Bad Girl

Author’s Note: Lyrics are in ‘ ‘. Song titles and artists will be listed at the end of the chapter in the order they appeared. Feedback is yummy for my muse’s tummy. WARNING! FLUFF AHEAD!


The Next Day


Sarah and Jess left early for school to avoid running into Michael and Sarah was careful to avoid him and his friends for the rest of the day. She managed to stay away from them until after chem. She and Jess hurried out to the car but Michael and Max caught up to them in the parking lot.

“Sarah, wait up.” Michael said as he got hold of her elbow.

“Hey.” She said unable to meet his eyes.

“What’s up? I didn’t see you much today.” He asked.

“I’ve been so totally busy and my day isn’t over. We really have to go. I have a ton of homework and not to mention I have to be at the club early tonight.” Sarah said quickly turning to go but Michael caught her hand.

“Maybe I’ll see you later?” He asked.

She managed a shaky smile. “Yeah, maybe. Bye Michael. See ya, Max.”

After they pulled out Michael turned to his friend. “Something’s up. She’s been avoiding me all day.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“And me.” Isabel said as she joined them.

“So it’s not just me.” Michael said with obvious relief. “Good.”

“Not good. Something is definitely going on. Let’s go to the club tonight, she won’t be able to avoid us while she’s working.” Max suggested.


That Night

Max, Isabel, and Michael got to the club at seven thirty. Sarah’s band was just starting the last song of their first set of the night. They found an empty table and watched as the drummer and guitarist left the stage leaving Crystal and Sarah alone. Sarah put on her guitar and they started a slow beat.


‘What the matter Mary Jane?
Had a hard day?
So place the don’t disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again
What a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It’s a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar went off the tracks
And you’re on it
I hear you’re counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What’s the point of trying to dream anymore?
I hear you’re losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you’re losing it for?
Well it’s full d bad baby in the wrong direction
Just a few more bruises
If that’s the way you insist on playing
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy?
Please don’t censor your tears
You’re the sweet crusader
And you’re on your way
You’re they last great innocent
And that’s why I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane
And be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
Cause all that matters, Mary Jane
Is your freedom
So keep warm, my dear
Keep Dry
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me
Tell me’

The girls replaced their instruments and walked down from the stage to a table where Jess and the other band members were waiting. The trio watched as Darcy and John, the drummer and guitarist, got up and went back stage so they moved over to join the three girls.

“Hey guys.” Crystal said looking at Max.

“Hey, Crystal.” He said. “Sarah, Jess. What’s up?”

“Not much. Um, Sarah, can you help me with that thing we were talking about, like now.” Jess said getting up from the table.

“Sure. Bye guys.” Sarah said and followed her friend.

“What was that all about?” Isabel asked Crystal.

“I have no clue. They’ve been acting weird all night. I mean they’re normally strange, we all are, but now they’ve moved on to just plain weird.” Crystal said. “Well, I gotta get backstage. I'll try to find out what’s up.”

“Thanks, Crys.” Max said.

“No problem.” She said with a smile

A few minutes later the band got back on stage they played for about forty minutes and finally got to the last song of the night. John and Crystal started a slow haunting melody.


‘Morning smiles like the face of a newborn child
Innocent, unknowing
Winter’s end
Promises of a long lost friend
Speaks to me of comfort

But I fear I have nothing to give
And I have so much to lose here in this lonely place
Tangled up in our embrace
There’s nothing I’d like better than to fall
But I fear I have nothing to give

Wind in time rapes the flower trembling on the vine
Nothing yields to shelter it
From above they say temptation will destroy our love
The never ending hunger

But I fear I have nothing to give
And I have so much to lose here in this lonely place
Tangled up in our embrace
There’s nothing I’d like better than to fall
But I fear I have nothing to give
And I have so much to lose
And I have nothing to give
We have so much to lose’


Michael watched Sarah as she sang the last line. Her head was titled to the side and her eyes were closed. Her face had such a look of pain on it. She turned quickly and left the stage. A few minutes later Crystal came down to their table.

“Where’s Sarah?” Michael asked.

“She and Jess went out the stage door. She was really upset about something.” Crystal said and then John tapped her shoulder and whispered something in her ear. She nodded then said, “The guys are ready to split.”

“If you wanna stay, I’ll give you a ride.” Max said.

“Ok. Thanks.” She said. Then turned to say goodbye to John.

“Did Sarah or Jess say anything to you?” Michael asked when the other boy left.

“Jess told me they were heading out and when I asked why she said because Sarah was having another case of the Jake syndrome.”

“Jake syndrome?” Max asked.

“Jake was her boyfriend in New York. Her first and only boyfriend. They had been dating for a few months when all of a sudden they broke it off. After that Sarah kind of stayed away from the dating scene and every time she likes a guy she’ll get upset and leave town. Me, Jess, and the other guys in the band call it the Jake syndrome.” Crystal explained.

“What do you mean leaves town?” Isabel asked.

“She’ll just pick up and go, she pulled the band up a twice going to different towns in New York.”

“Do you think she’ll leave Roswell?” Michael asked.

“I hope not. Because if she does she’ll be going alone, I mean John, Darcy, and I love Sarah like a sister but this has got to stop. We’re sick of moving and I really like Roswell. She knows that so I don’t think she’ll leave.” She said.

“Is there anything we can do?” Isabel asked.

“No. No body can fix this except Sarah. And she just keeps running.” Crystal said.

“I wanna get out of here. Michael, you mind taking me home?” Isabel asked.

“No, come on.” He said.

“I’ll see you at home Max. Bye Crystal.”

“Bye guys.” Crystal said.

“See you, Crystal. Later, Maxwell.” Michael said.

“Later.” Max said.

“It’s hot in here, you ready to leave?” Crystal asked.

“Yeah. You wanna go for a drive?” Max asked.

“Sure.”

They ended up in the desert, lying on the hood of the car looking at the stars.

“I wish there was something I could do for Sarah.” Max said.

“Max, Sarah isn’t like other girls. She knows things, sees things, can do things that no one else can do. She’s special. I think she’s afraid that if she shares that part of herself with someone, a guy, they won’t except it. They won’t except her.” Crystal said sitting up. “I’ve tried to talk to her about it but she thinks I won’t understand. She’s probably right but it wouldn’t hurt to talk about it, you know?”

“Yeah. I know. You’re a good friend, Crystal.”

She looked over at him and smiled. He sat up a reached out a hand to touch her face. They looked into each other’s eyes and Max leaned forward slowly and their lips met.

Max immediately opened his mind hoping to get a flash from her. He really liked Crystal and the flashes were the best way to learn about someone. It only took a moment for the first flash to come.

He saw Crystal sitting in a chair plucking her bass. He could her voices yelling in the background, he recognized one to be Sarah’s.

“It’s not my fault. I didn’t ask for this. Jake, I love you!” Sarah shouted.

He saw Crystal turn toward the door the voices were coming from.

“That’s not fair! You can’t drop a bomb like this on me and expect life to be normal again. Damn it, Sarah. How did you expect me to react? Forget it! I’m gone.” He heard Jake shout back then Max saw the guy throw open the door and walk out.

Crystal ran into the room to find Sarah crumpled on the floor.

“Sarah.” She said falling to her knees next to her friend. “What happened?”

“I…I told him, he freaked, it’s over. Never again, Crys. No one will ever except me like this. Never again.” Sarah said as she began to cry.

Max pulled back from Crystal. “It’s getting late.” He said softly, not wanting her to think he didn’t want to kiss her again.

“Yeah. We should probably get back.”

When Max dropped her off her kissed her again. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She smiled and nodded.

Instead of going home he drove to Sarah’s. He knocked on the door and waited.

“Who is it?” He heard her ask.

“It’s Max.”

“Come in.”

He opened the door and found her curled up on her couch. Her eyes were red and she’d obviously been crying.

“Hey.” She said

“Hey. I was worried about you. I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

She smiled sadly and bit her lip. “Thanks, Max. That was sweet of you.”

“Are you? Ok, I mean.” He asked sitting down next to her.

She shrugged. “Yeah, I’m just going through some s-stuff right now.”

“If you need to talk...” Max started but she interrupted.

“NO! I mean no, sorry.” She said.

“Sarah, I just want you to know that you can tell me anything. I mean anything. I promise I won’t freak out and no matter what I’ll always be there for you. I won’t walk out on you.”

She looked at him in surprise and he knew she recognized his words.

“Max, what’s going on?” She asked wearily.

“Let me show you. Give me your hand.” He said. He wasn’t sure if he should be doing this but something inside of him told him it was right.

She saw the honesty in his eyes and extended her right hand to him. He took it and closed his eyes. He showed her everything he could, how Him, Michael, and Isabel came to be on Earth. The time when he saved Liz, the kiss and flash he shared with Crystal. He let go of her hand and watched her closely. She sat stunned for a moment but he saw understanding in her eyes.

“Open your mind, Sarah. Let me see your secret.” Max said.

She nodded slowly and looked a bit afraid but placed her hands on his face.

He saw the car crash and her crawl from the wreckage. He heard her ask for help and saw through her eyes who she was crying out to. It was Michael. He watched as his friend knelt beside her and took her hands. He felt Michael try to heal her and then he saw himself and his sister sit down beside Michael and Sarah. The three of them together healed her. But they didn’t only heal her; they each gave her a part of themselves. She gained Michael’s ability to notice every little detail, Isabel’s gift for empathy, and his own ability to heal but not physically, emotionally.

Sarah pulled her hands away.

“It was you. The three of you saved me.” Sarah said in awe. “Did you know?”

“No, I had no idea. Neither did Michael or Isabel. That was the night we came from the mountain.” Max said. Then he noticed the suitcase by the door. “Going somewhere?”

“I was. I am. I need to get out of Roswell, at least for a little while.” She said standing up.

“You can’t leave now.” Max said.

“Yes, I can. I promised Crystal I’d be at the dance tomorrow but after that I’m leaving.”

“Sarah, don’t go.”

“I’ll be back, Max. I mean, I’ve just found you and Isabel and Michael. You’re a part of me; I felt it long before I knew what I know now. I don’t think I could stay away if I wanted to now.” She said.

“Promise me, Sarah. Promise you’ll come back.”

“I promise, Max.” She said moving forward to hug him.

He felt her body jerk and when he pulled away from her she had the strangest look in her eyes.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Nothing.” She said. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Max.”

“Are you sure everything is ok?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll see you tomorrow.”


The next day Sarah wasn’t in school, Max was afraid she’d left. He found Crystal waiting for him outside of the school. He greeted her with a smile and a kiss then asked, “Have you seen Sarah today?”

“Yeah, I just came from her place. She had a lot to do and didn’t feel like coming to school today.” Crystal said.

“Oh. Is she still coming tonight?” He asked.

“Why don’t we just get to the point? She told me you know that she’s, um, unique and no she didn’t leave town without saying goodbye.” She said.

“What else did she tell you?” Max asked.

“Nothing, she said that there was something else but that I would have to ask you.” Crystal told him.

“Ok. So what are you doing here?” He asked.

“I just wanted to see you.” She said with a smile.

“Hey Max. Crystal.” Michael said as he joined them. “Where’s Sarah?” He asked.

“At home. She’ll be at the dance tonight though.” Crystal said.

“Cool, you ready to split, Max?” He asked.

“Yeah. You need a ride, Crystal?” Max asked.

“Naa, I’ve got Sarah’s car.” Crystal said.

“Sarah has a car?” Max asked.

“Yeah. She just keeps it in storage but she needs it for when she…” Crystal stopped throwing a glance at Michael. “Um, she wanted it for tonight.”

“Oh, ok. I’ll see you tonight then?” Max asked.

“Of course, I’ll hitch a ride with Sarah and meet you there, okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok, see ya, Michael.” She said and then grabbed Max’s hand and squeezed it lightly. “Bye Max.”


“Sarah?” Crystal called as she entered her friend’s apartment.

“In here.” She called from the extra room.

Crystal walked in to see her friend sitting on the floor with her guitar, surrounded by papers.

“Whatcha doin’?” She asked.

Sarah looked up and smiled. “You look great. Just working on a song.”

“Thanks. What are you wearing?”

“I don’t know. Probably that black velvet dress I bought when we went shopping with Isabel.” Sarah said getting up.

“Good. You better go get dressed.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m going.” Sarah said quickly gathering the mass of papers and setting them in a neat pile.

She moved to the closet to garb her dress then heading to the bathroom. When she emerged she found Jess waiting for her.

“Hey.” The singer said.

“Ooo, someone’s looking hot tonight.” Jess joked. “I just wanted to say goodbye, I won’t be around later.”

“I’ll be back, you know.” Sarah said.

“Yeah, I know but I’m still gonna miss you.” Jess said.

“We both will.” Crystal added.

“I’ll miss you guys too, but I have to get out of here for a while. To clear my head. You know?” Sarah said moving towards the door.

“Call me when ever you get where you’re going, ok?” Jess said.

“Of course.” Sarah said hugging Jess. “We better go.”

“Is the car packed?” Crystal asked.

“Yep.”

“Ok, let’s go.” Crystal said.


Michael looked around and checked his watch again. Where is she? He thought.

At that moment he saw Liz come in and run over to Max. She whispered something in his ear and he followed her outside. He was about to follow when Isabel walked over to him.

“Not here yet?” She asked.

“Nope.” He said sitting back down.

Max heard Crystal yelling as soon as he got outside.

“I won’t let you hurt him!” She said.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Tess said.

“You know exactly what I mean! You’re planning to seduce Max so you can get pregnant.” Crystal shouted.

“Don’t even bother lying, Tess.” Sarah said. “I saw it all last night when I hugged Max.”

“You’re insane.” Tess said.

“I care about Max. He’s like a brother to me. You hurt him and you’ll wish you were never born.” Sarah said.

“Don’t you dare threaten me!” Tess shouted.

“That wasn’t a threat. It was a promise.”

“And I adore Max. The only way you are getting anywhere near him is through me!” Crystal said taking a step closer to the blond.

“Max and I were meant to be together. He knows that. You’re just a poor lapse in judgement on his part. I’ve worked to hard to gain his trust, I will NOT let you ruin it!” Tess said as she raised her hand to slap Crystal. Sarah stepped forward and grabbed her hand then pushed her forward, grabbed her arms, and pinned her to the wall of the school.

“Get out of town, tonight, now.” Sarah said pulling the girl forward then slamming her against the wall again.

“Never.” Tess hissed.

“Forget it, Tess.” Max said stepping into view. “I want you gone. Don’t say a word. I never want to hear your voice or see your face again.”

“Max…” Tess started.

“No. Leave.” Max said.

Tess looked from one face to the next and knowing she didn’t have a chance she turned and walked away.

“Are you ok?” Max asked Crystal.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She said.

“Sarah, you?” He asked.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I wasn’t sure you’d believe me.” Sarah said softly.

“It’s ok. Come on, let’s go inside.” He said taking Crystal’s hand.

They found Liz waiting for them near the door.

“Thanks, Liz.” Sarah said. “I know you still have feelings for Max.”

“It’s alright. Crystal likes him and as long as he’s happy then I’ll live.” Sarah smiled and walked toward the school. She entered the gym her eyes widened. Usually school dances were bland but the decorations were beautiful. A hundred candles glittered around the room and silver stars and moons hung form the ceiling. A slow song started and she watched as Max led Crystal to the floor. She looked around and saw Kyle and Isabel and Liz and Alex dancing.

“Dance with me.” Michael said from behind her.

She nodded knowing if she spoke, tried to say goodbye she’d start to cry. He pulled her close and they swayed to the music. She looked up into his eyes and pulled his head down to hers, kissing him gently. She pulled back and watched the candle light dance on his face. He saw tears in her eyes.

“What is it?” He asked.

“I… I just want to remember this. That’s all. You make me feel like no one else ever has.” She said burying her face in his neck.

The song ended and they separated.

“I have to go.” She said looking at the floor but Michael could tell she was crying.

“Sarah?” He asked.

“I’m sorry.” She said pulling him to her and kissing him again. “Goodbye Michael.”

Before he could stop her she turned and ran out of the gym. He went after her but when he reached the parking lot she was already gone.


~Epilogue~

Three months later

Michael half-listened as Max talked about school. He looked around the club wondering why he’d let his friend drag him here. He hated watching the Believers play without Sarah. He missed her so much.

A lot had happened since she’d left. Max had told him her secret and said she’d be back but he was beginning to lose hope. Max and Crystal were still together and Tess hadn’t been seen since the dance.

Michael was about to make up an excuse so he could leave when the lights dimmed. He heard the band start to play a slow dark song and he knew something was up. The atmosphere had changed. Then he realized that John had moved off the stage but someone was playing guitar, he knew it was her the moment she sang the first note.


‘It’s been awhile
Since I could hold my head up high
And it’s been awhile
Since I first saw you
And it’s been awhile
Since I could stand on my own two feet again
And it’s been awhile
Since I could call you’

At that moment the stage lights flared up and there she was. Sarah. Looking directly into his eyes.

‘And everything I can’t remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I’ve rendered
I’ve stretched myself beyond my means’

She moved around the stage but never broke eye contact with him and he knew that she was singing to him, to her he was the only one in the world at that moment.

‘It’s been awhile
Since I could say that I wasn’t addicted and
It’s been awhile
Since I could say I love myself as well as
And it’s been awhile
Since I’ve gone and fucked things up
Just like I always do
And it’s been awhile
But all that shit seems to disappear when I’m with you
And everything I can’t remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I’ve rendered
I’ve gone and fucked things up again

Why must I feel this way?
Just make this go away
Just one more peaceful day

And it’s been awhile
Since I could look at myself straight
And it’s been awhile
Since I said I’m sorry
It’s been awhile
Since I’ve seen the way the candles light your face
It’s been awhile
But I can still remember just the way you taste
And everything I can’t remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
To be I know it’s me
I can not blame this on my father
He did the best he could for me
And it’s been awhile
Since I could hold my head up high
And it’s been awhile
Since I said I’m sorry
I’m sorry
I’m sorry’


He watched as she handed her guitar to Crystal and walked down the steps of the stage. She moved toward him and stopped a few feet in front of him.

“When did you get back?” He asked.

“Yesterday.” She said quietly.

“You look good.” He said. She had cut her long brown hair to her shoulders and dyed it black.

“Thanks. I needed a change.”

“Where did you go?”

“Seattle. I must have picked up the phone a million times to call you. Just to hear your voice but I could never dial. I was afraid you wouldn’t want to talk to me.” She said.

“I was mad at first. But after talking to Crystal and Max I figured you did what you had to do.” He said and stood up.

“I missed you so much.” She whispered stepping closer to him.

“I missed you too.” He said closing the gap between them and pulling her into a hug. He took her chin in his hand and titled her face up. “Promise me you won’t leave again.”

“I promise. You’re stuck with me now.”

Their lips met and she opened her mind trying to convey everything she was feeling.

They broke apart to breathe and looked into each other’s eyes but before their lips could meet again Max interrupted them.
“Are you two finished? You’re drawing a crowd.” He said jokingly.

“We’re not even close to finished.” Michael said

“Not even close.” Sarah echoed.


Songs:
Mary Jane - Alanis Morrisette
Fear - Sarah McLachlan
It’s Been Awhile - Staind