Talk

Gram gave Karla’s shoulder a gentle pat. “Thank you for helping with the dishes, Dear. I’ll certainly tell Kip you were here.” She smiled her same kind smile she always did…though tonight her eyes were more thoughtful. “You have a good night.” 

Back in his bedroom, Kip could hear the door open and close, and he knew Karla had gone. His grip on his pillow loosened, though his gut was still in knots…where it stayed for the rest of the evening, despite Gram coming in to check on him and offering an attempt at encouragement. He could later hear Gram talking to Gramps, and even though he couldn’t distinguish what was being said, he knew they were talking about him…and it made the pain worse.

After that, nothing changed. Not Kip’s work schedule, not his depression, and not his contact with Karla – which was little to nothing. He avoided her completely, communicating through text, but continuing to use the excuse he wasn’t feeling well, just so he didn’t have to see her. Whenever she came by, he was either in bed, or had slipped out for a while. And he hated it. He hated himself, and he hated his cowardice. He hated what he had done, and he hated how he continued to beat around the bush and try to ignore what had happened. 

Now, four days later, it was to the point that Kip wasn’t even sleeping. He couldn’t. Not with all of this on his mind. Not with the guilt that was eating him alive... 

…It was evening. The sun had just set, and the lights in the park that normally created a glowing, romantic atmosphere, now went almost ignored. Kip paced near one of the benches...his and Karla’s favorite spot. He fished his phone from his pocket and nervously scanned his last text message to her. 

Can we meet at the park? 9:00? I need to talk to you.

She’d agreed. And now he waited. With every fiber in his being, he wanted to run and hide. He wanted to lie. Or pretend nothing had ever happened. But he knew he couldn’t. It would just continue to tear him apart. So he paced. Worried. Sick. And too tired to fight it any more.


Jason grinned as he got out of the pickup. He was glad Katie had decided to come inside with him…for more than one reason. And in the end, her presence added to the fun of the evening. Mike, Phil, Axel and Rocky were all thrilled she’d come, and treated her just like they always had – like a sister. The company was good, the food as good, and the music was as good as it always had been, if not better. Even though JetStream was still just a three-man band since Kyle had left, their practice had paid off, giving them an improved tight sound. Axel and Rocky added advice and more fun as they played around with ideas and just had a good time. 

It was getting late. Rocky had left, Mike and Phil were in the kitchen, and Axel had gone outside to take a call. Jason sat on a stool with his acoustic guitar and swiveled around to see Katie on the couch. He’d had such a nice evening. It felt like…old times. Different, but…the old times had been so good…it was nice to feel like this again. 

He stood slowly, and wandered over before easing down next to Katie, and strumming a few soft notes on his guitar. Pausing, he turned his head to look at her, and he gave her a little smile. He’d seen how she’d enjoyed the evening, too. And even though there was still a weird awkwardness between them…he could still read her well enough to know she had liked this time as much as he had. 

“Ya know…” He plucked another note or two. “You can join us again…whenever you want. You’re more than welcome.” 


Jared sighed and set the rest of the chocolates aside for now. His eyes rolled to the ceiling. “Recovery? What recovery? This?” He gestured around the hospital room. “One step forward, two steps back. Who cares if family is around or not? My situation doesn’t seem to change.” 

His gaze shifted over to the flowers Grace had brought. Their colors and sweet scents were supposed to be cheerful. But if there was anything he didn’t feel right now, it was cheer. 

“I don’t think this is ever gonna end. I don’t know why you keep trying.”


Rosalyn stared up into Chad’s eyes, in total awe. In awe of him, his dreams, and his strange love. “You are…amazing,” she whispered. “I highly doubt it would be cheaper since you don’t come up this way for anything but me… but if you say you can do it, I believe you. And…I certainly wouldn’t say no.”

She leaned up and gave his lips a soft kiss. “You amaze me more each moment. I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and not giving up like I did.” She paused as her fingers toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I wish my family…my dad…could see what I see in you.”

FOOD

Giving a smile to Gram Karla nods as she continued to help with the dishes. At least Kip was resting, and that was important if he was sick. Maybe tomorrow she would stop by again and see him. She could always bring more soup.

Finishing up and drying her hands off  Karla lets out a small sigh followed by a yawn. She was starting to get a little sleepy. She could spend all night with Gram though but new she couldn't.

   "Well I guess I should probable get going. Just let Kip know I was here, and I'll stop by again tomorrow."

Katie can't help but smile and shake her hear. It was silly of her really to even suggest staying out in the car. She should have known that never would happen. The guys would have her and Jason's head for trying something like that.

   "Alright alright. Just to save trouble with everyone I'll come in."

Getting everything together Katie gives a small smile to Jason. She new this was more than likely strange for him. They haven't spent this much time together in a long long time, not to mention come over to Mike's in even longer. It was mostly her fault and she still felt bad for it.

   "Food...I love food."

Pushing everything out of her mind Katie didn't want to make things worse. She would just take things as they came and have a good time. Than again who couldn't with this bunch. It would be good to see everyone too.

Sitting down on the bed Grace smiles at Jared and takes one of the chocolates as well giving a nod of thanks while she listened.  It was hard trying to peace together everything Jared was saying about Justin but she was trying to anyways.

   "Guilt? Maybe he was just realizing what he was missing in life, Maybe he finally wants to try and build a relationship with you."

Popping the chocolate in her mouth Grace closes her eyes and chews it. At the moment her taste buds were dancing. It had been quite some time since she actually had chocolate. Opening her eyes again she continues to just smile. She really felt like today was going to be a good day.

   "Whatever it is though I'm happy. You need Justin in your life, as much as you need your mom. Family is important and will be important to your recovery. Even if you dont think so, having the extra support in your corner is good."

Reaching down and tilting Rosalyn's head up with his thumb Chad let it run over her cheek as she smiled down at her. He new most might think he was crazy, or living in a dream world, but to him this was real and everything he said to Rosalyn was the truth.

   "Mmmmhmm...I do mean it."

It was a crazy thing he was willing to do though. He was willing to get lashing from everyone as long as he was close to Rosalyn. He loved her with all his heart, and everything else was worth it to just be closer to her.

   "I can figure it out. I just might have to do a little more traveling and I'll keep the place there, so it cuts down having to pay for a hotel and what not. In the long run really it should be cheaper. I don't want you to worry about that though. If I didn't think I could do it, I wouldn't...I promise."