Tell me...

Kip leans into Karla, the tears starting to flow. He never allowed anyone to see behind his closed door, but she was different... different from his other friends.

And through the course of it all, no words were said. But Kip doesn't move, crying as all the pain came forth. It wouldn't feel so bad if it were someone else who had hurt him. But his own father... the sting was never lessened. It only grew worse with every seething word and with every slap.

Sniffing, Kip keeps his head down. He didn't know how much time had passed, and he didn't care. His face was hurting worse and now his eyes hurt too. Finally finding his voice, he speaks into the dimness of his room. "Tell me I'm not stupid and low down?"

Sparky looks up quickly at the sound of Faith's voice and he immediately sets aside his pitchfork. Opening the stall door, he wraps Faith in a hug. "I was getting worried," he admits. "I finally had to keep busy before I went crazy."

Pulling away, he looks down into her eyes. "What did the doctor say?"

Back

Karla could tell Kip really was hurting, even finding words to describe it were hard. But hearing he didnt want her to go, was enough to make Karla stay even if she didnt know what to do for him.

"Ok I'll stay."

Going over to the bed and sitting down Karla puts her arm around Kip and pulls him a little closer to him. Moving up slightly on the bed Karla just holds him. She didn't know what else to do, and maybe she couldn't find the words that would fit. But holding him and letting him know she was there was imporant too.

"It's ok to cry when your hurt. I wont tell anyone."

Karla leans her head against Kip's and closes her eyes. Two wounded souls coming to gather, offering the help and love to heal even if they thought they were doing no good. Two friends linked, helping each other the only way they new how.

Giving a laugh and a nod Dalton lets Dani up so if Carson did happen to look out, he wouldn't have a fit.

"Sounds like a good date to me. I'll be by around...9:30 to get you?"

Dalton smiles as he puts his money on the table. He didnt want to go back to work, but he new he probley should.

Looking at her brother Ryan laughs at Leo's comment. Giving him a look of innocents the michef glimmers hiding in her eyes.

"I have no idea what you talking about!"

Finally not being able to hold it in Ryan lets out a laugh. Poor Eli, he wasnt use to having the tables turn and him being the one to be picked on. It was fun when it happened though.

Entering the barn Faith looks around wondering if Sparky would still be in the barn. Her Dr apt had been long than planned. Seeing him over in one of the stalls cleaning she walks over to stall and leans on the door giving a tired smile.

"I thought I'd find you were. Sorry I am later than planned."

Pain

Karla's words and her hug from behind push Kip's emotions over the edge. Even at nineteen years old, sometimes the little boy inside just needed comfort. Hearing her walk away, he turns around and looks at her for the first time as his eyes well with tears. "Don't go," he begs softly. 

His face hurt and his heart hurt. Tonight was one of the worst nights he'd had and it felt like the world was bearing down on his shoulders. He was tired of dealing with it alone. He didn't know how to say it though. He didn't know how to tell Karla he really did want her to stay, or how her words really meant a lot to him right now. 

He takes a couple steps to his bed and sits down, staring lamely at the floor. "I shouldn't complain," he mumbles almost too quietly to hear. "I got it good here. But why can't... he just... I don't..." 

His words catch in his throat as his lip starts to tremble again. He didn't know how to say how badly he'd been hurt on the inside by his own father. It was a pain like no other.

Dani giggles as Dalton pulls her into his lap, but she doesn't resist. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she grins as he kisses the tip of her nose. "You goof... Carson would have a cow if he saw me out here like this." 

Laughing again, she nods. "Your place and a movie sound fantastic. And I don't have my car here tonight so you picking me up would be perfect. As for my fan club..." She looks over to the other table and rolls her eyes. "Harmless, but I'd much rather spend my evening with you."

"Me? Act like that?" Leo scoffs. "No, that's a sure sign of desperation."

Eli's head snaps in his direction. "Hey, Bub, watch it." He looks at his sister, his eyes narrowing. "You gonna let your boyfriend talk to me like that?"

Care

Bring pushed away a little and watching Kip walk away Karla didn't know what to do. She wanted to offer comfort to him, but maybe he just wanted to be left alone like she did. But should she really go and leave him? It made her worried about him even more than she probably should have. Kip was her only friend now, and she didn't know how else to help him.

Standing Karla takes a few steps twords Kip but stops, she felt so confused, so messed up herself maybe she wasn't the best person to help him. Letting her hand fall down next to her Karla picks at the sweat pants that were a little to big.

"I want to comfort you, but I...I...don't know how. I never had to do it before."

Karla could feel her own hot tears behind her eyes as she steps forward to Kip and though his back was turned she wrapped her arms around him giving his back a hug. Than letting go she turns to make her way to the door again.

"If you....just want someone to be with you, you know where I am. I...can hold you too and I wont think anything differntly of you. I care about you too Kip. Even if I dont know how to show it."

Shaking her head as her brother continues to talk Ryan can't believe him. Though a bit of humor dances in her eyes to show she wasn't as irritated as one would think.

"Your lucky you moved your legs again or I would of kicked them again."

Looking to her brother and sticking out her tong she looks to Leo and gives a roll of her eyes at his smerk.

"Ok Mr. Smerky, did you act like this too? I cant remember."

Looking up again as Dani comes over a smile forms on Dalton's face. Reaching out for a moment he pulls Dani into his lap. Knowing she was working, but also seeing she didn't have any new tables he didn't much care. Leaning in twords her he gives the tip of her nose a little kiss.

"Thats the only thing I really needed. How about after you get out of work I pick you up and we do a movie at my place with some popcorn? Or...will your fan club be waiting?"

Dalton gives a laugh and a grin as he nods his head twords Ryan's table, a little bit of humor glimmering in his eyes.

Hurting

"Mmm... cheesecake." Axel lifts an eyebrow even though his eyes are almost closed again. "I think I could... could handle that... but... later... I think I can't, um..." 

Stopping, he furrows his brow having no idea what he'd just started to say. "I think I need to sleep."

"Ow!" Eli rubs his leg. "You got high heels on there, Speedy. Man." He looks at Leo. "Fair warning - she kicks."

Leo hides his smirk, knowing Eli had deserved it. He follows Ryan's cue instead, to figure out what to eat. Eli settles down to order too and they eventually decide what they want. 

Once Dani returns, Eli tells her what kind of pizza they want, followed by more than just their order. "Dessert's on me if you got a break in a while."

Dani sets her hands on her hips, humor twinkling in her eyes. "You don't give up very easily, do you?"

"Uh-uh. It's more fun this way." 

"Well you can forget your fun. I don't have another break until closing." 

"Aw. Who's the slave driver?"

Dani thumbs to the kitchen. "The cook. And let me tell you - he won't back down."

"Dang..." Eli shakes his head. "A boyfriend with no humor and a boss with no mercy. What's as guy like me supposed to do?"

Dani grins. "Wait for someone else who will actually give you the time of day?" 

"Ohhh ouch." Eli cringes. "You're cruel."

Dani giggles. "Cruel? Or smart? I don't want to see you get hurt."

Eli gives a glance towards the corner table again, his sly grin still on his face. "I knew you cared." 

Dani swats his arm with her order pad, her jaw dropping in mock surprise. "You do know how to twist things around, don't you?"

"You have no idea." Eli raises and lowers his eyebrows.

Dani rolls her eyes and turns from the table. "I'll be back with your pizza in a few minutes." 

Eli scoots to the side to put his feet up on his booth to avoid another kick from his sister, a smile spread on his face.

Dani gives the order for pizza to Carson, then wanders back out to Dalton's table, giving him a smile. "Sorry I had to cancel on the movie tonight. You can blame Carson for making me work late. Anything else I can get you while you're here though?"

Kip lets Karla clean his bruise, not wincing or pulling away, even though it hurt. He just sits in silence almost as if he was in a totally different world. It was a stark contrast to his daytime fun personality. 

Still fighting his emotions, he shakes his head at Karla's question. But without warning, a hot tear escapes his eye to tumble down his face. Even more embarrassed now, he pulls away to stand up and walk from her so she couldn't see his face. He knew she was trying to help, but the last thing he wanted was for her to see him cry like a little kid. He wanted to... he felt like it... but he didn't ever let anyone see him like this, not even Erik. 

Just standing in the middle of the room, he crosses his arms, his back to Karla as his jaw muscles try to work out the stress instead of tears. Even so, his lower lip quivers. He didn't know if he wanted a hug or just to be left alone. For some reason, this episode hurt more than the last few.

Smartest

Having wondered over seeing Axel was awake again Misty gives a small nod at his mention of hurting. Normally she would give pain killed if one hurt right after surgery but for now she couldn't. She needed to know how long the pain would continue in his hand, and in a few hours if he could feel anything at all in not pain. At this point in time she could not give him anything that would mask that.

"Thats a good sigh Axel."

Looking up at Misty and than back at Axel Jess couldn't help the wave of happiness that passed through her. Weather Axel had one hand, or two she wouldnt care but to him he thought having two was important so for him she was so happy.

"I'm so happy your ok. I think once your a little more with it I am going to buy you a BIG slice of cheese cake."

Leaning down to Axel's level Jess gives him a gentile kiss on the for head just letting her lips linger for a moment. She was so happy he was ok, she had been worried and scared but now he was awake and she new he would be ok.

Just staring at her brother as he talked with the waitress Ryan didn't know what to day. Her brother had always been the lady killer in the family but this...this was rediculate. Finally she cant do anything else but give him a swift hard kick under the table.

"I know your not the smartest in the family, but I would suggest you leave her be."

Looking down at the menu Ryan shakes her head again. Scanning what she wanted everything looked good.

"How about...I dont know. Everything on the menu looks good today why dont you guys pick."

Looking up from his meal Dalton eyes the man at the table to the far right. He's seem him hitting on Dani, and how flustered she was getting. I irritated him but he wasn't sure if it was bothering Dani or not. It didnt look to much like it so maybe he wasn't bothering her all that much.

Seeing the younger girl who was at the table with them Dalton could guess it was someone related to him. She looked just like the man did. Dalton can't help the smile that spread on his lips when he saw her kick him. That was satisfaction enough for him right now.

Entering Kip's room Karla makes a bline for the bathroom. She'd looked around when she was in there yesterday looking for something for a headache so she new what he had. Opening the little medicine cabinet she pulls out some ibuprofen he had and took a washcloth as well wetting it with warm water. Putting the ibuprofen inside Karla crushes it up letting it deslove into the cloth.

Coming back out with the washcloth in hand Karla sits down sideways on the couch. Putting one leg behind Kip and the other hanging over the edge of the couch on the ground. Leaning forward she gently cleans the wound on his face, before retreating the cloth and folding it finally holding it over his eye.

"Its just watch and some crush up ibuprofen. Your pours around you eye will suck it up, and it will take the swelling and some of the color down more than just ice will."

Still leaning close to Kip and holding the cloth on his eye Karla searches his other. Seeing the pain, and the anger she felt so bad. She couldn't remember what it was like when he parents left, but the sicking feeling she got in her stomach just trying to remember was enough to tell her it wasn't good. She could only imagine it was worse for Kip.

"You wanna talk?"

"If I thought she belonged in a hospital we wouldn't be talking right now and I would of already called the cops."

Hope gives a soft smile to JT and her eyes say she in fact they were talking now, and she hadnt called anyone. Bree was a normal girl, with a different look at life. Though her eyes, it was more fun to do things in a strange mannor, then the normal every day drone.

"She doesn't need to be in a hospital, let alone one like what she was in. They did more harm to her than good that's for sure. Crescentview is for people who are beyond help, not for someone who just looks at things in a different light."

Standing again Hope holds up her papers and gives a nod.

"I have everything I need here and this should help in keeping Bree safe. I want to get it to Angelica as soon as I can so I am going to see if Rosetta will let me fax it to her. Its going to be on JT."

Mixed emotions

Axel takes a moment to figure out what Jess was asking. "Um... groggy." Groggy on top of groggy just about covered it as his mind tried to shake the drugs. "...and thirsty." 

He manages to squeeze her hand a little, ironically trying to reassure her, when it was him who was lying in the infirmary bed. "...and it hurts." 

Stopping, he thinks about his statement and a little smile turns up just the very corner of his mouth. "I never thought I'd... feel good... about pain. Tell Misty... it hurts."

Eli grins and nudges his sister in return for the slap. "Yes... did I do a good job?" 

Leo comes up behind them, shaking his head. "Sorry we kept you waiting."

"Oh, no trouble. I just figured I'd like to kill two birds with one stone."

"What birds are those?"

"Saving both your lives as I forced you to come up for air, and saving my life so I don't starve." Eli sidesteps, knowing that a swat was going to come in his direction. Sidling up to the door, he opens it quickly, holding it for Ryan and Leo.

Within minutes, the three are at a booth and Dani is at their table. "Good evening. What can I get for you?"

Eli looks up, a sly glint in his eye. "How about a date so I don't have to control these two on my own?"

Dani laughs and shakes her head. "Sorry, mister, you're on your own for that one. I learned the hard way that once they're gone, they're gone and there's nothing you can do about it."

"Rats." Eli sighs dramatically. "Well... then I guess I'll settle for a coke."

Dani giggles as she jots it down. "Now that I can do." She asks Leo and Ryan what they want, then promises to return. "I'll be right back to take your order."

"Good, 'cause I'm starving... Dani" Eli winks at her.

Dani smirks, though some color comes to her cheeks anyway. "So am I, but I don't get to eat until after closing."

"Mm, well maybe I'll have to stick around until after closing then."

Dani turns to go, but can't help looking back at Eli again. "You see that hulk over there in the corner?"

Eli leans forward to see a giant of a man in a corner booth. "Yeah."

"If you stay after closing, you'll have to contend with him."

Eli quirks an eyebrow and takes a second look at the man before grinning up at Dani again. "Boyfriend?"

"Mm-hmm." 

"Well... you know what they say... sometimes downsizing is a good thing." 

Dani's jaw drops, but a laugh slips out without her permission, finding Eli quite amusing. "I think I'll go get that coke now."

Eli grins and winks. "By the time you get back, we'll have our order ready." Watching her leave, he turns his attention to his sister. "Right? What kind of pizza we getting?"

Kip's fingers run along his door, contemplating Karla's offer. He felt miserable right now  and didn't want to make her feel any worse than she already did. But even though he was embarrassed and upset, he really didn't want to be alone either. 

Eventually, he nods and opens the door a little wider for her to come in. Shutting it behind her once she was in his room, he wanders to his couch and sits down to stare at the floor. She knew where the bathroom was if she wanted anything from there. 

A lump rises in his throat as he battles with his mixed emotions. He hated this. He hated people seeing him like this. He hated the blend of shame and anger. He hated the weakness. 

Heat rises behind his eyes as he wills the stinging not to get the best of him. He'd clean up then just go to bed. Tomorrow was a new day. It always was.

JT leans down to rest his elbows on his knees and sighs deeply before putting his face in his hands. He nods to Hope though, acknowledging what she'd said. "I never made her talk about anything... but I'm sure there's a lot pent up inside of her. I'm so..." He closes his eyes, controlling his temper. "...angry with Bree's parents."


Lowering his hands so he can see Hope, he purses his lips. "What about your evaluation on whether or not she belongs in a hospital?"

New Pain

Turning her head from her book at the sound of Axel's voice Jess smiles. She new he would be ok, but it was good and refreshing to actually see him awake and know he was alright. The confirmation was nice.

Standing and drawing closer to the bed Jess takes Axel's good hand in her own to hold it as she smiled down at him.

"Hey Hey my Rainbow decided to come out and play again. How are you feeling? Other than groggy?"

 Being brought deeper into the kiss Ryan forgot about everything else around them. The car, the pizza, the fact she was in a dress. All that mattered in that moment was Leo and herself. All other time stood still, and....

The sound of the loud bang on the car startled Ryan as she looked up quickly to see her brother. A small grin formed on her face as she shook her head and looked out at him. Wondering if he was hungry, or simply watching over his baby sister.

"Well I guess we better go than, he might try and eat the car or something."

Giving Leo a quick kiss again Ryan slides back to the passanger side and opens the door and getting out. Walking over to where her brother is she gives him a slap on the arm and shakes her head again.

"You sure do like to intarupt the intimate moments don't you?"

 Karla's heart ached as she stood there starring back at her friend. Her own problems just didn't seem as bad anymore as she looked at the bruise on the side of Kip's face. She didn't know what happened for sure, but she did know from Kip his relationship with his father was not a good one and from the observations of the others this wasnt the first.

Stepping a few steps closer to Kip's door Karla lets her voice low. The look that was on Kip's face was on of embarrassment, hurt, anger she'd seen it all before. Living in the rough area of town for so long, she really had learned much about life, and looks, and pain.

"If you let me in I can help clean that up for you and get the swelling down, I know a trick that works wonders."

The time moved on, maybe slow for those who had to relive something over and over again. In there mind each memorie ripping open a new wound when remembered. But with a tender word, and a loving heart comfort would follow, though the pain would always be there at the memoires would become easyer know there was someones arms to fall into.

Exiting the small room Hope scans the dinning hall. Seeing JT with Amanda over on the far couch she walks over papers in her hand. Sinking down in over the over stuffed chairs she lets out a long sigh before finally looked up at JT. Sadness plagued her eyes.

"I got what I needed JT. Bree is sleeping now. Her body was just so tired after crying and...they did a number on her."

Hope lets out a long sigh. Her session with Bree had been hard, and filled with much pain and Bree's part. Hope hated having to drag things up but it was for the best even if it did hurt.

"Once this is all over, if Bree will consent I'd like to see her again. She had alot of pain locked inside, from her parents, to the hospital. I think it would be good for her."

Hope trys to offer the best smile she can to JT letting him know everything would be ok. A small glint formed in her eyes as she was about to talk more.

"On a good note though JT. You and Gunner both played a big part in actually keeping Bree sain. If not for her having both of you, and meaning so much to her we wouldn't be here right now having this conversation. She loves you both very much."

Don't tell

Walking a while longer was nice and JT enjoyed it. Amanda was different than other women... she was quiet, but determined, and she knew what she wanted out of life. It was refreshing to say the least, and her faith in God was one thing JT admired.

Getting back to the dining hall, he follows Amanda in. Glancing to the living room, he wondered how long the evaluation would last, and he decides to sit out at one of the tables to wait it out.

Axel's subconscious thinks he might hear a familiar voice but his eyes are too heavy to open again right now. Instead, he manages a small nod before drifting off once more. It was a half hour before his mind awoke again, and this time, he forces his eyes open. He was in such a daze that he wasn't remembering much at all, but turning his head and seeing Jess, he knows that whatever was going on around him must be okay.

A faint smile creases his lips, his eyes droopy. "Hey Stormy," he greets groggily, his voice hoarse.

Leo couldn't feel more fortunate. Though things had been rough with Ryan for a little while, now, they couldn't be better. To think she took an interest in him was humbling to say the least. She was so vibrant, full of life, smart and beautiful to top it all off. And she'd chosen him. It was enough to make him fall for her even further.

His hands slide to the back of her head and her shoulder as he deepens the kiss, totally wrapped up in the moment and not their surroundings. If he had to describe bliss, this is what he would think of.

A rapid and loud banging shatters the quiet and the mood. It's startling enough that it makes Leo jump and look quickly out the windshield. Eli stares back at him with a crooked grin and a quirked eyebrow, showing his amusement.

Leo smirks and glances to Ryan. "I guess he's hungry."

Kip swallows hard and is quiet for a moment. "I'm... I'm fine."

But in his voice is a lie. He was far from fine. But Karla had the heaviest weight on her shoulders right now and he didn't want to add to it. She needed to receive comfort, not be forced to give it... not at a time like this when her life had crumbled. And yet Kip knew that come morning, he wouldn't be able to lie in the light of day. His eyes still down, his shoulders drop a little more. He might as well tell the truth. "No... I guess I'm not okay."

Opening the door just a little more, he continues to stare at the floor. But now visible is a raw bruise that covers his whole left cheek. A good-sized cut accompanies the black and blue as well.

"I didn't duck fast enough this time," he mumbles. "Don't tell anybody... please."

*blinks*

Starting to walk again with JT Amanda smiles and nodded. One of the things she liked so much about JT was his love for his niece. She had no one else, only him and he loved her like his own. Risked his safety, his job and even his life to save her. It wasn't every day you found someone like that and it was something Amanda admired so much.

A smile forms on Misty's lips as she comes to Axel's side again. This time bearing a cup of water for his parched lips.

"Those are some pretty strong words to be asked the Dr. who will be seeing to your recovery you know."

Putting one of her hands to the back of Axel's head Misty helps him sit up just a little and brings the cup with the cool water to his lips letting him take a small sip.

"You are indeed very much alive my friend. Tired, and groggy but still alive. Just rest, I'll let Jess come in to sit with you now. But you just rest ok?"

Leaving Axel's side for a moment Misty cleans up and goes out into the hall. Looking in the spair bedroom she finds Jess reading. Giving a smile she enters the room.

"Jess, everything we well. You can go in and sit while Axel now. He's in and out of courteousness but when he wakes again I am sure you will be the face he wants to see."

Looking up at Misty Jess smiles standing. It felt so good to be wanted, and to know she had someone she could look after and would do the same for her.

"Thank you Misty."

Exiting the room Jess makes her way back to the infirmary. Entering she goes by Axel's bed side and pulls up one of the chairs. Leaning over him she gives him a gentil kiss on the forhead and than sinks down next to him.

"I'm here now Axel when you wake."

Receiving Leo's kiss Ryan's eyes fall shut. She hadn't expected this but it certainly was something she liked. Tilting her head just a little into Leo's hand Ryan lets her own feelings return to him. Leo had to be one of the best things that had ever happened to her, and she wasn't afraid to let it show. Bringing her own hand to the side of his face and than sliding it to the back of his head to run her fingers lightly through his hair starting at his neck and than up to the top Ryan just lets this moment continue as she slid a little closer across the seat twords Leo to make it more comfortable.

As Kip's door opens Karla stops and turns back around. Not being able to see all of Kip's face she could tell the tone in his voice was different, maybe strained a little with the hint that he had been crying. Obviously if Kip had come up here he wanted his own space maybe?

"Ok, I...I will. Ummm...are you ok? I mean if you need anything you can come to me too ok?"

Karla did mean that, she had her own problems now but Kip was her friend and she would be more than willing to listen or simply give him a hug too. She cared about him, as much as he cares for her.