Title: Small Town to Red Carpet
Author: Kitten88
Pairings: M/L
Disclaimer: I don’t own Roswell or anything linked to them. They are not mine, they belong to the beautiful people who invented them!
Rating: Mature / Adult
Summary: Post End of the World.

When the entire gang turns their back to Liz, she decides to leave Roswell and break all ties. She goes to LA to start a new life.
Nobody hears from Liz for the next 3 years until she appears at the Oscars with hot-shot actor Lucas McDowell to anounce their engagement...


PROLOGUE

“How could you Liz? I loved you, I wanted to give you everything! And you… Right now I can’t believe I ever trusted you, ever loved you… You betrayed me in the worst way possible”

…

“Max never should’ve healed you last year. He should have just let you die!”

…

“I thought we could trust you… I guess I was wrong.”

Liz blinked back tears as she thought back to her friends’ reactions after they found out she slept with Kyle. Well, at least that’s what she made them believe. The truth was something totally different altogether.

The aliens’ reactions were no surprise to her at all. She knew that they were going to side with Max, no matter what. What she didn’t expect was for Maria and Alex to side with them too, especially after telling them the truth about Future Max.

“I love him Liz. He needs to know that he can count on me, that I’ll back him up… I’m sorry.”

Those were the words that ended a 17 year old friendship in favour of a guy that a year ago, she couldn’t even stand the sight of.
Alex’ explanation wasn’t much better. He said that he didn’t recognize her. He didn’t feel she was his best friend anymore or that he could trust her like he could before.

Then there was Kyle. Kyle who couldn’t deal with the guilt had decided to distance himself from her and from the rest of the group. Nowadays he spent all of his free time with the other jocks once again.

Last but definitely not least, her parents. Her parents who ‘loved her dearly’ had announced to her last night that she was to go to boarding school to Vermont. They thought this would help pick up her grades and get her back on track for Harvard.

“Well, I guess it’s in times of need that you learn who your true friends are!” she muttered to herself bitterly.

But it didn’t matter anymore. They got what they wanted. She was leaving Roswell.

She turned to look outside and saw the plate “Now leaving Roswell. Please come back soon”. In her mind she said her silent goodbyes to her old friends and family and decided to leave all of them behind. It was time to focus on the future.

Chapter 1

*3 years later*

“Popcorn…”

“Check.”

“Ice cream?”

“Check.”

“Soda.”

“Last but not least… Check. I think we’re good. All set up and ready for our girls night in!” stated Maria.

Over the years it had become a tradition for Isabel, Tess and Maria to have a girls night every Friday night. Usually they would rent a movie, but since tonight the Oscars were on… No way in hell were they going to miss the parade of all the gorgeous, young hot-shot actors that were certainly going to pass on their screen.

After Liz’s disappearance nearly 3 years ago the group had grown closer and closer to each other. Moments after the news of Liz’s departure guilt kicked in with Maria and Alex, along with a lot of shame for their behaviour towards their best friend.
It didn’t take them long to tell the Pod Squad the truth after that. To say they were shocked would be an understatement. All of them regretted the way the behaved towards Liz now that they realized what she sacrificed, just to make sure they were safe.

Max was the one who took her disappearance the hardest. He kept blaming himself for not believing in them and their love. He knew something was wrong from the beginning, but instead of fighting to know the truth, he just gave up on the best thing that ever happened to him. He stayed in his room for several weeks after that, playing the Counting Crows over and over again until one day his friends showed up and told them to get up and stop wallowing in self pity. All of them were to blame for Liz’s departure and moping wasn’t going to change anything to the fact that she was gone.
Instead they decided that they were going to track her down. They were going to do everything in their power to find her to at least give her the apology she deserved. But after 2 years of searching and following leads that only lead them to dead ends, one day they just stopped looking. They decided to focus on their own lives and wish and pray that wherever she was, Liz was safe and happy.
All of them did… Except for Max. He never gave up hope and kept travelling around the country in hopes of finding the one his heart belonged to, returning disappointed from every trip he had taken so far.

“So… How has Max been since his last trip?” asked Tess.

She had given up any hope of them ever being together and was now happy to say that they were friends, good friends even. After Kyle had distanced himself from the group, a few days before Liz’s departure, she had understood the true meaning of the words “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” She had missed him terribly and it hurt her a lot that he was ignoring her, even at home. When the truth had finally come out, she had been the first one to approach him and apologize to him. They began working on their friendship and a couple of months later they began dating. They had been happily together ever since.

“It was another dead end. It’s just… I can’t understand why he keeps doing this to himself. Wherever Liz is, it’s obvious she doesn’t want to be found. Not that I can blame her.” Isabel answered.

“I miss her…”, Maria stated.

“We all do. But let’s not let that ruin our evening. Liz and I might never have been close, but I do know that she wouldn’t want us to be miserable. So why don’t we just get our mind off of her and focus on all the hoties that are going to be on TV in a few minutes?” Tess said.

Isabel smiled. “I can go for that.”

“Go for what?”, interrupted Alex. “Hey beautiful.” He said, kissing Isabel.

“What are you guys doing here? I thought you guys went out to have a ‘guy-night’.?” Asked Maria.

Michael kissed her on the lips before he answered.

“We were. But then we decided that we missed you and came here to keep you company.”

“How sweet.” Said Tess, with raised eyebrows.

“Ohh… It’s getting started! Come on, you don’t want to miss any cute guys!!” Squealed Maria.

“I take offense to that!”

“Don’t be offended baby. They mean nothing to me!” Maria winked as she answered her boyfriend.

“Now shush, we’re watching the Oscars!”

lol I loved this part and I can't wait to see their reactions when they see Liz.

I'm really impatient to know what happens next even if i don't reall like Max.
I can't wait to see how they'll react when they see Liz!

lizandzackfan
Mel

Thank you so much for the feedback. I hope you’ll like the next part and I’m really sorry for making you wait for an update!

Chapter 2

*Max POV*

Somewhere deep down he knew that she hadn’t spend the last 3 years mooning, thinking and crying over him. He didn’t expect her to be unhappy either, but sometimes it was easier for him to get through the day by thinking she was as miserable as he was. That she was missing him and thinking about him like he was missing her and thinking about her.
Nevertheless, he seriously hoped she had been happy all this time, after the way they treated her it was the least she deserved.

However, nothing in the world could have prepared him for this. He felt like his heart had just been ripped out and an entire army stomped on it. Whatever hope he might have had that she might find it in her heart to forgive them, him and that she might be returning to them… to him had just been squashed in a matter of seconds.

He didn’t even register the reactions of the others around him as he kept replaying the scene he just witnessed in his mind. She looked so beautiful, glowing… Happy! And another man was the cause of it… Apparently it really was to late for them.

Without saying a word he got up, took his jacket and left. He was in serious need of some fresh air.

His last thoughts before walking out the door, were that he knew he never should have gone home tonight.

-- End Max POV –-


*15 minutes earlier*

The girls were having a good time commenting on the handsome actors walking down the red carpet and commenting on the gorgeous dresses the beautiful actresses were wearing.

“Ooooohh… I like that one! Look at the back of the dress! Love it.” Tess commented.

“I don’t know. I mean… Look at the colour. She looks like a giant peach.” Maria answered.

“I have got to agree with Maria on this one… Especially with the way her hair is done.” Isabel finished breaking down the girl.

“Next one… “

“Oh my God Oh my God Oh my God!!!! Is that Lucas McDowell?!!” Maria screeched, “He looks so yummy!”

“Who’s his date?” Tess asked, “She looks familiar…”

“She certainly knows how to dress! That dress looks amazing on her!” Isabel commented.

“You’re right… It really accentuates her skin tone!” Maria added.

“You guys…” Tess interrupted, “She looks really really familiar.”, she repeated.

“What do you mean?” Michael asked, “How could we know anyone out there?”

Everybody now turned to look attentively at the TV screen. The hot actors’ date still stood with her back slightly turned towards the camera. If only she would turn around a little bit more they could get a clear view of her face. Lucas McDowell turned around to face the cameras and the interviewers on the other side of the red carpet and so did his date. They now got a clear look at her face and…

“Liz?” Max whispered…

He had just come home from another one of his search parties for Liz. He had taken off his jacket and followed the voices of his friends to the other room when he saw her on the television screen. She looked breathtaking…

“What?” Maria turned to look at Max and then back at the screen. As soon as she recognized her former best friend on the screen she let out an audible gasp. “No… It couldn’t be!”

“Liz… How is this possible?” Alex stated.

“Shhh… He’s going to say something…” Tess silenced them all with those words.

“Mister McDowell, how are you feeling about your nominations? Think you stand a chance? You do have some pretty heavy competition!” The reporter asked.

“The competition is pretty heavy indeed tonight. But what can I say other than may the best man win?!” Lucas answered with one of his million dollar smiles.

“Care to introduce the pretty lady on your arm tonight Lucas?” Another reporter asked.

The PodSquad was at home, watching the TV and holding their breath waiting for the answer to that question. What and who would he introduce her as..?

---

Hope you like it!

Just in case you want to have an idea about her outfit...

Dress –
http://www.promgirl.com/popups/biggerimage.cfm?filename=/PD//Jovani/JO.7.21.08/16-11709185.jpg

Shoes –
http://www.promgirl.com/popups/biggerimage.cfm?filename=/PS//shoes/HH2.3.08/054-1.jpg

Purse –
http://www.promgirl.com/popups/biggerimage.cfm?filename=/PS//beaded-straps.jpg

Sorry... Wrong post

Nice, i can't wait to read the next part.

Thank you Mel for the feedback!


***Previously***

“Mister McDowell, how are you feeling about your nominations? Think you stand a chance? You do have some pretty heavy competition!” The reporter asked.

“The competition is pretty heavy indeed tonight. But what can I say other than may the best man win?!” Lucas answered with one of his million dollar smiles.

“Care to introduce the pretty lady on your arm tonight Lucas?” Another reporter asked.

The PodSquad was at home, watching the TV and holding their breath waiting for the answer to that question. What and who would he introduce her as..?


Chapter 3

The entire gang was waiting with baited breath on the actor’s answer. What and who would he introduce Liz as? How did they even know each other?

“Come on, don’t leave us waiting. Who is she?” A young reporter repeated the question.

A smiling Liz looked up in the eyes of an equally smiling Lucas. She nodded at him and with an even brighter smile Lucas turned back to the cameras.

“It’s Jake right?” Lucas asked the reporter. After receiving an answering nod from the young guy he continued. “How about a scoop? Because she and I have an important announcement to make.”

Maria frowned. “What does he mean by that?”

“Ssshh… Listen!” Michael shushed her.

“You have my and all the viewers attention, I’m sure! Go ahead.”

What happened next was the moment that made Max’s heart drop all the way to his shoes. He watched how a smiling Lucas lifted Liz’s left hand and showed the gorgeous diamond ring on her hand.

“Now that I have all of your attention I would like the entire world to know that this beautiful lady, Eliza Parker and I, are getting married!!”

After those words the entire world witnessed how a glowing and happy Eliza put her hand on her fiancées cheek, pulled him to her and shared a passionate, loving kiss with him.
As soon as both of them let go the reporters all around them started firing questions at the happy couple.

“How did you guys meet?”

“Where are you from Eliza?”

“When is the wedding? Have you set a date already?”

“Who will be designing your dress?”

“Where will the wedding take place?”

“Oh God, Max…!” Isabel started.

All of them sat there in shock, not believing what they just heard when Tess broke the silence.

“Of all things he could have said…”

Alex interrupted her, wanting to hear the rest of the interview. Liz was finally going to say something and he was anxious to hear it.

“We have not set a date yet, nor have we chosen a location. But we’ll make sure to let you know,” she finished with a wink and another radiant smile.

After that Lucas’ agent intercepted them and guided them further down the red carpet, where they posed for some more photographs before finally going inside.



-------------------

Hope you like it!

I loved this part and can't wait for more.

Thank you Lizandzackfan


***Previously***

What happened next was the moment that made Max’s heart drop all the way to his shoes. He watched how a smiling Lucas lifted Liz’s left hand and showed the gorgeous diamond ring on her hand.

“Now that I have all of your attention I would like the entire world to know that this beautiful lady, Eliza Parker and I, are getting married!!”

After those words the entire world witnessed how a glowing and happy Eliza put her hand on her fiancées cheek, pulled him to her and shared a passionate, loving kiss with him.
As soon as both of them let go the reporters all around them started firing questions at the happy couple.


Chapter 4
*Max POV*

Somewhere deep down he knew that she hadn’t spend the last 3 years mooning, thinking and crying over him. He didn’t expect her to be unhappy either, but sometimes it was easier for him to get through the day by thinking she was as miserable as he was. That she was missing him and thinking about him like he was missing her and thinking about her.
Nevertheless, he seriously hoped she had been happy all this time, after the way they treated her it was the least she deserved.

However, nothing in the world could have prepared him for this. He felt like his heart had just been ripped out and an entire army stomped on it. Whatever hope he might have had that she might find it in her heart to forgive them, him and that she might be returning to them… to him had just been squashed in a matter of seconds.

He didn’t even register the reactions of the others around him as he kept replaying the scene he just witnessed in his mind. She looked so beautiful, glowing… Happy! And another man was the cause of it… Apparently it really was to late for them.

Without saying a word he got up, took his jacket and left. He was in serious need of some fresh air.

His last thoughts before walking out the door, were that he knew he never should have gone home tonight.

-- End Max POV --


“Max…” Isabel said.

“Let him Iz… He needs to be alone for a while.” Michael interrupted her.

“I can’t believe this…” Maria said, tears welling up in her eyes. “My best friend is getting married and this is the way I have to find out about it?”

Michael put his arm around her shoulder as the tears kept rolling down her cheeks.

“How could we have let things get this far?” Alex whispered.

He was happy Liz had found happiness again and someone to love. But in all the time she had been missing, he had always kept up hope that someday she would return to them and that they could work all their problems out. They hadn’t been fair to her, none of them… But still… Whenever he thought of Liz or her wedding, he always pictured himself being there as well, standing by her side. The knowledge that that wasn’t going to happen brought tears to his eyes.

“I’m sorry Alex. If it weren’t for us, you and Maria would still be friends with Liz.” Isabel moved away from him and put her face in her hands.

“Don’t… Don’t blame yourself Izzy. We all contributed to Liz leaving town. Maria and I turned our backs to our best friend. What kind of person does that make me?” Alex answered.

“Or me?” Maria contributed.

“Look, there’s no use in pointing fingers or in playing the blame game. Liz is gone now and sitting here on our asses feeling sorry for ourselves isn’t going to change that.” Tess spoke up.

“Tess is right you know. I mean, look at this on the bright side. At least now we know where to go look for her.” Michael added.

“But what if she won’t talk to us? I wouldn’t blame her after the way we treated her!” Maria cried.

“Maybe she won’t at first. But then we’ll just have to keep trying until she listens.” Michael answered calmly.
“Now all we have to do is convince Maxwell of this as well and then, hopefully we’ll be on our way to Liz soon.”

Can't they leave Liz alone?
I can't wait to read what happens next

***Previously***

The Pod Squad, minus Max, has decided to go find Liz and give her the apology she deserves.


Chapter 5
LIZ POV

I woke up to the sun falling through the curtains and snuggle a little deeper in the warm embrace of my fiancée. Feeling his arms tighten even more around me only makes me feel warm and safe. Peeking over his shoulder I take a look at the clock on the bedside table of our suite at the Hilton. Only half an hour left before we have to get up to catch our flight. I snuggle back in his embrace and move my hand up to his chest to lightly trace patterns on it.
How I landed a wonderful guy like Lucas McDowell is still beyond me, but I’m grateful for every moment we spend together. He is sweet, thoughtful, honest, kind, hardworking, he challenges me and not to forget he is incredibly handsome!

Getting my life back together after leaving Roswell wasn’t easy, it took me a couple of years and a lot of hard work, but in the end I’m happy where I am now.

When I finally arrived in LA I was overwhelmed by the city. It was so big, loud and everything Roswell was not. Somewhere deep down, that gave me a deliriously happy feeling. I got away and now it was time for me to start a new life.

**Flashback**

Wanting to check time Liz pulled out her cell phone and turned it on. As soon as she did about 50 missed calls and at least the same amount of messages appeared on her screen. Her parents were really worried about her and she felt bad for leaving the way she had. But she needed this, she would call them soon to make sure they wouldn’t keep worrying about her. She was surprised to see she had missed calls from Maria and Alex as well, but she never intended on contacting them again. They had turned their backs on her when she needed them most, just for the sake of their relationship. Never would she have thought they would be able to do that, but a couple of days ago they had obviously proven her wrong.
After checking the time she decided to lose her phone. She was going to get another one with a new number.

It was still early in the day, it was barely 10 o’clock. Even though she was exhausted from the long journey, she wanted to make good use of the day and went apartment hunting. As soon as she would have a roof over her head and a couple of hours of sleep she would go out and find herself a job.

**End flashback**

She got pulled out of her thoughts when she felt a soft kiss being place on top of her head.

“What are you thinking about at this hour of the day? You seemed really far away just now.” Lucas mumbled in her hair.

“Just thinking about how miserable I was before I met you.” Liz smiled.

Lucas rolled on his back and pulled Liz on top of him. Seeing him look at her with sleepy eyes put another smile on her face. She slowly leaned down and pressed a loving kiss on his lips.

“Goodmorning.” She said.

He lifted his hands to her cheek, caressed it softly and then brought it to the back of her head pulling her in for another kiss, more passionate than the previous one. She moaned as she felt him deepening the kiss.

“Now THAT is a goodmorning.” He said with a brilliant smile on his face.

Liz swatted his chest playfully when both of them heard the phone in their suite ring. Sighing Lucas reached over to answer.

“Yes?”

“Goodmonring sir, this is your wake-up call.”

“Thank you.” He answered as he put down the phone again.

“Do we really have to go?” Liz pouted at him.

“You know we have to Angel. Your parents are dying to see you ever since you announced our engagement to them through the phone.” Alec reasoned with her.

“I know. I still feel bad about telling them through the phone, but I just wanted to make sure that they found out from me, not from some paparazzi who might have found out about us. I mean, we have had a lot of luck that no one had found out about us before last night, but I just didn’t want to take the risk.” Liz explained.

“I know. And I’m sure they understand as well. Our lives just are different then other peoples, and I’m sure they get that. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Lucas tried to comfort her.

“I love you, you know that?” Liz whispered to him.

“I know. And I love you too!” He answered. “Now come on, we have to get ready if we don’t want to miss our flight. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have my soon to be father in law angry at me for being late.” He winked at her.

Laughing Liz got out of bed made her way to the bathroom to take a shower. Turning around she put out her hand towards Lucas.

“Aren’t you coming? We might save some time by taking our showers together.” She teased him.

He chuckled. “As if!” But still, both of them knew he just couldn’t resist her and he hurried over to her.

Loved this part and I can't wait till they get to Roswell but did you know that sometimes you use Alec instead of Lucas lol.

lizandzackfan wrote:Loved this part and I can't wait till they get to Roswell but did you know that sometimes you use Alec instead of Lucas lol.

Exactly what i was thinking