Getting back up

"Yeah, fine... I'm cool... got it." Bret finishes getting his pants and shirt on and slips on his sneakers, ready to bolt from the room, but skids to a stop, waiting for Charlotte.

Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?

"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.

Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."


Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."


Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.

Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.

Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.