Erm...

Mackenzie nibbles a slice of apple as Misty speaks, acting as though she weren't listening. She was though, and it wasn't anything new she was learning. Except maybe coming from Misty, the girl took it a little differently.

Hearing she knew Justin, Mackenzie glances back up to her. Carson had said he knew Justin, but she didn't know Misty knew him too. Besides that, she figured Misty had known who it was, unless her dad really didn't care enough about the whole thing to even talk to his wife about it. Maybe that was some of the problem. Maybe Carson hadn't talked to Misty anymore and that's why they were really getting a divorce. Not because of some other stupid woman getting in the way...

Mackenzie shrugs, as was her usual answer. "He's okay I guess. I mean... he's nice. He's different than other counselors I've had to talk to. But he's still just on my parents' side no matter what. Everybody is on their side. Even you." 

Alec smirks and taps her on the shoulder. "Did you ever consider that perhaps that means we all were right?"

"Just because it's the majority, it doesn't automatically make it right."

The bold statement makes Alec's eyebrows shoot up. This girl was way too grown up for her age. "True. But don't you trust anybody?"

"No." The answer came very quickly. Coldly almost. Mackenzie finishes her milk and wipes her mouth on her denim jacket sleeve.

"Well you should," Alec states flatly. "Take it from me. I didn't trust anybody either. But if I hadn't trusted Misty here, I'd be homeless right about now, or worse. If there's anybody you can trust, it's her." 

Mackenzie squints at him, studying his face as if trying to figure out if he was telling the truth. There was no doubt, she liked her uncle, whether she'd admit it or not. She had from the beginning. And she adored Misty, too. But past experiences had shaped her young heart into something that dared not trust, lest she be hurt again. But today... this time... could she risk it? "Why can't I just stay with you guys?"

Alec flops back in his chair with a sigh. "Misty, how about you trying to explain that one?"

Mackenzie rolls her eyes. "I know, I know. Because you don't have the right kind of home for a little girl, and because I already have a 'family that loves me' and so I should be grateful." 

Not giving time for Misty to intervene yet, Alec leans forward once more, almost a scowl on his face for the girl's sarcastic tone. "Do you know what I'd give to have a family like that? A mother and father that loved me? And took care of me? I may be a grown man, but I kid you not - I'm jealous. You have it way too good. So good, that you've obviously overlooked the fact that it could be a whole lot worse - and you've had it worse! This is the best you've ever had, and you're throwing it all away." He shakes his head. "Any niece of mine would be smarter than that." 

Instead of getting mad this time, the tears return to pool in Mackenzie's eyes and she looks down. Maybe, just maybe her thick walls really were being chipped away at. Maybe... just maybe Justin had been doing some good. For right now... the flame of her temper had been put out. 

Sitting quietly for several moments and sniffing, Mackenzie finally reaches in her jeans pocket and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper. On it was Justin's handwriting that had his name and cell phone number. She sniffs again. "He.... he said I could call him any time I was in trouble.... Am I in trouble?" 

Alec's eyes soften, as does his tone. "Probably. You've got a choice though... we can call Justin, your parents, or the police. It's up to you." He glances up at Misty. He had absolutely no idea what he was doing, and had just said everything without even thinking. He hoped he was doing the right thing. 

Mackenzie fingers the paper before slowly pushing it over to Misty. "Justin won't get mad at me like my dad will." 

Giving a start, Rosalyn had thought she was alone. Opening her eyes quickly and spotting Chad, a smile immediately forms. He'd found her. Butterflies churn in her stomach.

"I don't mind being stalked," she admits. "As long as it's you." She'd thought way too much about the night before to mind his company now. He was so far from being a stranger now. She felt the comfort of being with an old friend, yet it mixed with the thrill of meeting someone new. A confusing combination, but one she liked. 

As Chad comes nearer, Rosalyn can feel her pulse quicken. She wasn't sure what his intentions were, but at the moment, she really couldn't care less. His mere presence made her melt, and she trusted him. 

Feeling him lean in for a kiss, her eyes fall shut. His lips on hers sent a fuzzy shock down her spine. The awkwardness she'd felt last night though was gone, now knowing what to expect. Returning his kiss with warmth, she invites his passion, not even trying to pull away. She was trapped against the tree, yet she had never felt safer. 

As he takes her hand and she suddenly feels his warm chest under her fingers, she gives a little gasp, catching herself in another deepening kiss. Falling into all of these new feelings, she gives back the same affection he gave. Pressing her lips back against his, she lets the passion grow. Under her palm, she could feel his racing heartbeat, and knew that hers was racing just as fast. Her knees grew weak and she almost felt dizzy. 

Letting her palm wander in small circles, her hand slides up to the back of his neck, down over his shoulder, then returns to his chest, a little lower, then repeating the path again. He was smooth. Warm. Strong. 

As he doesn't retreat, her free hand slides around his waist, gripping him tightly. Time existed no more, and neither did the world around them. Nestled in the grove of apple trees, nothing else mattered.