Chapter 27

Yours,
M.

Liz sat alone in the Crashdown, rubbing her tired feet. It was shortly after ten p.m., and the restaurant was finally closed. She’d agreed to pull an unexpected second shift, and now her body was complaining loudly. But she felt energized with an expectancy that she’d never known before--and also felt incredibly anxious, because any minute Max would arrive, along with Tess, Michael and Isabel.

And the truth would be out in the open, once and for all.

It would change all of their lives forever, what was about to be revealed—and the entire group’s acceptance of their destiny was critical. But somehow, after winning Tess over, Liz knew that the others would follow.

When Max had suggested meeting after closing-time at the café, Liz had asked him not to include Maria, so that Michael could digest the contents of Marco’s letter before talking to her. She wanted to protect Maria about this revelation, especially since she knew it would cause whole new levels of insecurity within Maria. After all, Liz knew firsthand the pain of hearing that the man she loved was destined to be with another—and yearned to spare Maria that same heartache.

But Liz didn’t really think that Tess would cause problems for Maria and Michael—especially not after her graciousness earlier today. Tess had already spent far too long pining after someone who hadn’t returned her affections, and Liz suspected that she wouldn’t even entertain the notion of a relationship with Michael. Besides, there was nothing in the letter that indicated they should be together—only that they had been engaged in their previous life. There wasn’t the heavy weight of royal duty and obligation that had haunted her own relationship with Max when they’d first found out about Tess.

No, these new revelations shouldn’t pose a threat to Maria’s relationship with Michael… unless Michael proved to be his usual insensitive self.

Liz grimaced and hoped that Michael would at least nominally reassure Maria—let her know that he loved her, no matter what-- instead of holding back from her emotionally at such a vulnerable time. But as Liz’s concern for Maria began to intensify, she remembered her perfect day theory, and decided to rely on that.

"So, are you going to tell me what this meeting is all about?" Michael asked, as Max turned the jeep into a parking space behind the Crashdown.

"Yeah, Max, that might be nice at this point," Isabel quipped. "I have a lot better things to do on a Saturday night than attend one of your little meetings."

Max shifted the gear into park, and turned in his seat to face them both in the darkness. "There’s been a lot going on the past week," he began. "Things you both need to know about."

"Oh, and so you’ve just now decided to share this information?" Michael asked, irritation evident in his voice.

Max knew he had to prepare them if the meeting was going to go well—had to begin to draw them to his side now. "It’s all unfolded pretty quickly. I didn’t know about any of it until two days ago," he answered softly.

"Then who did know?" Isabel asked.

"Liz," he answered quietly. "Liz knew."

"Oh, of course. This is about Liz Parker," Michael groaned. "I’m willing to bet it could have waited until Monday."

Max felt irritation already beginning to mount within him. Why was Michael always so resistant to Liz?

"No, Michael, it couldn’t wait," he answered sharply.

They all fell silent for a moment, and Max considered his next words. This was harder than he’d imagined—in some ways harder than their conversation with Tess had been, precisely because Michael and Isabel meant so much to him.

"Look, here’s the thing," he began solemnly. "We’re going to tell you stuff tonight that’s going to change some things forever. All I’m asking right now—in advance—is that you keep an open mind."

"This doesn’t sound good, Maxwell." Michael insisted roughly. "Why don’t you cut to the chase right now."

"Because we all need to discuss this together."

"And what if we don’t keep an open mind? What then?" he countered.

"I’m asking this…" Max’s voice trailed off. He knew what had to be said, but it was so uncomfortable for him. "As your leader."

"Oh, please," Isabel groaned.

Max turned quickly to face her in the back seat. "I’m dead serious, Isabel."

"Oh, so it’s the king deal, huh?" she replied tartly.

Max ran a hand across his eyes, suddenly feeling incredibly tired. "You know, Iz, has it ever occurred to you that I never wanted to be the leader?" he began, his voice raising slightly.
"I mean, you’re always so quick to give me a hard time about it," he continued, meeting her gaze. "But has that thought ever crossed your mind?"

Isabel remained quiet for a long moment, and stared at her fingernails in the darkness.

"I am asking this as your leader," he continued. "And I wouldn’t do that if this weren’t really important, okay? I’m just asking you both to hear what we have to say."

"Look, Max," Michael began quietly. "I trust you, okay? If you say we need to listen, we’ll do it."

"Thank you," he answered, glancing at Isabel again. She still wouldn’t meet his gaze. "Iz?"

"Sure, Max, we’re with you," she mumbled.

"Let’s just stay unified," he replied. "That’s the key, no matter what."

"Okay, but now you’ve really got me going." Michael opened his door. "I’m wondering what the hell you’re about to tell us."

Max opened his own door slowly. "Well, let’s just say it’s going to be a very interesting conversation."

The group was gathered at a table in the middle of the restaurant, with the letter open in front of them. As when they’d met with Tess, they had again shared different pieces of the entire story. Michael and Isabel had listened attentively, and this time it had felt more comfortable, knowing that their audience was much less inclined toward hostility. But it still hadn’t been easy--especially not with Michael’s frequent outbursts of disbelief—something Tess had at least spared them.

Max ended by handing them Marco’s letter, which Isabel had read over Michael’s shoulder, and the silence had seemed endless. Liz had suddenly felt so frightened—so alone— and she’d wanted to connect with Max, even if only briefly. But she’d resisted the urge so that he could remain focused, poised to handle whatever happened next.

Michael finished reading first, glancing up at Max. "Why are we supposed to believe this, Maxwell? This could be a setup from our enemies…it could be anything."

"Look, I know it seems outrageous," Max answered, staring down at the letter in Michael’s hands. "But how could our enemies have known about this future version of myself coming to Liz?"

"I don’t know," Michael replied. "But this just sits wrong with me. Way wrong."

Liz glanced at Isabel, and saw something strange in her countenance—an emotion that she couldn’t name. She’d known the letter might upset her, especially given Marco’s comments about her behavior in their past life, but she was still a bit surprised by the expression on her face. But nothing had prepared her for what she did next.

Isabel rose quickly from her chair, stifling a small sob with the back of her hand. "I’ve got to get out of here," she cried, and hurried toward the door.

They all stared after her in shock—especially Max—as she ran out of the restaurant. Liz watched Max keenly, and felt her heart lurch within her. Pain flashed in his eyes as he watched Isabel leave. He turned quickly back to Liz, and she knew he was pleading with her—begging her for some kind of insight. This had been so unexpected, and she knew he felt blindsided. Isabel meant so much to him, and he would do anything rather than hurt her willingly.

Liz reached out and took his hand gently within her own. "You should go after her," she said quietly. "Go find her, Max."

He nodded silently, his eyes lingering on their hands. She felt the faintest glimmer of their connection, and knew he was reaching for her. That he needed her tremendously at this moment, even within this large group. She answered his call, and allowed their bond to open slightly.

And she willed him to know that it would be okay with Isabel. That he could handle this with her… help her through whatever she was feeling.

Liz felt Max’s energy pass through all of her senses, and her face grew instantly hot.

And then he pulled away again, leaving her feeling very lonely for him as he stood to follow Isabel.

"I’ll be back," he said quietly, as he walked toward the door.

Michael watched Max leave, then turned to face them. "Okay, I have a question," Michael said, leaning across the table. "Tess, why do you believe this letter? More than any of us, you’d have reason to blow it off."

Tess was quiet for a long moment, then met Michael’s intense gaze. "Because I remembered something from our past life… something that made me believe."

"Alright, what was it?" he pressed.

Tess shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Liz sensed it was difficult for her to share this memory. She considered cautioning Michael not to push her too hard.

"Well, Michael, it was really pretty personal, okay?" She answered. "Can we just leave it at that?"

"No, we can’t," he responded curtly. "I need to know. We all do."

Tess sighed heavily, and stared down at her hands. "I’ve always remembered Max. For a long time now…"

Liz’s heart began to beat quickly. What if this was leading someplace she didn’t want to go?

"Remembered what about him?" Michael asked.

"That I was… bound to him somehow. By his side. I don’t know… I always interpreted the emotions to mean I’d been his wife," she finished, meeting Liz’s gaze briefly, and then just as quickly, averted her eyes.

"So last night I tried memory retrieval again," Tess continued. "Look, I didn’t believe the letter at all, okay?" She stated, her eyes sweeping the cafe. "But I knew I needed to push harder, try to remember more."

"And you did," Liz finished softly.

Tess nodded, chewing on her lip thoughtfully.

"Can you tell us?" Liz asked gently. "Are you comfortable with that?"

Tess nodded slowly, but remained silent. Then, after a long moment she spoke. "I remembered you, Liz. I saw you."

"Saw her?" Michael asked incredulously.

"It was just impressions… not like I saw what she looked like."

"Then how the hell could you have known it was Liz?" Michael stormed.

"Because, Michael, I saw her with Max," Tess answered tartly. "I was with both of them. They were together… joined…" Tess’s voice trailed off, and Liz felt her face flush. She knew exactly what Tess was describing—the bond she now had with Max.

God, she’d seen that in her vision? How completely mortifying.

"So, you’re saying you saw them both—what? Married?"

Tess nodded, then hesitated a long moment. She looked briefly at Liz again, and she had the impression that Tess was holding something back from them.

"And I heard her name. I heard Zillia very clearly," she finished.

Liz shivered slightly at her words, at hearing her former name out loud--from someone other than Max. It felt so hauntingly familiar.

Michael raked a hand roughly through his hair. "I just don’t buy this, Tess. I’m really surprised that you do."

"Michael, I saw her. Don’t you get what I’m saying?" Tess stated firmly. "It was real, and you can either accept it or not. But if I can change my thinking about all of this, it seems like you ought to be able to."

Michael stood and walked away from them to the other side of the café, and Liz watched him pace. He was trying to sort out his emotions, and clearly needed a little room. Liz suddenly felt very awkward sitting at the table with just Tess, especially after her revelations about the memory retrieval.

Tess drummed her fingers on the café table. "He might not buy this, Liz," she said quietly.

"I think he will, but it may take some time."

"You know, it’s not like I want to take Michael’s place within the unit or whatever."

"I know." Liz nodded firmly. "I believe that."

"Well, I hope he does," Tess countered.

Liz felt a question burning within her mind—one that had been growing for the past few moments. She desperately needed to know what Tess remembered, but she wondered if she should even venture pushing her about that. Liz didn’t want to embarrass her, or make things even more awkward between the two of them than they already were. But she had to know… the question was simply too insistent now.

"Um, Tess," she began gingerly. "Could I ask you something? I mean, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to."

Tess raised her eyebrows questioningly. "Sure."

"Well… I’m just wondering," Liz hesitated, reaching for the right words. "Did you remember anything else about me? I mean anything about what I was like or…" Liz’s voice trailed off when she saw the expression on Tess’s face--she had paled visibly, and Liz knew immediately that she’d pushed too hard.

"I’m sorry," Liz rushed. "I know it’s very personal and all… it’s just this is all so new to me."

"No, it’s okay." Tess reassured her softly. "I did remember something else about you, actually."

Liz leaned forward, eager for whatever Tess might be able to tell her. "Really?"

"Yeah, and this will shock the hell out of you, okay? It did me." She laughed. "I remembered that we were… friends. Really good friends."

It was literally the last thing Liz had expected to hear. She didn’t even know what to say in response, and Tess just looked away from her, avoiding her gaze.

"Wow," she finally answered. "That is kind of surprising, huh?"

"No kidding," Tess laughed. "But who knows? Maybe we could…" Tess hesitated a moment. "Eventually become friends in this lifetime."

"Yeah, I’d like that, Tess," she replied quietly. "I really would."


Max walked down the side streets surrounding the Crashdown, his throat dry with fear.
What had happened with Isabel? Of all of them, the letter should have been the least upsetting to her. Yes, there was mention of her mistakes in the past life, but he had never expected her to become so emotional about it. Had it been his fault? Had he done something to hurt her?
Max was completely perplexed, and until he found her, he could only wonder what had happened.

He spotted the jeep, and as he began walking in that direction, noticed Isabel leaning against it. Her face was buried within her hands, and he could hear her quiet sobs echoing in the alleyway.

"Isabel," he called, quickening his steps.

She turned away from him, facing the jeep. "Max, I need to be alone," she murmured through her tears.

He reached her and touched her arm lightly. "Iz, what on earth is the matter? Why are you so upset?" he asked softly.

"You can tell me," he urged. But she wouldn’t face him, kept avoiding his gaze. "Was it the letter?"

She nodded silently, and turned toward him. Her face was streaked with tears, and her makeup had run around her eyes.

"Oh, God, Max," she cried. "I’m so sorry. I’m just so sorry."

"About what?" he asked quietly. "What’s wrong, Isabel?"

She wiped at the tears, and stared at the ground in front of them. "I’ve been keeping so much from you, Max."

He felt panic rise within him. Why did he think that something was about to change between the two of them? Something irreversible?

"Okay," he answered reassuringly. "Just tell me now."

She met his gaze, and her eyes were wild, tormented. "Max…it was all my fault. What happened back home."

Max didn’t understand what she was saying, but knew this was important. "Tell me what you mean," he encouraged.

"I mean I betrayed you. It was my fault that you were killed…and I guess that Liz was, too…all of you," she sobbed, turning away again.

Max placed his hand on her shoulder. "What are you talking about?"

"Nicholas told me. In Copper Summit…told me that I turned on you all!" She cried.

Max was stunned. There were few people he trusted more in this world than he did Isabel. How could she have hurt or betrayed him? But for a moment, he thought he almost remembered it--as if it were happening anew, the emotions her words invoked were so raw.

Maybe on some level he did remember? A quiet voice asked. But another voice quickly countered—one that reminded him who she’d always been in his life.

"Iz," he began softly. "Think about what Marco's letter said…"

"I don’t care," she whispered furiously. "I know what I did to you before."

"Listen to me," he said, turning her to face him. "Marco’s letter said that you would never betray me in this lifetime. It said I could trust you."

Isabel slowly met his gaze. "How did he know that, Max?"

"I don’t know, but I believe it," he answered firmly. "I know it, Isabel."

Fresh tears began streaming down her face, and she stared at the ground. "I’ve been keeping all of this inside for weeks now, Max," she mumbled.

"Weeks?"

"Whitacker told me, too…I’ve lived with this ever since," she looked at him, pleading with her eyes for him to understand. "I’d never hurt you, Max. Never."

"Oh, Iz," he answered. "I know who you are."

"I’m just so sorry," she said, finally meeting his gaze. Her eyes blazed with emotion.

"It’s okay," he reassured her again, and hugged her tightly. "We just have to stick together and remain unified. I know that now more than ever."

He felt her nod her head slowly, and he wondered for the first time how things were going with Michael back inside the restaurant. And he hoped it was a whole lot easier than what he was dealing with.

Michael had been pacing the length of the cafe for a long time now, periodically firing questions their way--and Liz and Tess had sat patiently, occasionally exchanging meaningful glances, as they waited him out. Liz had poured them all fresh cups of coffee, and after finally exhausting methods of expending her nervous energy, she had put on one of her father’s old cd’s. Certainly Joni Mitchell ought to calm Michael’s nerves.

She took her seat across from Tess again, and Michael walked quickly to their table.

"Okay, I just want to say one thing," he began, staring down at Tess.

"Okay," Tess nodded.

"I’m not buying some deal where we’re supposed to be together," he finished.

"Um, Michael," Tess nearly spit out the coffee she’d just sipped. "That like never even entered my mind."

"Well, I just wanted to be clear on that point."

"Point taken," she said with a laugh. "But let me just reassure you… I have no interest in you whatsoever. In that way." Tess glanced at Liz, and the two of them broke out laughing. Michael stared at them, his mouth open.

"What’s so funny?" he stormed.

"Nothing, Michael," Liz answered. "Nothing at all… I think we’re just happy that this might mean you believe the letter?"

He groaned, walking away from them. "Yeah, I think I do," he answered. "But I still need some time."

"Okay," Liz replied, her eyes darting to Tess’s in excitement.

It was amazing, how quickly she’d begun to feel that they were allies now, especially in the wake of this evening’s difficulty.

Michael walked toward the stereo. "But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to put up with crap girl music like this," he said, ejecting the cd.

"That’s my dad’s, thank you very much," Liz sparred.

"Whatever," he countered. "It’s still crap girl music in my book."

Liz laughed giddily, because if that was Michael’s biggest problem, then they’d truly won him over tonight.

Perfect day, Liz sighed to herself. It was still just a pefect day.