That Memory

Pleasantly surprised at Grace's willingness to accept and return the affection, Jared dares to deepen his kiss, while keeping it slow and gentle. And it felt like a small piece of Heaven. 

Moving his hand from her shoulder, he runs his fingers softly through her hair before sliding his palm down on her back and pulling her just a little closer.

Eventually drawing back with several more light kisses, Jared remains with his face only inches from hers his palm coming around to cradle her cheek. His heart was racing as for the first time since his depression, he felt alive. And a genuine smile forms. "That memory will definitely stick with me for a while," he whispers. "Thank you."
 

Even though Misty had said it before, her words still were just as painful as the first time. Still hanging on to the doorway, half for support and half as an effort against Rick wanting him to leave, Carson stares at Misty even when she looks away. And for the first time, he truly wished he didn't have a heart so that this wouldn't hurt so much.

"Come on, Carson." Rick gives him a shove, finally succeeding in getting him into the hall. "Get back into bed." 

Carson's shoulders drop, as does his gaze when he finally relents and trudges back to the spare room. Saying nothing, he remains silent as Rick changes the IV and hooks it up again. And when he's left alone, he turns onto his side with his back to the partially-open door. No one would see the tears escape and soak into his pillow, or see his face contorted in anguish as he withheld from crying aloud.

Rick wanders back into the infirmary, irritated, tired, and feeling sorry for Misty... and Carson a little bit too. Coming quietly over to Misty's desk, he offers her a pat on the shoulder. But what could he even say? "It'll be okay," he assures softly. He didn't know when or how, but he knew it would all work itself out eventually. 

Feeling his phone vibrating in his pocket, Con moves his sights from the computer to see who it was. He didn't usually get calls on his day off unless it was Jamie or work calling him back in. Hearing Nate's voice and what he wanted, he thinks for a few moments.

"I'll have to ask Jamie, but... I think we could work something out. If Jaz is an innocent victim in all this, I'd feel bad about leaving her to fend for herself. I'd suggest TJY but I'm not sure Reese wants to handle another live-in at the moment."

Leaning back in his chair, he nods more to himself than anything. "Let me talk it over with Jamie and call you back, but even if she says no, which I doubt, we'll help figure something else out."

Jaz sits quietly in the living room, half-listening to Nate's end of the conversation. He really did want to help? Even with all that had happened? People still hated Carson even after they'd found out the truth. She had expected t he same reaction for herself - if not worse. But Nate seemed to really care and... it gave her a glimmer of hope. It was small, but it was there.