ALPHA AND OMEGA: BOOK 6 - CAUSATIVE RELATIVITY (THE PROBLEM OF LIZ)

Part 2

Over the next few months Liz and Max grew even closer. Now that Liz knew the truth, Max confided in her about everything, except his true feelings for her. He was careful to keep her at arm's length, reasoning it was better to stay away from her than to put her in danger.

So when Liz suggested they go to the prom together, Max was hesitant until Liz proposed they would just go as friends.

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(Episode Equivalent – Heart of Mine)
(Friday, April 27th, 2001)
(West Roswell High School)
(Senior Prom)

Liz took Max's hand as they walked into the gym. She greeted a few people as they moved to a table, but Max remained silent. He had been acting increasingly nervous since he had picked her up.

Hoping she could use this evening to reshape their relationship into something more than friendship, Liz had chosen a dress with Max in mind. It was black with a fitted bodice that flared out at her waist until it ended just below her knees. It had thin straps, extending down her back, exposing her smooth, soft skin, and she had put her hair up, leaving only a few tendrils to brush against her neck.

When Max had arrived at her house, she had greeted him cheerfully and curiously watched as his smile slowly dissolved into a look of shock as he had taken in her appearance. He had pulled at his collar as if it were suddenly too tight and swallowed repeatedly. Finally he had produced a small smile and in a voice deeper than usual, he had managed a strained, "Liz, you look great."

Liz glanced at Max and noticed that he was looking anywhere but at her and she thought her plan must be working.

Max looked around the room, pretending to be taking in the decorations, but really he was trying to get his emotions back under control. His head had been spinning with dangerous possibilities since he had picked up Liz. When he had first seen her he felt as if he had been punched in the gut and the feeling was only intensifying as the evening continued.

She looked beautiful and mature in a way he had never imagined, and not for the first time, he wondered what he had done to deserve her. But she was there with him and he pushed away his uneasiness, determined to enjoy her company. He turned to her and held out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Max led Liz onto the dance floor and gathered her into his arms, her small frame fitting perfect against his, as he had known it would. And as they started to sway to the slow beat of the song, he was amazed at how right it felt. He had always dreamed of being with Liz this way, and now that they were together, he never wanted to let her go.

Max pulled her closer as a new song started. He inhaled the clean, fresh sent of her hair as he ran his hand over the smooth skin of her back, exposed by the cut of her dress. She was everything he had ever wanted and she accepted him exactly as he was. Liz was the only girl he had ever loved and he knew there would never be another.

As he held her, the lyrics of the song started to penetrate his brain.

I can't fight this feelin' any longer and yet I'm still afraid to let it flow. What started out as friendship has grown stronger I only wish I had the strength to let it show. I tell myself that I can't hold out forever I say there is no reason for my fear. 'Cause I feel so secure when we're together you give me life direction, you make everything so clear. Even as I wander, I'm keeping you in sight You're a candle in the window, on a cold dark winter's night And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might I can't fight this feeling anymore I've forgotten what I've started fighting for It's time to bring this ship in to the shore And throw away the oars forever I can't fight this feeling anymore I've forgotten what I've started fighting for If I have to crawl across the floor, come crashing through your door Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore