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Faith in Love – By Kazza RATING: PG-13 to R
Believe
– By Ronan Keating You
said you could see no end The
world and himself were all on your back I
vowed to take your hand Show
the world in a different light All
that you’ve done You’ve
got to believe In
all of your dreams No
matter what the world can throw at you You
know you can believe Believe
in my And
after all I’ll
still believe in you And
even if you cannot see The
brighter light ahead I’ll see You
must believe, believe in me And
after all I’ll still believe in you I’ll
pull away the clouds That
cover you up that leave you down I
won’t leave you all alone I’ll
be there for you in your darkest hour And
all that you’ve done You’ve
got to believe In
all of your dreams No
matter what the world can throw at you You
know you can believe, believe in me And
after all I’ll still believe in you And
even if you cannot see The
brighter light ahead I’ll see You
must believe, believe in me And
after all I’ll still believe in you And
when it’s dark outside I’ll
protect you from the night My
shoulder you can rely on I
won’t do you wrong All
that you’ve done You’ve
got to believe In
all of your dreams, all of your dreams No
matter what the world can throw at you You
know you can believe, believe in me And
after all I’ll still believe in you And
even if you cannot see The
brighter light ahead I’ll see You
must believe, believe in me And after all I’ll still believe in you PART
4
From the moment she opened her eyes, the first thing that popped into her mind was Max and his words. She had hoped that in the cold light of day her mind and body would be shocked back to its senses, but no. Each time she closed her eyes or took a deep breath his words jumped into her head and flooded her ears. “I love you Liz”, over and over. “Ellie sweetie, time to get up, otherwise you’ll be late for school.” Liz said trying to detangle her body from the little girl’s arms “Mmm, hi mummy.” Ellie said rubbing her eyes open. “But I can’t go to school if you’re sad.” She added. “I’m not sad sweetie, I’m fine. Now, up!” Liz replied kissing the top of her head before getting out of bed After eventually packing Ellie off to school, Liz headed off to do her shift at the Crashdown. It was one of the few times she actually saw her parents. Her choices in life had not been the ones Jeff and Nancy had expected from their daughter, and they still punished her for them. For Liz, she only worked at the Crashdown because she needed the money, it was easy, and she could fit it around Ellie and her studying. She had nearly completed her micro biology degree, and was hoping to get a proper job by the end of the year. Placing her bag in to her locker, Liz took out the silver antenna hair band from inside and put in on her head. She sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was 22 years old and still worked at the same diner, it certainly wasn’t how she had expected her life to pan out. “Liz, there are customers waiting to be served out here.” Her father called, as she shut her locker door. Grabbing her order pad, Liz took one more deep breath and headed out into the restaurant. “Hi, I’m Liz, I’ll be your waitress today, can I get you something to drink while you look at the menu?” She said sweetly to the first table. For Liz, the day didn’t get much better. She almost split cherry coke all over a customer, took three orders down wrong, and managed to break the milkshake machine again. As she sat down at the counter during her break, Liz rubbed her eyes to try to wake herself up. Last night had not been a good nights’ sleep, despite Ellie’s attempts to comfort her, Max’s kiss just kept swimming around in her head. His soft lips gently pressing against hers, his hot breath tickling her skin, the tingling sensation in her body that she thought she would never feel again. “God it was just a kiss for goodness sake!” She lectured herself, as she absentmindedly touched her lips with her finger. “Liz are you going to get that? Liz? Liz!” Her father yelled snapping her out of her trance. “Oh ….. what?” She asked trying to look alert. “The phone, answer it!” Her father replied sharply. “Oh yeah, sorry.” Liz replied picking up the phone that was beside her. “Hello Crashdown Diner, how may I help you?” She asked politely. “May
I speak to Miss Parker please.” The
voice asked. “Oh
my god, is she ok?” Liz asked
getting worried. “Oh right, I’ll get there straight away. Thank you.” Liz replied slamming the phone down and undoing her apron. “Liz, where are you going?” Her father called as she disappeared into the back. Ripping off her uniform, Liz quickly changed back into her jeans and white knitted top, not caring who saw her. “Liz, I said where are you going. Why have you changed, your shift doesn’t finish for another hour.” Her father said. “That was Ellie’s school, she had an accident, fell off a climbing frame. She’s been rushed to hospital.” Liz replied blinking back tears as she delved into her bag for her car keys. “But what am I supposed to do, the lunch hour rush is about to start, and I’ve only got one waitress.” Her father protested. “Look, I don’t care. My daughter is lying in a hospital bed, I don’t know what sort of injuries she’s got. I am her mother and I am going to see her, fire me if you want, I don’t care.” Liz replied, before running out through the restaurant towards her car. Her trip to the hospital took about twenty minutes, but to Liz it was a complete blur. She desperately tried to stem the flow of tears that had started the moment she ran out of the restaurant. Her father’s words had hit her hard. He didn’t seem to care at all that Ellie could be seriously hurt, all he cared about was that he’d actually have to do some work and maybe wait on a few tables. Pulling into the hospital grounds, Liz all but abandoned her car and rushed through the ER department entrance. “Hello my name is Liz Parker, my little girl Ellie was brought here a while ago.” Liz blurted out to the receptionist. “Ok, if you’d like to have a seat, I’ll get someone to come and see you very soon.” She replied pointing in the direction of the chairs. Sitting was the last thing Liz wanted to do, she felt agitated, scared about her daughter, but she didn’t have much choice. As she sat down, Liz suddenly felt very alone, and realised she needed to let someone else know about Ellie, Max. He wouldn’t care how injured she was, Max would want to see her. “Hello Evans and Evans Law Firm, how may I direct your call?” The receptionist asked. “Max Evans please.” Liz replied. “One moment please, I’ll put you through to his office.” She said, before hold music flooded Liz’s ear. “Hello Max Evans office, Jennifer Ellison speaking.” Max’s secretary said “Hi, this is Liz Parker, may I speak to Max please.” “I’m
afraid Mr Evans is in an important meeting at the moment, may I take a
message?” “Look
I don’t think I’m making myself clear.
His little girl is lying in a hospital bed, and I need to speak to Max
immediately.” “Liz
it’s Max, what’s happened?” “Ok, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Max replied, before putting the phone down. “Cancel the rest of my meetings for today Jen, I’m going to the hospital.” Max added before grabbing his jacket and rushing out of his office, leaving his bemused clients speechless. Inside five minutes, Max was at the hospital. “How is she?” He asked “I
don’t know, they haven’t told me yet, oh god I hope she’s ok.” “Miss Parker?” A voice called “Yes?” Liz replied standing up “Hi, I’m Dr Newsom, I have been treating your daughter, and you are?” The Doctor asked looking at Max. “Max Evans, I’m Ellie’s father.” “Is she ok, can I see her?” Liz asked. “She
is stable at the moment, you can see her soon.
Ellie took a very nasty fall, she has broken her arm, has several
bruises, and a very bad bump on her head. At
this point Miss Parker, Mr Evans, you should be under no illusions, Ellie is
fighting for her life. The knock to
her head put pressure on her brain and has caused her to fall into a coma, and
we won’t know the extend of the damage until she wakes up.” “When can we see her?” Max asked. “In a few minutes, I’ll send someone to get you.” The doctor replied before walking away. Max and Liz stood in the middle of the ER department clinging on to each other. Tears streamed down Liz’s face as she clung onto Max for dear life. He in turn desperately tried to be strong for Liz, to give her the strength to keep going. The thought of loosing their little girl was too much for both of them to comprehend. “Shhh
it’s ok Liz, she’ll be ok, she’s a fighter remember.”
Max whispered. “We’re not going to loose her, she’ll be ok. You have to believe that Liz.” Max replied as a nurse came to take them to Ellie. Regaining her composure, Liz wiped away her tears and walked into the room where her daughter was. Nothing had prepared Liz for the sight in front of her. Ellie was extremely pale, tubes coming out of numerous places, her head was bandaged, along with her arm, and the bruising around her face was very evident. “Oh, my poor baby.” Liz whispered, rushing to her daughter’s side. Max on the other hand stood in the doorway, frozen. It had suddenly hit home to him how sick his little girl really was. She looked nothing like the five year old who had celebrated her birthday just a day before. “It’s ok sweetie, mummy’s here, you’re going to be all better soon.” Liz said as she moved a strand of Ellie’s hair away from her face. Max and Liz stayed by Ellie’s bedside for the rest of the day, although there was no change. “I should call Tess, let her know I won’t be coming home.” Max said getting up. “You don’t have to stay Max.” Liz offered. “I don’t want to be anywhere else Liz. I love our little girl and I want to be right here in case anything happens.” Max insisted. “Now I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He added before disappearing out the door to the pay phone. “Tess it’s Max. Look Ellie had an accident at school, she’s in a pretty bad way, I’m gonna stay at the hospital tonight.” “But we were supposed to be going out for a meal tonight.” Tess winged. “We can go out for a meal any time Tess, Ellie’s life could be in danger right now, do you really think I could eat?” He snapped. “But you could go back to the hospital after dinner.” “No Tess.” “Ok,
I’ll come and see you at the hospital.” “Is everything ok Liz?” He asked getting worried. “Yeah, the doctor is just checking Ellie, he said it would be distressing for me to watch so I should wait outside.” She said looking at him. To him she looked like she hadn’t slept in days, her face was wracked with worry, her eyes so drained of emotion, he couldn’t help but put his arms around her. She fell into his embrace with amazing ease; he always seemed to know how to make her feel better. The pain that flowed through their bodies was the same, they felt so helpless, so unable to do anything for the poor girl lying in the hospital bed. “Is there nothing you can do?” Liz whispered looking into his eyes. “I can help with the healing of her injuries, but I can’t make her wake up Liz, it’s down to Ellie to find her way back to us.” He replied as she laid her head on his shoulder. Stroking her long silky hair, Max tried to comfort her, and in turn take comfort from it himself. “Why Max, why us, why Ellie?” Liz asked as tears formed in her eyes once more. “I don’t know Liz, I wish I could answer that.” He said lifting her head to look in her eyes once more. He saw so much grief inside her, so much pain engulfing her, he just wanted to take some of it away. Not thinking about it first, Max put his finger underneath her chin and tilted it upwards. Waiting for a second in case she objected, Max then slowly bent his head down, and lightly brushed her lips with his own. A spark of electricity ran through them as they briefly touched. It wasn’t really the time or the place, but somehow Max felt it was right, he had to show her he still really cared for her. As he started to pull away after the kiss, he felt Liz’s arms move from around his waist to around his neck, and pull him close to her, so they could kiss once again. In her mind she didn’t know what she was doing, but in her heart, Liz knew she couldn’t not hold him and kiss him, it was the only way she was going to get through the tough time ahead. “Erm, Miss Parker, Mr Evans, you can see your daughter again now.” The doctor said as they looked embarrassed at getting caught kissing. “How is she?” Max asked. “There’s no change I’m afraid.” He replied. “Max, you’ve got to try and help her.” Liz pleaded, as they resumed their places either side of Ellie’s bed. “Ok, I’ll relieve the pressure on her brain that should help.” Max replied, putting two hands on Ellie’s small arm. As he made the connection, a rush of images came from Ellie, memories from inside her and the happiness she felt when Max and Liz were together, the sadness she had felt when comforting Liz the previous night. Concentrating on finding the pressure to her brain, Max went to work to mend the damage. Once had had finished, he reluctantly broke the connection and relinquished his grasp on her arm. “Did it work?” She asked hopefully. “I think so, it’s down to Ellie to fight now.” He replied. That night was the longest of their lives. Max tried to persuade Liz to lie down on the sofa in the room, but she would have none of it. She wanted to stay right beside her daughter in case Ellie woke up. Instead, she got a few fitful hours of sleep, lying her head down on Ellie’s bed, never once breaking her grip on Ellie’s hand. Max on the other hand didn’t get any sleep at all, he was trying to find a way in which he could help Ellie come back to them. As he watched his two girls sleep, Max knew he had to persuade Liz to take him back. If Ellie’s accident had showed him anything it was that life was too short to settle for second best, and Tess was definitely that.
Where
do we go – By Stephen Gately I
ask, when will I see you again Once
was all that we had And
your touch I’ve forgotten How
good it was Question
mark trade of thoughts Turning
around in mind Can’t
let go Visions
of you baby Is
all that I know Where
do we go from here How
do we find our way to go on Promise
you’ll stay by my side Don’t
walk away from me now Where
do we go I
ask myself where are you now Are
you alone in the night Do
you feel the same way I’m
feeling for you ‘Cause
baby I need to know Constantly
sleepless Alone
in my bed Visions
of you babe Is
all that I have Where
do we go from here How
do we find our way to go on Promise
you’ll stay by my side Don’t
walk away from me now Where
do we go Oh
where do we go Constantly
sleepless Alone
in my bed Visions
of you babe Is
all that I have Where
do we go from here How
do we find our way to go on Promise
you’ll stay by my side Don’t walk away from me nowWhere
do we go PART
5 That day very little changed with Ellie, the doctor and nurses came in every so often to check on her, to take her temperature or change bandages but that was the only distraction. Max couldn’t persuade Liz to leave her bedside even for a moment, not even to eat something, and in the end he brought some food from the hospital canteen and forced her to eat it. “Liz if you don’t eat something and get some rest, you’ll be no good to Ellie when she wakes up.” Max said sternly. “I can’t Max, I have to be here beside her. I’m ……. I’m scared something will happen if I go away.” She admitted. “I’ll be here Liz, I won’t let anything happen to her, I promised.” He said putting his hand on top of hers. That night, Max finally got Liz to sleep a couple of hours on the sofa, she was dead on her feet, and needed a few hours of uninterrupted, comfortable sleep. Max had also phoned Tess that evening, explaining that he was still going to stay at the hospital, both Liz and Ellie needed him. “What about me Max? I need you too.” She complained. “You’re not on the verge of dying Tess!” He shot back. “Oh
so that’s what it takes, me to end up in hospital before I see you.” The following morning, Liz resumed her vigil beside Ellie’s bed, sitting, holding her hand, talking to her, telling her stories, anything that might bring Ellie out of the deep sleep she was in. As he watched her, he could tell from Liz’s body language that she was starting to loose hope, it was now the third day Ellie had spent in hospital and there was no change, nothing had got worse, but nothing had got better either. Walking outside and sitting down on a nearby chair, Max put his head in his hands and tried to contain his emotions. He felt physically and mentally wrecked. He had wracked his brains over the previous nights trying to find some way he could help wake Ellie up, but his powers were just no good. It was the first time he had truly felt helpless and not in control, he couldn’t cope with it, he couldn’t cope with loosing his daughter, his one tie to Liz. “Flounder and Sebastian watched in amazement as Ursula’s magic powers changed Ariel into a human girl.” Liz read from the book resting on Ellie’s bed. The Little Mermaid was one of her daughter’s favourite Disney films, and the book had been a gift from one of her friends for Ellie’s birthday. Liz hadn’t had a chance to read it to Ellie before, and now she wasn’t sure if Ellie could even hear her. Still, Liz was determined not to give up on the little girl, so she kept reading. “Suddenly Ariel could no longer live underwater.” She read. Then suddenly the small hand that Liz had gripped almost non-stop twitched. Looking up from the book, Liz stared at her daughter and saw a miracle unfold in front of her very eyes. Ellie took in a deep breath and then her eyelids began to flutter slightly until the little girl forced them open to look around the strange room she was in. “Oh my god! Max!” Liz yelled. She could scarcely believe what she was seeing and desperately needed someone to confirm she wasn’t imagining things. “What? What’s wrong, should I get a doctor?” He asked worriedly, running in from the corridor. “Look!” She beamed, pointing at Ellie. The little girl slowly opened her eyes once again for a few seconds before closing them again. “Oh my god Ellie, sweetheart we’re here for you.” He said rushing to his daughter’s side and taking hold of her free hand. “We’ve missed you so much.” He added the elation in his heart spreading like wildfire inside his body. “I was sleeping.” She croaked, her voice thick with sleep. “That’s right sweetheart, but you’re gonna be ok now.” Liz replied, moving some of Ellie’s hair away from her face. Relief and belief her daughter was going to be ok was spread all over Liz’s face, emotions she had been afraid to feel over the previous few days. After the initial dubitation, Max called for the doctor, so that he could check Ellie over. As the doctor came in to check their little girl, Max and Liz headed outside to the hospital garden for a few moments to catch their breath. “She’s gonna be ok!” Liz cried, as tears ran down her cheeks, finally allowing herself to believe it. “Yeah, she’s gonna be ok.” He replied pulling her close and holding her tight. He felt so happy, so overjoyed inside, Ellie was going to make a full recovery, he wasn’t going to loose her. “Oh Max I was so scared.” Liz said pulling back slightly and looking into his eyes. “I know, so was I Liz.” He replied looking back at her. Their eyes locked together, neither wanting to look away. He held her tightly in his arms, refusing to let her move away. They both needed it; they had been to hell and back over the previous few days, their only solace was each other. As she rested her head on his chest, Max gently stroked her hair, then kissed the top of her forehead. It was only the slightest of touches with his lips, but neither could deny the emotions it conjured up inside them. As she lifted her head level with his once again, she saw the longing for her in his eyes, she moved forward and touched her lips with his. Closing her eyes, she melted into his arms, the kiss deepening, full of passion ……… full of relief ……… full of love. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” Liz said when they pulled away from each other.. “Shhh, not now Liz, please.” He replied, putting his finger to her mouth. He didn’t want her to break the spell they were both under at that very moment. Moving his finger round, he traced the outline of her perfect lips. She had been at the hospital for three days solid, no shower or bath, and only the change of clothes Maria had brought up to her. Yet to him she still looked perfect, he didn’t care about anything but the look in her eyes. Ellie was getting better, and he was convinced he’d seen the sparkle return to her eyes, albeit momentarily. Unable to hold back any longer, he descended upon her lips once again, drinking in the heady feeling that flooded his mind. Liz’s body hummed all over, it was only a kiss, but to Liz it was so much more. She had convinced herself she would never feel this way again, and it fell like a dream to be melting in Max’s arms as he kissed her so passionately. His tongue moved inside the crevices of her mouth, desperately trying to find hers to duel with. When they eventually broke apart, both struggled with the passion swimming in their bodies. Liz tore herself from his arms, feeling a sudden coldness as she moved away from the heat his body was radiating. She needed to sort her head out, to think straight, to catch hold of her emotions. Things had been so tense, so full of worry over Ellie, the last thing she had expected was to end up in Max’s arms. But what about Tess, she couldn’t help thinking that it was wrong, he was with Tess. “We should go back, the doctor should have finished with Ellie now.” Liz finally said, turning and walking towards the door. Max hung back for a moment, not sure how to read Liz’s actions. She had enjoyed the kiss, it hadn’t been one way on his part, but why was she acting so coy about it now? It wasn’t like it was the first time they had ever kissed; they used to do it all the time. But that was a long time ago he reminded himself before following her back inside the hospital. When Liz saw Ellie this time, her daughter seemed a lot more awake. “Hi sweetheart, how are you feeling?” Liz asked. “My head hurts.” Ellie complained. “Oh I know darling, it will get better soon though, I promise.” Liz replied stroking Ellie’s cheek. “Where’s
daddy?” She enquired. “I’m sorry. I managed to climb to the very top of the climbing frame, but then my shoes went all slippery and made me fall. I don’t like my shoes anymore.” She replied smiling faintly. “It’s ok, we’ll get you new shoes when you come out, all we care about is that you’re gonna be ok. Just don’t go climbing on climbing frames any time soon, I can only handle something like this once in a lifetime!” Liz replied kissing her daughter’s forehead. “You look tired mummy.” Ellie said raising her hand to Liz’s cheek. “Well I guess I haven’t had much sleep the last few nights, something about my little baby in hospital I think.” Liz joked. “I think your mummy needs to get some sleep, don’t you. “ Max said softly “No Max, I don’t want to leave her yet.” Liz replied before Ellie had a chance to say anything. “Liz
you’ve got to sleep, I can call Maria, she will sit with Ellie.
Please, don’t make me drag you out.” “Want
me to try?” He asked seductively. “Hey, thanks Ellie! Well ok then, only if you’re sure. We’ll call Auntie Maria, she’ll come and stay with you.” Liz said as Max disappeared outside to the payphone. When Maria arrived, the first thing she did was give Liz a huge hug. “I am so sorry, I wanted to come and see Ellie but they said it was family only.” “It’s ok Maria, it was tough but we’re over it now. Max has been brilliant though, I don’t know if I’d of coped without him.” “Right, now go home Liz, get some rest, I’ll stay with this little one.” Maria aid smiling at Ellie. “Oh I don’t know Maria …….” Liz started, afraid to leave her daughter’s side. “Go Liz, I won’t take no for an answer.” Maria ordered. “Ok,
ok, I know when I’m not wanted.” Liz
replied, admitting defeat. “Thanks.” Liz replied, kissing her daughter. “I’ll be back soon I promise sweetheart.” Liz added before heading out the room with Max in toe. “Are you sure you don’t mind dropping me off home? I’ve got my car here, I can drive it.” She said as they walked down the corridor. “Liz you haven’t had a proper night’s sleep in over three days, I don’t want you to crash on the way home or something!” He said pushing open the door to the outside world. “Hey, you haven’t had much sleep either.” She protested. “I know, so we’ll get home together safely this way.” He said getting into the jeep. His words made little sense to Liz, but she decided to leave it, there was no point arguing when he had made up his mind. The drive to her house was quiet, both lost in their own little worlds. Music from the radio flooded Liz’s ears as she casually stared out the window. As they pulled up outside her house, she dug around in her bag and pulled out her keys. “Do you want to come in or something?” She offered. “Sure.” He replied not really knowing why he was accepting. “Do you want a drink? Tea? Soda? Juice?” She asked as they stepped inside the house. “A soda would be great, thanks.” Max said, following Liz into the kitchen. After taking two cans from the fridge, Liz proceeded to pour the contents into the glasses. As she handed him the drink, Liz was unable to stop herself from looking into his eyes. They seemed to be communicating unspoken words to her brain. The smouldering look was reeling her in as she found herself gravitating towards him without telling her feet to move. The temperature the room rose a degree or two just by their intense stare. Now that they didn’t have to worry about Ellie, their feelings for each other came rushing to the surface. She knew it was wrong, but her ability to refuse Max has dwindled over the past few days. He had been there for her when she needed him most, and she wanted so much to feel his bare skin close to her. As if he read her mind through her eyes, Max pulled her close to his body, and dipped his head to capture her lips with his own. The kiss was full of emotion and raw passion, captivating everything they had experienced over the previous few days. He couldn’t stop the rush of feelings flooding his body, holding her in his arms, kissing her soft red lips, all common sense flew out of his mind. As they kissed, his hands roamed across her back and down to rest on her hips. It felt so wonderful to feel her body flush against his once again. His hands touching her made Liz’s head feel light, she hadn’t felt this way in a very long time. Her hands ran down his back to where the edge of his T-shirt rested. Without thinking first, she took part of the material in her hands, pulling it up and over his head, then allowed the white material to fall to the floor with a quiet thud. She couldn’t stop herself from touching his tanned skin and raking her finger nails over his tort chest muscles. He closed his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath, enjoying the feather light touch as her fingers danced over his skin. Not a word was spoken as he undid each tiny button that held together her red knitted top. When he had finished he allowed the material to fall away, exposing her perfect bust. His breathing shallowed somewhat as he drunk in the sight of the beauty in front of him. His hands rubbed the tops of her shoulders before walking up her neck to her chin. He traced the contour of her jaw before stroking her cheek with his finger. His fingers seemed to take on a will of their own as they moved over to her lips and touched them softly. Involuntarily her lips parted slightly and she gently kissed and sucked the tip of his finger. She was torturing him and he was loving every moment of it. Reluctantly pulling his finger away from her lips, he moved his head down to replace it with his own mouth. As their lips connected once again, Max scooped her up into his arms and carried her upstairs to her bedroom. Breaking the kiss, he laid her out on the bed, deafly untied her shoes, and slipped them off, before working his way back up her body, kissing the bare flesh of her stomach and neck until he reached her mouth once again. As he undid her bra and started to caress her perfect breasts, Liz groaned. The feelings inside her were too strong to deny, she was loving every moment of being in his arms. She kissed his shoulder and nipped at his neck as she allowed the wonderful emotions to engulf her body. Sliding his hands down her sides, Max eventually reached the waistband of her jeans. Lifting his head to search her eyes for approval, she paused for a second before nodding her ok. She knew there was no turning back, and she had no intention of saying no. Slowly he deafly undid the button and pulled the zipper of her jeans. The sound of the zipper moving down seemed to be magnified one hundred times, and it sent shock waves through her body. Passion and pure desire took over them, and soon all that was between them was Max’s boxers and Liz’s panties. Wanting to remove the last hurdle, Max slipped his fingers either side and pulled them down her legs and let them fall onto the growing heap of clothes that were on the floor. Taking a moment, Max took in the sight of the naked beauty in front of him. Liz looked back at him with a shy expression. Her body had changed since the last time he had seen her with nothing on, having Ellie had seen to that, she wondered if he still liked what he saw. “You are too beautiful for words.” He whispered, reading her mind, as he placed his hand on her stomach and gently caressed her skin. Her whole body was screaming out for his touch, her skin was on fire, she felt like an electric current was being pumped through her body, she needed him more than she had needed anything in her life. As they joined as one, all the memories of their last time came flooding back. They had been so young, so in love, so full of hope for the future. She had thought his destiny had meant they couldn’t or shouldn’t be together. She had been scared, had run, had shut him out to stop herself from getting hurt again. But she had been wrong, their love was still every bit as strong as that day. Passion and physical need filled their bodies as they made love together, reaching their peak as one and collapsing together in each other’s arms. It took a while to come down from the amazing high they had both felt, but Liz needed to speak. “Max this is wrong, what about Tess?” She said quietly. As painful as the words were, she needed to say them, she had to know how he really felt. “If you haven’t figured out by now that I don’t love Tess, you’re a fool Liz. All this time you’ve pushed me away to her, but I can’t create feelings that aren’t there. I can’t make myself love someone else, not when I am still so totally in love with you Liz. Please don’t push me away again.” He said. “I don’t think I could push you away again even if I tried.” She said snuggling up to his chest. “You’ve made me remember everything I’ve missed over the last five years. I forgot how good it feels to be in your arms, to feel your touch, to make love to you. I can’t let you go now Max.” She replied lifting her head to look into his eyes. “Then take me and hold on to me forever Liz Parker, I’m not going anywhere.” He replied kissing her forehead. Soon the two lovers fell into a deep peaceful sleep, content in being entwined in each other’s arms. The shrill sound of the telephone ringing brought Liz out of her slumber. “Hello?” She said groggily. “Where’s Max?” Tess said rudely “Hello Tess, I’m fine thank you.” Liz mocked, frustrated at Tess’s disrespectfulness. “You want Max? Well he’s downstairs at the moment, hang on I’ll just get him.” She replied nudging Max, who was dozing beside her, to wake him up. “What’s wrong?” He asked “It’s Tess.” She whispered as her hand covering the receiver. “Oh,
ok.” Max said taking a deep
breath before taking the phone. “Hi
Tess, what’s wrong?” “I fell asleep ok, it happens, get over it Tess. It’s been a really hard few days for me, I’ve had no sleep, and I just flaked out on the sofa.” He lied. “Well I want you to come straight home now, I miss you.” She said trying to put on a sweet sickly voice. “Ok, whatever, I’ll be home soon.” He said before leaning over Liz to put the phone down. “Are you going to go back to her Max? Please be honest, I need to know where I stand.” Liz blurted out, afraid of the answer. “Is
that what you think? That I could
go back to Tess after what we’ve just shared.
I love you Liz so much, but I owe it to Tess to tell her face to face
that I’m leaving her and not over the phone, you understand don’t you?”
He said praying she would as he stared into her eyes. “I guess I could stay a bit longer though.” He said seductively. “Mmm, could have potential.” She replied huskily, putting her arms around his neck and drawing his lips in to hers. An hour later, Max pulled into the driveway of the house he shared with Tess. “This is it, I gonna tell her then go back to Liz.” He thought to himself, taking a deep breath and climbing out of the jeep. “I though you were coming straight home, it doesn’t take an hour to get home from Liz’s.” Tess yelled as he walked through the door. “I had to take Liz back to the hospital. Oh and Ellie is getting better now, she woke up earlier today, thanks for asking and caring.” He snapped back. “I do care. I care about you Max.” She replied sweetly, throwing her arms around his neck. “Come on, let’s go upstairs and I’ll make you feel better.” She added before trying to kiss him. “No Tess!” He complained, pushing her away from him. “What’s wrong with you?” She yelled back, frustrated that her attempts at seducing him hadn’t worked. He had been away for what seemed like an age to her and she had been convinced he wouldn’t spurn her advances. “How about you listen to me for a change. Sit down.” He ordered. “I don’t want to sit down.” She replied sulkily “Sit down Tess!” He insisted. “Fine!” She replied falling into a nearby seat in the lounge. “Now, what happened to Ellie has made me rethink a few things, analyse where my life is going or not as the case maybe.” “I don’t follow.” “I’ve
been denying my true feelings for a long time Tess, and I am sorry, but you’re
gonna get hurt. I have never
stopped loving Liz, and I never will. Seeing
our little girl lying in a hospital bed made me realise how much I want to be a
part of their life, be a proper father to Ellie, and love Liz.
Liz pushed me away because of our destiny, even though she was carrying
my child. Well now I’m pushing my
destiny away, I will choose who I want to be with, I am my own person, I have my
own mind.” He said adamantly. “Yes, but I don’t think you understand. I don’t *want* to Tess, I *am* going.” He stressed. “What
about me? Where does that leave
me?” She wined. The room went silent for a few moments, as Tess’s mind went into overdrive, struggling to come up with something that would stop him leaving. “There must be something I can say or do to make him stay.” She thought to herself, then suddenly an idea sprung into her head. “Yes!” She yelled to herself. “Well ……….. well maybe …….. maybe I can throw a spanner in the works.” She snapped with a glistening in her eyes. “Oh yeah, like what? I really don’t think there is anything you can do or say to stop me from going.” He replied adamantly. “Ok, what if ………. what if I said I was pregnant?” She blurted out. At that moment she was smiling on the inside. “Yes that’s what will keep him, he won’t leave me if I’m pregnant.” She laughed inwardly to herself. In
this Life – By Ronan Keating For
all I’ve been blessed with in this life There
was an emptiness in me I
was imprisoned by the power of gold With
one honest touch you set me free Let
the world stop turning Let
the sun stop burning Let
them tell me love’s not worth going through If
it all falls apart I
will know deep in my heart The
only dream that matters had come true In
this life, I was loved by you For
every mountain I have climbed And
every raging river crossed You
were the treasure that I longed to find Without
your love I would be lost Let
the world stop turning Let
the sun stop burning Let
them tell me love’s not worth going through If
it all falls apart I
will know deep in my heart The
only dream that matters had come true In
this life, I was loved by you In
this life I was loved by you PART
6 “Are you?” He asked pointedly “Erm, yeah, I mean yes I am.” She replied trying to sound confident. “I don’t believe you.” He shot back. “What, you think I’m lying?” She yelled “Yes!” “How dare you Max, why don’t you believe me?” “Oh
maybe because you’ve lied and manipulated me way too many times in the
past.” “Erm …. about a month I guess, why?” She said unsure what he was getting at. “A month, oh well that settles it then. It can’t possibly be mine.” He replied nonchalantly. “What!
Why not? Are you accusing me
of sleeping around? How dare you
Max!” She roared. On the inside, he silently commended himself on being so calm. Here she was trying to trap him into staying with her, and he was taking it all in his stride. At that moment he realised how little he felt for Tess, and how extremely low she would stoop to keep her grip on him. “Oh I hate you, I can’t believe what you’re accusing me of, how could you even think I do something like that!” She yelled running over to him and pounding his chest with her fists. “I said am I right?” He insisted, grabbing hold of her wrists so she couldn’t hit him anymore. “Ok, yeah there’s no baby!” She yelled back, but then calmed herself and added “But I don’t want to loose you Max, please I need you. I can’t go on without you, I love you.” She said forcing tears to roll down her cheeks as she placed her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. “You
don’t need me Tess, you just don’t want Liz to have me, but you’ve lost
this time. Now I am going to go
upstairs, pack some things and walk out this house.
I will be back tomorrow to collect the rest of my things, but after that
I don’t want to know you Tess ever again.”
He said firmly, ripping apart her grasp on him and pushing her away. “I just have Tess.” He added before heading upstairs. As she watched him walk up the flight of stairs, Tess suddenly realised her grip on Max was gone. Her world was crumbling in front of her eyes, and for once there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. No amount of mind warping in the world would correct the situation and bring Max back to her. This time real tears tumbled down her cheeks, as the feeling of being sad and alone in the world engulfed her body. “So, how’s my little baby?” Liz said smiling as she walked into Ellie’s room. “Ok.” Her daughter said cheerily. “Well you’re looking much better.” Liz replied. “Yeah so are you.” Maria pointed out. “It’s amazing what a few hours rest, and hot shower and a change of clothes can do to you.” Liz replied not looking at her friend. “Yeah, if it’s rest you’ve had. Something you wanna tell me Liz?” Maria asked, her extrasensory perception working overtime. “Erm …..” Liz stumbled. No matter what she tried, hiding things from Maria was something she had never managed to master. “Let’s go and get a coffee from the canteen, you’ll be ok won’t you Ellie.” Maria said winking at the little girl. After a nod of approval from her, Maria grabbed Liz’s arm and lead her out to the corridor before Liz could protest. By the time they reached the canteen, Maria felt like she was going to burst. It had taken every ounce of self control on her part not to grill Liz on the way down. “So, how about spilling the beans.” Maria ordered sitting down at an empty table. “Well, I don’t really know where to start.” Liz replied, absentmindedly tracing the rim of her cup with her finger. “At the beginning, I want to know everything. This has something to do with Max doesn’t it?” She probed. “Erm, yeah.” Liz replied as a shy smile spread over her face. “Come on Liz, don’t leave me in suspense.” Maria yelped. “Ok,
Max has been really great throughout the last few days, it was really tough.
I know that there is no way I’d of been able to cope if he hadn’t of
been right beside me. I guess it
started at Ellie’s party, when he kissed me, he resurrected all the feelings
I’ve managed to bury for five years.” She
said, pausing for a moment to take a sip of coffee.
“I sort of ignored it though, I was scared I guess.
Then when Ellie had her accident, Max was here beside me helping me
through it. I guess after the
relief that she was going to be ok, neither of us had the ability to fight our
feelings.” “And what? I’m not going to tell you every little detail Maria! ………. Ok, yeah we went back to my house, and one thing sorta lead to another, and we ended up in bed.” Liz replied sheepishly. “Yes!” Maria exclaimed. “Then we had our alarm call though.” Liz added. “Huh?” “Tess.
She called to find out where Max was, the hospital must have told her he
had gone home and she tried my place.” “Sleeping,
nothing more sinister. But I couldn’t help but ask him what he was going to do.” “Oh Lizzy this is perfect, it’s just what you wanted.” Maria cried, throwing her arms around her friend. “Yeah
it feels really wonderful. I just can’t help feeling sorry for Tess though.”
Liz replied. “Ok,
ok I promise. Oh I am just so happy
for you. You deserve some love in
your life again.” Maria replied. “Anyway, I’m not so wrapped up in my problems to not notice you Maria, you’re happy too aren’t you?” Liz replied, looking at her friend square in the eyes. She could tell her friend had a secret she was just bursting to tell, and Liz was going to make sure they didn’t leave until Maria told her. “Yeah of course I’m happy, Ellie’s ok, you’re back with Max, ……. and ……..” She trailed off, lost in her own dream world. “And what Maria?” Liz asked, brining her friend back to reality. “Ok, you’ve got a secret from Ellie, I’ve got a secret from Michael.” She grinned evilly. “Go on.” Liz replied intrigued. “Ok, I’m gonna tell Michael tonight, but I guess it would be ok to tell you first. I’m three months pregnant.” She replied beaming a huge smile across her face. “Oh my god ‘ria that’s wonderful!” Liz cried hugging her friend. “Thanks. I wouldn’t say we planned it, but I really hope he’ll be pleased. He will be won’t he?” Maria asked with doubt in her mind. “Of course he will ‘ria, he’s gonna be so ecstatic. Just look at how great he is with Ellie. Oh Maria I am so pleased for you.” Liz replied. “Yeah, I think life in general is pretty good right now.” Maria replied smiling. “All we need now is Max to move in with you and Ellie and then things couldn’t be better!” She added a plan forming in her head. “Don’t even think about trying to meddle in that, if it happens it happens. Right Maria?” “Oh of course Lizzy.” Her friend replied sweetly.
TBC ...........................!
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