Helpless

Getting in and buckling up, Stacy was ready to go and just waits for the others. She wasn't in much of a hurry so if they wanted to take their time, it was fine with her.

Hearing the voices that were starting to grow louder, she looks behind her first, to make sure Dylan was okay, only to realize it was Jeff and Eric. Giving a sidelong glance, she didn't want to eavesdrop, but it was hard with their voices raised. Some of the things said were interesting and it seemed Eric had been gone for a little bit? Ah, she'd forgotten he was a truck driver.

Once the voices quiet, Stacy glances into the mirror watching Eric walk to the other truck. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed he had chosen to ride with the others, on top of not being able to help but wonder what had gotten into him. Had she done something to put him on edge or was it really just Jeff's teasing?

After the door closed and Jeff was inside, Stacy waited for the other truck to pull out before she pulls out behind it. Hearing Jeff's apology, she glances at him and then back to the road, the corners of her mouth upturning into a small smile.

"It takes a lot more than that to really embarrass me. I guess being on the police force and being a woman can toughen you up pretty quickly when it comes to that kind of stuff. Thanks, though." Continuing to drive, she couldn't help but laugh at Jeff's attempt to make things up to her. His bad singing, no jokes - Stacy just couldn't see that being Jeff at all. She hadn't been here long, but she had come to know what each person was like, and Jeff was definitely the joker.

Hearing the invitation for dinner at Jeff's bunk or back in town, Stacy can't help the small bit of shock she felt, though she recovered quickly from it. It had been a long time since anyone had asked her to dinner... Was Jeff really just trying to make up for what he bumbled?

"Jeff... Thanks for the offer. That's very kind of you, but...I don't think going back to your bunk is very proper, even if it's something innocent, and going into town - I need to stay at the ranch in case something happens."

Stacy is quiet for a moment, not daring to look at Jeff. It was nice of him to ask, and he was nice, but it just didn't seem right to leave for town and not be here. Yet, there seemed to be something that wanted to pull at her heart - something that told her she shouldn't let this opportunity pass her by...but why? Maybe because having a friend would be nice.

"We could always have dinner in the dining room. You could always bring that lasagna there to cook it once everyone else clears out."


Michaela gives Rocky a wink before pushing the cart away to get the rest of the stuff she needed.

Fifteen minutes later, she was packing her bags into her car before making her way across the street. Entering the shop, she looks around for Rocky but not seeing him yet, she just waits.


Squinting just a little and hearing the sounds around her, it took Ryan a moment to remember where she was. She never spent the night over at Alec's apartment - even so, it made her surroundings even more strange, but it wasn't alarming. It felt... comfortable and safe.

Hearing the little squeaks of the puppies again and Tal's voice ask her about breakfast, everything came back to her from the early morning, and she relaxes a little more into Tal's arm that was wrapped around her. Moving her head a little so she could look up at Tal, Ryan gives a smile, her eyes glittering in the morning light. She felt comfortable here - at peace, as if in this place no caution was needed because there was no worry of something happening. It was a nice feeling not to have to watch one's step and just...be.

"If I say yes then you're going to move and I am far too comfortable, but if I say no, then I fear the rumbling of my stomach will scare you away as well. It's a loss either way I guess."

Giving a little bit of a laugh, Ryan stretches and reluctantly moves, sitting up so Tal could as well. Looking at the small puffballs that still rested with Holly, she smiles even more. She had been part of something special last night. She had been part of life...and it would be something she would not easily forget.

"Want any help? I can make some mean pancakes!"


Looking up at the sky and watching the clouds pass by, the smile never leaves Alice's face. Any place with Kyle was always fun, but something about being in this house with him was just extra special.

"Sometimes I look back and wish I was still a kid too, but then I remember if I never grew up then I wouldn't have been blessed with everything I have been in life. So, I hold onto those memories and look forward to the ones I have yet to make."

Turning her head to the side to see Kyle, she can't help but let her eyes dance as they always did, even more so when it was just her and Kyle. The special silent moment shared between them - they meant the world to her and every moment was cherished. "I think it's an amazing house, perfect for raising kids in, especially like your family. It sounds like you all had quite the energy and there is enough space here just for that."

Hearing the stories about the house made Alice happy. It was nice getting to know a little more about Kyle each day and just hearing about his past - it made her feel so special that he wanted to share it with her.

Taking her hand and bringing it to the side of Kyle's face, Alice just runs her fingers over his skin - his eyes, his lips - just letting them map out his face. Her touch was soft and light as they just traveled, making their path.

"Thank you, Kyle, for letting me in a little more and seeing another part of your life. It means the world to me being able to share these memories with you. Today has been wonderful."


Pulling into the driveway, Katie takes note to the one extra car. She'd never seen it before and the license plate didn't even trigger in her mind who it could be. If something had been wrong, Cindy surely would have called her at work.

Entering the house and passing by the kitchen before heading to the living room, Katie stops, looking in to see Cindy and two other people. Just standing there for a moment, she looks over the man and the other girl before giving a small wave. It was not hard to tell that the man must be Jason's father because he looked so much like him, and the girl must have been related to Jason as well.

"Hey, just wanted to let you know I was here now in case you wanted to try and get some rest. I'll make dinner in a little bit so you don't have to tonight."

No smile passed across Katie's face like it normally would have, and no introduction to who she was was given. She could do that later. Right now, she was just worried about seeing Jason since she had been gone all day. The day had been long and her worry great, the wear and tear was written all over her face, but she would continue on and worry about everything else later.

Giving a little wave, Katie goes down the hallway and into the living room, going right to Jason's side. Sitting down on the edge of the couch, she takes his hand in her own and runs her hand gently down the side of his face before making her way to his hair and running her fingers through it a few times then combing it back into place for him.

"Hey, J. I'm here now. Looks like you have a busy day with some visitors. Mr. Popular, huh?" She tries to smile, though it was hard; the smile was only for Jason. She had to try and stay positive even if only around him. He had to keep his spirits up so - so did she - even if they couldn't feel each other.

"Dalton wanted me to tell you he said hi and Sapphire, too. They'd like to come see you maybe tomorrow."

Letting out a long sigh, Katie couldn't help the tear that rolled down her cheek. It was hard to sit here, helpless, seeing Jason this way. She'd been the hero...his hero... but now... even the hero couldn't save him and it hurt.

Leaning down, Katie presses her lips to his softly, just letting them linger for a moment. If anything, she just wanted to let Jason know she was there. She was there for him, and she wasn't leaving.


Lying in bed and just looking up at the metal slabs that marked where one started and the other stopped, Trey squinted and winced in pain now and then as someone made a noise down the hall. He had too much to drink last night and he was paying for it this morning. Almost everything seemed like a blur and if he hadn't found the paper inside his pocket this morning, he would have thought for sure he'd dreamed up the whole situation that happened at the bar.

His brother was dying, Jason was his brother, Jason's mom was his mom, his brother worked here, and he could save his brother? Why? His brother had the life while he was shipped away. Why had this person thought he would care if Jason lived or died?

Did he care? The same tug at his heart that had been there when he walked away from his mother was back again. A longing, a want, a need to know these people but the mask of pain and anger kept pushing it away even if Trey knew it was down there deep before those other emotions.

Closing his eyes again, he groans. What was the chance he was sent here, where his aunt worked, only to find out his brother was here, his twin brother, and his mother as well? Why did this happen? He'd been happy back in Mexico with his adopted family and now...now his brother's life was in his hands. How was he to make this decision and how much time did he have to make it?