Stalls

Jay catches Rosetta's eyes and just lets her question linger for a moment. It would be very much like him to decline. He had a family waiting for him back home. A business. Safety. But something in his eyes was different today. "Yeah... yeah, I'll come to the ranch. You need a ride or is someone else coming back to get you?"

Hunter accepts a cup of coffee, keeping it black. Taking a long swig, the taste is bitter, but he liked it stronger anyway. Especially when his tastebuds were looking for a beer instead.

"Mm... spending time in the barn is good, and yes... taking your dad some better food is definitely a must. Hospital food is always nasty."

"Well, good morning, you two!"

Hunter is surprised enough by Eric's entrance that he just about chokes on his coffee. "Good morning."

Eric grins and nods to them both. "Did I hear someone wants to work in the barn?"

Hunter gives him a wary look. "Maybe. Before we go back to the hospital."

"Well then, it's your lucky day..." Eric had already been in the barn for an hour, as was evident by his gloves and sweaty brow. "Know how to clean stalls?"

"Oh, I bet it would come back to me."

"Good, good." Eric pats Hunter's shoulder before looking at Katie. "Mind if I borrow him for a while? Mick suddenly decided he wants to use those back stalls and they haven't been cleaned in ages. Needless to say, it's more than a one-man job. And if you're gonna wait a while to back to town, then..."

Jared maintains a smile, noticing Grace's red cheeks, but glad that his dumb chatter didn't bother her. The problem was, she was extremely easy to flirt with. And maybe there was just a part of him that really did enjoy paying her compliments - she certainly deserved them. 

Focusing again, he eyes the food she presents. "Mmm... most of the stuff you've brought before I've liked, so I betcha I'm gonna like all this too." At least he was gaining back a small appetite. It had been slow going, but he'd been able to eat a few good-sized portions lately as long as he was careful. 

A few minutes later as he chews on part of a sandwich, he nods. "Yep... this is good." Leaning back on the tree again, he sighs. "You're gonna spoil me, ya know. Nice sunny day. Good food. Pretty girl. I wanna walk, but I'm gonna miss the special treatment, ya know." 

Promise

Opening the small basket that had the food in it Grace pulls out the packages. Maybe he was trying to hide how frustrated and silly he felt but she found humor in him and rather enjoyed his innocent banter. It was rather enjoyable and different from the normal for her.

   "Nah, if I tell you to shut up than I can't enjoy you talking anymore."

Glancing over her shoulder Grace gives a little smile as her cheeks turn slightly red again. But it didn't make her falter her cheeks turning red was hardly anything. 

   "So today I made egg salad, peanut butter cookies, chips, and apples. I hope you like it."

Having the door held open for her Katie smiles and walks in giving a thank you. Hunter was being such a gentlemen it was rather nice. though she wondered if it was just friendly or part of there conversation yesterday.

Making her way to the kitchen with Hunter Katie pulls out two coffee mugs and pours some coffee. Putting some cream and sugar in her own she offers some to Hunter as well so he can have whatever he would like in his own.

   "Well I was thinking about spending a little time in the barn so at least I am helping a little today and than maybe head to see how my dad is doing."

Taking a sip of her coffee Katie closes her eyes for a second. The warm drink felt good and she could feel the caffeine kick in a little bit already. This was one of her favorite ways to wake up.

   "Oh we have to stop and get dad some food though because I promised him I wouldn't make him eat that yucky hospital food."

Turning and looking at her brother once he sits down Rosetta gives a smile. Jay could always read her so well she guessed it was just a Pent trate to look deeper and see into someones heart.

   "Ha, you kidding me. I may have gotten a new ticket of my own but I still got my own problems to worry about."

Giving Jay a little elbow and leaning her head back Rosetta closes her eyes for a second. She was rather tired and she new she needed sleep of her own. She'd just promised Katie she would say the night so she wanted to keep off on her word.

Turning her head to Jay again she study's him for a long moment. She wondered if he would be making a trip back home again or staying around for a little while. It was a long shot but she was going to ask anyways.

   "Want to come back to the ranch and say hi to everyone?"

All I Can

Being helped to sit up, Jared bites his tongue to keep from laughing. Perhaps he felt sillier as a cover-up from any embarrassment. Leaning back against the tree so he doesn't fall over from lack of leverage from his legs, he shakes his head. "I'm not coming along that good... you didn't let me stay." 

A wry grin twitches on his lips, and he knows he better put on the brakes lest he really get slapped. Clearing his throat, he looks around and plucks a blade of grass, holding it between his fingers. "I wonder how long it's been since I enjoyed the feeling of grass," he muses. Lifting his eyebrows, he chuckles. "And that was a rather stupid statement. Although apparently that's a knack of mine this morning. Stupid statements. Grace, tell me to shut up before I really make a fool of myself." 

"Yes, no news is good news," Hunter agrees as he walks alongside Katie. "And by the way... if you really thought I'd be scared off, I'm gonna have to work harder at giving you a better impression of me." 

Glancing to his side, he gives her a smile. Realizing she'd led them to the dining room, he holds the door open for her. "After you, Melady... and then tell me what the days is gonna look like." 

Jay sighs, shaking his head as he leans back against the wall. "Stupid," he mutters under his breath. "I thought he knew better than all that. And if it's my fault for what I told him, I'm... I'm sorry."

Rubbing tired hands over his face, he gives Rosetta an apologetic look. "Give me a few minutes, will ya? I'm gonna go talk to him, even if I do have to wake him up."

"Jeff..." Jay lays a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Hmm?" Jeff groggily opens his eyes and blinks, his mind rather foggy.

"Hey, Bro."

Realizing who it was, Jeff rolls his eyes. "Who called you?" he mumbles.

"Family," Jay states flatly. Shaking his head, he pulls a chair close to the bed and eases down to sit. "Came to see you on your death bed."

Jeff grunts. "Then you came to the wrong place. People around here wouldn't let me die if I paid 'em a million bucks."

"So that's what you've got? A death wish?"

"What else have I got?"

"A family that loves you very much." Jay says nothing more until Jeff turns to look at him. "We're all worried about you, Jeff. Now what's going on?"

"I got a bad heart. What more do you want?" Jeff pulls himself up a little. "Not my fault it decided to give out."

"Maybe not. But from what I hear, you're not exactly trying to keep it from giving out either."

Jeff shrugs. "So?"

"So you're killing yourself!" Jay stops, reminding himself to keep his tone down. "Look... I just want to know what's really going on here. This isn't like you."

Jeff picks at the hem of the bedsheet before throwing a glare at his brother. "I'm fine. I'm still alive. You've seen it for yourself. Now you can leave."

Jay's eyes narrow. "I drove half the night to come down here. You're stuck with me for longer than five minutes. Now...." He sits back and folds his arms. "Someone tells me that perhaps something I said to you while you were visiting has got you all feeling like you're worthless. That true?"

Jeff shrugs again. "I dunno."

"Well... regardless, I'm sorry."

Jeff's eyes move back to his brother curiously. "Why?"

"Because I shouldn't have called you down like I did."

"I thought I embarrassed you."

"You did. But... maybe that's just 'cause none of the rest of us have the guts to be as outgoing as you."

Jeff isn't sure what to think as he studies his brother. "I don't understand."

"You think you're weak. You think you can't offer anybody anything. The truth of the matter is, you've got something the rest of us don't."

"What's that?"

"Life." Jay smiles a little. "You have loved life since I can remember. No matter how sick you got, no matter what happened, you still loved life and you were never afraid to show it."

Jeff swallows hard. "I still embarrassed you and your family. How many other people have I-"

"The only people you've embarrassed are the ones that don't know how to live life like they should."

"That... includes you, ya know."

"I know it does. And I'm admitting it. So sometimes I think you should tone down your silliness. So when we're in public, sometimes I think you shouldn't kid around so much. But that's only because I'm not as brave as you to not be so stuffy that I forget life's about more than being serious all the time." 

Jeff really wasn't sure if Jay was being serious or if he was just using nice words to get him to feel better. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll stop this stupid nonsense of trying to prove something. You have nothing to prove, Jeff. I know life's been hard, I know you wanna do more than you can, but if you're gonna live any longer, you need to stop all this and... and go back to being the brother and uncle and father we all know and love."

Jeff swallows hard and eyes his bedsheets again. "Katie said I'm selfish for not taking care of myself."

"I suppose there's truth in that. She's selfish too though."

"What?"

"She wants to keep you around. She doesn't want to lose you. I guess we're all being selfish. You'll just have to forgive us for not wanting to give up one of our family members."

Jeff sighs deeply. "I'm tired, Jay... I'm tired of not doing what I want. I'm tired of having to watch everything I do to not overdo it. I'm tired of having Angel watching me like a hawk."

"So forgive us for caring. Look... I'm not trying to say I know how it feels, and I'm not trying to say it's easy because I know it's not. But you have so much more to offer than a healthy body. Out of us four brothers, your heart's the biggest, I guarantee. And whether any of us want to admit it or not, you're the example we know we should look up to." Jay nods solemnly. "I was wrong to be embarrassed. To tell you the truth, Josh got mad at me for chiding you - he thinks you're the coolest uncle ever."

Jeff has to give a bit of a wry grin at that one. "Yeah well... I guess sometimes I should tone it down a little." He chews on his lip. "I suppose I always figured if I could make somebody smile that... well, that I was worth something then. If I couldn't help out with work, at least I could provide some laughter. Maybe I just went overboard and-"

"You stop doing what you do best and I'll give you the next heart attack myself." Jay looks at him sternly. "We all like you just the way you are and so help me, Jeffrey Pent..." He huffs a sigh. "I'd strangle you now if it wouldn't set off the alarms in here."

Jeff grits his teeth to keep a laugh hidden. "Keep getting worked up like that, and you'll be the one in this bed instead of me."

Jay chuckles before shaking his head. "So do you accept my apology or not?"

"Of course I do. I'm still frustrated though."

"I know. But killing yourself isn't the answer."

Jeff nods. "Yeah... I don't think I'm gonna be working too much anymore. I know it was stupid."

"Eh... I probably would have done the same thing. You're just lucky you got a group of people around you that won't let you go."

"Not lucky... blessed."

Jay smiles. "Blessed." Seeing the tiredness in his brother's eyes, he lays off. "Now... if you promise not to die, I'll leave you be for a while."

Jeff scoffs. "Okay. You sticking around or heading home?"

"Figure I came all this way I might as well stop by the ranch. I'll see you again." Jay rises from his chair and gives his brother's arm a pat. "Be nice to the doctors."

"Yeah, yeah." Jeff waves him away.

Back out in the hall, Jay finds Rosetta and flops down next to her in a chair. "Well... I've done all I can. It's up to him now." Turning his head, he studies his sister's face. "This might have taken years off his life... don't let it takes years off yours too, eh?"

No news

Heading outside the room with Jay Rosetta was really happy to her brother. It had been a long time, a far to long of a time. Rosetta would of rather been chatting over coffee and seeing how the family was but she new right now it was just not the time.

Letting out a small sigh Rosetta gives a nod to Jay. She new he would be pretty much in the dark on what was going on but it would be easier to try and explain it all to him while he was here anyways. So in a way she was thankful it wasn't over the phone.

   "Well its pretty much like I said one the phone. Since he got back from you place he's been pushing himself harder and more. Finally his heart gave out. So he's had a heart attach, his blood pressure was through the roof, he was over exhausted like he hadn't slept in days and he was dehydrated."

Taking a deep breath Rosetta new she had said everything in one shot but she had to get it out while she was thinking about it. There were so many things that ran through her mind about everything that was going on right now she was lucky she new her own name.

Shaking her head and giving a smirk to Jay she lets out another small sigh. 

   "And the first thing he asked was when he was going home. He's gonna end up killing himself."

Seeing Hunter open the door Katie gives a smile. She'd hoped when she came to the room he would still be there and after last night not deiced to take off. It had been a crazy one for sure and she did feel bad.

   "Morning, Happy to see you haven't been scared off. I though maybe you would like some coffee."

Giving another smile to Hunter Katie leads the way out of his bunk when he's ready. Keeping her hands in her pockets Katie walks with Hunter. She wanted to head back to the hospital but spending a little time away before going back wasn't bad either.

   "No word but I guess no news is good new right?"

Being very pashent with Jared as he takes his time to get up Grace does her best to steady him and do her best to support him. Watching him she was pleased with her efforts but as he gives way and falls forward Grace was not ready and falls with him. Once hitting the ground though and catching her breath Grace can't help but laugh as she looks up at him.

   "I'd say ouch but this is kinda funny."

Looking up at Jared for a second Grace's eye catches Jared's and for a moment she can feel her heart flutter.  Giving a little shake of her head though Grace gives another little laugh before she shifts a little and helps Jared upright once again.

Clearing her throat and straightening out her dress giving another little laugh and a little flustered sigh. It was funny but she could sure tell her face now was beat red too.

   "Well....um all in all that was a really great first try. You really are coming along good Jared."

Paralyzed

Jay welcomes Rosetta into his arms, returning just as strong and long of a hug. Smiling as she pulls away, he's so glad she welcomed him so warmly. Despite being on good terms with everyone, he knew that he was an outsider in many ways, so knowing his sister wanted him there was a relief. 

"I'm glad to see you too." He nods to the hallway, leading her out of Jeff's room where they could talk louder without disturbing him. 

"So what's going on? I called Mick late last night and he said Jeff had a heart attack but thought everything was going to be okay?" 

Looking up at the door, Hunter quickly finishes tying his boot. Going to the door and opening it, he grins, seeing Katie. "Mornin', you. I was just ready to come looking for you." 

Stepping out onto the porch, he takes a deep breath of the fresh air. It really was different from city air. "So... what's on the agenda for today? Anything about your dad?" 

Perhaps Jared's smile was a little bigger since Grace couldn't see it. She'd known his comment would be coming... which made teasing and flirting with her all the more fun. 

Once outside, the sunshine felt so warm and good. Jared didn't know if he'd ever appreciated the outdoors before, but he certainly did now. Being cooped up inside 24/7 was getting to him. Arriving at the shady spot and having Grace offer him a hand, he looks at it for a moment before looking up at her a bit wide-eyed. Seriously? She wanted him to try getting himself out of the wheelchair? He could barely move his ankles, let alone his legs. He didn't know if he had any strength left in his muscles at all - probably not much. He hadn't yet been able to try walking at all. And yet she was asking him to try this? 

All those thoughts flash silently across his face and in his eyes, there was a bit of fear for the first time. He'd known she would push him but... but this? 

Swallowing hard, he looks down at the ground then back up at her again. He didn't know if he'd been a strong person before, or a wimp... but the adrenaline rushing through his veins right now told him that at least now, he was not one to turn down a challenge.

"Alrighty..." He musters up his bravery. "If you say so." 

Taking her hand, he braces his other on the arm of the wheelchair, not even quite sure how to do this. Somehow he does manage to turn just a little and hold himself up on his one arm while using Grace's hand to help him gain balance and leverage. Slowly, slowly, he pulls himself up, using his legs to keep himself upright, despite not even being able to feel what he was doing. 

Halfway there though, he can't hold himself anymore. With a little wail, he falls forward into Grace, knocking her to the ground. Only after landing does he take a moment to regain his senses and he realizes that he'd landed on top of her. Blinking, he raises himself up on his arms, but that's all he can do. Looking down at her, his cheeks flush with embarrassment, but that doesn't stop his wit. 

"Well now... this is just a little awkward." A sheepish grin emerges and he bites his lip. "Your beauty has left me rather paralyzed so, um... I'm gonna need a little help here getting off... that is, if you really want me off." His sheepishness turns into a teasing sparkle in his eye as he turns the situation around to his advantage. 

At least try...

Groggy and half between sleep and trying to stay alert Rosetta doesn't hear anyone come into Jeff's room. It's not till Jay lays a hand on her shoulder, and speaks that she even realize anyone was there. Giving a small jump and looking behind her Rosetta couldn't help the look of surprise. It had been a long time since she had seen her brother.

   "Jay!"

Standing Rosetta wraps her arms around her brothers neck and pulls him in for a big hug. Just holding him for a few long minutes she couldn't let go to soon for fear it would be a dream, and he would be gone. Finally though letting go and stepping back a little she smiles. 

   "Although I wish it was a different reason you were here, I am happy to see you."

Grace can feel her cheeks go red as she just shakes her head at Jared. Even in a bad mood he had that same flirtatiousness that seemed to come out. Moving around to the back of him Grace starts to push forward out of the room and down the hall noding to a few Dr, and nurses as she went.

   "It was to nice of a day out to bog myself down with pants, so I opted on the dress. Even though I did know I'd get some kind of comment from you. No that I mind to much though."

Exiting the hosptiel and going to a small picnic area  Grace doesn't stop at one of the tables but goes to a slightly shaded area in a far corner. Putting a blanket out she sents down the small basket she had been holding before holding her hand out to Jared to join her.

   "I'll help you out, you can lean on me but I want you to at least try for me."

She'd help Jared for sure but his muscles needed to get strong again so he had to at least try to move them. It wouldn't be easy this first time and she new it but she also had faith he would try and even if it was a little, it was better than nothing. 

 Finally rolling out of bed Katie stands and goes to the window. No one had called through the night so that was a good thing. Still though there was a looming cloud that just wouldn't go away that Katie hated feeling. Maybe thats why she stayed in bed a little extra the planned.

Pulling out her phone Katie's finger hovers over a number for a long second before finally hitting the button for a text.

My dad had a heart attack last night. He's doing ok just have to try and get him to slow down now. I just...thought you should know.

Sending the text and putting her phone down Katie felt strange for texting Jason. Why she wasn't sure but she did. It was only right he new though since she new Jason had been close to him too. She didn't exspect a responce from him but at least she had said something.
 
Finally getting herself together though she wonders out of her bunk and heads in the direction of Hunter's giving a knock on the door. Maybe he would like to grab some breakfest or coffee before working a little this morning. Than later they could back and see Jeff.

Pass

Eying Rosetta almost suspiciously at first, Jeff sighs. He knew she loved him and that's why she was here. It was just... hard. It was hard having his family see him like this. Weak. 

"I guess I kinda gave me a scare too," he admits. He hadn't said that to anyone else, and he probably wouldn't. Just her.

Shifting his hand to give hers a return pat, his eyes start to droop again. "You might wanna... settle in," he suggests. "Whatever they've got me on is gonna knock me out in about..." He looks up at her groggily. "Two minutes." 

As predicted, any further conversation was minimal as Jeff drifts off, exhausted from the day's ordeal. When the doctor checks on him later though, he expresses that it's best Jeff was asleep so he'd at least remain calm so his body could recover. 

Hunter laughs outright, taking Katie's comment as more of a joke than compliment. "You know it," he teases. Grabbing another fry, he hears Katie's stomach growl and grins, but doesn't comment. They'd both missed supper and he was glad she was at least eating a little bit. He knew how stress like this could mess up one's routines or even desire to eat, and he didn't want to see her go down any more than she already was. 

The rest of the ride home, Hunter makes light conversation - partially to lighten the mood and partially to keep himself awake. He hadn't gotten a rest at all after making so many miles to the ranch in the first place, so driving more at night was bound to make him sleepy. 

Once back at the ranch, he has Katie show him where he'd be staying, and has no problems getting settled in - only after he told her that if anything happened to come wake him up so he could go with her back to the hospital. 

As it was, there was only one instance in the night when the nurses and doctor came into Jeff's room. Everything happened so quickly though that by the time they explained to Rosetta that Jeff's blood pressure had suddenly dropped, he was stable again, without the need to call the family back. Utterly exhausted, Jeff slept the rest of the night through, too tired to complain or make any trouble, despite being poked and prodded and checked on multiple times...

It was early morning when Jay pulled into the hospital parking lot. He'd driven half the night to get here, but coffee and ice had kept him awake. 

After entering the hospital and asking a few questions, he heads down the hall and to the elevator. Reaching the right floor, he hunts for the correct room number. Finally finding it, he pauses at the door that was sitting ajar and glances inside. Seeing Rosetta first, a small smile appears on his face. He wasn't surprised that she was the one who had stayed here.

Entering slowly, he sees that Jeff is asleep in the bed. And for a moment, images of the past flash through Jay's mind. His brother looked pale and weak, just like he used to years ago when they didn't know what was wrong with him. It was a bit unsettling to see him like this, especially when he'd appeared well only a couple weeks ago. Jay was glad Jeff was here though where he was being taken care of.

Coming quietly to Rosetta's chair, he lays a gentle hand on her shoulder, trying not to startle her. "Pssst." He grins down at her. It had been way too long since he'd seen her. "Hey you," he whispers. "I got here as fast as I could..."

At the ranch, the sun was rising, as were most of those who had been up half the night already with worry. Hunter rolls over in his bed, suddenly realizing that sunlight was streaming through his window. His mind told him he needed to get up. He really should. He needed to see how Katie was. Find out how Jeff had fared through the night. Yet his body resisted. He wasn't used to getting up early, especially when he'd been so tired the night before. 

Finally rolling out of bed, he shuffles to the bathroom to take a shower and was soon dressed, pulling on his boots and wondering where he'd find Katie. 

Seeing Grace, Jared immediately perks up and gives her a smile. Though he wasn't feeling a whole lot better than yesterday, knowing she was here without an agenda to work on him was enough to give him something happy to concentrate on. 

"Of course I'm ready." He nods and doesn't resist as the male nurses help him out of his bed and into the wheelchair. It was pretty much routine now, and even though Jared didn't exactly like it, he wouldn't complain and risk being told he couldn't go outside.

Getting settled in, he gives Grace a once-over.  She was looking awfully pretty today. "You better get behind me and steer before I make a pass at you," he warns.

Thankful

Giving a tap on the hospital room Grace enters today waring a pretty Red and white sundress with sandles. It was another hot day and to wear anything but would be sad. This way she was cool and comfortable.

   "Good Morning I hope your awake."

Smiling as she walked over to the bed to male nurses were behind her with a wheel chair as well. Today was a good day and Grace hoped Jared was in a slightly better mood. She didn't like seeing down and yesterday had been a pretty bad day.

   "Ready or not here we come anyways, and outside we shall go...as long as your still feeling up to it."

Rosetta gives a nod to both her bothers and does the best smile she can. She new this was going to be rough but she was thankful for both there support, it helped make it just a little easier.

   "Alright guys be safe and if anything changes I'll give a call."

Watching her brothers leave and giving a little wave Rosetta lets out a small sigh before she gives a little knock and enters the room. Wondering over to the bed and seeing Jeff she give a little smile before patting his hand. It was hard seeing him laying there, in the bed, slow monitored beeping. Rosetta hoped they wouldn't be here anytime again soon but now here they were.

   "Hey Jeff. Good to see you alive, you gave us quite the scare."

It was hard to find words to say or not know what to say when she didn't know how Jeff was going to react. She just wanted her brother to know she was here and she cared. They all did and thats what this all broke down too. No one wanted to see anyone hurt.

Getting into the car Katie just looks out the window as Hunter starts driving home. The scenes pass by quickly as everything all blurs together. Letting out a small sigh Katie looks up at Hunter's comment and the sharp turn of the car. Seeing him pull into the fast food lot she quirks her eyebrow a little. 

Katie didn't feel very hungry but now that the stuff was ordered she couldn't refuse it. Taking her cold treat Katie takes a sip and it quiet for a moment before looking to Hunter. She was thankful for his gesture.

   "Thanks."

Falling quiet again Katie looks back out the window. Hearing Hunters comment about watching his figure though she can't help but give a small laugh and smile looking at him. It felt good to laugh even if it was a small one and it felt even better knowing he was trying to make her feel better.

   "Oh I guess I will have a few since your watching your figure and all. But I don't think you have much to worry about your still smoking hot."

Reaching into the bag and taking out a french fry Katie takes a nibble form it. As she does her stomach lets out a loud growl that lets her know just how hungry it was. Sinking down a little Katie pops the rest of the fry in her mouth before taking another drink.