Pro

Rocky stops mid-chew and finally looks across at Michaela. Why his heart was suddenly thumping a little faster, he wasn't quite sure.

Finishing his bite, he sets his sandwich down and his one eyebrow arcs as he cocks his head. "Well, um... I guess... yeah... if you don't mind. I mean if you'd like to. Date that is. I mean go on a date. With me. Bowling. Hang out type of date. Not a date date. Or a date. Whichever... you prefer?"

Blinking, Rocky furrows his brow, getting the feeling that he'd just made no sense at all. His cheeks turn soft crimson, although his mouth does curl up into a sheepish smile. "Can you tell I've been out with girls a million times? I mean, it takes talent to botch up a simple invitation like that. I'm a pro and I didn't even know it til now."


It was several hours later, and Tal was settled on his couch with his head in Ryan's lap as a movie played quietly. At the moment, without moving, he wasn't in too much pain, which was better than earlier. His hand holds Ryan's, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing her palm. He was glad for her help with taking care of things, and more glad for her company. One thing did bother him though, and he hadn't brought it up yet...

"Hey, Ryan..." He readjusts his mouth a little so his jaw wouldn't protest him talking. "About what Alec told me..." He'd found out that there was no proof his attacker had been Alec. He didn't know how it had happened, or what had malfunctioned or how Alec had made it work, but he knew it was him. He had no doubt. And at least Ryan and Eli believed him.

"...I don't plan on obeying him, ya know. I mean... he's just being stupid and there's no way I'm gonna quit seeing you 'cause he's threatening me." He gives her hand a squeeze. "You mean too much to me for that."


The sunlight hits Dylan's eyes hard and he squints, shuffling slowly off the porch as the screen door falls shut behind him. A little wobbly on his legs, he leans on the railing for a moment, letting his brain get its bearings.

As predicted, it had been another day or two and he was finally feeling well enough to at least get outside for some fresh air. His muscles felt shaky and his stomach still wasn't quite right, making work not an option today. But at least he could get some sunshine and get out of the bedroom for a little while. The only thing that bothered him was facing people. He'd seen his dad... Stacy... Ashlee... Dan... Rosetta... Jade... but that was it. Not since going downhill anyway. He feared what people might think even worse than when Dan had brought him back from town. Now they all knew. They all knew that he'd made the wrong choices. They all knew he'd been weak. Not strong enough to stand up and say no.

Sighing, Dylan trudges forward. It was warm out, but he'd thrown on a light flannel shirt over his t-shirt anyway, still feeling slightly chilled. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he slowly approaches the barn for lack of a better place to go.