Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza

Part 48

Placing the dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, Tess picked her daughter up from her highchair and headed into the bedroom.  Putting the little girl down in her cot, Tess sat down on the bed and proceeded to pull on her sneakers.

Her apartment was very pokey; it only had one small bedroom, which Tess had to share with Paige, a lounge area and a kitchen just big enough to include a cooker, fridge, sink and a very small table. 

It wasn’t the sort of place she’d expected to wind up in once she graduated from law school.  When she was with Max, Tess had got pretty much everything she wanted.  Their apartment had been very adequate, and although Max hadn’t wavered on her desire for a child and marriage, he had given her everything else.  Nice clothes, a new car, pretty condiments for the apartment, she hadn’t wanted for anything while dating Max Evans.  But things had changed considerably since then.

She’d had the affair with Trey Houser as much to hurt Max as anything else.  By then she’d known her relationship with Max was pretty much doomed.  They’d become very distant, hardly seeing each other, and it was her way of getting some revenge.

Of course, getting pregnant at that time hadn’t been on Tess’s agenda, even though she desired a child.  When she’d found she was expecting Paige, Tess hadn’t known what to do.  She’d moved back home with her parents, which was hard enough, but she had little option since she wasn’t working.  Her parents had lavished her with the luxury she was accustomed to, that was until Tess had told them her news. 

The Hardings were upstanding members of society and their daughter having a child out of wedlock and with no father was unthinkable.  Ed and Edwina had tried to persuade Tess to get rid of the child, telling their daughter it was the best and only option.  Yet Tess had refused, no matter how bad the timing, she couldn’t deny her desperate need for a child.  So, Ed and Edwina did the only thing they felt they could to maintain their high society credibility, they disowned their only daughter.  Tess was tossed out onto the streets, pregnant, with nowhere to go and hardly anyone to turn to. 

Although she’d managed thus far, Tess still craved the comfy lifestyle she’d grown up in.  So, to facilitate such a lifestyle, that meant latching on to a rich man, and the father of Paige was the obvious choice.  Both Max and Trey were quite rich in the whole scheme of things, both owning their own successful businesses. 

Inside though, Tess hoped Max was the father, he was without question the better of the two men.  She knew Max would take on his responsibility as a father and make sure his daughter was provided for.  Trey on the other hand would certainly make sure his daughter got the best, but Tess would be a totally different matter.

Although she didn’t like to admit it, Tess was afraid of what might happen if Paige was Trey’s child.  She was well aware of how ruthless Trey could be.  Inside, she feared that he would try to take the little girl away from her.  Trey had the large, luxurious house, family support and above all money.  Although he might not be able to give Paige love, Trey would be able to buy her pretty much anything else.  But Tess, in her current arrangements, only had love for her daughter on her side, and she wasn’t sure if that would be enough to fight the mighty Trey Houser.

The giggling sounds emitted from the little girl made Tess look up.  Watching Paige pull herself up right with the help of the cot bars, Tess couldn’t help but smile.  Page had certainly inherited her mother’s blond curls and cute button nose, but nearly everything else had come from her father.  Paige’s eyes were her most striking asset though, sparkling blue pools that seemed to dance each time she smiled and laughed.  She was a very adorable little girl, and nearly everyone who met Paige fell in love with the little angel.

It was the day they were going to get the results of Max’s paternity test.  In her mind though, Tess had already rationalised and decided who her daughter’s father was.  She was totally convinced it was Max.

Max and Tess had been going out for a few years before they’d spilt, yet she barely knew Trey.  She’d slept with Max pretty regularly, and it had only been once with Trey. 

Ok so she, or more to the point Max had been pretty religious when it came to taking precautions.  Max had insisted on that, in fact he’d bordered on the obsessive at times, but with Trey she’d been careless. 

The law of averages however surely had to swing towards Max right?  No contraception was one hundred percent reliable was it?

Snapping out of her daydream, Tess picked up her daughter and proceeded to struggle with the little girl to put her coat on.

“Paige!  Will you please just sit still and stop wriggling!”  Tess yelled, not handling the situation well.  At the sharpness of her mother’s voice, Paige’s big blue eyes filled with tears.

“Oh I’m sorry sweetie.”  Tess replied, hugging the little girl to pacify her tears.  “Mummy just needs you to be a good girl today.  We’re gonna find out who your daddy is today.  Once we know, we can get some money from him so we can move into a better place baby.  Then you can have all the toys and clothes you want, and mummy can have a nicer place to live in.”  Tess said as Paige stared up and watched her mother as if she understood what Tess was saying.

Pulling on his smart trousers and a casual shirt, Max felt apprehensive at what the day held for him.  He knew this day would shape his future; possibly make him face up to responsibilities he wasn’t sure he was ready to take on.  Sure he’d thought about having children with Liz, but that was different. 

Firstly he loved Liz, and it was only in his mind that he’d considered children.  He knew it would be a long way down the line for them, and he wasn’t necessarily upset over that.  Thinking about a baby and actually having one were two very different scenarios.

Secondly, the word ‘loath’ didn’t seem to adequately describe his feelings for Tess.  After what she’d done, the way she’d treated him, her affair with his archenemy and then her daughter, he wasn’t sure if he could ever feel anything but contempt for the woman.  He was well aware that if the little girl was, in fact, his daughter then it would be very complicated.  There was no way he’d skirt his responsibilities if Paige were verified as his, he was a man who faced up to his mistakes and not run away, but having to regularly face Tess would be hard.

Yet there wasn’t just him to think about, there was also Liz.  How would she cope?  It was one thing to suspect he had a daughter, but another if it was confirmed.  He would want to be a part of Paige’s life, and how would Liz handle that?  It would mean seeing Tess, they would be bound to run in to each other when meeting for visiting rights, would Liz be able to cope with that?

Not for the first time, Max wished so hard he wasn’t in the situation, wishing there was some way of making it all go away.  Yet however hard he tried, he couldn’t make it disappear this was something that was possibly around to stay forever.

Letting the warm water wash over her naked form, Liz tried to allow her fears wash away with the soapsuds down the plughole.  Normally she and Max would share a shower, but this morning she needed the space.  She needed a few moments to try and rid her worries and shed a few tears.  No matter how Max tried to persuade her, Liz couldn’t help but fear Max would go back to Tess if the little girl was his. 

Tears slowly rolled down her face, mixing and fusing with the steamy shower water.  Being strong for Max was hard, and it was slowly starting to wear her down.  She didn’t blame Max, this wasn’t his fault, but she felt so very tired and weary.

It was an awful situation to be in, and the waiting was nearly killing her.  But, now that the day was upon them ………. Liz was most certainly afraid.  In her heart, Liz wished she could run away, and not face the potential consequences of the test.

The drive to the clinic was pretty much in silence.  Although they both knew the other needed them, their own need was greater at that moment.  Max drove his car on autopilot, not really concentrating on where he was going, just letting the car take him.

Getting out of the car, Max walked round to Liz’s side, and caught a glimpse of the tears she’d been fighting since she woke up.

“Liz?  It’s ok.”  He said softly, putting his arms around her and pulling her close.

“I’m sorry Max.  I want to be strong for you, I really do, it’s just so hard.”  She admitted. 

Inside she cursed herself for not being able to contain her emotions.  Max had been there to support her so many times, never allowing his emotions to get the better of him.  Yet the one time he needed her she was turning into a snivelling wreck!

“Hey, just being here with me is enough Liz.  You’re right, this is an awful situation, but together we can make it better.  No matter what the outcome we’ll be together ok.  I love you and nothing will sway that, not even if the test proves Paige is mine.”  He reassured her.

“I know.  Come on; let’s get this over with.  I think we both need to know the result once and for all.”  Liz said, wiping away a tear and slipping her hand in Max’s.

Together, hand in hand, they walked towards the entrance of the clinic, feeding each other strength through the emotional bond they shared.

Unbuckling Paige from her car seat, Tess picked up the little girl and her bag before heading into the clinic. 

“I’m here for the results of a paternity test.”  She said to the receptionist.

“The waiting room is just down the hall on your right.”  The young lady replied, pointing the way.

“Thank you.”  Tess said before following the directions.

Pushing open the large oak door, Tess stepped inside and allowed the door to swing shut.  The noise made the only other two people in the room look up and stare in her direction. 

Seeing who was in the room, Tess was secretly pleased, he’d come.  She hadn’t been totally sure, it wasn’t necessary for Max to attend the results meeting, unless of course he wanted to be a part of the child’s life, taking his responsibility seriously.

“Hello Max.”  Tess said sweetly, heading over to where he was seated.

“Tess.”  Max replied curtly. 

“Perhaps you’d like to meet my little girl, since she is probably your daughter.  Max this is Paige, Paige baby this is your daddy.”  Tess said, waving the little girl’s hand towards Max.

“Let’s wait and see the outcome of the test before we make introductions.”  Max said sharply, staring directly at Tess and not the little girl in her arms. 

“Who are you?”  Tess said rudely, pointing her question to Liz.  She instantly didn’t like the girl.  This was her time with Max and Paige; the outside girl shouldn’t have been allowed to come too.  This was a private matter after all. 

“Don’t talk to Liz like that!”  Max snapped angrily, jumping to Liz’s defence.

“It’s ok Max.”  Liz said, gently squeezing his hand. 

This was definitely one battle she wanted to fight on her own.  Liz conceded she may be an emotional wreck when it came to the test results ……. but being strong for herself was something she’d learnt a long time ago, having had no one else to protect her.  Standing up for herself was one battle Liz could win on her own.  And taking on Tess would be a good way to kill time until they were called in.

“I’m Liz Parker …….. Max’s girlfriend.”  Liz replied, smiling sweetly at the other woman.  Oh revenge was sweet, Liz thought to herself, as she watched Tess’s face fall slightly at Liz’s last two words.

“What are you doing here?”
”I’m here to support Max.  That’s what girlfriend’s do.”  Liz replied pointedly

“But this is a private matter, it doesn’t concern you.  You’re not coming in there for the results.”  Tess said adamantly.

“That’s not your decision to make Tess.  I want Liz to come in with me and she will.”  Max replied strongly.

“Oh so cosy!  I won’t let you be around my daughter when Max has visiting rights though!”  She snapped back.

“Again, it hasn’t been proven who Paige’s father is.  So until then, keep your venomous comments to yourself!”  Max ranted.

Sitting down in the seat opposite, Tess pulled Paige close to her body in a protective, motherly stance.

The thought of Max having a new girlfriend hadn’t even crossed her mind.  He hadn’t mentioned anyone and she’d just assumed, wrongly, that he was alone.

They looked cosy, she conceded.  The loving glances, the holding hands, the warning stares from Liz to keep away, it was obvious they were a very close couple.

Blinking quickly, Tess tried to rid the jealous pangs from her stomach.  It wasn’t that she was necessarily jealous of Liz because she had Max …….. more that Liz obviously had was she craved so very desperately.

Tess wanted love, plain and simple.  Since Max she hadn’t had another boyfriend.  Apart from Paige, no one had shared her bed, or showered her with love.  In truth, although she had the daughter she’d craved so much for, Tess was lonely

“Mr Evans?  Miss Harding?”  Doctor Janet Mohan called out.

“This is it.”  Max whispered quietly, so only Liz could here.

“It’ll be ok ………. have faith.”  Liz replied softly, squeezing his hand gently as they stood up.

Walking into the room, Max heard the Doctor close the door behind them.  He knew now there was no escape, the next few minutes would shape his future. 

Part 49

“Ok, I am sure you are all anxious to know the results, so I’ll just come right out with them.  Max, I can confirm, one hundred percent, that you are not the father of Paige Harding.”  Janet Mohan said, watching the reaction of her words flood the faces of the subjects in front of her.

Max and Liz’s faces registered relief, like a huge weight had been lifted from their shoulders.  Tess’s face on the other hand, registered totally disbelief; she was speechless at the outcome of the test results.

“Yes!”  Max said softy, letting out a huge sigh of relief.

“What!”  Tess snapped at the Doctor.  “There must be some mistake, the test must be wrong.  I demand a retest!”  She ranted.
”I can assure you Ms Harding that the test is very reliable.  There is no mistake, the test has concluded there is absolutely no way Max can be the father of your daughter, I’m sorry.”  The Doctor replied sincerely

“Well I just don’t believe it!”  She continued.

“Tess please, just accept it and move on.  You screwed up and I’m not to blame, it’s that simple.”  Max told her firmly.

As she walked back towards her car, Tess was completely shell-shocked.  She’d convinced herself over the previous few days that Max was Paige’s daughter, and now her dreams had been shattered.  Her one moment of madness had brought along the child, and her father was a man Tess wasn’t even sure she liked. 

Standing by his car, Max pulled Liz close to him and kissed her.  The kiss emitted passion and love, but above all relief from both of them.  Their nightmare was finally over, their lives could return to normal once more.

“Thank you for standing by me Liz.”  He mumbled against her lips.

“Always Max.”  She simply replied.  It was all she needed to say; in two simple words she sealed her feelings for Max.

Watching them from afar, Tess couldn’t help the pangs of jealously that raged through her veins.  Max being so openly reckless in the car park of a public place, that just wasn’t like him.  He’d never done anything like that when they’d been going out; he’d always been so reserved.  Yet with her he was a completely different person, much more relaxed.  What did Liz have that she didn’t, Tess thought. 

Getting into her car, Tess pulled out of the car park and drove away down the street.  She was off to do something she really didn’t want to do.  It was time to tell Trey Houser he was the father of her daughter.  In her heart though, she couldn’t help but wish it had been Max, he would have made a perfect father to her daughter.

“God I wish I could spend some time with you today.”  Max said.

“It’s ok Max, I understand you have to work.  The main thing is the test came out negative.  Although I would like nothing more than to kidnap you for the rest of the day.”  She replied.

“You know what.”  Max said, resting his chin on Liz’s head and thinking for a moment.

“What?”  She queried.
“I’m the boss of the firm, if I want to take a day off I can!”  He announced defiantly. 

“Really?  And when do you intend to commit this mutinous act?”  Liz asked, playing along.

“Right now!”  He said, taking her hand and pulling her round to the passenger side of the car.

After helping Liz in, Max ran round to the other side and swiftly joined her in the black sports car. 

“So, oh rebellious one, where are we going?”  She asked, as they pulled out of the car park.

“As far away from this place as possible.”  Max replied, pulling on to the main road.  Max knew for sure that he never wanted to visit the clinic ever again.

“Should we not let Isabelle or someone know?”  Liz asked softly, not wanting to dent Max’s upbeat mood.

“Good idea.”  He replied, clicking the button on his cell phone and allowing it to ring.

“Is?  It’s Max …….. I’ve kidnapped Liz and we’re not coming back to work today.”  He said simply.

“I can only assume by your actions that it went well?”  Isabelle asked tentatively.

“Very well …… the best in fact.”  He replied happily.

“Well go have a good time, you deserve it.  You can fill me in later.”  Isabelle replied, being very reasonable about it.

Putting down the phone to her brother, Isabelle couldn’t help but smile.  Max’s crisis was over, and the results were obviously favourable.  His life was back on the normal track, and it was obvious by his upbeat mood that he was putting the incident behind him. 

Isabelle was also pleased the child hadn’t turned out to be Max’s.  She would never have judged him, but it would have complicated matters no end.  No, this way everything was clear once more, Max and Liz could get on with their lives, and the panic was over for another day.

Forty minutes later, after stopping off at Max’s to pack some lunch, Max and Liz arrived at the Reserve.  Being midweek, it was even more quiet and peaceful than normal.  They both knew the previous few days had been very hard on them, and it was time to get back to the romance and loving they both enjoyed so much.

Traipsing along the well-trodden paths, Max and Liz got to the turning point, before slipping off the public trail.  Heading between some dense trees and bushes, Max and Liz finally stopped at the place Liz knew well.  It was very sheltered, quiet and right beside a tranquil stream.  It was the place she and Max had come the night after sharing their first kiss those many months ago. 

So much had happened to them since then, they had come a long way in their relationship, but it had all been worth it.  Although the nightmare with Tess and Paige had been difficult, subconsciously Max and Liz both knew it had brought them even closer together.  They’d faced their first major hurdle in their normally rosy relationship and come through it with their love still intact. 

Neither was naive enough to think that would be their only obstacle on the path of true love, but they did know in their hearts that as long as the love was strong they’d cope with almost anything.

Spreading out the blanket on the floor, Liz sunk to her knees and started emptying the contents of the picnic hamper.  It wasn’t quite the spread she’d prepared the previous time they’d come to the special spot, but neither minded.  Quiet alone time was the only thing on the agenda that afternoon; time to reflect on what they’d just been through, and to think about the way forward.

Tucking into the food, Max suddenly realised how ravenously hungry he was.  He hadn’t eaten properly in at least four days, since Tess had called.  Prior to that moment food had been the last thing on his mind, but in the quiet ambience of the reserve his appetite returned with vengeance.

Picking up a tuna and mayonnaise sandwich, Liz couldn’t help but stare at her boyfriend.  He certainly was devouring the sandwiches as if it was his last meal on earth.  It felt good to her though, it signalled the return of the old Max, the Max she knew so well, who would protect her no matter what.

“What?”  Max queried, suddenly feeling self conscious under Liz’s intense stare.

“Nothing, I was just looking at how hungry you are.”

“Yeah, I guess I’m making up for the last few days of not having much.  My stomach thinks my throat’s been cut I think!”  Max replied, grinning as he picked up another sandwich.

Once all the food had finally been devoured, and Max’s ravenous appetite had been suppressed, they allowed the peaceful atmosphere to envelope them once more.

Lying back on the blanket, Max pulled Liz down with him so her head rested gently on his chest.  Wrapping his arms protectively around her, Max held her close.  It was a closeness they’d both missed over the previous few days, and one they were grateful had returned to their relationship.

Dipping his head down, Max captured Liz’s lips in a soft, sensual kiss that seemed to stop time.  All surroundings paled into insignificance as they both concentrated purely on the other. 

It didn’t take long before the kiss was deepened, both needing to feel even closer to the other.  Moving his hand up, Max cupped the back of Liz’s head, and allowed the other to wrap around her back.  Pulling her gently, while maintaining the kiss, he moved Liz so she was lying on her side.

Allowing the hand on her back to wander, he deftly slipped it under the cream top she was wearing.  The feel of Liz’s soft, silky flesh was like heaven to Max, heightening his already alert senses.

Moaning softly into his mouth, Liz couldn’t deny the rush of feelings swamping her body at that moment.  To her it felt like it had been forever since they’d been relaxed enough to enjoy such moments.  Throughout the whole ‘Tess’ incident, both Max and Liz had concentrated on that, rather than their feelings for each other.  So it made their moment even better, even more special, knowing they could get back to loving each other once more.

Following Max’s lead, Liz quickly pulled his shirt from the confinements of his trousers.  Gently, expertly, she undid the buttons, to expose his bare chest to the wonders of the Reserve.  Running her hands over the tort muscles, Liz closed her eyes, and attempted to take in every bump and crevice. 

Closing his eyes, Max took in a deep breath.  Her hands seemed to be all over his upper body, touching, stroking, and caressing sending his head spinning in to orbit. 

Lifting her top up and over her head, Max watched in awe as her silky brown hair fell back down to rest on her shoulders.  She was like an angel to him, a goddess, a stunning woman who he didn’t deserve.  Her body was simply perfect, magic to the touch of his fingers; her soft moans music to his ears.  At that moment, he didn’t care if the whole world just disappeared, as long as he and Liz were together they would survive.

Pulling her back down to him, Max slipped his hands behind her back and slowly undid the clasp to her bra.  Allowing the lacy cream material to fall away, Max took a moment to enjoy the sight before his need to touch became too great. 

Stretching out his hand, Max closed his eyes as he placed the tips of his fingers on her soft breast.  To Max it felt like he was touching her for the very first time, it was as if the long time between their last loving had made it all new to him once more.

Feeling his hand finally close over her aching breast, Liz allowed a soft moan to escape from her lips.  She was dying, pure and simple.  His gentle touch was driving her mad, pushing her to the brink of eternity and back.  He’d barely touched her, but she felt like she was going to burst into flames if he didn’t do something very soon.

“Touch me Max.”  She breathed, needing him to do something before she turned to cinders.

Her raspy voice sent shivers down his spine; the overwhelming desire pulsing through her body was very evident in the three whispered words.

Obliging her request, Max slipped his hand down to the waistband of her jeans.  Easily undoing the button, his expert hands gently eased down the zipper.  Just a hint of her cream panties were exposed to him, and Max couldn’t help but rest his hand gently on her stomach and allow his fingers to gently caress the lacy material.

Lost in his own world, Max was suddenly shocked when he felt Liz’s hands tear open the fastenings to his trousers.  His desire was heightened to intense levels at her forceful actions.  As he felt her tiny hand close around him, Max nearly lost it, not prepared for her bold actions.  Sucking in two deep breaths, Max tried to regain control of his dwindling restraint. 

Easing her jeans gently down her shapely hips, Max marvelled once more at the perfectness of her body.  She really was the most stunning creature he had ever laid eyes on.

Feeling his hand drifting down from her stomach, Liz subconsciously held her breath in anticipation.  On first touch, she instinctively cried out, her need for a release so very great. 

Sensing that she would probably lynch him if he teased, Max gently stroked her and caressed her.  Within a few moments, Liz’s soft moans became stronger as wave after wave of intense pleasure crashed through her body.  Placing his lips on hers, Max absorbed the moans into his mouth, as her body shock uncontrollably under his touch.

Eventually returning back down to earth, Liz laid still for a moment, completely spent due to the enormity of the feelings inside her.  Softly kissing her jaw line, Max was content on just kissing her, enjoying the flushed look of arousal dancing around in her brown eyes.

Inside a few moments though, Liz crave for more once again.  Slipping her hands either side of his trousers, She gently pushed them down, removing them along with his boxers. 

Once again the feel of Liz’s inquisitive hands on his most private part sent his head spinning.  Her touch was like pure, enchanting magic, his body responding instantly.

Continuing to caress him, Liz moved over so that she was lying on top of Max.  She needed him again; she wanted them both to be together once more, drowning in unadulterated pleasure. 

On feeling her tiny body on his large frame, Max was shocked back to reality.  It wasn’t that he didn’t want everything Liz did, but his head, or more to the point sensible thoughts always reigned supreme over his heart.

“Liz.”  He whispered, desire caught in his throat.

“I need you Max.”  She breathed.

“I ……… I don’t …….. have anything …… with me.”  He choked out.  He’d been unprepared for their impromptu lovemaking.  Being unprepared wasn’t something he was normally guilty of, but she’d caught him out this time.

“Don’t care.”  She responded firmly.

“But ………”  He started, but was cut off by Liz fusing her lips to his. 

Gently lowering her body, they joined as one; the sighs omitted were swallowed up in their never-ending kiss.  Slowly she ground into him, needing more to quell the ache raging inside her body.

Sensing it, Max decided to take charge, flipping them over so he was on top.  Rising up on his strong forearms, he pounded into her.  Harder, faster until they both reached their peaks and fell over the edge together. 

Holding her tightly, Max felt the aftershocks pulse through their emotionally charged bodies.  Short, sharp breaths were slowly exchanged for long deep ones as they finally came down from the amazing high they’d been on.

Pulling part of the blanket over them to hide their lack of clothes, Max gently kissed the top of Liz’s head.

“We shouldn’t have done that babe.”  He said softly, thinking back to Liz’s insistence that she didn’t want children at that moment in her life.

“I know ……… but I needed to.”  She rationalised, sleep starting to consume her body.  Right then she didn’t care about how reckless or potentially stupid they’d just been.  Facing consequences to their actions would come later, at that moment she just wanted to feel safe in his arms. 

Stroking her silky brown hair, they both slipped into a peaceful sleep, the serene surroundings adding to the relaxed manner they were both in.

A while later the young couple finally dressed and left the beautiful scenery of the Reserve.  It was a place to Liz that now held one more perfect moment in her life.  A place that she would always be able to come back to and feel at one with herself, feel like everything in the world was perfect and in balance once more.

TBC .......................?

Click here to jump to Parts 50 to 51

Click here to return to the story index page

If you liked this story, please let me know!  Just a few words of encouragement can go a long way!!!!

E-mail me at : Kaznstu@btinternet.com