Dark Side

Taking the paper from Sapphire and looking at the number one, Garret wore the strangest expression. It reflected the true lack of understanding as to why she was behaving this way. He'd done relatively nothing. He was a criminal, kept here more as a prisoner than anything. He was from an opposite world full of opposite behaviors and motives. Yet Sapphire held a strange value for him that he couldn't quite wrap his mind around. It was the same thing he'd experienced with Nate. 

All he could do was offer a slight nod as he stood up. "Glad to help since it gave me something to do." Exiting the cubicle, he paused a moment before glancing over his shoulder. But intelligent words failed him. "I'll see ya," was all that came out. 

Back in his room downstairs, he flopped down on his cot and held up the paper once more to look at. Other than Victoria, he'd been valued by no one, for anything other than his skills. He'd done a task today anyone could do - and had been thanked for it. Why?

Folding the paper, he slipped it under his pillow. Why he didn't throw it away, he wasn't sure. But something deep down wanted to save it...just because.


"You take a piece of their mind..." Gunner leaned in closer to Bree's neck with a growl. "And I shall take their blood."

"Oh, do get out of here!" the nurse chided. "And take your vampire weirdness with you."

Gunner laughed as he straightened up. "Okay, okay. I'll bring her back, I promise." With an arm around Bree's shoulders, he headed towards the exit. "Maybe," he whispered.

It didn't take long to get to one of their favorite little diners where they served rootbeer floats. Gunner hadn't lied - lunchtime or not, a float was what he wanted. As he sloshed his straw around the foamy treat though, he looked across the table at Bree, all silliness gone from his eyes.

"I...had my little chat with Hope today," he admitted. "I, um...thought I was doing pretty good, ya know? With the whole..." He tapped the side of his head. "But, um... I guess maybe..." He shrugged, and his eyes fell to the rootbeer. "I dunno. Kinda been hard keeping on track lately and...and I don't wanna hide that from you."

He took a sip of his float, hating the awkwardness that he felt. This was the woman he wanted to spend his life with... Yet it was still hard letting her see this dark side of him. "I'm ok, just... thoughts, ya know?" He finaly glanced back up at her. "Guess this vampire still has a lot of shadows that haven't gone away yet."


Lydia gave a little jump as Grace came up beside her, but immediately relaxed. "Oh, I am so glad you came." She shook her head, rolling her eyes in frustration. "I am fine. The doctors are not sure what happened but they are working to find answers, and Jared is stable, so that is the main thing." She sighed, the worry showing in her eyes. "He has been through so much already and was doing so well. He even got up and dressed and came to the kitchen all by himself today. A great improvement, thanks to you."

She gave Grace's arm a little pat. "He is resting now, but you can go in his room to see him. They will keep him until they know what is wrong. If he wakes up, it might be good for him to know you are here. I know he cares a great deal for you." 


Lizzie's eyes immediately flickered at Chad's comments. "A twin? Seriously? Where does he live? Is he single?" She cringed as an empty paper plate smacked her upside the head and she blinked at Hannah. "What?!"

Hannah rolled her eyes. "Shut up. You're embarrassing yourself."

"No I'm not. Takes more than that." Lizzie have Chad a silly grin. "I can imagine the nightmare of two young guys together. But you gotta understand, Hannah thinks a single dust bunny means an infestation." 

"I do not!"

Rosalyn giggled and looked up at Chad, still tucked under his arm. "They've been so good to me," she whispered while the girls bantered. "I couldn't be in a better place after all that happened."

#1

Turning to see Garret Sapphire nodded and smiled at him. She was very thankful he had been willing to help her. She was always disorganized and it always got out of hand no matter when she tried to catch it, than she would fall behind and it was just a mess.

   "Thank you so so so so much. I have brains but my down fall is organization. Your help really meant a lot."

Sapphire nodded again before scooting to one side of the cubical in her chair than to the next. Grabbing a piece of paper on the way and drawing a BIG number one on it and holding it out to Garret.

   "I can't pay you, but you are number one to me! I wont make you stay with my quirkiness any longer, and thanks again."

Returning the hug Bree just nuzzled her face into Gunner. She never minded when he would surprise her. The kids loved him, the other nurses didn't mind him as much as they acted, and it was always a nice way to break up for her.

   "You know I don't mind at all. Just wouldn't be the same without my daily dose of vampire."

Looking over Gunner's shoulder and seeing the nurse smiling and shaking her head Bree gave a little nod. It was almost her lunch time and she'd gotten most of her rounds done so it shouldn't be to big of an issue to leave a little early to grab some lunch.

   "I'd love to...but they better not float this time or they are going to get a peace of my mind."

Following Rosalyn Chad took not of the house and how it was decorated and everything else in between. He couldn't help but be a little nervous. He really didn't mind what people thought of him, but he wanted Rosalyn's friend to like him for her sake, and his own to just make everything a little easier.

Being formally introduced to both the girls Chad gave a wave before getting a hand shake from Hannah and returning it with a smile. About to say something his is cut off when Lizzie steps forward. His cheeks blush a little bit at her comment as he shakes her head. 

   "I do have a twin brother...maybe one day you can meet him too if Rosalyn will let me stick around."

Putting his arm around Rosalyn he pulls her in and gives her a squeeze giving her a kiss on the head. He was only teasing and he hoped she new that. Looking around the floor another laugh came out. Really it wasn't that bad in there. He'd seen worse.

   "This...this is nothing. You should of see what it looked like when my brother and I were home more. Total nightmare!!!"

Getting to the hospital Grace wished she had gotten the message sooner about Jared. She could hear the worry in Lydia's voice, and she was now worried herself. Asking for directions and getting to where she needed to be. Grace stepped along side Lydia and gave a small sigh.

   "How's he doing? Do the Dr's know whats wrong? How are you?"

A Brother

Garret quirked an eyebrow as he tried to make sense of Sapphire's system...or lack thereof. How did a place like this function with such a lack of structure and organization? He knew people who would be shot for keeping sloppy records. But here...what was the key? What was the most important thing, if not the system?

He shook his head to clear his mind, and set to work. It wasn't hard...actually it was a little boring. But it was far better than sitting alone in his cell.

Time moved rather quickly, despite the mundane task, and before he knew it, the job was done and the Mountain Dew can was empty. Sapphire wasn't a bad woman to work with either. A little talkative, and she did seem to know more about him than he preferred - it was difficult not to assume his usual dominant stance - but overall, she was just the distraction he needed.

"And that..." He hit the enter key once more. "Is that." He swiveled in his chair and looked to Sapphire with a short nod. "Now you'll be able to find those files and Reese will never know what kind of shape the system was in."


Gunner glanced first to one shoulder then the other before spotting Bree and grinning. "Nah. They've abducted me before. Nobody else believes me though."

"I believe you!"

He looked down at the little girl and laughed. "I'm not sure that's a compliment, but I'll take it as one anyway." He knelt down to give her a gentle hug. "I'll see you next time, sweetie." Once she was headed back towards the hall with a nurse, Gunner straightened to wrap his arms around Bree in a bear hug. "Mmmm.... I know you weren't expecting me, but I just couldn't stand one more second without seeing you."

He pulled back, and thumbed towards the nurse at the counter who was keeping a watchful eye on him. "Think she'd let you go for an hour? I was thinking rootbeer floats...ones that don't float this time."


Rosalyn stifled a laugh. She'd forgotten all about her two friends. "Oh yes... If I don't introduce you, they'll kill me for sure." She bit her lip as her cheeks flushed slightly. "They knew I missed you terribly, even if I couldn't admit it." Prying herself away, she stood up and waited for Chad to rise before taking his hand and leading him inside. This...this was what she'd always wanted. To proudly introduce her to her friends without fear of ridicule.  

"Hey, guys?" She wandered to the living room. "I know you're not far," she teased. "We've heard you whispering clear out on the porch." 

Both girls sprang up from the couch. "It was Lizzie," Hannah retorted. "Sorry."

Rosalyn grinned and pulled Chad into the room. "Hannah, Lizzie...this is Chad. Chad, these are my roommate and...very good friends." 

Hannah stepped forward first to politely offer a handshake. "So nice to finally meet you." 

Lizzie cocked her head and gave Chad a long once-over before also approaching. "Dude... next time Rosalyn pulls a stunt like not contacting you, how about calling me instead?"

Rosalyn's jaw dropped. "Lizzie!"

"Or a brother. I'd take a brother. Do you have a brother?"

Hannah swatted her arm. "Behave yourself!"

A quirky smile finally came to Lizzie's face, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Honesty is the best policy," she drawled. "Least ways, that's what I always say." She gave Chad's hand a strong handshake. "Welcome to our humble abode." She glanced down at the floor where popcorn and playing cards were strewn all over the place. "Where we apparently eat off the floor like pigs. But don't mind us. We're house-trained. Promise."


Though struggling just as much as usual, Jared was finally able to get his jeans on, now fully dressed. Each day it took all his energy to simply get himself out of bed, cleaned up and dressed. Each day it was the same routine that left him exhausted. He knew he’d come a long way since the accident, but if he didn’t look back far enough, it felt as if he’d gotten nowhere.

At least his crutches had gotten easier to use…sort of. He could handle them better, but his legs still didn’t like how much work it took to walk. Just as he was situating his arms into the crutches above the handles, his ears picked up the sound of the front door, and Justin’s voice.

“Ma?” Justin wandered into the kitchen, grocery sacks in hand. “You around?” he called.

“Yes, yes, I’m here.” Lydia came quickly from the laundry room. “Oh, bless you. I wasn’t sure when I would be able to get a ride to the store this week.”

“It’s no biggie. I had to come through town anyway.” He set the bags on the counter and started helping put some of the items in the refrigerator. When he got to the strawberries though, he did have to pause and eat one, despite the smirk from his mother.

Jared had made it with some difficulty down the hall to where he now stood watching his brother and mother interact. Justin never stayed long enough to see him. They rarely spoke at all, and Jared knew it was because of him. He could only hope that his mother wouldn’t come to despise him being here since it obviously affected Justin’s visits. “Hey…”

Justin turned quickly as he finished chewing the strawberry. He was rather surprised to see Jared up on his own two feet. “Hi… What’s up?”

“Not much.” Jared shrugged and wandered into the kitchen, leaning heavily on his crutches as his legs tried to buckle. “Just got started on the day, to be honest.”

Justin had been up, mowed the lawn, been to the Elite, seen Carson, shopped at three places and had come here already. It was hard to imagine taking that same amount of time just to get up and going. But when it came to Jared…Justin didn’t know if he felt more sympathy, pity or a guilty sense of justice. He turned to go back to helping Lydia. “I was just running some errands.” What else was there to say? He hated this awkwardness and just wanted to leave. He handed his mother the eggs. “I gotta make a run out to Brookshire, then I’m headed back home.”

She nodded. “Are you sure you could not stay for an early supper?”

Justin sighed. The less time spent around Jared, the better. “It depends on what happens today,” he stalled. “I’ll call you later and let you know, alright?”

Still just listening, Jared was ready to turn and leave, when a sudden and severe wave of dizziness came over him. The sound of one of his crutches being dropped turned both Lydia’s and Justin’s heads just in time for them to see Jared’s eyes roll back in his head as he crumbled to the floor.

“Jared!” Lydia dropped the eggs and rushed to him. “Jared, are you alright?”

No response came, and within seconds, Jared’s body began to violently convulse. Realizing what was happening, Justin wasted no time in kneeling next to his brother and getting him onto his side as his body continued to shake. “Ma...”

Lydia was frozen in fear.

“Ma!” Justin snapped her out of it. “He’s having a seizure. Has this happened before?”

“I…I don’t…I…”

Justin forced her to look at him. “Yes, or no?”

“Um…no…no nothing like this.”

“Go call 911 and tell them what’s going on.” Justin made sure his mother was on her way to the phone before he turned his attention back to Jared. There was little he could do, other than move the crutches out of the way and wait until the full-body spasms would subside.

It was a full two minutes before Jared was finally still again. Justin remained on the floor with him and held his head, not caring about the mess. “Jared…can you hear me?”

“They are on their way.” Lydia came back, her eyes still full of panic.

“Good.” Justin remained completely calm and pointed to the sink. “The seizure emptied his stomach. Grab a couple towels.”

Lydia did as she was told, and helped clean Jared’s face and the floor.

“Jared?” Justin kept trying as he checked his brother’s pulse and listened to his shallow breaths. “Come on, Jared…”

It was another couple minutes before Jared’s eyes finally fluttered open, and any words came out as a garbled mumble.

“Hey, hey…” Justin kept Jared on his side, letting his head rest on his leg. “Take it easy. Do you know were you are?”

Jared’s eyes groggily roamed the kitchen and he slowly shook his head.

“You had a seizure. Do you hurt anywhere?”

Jared shook hi head again. “I don’t…” He swallowed hard. “Not…more than usual.”

Only now did Justin’s own body relax enough to produce an adrenaline dump large enough to make his hands tremble, though he hid it well. “Alright, well just lie still. We called for an ambulance.”

Jared groaned. “Not again. Not the hospital again.”

The desperation in his voice struck a new cord deep in Justin’s heart, whether he’d admit it or not. This poor man – his brother – had been through so much. Maybe it really wasn’t deserved. “They’ll just figure out what’s going on,” he assured. “The worst is over…”

…Justin leaned on the doorway of the hospital room and looked in at his brother’s sleeping form. They’d been there for a couple hours now. Jared had had another, less severe seizure in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, then another one while waiting in the ER. The doctors had been able to stabilize him, but were going to have to perform a series of tests to find out why this had happened. The theory at the moment though, was that these episodes were a result of Jared’s initial head trauma, just now surfacing.

Watching his brother, Justin sighed. This whole thing was a mess. Everything from when Jared had first arrived, to his accident, and everything after that. Desiring normalcy was a joke. Having a loving brotherly relationship was impossible. Too much damage had been done. And yet…

Justin hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets as his mind continued to work. Being there when Jared had collapsed…sitting on the floor and holding his head…it had been so different. He hadn’t thought twice about stepping in to help. For a few moments, he’d feared for Jared’s life. He’d seen a broken, helpless man, not an arrogant jerk like Jared had been for so many years. Despite ill feelings, something had stirred within Justin to set aside his bitterness for long enough to help. To comfort, even. For just those few minutes, they’d been on the same side. No malice. No arguing. Just a quiet, calmness. Brothers. That man lying in the bed now…he wasn’t the same man who had come to Nevada in the first place. He wasn’t lying, cheating or causing trouble on purpose now. He was just a very broken man both physically and emotionally. And all Justin had done was turn a cold shoulder. Didn’t he have a right to, though, after everything? But that coldness…it didn’t feel so good anymore. And his sharp observing…it only told him he’d been wrong.

“Do you want coffee?”

Justin jumped at his mother’s voice, and he tried to refocus. “Um…no. Thanks. I, um...” He glanced at his watch. He’d already had to cancel one appointment. “I need to go.” They’d kept Jared in Truman, so he still had a good ways to drive, and he was already going to be a few minutes late. “But I’ll be back in a few hours. Did you call Grace?”

Lydia nodded. “I left her a message and told her what happened. I imagine she is busy, but I would not be surprised if she came tonight.”

“Mm.” Justin had a pretty good suspicion that his brother and the nurse had formed more than just a patient/doctor friendship. “I wouldn’t be surprised either.” He leaned over to give Lydia’s forehead a kiss. “I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, okay. I will call you if anything changes.” 

To bad

Giving Rosalyn another squeeze and a kiss to the head he just held her and let her vent for a long moment. He didn't know how long he sat there holding her, and really he didn't care. The moment was perfect and he was content.  

Finally letting out a deep breath Chad new that they couldn't be like this forever even if its what he wanted. Life did have to go on.

   "So...how about you introduce me those roommates of yours. I think we leave them in there any longer the whispering and gawking is going to get unbearable. Than we can figure out what to do about dinner."

Sapphire couldn't help but laugh a little bit taking a sip of her own drink. It was funny watching Garret get adjusted. Not in a mean way, but just to see how his life was so different from her own. She hoped he continued to adjust ok through.

   "Ok so what I need is all these files put into the computer by date. Most of them are on the desk top already they just need the right folder by date. I have a bad habit of just putting them there and not in folders. Than I can never find ANYTHING!"

Coming around the corner Bree couldn't help but laugh more than she already was as she watched Gunner interact with the kids. It warmed her heart to see how good he was with them. Smiling and coming up behind him Bree taps on his shoulder before moving to the other side and giving him a little bump.

   "Aliens huh? I hope it wasn't to bad of an experance?!"

Loony Bin

Rosalyn was more than happy to settle in to Chad's lap, just leaning her head on his shoulder and listening. She sighed deeply, but was glad to know he hadn't had any encounters with her dad. And even though she'd sworn Clint to secrecy, she couldn't be mad at him for pointing Chad in the right direction.

"I don't want to keep you from anything important... but I can't say I'm not glad you can stick around for a little while." Her fingers fiddled with a button on his shirt. "I've got some cleaning jobs now, but the hours are a bit flexible if I'm creative so... I should be able to spend time with you." 

It felt odd...talking about a job. She'd just worked at the ranch as a part of daily life for so long, that having actual jobs that she couldn't just reschedule however she wanted was a new sort of sensation. And at the moment, it was also a bit depressing, since all she wanted to do was spend every moment with Chad. "I have Wednesdays and Sundays off too," she added.

She glanced up before leaning in and giving his lips another soft kiss, then returned to nuzzling into his chest. "Things have been...so...hard." Her voice started to quiver as tears filled her eyes. "I... I just... I didn't want to tell you. I didn't want you to feel responsible." She sniffed. "Dad, he... Things just got worse and worse. I couldn't.... I just couldn't take it anymore. I'm...so sorry I pushed you away. Clint's the only one who knows I'm here. I couldn't even tell my mom and...and it just breaks my heart."

She wiped her eyes, though tears remained. "But... This...having you here... It at least makes what I did worth it. I know I already said thank you for coming, but...thank you...again."


After taking another bite of the sub, Garret's eyebrows rose at Sapphire's offer to help with her workload. He thought for a minute, then shrugged. "Don't know if I'm any good at it, but I can follow directions."

He cocked his head, giving her a queer look. Was her behavior...normal? In his world, he'd feel the need to be quite suspicious at this point about her motives. But what about in this world? "I'd actually like something to do, other than stare at four cell walls the rest of the afternoon. You might wanna clear it with Nate though. I'm not sure anybody wants me near any of your computers."

"You as good with computers as you are beating people up?"

Garret glanced across the table to Jason. "Truth? I'm computer savvy, not tech savvy."

Jason's eyes narrowed. "Meaning...?"

"Meaning I can navigate, and I can type better than a five-year-old. I've got passwords, access codes and more, but I can't do the hacking." Garret tried to ignore Jason's mistrusting stare. "So if you're worried, don't be."

"Oh, I'm not worried. We've got kiddie locks on the important stuff." Jason stood and cleared off what was left of his lunch, throwing Sapphire a warning glance. He wasn't trying to be arrogant, and he wasn't upset - he just wanted to make sure she was careful. Truth be told, he was envious of Sapphire's ability to connect to people. He just didn't want anything bad to happen with Garret. "While you two work, wanna finish that paperwork on the Fulmer case?" He grinned. "Then I'll owe you one..."

It wasn't too long before Garret was in Sapphire's cubicle on an extra chair, taking a swig of Mountain Dew. He scrunched his eyes as he swallowed hard, and put a hand to his chest. "Man...been a while since I had this stuff. Forgot how sweet it was." He shrugged and took another sip. "Okay so...now that I'm headed towards a sugar high, what do you want me to do?"


Justin thumbed through the book Hope handed him, and nodded. "Thanks. I really appreciate this." He glanced around her office for a moment and grinned. "I've always wondered about working in an actual office, rather than running all over the place to visit my clients. And then I wonder about my claustrophobia kicking in."


Glancing first left then right, Gunner put a finger to his lips, winking at the young patient smiing at him. There was momentarily no one at the nurse's station. 

Hopping up to sit on the counter, Gunner grabbed the phone and hit the intercom. "Calling Nurse Bree to the front office. Calling Nurse Bree. Your vampire awaits."

"Mr. Franklin!" One of the nurses had returned, and swatted his arm before grabbing for the receiver. "Get your hind end off this counter at once!"

"Help!" Gunner struggled to get his last words in before she hung up. "I'm being abducted by aliens!"

Giggles made him look over his shoulder at a couple kids on their way back to their rooms, and he waved.

"Gunner!" It was the little girl that trotted over to him, despite the orderly's promptings to remain on task.

Gunner slid off the counter and gave the girl a gentle hug. "Hey there, kiddo. They're trying to kick me out. Can I come hide under your bed?"

"Yes!"

"With a teddy bear? I'm scared of the dark."

"Uh-huh!"

"No." The nurse smirked. "Has anyone ever told you that you belong in a loony bin?"

Gunner laughed. "You have no idea."

Bar of Gold

Chad can't help but laugh at all Rosalyn's questions as he shook his head slightly. She was so adorable and it made it even more so that she didn't know she was. Every breath, word, question, moment was special with her. 

Taking her hand and lowering himself down on the step Chad pulled her into his lap and just wrapped his arms around her. Giving her a kiss to the top of her head he just leaned his onto hers as the sun warmed his face.

   "I can stay as long as you need or want me too. My brother is covering the on field work for me, and I have my laptop with me I can work on some research, and what not from there. So I wont be totally slacking...though if I did it would be for a great reason."

Leaning back and letting out a small breath of air Chad was quiet for a moment thinking about the rest of Rosalyn's questions. He could see the slight worry in her eyes and it made him sad that she even had to. He new part of it was his fault and he did feel a little bad.

   "I'll more than likely be staying at a hotel here in town. Yes it was Clint, and I original called the ranch when I couldn't get you on your phone but no one answered there. I was getting worried so I did go to the ranch and talked with Clint. I didn't see you dad, so I dont know if he new I was there or not."

   "You'll get use to people like Justin being here one moment and than gone the next. In a hurry they always are, but I guess its with good reason."

Leaning back in her chair Sapphire give a yawn and a groan that followed. She had a pile of work waiting for her but she really didn't want to work on it. Today was just one of those days and she'd rather be else where.

Looking at Garret for a long moment she wondered if maybe he could help her? Work wouldn't be to bad if there was someone to char with every now and than or at least maybe it would go faster. 
  
   "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be good at sorting, and data input would you? I've got a mountain of work waiting for me and very little motivation to do it. It would be nice to have some help. I'll even share a Mountain Dew with you as payment and thats like getting a bar of gold right there."
   
Waving back at Gunner Hope shook her head. They had, had a good session today and she was thankful for that. They had been making progress even if it was small amounts at a time. It was still something and it pleased her.

Taking the notes from Justin Hope flips through them quickly for a moment. Seeing they were about Garret she was thankful for them. In case anything happened and Justin wasn't around she'd be prepaired. It was nice to be included as well.

   "Great, thank you. These will come in handy. I hope I wont even need to use them, but definitely nice to have to look over so I am not in the dark. Just in case."

Putting the paper work on Garret into her desk Hope turns her attachen to Justin once again as he has a new question. Thinking for a moment she chews on the tip of her pen absentmindedly. Getting up and wondering over to her bookshelf Hope scans them all before reaching out and grabbing one. Thumbing through it for a moment she figured this might be the best on for what little she new.

   "Here you go. This book covers a wide verity of different things dealing with depression, and loss. Some stuff might not even pertain to what you are handling but I think it would be the best thing to look through and see what does. I know I have another book too but I think its at home. I'll take a look tonight and let you know next time I see you."

Questions

Rosalyn giggled and just leaned her head against Chad’s chest, sighing deeply. “Of course I’m excited to see you. I know I was trying to let you go but…but all this time, deep down…I hoped somehow you’d find me and come. Maybe it was silly of me, I just…” She nuzzled in closer. “Maybe I thought if you really came then…then that would prove it wasn’t just…a fairytale.” 

She gazed up at him once more, hope filling her eyes. “How long are you here for?” She blinked, realizing there were more questions than that. “Where are you even staying? I’m assuming it was Clint who told you where I was, but I know you wouldn’t be staying at the ranch.” She pulled away a little, her eyes widening. “Did you talk to Clint on the phone or did you go there? You didn’t run into my dad, did you?”


Confusion crossed Garret's face as he looked at Sapphire. She was in no way simple-minded, yet she opened herself up without fear in front of him. Why? And why should she care about him finding himself? He was nobody to her. He was a stranger at least, a killer at most. Yet she didn't seem to mind one bit.

He glanced down at the half sub. It did look good. He really wasn't hungry - in spite of Justin's concoction being pretty strange, it really was filling. Not that he'd had an appetite to begin with. But whether it was knowledge he'd gained during his short stay here, or whether it was basic human instinct, he knew that accepting the offer would leave open the door for future interaction. And for once...that prospect didn't seem so bad. This was all so strange, yet...oddly appealing. Like he had stepped into an entirely new culture and was learning new customs.

Reaching out, he slid the plate the rest of the way over before taking a closer look at the sub. Only after he'd removed the tomatoes did he take a bite. Nodding at Sapphire, a little grin emerged. "It's better than Justin's green stuff."

“Hey, I heard that.” Justin pointed at him from across the table.

Garret’s grin widened as he chewed. “You’re the one who wanted me to start telling the truth.” He tossed Sapphire a wink. “Thanks, by the way. You obviously have a heart for tortured souls.”

“Alright, that’s it.” Justin got to his feet and took his own glass to the sink. “I know when I’m not wanted.” As he cleaned his glass though, he withheld his own smile. Whether Garret was faking it or not, he knew how to integrate. Perhaps it was just a method as an attempt to blend in. Or perhaps it was genuine. Only Garret would know. But no matter the answer, the brief social interaction was a good step forward. “Alright, I gotta take care of a few things.” He nodded to Jason. “Later.” Then looked to Garret. “Take your time finishing that delicious sub. I’ll catch you again in a few days.” 

Heading out of the break room, he checked his watch. He had a lot on his plate today. 


Gunner let Hope’s words sink in, just remaining quiet for a few long moments. His eyes remained glued to the floor, but he did nod slowly. “She’s my everything,” he agreed softly. “I just…I don’t know how to let her help. But…I know you’re right. And…I’ll work on that.” His eyes rose and he gave her a sheepish look. He’d promised he’d do a lot of things before, and hadn’t followed through. “Really.” 

Rising from his chair, he sighed. “I need to get back to work. I, um…yeah.” A knock at the door made his eyebrow quirk, and he took the liberty of opening it. 

Justin paused in the doorway. “Oh, sorry. I can come back.”

“No, no.” Gunner stepped out of the way. “I was just leaving. And I certainly wouldn’t wanna be stuck in here with two of you.”

Justin smirked. “Right.”

Gunner waved at Hope before exiting. “Tell Reese I’m still avoiding the loony bin for now,” he called over his shoulder. 

Justin chuckled and shook his head. “Hope I didn’t interrupt anything too important…although it looks like I just provided him the out he was looking for.” He stepped closer to her desk and handed her a few sheets of paper. “I…thought you should have these. It’s some copies of notes I’ve taken about Garret from my last few visits. Not everything, obviously, but enough to give you a rough idea of what’s been going on. I’m usually at least an hour away from here, so if anything happens, I just want you to be aware of what’s been going on in case you’re needed before I can get here.” He didn’t normally share information like this, but he wanted to keep Hope in the loop in case anything really did happen – whether Garret had a breakthrough or went on another rampage. He was glad Garret was forming a friendship with Nate and that Reese had lightened up, but if anything went south, it would be good to have someone in the know, who knew how to help in a tough situation.

“Also…” He smiled a little and eyed her bookshelf. “I was wondering if you had any resources on grief. I’ve got a client who’s been having a pretty tough time after someone deeply loved passed away. Depression, confusion, hallucinations – the whole bit.” It would make more sense if he told Hope this was about Alec, but he couldn’t share that much. “It’s fairly new territory for me, so I’m kinda winging it, and…I really need a better handle on this type of situation if I’m going to help.”


“So…got plans for lunch?” Eli worked around the car that was going to get a total paintjob, while Tal worked on the other side. His question got no answer, and he rolled his eyes. It had been like this for days. First, Tal had taken several days off work after that evening and blowup about Ryan. After that, he’d come back, but had barely strung two words together in any kind of conversation with Eli, not to mention he hadn’t returned any calls or text messages. He reminded Eli a lot of the Tal he’d first met – which now seemed a lifetime ago. But that’s what worried him the most.

Still without a response to his question, Eli final tossed aside the tape he’d been using, before he threw up his hands. “Come on! Talk to me!”

Tal was frowning as he looked across the hood of the car. “What’s there to talk about?”

“Us, for starters!”

“Seriously? You’ve been lying to me for ages!”

“What?!”

Tal set his hands on his hips. “Yeah. I may be an idiot, but I finally realized why the little discovery of Ryan’s love for Alec didn’t surprise you. It was because you already knew. You knew all along she still loved Alec. Didn’t you?”

“Look, I just-”

“Didn’t you?!”

Eli ran a tired hand over his face. “Yes. I mean, I suspected. What was I supposed to do?”

“You should have told me!”

“What good would that have done?!”

“At least I wouldn’t have been blindsided after the guy died!”

Eli groaned and paced a small circle. “Ryan chose you, Tal. In spite of her feelings, she chose you.”

“But she still loved another man! How was I supposed to react?!”

“Why not be proud of the fact that she chose you anyway?”

“Oh yeah…chose me over her lethal, temper-driven, insane ex. Big compliment.”

“What is wrong with you?!” Eli came around the car and stared Tal in the eye. “Being a spoiled brat is not in your nature. So what’s the deal?”

Tal’s gaze dropped and he turned to lean on the car. He hated fighting. He always had. Especially with a friend. “I just…” He took a deep breath. “I feel like I’ve been sitting in second place this entire time.” His tone had grown quieter. “It’s like running a race, winning, celebrating, then later on finding out that your opponent let you win. You still won…but you don’t feel like a winner anymore.”

Eli’s shoulders dropped. “You know Ryan cares deeply for you.”

“I know. So I’m standing at the finish line and saw the winner for myself. And you’re telling me to ignore it an accept first place anyway. It’s like…”

“…like when you let a kid win at something they wouldn’t have won themselves. It feels patronizing.” Eli pursed his lips. “But you know it’s not the truth.”

“Maybe it’s not the truth about Ryan’s intentions. But it’s the truth about how it feels.”

Eli wandered over to a nearby bench and sat down. How had all this happened, anyway? How had it gotten this far? “You know if you could get over yourself, Ryan would take you back in a heartbeat.”

Tal nodded lamely. “I know. But all this time…I’ve been in Alec’s shadow. Whether Ryan will admit it or not. She cared for me – I know that. But she loved Alec more.” He shrugged. “Maybe I’m mad at myself for being so blind. For letting my heart move too fast. For thinking she felt as deeply about me as I did her.” Tears welled up in his eyes, and it took him a moment to go on, though he refused to look over at Eli. “You have no idea how badly I want to jump in my car and go to her right now. Apologize, grovel – whatever it would take to patch things up and forget this ever happened. But…I can’t. She’s not the first girl I have misread or gotten involved with too deep too soon. This whole thing is my fault, not hers. I just…didn’t want to acknowledge all the signs I saw that I needed to tread more lightly.”

Eli leaned back against the wall, feeling less angry but just as rotten. “Your timing sucks, ya know?”

A laugh was choked out as Tal swiped at his eyes. “Yeah well…pardon my emotional outbursts when my heart is ripped in two.”

Eli managed a little grin before he got back to his feet and came closer. “I really am sorry. You sure it’s over for good?”

“You tell me.” Tal finally threw him a sidelong glance. “I’ve had a lot of time to think. To go over a lot of past conversations. You never thought I was compatible with your sister, did you?”

“I wouldn’t say that…”

“You wanted Alec to stay away from your sister, not just because he was a scumbag, but because you were afraid Ryan would take him back. Am I right?”

Eli folded his arms and smirked. “I thought that was my secret.”

“Not anymore. See…how could I possibly walk back into that whole thing?”

“Well, for starters, Alec’s dead.”

“Yeah, but that’s not the point, is it?”

Despite Eli’s ill feelings about this entire thing, he was finally beginning to understand Tal’s perspective. It was a mess, inside and out. But he did see now why his friend had reacted like he had. And…he couldn’t really blame him. “How about at least being friends so Ryan doesn’t think she’s lost everyone?”

Tal shook his head. “I can’t, man. Not yet. Sometime. Maybe. I’m sorry she’s going through such a rough time. I really am. And I’m sorry that my timing sucks. But I just can’t be around her right now.”

“Okay. I can respect that.” Eli paused. “You doing alright?”

“Nah. Not really. I’ll figure it out eventually though. Always do.”

Eli gave his shoulder a pat. “Good. ‘Cause I miss hanging out with you.”

“Yeah…me too.”


“Tell us what you know!” 

A backhanded slap hit Alec’s face so hard, his head whipped to the side. Bound to a chair, he took a moment before licking his bleeding lip. A laugh surfaced as he squinted through swollen eyes at his interrogator. “The Agency’s days are numbered. That’s all I know.” 

This time it was a kick to his ribs that send him toppling over with the chair onto the hard concrete floor. He winced as his shoulder and head hit. “Careful.” He coughed. “You’re liable to tear my stitches. The doctor would be none too pleased with you.”

His interrogator yanked him back upright and glared at him. “Our doctors are here to keep you alive – not to tell me how to do my job…” 

…It was several hours later, and Alec was back in his cell, lying on the thin cold mattress on the floor. He hurt all over, but that was nothing new. Since he’d been well enough to stand on his own, he’d been handed over to be interrogated daily. A couple times already, his chest wound hand torn and the doctors had patched him up once again, then it was back to the brutality. He shouldn’t have been surprised. But lack of surprise made it no less hard to accept. 

Curled on his side, Alec let his eyes fell shut. He wouldn’t be here long. The Elite would come for him…right? He knew he had covered his tracks well, but surely they’d find a way. Surely Dalton or Scott could do some computer tracking. He hadn’t wanted to be followed in the first place, but Reese was smart. Carson was smart. They’d find a way to rescue him…right?

Sacred Parts

   "Mmmm...I can understand what you mean about not wanting to make people worry. It's in our nature really to want to shield people from the unpleasant things. I do think though Bree would rather know about your "crap" than not know about it. She seems pretty understanding."

Hope gives a soft smile at Gunner. She new he was worried about telling her, and letting Bree in. She could understand it too. But she had a feeling that no matter what Bree would always be there for Gunner and would always support him through anything.

   "You know...I think you and Bree are perfect for each other really. You both seem to ground one another. She has her quirks, and her own insatiability, and you have yours. But together you are both so strong and show so much love."

Leaning forward and placing her arms on her desk Hope nods slightly as she looked at Gunner and smiled. There sessions were always good, and she always felt like they were taking steps forward. She hoped she had been helping and in moments like this when Gunner choose to stay and not walk out she really did see what she was doing was making a difference.

   "I think it's that love, that connection you need to feed off of. She is your light house and will help you battle those rough waves to find safety and you here. Hiding it away...it only hurting you more. I think Bree is the key to everything...and letting her help...is the answer."

  "Just...dont give up before you actually give finding you a chance. Enough when it gets rough, and even in the bad days just continue to push forward."

Sapphire smiles before turning away again and falling silent. Out of the courner of her eye she can see Garret choke down some more of his drink and she can't help the small chuckle that came out. Justin sure did have a strange eating pattern but she could guarantee it was more than likely super healthy. 

Looking down at the half of sub she had left she pushes the plat twords Garret. She was almost full and she didn't want the rest of this to go soggy. That would be a crime in itself.

   "Here you go...if you want something a little more than Justin's green goo...you can have the rest of this. I'm actually getting full. You can't have my mountain dew though...thats sacred in these parts."

   "Shhh...it's ok, I understand."

Chad would stand here forever if he could with Rosalyn. Comforting her, holding her, keeping her safe. It's all he wanted to do. To reassure her that everything was going to be ok, and he wasn't going anywhere.

  "I miss you too, more than anyone will every know."

Just standing there nothing else mattered in the moment. Not that they were still on the porch, not that there was whispering from inside. It was just himself and Rosalyn there. The rest of the word was non exsistant. He just wanted this moment to be about them.

   "Never could I give up on such beauty. Thank you for being excited to see me after all."

Identity

Gunner continued to fiddle with the paperclip as Hope talked. It might look like he wasn't paying attention...but he was. He shrugged once at her question about him filling the space, or spending time with friends. He really didn't have a social life outside of Bree and JT. An occasional pizza with Con was about it...other than a few "friends" on social media.

Hope's last question brought about a long pause before he shook his head. "No...not this. I just..." He shrugged again and reached over to put the paperclip on her desk. "I've put her through enough, ya know? I... I don't want her worrying about anything else. I promised her my crap was over, so..."

He cleared his throat and stared at the floor for a few moments before eventually glancing back up at her. "Yeah. Not such a good idea, huh? The whole 'secrets never helped any relationship' kind of thing?" He sank a little further down in the chair. "I just... I turned my back on all of it, ya know? But actually walking away... It's like the first eighteen years of my life are haunting me. The memories are gone, but they're constantly trying to pull me back and trying to make me remember. It sometimes physically hurts."

He rubbed his forehead wearily. "I just don't know how to completely let go, and I don't know how I can not, if I'm gonna have a future. And if I can't even figure that out, having a social life is like...telling a dog to go make friends with the local cat neighborhood. I just...don't fit."

A little grin surfaced as he gave Hope a sheepish look. Here he'd planned on hardly saying anything. So much for proving he didn't need these sessions anymore.

Garret's eyes narrowed slightly at Sapphire before a new smile coaxed his lips to turn up. "There are far worse things than a woman who speaks her mind."

He concentrated on downing some more of the queer concoction before he glanced back at her. "And I hope you're right." Was there really enough of his own self left underneath it all, to truly be...himself? And yet the burning question still lingered. Who was he, really?

Another swig of the smoothie, and he shook his head. "Is it bad that I don't find this so horrible after all?"

Clint's hand was on the doorknob, ready to push it open, when Angel's words stopped him again. He looked back at her for a long moment, knowing full well he was doing a poor job of hiding how he really felt.

His eyes dropped as he swallowed hard. He knew she was there for him and he could tell her anything, and he was grateful. It was just hard. "No..." Everything else was not okay. "But its nothing anyone can fix." He shrugged and forced a half a smile. "Life just sucks sometimes, that's all. But it has nothing to do with Wendy or the kids, so don't worry." He held up his hand. "Thanks for fixing me up... I'll see you later."

Without letting the conversation continue, he left the office and aimed back towards the garage. His sister was gone, his dad was a wreck, and he was barely keeping the auto business afloat. That's what was wrong. 

Swept up in Chad's embrace, the world seemed to no longer exist. All Rosalyn cared about was this moment, in which she knew he forgave her. And maybe...maybe for the first time, she honestly believed his words that he'd always be there for her. Maybe, just maybe this wasn't some fairytale, but a reality that she could actually have.

With her tiptoes back on the ground, she closed her eyes and leaned into his hand as he moved her strand of hair. Oh how she'd missed those rough but gentle hands. His next words though, brought her eyes back wide open again to stare into his. Had he just hinted at... no... surely he hadn't...

His gentle kiss sent a warmth all the way through her, and she reached up to rest her palm against his cheek. "You mean the world to me too," she whispered. "I'm sorry I pushed you away. There was just so much..." New tears surfaced. "I just couldn't..." Her voice quivered, and instead of trying to continue, she pulled him in for another kiss. A deeper, longer kiss, letting that speak her feelings for her.

Back inside the house, Hannah tugged at Lizzie's shirt sleeve. "Come on," she whispered. "Quit spying."

"I'm not spying," Lizzie defended quietly as she stood a ways back, staring through the open door. A crooked grin curled her lips. "I'm just enjoying the show."

"Perv!" Hannah hissed.

Lizzie's jaw dropped as Rosalyn went in for her kiss. "She's the one that denied he was her boyfriend!"

"Keep it down!" Hannah finally yanked her around the corner into the living room.

Pulling away just a little, Rosalyn lowered herself from her toes, as her fingers toyed with the back of Chad's neck. "I missed you so much." She looked up at him and tear trickled down her face. "Thank you...for not giving up on me."

Normal Life

Sapphire couldn't help the small laugh as Garret took the sip of Justin's concoction. Whenever Justin was here he always made some kind of smoothy that looked and smelled bad. She was sure they were good for you but she'd never try one. 

    "Even if someone is built to be something, there is more underneath. No one can take away free will, or the ability for another person to feel emotions. It's just not possible no matter how much they try. A person can hide it, or mask it but it's still there. After all it's free will that lead you here, and emotions the deiced the past. I bet underneath everything you are a pretty amazing guy."

Shying away a little Sapphire new sometimes she talked to much. She just hoped she hadn't offended him. She liked getting along with everyone. It was just in her nature to be friends with even the out cases because she was so use to being on that end anyways.

   "No disappointment here, as long as you dont mind my loud mouth just blurting things out."

Hope gives a nod as Gunner talks. He felt empty and after chasing a dream for a long time she could see how that could be. Going from doing something none stop to not doing it at all could have that affect on anyone.

   "Have you tried filling that empty with something new? Trying to do something new, spending more time with friends? Sooner or later you are going to need to fill it."

Thinking again for a long moment Hope taps her pen on the pad of paper before looking up at Gunner again.

   "I doubt life will ever be normal for you, but I dont think Bree would mind much. Have you tried talking to her about things?"

As the door opens Chad straightens only to be met with a girl that looked to be Rosalyn's age. Going to say something he was cut off by her reaction, and than quick departure. She seemed to know who he was so that really give did give him hope Rosalyn would be happy to see him.

Waiting a few moments longer Chad felt his heart start to race as he saw Rosalyn. He'd missed her so much, and had been so worried about her. To see her now and know she was ok it was so over whelming that tears sprang into his own eyes.

As Rosalyn fell into his arms Chad wrapped his own around her picking her up in the process. Nuzzling his face into her hair and taking in the sweet smell. His grip grew just a little bit tighter as he wanted to keep her close.

   "I will always come for you.  No matter the time of day, no matter the reasons, I will always come for you till the day you look me in the eyes and tell me to stay away. I will always be here for you."

Pulling back just a little bit, and holding her with one arm still Chad brings his other hand to move a strand of hair from her face. Smiling down at her his eyes twinkled with everything he had to offer, with as much love and enthusiasm as when he first met her. Nothing had changed except for the greater amount of love he had grained.  

   "I love you Rosalyn, from the moment I met you, I loved you and it's only grown stronger. I know now is not the right time, but when it is the right time I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are the world to me."

Leaning in closer to her Chad places a soft kiss on her lips before pulling away again and leaning his head against hers.

Angel gave a smile to her son in law. Something was different even if she didn't know what it was. She new things at home for Clint and Wendy were alright or she would of heard that. But there was something even if she couldn't put her finger on it.

   "We'd like that. I'll talk with Luke and see what is a good time for us to come over. I know he'd like to see the kids again too."

Giving a smile and studying him again and just couldn't help herself. She cared so much for her family, and he son in law was part of that. He meant the world to her and if something was wrong all she wanted to do was help.

   "Is everything else ok Clint? You know you can always talk to me about anything." 

Sorry to disappoint

Gunner shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he glanced back at Hope. He recognized her subtle warning...and he really was trying not to give in to his obsession. Some days were harder than others though.

Her questions made him sigh, and he reluctantly sank back down in the chair. He should have known he wouldn't get away with such a short session. "It's all...good...I think." He shrugged. "Me and Bree are good." Although he still hadn't committed to a wedding date. "Friends are alright." Although he rarely hung out anywhere other than work. "I guess life's about as good as I can expect, right? I mean...for a guy whose mental half the time, and the other half is spent feeling..." He shrugged again. "Empty." It had nothing to do with Bree. Or friends or work. He just constantly felt like there was something he was missing. Especially since he'd been trying so hard not to investigate his past.

His eyes darted about Hope's office, and he leaned down to pick up a stray paperclip to play with. "Otherwise..." His tone had become significantly more subdued. "I'm great."


A smile tugged at the corner of Garret's mouth as he looked back at Sapphire. He avoided her question though, and paused to take a sip of Justin's concoction. He grimaced a little as he swallowed. "Man...you sure this won't kill me?"

Justin laughed and held up his own glass before taking a long drink. "Mm. Nah. You'll get used to it." Though he turned his attention to Jason to engage in small talk, his ears remained tuned to what Garret's answer might be to Sapphire.

Garret took another sip before he glanced back at this rather intriguing young woman. Getting to know someone. Sharing of information. Seriously? He wasn't cut out for this. "When a man has been specifically built for the brain and brawn...there's not a whole lot of room left for anything else." He thought back to the night when Nate had found him downstairs. He'd admitted he didn't even know who he was. And it was still true.

He took another swallow of his smoothie - it wasn't quite as bad the second time around. "I'm afraid I was made one hundred percent Agency." What about his early childhood? What about his parents? Had he been born just to be sold? Had they meant that for him all along? Had he just been conceived to make money?

"I guess that means there really isn't a whole lot underneath. Sorry to disappoint."


"Eh..." Clint shrugged. "Got in a fight with a pickup and it won the first round." Though he winced as Angel worked on his hand, he didn't complain - he never did when she was helping. It was his own stupid fault after all. 

Grateful for the help and the pain killers, he was ready to leave, but stopped and leaned back against the doorframe and cocked his head. Had they really neglected her lately? He'd been avoiding family for obvious reasons - and Wendy was gracious enough to not complain about keeping to themselves more recently. He hadn't thought about anyone else noticing though.

"Things are good." He gave Angel a small smile. "Just getting into a new routine with four of us now." His eyes dropped for a moment as he thought about all the reasons he'd been less than sociable lately - none of which he wanted to discuss. But he didn't have anything against Angel. "If, um... If you and Luke wanna come over for supper, you're more than welcome. I know Wendy would love it, and that way you'd get your grandkids to yourself instead of sharing with the whole gang." 

The offer was genuine - just because he wanted nothing to do with his own immediate family, he wasn't going to keep Wendy from hers. After all...they did all live on the same property. It was frustrating that he couldn't retreat to his own place somewhere else...but he couldn't take Wendy away from the home she loved. 

Clint tried to smile again. "So if you want to, just let me or Wendy know."

"Ack! Not again!" Lizzie tossed her cards into the pile and groaned. She sat on the living room floor with Hannah and Rosalyn playing a card game and munching on popcorn. They didn't usually have the same days off work, but when they did, they usually ended up doing something fun. 

Rosalyn grinned and picked up the cards to shuffle. "I told you, almost every night at the ranch turned into a card game. I've had plenty of practice."

"Not fair. Plain and simple." Lizzie sprawled out on the floor. "Any game you're not good at? Pick that one "

Hannah whacked her leg. "You're just a sore loser."

"Am not! I'm..." She sat up as someone knocked at the door. "Expecting company?"

Rosalyn frowned. "Not me. Clint's not coming til tomorrow."

Hannah shook her head. "Nope."

Lizzie sighed as she looked at the other two. "What? Does that automatically make me the doorman?" Without an answer, she rolled her eyes and got up. "Fine, fine. Deal me in again," she called over her shoulder. "And no stacking the cards!" 

Getting to the door, she opened it and looked around before her gaze fell on Chad and her eyes widened. She'd seen pictures. She'd heard descriptions. And there was no doubt in her mind. "Ohhh boy." She bit her lip. "I'm...gonna take a wild guess that you're not here to see me." She blinked. "Although I wouldn't complain."

"Hey, who is it?" Hannah yelled from inside. 

Lizzie still looked at Chad, ignoring her friend. "Just, um...don't move." She turned and trotted back to the living room. "Rosalyn...you better go to the door."

"What? Why? Who's here?"

"Just...just go." Lizzie pulled her up from the floor and gave her a shove.

Rosalyn cautiously wandered ahead, curious as to why she heard whispering behind her. Getting to the open door herself, she stopped dead in her tracks. "Chad?" He was here? Even though it was a warm day, her skin rippled with goosebumps as her pulse quickened. 

She stepped out on the porch and just looked at him for several long moments as tears filled her eyes. She didn't have to ask why he was here. Almost a month without contact...and she knew.

Moving quickly, she closed the gap and fell into him, standing on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around him, burying her face. "You came..." Her words were muffled against his chest. "I...I was hoping you would. I'm so sorry."

This Time...

Hope can't help the small smile that surfaced as she shook her head. Compaired to where Gunner was a while ago he was doing ok now. He often rambled when he wasn't comfortable but she was use to that and if he was still coming to see her that was good in her eyes.

   "So what you are saying is its kind of like an itch you can't scratch?"

Looking down at her note pad and jotting something down Hope looks up to Gunner once more and cocks her head to one side for a moment just studying him before speaking again.

   "Sometimes its ok to itch, just not to much or you will end up bleeding. In other news you haven't told me how life in general, relationships, and friendships are going? Everything all right with that?"

Looking up at the knock Angel smiled as she saw Clint, and than look down at his hand shook her head. If it wasn't one thing with these boys it was another. They sure did keep her on her toes though and she couldn't complain about that as long as it was nothing to to bad.

   "How did you do it this time?"

Taking Clint's hand Angel was quick to work on it. It did in fact need stitches but only four of them. It didn't take long to get them in and cleaned up. Bandaging them and than getting more gause for cleaning.

   "Here is some extra dressing and three hydrocodone. You'll be as right as rain in no time."

Turning to start cleaning a some stuff up Angel stops and looks back to Clint giving a smile. She missed see him and Wendy more but she new life was life sometimes.

   "How is everything at home? I miss you guys."

   "You are part of the team...even if you don't know it yet."

Sapphire smiles at Garret before looking back to her food and taking another bite thoughtfully thinking. Garret wasn't so bad if everyone would just give him a chance. Even if Garret had mad some worse mistakes and done things bad more than other they still should give him a shot at having a better life.

   "I guess your right. I was blessed with looks and brains, just for...other stuff or something. What about you? You have to have brains because you are here, and there is no question about your brawn, but what else is under all that?!"            

The drive was fast and Chad was almost there in no time. His mind had wondered the whole way wondering if Rosalyn would really be happy to see him. He hoped she would be, and Clint wouldn't be in to much trouble for tell him. He had to see her though. He had to make sure she was ok. She had to know he still cared.

Pulling into the driveway he looked at the address again just to make sure he had the right place. Seeing it was Chad shut the car off and got out grabbing his cell phone and wallet. Tucking them into his back pocket as he walked up to the steps Chad took a deep breath. 

Knocking on the door He waited leaning against the railing. A million thoughts ran through his mind as he waited.