved her.

And today as she sat in the window looking out at the sky at the setting sun, the beautiful oranges and reds only succeeded in making her face glow. Michael thought she looked like an angel with this aura of innocence and genuine beauty. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her. It was like looking into the sun, but he couldn't turn away.. .That is until reality hit him. The stonewall was back and in full affect.

Frustrated, Michael ran his fingers through his hair and walked away. . . again. He knew what he really needed to focus on was his destiny. . . his mi ssion. Yes that would be his salvation. So he decided it was time to get back to reality. He headed towards the Evans' house, hoping that Max could somehow help. Yeah, his fearless leader would give him something to do... anything to get this image of Maria out of his head. So he took one last look and turned his back on the one woman he could and would ever love.

Meanwhile . . .back at the Evans's house. . .

Max was just about to jump into the jeep to pick up Maria, when he ran into Isabel by the front door.

"And where are you off to all dressed up?"

"Er. . um.. nowhwere just gonna go hang out with Maria."

Isabel eyed him from top to bottom, "And you need to be all dressed up and reeking of cologne to do that?"

"What are you talking about?" he stammered. "We're just friends" Max admitted sounding somewhat guilty.

"Did I even say anything about that?" Isabel quipped. "But since you brought it up, I have been noticing you guys spending alot of time together." She crossed her arms waiting for an answer like she was his mother or something.

"Look, its nothing. We just became really good friends over the summer and she's really helped me get over Liz, that's all."

"I'll bet she has" she said sarcastically and rolling her eyes at the same time. But Max was getting more and more uncomfortable getting the third degree from Isabel. Sensing his discomfort Isabel decided to let him off the hook.

"Okay, whatever. . . but you can't take the jeep tonight."

"What" Max asked wide-eyed, "Why can't I take the jeep?"

"Well I just tried to drive it, and the battery was dead. I think I might have left the headlights on last night. And before you ask, yes I already tried to fix it...you know what I mean" she spat out.

"Damn" he whispered to himself. "What am I gonna do, I'm supposed to pick her up in half an hour."

Isabel tried to stifle her giggle at Max's obvious stress, "Easy loverboy. . .Why don't you just call her and tell her to pick you up. She does have a car, you know."

Max was still lost in stress land, "What? . . Oh yeah, ok, good idea. Thanks Isabel." He walked awy obviously confused and scatterred.

"Okay" Isabel said, "that was strange."


Part Three

"No problem," Maria said. "Besides I prefer to drive anyways, gives me a sense of control." She laughed, "Wouldn't want you taking advantage of me now would we?"

"Look, I'm sorry I have to ask," Max said apologetically. "But the only other option is to roll into the concert driving the family station wagon."

Maria giggled, "We couldn't have that could we? Okay, well I'll be there in ten minutes."

She was just about to hang up the phone when she got the urge to say something.

"Oh and Max, I just wanted to say thank you and I'm really excited about tonight."

"Me too" he admitted with a smile.

Max hung up the phone and ran to his room. He wanted to do one final check on his outfit to make sure he didn't look too much like a dork. As he stood in front of the mirror checking his hair, he saw Michael climb into his room through the reflection.

"Oh hey Michael." Max turned around and helped him in.

"Oh hey." Michael said in his usual uninterested tone andsat down in his usual chair, slumping down and rubbing his eyes.

Max noticing his frustration asked, "Are you okay? It's been a while since you've come climbing through here."

"Yeah, I just didn't feel like going back to my apartment, you know. Too many reminders of. ." Michael cut himself off, aware of what he was about to admit. But as he looked up at Max, checking to see if he picked up on his little slip, he noticed that Max wasn't even listening to what he was saying. Then Michael noticed how dressed up Max was and that he was obviously going somewhere.

"Where are YOU going?"

"Huh?" Max said, not even hearing a word Michael had been saying.

"I said where are you going? Going to go begging at Liz's doorstep again?" Michael chuckled at the thought of Max on his hands and knees.

Max turned with a disgruntled look oh his face, "No actually. . ."

He was interrupted by a quick tap at the door and Maria walking in nonchalantly not even noticing Michael in the corner of the room.

"Sorry, your mom let me in. Are you ready to go?" She had come in and spoken so quickly that both Michael and Max were taken by surprise.

But both stood there speechless as they reveled at Maria's beauty. Her simple black dress hugged her curves perfectly and her natural make-up only added to her already natural beauty. She had put her hair up into a simple bun with a few wisps hanging down around her face. She looked so simple yet so beautiful. Both men stood there unable to speak.

"Hello, am I talking to myself here?" Maria quizically looked at Max shaking her head.

"What?" Max finally said brought back into reality. "Oh sorry." He smiled and crossed the room in two steps and gave her a hug. "You look great!"

Michael stood there stunned at the scene unfolding before him. What was this, his best friend and his girlfriend? When did all of this happen? He knew he had been ignoring Maria, but he wasn't completely oblivious to her. How could something like this have slipped passed him? As he stood there stunned, visualizing scenarios of Max and Maria, he could actually feel the heat of jealousy rising in his face.

"Me? You look like you just stepped out of a GQ Magazine" Maria said eyeing his tasteful grey slacks and black sweater.

With every passing second Michael felt like he was getting closer and closer to exploding. His fists clenched and his teeth grinding, he thought it was time to make his presence known.

"So what's this? You guys going out or something?" Sensing his jealousy starting to show he quickly covered up by directing his conversation towards Max. "I thought we agreed, Max. We need to focus on US right now. We can't just go along thinking everything is normal. Do I need to remind you what happened last night with Isabel and Alien Congresswoman ?"

Max turned around, "Look Michael I'm entitled to one night of fun and relaxation ok. God, do you even realize how much pressure I've been under lately? And yeah I do not need to be reminded of what happened last night, okay? All of you have been so self-absorbed lately that you haven't even noticed what I've been going through." Max was tired of always being the responsible one. This time Michael could be the one to pick up the pieces and fix things. Max was through with that, even if only for one night.

Maria, finally realizing that Michael was in the room, and somewhat feeling guilty gently touched Max's shoulder. " Maybe this isn't such a good idea. I mean we can do this another time."

Max quicklly turned around, "No, I've had enough of his guilt trips. We're going." Max said matter of factly.

Maria shyly raised her gaze at Michael and the minute she did, she regretted it. She looked into his eyes and saw all the anger, hurt, jealousy, and pain that this one moment was causing him. But these feelings were slowly followed by all the instances that he had ingored her, brushed her off, and not even acknowledged her existence these past three months. Her regret quickly turned into anger.

"Look Max, its up to you. But I really want to go." Maria replied, not wanting Michael to have control over her emotions once again.

Michael hearing every word she said responded in typical stonewall fashion. "Maria this isn't about you ok? I know that's hard to believe but it isn't." Ooh that should hurt, Michael thought. Good. Let's see her recover from that one.

Hearing that Max was infuriated by what Michael said, looking at Maria and seeing the hurt expression on her face. He turned to Michael and stood between him and Maria. "Michael that's enough. You have no right to speak to her that way. That was completely uncalled for."

Michael took two steps forward and suddently they were face to face, "And you have no right defending her. Since when did you become HER designated savior?" By this time Michael was literally in Max's face, and his anger was fuming.

"Maybe since she knew she couldn't depend on YOU for anything!"

Maria stepped in between them quickly, not wanting to see things escalate. "Okay you two" pushing them apart, "that's enough."

Both of them looked at Maria, coming down from their testosterone high and suddenly remembering that she was even in the room. Max looked apologetic and hung his head a little shameful of his behavior. Michael refused to tear his gaze away from Max, looking like he was ready to kill.

Calmly Maria turned to Michael and tried to speak in a soothing voice, like one of her aromatherapy oils. "Okay, let's just calm down okay? We don't want to say something we're going to regret."

Michael looked into Maria's surprisingly serene face and suddenly felt ashamed at what he had done. What was he doing? He had no right to get jealous of anyone, least of all Max. But the thought of the two of them sent him raging again. So he quickly turned around, hopped out of the window and went running into the dark street, afraid of what he might do if he stayed. Maria stood there a little stunned at his sudden departure and feeling a little guilty.

She slowly turned around to face Max who was sitting on his bed with his hands in his face. She could swear that she could hear him crying.

Not knowing exactly what to do, she sat down next to him and slowly began to rub his back. Max finally looked up and gave her a weak smile.

She grabbed his arm and pulled him up. "C'mon let's go. We're gonna be late. And I know I didn't spend a grip of money on these tickets for nothing." She smiled hoping her humor would lighten the situation.

Max smiled back at her thanking her with his eyes. "Okay" was all he said.

In that moment looking into his eyes, Maria understood what he was feeling. Feeling like he had lost not only a friend, but a part of himself. Feeling like everything was beginning to fall apart in his controlled little world. Feeling like he didn't care because it was for . . . Maria, all for Maria. And although she didn't want to admit it, that made her feel good. Loved and wanted.


Part Four

Max and Maria had a wonderful time at the concert. Maria's mom had gotten them great seats, front row center. Maria didn't really know many of the Counting Crows songs but Max seemed to know every single one of them. And she was happy just being there with him. She laughed as he sang along to all the songs and he laughed as he saw Maria trying to dance to songs she didn't even know. He loved that about her, how she could just let go, make a fool of herself and have fun. They both had a great time, the first time, in a long time, that neither had thought about their estranged love lives. And it felt good.

After the concert they were both driving back in the Jetta. Max offerred to drive since he could tell Maria was a bit worn out by all the dancing she had done. There was a comfortable silence between them as they drove back to Roswell, and each was reveling in the incredible feeling they were both experiencing, contentment. Content that they didn't have to worry about anything right at that moment. Content that they didn't feel nervous or scared around each other. Content that they could pretend, even for just a while, that they were normal teenagers just going out on a date.

All the excitement made Maria a little drowsy and she began to doze off a bit. As he drove along the dark desert road, Max turned to her and smiled. He looked over at her sleeping form and couldn't stop looking at her face, the peace and happiness he saw there. It was a look that he hadn't seen on her face for a long time.

Then he asked himself, "Is this look because of me? Did I really make her feel that way?" At the thought of it, Max could feel a warm glow growing in his stomach, realizing that he had done that for Maria. And he almost felt a little guilty because all this time Liz had not even interrupted his thoughts once.

Was this a sign that he was getting over her? Was that possible? All this time he thought he was supposed to be pining away after Liz. Or maybe s omehow, somwhere the wires got crossed and it was supposed to Maria he saved that day in the Crashdown. Maria was supposed to be the one he was meant to be with. Destiny had messed up once, it could mess up again.

He thought to himself, " I mean isn't this what love is supposed to feel like? No doubt, no fear, but peace." But Max didn't want to think about it right now. He realized that he thought about things way too much. For now he just wanted to enjoy the moment, live in it. He had thought about the future too much these past couple of months.

They made it back to Roswell in no time, and Max had driven straight to Maria's house. He figured he would just park her car and walk home, since it was only about half a mile away. They finally stopped in front of her house. Max turned to Maria and realized she was still asleep.

He gently shook her shoulder, "Hey, we're here. Wake up." Maria just mumbled something and fell right back to sleep with a goofy grin on her face.

"Wonder what she's dreaming about" Max thought to himself. Without even a second thought he slowly got out of the driver's side and went around to the passenger's side. He slowly opened the door,unbuckled her seat belt and gently lifted her out of the car. She instinctively put her arms around his neck and laid her head against his shoulder, all while still sleeping. This simple motion made Max feel good, like a protector, a savior, a . . . boyfriend?

Maria's mom was out of town again, at some convention in Santa Fe. He maneuvered his hand to unlock and open the door while still trying to carry her. Once inside he carried her up to her room and laid her down on her bed. He took off her shoes and tucked her into her covers. He took one last look at her face and was about to leave when he heard her speak.

Groggily, Maria spoke. "Max? Where are you going?"

He whispered, "I'm just gonna walk home. Go back to sleep."

"But I'm wide awake now, don't leave." She pleaded and tried to shake the sleepiness out of her voice and rubbed her eyes to make them open.

"But its late. You should get some sleep."

"Yeah and tomorrow's Sunday. So I say we stay up!" She was really wide awake now and practically shot up out of bed.

"Besides I've been craving ice cream since the concert. What d'ya say? Up for some hot fudge sundaes?"

He turned around almost grateful she had woken up. He had such a good time and really didn't want the evening to end, not yet. "Well, as long as you've got"

She held up her hand to stop him, "I know tabasco sauce. No problem. You guys and your dietary quirks!" She quickly jumped out of bed and dragged Max by the arm down to the kitchen.

After many rounds of hot fudge tabasco sundaes, doritos chips, and marshmallows Max and Maria plunked down on the couch stuffed to the seams with junk food.

Maria rubbing her small pot belly, "I will never look at ice cream the same again."

Max quipped, "No it was the marshmallows that did it."

"Oh god the marshmallows" she said as she bent over and made fake wretching noises. Max laughed and they both fell over completely exhausted. Max fell on top of Maria and he had his head rested in her lap. Maria instinctively began to stroke his hair and massage his head. Max started to hum softly like he was a little baby being rocked to sleep.

"Max. . . Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?? Go ahead." His eyes were still closed and he was enjoying the pampering he was getting.

"What's going on here?" her tone suddenly turning serious, "I mean I know we're friends, and stop me if I'm wrong but I felt something a little more than friendship between us tonight."

Max knew this was coming, he had felt it ever since the fight with Michael earlier. He knew he wouldn't be reacting so defensively unless he was beginning to feel something for Maria.

Max sat up and turned around to face her. "Look Maria, Michael is my best friend"

"And Liz is my best friend. That doesn't matter Max. Tell me how YOU feel."

He turned away, unsure of what he was feeling, or unsure that he wanted to admit what he was feeling. Maria gently took his chin in hand and turned his face towards her. He could see how vulnerable she was right now and how much anticipation was on her face. "Max, please answer me."

He looked at her with just as much vulnerability, "What do you want me to say Maria? That I have an amazing time when we're together, that you make me forget all the bad things in my life, that I want us to be together?"

Maria was shocked at his honesty, something she could never get Michael to be, especially when it came to her. "Is that how you feel, how you really feel? Because, believe me Max, I don't think I could take anymore heartache right now. So just be straight with me."

Then everything started to go in slow motion, her face, her lips, everything. He could see her face getting closer to his and he felt powerless to stop it, just like Michael described it. Michael, damn...that one thought. Then Max felt claustrophopbic all of a sudden, and got up off the couch. "Look it's late. I should really get back home." He headed for the door and began to put his jacket on.

Maria quickly followed behind him and got in front of the door, blocking his way. "No way mister, you aren't getting out of this that easily. You owe me an answer." She clearly was determined and was not going to get out of his way until she got what she wanted. Max had to stop and smile at her persistence. It was one of the spunky qualities he admired in her.

Maria noticed the small smile forming on his face, "What am I funny or something? I'm being serious Max." And although she was being serious, she just couldn't help a little grin creeping up on her face as well.

He noticed it too, and said, "Look Maria, I thought we were both sick of this Dawson's Creek drama crap. We had a good time. Let's just leave it at that and we'll deal with the rest as it comes."

"But Max" he interrupted her and gently placed his hand over her mouth.

"Goodnight, thank you for an amazing time, and I'll see you tomorrow. I WILL see you tomorrow, okay?" He gave her a hug and kissed her gently on the forehead. She seemed satisfied enough so she let him pass and he walked out the door on his way home.

As she closed the door, she closed her eyes and leaned against it. She smiled, and realized that Max was right. There was no need to turn this all into drama right? No more issues that require tissues in my life. So resolved to take Max's adivce she went upstairs and went to bed, happy, content.


Part Five

Maria walked into the Crashdown feeling as light as a feather, she practically floated into work. She had the biggest smile on her face and was greeting customers left and right on her way to the back room. Waking up this morning she felt as though she had woken up from a long dreary coma...the day seemed fresh and she was enjoying every minute of it. She was just about to shut her locker when she sensed someone watching her from behind. She recongnized that feeling, dreading it becasue she knew who it was. She slowly turned around to find Michael staring at her. He was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed waiting for her to speak.

"Can you not look at me like that this early in the morning, you're creeping me out." She tried her best to avoid eye contact, not wanting him to see all the joy dancing in her eyes.

"What, late night last night?" She could sense the indignant tone in his voice.

"Look Michael," she was beginning to get fed up, "you lost the right to ask me any questions about my personal life, when you decided you didn't want to be a part of it." She now felt confident enough to meet his gaze.

As he looked into her eyes he knew in his heart she was right. He had no right to be mad at her, but he couldn't believe she could forget about him that easily. "Doesn't she love me?" He thought At least when he was ingoring her, he knew she still cared for him. She had called him everyday and left messages, which he never returned. And every so often he would catch her looking at him. That made him feel good. But now, with this whole Max thing, he wasn't so sure he had made the right decision. And even though he knew he shouldn't be mad he still couldn't help all the anger and jealousy he was feeling.

"Fine, I guess I'll just have to talk to Max about what happened last night." he said as he began to turn around back to the cafe.

She knew that that could only lead to trouble, given what happened the night before, so she said "Look Michael, I know you're upset"

"Upset?" he said swinging back around. "Why should I be upset? You can do whatever you want."

"Then why did you ask me in the first place then." She raised her arms up in frustration. " God you can be so infuriating sometimes" she said as she rubbed at her temples.

"Look Michael, you said it yourself. It's over between us. And I can't help that . It was your decision." pointing her finger at him. "Now that I'm accepting that and moving on, you can't handle it? What's that all about?"

"I know Maria, but God" he ran his fingers through his hair, "why did you have to pick my. . ." He stopped himself, realizng his true colors were beginning to show and put up the stonewall again.

"So does Liz know about your little date? Hmm Maria??" One point for the stonewall. "Hah that ought to deflate her" he though. And with that one question, Maria felt as though she had been puched in the stomach. Up until now she didn't realize how this would affect Liz when she found out. A look of fear came across her face and she suddenly felt the need to sit down.

"Feeling a little faint, Maria?" Michael said condescendingly.

Just as Michael said this, Liz came down the backstairs in her Crashdown uniform ready to start her shift. When she reached the bottom, she noticed Michael and Maria in front of her. She looked from one person to the other, realizing she had just walked in on something intense,

"Hey guys, what's up?" she asked timidly.

"Why don't you ask Maria" Michael spat out and turned on his heel and headed back into the kitchen.

Seeing that Maria looked a little green Liz made her way to the couch and sat down next to her, "Are you okay?" she asked, really concerned. "Did you guys have a fight?"

Maria couldn't bring herself to look Liz in the eye, not after she had had a romantic evening with her recent ex-soulmate the night before. And here she was being a typcial best friend, when Maria's actions last night indicated anything but that.

"Eh. . .nothing, nothing's wrong." Maria conteplated keeping quiet. But she realized she had to come clean with Liz, she owed her that at least. She slowly turned to Liz dreading every second of this uncomfortable conversation.

"Look Liz, I have to tell you something." She took a deep breath. "Well you know that me and Max spent alot of time together over the summer while you were gone" she hesistated a little bit. "and we really got to know each other and became really good friends."

Liz nodded her head, "Yeah" not knowing where this was coming from or where it was leading.

"Well we've all been dealing with this destiny thing and trying our best to accept it and move on." Maria began wringing her hands nervously.

"Well last night Max and I decided to go have some fun, just to get our minds off all the stuff that's been going on lately, and" she was quickly interrupted by a very confused Liz.

"You mean you went out on a date?" Liz looked hurt and Maria could see the tears start to form in her eyes.

"No...no..it wasn't a date, really. We were just hanging out, you know. I just wanted to tell you because, well I didn't want you to think we were hiding anything from you." Maria smiled nervsouly hoping Liz would buy her story.

"Well if it didn't mean anything then why did you feel like you had to tell me, like you were hiding something from me?" Liz was getting more and more emotional, seeing the guilt in Maria's every gesture.

Liz quickly wiped away her tears realizing she didn't want to hear anymore, "Look I've got to get to work, and so do you. We'll talk about it later ok?" She hurriedly wiped her face and went out into the cafe not even giving Maria a chance to explain further.

Maria was left speechless. She just watched Liz walk out before she could find her voice again. Covering her face with her hands she gasped, realizing what her one confession had just set in motion, "Oh god, what did I do?"


Part Six

Later that night, Maria, Liz, and Michael were the only ones left in the Crashdown to lock up. Michael was busy in the back washing dishes, Liz was wiping down the tables, and Maria was refilling the sugar shakers. They all seemed preoccupied with their tasks not wanting to stop and think about what was really going on, all of the things they were thinking, all the things that needed to be said. But none of them had the courage to say anything. The tension was so thick in that cafe that you could literally slice it with a knife.

Just as Maria finished with the sugar shakers, Max, Isabel, and Alex walked in. She looked up and immediately found Max's eyes staring straight into hers. She looked at him and smiled. But just as soon as she smiled she realized who else was there, and what had transpired earlier. She quickly looked away and continued on to the salt and pepper shakers, hoping that Liz hadn't caught that little look.

Meanwhile Alex, Isabel, and Max all sat down in a booth. Liz came up to their table acting very cold asking, "Do you guys want anything before we close the kitchen?" She didnt' even look at Max, she couldn't. She was afraid if she did, she would break into tears again.

Max sensing something was wrong instinctively looked over at Maria. Maria mouthed "She knows, I told her." back to him. Then Max understood why Liz was acting the way she was.

Before Liz walked away, Max grabbed her arm and said, "Can I talk to you, alone?"

She didn't answer him, she just pulled him up and took him to the back room. Maria followed them with her eyes, hoping that Max would have more luck with Liz than she did.

"What's going on Isabel" Alex questioned. "Why is everyone acting so wierd?"

"You mean alien wierd or just typical teenage wierd?" Isabel said pouring some sugar in her orange soda.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, right now I think you and me are the only two people in this cafe who aren't about to experience some major emotional crisis. Maybe we should get out of here before plates start flying."

Alex sensing the wierd tension in the air, nodded in agreement. "C'mon let's go rent a video. I think I still have Boogie Nights at my house..." Isabel looked at him strangely.

"What?? Well I had to get my motivation for you birthday present from somewhere." He laughed and the two left just as quickly as they had come, glad to get out of the line of fire.

Meanwhile in the backroom. . .

"Look Liz, I know you're upset about what Maria toldyou." He paused trying to figure what he was going to say. He wanted to make this as painless as possible.

"I wanted to tell you myself, but I didn't know how." He started to pace around the room. "Things between us have been really bad lately and well, when you went off to Florida Maria was there for me to lean on, and well. . ." he hesitated again, unsure of what to say.

"What, you fell in love with her? Huh Max?!?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her best friend and her one true love. The two people in the world she THOUGHT she could trust. Liz could feel herself beginning to cry again.

"Honestly, I dont' know what I'm feeling right now." He stopped in front of her, dropping to his knees.

"All I could tell you is I'm confused. Please Liz don't hate me," he was pleading now, "and don't hate Maria. You're her best friend and she'd die if you didn't speak to her."

"BRAVO Maxwell, BRAVO!!" Michael yelled from behind them, clapping his hands. "Quite an oscar winning performance. What category you going for this time? Best Attempt to Stab a Best Friend in the Back?" Max turned around while Liz quietly seated herself on the couch.

"Michael stay out of this. This is none of your business."

"Gee I seem to be hearing a lot of that lately." He came into the room further, with no intention of backing down. " I'm afraid your wrong Max. This IS my business because that is my girlfriend you are trying to steal." he said pointing out towards the cafe.

"You're girlfriend huh?" Maria screamed suddenly coming in through the door. "Since when did I become your girlfriend again? Huh, Michael." She marched straight up to him and started poking him the chest.

"What? You think I'm like a freakin toy? You take me out to play with when you need to, and put me away and ignore me when you have something else to play with?" She knew she was babbling, but boy was she upset.

"Look" Max said, "We're obviously all upset. But I don't think we're gonna solve anything yellling at each other."

"Oh please Max, spare me your touchy-feely Oprah crap" Michael responded looking over Maria's shoulder.

"Please guys, knock it off okay. I don't need a repeat performance of yesterday." Maria cut in.

"Why don't you just leave them alone" Liz yelled unable to take anymore, "haven't you caused enough trouble? Or what, you just always want to be the center of attention don't you?" She quickly stood up, her eyes wild with anger, all of which directed toward Maria.

Maria was taken aback by Liz's comment and angry tone. She didn't know quite what to say in response.

Liz gasped and putting her hand on her chest amazed, "What Maria Deluca left speechless? I guess hell finally froze over." she spat out.

"Liz, that's enough." Max stepped in.

She turned toward him. "Fine Max. You're the fearless leader, you take care of the mess you and Maria made." With that Liz went upstairs and never looked back.

"Good one Max. Some leader. I'm outta here." Michael grabbed his jacket and took off out the back door.

Maria and Max were left there to pick up the pieces of what had just happened. But they weren't quite sure how to do that. So they both quietly walked out, Max through the front door and Maria through the back door, without even saying a word.


Part Seven

Later that night, when Maria got home, she went up to her room. She was still in shock over everything that had transpired that night. She was physically and mentally exhausted. She just wanted to go to bed and forget everything that had happened. She walked into the her dark room and found a solitary figure sitting in the corner. She didn't have to turn on the lights to know who it was.

"Max, what are you doing here?"

"Look Maria, I'm sorry about what happened tonight." He got up and started walking towards her. "But I think we both learned something from it."

Maria slowly walked to her window and sat down, "I know. I know what you're going to say."

"You know that we can't do this." He sat behind her rubbing her shoulders.

"You and I are two of a kind." he laughed bittersweetly.

"We can sacrafice everything for everyone else, but when it comes time to make ourselves happy, we don't have anything left." He was about to get up when Maria grabbed his hand and leaned back into him.

"Don't Max. Don't try to rationalize why we can't be together." She could feel the tears beginning to well up.

They knew there was nothing more either of them could say.

So without another word both of them looked at each other, reading in each other's eyes what had to be done. With one final embrace they knew everything. There was too much at stake, too many people's feelings involved. They knew they could never be together, no matter how much they wanted to be. Not now, not with everything the way it was. But each held the hope in their hearts that someday it would be the right time. Maybe destiny would get it right the next time and not cross those wires the wrong way again.

END