Max pulls the Jeep over and turns off the engine. He leans over and gives Liz a long kiss.

Liz takes out a small gift-wrapped box from her pocket.

She hands the box to Max. He takes it.

Max looks surprised and intrigued.

Max unwraps the box and opens it. There's a silver ring inside. He takes it out and we can see that there's something engraved on it: an outline of a hand with a spiral on the palm.

Liz motions with her hand, waving it gently over the symbol on the ring.

He puts on the ring and holds out his hand to show her.

Max smiles.

Max takes Liz's hand and holds it. They look at the ring in silence for a moment, then Max uses his powers to erase the symbol and replace it with his and her initials (M&L) over an infinity symbol. Liz smiles at his choice.

Cut to:

Max comes into the Crashdown and takes a seat at the counter. Maria and Liz are working in the front, Michael is in the kitchen; we can see him through the pass-through window. Liz comes over to Max and gives him a kiss hello.

Michael rings the bell, signaling that an order is ready.

Liz gets the food; Michael nods in acknowledgement. Liz moves away from the pass-through window and Maria approaches with a new order; Michael turns away. Maria sighs and walks over to Max. She pulls out a clipboard and pen from behind the counter. The sheet of paper attached to the clipboard has brightly colored columns drawn on it. Maria stands poised by the counter, as if waiting for something.

Maria makes a mark on the chart then holds it out to Max.

Maria smiles, but there's sadness in her eyes. She puts the clipboard away and heads for the coffee maker. She picks up a coffee pot and walks towards the tables, passing Liz who is on her way back to the counter.

In the background we see Maria drop off another order. Michael looks away. Maria heads back to the counter, then she, Liz and Max start sniffing the air, indicating that there's a burning smell coming from the kitchen. Liz pulls out the chart and hands it to Maria.

Cut to:

Michael, Isabel, Maria and Alex are all there. A school bell rings and Alex looks at his watch, obviously nervous that he is going to be late. They all turn towards the door when it opens. Max and Liz come in and see that everyone is there; Liz locks the door behind her.

Liz glances at Max who puts his arm around her in comfort. At their stressed expressions, Maria continues.

There are shocked expressions all around, except for Michael who has "I knew it" written all over his face.

Isabel furrows her brow in concentration as she slowly waves her hand over Michael. His light brown, spiked hair becomes dark brown, conservatively cut and combed, with a touch of grey at the temples; his jacket becomes a suit jacket, his sports shirt a dress shirt, and his jeans--slacks to match the jacket. Isabel steps back to admire her work. The others are trying to suppress their laughter.

Michael looks down and sees his new clothes.

Cut to:

Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, Isabel and Alex are standing near an entrance to the school that is not in the main flow of traffic, wearing their new "looks" and trying to remain inconspicuous. They are all wearing clothing suitable for middle-aged parents. Max is now blond with a beard, Liz's black hair with gray highlights is in a bun and she is wearing granny glasses, Maria's sable brown tresses are permed and she is wearing faux tortoise-shelled glasses, Isabel's dark brown hair is in a french twist and her burgundy colored glasses have beveled lenses, Alex now has ash blonde hair and a mustache and Michael is the same as in the Eraser Room, with the addition of glasses with black rims. It's obvious they have been discussing their mission.

They split up, each set of pairs going down different hallways. The camera follows Michael and Maria. Michael stalks off ahead of Maria and she has to rush after him.

Michael starts to pull ahead again.

Michael stops and turns to her.

Cut to:

There are several parents spread out around the lab talking among themselves. Mr. Seligman is also there, talking to a couple of parents. The camera focuses on the Parkers, Amy, and the Whitmans, who are engaged in conversation. Amy and the Whitmans are wearing skeptical looks.

Cut to:

Isabel and Alex are walking side by side, seeming slightly uncomfortable. As they come toward the end of a corridor, they spot Valenti and quickly shift to look at a bulletin board. They stare at it as though intent on the various schedules and announcements as Valenti walks past them.

Isabel starts nervously fingering her necklace; a gold, antique style, heart-shaped locket with a matching chain. Alex notices.

Alex starts walking down the hall again. Isabel catches up to him as she speaks.

Alex enters the classroom, leaving Isabel speechless.

Cut to:

Cut to:

Liz and Max are walking arm in arm towards the science lab. They are obviously enjoying playing "parents" together. They start to enter the lab and spot the Parkers, Amy, and the Whitmans close to the entrance, deep in conversation. They back out and Max takes out his cell phone.

Cut to:

Cut to:

Max and Liz have overheard the parents' conversation and we see their concerned expressions.

Max and Liz's concerned looks turn to panic-stricken looks.

Max's and Liz's eyes widen at the words "gunshot wound" and "bullet", respectively. When they see Valenti approaching the room, they turn their backs to him and pretend to be two parents discussing their kids; their body language at odds with their distress. Valenti enters the science lab without giving them a second glance. We see Michael and Maria approaching from the distance.

Cut to:

Seligman places his hand on Valenti's arm, gently directing him away from the Parkers, Whitmans, and Amy. Valenti lets himself be steered away but turns to the others to mouth an apology.

Cut to:

Max and Liz have been joined by Maria and Michael.

Cut to:

Suddenly we hear a fire alarm sound.

Cut to commercial.

Return to Act II

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