Freedom

Hearing Ryan's excitement, Tal laughs. He always got excited when the puppies came, but he'd never had anyone who really shared that excitement. "Don't know how many pups... could be five... could be eight... I'm hoping for eight."

The thought of Eli forcing him to go over there for supper makes him laugh again. "Yeah - like I'd refuse. Six sounds great, and I'll bring the ice cream for dessert."

Ending the call, a smile is still on Tal's lips. It really was nice having someone to do things with... to share time with. He'd lacked that for too long. And he and Ryan? Well... who knew? Maybe he hadn't started out with the intention of dating her but... who was he to argue? Maybe him wanting to make her feel better was just the open door that was supposed to be there.


Michaela,
I'm always free. Well, not always, but I don't have a life, remember? Most weeknights I'm free at some point, before or after band practices and Bible studies. And if you want to get together sooner than a month from now, how about giving me a call? 555-3490. You realize it's absurd to rely on letters when we live this close together, right? lol
Rocky

Rocky smirks and rolls his eyes as he folds his letter and puts it in an envelop. Either he really was funny or he was incredibly dumb. He hoped Michaela didn't think it was the latter. He was kind of having fun corresponding with her, and having included her with the band's after-concert party recently was fun too. If she really did want to get together, he was game.


Trey's response really didn't surprise Pete, but it still disappointed him. He hadn't meant to make it sound like Trey was just a side stop for Cindy... he'd just been trying to avoid it sounding like Cindy was being overbearing. Apparently his tactic had backfired. It probably wouldn't have mattered though, no matter how well Pete would have said it. He could see the anger, hurt, and maybe some confusion in Trey's eyes, but there was nothing he could say that would help unless Trey was willing to listen - and at this point, it was apparent that he was not.

All Pete can do is shrug. "Okay. I'll tell her." He turns to leave, pausing just once. "I'll catch you later, Trey." Slipping from the room, he does as requested, and closes the door softly. Heading back upstairs, his steps are heavy, as is his sigh. At the end of the hall he sees Cindy pacing on the main floor, and his heart hurts just a little. Cindy was a good woman and she didn't deserve all of this.

Cindy's eyes were on the floor until she catches sight of Pete. Seeing him alone, her heart skips a beat and she steps towards the hall to meet him, her eyes desperately searching his expression for hope. "What did he say?"

Pete's entire face wore an apology. "He said no."

"But-"

"I'm sorry, Cindy." Pete tries to be as gentle as he can. "We talked about this, remember? We knew he might not want to see you."

Fresh tears pool in Cindy's eyes. "Yes, but-"

"It's going to take time." Pete sets a hand on her shoulder. He remembers seeing her at TJY often before she'd gone to live in Texas. She'd been so strong... so brave. It hurt to see her crushed like this. "This is a lot for him to process."

Cindy swallows hard, her eyes darting down the hall, then back up at Pete's face. "Will he... ever want to see me?"

"I don't know." Pete gives her shoulder a squeeze. "We can hope and pray. But pushing him may just make things worse." Seeing her tears makes it hurt all the more. "I'm sorry. Can I walk you to your car?"

Cindy shakes her head and backs away, turning to leave. But after a couple steps, she stops. The exit sign becomes a blur as her tears finally overflow to trickle down her face. As her emotions churn, her fists ball up at her sides and she spins back around. "I have a right." Her hoarse voice quivers. "I have a right to see my son. And no one... not even he can take that away from me."

Pete's eyebrows rise slightly. "I understand, but-"

"No." Cindy's glistening eyes flash. "My husband is overseas, my daughter is back in Texas, I'm losing one son...." She chokes on a sob. "I am not going to let Trey get away that easy." She takes a step forward but is stopped by Pete's arms. "Let me go, Pete," she warns.

"I can't let you do this." Pete takes her arms firmly. "You're upset... you're not thinking straight, let's just-"

"I said let me go!" Cindy tries to rip her arms loose, but his grip is strong. All of her pent up emotions seem to boil over at once and she throws a punch at his shoulder. "You can't keep me from seeing him!"

Pete winces but doesn't let go. "I can and I will." His voice remains calm, even though he was panicking on the inside. "You don't want to do this."

"I want to see my son!" Cindy tries again to free herself. "Everything that's important to me is being taken away - I will not let Trey be one of those things!" Lunging for the wall with all her might, it's enough to knock Pete off balance and for her to be free. She slams into the wall and spins around, on guard in case Pete tried to stop her.

He stares back at her, knowing he could physically stop her if he wanted to. But at this point, was it worth it? He eyes her with pity. "If you go down there, is it really going to be worth it? Is it really going to be worth any more pain?"

Cindy's eyes narrow. "Put yourself in my shoes, Peter Duncan." Several new tears slide down her cheeks. "What would you do?"

Pete's shoulders drop and he holds up his hands in surrender. "I'd probably go down and try to see him."

Cindy's lower lip quivers as she spins around and marches down the hall. Hitting the staircase, her path blurs and she swipes angrily at her eyes. Making it to the lower level, she looks around, trying to find her way. It only takes a few moments for her to find the closed door, and she knew it was the right one. Drying her eyes on her sleeve, she sucks in a ragged breath. A quick knock is the only warning she gives.

Swinging open the door, she stands in the doorway and her eyes immediately attach themselves to Trey. She blinks and her mouth opens slightly as some kind of words want to come, but they become lodged in her throat instead of being spoken. Her gaze takes in everything about Trey... what he looked like... his eyes... his hair... his features. He did resemble Jason, but not enough that she'd ever guess they were twins. Yet Trey looked much like her own father had when he'd been young - enough so that any doubt that lingered was erased. Something like an electrical shock spreads through her veins. This was her son. This was her son that she never even knew she had. This was her son that she should have had from birth... that she should have been able to hold, right along with Jason... that she should have seen grow up, and care for and raise and love. This... this was her child.

A new onslaught of tears begins to rise and she lifts both hands to her mouth to muffle the sob that tried to come out. And she just stands in silence, unable to take her eyes off of Trey's face.


Chance wasn't sure if he should dare start to hope or not. The look in Destiny's eye... was there anything there that still cared? Was there anything there that felt anything for him? That faint glow... was that it? Her gaze was so clouded with anger and pain, that he couldn't be quite sure.

He was thinking so much that he barely heard her words. He blinks. She was willing to see him? He'd get a chance to talk to her? To...to maybe mend things? Maybe? His heart stirs.

Opening his mouth to say yes, he doesn't even get the words out before he's staring at the closed door again. And staring at it is all he can do for several long moments. "Yes," he whispers. "I'll meet you."

Eventually, he pries himself from the house, despite his screaming desire to stay. She wanted to see him again... that was all he could ask for, and more than he could expect...

...The night is long and sleepless. Though used to sleeping in his car, tonight, it felt more cramped than ever. Tossing and turning, Chance gains only a small amount of rest. By morning, his eyes were tired and hurt, and his whole body was sore. But he didn't care.

Making it to Mom and Pop's early, he waits in his car for a while, keeping an eye out for Destiny. by eight-thirty though, he'd seen no sign of her. A sinking feeling warned him that she might have changed her mind.

At eight-forty-five, Chance goes inside and looks for her, but still not seeing her, he takes a corner booth, hoping no one came in who would recognize him. And at nine-thirty, he still sat, sure now that Destiny really didn't want to see him. At ten, Chance was ready to leave town. But sitting in his car at a stop sign, his heart simply won't let him walk away. So he turns left... back to Destiny's house.


It seemed like a bad dream all over again. It was all the same. The small apartment... the dingy windows... the slight musty smell from a leak no one could find. Most furnishings were still there though, minus anything that had been hung on the walls or any small things that had been sitting around.

Alec glances around the living room/bedroom, feeling as though it were yesterday that Reese was bringing him here for the first time - for his first taste of freedom from TJY. Today though... today it was a taste of imprisonment.

"There's a couple days' worth of food in the kitchen," Reese informs. Having Alec back at TJY for a few days since the court hearing had given them enough time to prepare the apartment. Reese would have done less, had it not been for the request from Susanne to at least make sure Alec had food.

Alec doesn't respond, but just stands numbly in the middle of the room.

Reese watches him for a moment, then shakes his head. "There will be someone to pick you up tomorrow morning. I suggest getting a good night's sleep tonight."

As if. Alec knew that sleep wasn't going to come easily. He should be thankful he wasn't in prison right now... but there wasn't much to look forward to. Being picked up in the morning meant time for his sentence to be served. From the sounds of it, he'd be working with a road crew, digging a trench along one of the highways. He remembers what seems a lifetime ago when Gage had been forced into similar work, while Alec had gotten off easy, held at TJY. Now though... now it was different. A few doors down, Gage was a free man, and it was Alec who was still in custody. Sure, he had his apartment back, but... he glances down to see the all-too-familiar ankle bracelet. "Don't trust me not to skip town, eh?"

Reese scoffs. "You kidding? We've got you on radar, Alec. Screw this up and you're done. Everybody deserves second chances, but this is your last."

"What happened to my bike?"

"Your motorcycle? Sold... two hundred bucks for the Elite."

Though Alec's face doesn't change, inside, his heart sank just a little bit more. He knew he deserved all of this, but... everything was gone. His belongings, his freedom... his dignity. He'd worked hard on that motorcycle - it had been the one thing that could get him away from everything, even if only for a few hours. Now he was back on foot... working for no other reason than to break a sweat and be taught a "lesson," and he was back to a lousy allowance that gave him just enough money to buy enough food to survive, without time to find a real job - not that anyone would hire him anyway. Humiliation didn't begin to describe it. But he wasn't about to let that humiliation show.

He finally looks at Reese. "How far can I get before you send your dogs after me?"

"Right now? No farther than the sidewalk. Behave yourself and we'll expand the radius of your free zone."

"I might as well be locked up at TJY again."

"I can arrange that."

Alec glares at him before snatching the apartment key from his hand. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Reese starts to say something, then decides not to waste his breath. "Yeah."

Once he was alone, the apartment felt way too quiet. The sounds from the nearby street didn't even help. Wandering to the couch, Alec flops down and stares up at the ceiling. He had no one to see... no one to talk to... no one to call. Even if he wanted to call someone, he had no phone. Not yet. He would though. He was going to get right back up where he'd been, if it killed him. Who cared that he had to work hard labor for a while? He'd manage. And he'd show them all that he couldn't be broken. He might have made some stupid choices lately, but he still deserved respect - and freedom would follow.


Kip was used to holding Karla's hand by now, but it brought no less enjoyment, knowing she still cared and still wanted him around. Giving her fingers a little squeeze, he stands with her, waiting for their ice cream. Her comment, though, loosens his grip just a little. He shrugs. "Not much place for anything else, and if I played something else, who would be on bass?"

His eyes study the menu, even though they'd already ordered. "Twila can play the bass... Erik too. In reality, if Russ would play lead and Erik bass, they wouldn't need me. Just gives the band a fuller sound with both of them on their guitars."

Seeing their order was ready, he retrieves the ice cream and leads the way to an outdoor table. Taking a spoonful of the cold treat, he just lets it melt slowly in his mouth. "Nah," he resumes the conversation," I doubt Kyle would want me on anything else - it would shuffle things too much."


Though Lydia's eyes drift to the table, Beth's words were still heard, and she nods slowly... sadly almost. "I know... that what I have chosen is not completely right, but... when you must choose between two evils, which is the right one?"

She sighs deeply and sips her coffee in thoughtful silence. "I know I alone cannot help Jared. He is stubborn and his heart is cold. But if I choose to bring Justin back now, Jared will be gone for good. Or worse, Justin will force him out because he is angry." She glances up to Beth. Her accents shows itself a little more, proving she was relaxed around this new friend. "You seem to know Justin well. Do you think if I called him, he would not be angry at Jared? Do you think he would not come right over and tell Jared to leave?" A little smile tugs the corner of her mouth. "I think we are both smarter than that. Jared is stubborn, and Justin is just as stubborn when he wants to be. If he knew I missed him, the wound between brothers would only grow."

Finishing her pie, Lydia savors the last bite before speaking again. "Sometimes I wonder what their father would do, if he were still alive. I do not know. But most days... most days I feel like I have failed as a mother. So I choose a path... and I pray to God I am making the best decisions I can."

She cocks her head, just studying Beth for a long moment. "I cannot do as much for myself as I want. It has been that way for many years. My back has failed and I cannot walk or stand very long. That is why Justin always helped me. I cook and clean but I have many places to sit and rest. I have never driven - Samuel always drove and I have rides to church. Now I live in a house that is paid for... but I do not live on much. I have the...the..." She searches for the correct word. "Disability. Also, Samuel's brother helps me - he is a very good man."

Pausing, Lydia shrugs. "So you see, I have nothing much. I do not know what Jared wants. He has plenty of money and is already helping me buy food." She shrugs again. "I can only think that he likes power... and he likes making his brother suffer."

She glances at the clock, obviously keeping track of the time, afraid Jared would come home early. "I do not know if I will call Justin or not. Perhaps if I could meet him somewhere while Jared is out so I can explain. I just do not want to make things worse."

Her eyes question Beth. "Would you see if Justin wants to see me?"


Stacy's comment sends more heat to Eric's face and he gives her a sidelong glance, trying to relax. He realizes now that his little fuss may have done nothing but make her even more uncomfortable than if he'd just gotten in the truck like a normal person. "Yeah..." A little sheepish grin quirks the corner of his mouth. "Sorry."

The ride was a quiet one, though Jeff manages to break the silence several times. Without much help from Eric though, he finally resorts to the radio if only to try and rid the cab of the awkwardness coming from Eric's way. Thankfully, by the time they got to town, Eric had relaxed somewhat and the tension wasn't quite as high. He'd finally managed to quit thinking about being in such close quarters and at least hoped that he hadn't made Stacy feel any more uneasy. Getting to the shop, the group spread out a little bit, each browsing for the items they came for...


"...This one?"

"No."

"How 'bout this?"

"Mmm... nah."

"This one?"

"Nuh-uh."

Eric sighs as he puts yet another hat back on the wall peg. His eyes narrow at Jeff. "You realize I wouldn't know if you were being honest or just tryin' to see how many hats I'll actually try on in one day, right?"

Jeff's mouth twitches as he keeps his arms folded. They were surrounded by horse equipment, clothing and more. The scent of leather was strong and the atmosphere peaceful. It was a favorite stop for those at the ranch, even when there were no plans to buy anything. Today though, Dylan and Sparky were browsing saddles as planned, and Eric was trying to find a new hat. Jeff just happened to be the self-appointed critic before he browsed for "just a little something" he'd come to get.

Eric throws him a smirk. "You ain't any help." He grabs a gray hat and checks himself in the mirror before grimacing.

"Maybe it would help if you got a haircut," Jeff suggests.

"What? And spoil my irresistibly handsome looks?" Eric runs a hand through his wavy hair. He rolls his eyes and puts that hat back too before grabbing a dark brown one with a tasteful band. "Here." He looks in the mirror again and adjusts the brim, cocking his head.

Jeff shrugs. "It's alright." He glances around for a moment. "Hey, Stacy, come here a sec," he calls.

Eric's eyes widen. "What are you-"

"Stacy..." Jeff gestures to Eric. "On a scale of one to ten, how irresistible do you think he looks in that hat?"

Eric could feel heat crawling up the back of his neck. "Why you-"

"One being downright unattractive and ten being sexy." Jeff licks a finger and swipes the air with a sizzling sound.

Eric sets his hands on his hips and looks at Stacy, helpless against the redness spreading on his face... again. He was going to kill Jeff by the time this day was over, plain and simple.