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Jared quirks one eyebrow, just glad for the short reprieve as they talked. "Okay with me? It never matters what's okay with me. I'm just the invalid being told what to do, ya know." 

Catching Grace's hand before she can reach his other leg, he stops her. "Can we at least sit in the grass?" His tone had softened as his request was genuine. "I promise not to knock you over this time." 

Jay returns Rosetta's hug warmly, closing his eyes for a moment. He was relieved to have all of that off his chest, and even more relieved at the acceptance offered. Pulling back, he smiles at his sister. "Thanks... I've missed you too." 

He turns to the others again. "And the rest of you, I guess."

Eric smirks and throws a wadded-up napkin at him. "I suppose we've missed you too. Sort of."

Jay rolls his eyes. "Well, thanks a lot." 

Grinning, Mick stands up, offering Jay a handshake then a hug too. "You know you're welcome here anytime and all the time, right?"

"Yeah... I know."

"Gonna stick around?" Sparky questions. 

"Um... for few days. Then I want to get my family out here real soon." 

Justin doesn't mind when Beth lies down next to him or takes his hand. With his other hand, he strokes her hair gently. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about," he chides softly. "Besides, I was the one who suggested it, remember?" 

Sighing, he leans his head back and closes his eyes, his fingers still running through her hair. "Who knows why tonight... things just... happen sometimes and we just happened to get caught in the middle." 

His hand gives hers a squeeze. "But we're safe now and it's all over." 

Falling silent for a few more minutes he eventually opens his eyes again and looks down at her, feeling rather helpless. He knew what to do in many situations, but there were always so many variables that even he didn't have all the answers. "You wanna come home with me tonight?" He'd never suggest that on a normal night, but he couldn't stay here and if she didn't want to be alone, he wouldn't leave her without options. 

Already have

Being at the hospital Beth didn't like it but having Justin next to her made everything go quickly. Trying to remember everything that happened Beth wasn't much help as she tried to block it out but she tried all she could. Her head was hurting, she just wanted to go home and was all to happy when the time came.

Sitting in the truck and holding Justin's hand Beth was quiet. Her head leaning back against the seat and her eyes closed. Her head pounded and her body ached. She was thankful though that Justin was staying with her. At the moment she didn't want to spend the time alone.

Getting to the house and going inside Beth sets her purse down at the table. Watching Justin go over to the couch she just eyes him for a moment before following and sinking down next to him. Moving on the couch a little she repositions herself so she can lay her head in Justin's lap and hold his hand at the same time. She had so many emotions going on inside her right now it was really hard to land on one.

   "Why tonight? Why there? We were having such a good time too. I'm...I'm sorry I picked that place Justin."

Seeing the splinter on Hunter's hands Katie can't help but cringe a little bit. She new all to well how that felt and how sore his hands would be in the morning. Repairing fences was a must but it was dangerous work as well. Hearing that he enjoyed it though Katie was happy and it made her smile.

Dinner came and went all to quickly and Katie new Hunter had, had a long day and she couldn't keep him up any longer. She would see him tomorrow and that was important to her. He needed to be rested for work and whatever else would be thrown there way.

   "Have a good night Hunter. I'll see you tomorrow for sure."

Returning the hug and squeeze of the hand Katie smiles up at Hunter. She would stay here and play cards for a little bit but than she would be hitting the bed herself.

Listing to her brother and feeling Mick's squeeze on her hand Rosetta looks to him and smiles before looking back to Jay. He was bearing everything right here, right now and he was leaving nothing unturned. Justin continuing to listen Rosetta could feel some tears rising in her eyes. She'd missed her brother, the only part of the clan that wasn't with them and nieces she never new to know he was going to try and come around more it made her so happy.

   "Jay, I think I can speak for us all when we say no sorry is needed. We forgave you along time ago and simply put now missed having you and your family around."

Standing and going over to her brother Rosetta gives a smile before extending her arms and warping them around him. She could see the change in him, she could see God's light and for that she was proud. For many other reasons as well her was proud of her brother. And he was home, he was finally home and would be here more. It was a dream come true.

   "Welcome home Jay, we missed you!"

Working with Jared Grace goes slow knowing that this was a painful process and as painful as it was it was a good thing too. Pain meant Jared's nerves were still working like they should be they just had to wake his legs up. 

Continuing as seeing the pain all over his face along with the looks that could kill she ignores them. His fists slamming down on the rests of the chair don't even make her jump. She'd seen worse and thats what she would always remember. This...this was only the start and if she couldn't hack this she might as well go now.

   "Kick me, and I might have to use a little reverse force on you."
 
Grace's own eyes give a little sparkle though her voice was stern almost as a warning that maybe she could use it if she had too. Her cheeks flush a little bit as his comment about her being pretty though she makes no comment about it.

   "Alright, now we do the other leg, than we ice them, doing it again, heat, ice, and than we can relax a little. Sound ok to you?"  

Rest

Justin was very glad that Beth agreed to go to the hospital. He hadn't wanted to argue with her and make things worse. At least she was doing her best and willing to walk through this, despite how frightening it all was.

"Thatagirl." Justin gives her an extra squeeze. "I'll see if they'll let me drive you so you don't have to ride in an ambulance. You'll just have to keep this pack on your head good and tight, okay?" 

Things after that were a bit of a blur. Insisting on driving Beth to the hospital himself, they were escorted by a police cruiser, and once there, also escorted inside. Several times, Justin had to argue with doctors, refusing to leave Beth - to the point that the policeman finally told the nurses to back off too. It was obvious that Beth needed Justin's presence and the policeman knew that if he was going to get any more information from them, the nurses and doctors had better keep peace, rules or not.

After Beth's cut was cleaned, stitched up and bandaged, the officer asked them several questions about the robbery. Justin was one of the few from the restaurant who could give anywhere near an accurate description of the robber - something the policeman was grateful for. 

Once the ordeal was over, Justin took Beth back out to his truck to drive her home, holding her hand the whole way... 

..."Alright, here we go." Justin enters the apartment with her. As relieved as she must be to finally be home, he was also. It was over. This whole thing was over. And yet... he knew that it would take a while for Beth to get over it. He feared this would set her back - how far though, he didn't know. It would set anybody back... that was normal. The only thing he couldn't predict was how long it would take her to bounce back, or if him trying to help would actually help or hinder. 

Walking slowly to the living room, Justin eases down on the couch and pats the cushion next to him. She was still in her dress and he was still in his nicer clothes, but it didn't seem to matter. Right now, he just wanted Beth to be able to sit and rest. 

Hunter smirks, giving Katie's foot a return tap under the table. "Nah, they treated me alright. 'Cept for those splinters..." He turns his palm over and squints at several places where he'd received splinters from fence posts. 

"Work went okay though - I actually enjoyed it. Mostly helped Mick on the fence." Despite being sore, he really had enjoyed it. He knew he was trying to prove something too, but aside from that, it was the truth that he liked the physical work...and the time away from an idle mind that liked to wander. 

Supper was enjoyed and Hunter found himself amidst chatter and laughter with Katie, carrying on various conversations with Clint, Mick or Jim mostly. It was a fun time...a family time. A time that maybe if Hunter stopped to think about it long enough, he would see it as something he'd missed out on... something he wished he had more of. 

Once the meal was over though, despite being invited to help with a few more chores and/or play a game of cards, he had to decline. He was utterly exhausted from the long day and knew that he'd be no good the next day if he didn't go to bed early. It cut out some time with Katie but... maybe he could make up for it the next day. A squeeze of the hand and a hug goodnight was as good as it would get for now. 

Back in the dining room though, the lights remained on late into the evening. And even those who usually went home by now, had stayed behind until there were nine people gathered - the result of Jay's request. It was him, Rosetta, Eric, Trent, Jeff, Sparky, Jim, Annie and Mick.

Standing near the group that was seated, Jay felt awkward, but he'd been thinking all day about this...

"Um... I guess I just wanted us alone 'cause what I've got to say really applies mostly just to you guys." Pacing a little, he mulls over the words he wants to use. Finally he grabs a chair and straddles it backward to look at everybody else. It had been a very long time since he'd seen all these eyes at one place.

"Years ago... when I first met you all and realized I was a part of something bigger, it scared me... a lot. I already had a pretty settled life, I was married, I was staring a family, and I had a good relationship with my brother Jeff."

Jeff glances down for a moment, remembering the past. He'd been sick most of the time, but there had been good times with his brother, too. Especially later when he'd interacted with his nieces.

Jay clears his throat and continues. "When I found out about the Agency, I was more scared than stubborn. You all had already been fighting them for a while and had a handle on things. You all had skills that I never did - you could take anybody down and you'd taught yourselves how to fight and handle guns and shoot if need be. Me..." He shrugs. "I just owned a dog kennel and was trying to live a normal life. And when I did involve myself in the fight for a short while, I got even more scared. The Agency was too big for me. I loved you all, but I just didn't have the guts you did. I was intimidated most of the time."

Sighing, he shakes his head. "And... for a while, keeping my distance didn't bother me. I thought ignoring the issue would make me feel better. I thought it would be safer for me and my family. So I stayed away. Oh, you know I stayed in touch with phone calls or emails or whatever but... in reality, I really didn't want to have much to do with you guys." He was ashamed to admit it.

"Then when my wife and baby died..." He swallows hard. It had been a long time now, but it still stirred his emotions. "I realized that I was not immune to tragedy. Whether by the hands of the Agency or not. I realized that avoiding the fight didn't mean nothing bad would happen. My loss, fear and guilt for rejecting you all in some way, shape or form made me into a bitter person. I didn't like myself. I struggled with my kids - I just about lost Katie."

Jeff catches his brother's eye, knowing all too well that situation. He'd watched from a distance as his daughter had traveled down a very risky path, unable to do anything but pray.

Jay purses his lips grimly. "I thought finding a new wife would solve my problems. So I married again - probably too quickly. I wanted another chance at the child I'd lost so we decided to get pregnant right away. That was probably another mistake, although I wouldn't trade Josh for the world." He shakes his head again. "I didn't talk about it much, but you all probably figured out that Jessica and I had problems. We fought a lot. We talked of divorce more than once. I neglected my kids and Katie moved out here, feeling rejected. The thing is..." He gives a light scoff at himself. "She was right. I had rejected her. And her sister. And the rest of you."

He bounces his leg nervously but knows he needs to continue. So taking a deep breath, he does. "It took a few years, but Jessica and I started to work things out. We'd always held fast to our Christianity - but... we weren't really living it. By the grace of God, we realized it, and realized we both needed to get back on track. So... we started working towards that. And when we got ourselves right with God again, our marriage started improving too, as did my relationship with the kids."

He sighs again "Problem was... every day I felt just a little more guilty for ignoring that one missing piece of me: you guys. I had chosen to stay away because I considered it safer for my family and I know that all of you accepted and respected my choice. For that, I thank you. But... while I don't think I was wrong for that choice, I began to realize again that just because I wasn't on the battle line, that still didn't mean I wouldn't have any trouble - that had already been proven. I knew I could offer assistance and didn't. More so than that though, I was distancing myself from people who wanted to get to know me... love me... have me be a part of their lives. I was... denying all of you your brother."

Jay takes a moment to get his thoughts back on track again. "My daughters are grown now. One's out of the house and the other is still at home but on her way out. Josh still has a few years left but he's getting to the age where he can understand reality. And... each day I think of all you. Just because I wasn't in touch didn't mean you weren't on my mind. And, um..." He shrugs. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... I had my reasons for staying away. And I'm grateful to all of you for accepting that. I don't blame myself for my choices and I'm glad that I was able to protect my kids for a while at least. God gave me the opportunity to grow... to change... and I feel He guided me down the path I took. He gave me my kids - they're my responsibility that I take seriously. However... today is not the same as yesterday. This is not twenty years ago. It's today. And today... things are different. I'm different. Circumstances are different. And... I want to know my family."

Mick quietly gives Rosetta's hand a squeeze, hoping she was as happy as he was to be hearing all of this. Jay was exposing his heart to all of them - something he had never done before.

"I'm not sure what this means for me or the rest of you," Jay continues. "And I'm still scared of the Agency. More than once, I've considered myself a coward. I'm not telling you all this because I want to stand against them or go to war. I'm here because I want to see you. I want to get to know you and have you get to know me. As I am today. Not as the man you knew before. My wife and daughters know that just by coming here, I have endangered them. But they all are standing behind me and all agree that the risk is worth it if we gain back our family. Josh has heard about all you but doesn't even know you and he wants to. He doesn't understand the risks, although he knows bits and pieces about the Agency. God gave me the opportunity to shelter my family. And I believe He's giving me the opportunity now to leave that shelter and experience life in a new light. Staying away before wasn't wrong. But neither is changing paths now."

Making eye contact with the others in the room, he's not sure what else to say. "I guess I want to say I'm sorry... I'm sorry that my choices robbed you of part of your family, and I'm very sorry for some of my past actions or the way I treated some of you. I've always loved all of you and I apologize for not backing you up when you maybe needed me. If given the chance, I don't know what I would change or choose differently. Maybe nothing. But for today... I'm here. It's been too long. And... I want to see you all more often. And I want my family to know you too. So... if you can accept me back into the clan... I'll try to be the brother... the man God wants me to be."

Sighing, Jared wished they could just sit and talk, but he knew they couldn't. Grace was here for her job and nothing more. "Yeah, okay." 

It wasn't so bad moving his toes around and even his ankles a little bit. But once they got further up his legs, it started getting difficult. Able to stay seated in the wheelchair, his hands grip the armrests until his knuckles were white. It felt as though his nerves were going haywire as he tried to move his own legs, and his lower back screamed at him to stop. 

Gritting his teeth, sweat forms on his brow. He knew he had to keep trying. He knew he had to remain strong. But it was just so frustrating. One more rotation and it felt as though an electrical shot traveled through his leg and up his spine. It was enough of a jolt to make him jump. Slamming his fist down on the armrest, his eyes travel away from Grace so his glare is aimed at the oak tree instead. It wasn't her fault. He wouldn't snap at her.... he wouldn't... he wouldn't....

Taking several deep breaths, he finally gives Grace a sidelong glance. "One of these days I'm gonna wind up kicking you and just blaming it on overactive nerve endings." His eyes narrow slightly, though a little bit of humor shone through. "Then again... I'd hate to kick something as pretty as you."

Movement

Looking up at Justin Beth gives a sniff trying to stop from crying. Be strong she told herself, be strong for him. Justin had been there for her more than once, he had helped her become strong, Beth was a better person because of Justin the least she could do now was try and continue to be strong.

   "Ok, I'll come with your to the hospital but can we drive? I'd like that better."

Letting out a long sigh and flicking some of her tears away. Beth wished she was much stronger and she didn't have to cry, she wish the fear that coursed through her vains would subside now that everything was ok. She was alive and that was a big plus but she couldn't help the fear that made her wonder if it would happen again. 

The afternoon went buy pretty fast enough though there wasn't really much time before starting the work in the barns and dinner it still seemed to go in almost a snap of the fingers.  Exiting the barn and taking her work gloves off Katie looks around. Not seeing Hunter anywhere she wondered what kind of tastes her Uncles had him up to now.

Heading to the bunk house to shower and change out of her dirty cloths Katie makes a quick job of it. Just leaving her hair down for now to air dry she makes her way to the mess hall to wait for Hunter. 

It's not long finding a place for them both and sitting down that Hunter comes in the door. Feeling Hunter bump her shoulder and than her comment to follow Katie can't help the grin that spreads across her lips. Even the smallest hello would be enough for Katie to smile. Just something about Hunter had that affect on her.

   "I though for sure my Uncles took you out into the woods and either shot you for showing them up, got you lots, or worked you to death."

Giving Hunter's food a tap with her own Katie looks to him her eyes twinkling. It was nice teasing Hunter and knowing he could take it. Than again if he could take her Uncles he could take her with flying colors. Maybe thats where she got her own humor from.

   "How did the work go?"

Giving Jared the support he needed Grace had no problem going slow, or fast. It didn't bother her how much he leaned on her either. It really didn't bother her even if it bothered Jared. It was part of her job and she had seen far worse. 

Once he was settled and hearing him talk about wanting to drive on his own Grace gives a laugh. It was not as easy at it looked but she would let him give it a shot. Just watching him with every wall he bumped, every table that was knocked Grace cringed a little bit and laughed along with it. At least he was trying and that did count. 

   "Alright crazy driver let me take over here before you hurt yourself more. However keep practicing and I might just give you that license."

Pushing Jared the rest of the way outside Grace finds a nice sunny spot for them to sit and work. She sun felt good on her skin and she new Jared liked it too. It was better than being cooped inside only bad part was knowing this was not a social visit but work.

   "Alright, so we are going to start to toe and let movement. I want you to start by moving your toes, than using my help we are going to move your lets in circular movements, up and down. While I move them I want you to considerate on moving them. We are going to get those lets to remember how to work...ok?"

Driver's License

"It's okay," Justin continues to soothe, still keeping Beth safe in his arms. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her even more. "I don't like hospitals either, but we need to make sure you're taken care of." 

Drawing back slightly to look down into her eyes, his heart broke even more. She looked like a petrified little girl, and it hurt to see her like this. Reaching up one hand, he brushes away some of her tears. "I promise I'll be right beside you the whole time. Can you do it for me? I'll feel a lot better if a doctor can stitch you up. Then we can go home and it'll all be over." 

He plants a soft kiss on her cheek before wiping away another tear with his thumb. "You're doing great. I know you can be strong for just a little while longer. Come with me to the hospital... okay?" 

Jeff smiles and locks eyes with Rosetta for just a moment. He knew that he had a lot of miserable days and a lot of lonely days too. But he was loved. And understood. And he really couldn't ask for much more. "Okay... see you later then." 

Leaving the office, he heads straight to his bunkhouse where he slips off his shoes and sinks down on his bed. He was glad he'd had a little fun with Hunter and Katie, and sure was glad he was home. But just those few activities had completely drained him and he was exhausted. He hadn't realized how such an ordeal with his heart - though relatively minor - could sap his energy like this. But he really was so tired... 

Left standing, Hunter watches Katie walk away before finally heading to his own bunkhouse too. His legs really didn't feel like working, but as long as he kept moving, he didn't feel as sore. Tonight he'd take another hot shower and that should help. After the big deal everyone had made earlier, he wasn't about to act as though he was all that sore. Whether necessary or not, he was going to prove he could handle it. 

Soon he met up with Katie again, ready to work. Though supper was going to be soon, it still left enough time for Mick to snatch Hunter away to help with fixing one of the corral gates then hauling a bunch of fence posts out to the back pasture to begin extending the fenceline. By the time that work was done, Hunter was ready to call it a day - though he wouldn't say so. He didn't see hide nor hair of Katie until supper when he finally found her inside saving him a seat... 

Easing down next to her, he bumps her shoulder playfully. "Hello, stranger." 

Back in the corner, Dylan is bent over several school books. He was sweaty and dirty from working outside and in the barn all day but hadn't had time to take a shower. Sitting alone in the corner was probably the best place for him to be because of it too. 

Turning another page, his eyes focus on the words as he tries to retain the information. He'd already worked several hours earlier today but it wasn't enough - he was still playing catch-up, and so badly wanted to not get behind any more. If he could read enough chapters by tonight, he could take three tests tomorrow and get those over with. So far his grades were good enough that he didn't need a whole lot of tutoring from Rosetta but... just barely. He knew Mick wished he would have more As than Cs, but he just couldn't focus and do that well especially when he was working in the barn so much too. Maybe on these next set of tests he could at least get Bs? It was worth a try. 

Glancing up as someone else enters the dining room, he watches Hunter go sit with Katie. Not surprising. Did anyone else find those two obvious, or was it just Dylan that noticed? He wasn't sure. 

Looking back down to his book, his stomach growls. One more chapter, then he could eat. Just one more chapter...

Jared's lips twitch as he grins. "Don't tempt me. I might take all day to get in that chair if you're gonna have your arms around me." 

Taking a deep breath, he brings himself closer to the edge of the bed and eyes the wheelchair for several moments, trying to figure out how to do this. He knew Grace could direct him on the best route, but he also knew that she was going to let him do as much on his own as he could. He needed to be able to do some things on his own, especially if he was going to be using a wheelchair for a while. He couldn't be dependent on others for everything all the time. 

Using his hands, he moves his legs over the bed where they dangled rather lifelessly. He wriggles is toes a little though just to reassure himself that he still could. Looking to the chair again he then glances up to Grace. Did she know that this was kind of frightening to him? 

Mustering up his courage, he leans off the bed and sets a hand on the chair's armrest to hold his weight. It took a bit of doing, and he did need Grace's help so he wouldn't fall face-first to the floor a couple times, but finally he's sitting in the wheelchair. Out of breath and in pain, he shakes his head. "Either I'm gonna have to walk again, or I'm gonna have to learn how to do this better - there's gotta be an easier way." 

Starting to be pushed forward, he reaches down and stops the wheels with his hands. "It's not right that every time we go out, you have to do the driving." Leaning his head back so he can look up at Grace, a new grin creases his lips. "Let's see if I can earn my driver's license." 

It isn't easy... and a few walls and doorways were bumped and banged, but Jared does manage to get himself most of the way to the back door before his arms were just too tired to keep trying so he lets Grace take him the rest of the way. Once outside, he feels the warmth of the sun, just soaking it in. "Mm... this is nice." What he really wanted was to just sit and enjoy the outside with Grace. But he knew that she was here to do a job. He knew it was going to hurt and he wasn't looking forward to it.

Hospitals

Feeling Justin's arms around her Beth bury her face into his chest as she continues to sob. Her head hurt so bad and keeping her eyes open felt like they might pop out of her head but feeling Justin's arms around her just made her feel relaxed and safe. She new in his arms everything would be alright.

Having Justin put the ice pack on her head Beth gives a little wince but doesn't fight against it. She new the wound would more than likely swell and it was best to try and keep that down. She didn't know how bad it really was but she could only figure it was bad enough.

   "Justin...you saved me...thank...thank you."

Hearing the sirens in the background Beth continues to stay close to Justin not looking around at much but just soaking up his comfort. Hearing about going to the hospital though she tenses a little bit. She hated hospitals more than anything. She was able to visit Jared with Justin but that took all the will she had knowing she was going for herself was something completely different.

   "I'm ok...I don't need to go...go to the hospital. Can we just got home...please Justin?"

Beth looks up at Justin her eyes pleading. She really didn't want to go, she would be ok. Just slap a butter fly bandage on it and she'd survive. Maybe with a little scar, but she had a feeling even with stitches she might have one of those anyways.

   "I don't like hospitals."

Giving a chuckle and a smile to Jeff Rosetta nods. She understood what her brother was saying all to well. When it came to hospitals home was all to welcoming once again. She was happy Jeff was finally home though and happy to see he was at least in semi decent spirits.

   "Alright I will see you at dinner. Get some rest, we aren't going anywhere for a while."

Giving a smile and a nod Katie didn't mind spending more time in the barn. She liked it there and liked the smells. It was a great workout for her too, to keep her in shape so hearing Hunter wanted to do that she didn't mind at all.

   "Yeah I should change into some work cloths too and put my hair up so I don't sweat my butt off. I'll see you in ten."

Just holding Hunter's hand for a second longer Katie finally gives it a little squeeze before letting go and turning to head to her bunk and great ready for some work.

Seeing Jared smile, and his eyes light up even if it was a little bit Grace was pleased. Keeping that up, and keeping him positive was important even if it was slightly, or in a smarty pants kinda way. She'd seen many people fail in there recovery because they couldn't keep there spirits up. This time around there was no failing though, she refused to let Jared give up.

   "Ok, good outside it is than."

Setting her bag down and grabbing Jared's wheelchair Grace brings it closer to the bed and puts the breaks on. She had very little worry about helping Jared. She was stronger than she looked and most of it was in her arms. She had to be to be able to help people.

   "Alright this is how its going to go down. Try your best to move on your own. I know it will be hard and I know there will be pain but I am going to be holding you so you wont fall. If you have to lean all you weight on me than thats alright. Go as slow as you need I'm in no hurry and hey the slowly you go the longer you get to be close to me right?"