Skeptical

Walking with Thirteen, Ryder lets her link her arm through his and he slowly leads the way to the bigger building across the driveway.

"I slept like a joey. No city noise was the best sound I've heard since moving to the US."

Getting to the dining hall, he opens the door for her and lets her go in first, following close behind. After pouring some coffee and being told breakfast would be soon, Ryder leads the way to a table by the window, making sure Thirteen didn't mind.

Easing down into his chair, only then does he realize that Trent is closeby, alone and seeming to not be all that interested in his surroundings. It was just as well... Ryder did feel somewhat guilty for bringing Thirteen here, so if nothing came of it, then perhaps it would be best.


Trent can't help it that his eyes followed Jasmine as she walked in with Ryder. She looked so much like her mother, yet she was a striking resemblance to his side of the family too. The combination was lethal - she was a beautiful young woman. Trent was all too glad that she had Ryder looking out for her. Surely things had turned out for the best.


Jason smiles as he pulls himself from bed. Feeling Katie's tug on his emotions was a nice way to wake up.

I think I'm gonna eat breakfast here. Spend time with Mom. Don't get too used to me not being around though - I'll be up to the ranch sometime after.

He yawns and grabs his clothes, heading down the hall to the bathroom.

Don't know what everybody's got planned, but they said something last night about getting the group together tonight for some singing and gift opening, then tomorrow having a special Christmas dinner. Sounded right good to me.

Jason splashes some cold water on his face and washes up, opening the cupboard to find the toothbrush and a few other items that were always kept for him here. It made him feel good, knowing his mom and Wes both made sure this was one of his homes.

Figured we might have a little alone time sometime today, but I'm just as happy being with everybody else if you are.

Brushing his teeth and giving himself a quick shave, Jason keeps up his silent conversation as naturally as if Katie was standing right there with him.

Though it's cold enough out, it might be a good excuse to cozy up on the couch later tonight if we can get it to ourselves. I have a funny feeling, though, a few others might beat us to it.

He grins as he thinks of Sparky and Faith.

But if that's the case, I guess we can settle for a blanket in front of the fireplace in the dining room. If I can keep myself from getting conned into playing the guitar that is... though for some reason I have another funny feeling about that.

His smile widens as he pulls on a clean shirt.

As if we never get alone time.

They were able to spend so much time together after work and on the weekends that it was beyond habit now and Jason hadn't tired of it. Christmas was special, but being with the family was the biggest thing right now.

Hearing a squeal from the kitchen, Jason is alerted to the fact that his mother isn't alone with breakfast.

I'm gonna go help Kaylee make a mess at the breakfast table. If anybody asks, I'll be around in a bit.


Startled by someone's presence, Alec sits up quickly, his magazine going back under his pillow in the blink of an eye. Staring up at Ryan, he can't hide his surprise. He really hadn't expected her back at all, let alone today.

Eying the bag, his ears perk a little at Ryan's announcement of what she had brought. Magazines? He couldn't help but want to see those. Food? She'd tried again? Interesting. His stomach gives a little growl. A Christmas gift? What was up with that?

Sitting cross-legged, Alec remains silent for several moments. He had no idea how to react. His first instinct was to tell Ryan to get lost - he didn't need her company and no he didn't want it today or any other day. But for some reason, the words never made it quite as far as his mouth this time.

Reaching for the bag, he pulls out the sack of food first. After so long of tv dinners or over-nuked leftovers served daily by Hal, the fast food was something not to be taken lightly and certainly not thrown to a dog. This time, Alec wasn't going to try his luck.

Still saying nothing, he unwraps the burger and takes a bite. Greasy or not, it sure did taste good. He might not want to admit it, but his tastebuds were all over it. Feeling the cot move, he glances up to see that Ryan had sat down, but his eyes go back to his food. Swallowing a bite, he tires out a french fry, finding it tasted oh-so good after going for so long without them.

Halfway through his burger, he reaches for the magazines, his eyes showing interest whether he wanted them to or not. Sandwich in one hand, his other flips through the smooth pages, taking in the picture of cars and articles about engine performance, racing and more.

Still no words came as he polished off the burger. Having a good quantity of fries though, he finds himself tilting them towards Ryan if she wanted any. It was the best he could do without actually saying, "thank you" for the food.

Wiping his hands on his jeans, he hesitantly pulls out the little wrapped package. His finger runs along the edge and his eyes glance up to Ryan again. Skepticism was in his gaze. Food and magazines was one thing... but an additional gift? What was the catch?

Eventually, he tugs at the tape and more carefully than one might expect, he opens the little gift. Folding the paper into a square and setting it aside with the magazines to keep, he holds the small box in his palm for a moment, still skeptical. Finally though, he opens it and draws out the chain. Holding it in his fingers, he rubs the strong links with his thumb, wondering why on earth Ryan had given him something like this.

Just staring at it, unfamiliar feelings tried to push their way to the surface. Something inside, deep down almost hurt. He could almost hear the crack being made in his thick wall of defense. It was a small gift, but it was as hard hit to a brittle foundation.

Clutching the chain, he raises his head to Ryan once more, studying her for several more silent moments. But it was only one word he spoke. And this time, malice was not in his tone.

"Why?"