Cards

Hearing what had happened with Reese and Gage Sapphire's face turn from pale to a bright red as a large smile forms. This was such good new that it brought a tear to Sapphire's own eye.

"Oh Gage, thats so great."

Returning Gage's hug. So many things would change for him now. He could live completely normal life now. Job, more time to himself, Sapphire was so happy for him.

"This means...you have the whole world now...I am so proud of you Gage."

Hearing the Ty wanted her to help him and that he finally said she could it made Libby happy. She wanted to help Ty, and she wanted to be able to shair what she new with him to help him him in life. Because what she said really was the truth. He did deserve more in life than what he had. He was cute, smart, and definitely able to learn just like anyone else.

"Well today is a holiday we should enjoy it together. How about tomorrow? You pick the time."

Taking a drink of her shake she smiles at Ty again. Moving her foot she bumps his on mistake. Giving a laugh her cheeks turn a little red.

"Sorry about that!"

A slight smile forms on Ryan's face seeing she took Alec off guard. But it was nice just getting a simple hi from him. Stepping in a little farther and holding up the bag Ryan gives a slight nod.

"Mmmm...I made sure I saved 2 hours out of my day to come spend some time here. "

Going over to the table and sitting down Ryan pushes the bag of food to Alec giving a big smile.

"It should be warm still. Tastes better than way so I made sure it was. I'd ask you how are you but I think I know the answer already so, after you ear care to play some cards?"

Unexpected Christmas gift

Having been so lost in thought, Sapphire's touch to his shoulder makes him jump and he looks to her quickly. The look on his face could be read so many different ways.

Trying to concentrate on the phone call, he wraps it up before responding to Sapphire.

"Um... okay. Thank you, Reese... yeah....merry Christmas." Hanging up the phone, he finally turns to Sapphire. But instead of saying anything right away, he pulls her into a hug, burying his face in her shoulder. Sometimes... maybe Christmas miracles did happen.

Pulling away, tears still glisten in his eyes and he looks into Sapphire's gaze. "Reese had a new tape... something Alec said to somebody at TJY... he... got a bright idea and even forced Brown to talk to him today of all days."

Sniffing, Gage takes his palm to wipe his eyes, feeling a bit stupid, but he couldn't help it. For him, this stirred many different emotions.

"Apparently whatever it was... Reese pressured Brown enough and he got permission to... to release me from labor and probation."

Gage wasn't sure how to express how he felt, never having wanted to smile and cry at the same time. "It's... it's over," he confirms. He could hardly say it out loud for fear it wouldn't be true. "I'm free."

Consern

Enjoying her time with Gage, and happy her parents reacted well with Gage Sapphire lost track of time. Everything mushed into one and thats the way Sapphire liked it. Gage was treated as one of there own family members and it made Sapphire feel good also knowing it had to make Gage feel good as well.

Not sure how much time had gone by Sapphire looks around the room as her mom mentions opening gifts. Sapphire had know Gage went to take his phone call but he had yet to return. Excusing herself Sapphire goes to the kitchen to find him.

Seeing his form bent over the counter and the look on his face her own pales as her heart starts to beat faster. Going over to him and laying a hand on his shoulder Sapphire was conserned.

"Gage, Hun, whats the matter? What happened?"

Tears

Hearing about Libby's home life, Ty isn't too surprised, but he hadn't known it was that bad either. He was alone today too, but it wasn't because of a bad family life. It was just because he hadn't wanted to be anywhere else. His excuse was a poor one though, so he was just as glad that Libby didn't redirect the question back to him.

Taking another bite of his wrap, he lets her change the subject to the book she was holding. Cocking his head he looks at the cover and nods. "I've seen some movies of it. They say the book's always different though."

He's quiet a moment, realizing she'd talked about helping him again, now they were talking about a book. He couldn't get away from the subject if he wanted to. "Alright, so... you still want to help me to read, and I'm still not convinced you can. So in light of that competitive thought, when do you want to start?"


Mick laughs and nods. "Okay. I'll go first. But play nice, I haven't played in a while."

Settling into the game, he gives his full attention to BJ for a while. He had a lot to do, but BJ had been left out enough without his daddy around. It was catch up time.


"I love you too, Sweety." Jay didn't want to end the call either, but it had been good talking to Katie. "Have fun on your ride and tell Jason hi."

Finally ending the call, he hangs up and lets out a little sigh. He had two worlds to his life... the one here, and the one that revolved around Katie. But he didn't mind trying to juggle the two. It was worth it.


Hearing someone clear their throat, Alec's eyes fly open and he straightens from the stance he was in, turning to see the door. "Ryan... hi." A part of him still was surprised to see her, even though she'd said she'd come.

Letting his arms drop, he approaches slowly, hearing her comment about giving someone a run for their money. "Yeah, well... it's the only thing that's kept me sane around here."

Spying the bag, his nose catches a whiff of the food. Homemade? Really? "Homemade..." His eyes almost seem skeptical as if he couldn't believe she'd bring him something as good as that. Come to think of it... He furrows his brow. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had anything but restaurant food or frozen dinners. "Um..." He studies Ryan a moment. Somehow she always managed to surprise him in one way or another.

Finally he shakes his head and moves to the little table with two chairs. "I'll accept... if you sit and stay for a while."


Dinner with Sapphire's family had been a little nerve-wracking for Gage, but overall it had been pleasant. They were nice people, though it was obvious they didn't always know what to say to Gage or how to treat them. Sometimes someone would say something like, "So what is it that you do?" and a brief explanation would have to follow. It was times like that, that Gage was grateful Sapphire was there to help him out of the predicament.

It was a warm and friendly atmosphere though, and eventually Gage felt a little more at ease, realizing that no one was going to kick him out or ridicule him. He was a little disappointed at times, seeing Sapphire's mom and a little sad glint in her eye - he had figured out not long after arriving that it was because Scott was not there. Sapphire had convinced him to come anyway though, so he had, trying to make the best of it.

Now sitting at the large dining room table, the chatter around him continued as dessert was served. The homemade cherry pie was like nothing Gage had had before and he couldn't help sending Sapphire a look that told her he really liked it.

Somewhere in the middle of eating the phone rang, and Gage was informed it was for him. It was Reese.

Glancing to Sapphire, worry ran through Gage's eyes. Had something happened? Was he in trouble? Had he broken any rules? Swallowing hard, he leaves his half-eaten pie at the table, going to the kitchen to take the call. "Hello?"

He leans on the counter, afraid of what Reese might have to say, and on Christmas of all days. A few minutes later though, he was bent over the counter, tears glistening in his eyes, though he tried to hold them back. Still listening, he could hardly find his voice, afraid it might crack.

Home Made!

Lifting the once side of her face in a half smile Libby gave a nod. She didn't mind helping Ty, that last thing she ever would want would be to have him be embarrassed.

"Your welcome. Maybe soon once I can help you, you wont need to fool people. You deserve better than that."

Libby's smile grows even more as she pops a french fry into her mouth. Thinking for a long moment on Ty's next question. Looking across the table Libby's study's Ty for a long moment the smile on her face dulls just a little as she looks down at her plate and than back up at Ty again.

"I was home with my family, and I stayed as long as I could. I always try hoping things will change ya know?! But it was no different this year from any other. My mom was drunk, and my step father was a jerk, along with my brother being himself. I just had to get out of there."

Giving a little smile Libby holds up the Treasure island book she was reading to show Ty.

"I like to read. It takes me to anywhere I want to go. Like this one is Treasure island. There is pirates, mystery, murder...its a nice get away. Than again sitting here and having your company is a nice get away too."

Giving a gentile nod to Mick and returning his kiss Rosetta was so proud of him. He was making a compromise, On Dan staying there and his daughters relationship with the young man. At least Mick was trying and thats what was important to Rosetta.

Seeing the shine in Mick's eyes that Rosetta had fallen in love with so many years and now to see it again after being absent for so long it brought an even bigger smile to Rosetta's face as she return his kiss.

"Let me clean up the dishes and what while you relax."

Watching every movie Dylan had made BJ contently sat in his chair next to Mick. His eyes even follow him when he leaves. Craining his neck to see out the door to continue to watch where Dylan when Mick's question goes unanswered for now. Finally though as Dylan can no longer be seen BJ brings his attachen back to Mick picking up where his questions was.

"I will be red. You doe first you lost last time."

Giving a smile and a nod even though Jay couldn't see her Katie thought that would be a great idea and just thinking about it made her excited.

"I'd really like that. Maybe we could figure out something special we could do together."

Her dad coming to Nevada and actually having time to be shown around would really be great. Maybe he would even be able to hear Jetstream finally.

Not wanting to end the call Katie new she should. Time was ticking and she told Jason she wouldn't be long. It was good to talk to her dad again. It had been far to long.

"Well I better get going. Jason is waiting for to for a ride with me. I love you Dad."

Once again like so many times before Ryan had found herself standing outside the door to where she new Alec was inside. This time she had home made turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and some fresh rolls. It had been like pulling teeth to get Leo and Eli to save some food, but Ryan made it happened and likes she promised here she was.

Knocking lightly and entering the room she just stands for a long moment watching Alec over in the corner practicing his moves. It was interesting watching him, he seemed so dedicated. Clearing her throat a little Ryan stays by the door till she knows Alec knows she is there.

"You certainly do look like you could give someone a run for there money. How ever I come bearing food. It's good home made good too."

All alone

Ty is startled by Libby's approach, though when realizing it's her, a little smile comes to his face. He certainly hadn't expected to run into anyone he knew today.

Starting to open his mouth to reply, he isn't quick enough, and Libby is off again, this time listing some of the items on the menu. As she talked, Ty didn't bother looking up at the sign, but instead just looked down at her sparkling eyes, his grin widening a little with amusement. He did manage to catch what she said though, and reaches up teasingly to ruffle her hair.

"I guess I could use some company too," he admits. "And now that I actually know what I wanna order, how can I not come sit with you?"

Shaking his head, he goes back to the counter, ordering the bacon ranch wrap and some mozzarella sticks. Glancing at the logos for the soda pop he orders a coke and within minutes, his order is ready and he's wandering back to Libby's table.

Sliding in the booth across from her, he gives her a wry smile. "Thank you... Joe's one of the people I've managed to fool thus far."

Taking out his napkin, he turns the container of mozzarella sticks so Libby can have some if she wants. "So... can I ask you a personal question?"

He takes a bite of his wrap, nodding with satisfaction at the taste. "What are you doing out here alone on a day like today?"


Alec sits slouched on his cot, leaned back against the wall. On the opposite wall on the floor stood the Burger King bag from the day before, rescued from the trash, straightened out and set up like a basket of sorts. In Alec's hand were a bunch of tiny paper balls from torn up napkins.

Flicking another little ball the short distance, it bounces off the wall and into the bag. Fifteen out of fifteen. They hadn't called him an assassin for nothing. Another ball goes flying, this time straight into the paper basket.

The only difference about today than yesterday was he was in a different pair of jeans and a different shirt. But otherwise, to him, it wasn't much different. Being Christmas meant nothing this year, even if he did have a little hope somewhere down deep that Ryan would be true to her word and at least come for five minutes. A day in here was like a lifetime, so five minutes was like a long reprieve.

Another little ball shoots into the bag. Who was he kidding? It was a miserable day. It was different whether he liked it or not, because he missed freedom. He didn't know if he'd choose to go out and get drunk like he did at the Agency parties, but at least he'd been free one day out of the year.

Sighing, Alec stops flicking the paper balls and just stares into nothingness. He'd finally hit the point where he wondered if the Elite had won. He was down. Was this what they wanted?

Gritting his teeth, Alec flings the rest of the balls to the bag like a shotgun as they scatter in and around the bag. Getting up off the cot, he goes to the empty corner of his room and closes his eyes, breathing deeply before starting his daily fight routine. He knew his distance from the objects in the room, so his eyes stayed closed as he punched, blocked and kicked at an imaginary enemy, running through the paces. It was the third time today. It was the third time he'd kept himself from slipping into the pit of defeat.


Mick continues to think, looking down at his coffee mug as Rosetta speaks, his finger running along the rim absentmindedly. He wasn't surprised... disappointed maybe. Disappointed that both Jade and Dan had not respected his wishes. He didn't feel quite the same anger as he had before - when he'd found them the last time, he had had so much more on his mind... Dylan... his drinking problem - both of which had made him much more testy than he should have been. At the time, he would have said he was angered simply by Dan's disrespect and a rebellious daughter. But Mick knew it had been more than that that led him to become so angry. So now... now that he was back, he'd sorted through his personal problems and Dylan was in his custody... what did he feel about Jade and Dan?

"Oh." Hearing Jade had been laughing and smiling was good. Hearing she missed him was a little bit of a surprise though, after he was sure she'd been so upset with him. Still... he remembered the position she and Dan had been in in the barn that day and he still deemed it inappropriate.

"Well..." He sighs and glances to his wife. "I'll try to give Dan a chance. I liked him in the beginning... he's got a lot of potential and I saw it then. I guess I just had my guard up with thinking I knew his record was clean but sensing it wasn't, then my sights got blurred and it wasn't really him I was mad at. I was more mad at myself than anybody... for failing as a father... for failing you... for failing myself. I guess I wouldn't have been near upset to find out about Dan's past if my mind had been clear."

Looking back to his coffee mug, he's quiet for another couple moments. "As for him and Jade... I can't say I'm happy about it, but I guess she could be in worse trouble than just making out with a guy in the barn."

He gives a sidelong glance to the window where Dylan still stood. At least Jade hadn't been into things like his son had. Still...

"I won't kick Dan out," Mick finally concludes. "It might be a short-lived romance anyway. But I will tell them to cool their jets if I catch 'em like I did before I left. She's still my daughter and she's still only seventeen. Doesn't need to be putting herself in compromising positions with a man, least of all a man who's five years older and has been with a woman before."

Nodding with decisiveness, Mick's statement has a ring of finality. He would give Dan another chance and he would let him and Jade date if they wanted, but that's as far as it went. It was a fair compromise in his mind.

Looking into Rosetta's eyes, a warm smile forms on Mick's face, making his eyes shine more than they had in months. "Thank you... for being more than you ever had to be. I don't know how I'd make it without you."

Leaning over to give her lips a tender kiss, he pulls back, brushing her cheek with his hand. It would take a while for him to settle back in again, but for now at least he felt he had a handle on what had been going on so there wouldn't be too many surprises. He still needed to see his brothers... but first, he had another promise to keep after he took care of Dylan.

"Hey, Dylan?"

Dylan turns from the window without much interest.

"You wanna stay in the main house with us, or in your own bunk?"

Dylan smirks at him. The answer to that should be obvious.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. If you want to, you go settle in bunk three." He glances at Rosetta to make sure it was empty. "Then when your sister gets back, she'll have some of your stuff from Colorado."

Dylan eyes Mick, then Rosetta a moment. He was being dismissed from the scene. Not that he cared - he hadn't made himself a part of it to begin with. Shrugging, he heads to the door and exits.

Mick gives another little sigh, but leaves things be. Right now the only goal he had was to keep Dylan from running off and when he was silent, at least he wasn't swearing or throwing a tantrum. Swiveling in his chair, Mick finally pays attention to the little one who had been waiting for what probably seemed to him an eternity. This promise wouldn't be forgotten. "Alright, kiddo. Red or black?"


Dylan trudges from the dining hall, scuffing his shoes on the gravel as he wandered around to the bunk houses, checking out the numbers and finding the one Mick had told him he could use. After going inside and nosing around, he exits again, not wanting to stay inside anymore. Not that he had anywhere else to go at the moment.

Standing in the middle of the driveway, he sees the auto shop off to the side. His cousin was apparently getting to be quite the mechanic. Wendy worked with her mom or with the kids... Rosalyn worked with Becky on housekeeping and cooking... It was like some little community where the next generation was preparing to take over in years to come. They all had a place here. But Dylan certainly didn't feel like he fit. The only reason he was here was because he was the boss' son, and a troublemaker to boot. No... he didn't belong here.

Finding his way over to one of the pasture fences, he climbs up to sit on the top rail, looking out at nothing. He'd hated the McClain ranch and he hated this one too. Surrounded by people, but all alone.


Still smiling, Jay finds a nearby chair to sit down. "Oh, I'm doing just fine and so is everybody else. Your siblings are running around here somewhere. Kelsey brought her boyfriend, so needless to say she's a little distracted, but otherwise, things are great. I wanted to come down to the ranch at least for part of a day, but then Jessica's parents couldn't make it when they thought and so plans got all messed up."

He pauses, just enjoying being able to talk to Katie. Maybe he wasn't her real father, but she was as much his daughter as she ever was and he couldn't love her more. "I miss you too, Katie... I want to come see you soon... maybe drop by Nevada or something since we couldn't get together for the holidays. Would that be okay?"