2/2/12

Quitting

Hope was probably right - Scott most likely wouldn't be able to slip away from Domino at all. Not that he wanted to, but he didn't want to ignore Hope either. Her suggestion makes him laugh softly. "Okay." No sooner had he turned with her towards the kitchen and Domino was back on his heels, the toy in her mouth squeaking with every excited breath.

Scott shakes his head and just continues to the kitchen, letting her tag along. Once there, he finds a chair, making sure he didn't get in Hope's way. Something smelled awfully good, and he hoped he'd be able to eat enough so as not to make her feel as though she'd cooked for nothing.

Feeling something against his leg, he looks down to find Domino, once again, begging for attention. Quirking another grin, he pats her head before accepting the toy and tossing it back into the other room so she'd go chase it. Free for a moment, his gaze roams the kitchen before landing back on Hope. "Thanks... for inviting me over. This is nice." His pulse quickened just a little. How was he supposed to ask what he really wanted to?

"I, um... wasn't sure... I mean..." No, he wasn't going to ask. He's interrupted by Domino again, giving him enough time to come up with something different to say. "I didn't know how things were back here. Justin kept me filled in a little, but not much. I wasn't sure about showing up at TJY, but I think I'm glad I did."


Jason blinks. More permanent? As in...always? He gropes again for any sign of feeling Katie, but there is simply none. What he last knew as a raging river was now completely gone. Forever?

"That's... that's good, right?" Wasn't that what he'd always wanted? To be normal again? To not have to worry about not being able to control his emotions? To not have to worry about hurting Katie?

But as his gaze lingered on her eyes, something told him that neither had really realized what it would be like to no longer be connected. He'd thought being on the regular antidote was as separated as they could feel. He'd been wrong. This... this was true separation, and now he knew the difference.

"So... really? We've been...cured?"


Pausing at the door, Justin was rather surprised by Beth's quick kiss to his cheek and then her sudden departure, leaving him with no time to respond. Grinning a little though, he turns and heads for his pickup. It was a good morning. Despite the dread of going to see Jared, he felt better today than he had in ages. Maybe... just maybe it had something to do with the woman who took the time to care...


"Right..." Gunner closes his swollen eyes, quite content to stay right here sitting in the grass. While he really did want to get back on their walk, as dizzy and sick to his stomach as he was at the moment, he figured he better take Bree's advice and take his time. What he should do was go lie down for an hour or two... but that was no good for a camping trip. He didn't want to waste any of this time - at all.

Finding Bree's hand with his, he gives it a little squeeze. "Sorry," he mumbles and pries open his eyes again, still leaning his head on her shoulder. "I was hoping for...a nice quiet...walk."


"Mm..." Wyatt won't commit to an actual answer to Aerith as to whether or not his day had really been that bad. Accepting the coffee and returning her kiss, he nods at her suggestion. "Sounds like the ultimate cure to me." His eyes remain weary though.

Following Aerith to the living room, he finds a spot next to her on the couch and takes a slow sip of coffee. His fingers run over her hand absentmindedly as he stares at the wall...or off into space. Sitting quietly for several moments, it didn't feel awkward. One of the many things he loved about Aerith was that when he needed to talk, she let him, and when he needed silence, she allowed that, too. He appreciated her ability to see deeper than the outside - she read him better than anybody.

Finally though, he knows he needs to get things off his chest lest he explode. Swallowing another sip of coffee, he sighs. He felt hurt and angry, even though his tone remained quiet. "I got put on probation tonight." He shakes his head. "We weren't given all the facts, we did what we thought was right - what was right - and I got put on probation for it."

His finger taps his coffee cup as the wheels in his mind turn. "I'm thinking about quitting."


Hearing Ashlee's explanation and seeing the look on her face, Mick knew she was telling the truth. Though he was still angry, he couldn't deny the innocence in the girl's eyes.

Catching Stacy's glance, he gives her a slight nod. Now wasn't the time for them to discuss anything - it was obvious Ashlee did need help with her ankle, and mother and daughter needed to sort through things as well.

Even after they'd walked away, Mick remains where he is, wandering only to lean on the fence. He needed to cool off before doing anything else and he knew it. He was so very angry with Dylan... and hurt, too. Maybe he'd jumped the gun... maybe he'd come to the wrong conclusion... but the way his son had yelled at him... had emphasized the lack of respect... whether Mick deserved it or not, it still stung.

Growling in frustration, Mick's fist touches down on the fence post. That hurt too. But he didn't care much.

"Were you right?"

Mick spins around to see Sparky. His eyes narrow and he looks back out into the setting sun.

Sparky dares to come closer. "Well? Were you right about Dylan?"

Mick grits his teeth. But he couldn't skirt around the truth. "No."

Sparky nods. He'd thought as much. He'd been sure Dylan wouldn't take advantage of Ashlee. "Heard you guys yelling while I was clear back in the barn," he comments. "Thought you might need a referee there a few times."

Mick didn't find it funny and tosses his brother an annoyed look. "Look, if you wanna say 'I told you so' just say it, alright?"

Sparky sighs and leans on the fence beside him. "I don't think I need to." He waits a moment then gives Mick a sidelong glance. "You okay?"

For some reason, Sparky's calm presence was beginning to defuse Mick's anger, and he shrugs. "Naw, not really."

For what seemed the longest time, the two brothers simply stand and talk, though no one would ever know for sure what was said. The result, though, was Mick being far less angry when walking away, and perhaps kicking himself for having accused too quickly...


"Dylan, we need to talk." Mick raps his knuckles on the bunkhouse door.

Inside, Dylan sat on the floor near his bed with his knees halfway to his chest to act as armrests. His eyes drift to the door, but he doesn't speak.

"Dylan," Mick warns. "Answer me."

Why should he? It was open. If Mick wanted to come in, he could, and Dylan wasn't going to get up. There wasn't much point in saying anything at all. Mick had already made up his mind about everything today, so nothing really mattered.

Mick sighs and finally tries the doorknob, finding it unlocked. Stepping inside, he lets his eyes adjust to the dim light before spotting Dylan on the floor. He lets the door fall shut again and wanders to a chair to sit down. For several moments, the bunkhouse is quiet.

Mick studies his son's quiet demeanor, unsure where to go from here. Part of him was sorry, and part of him felt his actions had been justified. Where was the line? And where did things stand between them? "What happened, today, Dylan?"

Silence.

"Please tell me."

Dylan eventually lifts his eyes, giving his father a dim look. "Why? You didn't believe me earlier, why should you now?"

Mick sighs again. "I'm sorry I was so upset, and I'm sorry for hitting you - I shouldn't have, even if I did disapprove of your language. I don't have any excuse for losing my temper. But you do realize what it looked like out there today, don't you?"

"Sure," Dylan scoffs. "You don't trust me. That's what it looked like. And you can take your apology and shove it. If I'da wanted to hit you back, I would've."

Mick swallows hard. Folding his hands, his fingers tighten around each other as he struggles to remain calm. "Ashlee confirmed you two weren't off doing what it looked like."

Dylan's lips curl into an angry sort of grin. "Yeah... yeah, when she says it, you'll trust it. But not me. Not the guy with the history. I can't be trusted, can I?"

"It's not that simple. I-"

"Really? It sure looks like it to me. Soon as we went missing, you assumed I was off doing a dirty deed because I'd done it plenty times before, right? Figured I found a girl who liked me and would follow me, so she'd make an easy target, right?" Dylan shakes his head. "My word means nothing to you. All you see is the past, and that's all you'll ever see." He scoffs. "And you still wonder why it's not you I'd confide in. Maybe you're not as smart as I thought you were."

In all honesty, Mick felt like pummeling his son for mouthing off, but he remains seated, allowing several more moments to pass. He was hurt and upset and at a total loss as what to do. "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions," he admits. "Though I doubt many would blame me, since it was only a matter of putting pieces together. Regardless, apparently there was nothing wrong done, I wanted to apologize for slapping you, and I wanted to make sure you were alright so we could move on."

"Alright? You wanted to make sure I was alright?" Dylan's eyebrows rise in sarcastic surprise. "All you wanted to do was come here and justify your actions even though you were wrong."

Mick bites his tongue from snapping back at him. Perhaps there was some truth there, but part of his actions still felt justified. "What do you want me to do, Dylan? What happened today happened and I can't change it. Whether I was wrong or right really isn't the point anymore. It's time to move on and I want to make sure that this isn't going to affect what happens from here on out."

"You mean you wonder if I'll be cleaning stalls tomorrow like always and not sitting in here sulking."

"That's not what-"

"Look, why don't you just let it drop? You obviously want to forget this ever happened, so go right ahead. Forget it. Go on with whatever it is you were doing and leave me alone."

"I want to-"

"Seriously. Leave." Dylan's eyes narrow. "I want to be left alone."

Mick wanted to argue. He wanted to try and get his son to understand his side of things and work it out to resolve this awful tension between them. But apparently tonight wasn't the night. Sad but knowing he needed to give up for now, he rises from the chair. "Okay. We'll talk more another time."

Watching his father leave, Dylan fights the burning sensation in his eyes. Only after the door is shut does he dare mutter under his breath, "There won't be another time." Today was the last straw. He couldn't take this anymore...

...It was after supper and dark. Dylan hadn't shown up for the evening meal, but had hibernated in his bunk. Only now had he dared emerge, and even then it was only to avoid detection as he headed for Stacy and Ashlee's bunkhouse. He knew Stacy was probably making her after-dinner rounds, so hopefully his timing was right.

Seeing a light on, Dylan comes up under an open window, knowing that it was Ashlee's bedroom. "Psst... Ash?" He was royally embarrassed about the things he'd said in front of her earlier, and if he was, surely she was mortified. He needed to know if they were still friends. Not to mention, he still hadn't found out if her ankle was any worse than sprained. "You okay?" he whispers hoarsely.

Hurtful Words

Having Jason reply to her and still feeling nothing a feeling of sadness or what she thought was sadness washed over her. What they had tried really had taken away there ability. It saved Jason's life but at what cost? Emotion, what they though was normal or was it much much more than that.

"I feel...." Those words linger for a moment. What did she feel? "...tired, and drained."

Katie wondered how long Jason had been away now and what had been told to him. By the slight look of confusion on his face Katie would guess not much. Without even thinking Katie found herself searching for Jason's emotions, what he was feeling and there was nothing. It was frustrating and saddening.

"Well, I haven't been out for as long as you have. Maybe a day or two. The agency got in contact with us on you condition and what was happening to you. They would exchange the antidote to make you better for some information." Those words lingered for a moment. "It was like the antidote but more...permanent. You're not going to have to worry about our ability's getting you sick anymore."

Sadness, Anger, hurt....emptiness. It was more lonely than Katie could have ever been prepared for.

Walking with Justin to the door Beth gives a smile. She hated to see him go but new he had too. Standing in the doorway and just looking at him for a long moment Beth cocks her head a little noticing now in the sun light how Justin's eyes sparkled. He was handsome in deed.

"I'll talk to you again soon Justin. Don't be a stranger."

Stepping a little closer to Justin for a moment a fleeting thought passed through Beth's mind. Pushing it away though she new better nor was she bold enough to make THAT move. Leaning in a little she gives a small kiss to Justin's cheek before turning and heading back inside before saying anything or Justin could see her red cheeks.

Shaking her head and rolling her own eyes Amanda throws her arms up in the air a bit of humor in her own eyes. Seeing Gunner was going to be ok it was a little bit easier to relax now.

"You're not an emergency, you're a disaster."

Turning to head back to the dishes that were left she throws a look over her shoulder giving a smile and a wink to Bree.

Laughing and putting her arm around Gunner Bree was able to relax herself. Gunner had given her quite the scare and she was happy now it was over. She hopped it was something they would not have to visit again soon.

"Take your time before we finish our walk. I am in no hurry."

Feeling someone enter the house and than hearing the knock on the kitchen door frame Aerith doesnt even turn around. She could just tell it was Wyatt. His smell, walk, she had just come to know it as his own.

As his arms come up and around her Aerith smiles and brings a hand to his arm giving it a squeeze in return. Wyatt's arms always felt so nice around her.

"That bad huh?" Aerith wondered if it was just work or many more. It had seemed something had been bothering Wyatt lately but wasn't sure what. "I'm sorry your day was bad. Not that I am complaining to much. Any extra time with you is always good."

Pouring the finished coffee into two mugs Aerith turns around and hands one to Wyatt giving him a kiss at the same time and smiling. Searching his eyes for a moment she could see so many mixed emotions.

"Why don't we go into the living room and relax a little bit. Cuddling, coffee and venting al;ways helps me."

Seeing Domino speed by and how happy she was to see Scott Hope couldn't help but laugh. She new the little pup would be excited but to see her this excited it was just a nice feeling. Than Scott's smile catches her eye and it feels Hope with an even warmer feeling. She hadn't seen Scott smile that in a very long time. Would could not describe how Hope felt, or the joy.

"Something tells me your not going to be able to get away from her that easily. However you might be able to con her into the kitchen so you can at least play with her and talk with me at the same time."

Squinting her eyes to see Dylan and Ashlee come up the way Stacy's heart races a little. Anger and worry seem to take over seeing Ashlee was injured. Stepping forward to take Ashlee from Dylan to help hold her up Stacy is about to ask what happens but stops as Mick beats her to it.

As accusations start flying and words are said Ashlee's cheeks turn bright red as she understand finally what Mick was accusing Dylan. Looking to her mother her own eye pleaded hopping she didn't think this was true. Moment after moment Ashlee could just feel her cheeks grow redder and redder. Looking down at the ground she can't even look between everyone anymore. She was to embarrassed.

Looking up slightly as Dylan walks away Ashlee can feel the tears start to well in her eyes. From her ankle, from the harsh words, embarrassment. Ashlee could hardly manage to find words but some how she did.

"He was telling the truth. We just went for a walk. Dylan wanted...he wanted to help me with my school work and I was having a hard time on my own. Than I tripped and he helped me back."

Turning Ashlee hopes a little in the direction of Angel's office. She didn't want to stand here anymore. She just wanted to get her foot looked at and she new her mom was going to scold her as well. She just wanted it done and over with.

Seeing her daughter turn Stacy looks to Mick giving him an apoligetic look and she would talk to him later. Turning and putting an arm under Ashlee she helps her along. Far enough away to be out of ear shot she let out a long sigh trying to keep her own anger under wraps.

"I'm disappointed with you Ash. You new better than to go off without telling me..and with that boy..."

Ashlee didn't let her mom finish her own anger raised a little bit. She was tired of hearing people blame Dylan already for something he didn't do and she was tired of feeling the embarrassment for nothing.

"That boy has a name and he didn't do anything but try to help me. I don't know what the big deal is. You never cared before on where I was going, or what I was doing. Now we are here, one of the safest places in the world and you care? What just trying to look good for everyone else?"

Once the worlds were out of her mouth Ashlee wished she could take them back. She had just been angry and she didn't mean it. She new her mom always loved her and cared.

"I'm....sorry!"

Ashlee's words stung and hard. Even if she didn't mean them if they were there than there had to be some kind of truth right? The damage was done, and the pain was great. Was coming here a good idea after all?

"Drop it Ashlee, we will talk more about it later. When your done at Angel's I want you to go to your bunk. Your grounded for the next few days and thats final. I don't want you hanging out with Dylan anymore by yourself either."

Giving a huf Ashlee new there was no point in arguing even if it wasn't fair. Dylan was her friend and she likes spending time with him. Would she ever be able to see him again now? Ashlee wished she could tell him that she didn't blame him. This just wasn't fair, no one did anything wrong.

Accusation

Seeing Katie move, relief swept over Jason. Not that he hadn't believed Rick that things were okay, but he was confused about what had happened, and didn't really know what was going on. At the same time though, the expected urge to go be with Katie was... well, surely it was there, right? His feelings wouldn't have been erased. That was silly. And yet... looking into her eyes, he didn't... feel.

"Hey," he responds weakly. He gives her a bit of a crooked grin. "That's a strange question." It really was. How long had Katie been able to tell what he was feeling without asking? "I feel... tired." He smirks. "Basically feel like crap, but... otherwise, I'm great."

Pausing, he manages to roll onto his side so he could see her better. "How 'bout you? I don't know what's been going on."


Justin grins, grateful for Beth's offer. "Let me see how things play out - I might give ya a call or something.... Thanks."

Finishing up breakfast and staying just long enough to help clean up the dishes, Justin eventually knew he needed to go, whether he wanted to or not. Getting his shoes back on and making sure he had his keys and wallet, he heads to the door with Beth.

Stepping outside, he turns. "Thanks again, Beth. I'll, um... talk to ya later."


Even though it hurt, Gunner laughs - or at least it was supposed to be a laugh. It sounded somewhat like a garbled cough. "Oh crap... you're right... I better...better be more careful."

JT rolls his eyes, though he was glad to see Gunner still had a sense of humor. After getting some benadryl in him, he backs off. Looking again to Amanda, JT shakes his head. "Okay, that's a little too much excitement for me. I thought we left the ER back home."

Overhearing them, Gunner raises his hand. "Wait wait... I AM an emergency." Pulling Bree down next to him, he leans his head on her shoulder. He could finally breathe again, though was still wheezing. "Give me a...a minute. Then we'll.... finish our walk."


Wyatt could tell by the sound of Aerith's voice that she'd either been asleep or was close to it. But she'd said he could come over, so he'd trust it really was alright.

Getting to the house, he sees a light or two on and fishes for his key, knowing she kept the house locked up when she was there alone, especially at night. Pulling his hair back into a ponytail so it was out of his way, he kills his jeep's engine and heads to the porch. Letting himself in, he follows the quiet sounds to the kitchen. Smelling coffee, he smiles a little to himself. Aerith was good.

Reaching the kitchen, he knocks so as not to startle her. Though he offers a crooked grin, he has no idea how weary and angry his eyes were. Shedding his jacket, he throws it over a chair and comes up to Aerith, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her head. "Thanks... I just needed some company after a bad night at work." Though he knew it was much more than that.


Chance smiles a little and nods. "I'd... like to start over." Straightening up and pulling away, he then offers his hand again, but this time more formally. "Hello. I'm Chance O'Mally."


Even though Scott had anticipated Hope coming to the door, when she does, his heart gives a little jump. He felt so good to be back here and so awkward at the same time. He gives her a small grin though and steps inside. "Trust me, whatever mess you have won't bother me a bit."

Having heard someone at the door, Domino had shown little interest, remaining in the living room since Hope seemed undisturbed at whoever it might be. But as the little dog aimed for her bed, a familiar voice is heard and she stops short. Cocking her head, she listens as if making sure she'd heard correctly. And in an instant, she's bolting across the floor.

Scott moves out of the way so Hope can shut the door, not really sure what to say or how to act. He hated feeling awkward like this, especially around someone he'd been so close to. But maybe it would take this first step for things to get better. He's just about to ask if he can help her with anything when a speeding black and white furball catches his attention. With hardly enough time to react, Domino was leaping in his direction. Thankfully, he reacts quickly enough to catch her midair, his eyes wide.

The little dog wriggles all over, licking Scott wherever she could find bare skin - neck, arms, face, hands - it didn't matter. Whimpering with glee, she squirms so much she's almost dropped right back on the floor.

Holding Domino firmly so as not to lose her, Scott's face breaks into a smile from ear to ear. "Well hello to you too." He laughs and buries his face into her fur for a moment. "Did ya miss me, huh?"

Domino gives a little bark or whine or something in between and just licks his face some more.

Scott laughs again and scratches her behind her ears. He glances to Hope and shakes his head. "Apparently she's lost none of her energy." Looking back to Domino, he lets her kiss him on his nose as he scrunches his eyes shut. "How about I put you down so I can be sociable, hmm?" As soon as he sets her down though, she's jumping up and putting her front paws on his leg, begging to be picked up again and whimpering.

Scott smirks down at her. Though he really wanted just to cuddle her forever, he knew he needed to be sociable to Hope, since, after all,that's why he was here. "I'm glad to see you too. But you need to settle down."

Domino goes back to all fours and huffs a big sigh. Then, as if gaining a new idea, she zips back to the other room, only to return a split second later with her favorite toy. It wasn't any of her newer toys. No, it was her favorite toy from way back when, that Scott would always amuse her with. She brings it right up to him and spits it out beside his shoe then looks up at him, wagging her stump of a tail - or rather, her whole hind end.

Scott chuckles and leans down to pick up the toy and toss it for her. During the few moments she's gone, he finally looks to Hope again. "If she'll settle down, I can help you with dinner if you want."


Mick sighs and sets his hat back to scratch his head. "Yeah..." He nods to Stacy. "Let's take one last look around the ranch yard and barns. If we don't find them, we'll head to the trails. We'll take a look in that direction first and if we can't see anything, we'll saddle up." Shouldering past his brother, he leads the way.

Sparky takes a step back, just getting out of the way. He didn't like Mick's attitude, but he wasn't going to make things worse by arguing further.

The search of the ranch continues without any luck. It doesn't take long to eliminate every location in the barns and surrounding area, and eventually, while others have spread out, Mick walks with Stacy towards the back paddock where the trails started. He was sure they'd find nothing, but he wanted to be positive before either saddling up or getting out the four-wheelers.

Stopping near the corner of the fence, he squints down the lane to see... one figure walking? Something looked odd. "Hey, Stacy..." He motions her over, still trying to make out what it was. As the figure neared though, it became more clear that there were two - it was simply that Dylan was carrying Ashlee on his back. "What in the world?" It was more of a question muttered under his breath, and not needing an answer as he starts forward. Seeing the two returning was immediate proof that yes, they'd been together, and not only that, but far from the ranch yard. Though part of him was definitely relieved to see them, why would they go wandering off like that without telling anyone, unless they'd done it on purpose? Or at least Dylan. Getting Ashlee alone was one thing - getting her alone and far enough away not to be seen was another, and apparently he'd succeeded.

Standing in the middle of the lane, Mick waits for the two kids to arrive, his jaw tight, his stance a tense one.


Approaching just a bit hesitantly, Dylan wasn't sure of the looks on Mick's or Stacy's faces. Sure, he and Ashlee had wandered away from the ranch yard and had been gone longer than planned, but he hadn't expected a welcoming committee. "Well... I guess someone realized we were gone," he muses aloud, keeping Ashlee hiked up on his back.

Stopping a short ways from the adults, he swallows hard. There was a very strange tension in the air, and he feared the worst. "Hi?" It sounded lame, but what else was he supposed to say? Slowly, he lets Ashlee down to the ground, making sure she was steady enough to stand on one leg, helping her in Stacy's direction.

Mick's eyes never left his son. Underneath, his blood was boiling. As soon as he saw Ashlee was safe, he takes a step forward, shortening the distance between himself and Dylan. "You better tell me right now what you have been doing," he hisses.

Dylan's eyes widen. "Doing?"

"Yes. Doing. You." Mick folds his arms. "Now."

"I... it..." Dylan looks helplessly to Ashlee, Stacy, then back to Mick. "We took a walk. What's going on? Were you worried?"

"Worried?" It's Mick's turn to raise his eyebrows. "No, why should we be?" Sarcasm coated his words. "My son and Stacy's daughter suddenly go missing without a trace, but why should we be worried?" His eyes narrow once more to resume their glare. "Now this time tell it to me straight."

"I just did!" Dylan still didn't understand. "I'm sorry you were worried. It took us longer to get back because Ash sprained her ankle." He points to her, making sure they knew she needed help and they weren't just playing around. "She needs to-"

"And that's it, huh? It's that simple?" Mick shakes his head. "Don't take me for a fool, Dylan."

"What are you talking about?!" Dylan's voice gets louder as he throws up his arms. "Angel needs to look at Ash's ankle, okay? It was just a walk to find a plant for homework."

Mick grits his teeth. "Is that the only thing Angel needs to check?"

Dylan's confusion only multiplies and he again glances to Ashlee, wondering if she had a clue where Mick was going with this. And then it hits him. Hard. Swinging his gaze back to Mick, his eyes show shock. "You think that I... that we...."

"The truth, Dylan," Mick orders sternly. "Right now. Or so help me, I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

Dylan's cheeks flush red with the thought of what his dad was accusing. Did Stacy think the same thing? It was ridiculous. "I just told you the truth!"

"And I don't believe you!" Mick's voice raises several notches. "Guys like you don't just go for happy-go-lucky walks with young girls!"

Dylan felt like he was going to throw up. But instead, his shocked expression turns to one of anger. His fists ball up at his sides and he can't dare to look at Ashlee anymore. He was too upset and too embarrassed. If his father wanted to play it this way, then fine. He could do it too. "Alright, fine! I took her out in the woods and took advantage of her! I had to take her far enough away so no one would be the wiser about my little scheme to get her alone! Her sprained ankle wasn't in the plans, but sometimes things like that happen when you get carried away out in the woods instead of the bedroom, know what I mean?" The words were spat out in hatred as Dylan's face grew hotter. "I had my way with her all afternoon and I'm proud of it! Is that what you wanted to hear?!"

"Don't mock me!" Mick aimed a finger at him. At this point, he didn't care that Stacy and Ashlee were still standing there. All he wanted was ensure something was done about an injustice caused by his son. "I don't want to hear anything but the truth! And if that really is, then you better pray I don't beat you to an inch of your life."

"You wouldn't know the truth if it bit you," Dylan retorts. "Why should I even try? You think I'm terrible enough that I'd do something like that to her? Are you out of your mind?!"

"Check out your history!" Mick barks. "You gonna tell me all that was a lie? It never really happened and you're innocent? Or are you gonna admit you had a problem and today you found a new outlet?"

Dylan was far from proud of his past. Worse, he was embarrassed by it. And even worse yet was standing here having his father expose it all in front of his friend. Whether Ashlee had already known or not, Dylan wasn't sure. But if he was her, he wouldn't want to spend anymore time with him after this - he'd be too frightened. And the thought of Mick costing him a new friend was enough to push his anger over the edge. He doesn't stop himself from bitterly cursing his father aloud.

And it's a slap to the face that comes as the consequence.

Having his head whipped to the side from the strong slap, Dylan's eyes well up from his stinging cheek. But instead of backing down, he squares his shoulders and dares another glare at Mick. "And you wonder why I don't respect you." He was so full of anger, that he feared his own fist would fly. But somehow he holds that urge at bay long enough to shoulder past Mick and stalk towards his bunkhouse.

Mick was immediately sorry for striking his son, but it had been his first reaction to Dylan's unacceptable language. Setting his hands on his hips, he takes a deep breath, trying to calm his temper before did anything even more stupid. Was this whole thing for naught? Had bringing Dylan here in the first place been a bad idea? Had having Stacy and Ashlee come been an unwise choice? More than one person was paying for today and none of it sat well with Mick.

He dares a new glance in Stacy's direction, sorry that she and her daughter had witnessed the harsh argument. He'd lost his temper... again. Yet if his son truly was guilty, then this was only the beginning. Had Dylan been sarcastic, or was there truth in what he'd said? Unfortunately, it was up to Ashlee now to say what had really happened today.

Normal

Moving around the house Hope does her best to do a last minute clean up and start dinner. She hadent been exspecting anyone over so the house was a little bit of a mess. Well really that was an understatement. Just after work the last few weeks she had been so tired time slipped away. She still had yet to get into the swing of things.

Heading the doorbell Hope stops and looks down at Domino. Since Scott had been gone the little puffball had been her friend. Now, thought she would miss her she was happy to reunight them. Domino had missed Scott and Hope was sure it went the other way too.

"I guess this will just have to do huh? I have a surprise for you!"

Going to he door and opening it Hope gives a smile seeing Scott. She was happy he'd come even if he didn't stay long. It was just nice to know he would be around more.

"Hey there. Come on in. Dinner should be ready soon. Reese let me leave a little early to get things ready. You'll have to over look the mess."


Letting her hands slip around Dylan's neck Ashlee holds on tight but doesn't chock him. Her ankle hurt something horrible but she tried her best to contain the pain for now. She could try about it later and the last thing Dylan needed was blubbering in his ear.

Starting there trek home a new worry sets in. She had never let her mom know where she was going. Part of Ashlee hoped that she wasn't looking for her either.

..."I don't think she would of wondered off the ranch ground without telling me. At least I think she would be more responsible than that."

Stacy couldn't help the worry that seemed to overcome her. Ashlee always told her where she was going if it was farther than normal. Could she really have missed something in her rounds? If she was off with Dylan than where would they be and why?

She could tell her daughter had formed a fondness of Dylan. Always be around when he was, talking to him, and getting a smile on her face when he walked into the room. Even if Ash hadn't told her Stacy could tell just by watching them. Dylan's motives were unclear though.

"Should we get some horses and check out the trails? Maybe they went walking?"

Going back to his cubicle Nate sits down letting out a frustrated sigh and rubbing his eyes. Sleep didn't seem to come easy the last few months like it use too. Part was the new baby, and part was just stress from work. It was starting to were on him though and he could tell. Maybe a vacation was in order. A get away for him and his family. When he got home he would definitely have to mention it to Laura.

Smiling back at Chance his promise really did mean a lot to her. As long as he stuck to his word things would be ok, or at least start to be ok. It would just take time.

"We have a long road ahead of us and broken trust that needs to be rebuilt but as long as your upfront with me we will be alright."

Searching Chances eyes Destiny could really tell he meant what he said. The same guy she had fallen for was still in there only more open now.

"I guess we can start figuring out together who we are and where we belong. For me I need to figure something out it all out I never really got the chance to find myself again after my parents death. So I guess we get to start over together."

Hearing the phone ring Aerith almost doesn't answer it but seeing Wyatt's number she new it must be important if he was calling her this late. Not that there had to be something wrong for him to call but it was just one of those things.

"Hello? It's ok come on over."

Hanging up the and getting out of bed Aerith puts her book down on the night stand before throwing a sweater on and a pare of sweatpants. Leaving the bedroom and heading to the kitchen she starts a pot of coffee. Something in Wyatt's voice said he might need some and she didn't mind it at all. Seeing him usually was the best part of her day.

Fiddling in the kitchen Aerith doesn't worry about the door. Wyatt had a key and she new he would let himself in.


Trying her best not to panic the fear was clear on Bree's face. He couldn't leave her, not now. If JT and Amanda hadn't been there she wouldn't have known what to do.

Doing as JT asked Amanda went to the supply and garbed a bottle of water. Going back to the others Amanda bends down and brings the water to his lips trying to get him to drink.

Looking down at Gunner Bree manages to smile a little and shake her head. It was all she could do to keep herself from freaking out.

"If this is a good time to you, I don't know what a bad one is and I don't want to find out. However a new discovery had been made. Vampires can be killed by bees."

Enjoying breakfast was nice. Beth always enjoyed the meals and was getting use to it more and more. Being around someone wasnt so bad, specially when that someone was Justin.

"I close the bar tonight. So yes but not till later."

Taking another bit of her food Beth gives a smile. She could tell Justin really didn't want to go see Jared again but was for is mom. That in itself was commendable.

"If you want some company I'll join you!"

The fog started to life as Katie's eyes fluttered. She felt so rested yet so very tired at the same time due to all the emotional events of the last few weeks. Sleep, it felt like much more sleep was needed.

Hearing soft voices Katie didn't open her eyes yet. Did what they tried work? Was Jason ok? Searching her emotions Katie felt nothing and it was a feeling of emptiness that if one new the feeling sadness would follow. No faint tug there was just...nothing.

Finally rolling over Katie opens her eyes. Moving her head slightly to the left Katie gives a small smile seeing Jason was awake and for the most part ok. It was good to see him again, Katie had missed his eyes, everything about him.

"Good Morning, Afternoon, and Night to make up for the last few weeks. It's good to see you awake."

Katie new she should be feeling a lot more than she was at the moment but the flow of emotions was gone, how was she to feel on her own? It was something she would have to get use to but...how?

"How are you feeling?"

Even that question felt strange and so out of the noram. Normally she would just know!