Snapshot · (Roswell Fanfiction) · √

65. Hello Kitty

The Parkers' Residence, moving onto the Evans' Residence

(1992) Michael is 8, Max is 7, Liz is 6

She found them at the bottom of the stairs, voices conspiratorial but not as quiet as they should have been.

"Okay. You can name three of them. But I want to do the rest."

"I know exactly what names to give."

In the true typical competitive spirit of a seven-year-old, Max pushed his chest out and said proudly. "I have the coolest names for mine."

"Who are you naming?" Her question, signifying her presence, had the two boys turn hastily, a look of reindeers-caught-in-the-headlights coloring their eyes.

Finding his voice, Michael declared loudly, "It's a secret."

"What is it?" Liz asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's not for girls," Max said, managing to make 'girls' sound like the most detested thing in the universe.

Her face hardened at the unfairness of his words and her arms tightened around her waist in a stoic stance. "Why not?"

"Doesn't matter," Michael said, his words brushing her out of the discussion with complete finality.

"It's not for little girls," Max repeated, smiling triumphantly with new permanent front teeth that were still slightly too big for his mouth.

Liz, who had just started to lose her baby teeth, fought against the tears. Contrary to what they said, she was a big girl now, but tears would only prove that they were right.

"Why can't I come?" Liz asked, turning large innocent questioning eyes onto her brother.

She might be young but she had already figured out that if she looked sad enough she could get her brother to follow her wishes.

But Max's presence always made it that much harder. She hadn't quite figured out why yet, but whenever Max was around, her brother was harder and more resistant to his little sister. And Liz always found herself struggling to be part of the games when Max was there.

Wavering slightly, Michael looked to his friend. "Can she come?"

Max looked reluctant. Bringing little Lizzie Parker along hadn't been part of his plan. For the first time since her arrival, Max allowed himself to look at the young girl and felt his plan melt away to nothingness. He sighed deeply. "Fine. But she won't get to name any."

Those words put an end to the discussion and it was with highest secrecy that the trio made its way over to Max's house. The sound of their steps was hushed by Max's silencing finger as they approached the little shed at the back of the Evans' garden.

Next Liz heard the sounds of three-week-old kittens and her whole being was hushed in anticipation. She had never seen kittens before, not in real life. Only on TV.

"We have to be quiet, so we don't scare them," Max said, sounding important.

Liz nodded; her mouth slightly open in silent wonder.

The hinges whined with old age as Max pulled the door open. Peeking inside, Michael was the first one in.

Liz followed closely by, unconsciously holding onto the back of Michael's shirt as she entered the dark shed.

Light rays were creeping through the individual planks making up the wall, spreading a humble light across the interior of the shed.

"Where are they?" Liz whispered loudly.