Best Laid Plans
Part 2

By Prestor John

Disclaimer: All of the standard: Don't own 'em, just borrowing 'em.
Summary: My AU diverges when Max kisses Tess in Heart of Mine.
Category: Other
Rating: PG-13
Authors Note: My first fiction, so be gentle and honest. Hell, if you can’t be gentle, just be honest! :) Let me know what you think. Mega thanks to Jayfff & Cobray for beta reading, and to Robin and Fadre for editoral comments and reminding me of the rules of grammar. :)

Pain was the first thing that came to Max. Pain in his chest and head. The next sensation that registered was warmth. He felt as if he were lying on a beach somewhere soaking up the rays, except the rays were coming from inside of him. As the warmth faded, so did the pain, leaving him with an empty, exhausted feeling.

He slowly opened his eyes, taking in the dark recesses of the ceiling of the pod chamber, the anxious faces of Isabelle, Maria, Jim and Kyle, Michael and Alex bathed in the retreating glow of the healing stones.

"Max!" cried Isabelle, throwing herself down onto Max, hugging him tightly and crying into his chest.

"It's ok, Is, it's ok." Max said softly. Looking over his sister’s head to Michael he asked, "What happened?"

"We were kinda hoping you could tell us," replied Jim Valenti "What do you remember?"

Max, recognizing the serious tone, tried to concentrate. "I remember going to prom…" Liz, telling him it was over, to get on with his life. Tess, the kiss. Max closed his eyes and sat up with Isabelle's help. He took a deep shuddering breath, and using all his strength tried to continue without his voice wavering. " I remember dancing with Liz, then talking with Tess…" Looking up sharply he said "where are they?"

Kyle let out an explosive snort “I’m glad you’re alive again Evans, cause I'm going to kick your Martian…"

“Kyle! Now’s not the time.” interrupted Jim, giving his son a stern look. Certain Kyle was going to listen, he turned back to Max. “Max…” Jim was overcome with emotion; they had come so close to losing Max. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Letting it out he opened his eyes and started again. “Max, we found you in the school lounge. You were unconscious, bleeding from a scalp wound you must have gotten when you hit the ground. You also had some internal damage… and that” Jim pointed to Max’s chest.

Max looked down to where his tux jacket and shirt were open, and saw a glowing silver hand print. “Isabelle and Michael tried to heal you” continued Jim “but there was too much damage. That’s when Alex remembered the healing stones and we brought you here.”

Isabelle and Michael helped Max get unsteadily to his feet. Max glanced at Alex “I guess I owe you my life.” Max said with a small grin.

“Yea, well don’t worry, the bill is in the mail.” Alex replied.

Max turned back to back to the others, “ You never answered my question. Where are Tess and Liz?”

“We don’t know where Liz is,” replied Maria reaching for Michael’s hand. “Tess…”

“Here” said Kyle, biting the word off and flinging a piece of paper toward Max. Max bent down to pick up the paper and began to read:

Kyle,

I’m leaving. Don’t try to find me - you won’t.

Before I left I wanted to thank you and your dad. These past few months are the first time I’ve felt welcomed, loved - like a part of a family. You two have given me more than Nasedo and the others ever did or could.

Thank you.

Tess

“I don’t know what happened Evans, but I know you did something, and by Buddha you’re going to pay,” Max was shocked by the calm way Kyle stated this. Kyle was more the loud outburst type. A calm low toned statement was so out of character, it was frightening.

“We’ll find her, Kyle, but first let’s get back to town and find Liz.” As Max started for the entrance to the chamber, Jim reached out gently and grabbed his arm.

“It’s late, everybody should head home. If Liz and Tess are still missing in the morning, then we can panic.” Jim glanced around at everyone, then let his eyes settle on Max. “We’ll meet at the Crashdown at nine. Everyone go home. Max, stick around for a minute, I’ll give you a ride home.”

As the group made their way out, Isabelle stopped to give Max another hug. Then she and Alex left arm in arm.

After everyone had gone Jim led Max over to a ledge and motioned for him to sit down. Jim did the same and with a heavy sigh began. “Max, I get the feeling that there is a lot more going on here. Ever since you let me into this, I’ve never felt that you have lied to me. I may not be the sheriff any more, but I still know when someone isn’t telling me something. I’m not going to pry; I just wanted you to know that if you want to talk about anything, I’ll listen. And, I think whatever you’re not telling has some importance on why Liz left the prom, and why Tess left.”

Max looked at the former sheriff. How much he’s changed in the last year from someone hunting me to becoming a friend. “You’re right sheriff, I do remember more than I told the others.” He proceeded to tell Jim all about the conversation with Liz, the shocked numbness it caused. Talking to Tess, the kiss. His reaction to the kiss. “Then she stood up and started to leave. I went after her, grabbed her arm, and that’s the last thing I remember.”

Jim was silent for a minute, then said “Son, I’m not one to turn to for romantic advice. But it sounds to me like you need to make some decisions, and this isn’t the place to be making those decisions. Let’s get you home.”

Just before they got to his truck, Jim spoke again “Max, thank you for telling me about all of this. I’m glad you feel you can talk to me.”

“Thank you sheriff,” replied Max, “for being someone I can trust.”

“And stop calling me sheriff!” grumbled Jim, fighting a slight smile.