Watching as Dylan walks into the barn Dan smiles to himself. Things would be rough for sure still but this was the fist and most important step. It was by Dylan's own free will he was here and that in itself meant so much.
Looking twords the dinning hall Dan can't help but let a smile spread across his face as he see Jade waiting on the porch for him. It felt nice knowing there was someone who cared enough to wait, Jade was Dan's hope and even if she didn't know it She'd helped save him.
Sticking his hands in his pockets Dan slowly walks across the yard and to the bottom porch step smile up at her. It was dusk now but the lights from inside seemed to give just enough to light Jade's face and always catch the ring she wore on her finger and it gave Dan even more warmth.
"Good Evening future Miss Palmer..."
Those words made Dan's heart sing as he steps up a few steps and took Jade's hand in his own bringing his other arm around her and drawing her close in a hug. Burying his head into her hair for a long moment just letting the moment linger before pulling away.
"Are they having anything good for supper tonight?"
Walking around the park though it was not long but it was very much enjoyable. The weather seemed to hold out, it wasn't to busy and the birds seemed to sing such a nice song. The day had been very enjoyable and there was no second guessing that.
"I really enjoyed today as well. Whoever would of thought I'd find such a good friend in a bar. I definitely would like to do this again."
Beth bids Zach to have a good rest of his night promising that she would call him or vice verse before going to her car. Not being able to help the smile she just sits there for a moment before starting it. Finally doing so she couldn't wait for Justin to call so she could tell him about the rest of her day.
3/9/12
Miracle
Mick wanders the barn, finishing up a few last-minute things. Supper would be on very soon and he wanted an evening at home with Rosetta and BJ so he was trying to get everything done he needed to. The sun had just slipped below the horizon and the sky was growing dim.
Taking one final look around, Mick decides he'd have to be satisfied with that, and he heads outside. He's barely cleared the door though, when his cell phone rings. Taking it off his belt, he glances at screen. Jill. He sighs. It had been two weeks since he'd talked to her last and he'd been ripped up one side and down the other for "losing" Dylan. He'd somehow convinced her to just sit tight for a while, telling her he thought Dylan would be back... even though, at the time, he'd had pretty strong doubts... which had just grown stronger with each day that passed.
Still staring at his phone, he knows he needs to answer it. Taking a deep breath, he finally flips open the phone. "Hello..."
Dan's voice and the slight shake to the shoulder rouses Dylan from his sleep. Opening his eyes, he looks around groggily for a moment. He'd fallen asleep almost as soon as they'd started driving and had not woken up once. It was as if his body had finally forced him to rest.
Shifting around he sits up and unbuckles the seatbelt. Blinking a few times and yawning, he finally gets his bearings. Rubbing his eyes with his palm he finally looks over at Dan. "Thanks," he manages hoarsely. He owed Dan... a lot. Somehow he'd figure that one out later. For now, he needed to face reality.
Sighing deeply, he looks out the window and sees Mick nearby in what light was left of the evening. "Here goes nothing," he mumbles. Grabbing his backpack, he exits the pickup.
"Look, I'm sorry!" Mick raises his voice as his free hand flies into the air, the other one busy holding his cell phone to his ear. Pacing in front of the barn, he growls in frustration. "No, I didn't.... Would you... Jill, there was nothing I could do! How many times do I have to tell you that?!"
Leaning his forearm on the barn door, he stares at the ground, listening to his ex-wife yell at him. Finding out Dylan was still missing, Jill was hysterical. "I know he's in danger - did you think I'd forgotten?! ... Of course I love him! How could you ask me something like that?? He's my son! But you... you don't... Listen to me!" By now, he didn't care who heard him shouting. Thankfully, most everyone had already gathered in the dining hall for supper. "Dylan made a choice. I cannot keep him here under lock and key. If he gets in trouble or gets hurt, it was because he made that decision, not me. I have done all I can. ... No, I will not... No!"
His fist meets the barn wall. "If you think you need to call the police, then that's between you and Ben. I will not." He pauses again, and shakes his head at Jill's argument. "I'm sorry you don't understand. How dare you accuse me of not caring! I would give my life for Dylan in an instant." Mick was ready to hang up on the call, whether Jill was still speaking or not. "Alright, fine. If you want to blame me, go right ahead. I guess I don't care. But the truth of the matter is, I did all I could do. I may be a lousy father but I did the best I knew how. And if that's not good enough for you, I'm sorry. Maybe you should have kept a closer eye on Dylan while you had him."
The last sentence hadn't been needed. It was downright mean, and Mick bit his tongue as soon as he'd said it. But he was tired of taking the entire blame. Sighing, he tips his hat back to rub his forehead wearily. Whether he was still married to Jill or not, hearing her cry didn't feel good. "I'm sorry. But you gotta understand there are things that have happened that were out of our control. This is one of them... Whether we like it or not, our son is no longer a little boy." His tone was firm. "Dylan is a man in more ways than either of us have cared to admit and it's about time we recognized it. I won't treat him like a child."
Nearby movement finally catches his eye and he glances over his shoulder. A bolt of shock shoots through his veins. Without even thinking, he instantly flips shut his phone, hanging up on Jill. He blinks, making sure he wasn't imagining things. Too stunned yet to decide how to react, he simply stares. His eyes flit over to Dan's nearby truck then back to his son. "Dylan..."
Dylan shifts his backpack on his shoulder and shrugs.
Mick could feel his emotions building and his pulse races. Then he remembers his phone call. "How... long have you been standing there?"
Dylan's eyes narrow slightly as he studies Mick's face. "Long enough." In truth, he'd been there since Mick's 'Of course I love him!' which had made him stay put without announcing his arrival.
Mick's eyes glisten. His son looked like he'd been through the wringer - pale and weary with dark circles under his eyes. Where had he been? Slipping his phone back onto his belt, he takes a step to close the gap between him and Dylan. Reaching out he sets his hands on Dylan's shoulders and stares him in the eye. "Are you okay?" That was his one greatest concern.
Dylan swallows hard. While he stood tall and defiant, deep down there was a little boy who wanted to crawl onto his daddy's lap and cry. And there was also the knowledge that no, he was not okay and it was going to get worse before better. "Yeah. I'm fine." His father would find out soon enough for himself.
A pause follows. Mick had no idea what to say. He had no idea why Dylan was back. He had no idea what had transpired while he'd been gone. But one thing was certain: he was relieved beyond words to see his son standing here again. Pulling him close, he wraps his arms around him and just hugs him tightly.
Dylan was a bit surprised by the embrace, but doesn't pull away. It was confusing. Awkward. It felt wrong. It felt right. He didn't know.
Finally drawing back, Mick gives his son some space. "Why? Why did you come back?"
Another shrug. "I guess you can thank Dan for that."
Mick furrows his brow, confused. Dan had gone after Dylan that day and come back without him. How could he be responsible?
Dylan reads his confusion. "Just 'cause I didn't let him bring me back when I left doesn't mean I wasn't listening." He pauses. "And it... doesn't mean he didn't keep trying to finally get through to me."
What was it Dan had said that was more convincing than anything Mick had said? It hurt...in a humbling sort of way. But he was too relieved to dwell on that. "Where have you been?"
"Around." That was very far from the whole story but Dylan wasn't ready yet to share details. The truth would come out in its own time.
Mick treads lightly. "Are you planning on sticking around?" It was a question asked - not a requirement. It was Dylan's choice and he would respect it. And his tone said as much.
"I suppose." Dylan wasn't sure how to act with his dad - after hearing the phone conversation, and now being allowed to go or stay. "If... that's okay with you."
Mick cocks his head, resisting the urge for another hug. "I would like nothing more."
"Still got my stuff in the bunk?"
"Yeah... yeah nothing's been touched."
"Okay. Well... I'll, um... I guess I'll go put my stuff away. I'm... I'm pretty tired."
"Oh...okay." Mick watches numbly as Dylan heads towards the bunkhouses. Maybe he'd get a chance to talk to his son more later on. He could hope. Covering his face with his hands for a moment, he takes a deep breath. Then gazing towards the sky, he thanks God for bringing back his son. To him, it was a miracle. And he would not take his son's presence for granted again.
In the dining hall where everyone else was starting to eat, Jade stands on the porch at the door, having seen Dan drive up. She'd planned to go ahead with supper since she didn't know when he'd be back, but once she'd seen him, she'd opted to wait.
But it wasn't just Dan she saw exit the truck. Seeing her brother as well sent a chill down her spine and her hands go to her mouth in shock. All she wanted to do was run over to him and hug him and make sure he was okay. But as the tears glisten in her eyes, she knows she mustn't. She saw him head for the barn where Mick was and she knows that she would have to wait.
Swallowing her urge to respond to her emotions, she remains on the porch, continuing to wait for Dan - now with a thousand questions.
"Psh. Calories don't count in meals that are fun," Zach retorts playfully.
Falling into step beside Beth, he walks with her at a leisurely pace. The funny thing was that the quiet wasn't awkward. There was no need to fill the silence. It was just... nice.
The trail wasn't too long - it just wound around the park and back again. When they reach the cars though, Zach was just a little disappointed. He knew they needed to part, though. He didn't want to wear out his welcome, and he knew the good time had to end for now.
Pulling out his keys, he sighs with content and stops, turning to Beth. "Well... I don't know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my day, thanks to you. I'm... hoping we can get together again sometime?"
Taking one final look around, Mick decides he'd have to be satisfied with that, and he heads outside. He's barely cleared the door though, when his cell phone rings. Taking it off his belt, he glances at screen. Jill. He sighs. It had been two weeks since he'd talked to her last and he'd been ripped up one side and down the other for "losing" Dylan. He'd somehow convinced her to just sit tight for a while, telling her he thought Dylan would be back... even though, at the time, he'd had pretty strong doubts... which had just grown stronger with each day that passed.
Still staring at his phone, he knows he needs to answer it. Taking a deep breath, he finally flips open the phone. "Hello..."
Dan's voice and the slight shake to the shoulder rouses Dylan from his sleep. Opening his eyes, he looks around groggily for a moment. He'd fallen asleep almost as soon as they'd started driving and had not woken up once. It was as if his body had finally forced him to rest.
Shifting around he sits up and unbuckles the seatbelt. Blinking a few times and yawning, he finally gets his bearings. Rubbing his eyes with his palm he finally looks over at Dan. "Thanks," he manages hoarsely. He owed Dan... a lot. Somehow he'd figure that one out later. For now, he needed to face reality.
Sighing deeply, he looks out the window and sees Mick nearby in what light was left of the evening. "Here goes nothing," he mumbles. Grabbing his backpack, he exits the pickup.
"Look, I'm sorry!" Mick raises his voice as his free hand flies into the air, the other one busy holding his cell phone to his ear. Pacing in front of the barn, he growls in frustration. "No, I didn't.... Would you... Jill, there was nothing I could do! How many times do I have to tell you that?!"
Leaning his forearm on the barn door, he stares at the ground, listening to his ex-wife yell at him. Finding out Dylan was still missing, Jill was hysterical. "I know he's in danger - did you think I'd forgotten?! ... Of course I love him! How could you ask me something like that?? He's my son! But you... you don't... Listen to me!" By now, he didn't care who heard him shouting. Thankfully, most everyone had already gathered in the dining hall for supper. "Dylan made a choice. I cannot keep him here under lock and key. If he gets in trouble or gets hurt, it was because he made that decision, not me. I have done all I can. ... No, I will not... No!"
His fist meets the barn wall. "If you think you need to call the police, then that's between you and Ben. I will not." He pauses again, and shakes his head at Jill's argument. "I'm sorry you don't understand. How dare you accuse me of not caring! I would give my life for Dylan in an instant." Mick was ready to hang up on the call, whether Jill was still speaking or not. "Alright, fine. If you want to blame me, go right ahead. I guess I don't care. But the truth of the matter is, I did all I could do. I may be a lousy father but I did the best I knew how. And if that's not good enough for you, I'm sorry. Maybe you should have kept a closer eye on Dylan while you had him."
The last sentence hadn't been needed. It was downright mean, and Mick bit his tongue as soon as he'd said it. But he was tired of taking the entire blame. Sighing, he tips his hat back to rub his forehead wearily. Whether he was still married to Jill or not, hearing her cry didn't feel good. "I'm sorry. But you gotta understand there are things that have happened that were out of our control. This is one of them... Whether we like it or not, our son is no longer a little boy." His tone was firm. "Dylan is a man in more ways than either of us have cared to admit and it's about time we recognized it. I won't treat him like a child."
Nearby movement finally catches his eye and he glances over his shoulder. A bolt of shock shoots through his veins. Without even thinking, he instantly flips shut his phone, hanging up on Jill. He blinks, making sure he wasn't imagining things. Too stunned yet to decide how to react, he simply stares. His eyes flit over to Dan's nearby truck then back to his son. "Dylan..."
Dylan shifts his backpack on his shoulder and shrugs.
Mick could feel his emotions building and his pulse races. Then he remembers his phone call. "How... long have you been standing there?"
Dylan's eyes narrow slightly as he studies Mick's face. "Long enough." In truth, he'd been there since Mick's 'Of course I love him!' which had made him stay put without announcing his arrival.
Mick's eyes glisten. His son looked like he'd been through the wringer - pale and weary with dark circles under his eyes. Where had he been? Slipping his phone back onto his belt, he takes a step to close the gap between him and Dylan. Reaching out he sets his hands on Dylan's shoulders and stares him in the eye. "Are you okay?" That was his one greatest concern.
Dylan swallows hard. While he stood tall and defiant, deep down there was a little boy who wanted to crawl onto his daddy's lap and cry. And there was also the knowledge that no, he was not okay and it was going to get worse before better. "Yeah. I'm fine." His father would find out soon enough for himself.
A pause follows. Mick had no idea what to say. He had no idea why Dylan was back. He had no idea what had transpired while he'd been gone. But one thing was certain: he was relieved beyond words to see his son standing here again. Pulling him close, he wraps his arms around him and just hugs him tightly.
Dylan was a bit surprised by the embrace, but doesn't pull away. It was confusing. Awkward. It felt wrong. It felt right. He didn't know.
Finally drawing back, Mick gives his son some space. "Why? Why did you come back?"
Another shrug. "I guess you can thank Dan for that."
Mick furrows his brow, confused. Dan had gone after Dylan that day and come back without him. How could he be responsible?
Dylan reads his confusion. "Just 'cause I didn't let him bring me back when I left doesn't mean I wasn't listening." He pauses. "And it... doesn't mean he didn't keep trying to finally get through to me."
What was it Dan had said that was more convincing than anything Mick had said? It hurt...in a humbling sort of way. But he was too relieved to dwell on that. "Where have you been?"
"Around." That was very far from the whole story but Dylan wasn't ready yet to share details. The truth would come out in its own time.
Mick treads lightly. "Are you planning on sticking around?" It was a question asked - not a requirement. It was Dylan's choice and he would respect it. And his tone said as much.
"I suppose." Dylan wasn't sure how to act with his dad - after hearing the phone conversation, and now being allowed to go or stay. "If... that's okay with you."
Mick cocks his head, resisting the urge for another hug. "I would like nothing more."
"Still got my stuff in the bunk?"
"Yeah... yeah nothing's been touched."
"Okay. Well... I'll, um... I guess I'll go put my stuff away. I'm... I'm pretty tired."
"Oh...okay." Mick watches numbly as Dylan heads towards the bunkhouses. Maybe he'd get a chance to talk to his son more later on. He could hope. Covering his face with his hands for a moment, he takes a deep breath. Then gazing towards the sky, he thanks God for bringing back his son. To him, it was a miracle. And he would not take his son's presence for granted again.
In the dining hall where everyone else was starting to eat, Jade stands on the porch at the door, having seen Dan drive up. She'd planned to go ahead with supper since she didn't know when he'd be back, but once she'd seen him, she'd opted to wait.
But it wasn't just Dan she saw exit the truck. Seeing her brother as well sent a chill down her spine and her hands go to her mouth in shock. All she wanted to do was run over to him and hug him and make sure he was okay. But as the tears glisten in her eyes, she knows she mustn't. She saw him head for the barn where Mick was and she knows that she would have to wait.
Swallowing her urge to respond to her emotions, she remains on the porch, continuing to wait for Dan - now with a thousand questions.
"Psh. Calories don't count in meals that are fun," Zach retorts playfully.
Falling into step beside Beth, he walks with her at a leisurely pace. The funny thing was that the quiet wasn't awkward. There was no need to fill the silence. It was just... nice.
The trail wasn't too long - it just wound around the park and back again. When they reach the cars though, Zach was just a little disappointed. He knew they needed to part, though. He didn't want to wear out his welcome, and he knew the good time had to end for now.
Pulling out his keys, he sighs with content and stops, turning to Beth. "Well... I don't know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my day, thanks to you. I'm... hoping we can get together again sometime?"
Back
Letting out a small sigh Dan takes the last bit of his burger before positioning his frys between his legs. He'd much on them on his way home. Something told him it was going to be a quiet ride. Glancing over at Dylan one last time he wondered if he'd fall asleep or not. If he did Dan didn't mind maybe he needed the sleep like he had needed the food.
"Alright lets get this show on the road."
Putting his own seat belt on Dan starts the car up and pulls off once again. He only hopped now that the welcome Dylan got when he got home was at least without yelling. Right now Dylan needed to be shown he was welcome and loved.
...The two hours pass and finally Dan pulls into the ranch drive way. Pulling up to the barn he parks the truck and just sits for a long moment. Finally he reaches over and gives Dylan's arm a little shake not wanting to startle him.
"Dylan...Dylan we are back at the ranch."
Giving a smile and a nod Beth starts out down the little dirt path. She didn't know where it lead but that was part of the fun in this case. The weather was on the warm side today too so it just made it that much more enjoyable.
"I don't need to just walk off the ice cream I need to walk off the whole meal. I feel like I put on thirty pounds just today."
Giving a laugh and continuing to walk Beth becomes silent but not minding it much. It didn't feel strange to be quiet right now. Just walking with her new friend and listing to the sounds around them satisfied her.
"Alright lets get this show on the road."
Putting his own seat belt on Dan starts the car up and pulls off once again. He only hopped now that the welcome Dylan got when he got home was at least without yelling. Right now Dylan needed to be shown he was welcome and loved.
...The two hours pass and finally Dan pulls into the ranch drive way. Pulling up to the barn he parks the truck and just sits for a long moment. Finally he reaches over and gives Dylan's arm a little shake not wanting to startle him.
"Dylan...Dylan we are back at the ranch."
Giving a smile and a nod Beth starts out down the little dirt path. She didn't know where it lead but that was part of the fun in this case. The weather was on the warm side today too so it just made it that much more enjoyable.
"I don't need to just walk off the ice cream I need to walk off the whole meal. I feel like I put on thirty pounds just today."
Giving a laugh and continuing to walk Beth becomes silent but not minding it much. It didn't feel strange to be quiet right now. Just walking with her new friend and listing to the sounds around them satisfied her.
Angry eyes
"One person isn't enough to rely on over the multitude." Dylan's eyes drift downward again. He eats the rest of the burger in silence, ending with a few fries and a little more of his coke but he doesn't touch the remaining fries or the last hamburger.
Sliding down a little in his seat, he puts his seatbelt back on but remains sideways, his face towards Dan, though his eyes don't look up anymore. He had walked so far... been given rides with countless people... gone without food... slept under bridges... and it was entirely his own fault. And he knew it.
Drawing up one of his legs, he tries to curl up as much as he can in the seat and closes his eyes. He had two hours to shut out the world before facing the angry eyes of his father.
Zach follows Beth's gaze at the sun, taking note that the afternoon was wearing on. He didn't know if she had other things to do, but he certainly didn't. Not on his day off. He needed to get home eventually to take care of Button, but otherwise...
Beth's invitation perks him up again and he pats his stomach. "I'd love a walk. Maybe I'll work off some of that ice cream."
Sliding down a little in his seat, he puts his seatbelt back on but remains sideways, his face towards Dan, though his eyes don't look up anymore. He had walked so far... been given rides with countless people... gone without food... slept under bridges... and it was entirely his own fault. And he knew it.
Drawing up one of his legs, he tries to curl up as much as he can in the seat and closes his eyes. He had two hours to shut out the world before facing the angry eyes of his father.
Zach follows Beth's gaze at the sun, taking note that the afternoon was wearing on. He didn't know if she had other things to do, but he certainly didn't. Not on his day off. He needed to get home eventually to take care of Button, but otherwise...
Beth's invitation perks him up again and he pats his stomach. "I'd love a walk. Maybe I'll work off some of that ice cream."
Hope
Taking another sip of the soda Dan lets the bubbly liqued just fiz in his mouth for a moment before swallowing it. Studying Dylan for a long moment he wondered how long it was take the young man this time to get back to where he was before or if things would ever be the same.
"Oh trust me, I've screwed up enough in my life. You're dad's not to fond of me for one reason or another and there are still people out there who think I should be in jail."
Looking down at his burger for a moment he takes the top off and adds a few frys before replacing the top and taking a bite. He savers the flavor for a long moment not really knowing when he will have fast food again. The food at the ranch was so good he didn't know the point in going out to get fast food. Not to mention eating a little slower would give him more time to chat with Dylan.
"I've learned though I've got to push who the haters think and focus on the ones who believe in me. Because as long as you have one person who will believe in you there is hope for anything."
Finally standing up from the slide and brushing herself off Beth turns to Zach the smile on her face not leaving. She felt good maybe her mom was right along time ago when she told Beth laughter was the best medicine.
"Well than I guess we are both thanking each other."
Giving another look at the sky and than her watch Beth wasn't sure how long Zach wanted to hang out. She didn't want to say goodbye yet but she had no idea if he had anything else through out the day he needed to do.
"Want to go for a quick walk?"
"Oh trust me, I've screwed up enough in my life. You're dad's not to fond of me for one reason or another and there are still people out there who think I should be in jail."
Looking down at his burger for a moment he takes the top off and adds a few frys before replacing the top and taking a bite. He savers the flavor for a long moment not really knowing when he will have fast food again. The food at the ranch was so good he didn't know the point in going out to get fast food. Not to mention eating a little slower would give him more time to chat with Dylan.
"I've learned though I've got to push who the haters think and focus on the ones who believe in me. Because as long as you have one person who will believe in you there is hope for anything."
Finally standing up from the slide and brushing herself off Beth turns to Zach the smile on her face not leaving. She felt good maybe her mom was right along time ago when she told Beth laughter was the best medicine.
"Well than I guess we are both thanking each other."
Giving another look at the sky and than her watch Beth wasn't sure how long Zach wanted to hang out. She didn't want to say goodbye yet but she had no idea if he had anything else through out the day he needed to do.
"Want to go for a quick walk?"
Don't know why
Dylan wasn't sure if he believed Dan or not. It was the same story as the text messages though... people wanted him. Was it really true? He wondered.
Nibbling a little more at his hamburger, he manages a couple more bites. Now being fed, his stomach pains were beginning to feel more like genuine hunger.
He scoffs at Dan's last comment. "Everybody wants you. You're not the one who screws up all the time, runs off and-" He stops short. "...and other stuff." He falls silent again, the battle inside waging self-pity against shame, hurt against anger and pride against loneliness.
"I don't even know why I'm coming back," he mumbles.
Zach lets the swing's momentum slow to a stop, his bright smile widening. He didn't know what Beth was normally like, but just the way she thanked him... he had a feeling that she didn't get out and laugh very often. To think he'd helped her accomplish that today... well... it was a nice warm feeling.
"You can only thank me if I can thank you too," he responds. Stepping down off the swing, he wanders nearer to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "This has been the most fun I've had since moving here."
Nibbling a little more at his hamburger, he manages a couple more bites. Now being fed, his stomach pains were beginning to feel more like genuine hunger.
He scoffs at Dan's last comment. "Everybody wants you. You're not the one who screws up all the time, runs off and-" He stops short. "...and other stuff." He falls silent again, the battle inside waging self-pity against shame, hurt against anger and pride against loneliness.
"I don't even know why I'm coming back," he mumbles.
Zach lets the swing's momentum slow to a stop, his bright smile widening. He didn't know what Beth was normally like, but just the way she thanked him... he had a feeling that she didn't get out and laugh very often. To think he'd helped her accomplish that today... well... it was a nice warm feeling.
"You can only thank me if I can thank you too," he responds. Stepping down off the swing, he wanders nearer to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "This has been the most fun I've had since moving here."
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