Friends

Scarlet can't help but chuckle listing to the lady behind the counter. Her eyes sparkled as her hands slide around Eli's neck and up to the back of his head. Resting her own head against his Scarlet just looks deep into his endless eyes. Out of everything they are what captivated her the most.

"You are pretty suave you know."

Pulling away and shaking her head a little bit Scarlet looks Eli over herself. He looked extra good to her today that was for sure. Taking Eli's hand in her own she locks her fingers around his.

"I'm ready. Should we take your bike or mine?"

Hope gives a smile as she hears she still had a job. She loved what she did and knowing it was still waiting for her made her happy. Hearing about some of the new stuff that was going on around the office Hope was happy to hear everyone was for the most part doing good.

"If these Dr have anything to say about it I will be working on getting stronger faster. I think they are already tired of me whining that I want to get out of bed and move around. I'm so stiff. Little baby steps they say seeing as I get winded just from going to the bathroom."

Rolling her eyes and leaning back on the bed once again Hope closes her eyes for a moment. She really did get winded easily right now but sitting around and doing nothing was even worse for her, but right now it was what it was.

Opening her eyes again and looking to Reese she took note he left Scott out of the list of names. She wondered if that meant he was doing bad or if he was still seeing Justin.

"How's Scott doing?"

As Justin's hand reaches out and takes hers Beth stops short. To shocked to jump she just stands there and looks down at there hands for a moment. Justin had never made a move like this before though they had been rather close that one night of the scary movie this just seemed different.

Hearing his words that followed it mad Beth smile as a warm feeling crawled up the back of her neck and to her cheeks. Why it felt like something more than a friendship comment Beth wasn't sure, and that feeling was followed by an odd guilt that she left herself feel this way when Justin had a girl already.

"I'm happy I can be that friend for you Justin. We all need them, you were there for me and now I get to return the favor."

Giving his hand a pat and letting it fall from hers Beth heads into the kitchen once again. Gathering together two glasses and putting water in them Beth move to do some dishes and clean a few things up before.

As she cleaned her mind wondered to her sister. She hadn't been there this morning yet to see her, but maybe if Justin was feeling better this afternoon she could go and come back.

Hearing the microwave beep Beth takes the cups out and puts some tea bags into them. Her mind seeming to wonder again for a moment. It felt odd being in Justin's house and doing all this stuff for him but at the same time it seemed normal like she had been friends forever and this was normal.

Giving a little smile and taking the glasses along with some more medicine Beth goes back into the living room and hands them to him before sitting down on the edge of the couch with him.

"Here you go drink this and it should help your tummy and fever a little. Would you like to watch tv or anything?"

Suave

At any other time, it would have felt awkward, but Justin was too far out of it to care if Beth came in the bathroom to help him up. He numbly follows her lead, getting cleaned up and leaning on her to walk back out to the living room. His knees were weak and just about buckled before they could reach the couch, but thankfully he made it.

Easing down to lie on his side with his head propped up at one end, the blankets feel oh so good as he shivers. Beth's question takes a few moments to register, but then he nods. After throwing up his breakfast, he really didn't feel like eating anything else, but some hot tea might do some good.

Before she can leave though, his hand reaches out and takes hers to stop her. Looking up, his eyes are a bit glazed and his mind struggles to work through the fog so he can say what he wants to. "You're the best kind of friend someone can have," he states softly. "You have a beautiful heart."


Kip doesn't respond right away, just mulling over Karla's suggestion. He stares at the ceiling, knowing how many curves were in the paint design, but he counts them anyway. "I'm not hungry," he lies.


Out in the kitchen, Gram dishes out breakfast onto a third plate as she sets the table. "We've got eggs and bacon and..." She turns to grab another plate. "Toast."

"Did you know I was coming?" Erik grins as he sits across from Gramps, having just arrived ten minutes prior. Being invited to stay for breakfast, he'd given in, knowing that it would make Gram feel good... and her food was always delicious.

Gram chuckles. "Gramps always complains that I make too much food, so I'd say you showed up at just the right time."

"And we'll still have leftovers," Gramps adds under his breath, though his eyes twinkled.

"I heard that." Gram comes to join them, starting to butter the toast. "And it's just as well, in case Kip and Karla want anything when they get up."

"Have you seen Kip yet this morning?" Erik questions.

Gram shakes her head. "Haven't heard a peep since last night."

"That's probably a good thing." At least that meant there had been no nightmares or physical difficulties. Erik gestures to a brown paper sack he'd put at the other end of the kitchen table. "When he gets up, can you make sure he gets that?"

"Of course. Anything I need to take to him if he doesn't come out?"

Erik thinks a moment then shrugs. "Maybe. It's got his prescription for the pain and swelling - he might want those. There's also a couple cookies Twila made and a bottle of Mountain Dew from Russ and Theo."

Gram smiles. "I'm sure he'll like those. You all really are like family, aren't you?"

"We sure are."


Hearing muffled voices, Kip sighs. Now he really didn't want to get up. But he didn't want to make Karla sit around here and do nothing today, whether she was willing or not. "You don't have to stay with me," he mentions. "I'll be fine."


"Still have a job? You kidding?" Reese rolls his eyes. "We're all so messed up in the head, we'll be lining up just to get in to see you - and that doesn't include the ones we bring in from the outside." He grins. "Of course you still have a job."

Relaxing for just a few minutes, he leans back in the chair. "Everyone is hanging in there." It was hard to remember what Hope would know and what she wouldn't. He didn't want to tell her Scott had disowned several people, so he tries to avoid that topic. "Let's see..." Thinking of all that had been happening lately, he fills her in on this and that, who was doing what, and a bit of office humor. "We, um... also found out Jason has a brother - our resident refugee from Mexico. Long story and we still don't know all the facts - I'm still in shock - but the DNA is right. Trey doesn't know yet but Jason does. He... didn't take it well. As a matter of fact, I might have him see you once he settles down again."

Cocking his head a little, he reaches out to pat Hope's hand. "But you just concentrate on getting your strength back first. That's the most important thing."


Hearing Scarlet's voice, Eli and Tal's heads shoot up from their car. "Scarlet!" Tal grins from ear to ear. "Thought you'd never ask! Just give me two minutes to clean up."

Eli's eyes narrow and he gives Tal a hearty slap upside the head. "You trying to move in on my girl?"

Tal throws up his hands and backs up a step. "Hey, ask her - she's the one that suggested a date."

"Sure." Eli smirks and wipes his hands on a rag before heading for the half-open door. Smiling, he comes into the front area, ignoring Sandy and the one customer that was waiting. Giving Scarlet a once-over, his smile widens. "You look as fabulous as always." Sidling up to her, he slips an arm around her waist and leans down to plant a kiss on her lips. "I would love to do lunch and... whatever follows."

Sandy clears her throat from behind the counter. "Mr. Suave, would you kindly take your date outdoors while we have customers present?"

Eli doesn't break his gaze from Scarlet. "She thinks I'm suave," he teases, running a hand over the black bandanna on his head and batting his eye lashes.

Sandy rolls her eyes. "Go. I'll clock you out."

Eli laughs. "Alright, you win." Stepping back, he holds out his hand to Scarlet. "Shall we?"