Never Underestimate Destiny

Part 31

(Monday, November 20th)

School was uneventful to Max's relief. Once again they'd had Valenti, Zan and Ava keeping watch, but nothing happened.

Although he'd had to suffer through a conversation with Tess.

He swore she'd been waiting for him in the hall, and once she found him, she practically clung to his arm.

"Max," she purred, looking up into his eyes, "I'm so glad you felt you could come to me for help with your memories. I'm always here for you."

"Thanks," he said uncomfortably.

"We can try again after school," she suggested.

Max nodded. "Um, sure," he agreed. "I told Zan I would help him with something, but afterward..." He trailed off.

She beamed at him. "I'm sure we'll have better luck if we keep working together," she said emphasizing the last word.

Max swallowed hard. "Right," he said, disengaging himself form her. "I have to get to class," he said moving down the hall, "but we'll talk later."

He was never sure why he was so creeped – out by her right from the first time he saw her. Maybe it was because when she first came to town she'd sent him those visions, or that she kept throwing herself at him, or that she'd used her powers on him to make him kiss her.

Another shiver went through him as he remembered that day in the rain outside the Crashdown when she claimed her car broke down.

Maybe the reason he always been so uncomfortable around her wasn't such a mystery after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After school they had all gone back to Zan and Ava's and gathered in the practice area, moving around restlessly.

"What are we going to do about tonight?" Alex asked. "We can't stay here forever. My parents will start asking questions if I'm away from home much longer."

"My Mom is already asking questions," Maria said. "I just told her I was staying with Liz while her parents are out of town. Maybe you could tell your parents that we wanted you to stay with us too."

"I don't know," Alex said. "I'm not even sure I'm in danger. How would they even know who I am?"

Isabel wrapped her arm around his. "I don't think we should take any chances," she said. "Give Maria's idea a try." She kissed his cheek. "And be convincing."

Alex smiled and nodded. "Anything for you."

He went to make his call and Isabel turned to Liz who nodded and together they went toward the stairs.

Zan watched them and then turned to look at Tess.

She had a scowl on her face as she watched Isabel and Liz disappear upstairs and then looked at Max.

When she started toward him, Zan spoke up.

"So Max, you were going to help me with that repair." He clapped Max on the back, turning him away.

Max nodded. "Um, yeah, where?"

Zan jutted his chin toward the ceiling. "We should get going now," he said aloud, while speaking to Max in his head. "Tess is coming. Let's go before she starts falling all over you."

He stepped between Tess and Max and turned to her with a smile. "How's it going, Tess?" He asked with a grin.

"Max," she started, but Zan cut her off.