Alive?

Despite his anger, Jared couldn't help but soak in Grace's comfort, letting her hug him and talk to him. He was out of words at this point anyway, not knowing what to do or where to go next. Still crying, he leans into her, barely hearing what she had to say. 

When she rises to leave, a part of him wanted to tell her to stay. To tell her he didn't want to be alone. But even more so was his fear of being the man he now remembered. And if he was, he wouldn't deserve Grace's company, nor would he want her around him. 

Left alone again in the quiet room, Jared's tears continue for a short while until he's exhausted. Lying down, all he wants now is sleep. But his head was throbbing and his stomach was in knots. He'd told his mom to tell Grace not to come. He'd told her. And now she had anyway, and he'd yelled at her and she'd left, and she'd been his only friend. Yet if he was a horrible person anyway... no matter what she said, she'd be better off not being around him. 

Closing his eyes, another tear escapes. He deserved no friends... yet the aching hole in his heart longed to be filled. Never had he felt so utterly lost and alone.

In the living room, Lydia waits until she sees Grace emerge. Rising from the couch, she comes to her quickly, worry still coursing through her eyes. She'd heard Jared yelling and it had scared her. 

"Is he okay? Did you find out what is wrong?"

Hunter's eyes fly open and he finds himself staring up at a blue sky as a bird flew overhead. His body hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time, and he felt as though he'd just had the most peaceful rest. 

Sighing deeply, he suddenly realizes there's a weight on his chest... oh yes... it was Katie's head, her arm still draped around him. Smiling a little, he combs a gentle finger through her soft hair. Checking his watch, he's stunned to realize how long he'd been asleep. Combined with making out, they both had been out here for several hours. Pretty soon somebody was going to come looking for them. 

"Pssst...." He runs his hand along Katie's arm, just remaining lying in the grass. "Sleeping Beauty," he whispers. "You alive?"