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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 42
Staring out the window, Liz’s eyes were big and wide. It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen snow before, it was just that it had fallen on Christmas Eve and somehow that made it all the more magical. It was a little after 9.30am and Liz was wide-awake. She’d got up to look out her window, realising the brightness of the room was caused by the snow. She’d wrapped her cream silk dressing gown around her naked form to cover it from the chill, and just watched the snowflakes continue to fall. Liz was so mesmerised by the snow outside, she didn’t even hear Max get up. The first she realised he was awake, was when she found him wrapping his arms around her. “Look, it snowed!” She squealed excitedly. “So it seems.” Max replied, resting his chin on her shoulder as he peered out the window. “What time are we due at your parents?” She queried, tearing her eyes away from the window and turning in his arms to face Max. “About 11.00 ish I think.” Max replied, dipping his head to nip at her exposed neck. “So, we’ve got plenty of time then?” She asked. “For ……… what?” He asked, kissing her jaw line. “Fun!” She replied, pushing him back towards the bed. Max and Liz arrived at his parents’ house a little after 11.00am. The place was ready a hive of activity with Isabelle and Alex, Maria and Michael already there. Heading into the kitchen, Liz started to help Diane with the food preparations. The kitchen air was filled with a magnitude of smells, from the roasting turkey, to the steaming puddings and soft white freshly baked rolls. Mrs Evans certainly knew how to cook, Liz thought to herself as she picked up a knife and started peeling some carrots. From the kitchen, Diane could hear her daughter’s squeals of laughter as Alex tickled her. Diane couldn’t help but smile, it was good to hear Isabelle being herself and having fun. Dinner was served just after 12.30 pm. As she sat down next to Max, Liz’s eyes widened at the sight of so much food. Philip Evans was busy carving the turkey; ham was also nearby, with boiled and roast potatoes, carrots, green beans and brussel sprouts also covering the table. Once grace had been said, everyone dived in, eager to taste the wonderful smelling food “Wow Diane, you’ve done an amazing job here.” Liz exclaimed as Max handed her the potatoes. “Thank you Liz, I enjoyed it actually.” Diane replied, smiling at he young girl. During the meal, Max looked at Liz once or twice, silently asking if she was ok. Although she nodded ‘yes’, Liz quietly felt overwhelmed. She wasn’t used to people making such a fuss. Not only was there so much food, but everyone was also chattering away, creating a lively atmosphere at the dining table. Once the food had all been devoured, and everyone was full, the guys adjourned to the lounge while the ladies cleared away the plates and loaded the dishwasher. Upon return to the lounge, it was present opening time. Once again, Liz felt besieged by everything that was happening around her. Presents were exchanged and everyone giggled and chatted as they were opened. Things quietened down somewhat after that, giving Liz time to pause and catch her breath. A little while later, Isabelle brought out a board game and the annual Evans’ family monopoly game commenced. Everybody ‘coupled’ up and had fun buying all property possible before building houses and hotels. One by one couples fell until Michael and Maria triumphed victorious. Soon it was time to prepare tea, just salad and cold meat, but Diane was surprised when Liz came out to help her. “You don’t need to do that Liz, why don’t you go and enjoy yourself with the others?” Diane said, as she watched Liz reach for a knife to chop up the cucumber. “Really, I want to Diane. You’ve done so much today, the least I can do is help prepare the salad.” Liz replied starting to chop. “Thanks Liz, that’s really kind of you.” Diane replied. Watching the young girl cut up the things for the salad, Diane couldn’t help but feel happy. Her son had found a wonderful girl in Liz, and Diane couldn’t wait to make Liz her daughter-in-law. She was so kind, caring and selfless, she knew Liz would look after her son. The evening was spent reminiscing on Christmases gone by. Diane told them about the time Max and Isabelle had been determined not to fall asleep, wanting desperately to meet Santa Claus. “Of course, they never managed it. And Isabelle was very upset he’d been and she’d missed him.” Diane said as everyone laughed. “Ok, thanks for that mother! Now you’ve totally embarrassed us!” Isabelle replied, blushing slightly at her mother’s story. Snuggling up to Max, Liz enjoyed hearing his mother’s stories. It was nice to hear about Max as a child and what he’d got up to. Opening the door to her apartment, Maria stepped inside, closely following by her boyfriend. Allowing the door to shut softly behind him, Michael stretched out an arm and caught hold of Maria. Swinging her gently around, she spun until she was face to face with him. Gently, Michael placed his forehead against Maria’s, and took a deep breath before speaking. “Thank you.” He said softly. “For what?” She questioned, looking into his eyes. “For today, for giving me a reason to enjoy Christmas. For ……… for erasing all the bad memorise I had about Christmas day ……. and for loving me.” He said sincerely. “Ditto.” She replied simply, kissing his lips softly. “The night is still young ………. How about we conjure up some more lasting memories about the joy of Christmas?” She added playfully. Their wonderful day, wound up back at Max’s place, or more precisely, in his large bed. He and Isabelle had come to an agreement; she was going to spend the night at Alex’s, leaving their place empty for him and Liz “Thank you.” She breathed against his lips. “What for?” He whispered. “For the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” She replied sincerely. “Thanks Liz, but you must have had better Christmases. It was nothing really special this year.” He said pulling back slightly so he could study her face and see how truthful she was being. “Oh
but it has been special Max ……. for me.”
She replied. “I can’t remember ever believing in Santa Claus.” She admitted “What? Not ever?” “No.” She paused. “My parents never told me about a child’s view of Christmas, Santa Claus or presents. When I was old enough to go to school other children used to talk about it near Christmas, and that’s how I found out. I remember going home one day and asking my mother why I never got presents at Christmas. She told me it was because I was a very bad girl, and Santa didn’t give presents to bad children. She used to use it as blackmail once I knew about it, saying if I didn’t do things I’d get no presents because I was bad. I’d do whatever she asked, in the vain hope of getting maybe just one present to open on Christmas Day. I’d leave a stocking out that I’d made at school, but I’d be lucky to find even an orange in it on Christmas Day.” She said, remembering how her hopes had been dashed so many times on previous Christmas mornings. She couldn’t help but think back to the times at school when the other children had asked her what Santa had brought her. She could remember all to clearly the pain she’d felt lying to them, pretending she’d got many wonderful gifts, when in truth she’d got nothing. It was a pain she never want to experience ever again. “Oh Liz, that’s terrible. You never got any presents?” He said, feeling very sorry for her. “No.” She said thinking back. “Well apart from a beautiful china doll my grandmother Claudia gave me when I was ten. I was so excited to open a present and it was the most beautiful doll I’d ever see. Claudia died a month later, but to this day I still treasure that doll.” Liz replied, thinking about her beautiful, precious porcelain ‘Lissie’ doll. “I can’t believe your parents never gave you presents or kept up the dream of Father Christmas. You missed out on so much as a child Liz.” He said, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. As he held her close, Max felt desperately sorry for his girlfriend. Life has definitely dealt her a rough deal. Not only had her parents treated her badly, but she had missed out on all the fun parts of being a child. He, on the other hand, had been very lucky and he couldn’t help but feel guilty at his good fortune and the parents he had been born to. “Did
I Max? I guess I know no different.
How about you tell me about your childhood so I can see what I missed?” She asked. “Well I guess I had a really great childhood. Although my parents worked hard to start up the firm, it was never at the expense of Isabelle or I. One of them was always around to listen to our stories, play games, take us to baseball games or the mall. Christmas was, and still is, a big deal to them. I remember laying out a stocking and pillow case on Christmas Eve, and walking the following morning to find them both crammed full of presents, sweets and fruit. As Isabelle and I got older the number of presents dwindled as we asked for more expensive items, but they always seemed to arrive on Christmas Day. My parents have always backed me no matter what, through school, college and law school. No matter what, they’ve always encouraged me to follow my heart and chase my dreams. They’re the best parents I could ever hope for, always showering Isabelle and I with love and affection. Never once have they doubted me or said I wasn’t good enough to do something.” He told her. “You have pretty amazing parents Max.” Liz smiled at him. “Thank you.” He replied. “I’m just sorry your parents didn’t acknowledge how amazingly special you are.” He added softly. “Oh I’m not special really Max, just lucky to have you.” She replied bashfully. “Oh but you are special Liz Parker. You have an inner strength I’ve never seen before. Your will to live is amazing, your ability to prove people wrong so awe inspiring.” Max replied, looking deep into her eyes so she’d know he truly believed what he was saying. Resting her head on his chest, Liz allowed the feeling of being safe envelope her whole being. It was a feeling she was used to experiencing when Max was around. His ability to make her feel safe with a simple embrace was priceless. “Thank you for making me happy for the first time in my life Max.” She said softly. “Thank you too.” He replied, sounding pensive. “What are you thinking about?” She asked, lifting her head up so she could see his face. “Well ………… just that one day our children will never want for anything. They’ll never feel unloved or feel their parents don’t care or support them.” He replied adamantly, kissing her forehead. “That’s a really sweet Max ……… but children are a very long way off for us. We’ve only been going out for a short time, and I know I’m not ready for kids yet.” Liz said. “I know.” He replied softly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I know us having children is a few years down the line. All I’m saying is that one day, when we do have children, they’ll never miss out on their childhood like you have.” Max replied, stroking her silky hair to sooth the fears he’d stoked up. It wasn’t that he meant to scare or frighten her, more that he was finding it harder and harder to deny his true feelings. It was like nothing he’d ever felt before. His desire to have a family with Liz was very strong. With Tess it had been different, the thought of having a child with her repulsed him. It scared him somewhat too, how in such a short space of time his whole idea of life had changed so drastically. He used to think work was all that mattered to him, but once Liz had walked into his life his priorities had slowly started to change. He now wanted all the things Tess had bantered on about. He wanted a perfect home for Liz and he to live in, and more importantly,, he wanted a child for them. His love for Liz was so very strong; sometimes he was afraid he’d go under if she ever pulled away. He had to remind himself that although he was 25, Liz was only 21 and not ready for such a commitment that came with having a family. Max has never thought he’d ever feel ready to even consider marrying anyone, but Liz had changed all that. She had made him evaluate his ideas on life. He loved Liz with all his heart, and that same heart told him one day Liz Parker would become his beautiful wife. Feeling her sleeping form draped across his bare chest, Max stared down at her. Liz’s vest top had ridden up, exposing her flat, soft stomach. Unable to resist temptation, Max snaked out his hand and gently placed it on her bare skin. With everything flying around his mind, Max found himself wondering what it would be like for Liz to carry his child. To feel the baby kick for the first time, to watch her stomach swell each day, to know that part of him was growing inside her. As he thought about it, Max could feel a warm heat grow in the pit of his stomach; the thought of Liz carrying his child definitely excited him. Taking a deep breath, Max tried to regain his composure and relax his body. He knew there was no point dreaming about it, Liz had made it perfectly clear children for them was a long way down the line. Sighing, he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. All the while though, his hand remained on her stomach as Max dreamt of the children he hoped one day they’d have.
Part 43
Blinking open her eyes, Liz glanced around the room. It felt strange to wake up in Max’s bed, having never slept over before as his girlfriend, but it was definitely a nice feeling and one she could certainly get use to. Turning her body, Liz lifted her head so she could twist to face Max. As she moved, a wave of dizziness washed over her body, followed swiftly by a violent and powerful feeling of nausea. Carefully climbing out of bed so as not to wake Max, Liz hurried to his ensuite bathroom, locked the door and promptly threw up. Drifting out of his deep sleep, Max was suddenly aware that Liz wasn’t in bed. It was then that his brain registered the sound of Liz retching in the bathroom. Leaping out of bed, Max grabbed a t-shirt and pulled it over his head as he crossed the room to his bathroom. “Liz? Are you ok?” He called through the closed door. “Liz?” He called again, getting no response. Reaching up, he tried the handle on the door before he realised it was locked. “Liz please, you’re scaring me. Just open the door.” He called out, beginning to panic. What if she’d passed out on the floor, or was hurt or something. His mind raced as he prayed she’d answer. “I’m ok Max.” She replied quietly. “Just give me a few minutes.” She said weakly, not lifting her head from the cool tiled floor for fear of the dizziness returning. Reluctantly turning away, Max sat down on the edge of his bed, waiting for Liz to emerge from the bathroom so he could find out what was going on. Once her body temperature had returned to something resembling normal, Liz slowly pulled her heavy body up off the floor. Staggering over to the sink, she turned on the taps and splashed cool water over her face. At first glance in the mirror, Liz was horrified by her reflection. She had a deathly pale gaunt look, her skin colour laced with a green tint. Her eyes looked drawn out and she couldn’t ignore the constant throbbing in her brain, or sick feeling in her stomach. Taking a deep breath, Liz prepared herself for facing Max. She knew he’d be worried, seeing how ill she looked, but she guessed it was her own fault. “This will teach me not to drink so much white wine!” She scolded herself, before leaving the sanctuary of the bathroom. Hearing the lock move and the handle turn, Max was fully alert. He knew she obviously wasn’t well, but he wasn’t prepared for just how rough she looked. He was snapped out of his daze when he saw her falter as she returned to the bed. Jumping up, Max grabbed her and scooped Liz into his strong arms. Placing her gently on the bed, he moved her hair out of the way. Are you ok?” He asked softly, knowing for well she wasn’t “I feel a bit better now.” She replied, taking in the concerned look on his face. “Don’t look so worried Max, it’s just a hangover. I guess I overdid the wine yesterday, I don’t normally drink very much.” She added, trying to alleviate his fears. “Are you sure there’s nothing else? Maybe you should get checked over by a doctor just in case?” He suggested, needing reassurance it wasn’t anything serious. “Really Max, I’ll be fine. I just need to rest for a while, perhaps a couple of alka-seltzer and then I’ll feel much better.” She replied, forcing a weak smile across her face. Staying with her until she fell asleep, Max couldn’t help but worry about his girlfriend. She had drunk a fair amount the day before, he conceded, but even though it was just a hangover he still wished there was something he could do to make her feel better. Watching Liz suffer, even if it was self-inflicted, was worse than any torture for Max. When she awoke a few hours later, Liz felt much better. Her throbbing head had calmed down and colour tainted her previously pale complexion. Although her stomach still felt a little unsettled, she felt much more herself. Turning her head, Liz glanced at the clock and noted it was a little after noon. Realising Max had gone, she climbed out of bed and headed out to find him. “Hey sleepy, you’re looking more human than earlier. How are you feeling?” Max enquired, watching Liz enter the room. “I’m feeling much better now thanks. I’m really sorry I woke you up earlier Max, I don’t normally get sick after drinking.” Liz apologised as she joined him on the sofa. “There’s no need. I’ll admit you had me worried there for a while, but I’m pleased you’re feeling better now.” Max replied, putting his hand on her forehead to check she didn’t have a temperature. “Mmm, keep this up and I don’t think I’ll ever vacate this bed.” Maria breathed against Michael’s lips. “That could be arranged.” He replied playfully. It had been their first night spent together, and what a night it had been. Maria conceded she hadn’t got much sleep, having Michael naked beside her saw to that. Yet even after their exploits that night she still wanted and needed more. She’d never felt this way about another man before; she just couldn’t get enough of Michael. Lazily dancing her fingers along his bare chest, Michael felt her leave a trail of scorch marks in her wake. His skin was still humming and he was struggling to remember the last time it hadn’t hummed, memories of their first night together etched permanently on his brain. What the hell did he do to deserve someone as fit as Maria, he thought to himself. Replacing her fingers with her lips, Maria continued the tantalising ambush on his body, lightly kissing her way across his shoulders, down his chest to his lean stomach. His fingers moved of their own accord, finding her silky soft hair and winding the strands gently around his hands. She was driving him insane with her delicate kisses, and his body told him it was time to up the pace. In one swoop, he took hold of her hands and rolled them over so that he loomed large above her tiny frame. Her eyes widened at his actions, but he gave her little time to think, quickly descending on her inviting lips. Their kiss was passionate, rough and full of raw emotion, both letting the other know exactly what they wanted. Gently pushing her legs apart, Michael nestled his body over hers, slowing the pace slightly, so as to enjoy everything he was feeling. Running his hand the length of her upper body, he rested his palm on her hip, before dragging it across her stomach. Maria sucked in a breath as he did it, anticipating what his next move would be. Moving his hand upwards, he gently encased his hand around her soft breast, making Maria suck in a breath of air once more. His touch was mesmerising, her whole body was on fire. She needed his touch, she ached for his touch, she desired him more than anything else in the world at that moment. Lifting her lips up, she nibbled gently at his ear, receiving a deep growl from Michael for her actions. It was obvious to Maria he was struggling to stay in control of the situation, but she didn’t want him in control. She’d had the soft, sensual love making more than once the previous night, she wanted Michael to act on his instincts and allow pure lust to rule supreme. Nibbling at his shoulder, Maria stretched her fingers round to the nape of his neck, knowing it was the one place she could attack to make Michael loose control. Gently stroking it, she felt Michael suck in some air, as if to try and clear his mind of all images she was creating. He knew it would be over way too soon for Maria if she kept her actions up. With his head still spinning, Maria broke away the last of his steely resolve. Pulling his body closer, she moved so that his heat touched hers. Growling once more, Michael finally gave in to temptation and quickly took her. It was wild and frenzied as he pounded into her, Michael totally loosing any semblance of logic or normality, concentrating only on his body’s pure incessant need. Soon they reached their peak together, the wash of amazing feelings drowning them both. “I’m sorry.” He whispered raggedly, as he rolled them over so Maria was nestled safely in his arms. “What for?” She queried. “I don’t know what happened, I just sorta snapped. Did I …… hurt you?” He asked, afraid his actions had been too rough. “Michael that was amazing, I wanted you to snap.” She replied playfully. “You’ll have to do that more often!” She added, closing her eyes and gently drifting off to sleep. The following morning, when he awoke, Max’s first thoughts were of Liz. Watching her eyes gently flicker open, he was pleased to see colour in her cheeks. “How are you feeling?” He enquired softly. “I’m fine Max, really. Please stop worrying.” “Oh well, and there was me planning to hold you hostage in this bed if you were still sick.” “Mmmm, well now you come to mention it, I am feeling just a little under the weather.” Liz replied, going along with his plan. “If that’s the case, then Doctor Max orders complete bed rest for the whole of the day.” Max informed her, before gently kissing her lips. “Plus, if I recall, I’ve got a lot of making up to do, since I worked so much before Christmas.” Max added. “Mmmm.” Was all Liz could reply as she melted into the kiss. Closing her eyes, Liz thought only of the wonderful images and feelings Max always managed to conjure up in her body. Spending all day in bed with Max Evans, well that was just perfect heaven she thought to herself.
TBC .......................?
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