Part 3

Liz felt her eyes go wide as Kyle shoved her against the gym wall. Her vision went white as her head slammed against the tile wall and she heard a crack behind her. Kyle was pushing her like she was a ragdoll as he practically yelled in her face. She vaguely heard him repeating over and over that she wouldn’t leave him, and that she would always be his girlfriend. She just prayed that he would let her go.

And in an instant, he did.

Liz looked up from where she’d fallen on the floor when Kyle’s hands had let go of her. Her hair fell around her face and she pushed it back to see a dark haired guy that she didn’t recognize pulling Kyle away from her. She was dazed, but she did notice his dark eyes glaring at Kyle as though he’d committed some mortal sin. Liz felt the back of her head and tears came to her eyes as she put too much pressure on the knot forming at the base of her skull.

Suddenly, the guy pushed Kyle behind him and away from her and Liz sighed in relief, letting a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding out with a rush. She realized somewhere in the back of her mind that she was crumpled on the floor, the only thing keeping her from falling over being the gym wall behind her back. And for a second she thought she felt Kyle’s hands on her arms again and she began to shake.

Liz looked up, tears running down her face as the guy who had pulled Kyle away was suddenly in front of her kneeling down so he was at eye level. Without a word she looked into his dark brown eyes, now soft and gentle as he gazed at her. And when he reached out to brush away the tears on her cheeks she almost began to cry again at the gentle feeling of his hand grazing her skin.

And then he was helping her up, careful as he caught her waist and pulled her against him as she leaned on him for support. She clung to his shirt, needing to draw some of his strength in. His fingers brushed her sides as he sat her down on the bleachers next to the wall and he kneeled down once again, just below her eye level. His hands were on her knees and her skin almost burned through the fabric of her jeans from his warm fingers. When he looked into her eyes again she felt the kindness and concern he felt for her and she managed to muster a small smile.

And then she realized she didn’t know him, and he didn’t know her. But he’d helped her, he’d pulled Kyle away and made her feel safe.

"I’m Liz Parker," she whispered, her voice soft sounding in her own ears.

"I’m Max Evans," he replied, having to clear his throat before he talked. Liz nodded and then she thought for a second.

"Isabel’s brother?" she asked, her mind searching. Max nodded, surprised she even remembered. His heart jumped as she covered his hands on her knees with her own.

"Thank you for helping me," she replied, her eyes once again filling with tears. Max felt the lump in his throat return and his stomach twist in a knot. He couldn’t stand that she was crying, that she was hurt. He reached up to wipe the tears away and his hand lingered next to her face. At her sudden beautiful smile he felt an answering grin tugging at his own mouth when Liz suddenly looked up and behind him, her face turning white.

"Michael! No! Alex!" she cried, struggling to stand up. Max turned his head to look at what had caught her attention. He remembered vaguely that he’s pulled the guy, Kyle, away from Liz and basically shoved him towards Michael and Alex, who had been following him over to Liz. What happened to Kyle hadn’t been his care or concern, as his attention had been focused on the girl he’d been abusing.

Now, Michael and Alex had Kyle shoved against the nearby wall and Michael was yelling at Kyle while Alex kept him pinned. Even from far away Max could see the tension in Michael’s shoulders and the barely concealed anger in Alex’s lean form as he effectively kept Kyle immobile. Max turned back to Liz as she was trying to stand up and he noticed the tangible fear rolling off her in waves. Her eyes were locked on her brother as she stood and swayed forward, her eyes closing as she felt a wave of dizziness.

Max was instantly there, gripping her waist as her hands fell on his shoulders and she leaned against him. With her flush against him, her head leaning on his shoulder, Max closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of her hair, right next to his face. He felt it brush against his cheek and the smell of roses wafted up to his nose. His body shuddered against the feeling of her petite frame pressed up against him and he tried to push aside the desire he had to wrap her up in his arms as she finally lifted her head to look at Michael. He could see how weak she was and still dazed from when Kyle had slammed her against the wall.

"Michael . . ." her voice trailed off and Max glanced back over his shoulder where Michael and Alex were doing a good job of putting the fear of God into Kyle. He looked back at Liz and saw her pleading eyes. Without a word, he leaned down and picked her up, his arm sweeping her legs up as her arms gripped his shoulders and he cradled her against his chest. He could tell she was in no shape to walk over to Michael and Alex, so he simply decided to take her there himself. Because, for some reason, he could tell she wanted her brother to stop beating Kyle up.

As they got closer to the three boys, the P.E. teachers finally made an entrance and ran over to pull the fighting teenagers apart. Immediately Michael and Alex stopped fighting and they both looked towards Liz, needing to know that she was ok. Both guys smiled, seeing that she was safe and that Max had her. Kyle was struggling against Mr. Samson and he only began to calm down when the three guys were questioned about why they’d been fighting.

"Parker, this behavior I’d almost expect from you, but Whitman, what were you thinking? Fighting on the first day of school? That’s suspension for three days minimum," Mrs. Cooper said, her voice livid. Michael rolled his eyes at the teacher, almost looking bored.

"I was thinking that Valenti was physically assaulting my best friend’s sister and that he shouldn’t be allowed to shove her against the wall hard enough to crack the tile with her head," Alex replied, his voice even though the fury was evident. The teachers looked shocked for a minute until they followed Alex’s direction to a spot of tile where the square was completely split and a spiderweb design snaked across the surrounding pieces. Kyle finally looked up sullenly and he exploded at the sight of Max holding Liz tightly against his chest.

"NO! Put her down you bastard! She’s mine, don’t touch her!" Kyle yelled. Max instantly backed away as Liz’s hands tightened on his shoulders and he felt her back stiffen. She didn’t want to be anywhere near Kyle and he was only too happy to comply.

"Ok, we’ll settle this at the Principal’s Office. Valenti, Parker, Whitman, you’re all coming with me. Liz, are you ok?" Mrs. Cooper asked Liz, her eyes concerned. Liz nodded and looked up at Max.

"I’m fine, thanks to Max. He pulled Kyle away from me," Liz said, her voice holding a tone of wonder at his actions. Max gave her a small smile and held her eyes until the teacher interrupted them.

"Max Evans? One of the new kids, right? You saw what happened?" she asked. Max nodded on all counts. "Ok, could you please take Liz to the Nurse’s Office and then come to the Principal’s Office, we need to sort this out."

"Take care of my sister Max," Michael called as the teachers led him, Alex and Kyle away. Max caught the serious tone and steady gaze and knew Michael was dead serious.

Max nodded and then turned around to carry Liz out of the gym when his sister and the other girl, Max assumed it was Maria, came rushing up. Both girls looked worried and concerned and Max caught the shock on Isabel’s face at the sight of Max holding Liz in his arms.

"Oh, my God! Lizzie, are you ok? We were in the girl’s locker room when we heard there was a fight. Someone said you were hurt!" Maria gasped. Liz tried to calm her friend down.

"I’m fine, Maria, really. Kyle just took the news of our breakup really badly. Michael, Alex and Max helped me though," Liz said, again gracing Max with a smile. He felt his pulse quicken and he began to wonder how much of her gorgeous smile he could take before he literally died of happiness. Isabel was studying him closely and he caught her wary eyes, shaking his head slightly. She immediately eased and Max knew she’d been worried that he had used his powers to save Liz.

And then the thought came suddenly, unbidden in his mind. He would have used his powers to save Liz. Something he never could have imagined before, wanting to risk his secret to help someone, was suddenly a living, breathing reality in his arms. And she felt so perfect, nestled in his arms, like she was meant to rest there. Finally, Liz had reassured Maria enough to allow Max to take Liz to the nurse and Max effortlessly carried her down the empty halls, letting her give him directions as they went.

"I’m sorry you got pulled into all this Max," Liz said. Max looked at her in amazement. How could he have not responded to her in so much pain?

"There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m just sorry that he hurt you before I got to you," Max admitted. Liz studied his face for a few seconds, wondering at how this complete stranger had become her knight in shining armor.

As he shifted her a little in his arms, Liz closed her eyes and leaned her head against his shoulder. She was suddenly so tired and it felt so good to have Max’s strong arms holding her close. She knew he would never drop her and that he would ensure that she was safe. Her eyes snapped open as she remembered that Max was still someone she didn’t know, even if it felt like she’d known him all her life. And she suddenly felt more than a little embarrassed that he was carrying her down the hallway.

"You know, I think I can make it to the Nurse’s Office ok. I don’t want you to miss any more class because of me. Plus, you shouldn’t have to drag me down the hall," Liz commented, wanting to give Max an easy out. Max looked at her, his eyes incredulous at her words.

"First, it’s no trouble to take you to the nurse, you must live on lettuce or something," Max said. Liz blushed at his words and tried not to laugh out loud.

"And there is no way I’m just going to leave you in the middle of the hallway. I told Michael I’d take care of you and I will. And Liz, it’s P.E., not Biology or something," Max said, doing his best to ease her mind. Liz’s eyes lit up at his words.

"I can’t wait for biology this year. I have Mrs. Hardy fourth period and she’s supposed to be a great teacher," Liz said. Max felt his heart leap at her words.

"I have Mrs. Hardy fourth period too," he replied softly. Liz smiled at his words.

"That’s great! We can sit together. Alex said you were into science, so I’m glad we have that class together. What other classes do you have?" she asked. Max recited off his schedule and Liz told him hers. They found that they shared P.E. first period, Biology fourth, Geometry sixth and History seventh. They also both had fifth period lunch, just like the rest of their friends. As Max carried Liz into the Nurse’s Office they were still talking over their schedules when Miss Collins looked up and rushed over to them.

"Liz, Mrs. Cooper said you were hurt, why don’t you bring her into the back room please . . ." she trailed off, looking at Liz curiously.

"Miss Collins, this is Max Evans, my own personal knight in shining armor," Liz introduced, making Max blush and duck his head at Liz’s bright smile. Max carried her the rest of the way into the office and gently placed her on the cot, careful not to move her too quickly. As he let go her hands slid down his shoulders to his hands and she clutched his hands in her own.

"Thank you again Max," Liz said, unable to think of any other way of showing her appreciation.

"Are you sure you’ll be ok?" he asked, unable to keep the worry out of his voice. She nodded, touched by his concern. He backed away reluctantly and held her eyes with his own until her turned to leave. She watched him go until he stepped outside the office and glanced back once more through the window before heading down the hall.

Liz sighed loudly and tried to will her heart rate to slow down. She couldn’t believe the effect Max Evans had on her. Even with all that had happened with Kyle, she couldn’t ignore how it felt to have Max holding her safe in his arms, how he’d protected her, a girl he didn’t even know. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the pillow, already feeling lonely without Max right next to her.

"Liz! Over here!" Maria called, shoving her way through the throng of students to get to her friend across the hallway. Liz had just exited the Nurse’s Office and Maria had been walking there to check on her right after third period. Liz looked up and smiled before making her way over to Maria.

"Hey, are you ok? Shouldn’t you be at home?" Maria asked.

"I’m fine. Miss Collins let me rest and she said if I felt up to it I could stay today. And it’s the first day, I don’t want to miss anything," Liz said. Maria rolled her eyes, noting that it was perfectly Lizzie behavior, to have gotten hurt and still want to stay at school all day. Liz suddenly looked a little worried.

"Do you know what happened to Kyle? I really don’t think I could handle walking into him right now," Liz admitted.

"His father came to get him after first. And Michael and Alex are fine. They got off with a stern warning because they should have gotten a teacher, but Max telling them exactly what Kyle was doing to you really helped them," Maria replied, noting how Liz’s eyes lit up at the mention of Max’s name.

"Did you see Max? Where did you see him?" Liz asked. Maria grinned.

"Calm down girl, he was leaving the Principal’s Office while I was on my way over to see you. Poor guy’s probably lost in the halls with Michael and Alex to guide him," Maria remarked. Liz relaxed considerably.

"So, he was with Michael and Alex? That’s good, they can show him where the Biology room is," Liz said, starting to walk with Maria towards her next class.

"Biology, huh? Don’t you have that class next?" Maria asked. Liz nodded, not really catching the hinting tone of Maria’s voice.

"Yes, I do. Max and I talked about our schedules and we decided to sit together in Biology. Where’s Isabel?" Liz asked, quickly changing subjects. Maria’s eyes narrowed, noticing the way Liz had shied away from the subject of Kyle so quickly. She reasoned that maybe Liz just didn’t want to talk about it. But Maria was still worried, Kyle had done more than physically hurt her.

"Isabel has some different classes, so she’s going to meet us at our table for lunch. Here’s your class, you’ll be ok?" Maria asked one more time. Liz gave her a hug and nodded.

"I’ll be fine! And I’ll see you next period for lunch," Liz promised. Maria nodded and walked away. Liz took a deep breath and peered into the biology room, quickly scanning the students for Max. She frowned in disappointment when she saw that he wasn’t there yet.

"Looking for someone?"

Liz jumped at the low voice in her ear and she turned quickly, trying to cover her flushed face as she came face to face with Max. He was smiling at her slightly, enjoying her reaction. Liz felt positive that he could hear the pounding of her heart as she willed her blood to stop pulsing so quickly. Her reaction to his low, gravely voice had been instantaneous. She cleared her throat quickly.

"Um, well, actually I was, but he doesn’t seem to be here, so I guess you’ll have to do," Liz teased. Max pretended to look wounded as he opened the door for her to walk through. They took a seat at one of the lab tables and Liz trained her eyes forward, trying to resist the urge to glance over at Max, who was taking notes as Mrs. Hardy spoke. She finally gave in and looked at his profile.

His hair fell just over his forehead and Max reached up to brush back a stray piece, which immediately fell back. Liz smiled and barely managed not to reach out and test the feel of his hair between her fingers. Because she had a feeling it was so soft. Her eyes trailed down his face to his sharp jawline. Even his ears were fascinating, the way they stuck out just a little bit. But they suited his face, she reasoned. Before she even realized how much time had passed she heard Max calling her name.

"Liz? Liz, ready for lunch?" Max called, waving a hand in front of her eyes. She blinked and quickly began to pack her bag. She’d been so preoccupied staring at Max that she hadn’t even heard the bell ring. Max looked at her, perplexed. She’d been staring at him, or so he’d thought. He shook his head, that wasn’t even possible. Girls like Liz Parker never stared at guys like him, especially guys who weren’t from this planet. When a nagging voice in the back of his head reminded him that she didn’t even know that, he pushed it aside. It didn’t matter because he knew that he wasn’t normal.

Liz pulled her backpack on and followed Max out of the science room, noticing how he’d gotten quiet all of a sudden. As she led the way to the lunch table her attention was diverted from Max as Michael rushed up to her and studied her carefully.

"Did he hurt you?" Michael asked, his voice low. Liz realized that she was surrounded by Michael, Alex and Max and she smiled at their protective tendencies.

"I’m fine, really. I don’t know how many times I’m going to have to say it, but Kyle didn’t hurt me in any way that won’t heal," Liz reassured her brother. Michael looked at her wordlessly, his green eyes searching for any indication that she was just trying to pacify him. As Liz sat down with Maria and Isabel, Michael turned to Alex and Max. Alex looked worried and shook his head.

"I don’t like this. Kyle was really rough with her. Not to mention what he said to her and how he treated her. I know she’s just trying to be strong, but she’s going to break. Especially if she sees Kyle," Alex observed. Michael nodded and caught Max’s eyes.

"I never got to thank you for helping my sister today. I don’t know how I can ever repay you," Michael said. Max nodded slightly.

"Just let me help make sure she stays safe," Max asked, his voice steady. Michael tried not to show his surprise, so he nodded.

"Done. We watch her, make sure Kyle stays away. And if she falls apart, make sure she’s not alone," Michael said, keeping his voice low. Alex nodded his support and Max affirmed with a nod too. He turned his gaze to look at the three girls sitting and laughing at the table. He would make sure that she wasn’t alone and that he’d be there, whenever she needed him.