Standing to walk Eli to the door her arms wrap around him returning the passionate kiss, thanking him for just being there for him. The night had turned crappy, but in the end it had become nice again just spending time with Eli at her home and getting to cuddle. She almost didn't want him to go, but she needed her own alone time now to think through everything and takes the quiet to start to repair and heal a few wounds that had been ripped open.
"Mmmm...Maybe we can do lunch tomorrow. The day after that I have to leave for a job I am doing out in Texas. Wont be gone but a few days, however a lunch with you would be a great thing to remember I get to come back to."
Taking another quick kiss Scarlet gives a wave to Eli as she leaves before closing the door behind her and heading back into the living room to flop down in front of the tv. She'd stay up a little while longer, do some reading and than head to bed.
Tossing the blanket over top of herself and just getting comfortable Scarlet goes to flip the channel only to jump at the knock at the door again. Giving a smirk she already new it had to be Eli, maybe he had forgot something or simply wanted another kiss.
Standing and going to the door she opens it about to say something smart but stops at the look in his eyes it sent chills down her spine. Doing as he directed she stepped into the house again retreating her leather jacket from the hook and throwing it on before heading back outside with Eli to there bikes.
Seeing the vandalism on Eli's bike Scarlet can feel a twist in her gut. This wasn't the best part of town, but she had never had a problem like this before.
"What on earth..."
Turning back to her own back she can see the words scratched in to her own paint, and over the new images Eli had just put on them. They were new, first seen by her eyes today and not they were runed.
Instintly Scarlet's arm goes around her stomach as she squats to the ground. She felt sick, she felt embarssed by the words scratched into the pain, she felt increadbly angry, her own eyes sparked at she looked up at Eli from the ground. She new how did this, she new who's handy work of hate had put this here.
"Roth!"
Her voice was low an angry, something she hadn't felt in a long time, not fear but a pure anger. All the work Eli had put into this for her ruined, and his own bike it was destroyed because he was with her. A tear feel from her eye but a different kind, these ones were hot and heavy, she wanted to hit something, she wanted to kick anything to let this anger out but instead she swallowed it and just held it in as she clenched her fists.
"What a low down, dirty skum bag! You bike....its ruined. My bike...its...I can't even explain how angry I am right now."
Standing and taking the papers from the desk Hope gives a nod to Reese. She was thankful for his kindness, and his friendship. Hope new she would have many people behind her in this time, and she was thankful for that...leaning on God was easy and hard at the same time but she new with help from her friends and loved ones it would be ok.
"I'll make sure to keep you updated, and Rick will be kept updated as well. Just remember if you tell anyone else to let them know not to tell Scott. He doesn't need to think about this right now. He just needs to get better."
Turning and heading for the door Hope lets out a tired sigh. After talking with Rick she would see about getting some work done, if at least for an hour or so.
"Thanks again Reese."
Opening the door to leave Hope almost runs into a tall, blond haired woman She had never seen before. Trying the best smile she could as to not scary her off Hope moves a little to the side.
"Sorry about that."
Giving a sweet smile and looking back at Hope with her bright teal eyes the woman nods a little moving out of Hope's way. Her voice was soft, but strong at the same time.
"Not a problem. You wouldn't be able to tell me if this is Mike Reese's office would you? I've seemed to got myself turned around a little."
Giving a nod and moving out of the door Hope continues to hold her smile the best she can.
"Yes your in the right place. He's right in his office now."
"Ok thank you!"
Once Hope was gone the woman turns back to the office door and lets out a slow quivering sigh. This was it, she could do this, she had to do this her own life depending on it.
Giving a knock on the door it opens slightly, not sure if she should walk in or not she pokes her head in the door to see Reese at his desk or who she thought was Reese she didn't really know what he looked like.
"Hello...excuse me. Sorry I don't mean to barge in, or many I do because I am that desperate but my name is Destiny Rose and I was directed that the best place to come for a body guard, or protection from the Agency would be here. Are you...Mike Reese?"
It was easy to see the woman was strong, but at the same time here eyes were pleeding. She was serous about what she had said she did need protection. She new all to well who the Agency was and it was for that reason they were after her.
Coming up the walk way slowly Beth was back from her short break. She had needed air about twenty minutes ago as the Dr's had to calm her sister down. Today was not a good day for her. On days like this it seemed like her nightmares, and fits were getting worse and what triggered them no one new. Beth could only guess herself it was when her brain got to tired of blocking everything and for a few while it just let the memories back full force.
Arriving at the bench where Justin sat it took Beth a few moments to realize it was him. He looked stressed out, but more normal today than the first to days she had met him. Trying to give the best smile she can Beth steps a little closer to the bench. It wasnt every day she talked to someone but the last few times she had been here even if it was strange so had Justin it was almost normal to say hi and be semi friendly with him.
"Wow Justin for a second I didn't even realize it was you. You look human today!"
Beth's voice had a bit of a sarcastic tone despite her mood, a bit of teasing as well.
5/8/10
Skunk
Eli grins at Scarlet, more than happy to stay for a while. "Okay... but you have to at least let me take my jacket off so I can get comfortable."
Giving her a wink, he lets her slide off his lap so he can take off his jacket and hang it over the back of the couch. "Alright... what kind of movies do you have anyway?"
...A couple hours later after a movie, cuddling on the couch and almost falling asleep, Eli knows he needs to get home. Scarlet seemed to be feeling a little better, and Eli had simmered down on the inside, though some time alone would be good for him too.
Donning his jacket again, he walks to the door, meeting Scarlet there. Pulling her into a final embrace for the night, he leans down and presses his lips to hers in a passionate goodnight kiss. Drawing away, his eyes twinkle a little bit and he steals one last quick kiss before straightening up. "I'll call you sometime tomorrow, okay?"
His hand reaches up so his palm can slide down the side of her face. "Goodnight, Scarlet."
Finally on his way, he takes a deep breath of the night air and ambles down to the parking lot. Though it was dim, the lights around the lot provide enough light to see easily, creating a safe atmosphere. Getting to his bike, however, Eli felt anything but good. Stopping in his tracks he stares at his bike and the profanity that had been scratched deeply into the paint. Sometimes he let his own language get a little carried away, but having these kinds of words on his bike made him sick. Not to mention, the paint was trashed. Who on earth...
He turns quickly to look at Scarlet's motorcycle and sure enough, hers had been vandalized as well. The new paint job was ruined - hours and hours of labor destroyed by one simple and dastardly act. The words that had been scratched into Scarlet's bike were no better than Eli's - an embarrassing display with which to ride down the street.
As the shock begins to wear off, Eli's calmed demeanor begins to boil again. His fists clench at his sides as he glares at the handiwork. Someone had known exactly what would get to them. Someone had known exactly what to do in order to hit them where it hurt. And there was only one person Eli could think of.
"Roth." His words came out as ice, enough to give anyone listening an instant chill. This... this had gone beyond the limit. This was downright low and dirty. "You skunk," he hisses into the night air. "You'll pay for this."
Turning around and aiming for Scarlet's again, a trashcan is on the receiving end of a deadly kick and it flies through the air, clanging into the sidewalk a ways away. Eli's pulse was racing and he pops his neck, his fingers flexing in his motorcycle gloves. Reaching Scarlet's door, he knocks and waits to see her again. Fire blazed in his eyes. "Get your jacket," he directs calmly. "You need to see this."
Reese nods a little, wishing he knew what to say, but the words wouldn't come. One of his own was suffering, and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Okay... but if you do need anything... don't hesitate to ask, alright?" Unsure whether he should or not, Reese reaches over to give Hope's hand a little squeeze before he stands up.
"Take all the time you need, Hope. We'll... work around your schedule as you need it. Just, um... keep me in the loop, okay?" It wasn't her boss speaking... it was her friend who cared.
Ambling down the sidewalk with a backpack over one arm and a soccer ball under the other, Justin crunches into an apple.
"What were you thinking? You could have been turned in for that alone!"
"Look, I did what I had to do. Scott needs a push, not more pampering. Now you called me in for this job, let me do it or tell me to walk away. The choice is yours."
Justin sighs and relents to his body's desire to sit on a bench near the parking lot. A brief chat with his uncle hadn't gone very well. Nobody had complained about the little battle with Scott, but he'd heard about it and hadn't been happy. He hadn't told Justin he was off the case though, so Justin was planning on returning tomorrow as normal. It was just irritating that he couldn't do his job the way he wanted to do it. He didn't have much to lose though, and he wanted to win this... for Scott. Justin didn't take his job lightly.
Leaning back on the bench, he lets his head fall back so the sun was on his face. Closing his eyes, one might think he was asleep, but his mind was far from it. He was already thinking about tomorrow. He needed to call Alec first though.
Giving her a wink, he lets her slide off his lap so he can take off his jacket and hang it over the back of the couch. "Alright... what kind of movies do you have anyway?"
...A couple hours later after a movie, cuddling on the couch and almost falling asleep, Eli knows he needs to get home. Scarlet seemed to be feeling a little better, and Eli had simmered down on the inside, though some time alone would be good for him too.
Donning his jacket again, he walks to the door, meeting Scarlet there. Pulling her into a final embrace for the night, he leans down and presses his lips to hers in a passionate goodnight kiss. Drawing away, his eyes twinkle a little bit and he steals one last quick kiss before straightening up. "I'll call you sometime tomorrow, okay?"
His hand reaches up so his palm can slide down the side of her face. "Goodnight, Scarlet."
Finally on his way, he takes a deep breath of the night air and ambles down to the parking lot. Though it was dim, the lights around the lot provide enough light to see easily, creating a safe atmosphere. Getting to his bike, however, Eli felt anything but good. Stopping in his tracks he stares at his bike and the profanity that had been scratched deeply into the paint. Sometimes he let his own language get a little carried away, but having these kinds of words on his bike made him sick. Not to mention, the paint was trashed. Who on earth...
He turns quickly to look at Scarlet's motorcycle and sure enough, hers had been vandalized as well. The new paint job was ruined - hours and hours of labor destroyed by one simple and dastardly act. The words that had been scratched into Scarlet's bike were no better than Eli's - an embarrassing display with which to ride down the street.
As the shock begins to wear off, Eli's calmed demeanor begins to boil again. His fists clench at his sides as he glares at the handiwork. Someone had known exactly what would get to them. Someone had known exactly what to do in order to hit them where it hurt. And there was only one person Eli could think of.
"Roth." His words came out as ice, enough to give anyone listening an instant chill. This... this had gone beyond the limit. This was downright low and dirty. "You skunk," he hisses into the night air. "You'll pay for this."
Turning around and aiming for Scarlet's again, a trashcan is on the receiving end of a deadly kick and it flies through the air, clanging into the sidewalk a ways away. Eli's pulse was racing and he pops his neck, his fingers flexing in his motorcycle gloves. Reaching Scarlet's door, he knocks and waits to see her again. Fire blazed in his eyes. "Get your jacket," he directs calmly. "You need to see this."
Reese nods a little, wishing he knew what to say, but the words wouldn't come. One of his own was suffering, and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Okay... but if you do need anything... don't hesitate to ask, alright?" Unsure whether he should or not, Reese reaches over to give Hope's hand a little squeeze before he stands up.
"Take all the time you need, Hope. We'll... work around your schedule as you need it. Just, um... keep me in the loop, okay?" It wasn't her boss speaking... it was her friend who cared.
Ambling down the sidewalk with a backpack over one arm and a soccer ball under the other, Justin crunches into an apple.
"What were you thinking? You could have been turned in for that alone!"
"Look, I did what I had to do. Scott needs a push, not more pampering. Now you called me in for this job, let me do it or tell me to walk away. The choice is yours."
Justin sighs and relents to his body's desire to sit on a bench near the parking lot. A brief chat with his uncle hadn't gone very well. Nobody had complained about the little battle with Scott, but he'd heard about it and hadn't been happy. He hadn't told Justin he was off the case though, so Justin was planning on returning tomorrow as normal. It was just irritating that he couldn't do his job the way he wanted to do it. He didn't have much to lose though, and he wanted to win this... for Scott. Justin didn't take his job lightly.
Leaning back on the bench, he lets his head fall back so the sun was on his face. Closing his eyes, one might think he was asleep, but his mind was far from it. He was already thinking about tomorrow. He needed to call Alec first though.
Tease
Just happy Eli was here, and he kissed away her tears it filled Scarlet with a new feeling twords him. He was as soft as she hoped, as gentile as she new, and honest as she liked. Deep down she new Eli wish she had told him soon but hearing he would get over it made her feel good. She hadn't lost him.
Returning the soft kiss Scarlet liked it as much as the rougher ones. This one being different and showing Eli's soft caring nature. Pulling away a little and looking up to search Eli's eyes Scarlet gives him a smile.
"If you could stay with me for a little bit..that would be nice."
Scarlet new she would be ok like she always was. The wounds that had been broken open would heal again just right now having someone show there comfort to her was nice. Something she hadn't had in a while. So if she could soak it up tonight and Eli didn't mind than why not.
"We can watch a move if you like, or just sit here. Than after I can let you leave."
Scarlet gives a small grin a teasing tone in her voice. At least she still had her sense of humor.
Waiting for Reese's reaction Hope wasn't surprised to see the shock on his face. She was sure it was still written on her own as well. This was something hard to deal with and after the shock wore off Hope new she was going to more than likely break down and cry a little but once that had all passed she'd turn this over to God and remember he had a plan. She's be ok, even if it was hard she wouldn't have to walk alone.
Hope was happy Reese agreed that she could still come into work too. If she sat at him and had to stew about this all it would only make it worse. Working was the only thing that might keep her sain.
"I guess this just goes to prove second hand smoke can harm you too huh?"
Letting out a small sigh Hope could remember back to when she was younger with her family, a lot of her aunts and uncles use to smoke, and as she got older even some of her patients she had she would allow to them go on the balcony and smoke as well. But now she was paying the price for it.
Hearing Reese offer to do anything Hope gives him a small smile. Seeing the soft nature in his eyes it was nice knowing her cared, it made her feel a little less alone.
"I don't think so not right now anyways. Lots of prayer would help, but I know you already would do that."
Returning the soft kiss Scarlet liked it as much as the rougher ones. This one being different and showing Eli's soft caring nature. Pulling away a little and looking up to search Eli's eyes Scarlet gives him a smile.
"If you could stay with me for a little bit..that would be nice."
Scarlet new she would be ok like she always was. The wounds that had been broken open would heal again just right now having someone show there comfort to her was nice. Something she hadn't had in a while. So if she could soak it up tonight and Eli didn't mind than why not.
"We can watch a move if you like, or just sit here. Than after I can let you leave."
Scarlet gives a small grin a teasing tone in her voice. At least she still had her sense of humor.
Waiting for Reese's reaction Hope wasn't surprised to see the shock on his face. She was sure it was still written on her own as well. This was something hard to deal with and after the shock wore off Hope new she was going to more than likely break down and cry a little but once that had all passed she'd turn this over to God and remember he had a plan. She's be ok, even if it was hard she wouldn't have to walk alone.
Hope was happy Reese agreed that she could still come into work too. If she sat at him and had to stew about this all it would only make it worse. Working was the only thing that might keep her sain.
"I guess this just goes to prove second hand smoke can harm you too huh?"
Letting out a small sigh Hope could remember back to when she was younger with her family, a lot of her aunts and uncles use to smoke, and as she got older even some of her patients she had she would allow to them go on the balcony and smoke as well. But now she was paying the price for it.
Hearing Reese offer to do anything Hope gives him a small smile. Seeing the soft nature in his eyes it was nice knowing her cared, it made her feel a little less alone.
"I don't think so not right now anyways. Lots of prayer would help, but I know you already would do that."
Up to you
Looking down into Scarlet's eyes, Eli just studies them for the longest time, allowing himself the pleasure of falling into them. His hand moves to her face again, cradling her cheek softly.
"I'm glad to know all of you," he responds quietly. "I... wish I would have known, but... I'll get over it." His thumb runs along her cheek and back again. "I've probably got a few cards I need to lay on the table too... but not tonight."
Leaning a little closer, he kisses away the tears that had fallen from her eyes before his lips find hers in a gentle expression of care. "You want me to stay a while?" he asks softly. "Or I can go... it's up to you."
Once Hope is in Reese's office, something just doesn't seem right. The peace that usually followed her around wasn't in the air this time. There was something new... almost foreboding.
Nodding to her request not to tell Scott whatever it was, Reese agrees. He would respect her wishes. There was fear, however, for the news she was about to tell him. What would be so bad that she wouldn't even want Scott to know about it?
Hearing the news, Reese's eyes widen slightly, filled with a mixture of surprise and sympathy. Hope was one of his own... at least that's how he viewed her and all the others. He was the leader, meant to take care of them and make sure they were all okay. And now Hope... had cancer. He wondered how she had contracted it in the lungs and was shocked at how quickly they had diagnosed it, but it didn't matter much. "Oh, Hope..."
Reese gets up from his desk and moves around to the second chair to sit next to her. "Of course you can still come in when you feel up to it. I'm so sorry." He was glad she'd told him... he'd been a little worried about her being sick, and knowing the truth was best in his mind.
Searching Hope's eyes, his gaze is soft and caring - a mixture most people didn't have the privilege of seeing. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I'm glad to know all of you," he responds quietly. "I... wish I would have known, but... I'll get over it." His thumb runs along her cheek and back again. "I've probably got a few cards I need to lay on the table too... but not tonight."
Leaning a little closer, he kisses away the tears that had fallen from her eyes before his lips find hers in a gentle expression of care. "You want me to stay a while?" he asks softly. "Or I can go... it's up to you."
Once Hope is in Reese's office, something just doesn't seem right. The peace that usually followed her around wasn't in the air this time. There was something new... almost foreboding.
Nodding to her request not to tell Scott whatever it was, Reese agrees. He would respect her wishes. There was fear, however, for the news she was about to tell him. What would be so bad that she wouldn't even want Scott to know about it?
Hearing the news, Reese's eyes widen slightly, filled with a mixture of surprise and sympathy. Hope was one of his own... at least that's how he viewed her and all the others. He was the leader, meant to take care of them and make sure they were all okay. And now Hope... had cancer. He wondered how she had contracted it in the lungs and was shocked at how quickly they had diagnosed it, but it didn't matter much. "Oh, Hope..."
Reese gets up from his desk and moves around to the second chair to sit next to her. "Of course you can still come in when you feel up to it. I'm so sorry." He was glad she'd told him... he'd been a little worried about her being sick, and knowing the truth was best in his mind.
Searching Hope's eyes, his gaze is soft and caring - a mixture most people didn't have the privilege of seeing. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Boss and Friend
Knowing Eli was there for her meant so much to Scarlet and feeling his arm tighten a little as he stroked her hair made her feel so good. Knowing her tears would no scare Eli away, would not make him think any different.
As Eli brings his hand to Scarlet's face she leans her head into his hand just letting his rough but soft skin be felt on her face. She liked the way his hands felt. Than following him to the living room and giving a sniff Scarlet rests her head on Eli's chest once again as they sit down on the couch.
The tears start to slow again, and though she was a bit surprised about the news of Jimmy telling Eli about everything Scalet only moves her head a little to look up at Eli. Studying his face she couldn't help the the warm fuzzy feeling inside that he new the past, and she was still here. The softness she had seen inside Eli really was there, and he was willing to show it to her.
Part of Scarlet was happy Jimmy told Eli yet another part was upset she hadn't told him herself. She shouldn't have waited so long to say anything.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but...I'm happy you know now. Now you know the hidden me, all that I am. You know me more than anyone else has in a long time."
Standing outside Reese's office door Hope holds a bunch of paper work. She had just finished at the dr's and she had learned a lot more than she expected. Tears wanted to come but the shock was still to great to let them. This was not what she had expected.
Now she stood here, Reese was not only her boss who needed to know but she considered him a friend as well. One of the few she had right now and she needed someone. She couldn't do this alone. Everything was going to change.
Knocking on the door Hope waits for an answer before entering. She trys to give the best smile she can though she still felt so sick. She hoped the meds the dr had given her for now would start to kick in and make her feel a little better.
"Hey Reese. I just got back from the dr's and I was hoping maybe I could talk to you about something. I could really use a friend."
Hearing it would be ok Hope sits down in one of the chairs across the desk from Reese. Drawing silent for a long moment and catching her breath Hope finally looks up at him.
"First I was to ask that you respect me enough that what I am going to tell you I don't want Scott to know yet. He doesn't need this weighing on his mind with everything else he is dealing with. If you need to tell anyone else thats fine just not him, not till he is better."
Setting her medical papers down on his desk of different charts, reads and tests Hope had them copied so she could give them to Rick seeing as he was the Dr here. It would be good he had them in case Hope ever needed his help.
"I went to the Dr's today as you know because this morning I was still feeling so sick. They ran some minor tests and relized my breathing seemed a little off, and than they ran a few more tests on my lungs."
Hope chocks on her words for a moment fiddling with the zipper on the jacket she wore just a sign this was hard for her.
"They found some abnormality and they have ruled it as lung cancer. I'm going to have to go back in for more tests to see how bad it is and what not but...they are sure and hoping they caught it in time and it had done little damage so I wont have to go through much to get rid of it."
Looking up at Reese it was easy to see the pain in her eyes and how hard this was for her. She was always the strong one helping people and now she was the one that needed to be helped.
"I'd still like to work here on good days when I can. Just to keep my mind off everything thats going on with me so I don't sit at home and go crazy. But I though you should know as my boss and my friend."
As Eli brings his hand to Scarlet's face she leans her head into his hand just letting his rough but soft skin be felt on her face. She liked the way his hands felt. Than following him to the living room and giving a sniff Scarlet rests her head on Eli's chest once again as they sit down on the couch.
The tears start to slow again, and though she was a bit surprised about the news of Jimmy telling Eli about everything Scalet only moves her head a little to look up at Eli. Studying his face she couldn't help the the warm fuzzy feeling inside that he new the past, and she was still here. The softness she had seen inside Eli really was there, and he was willing to show it to her.
Part of Scarlet was happy Jimmy told Eli yet another part was upset she hadn't told him herself. She shouldn't have waited so long to say anything.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but...I'm happy you know now. Now you know the hidden me, all that I am. You know me more than anyone else has in a long time."
Standing outside Reese's office door Hope holds a bunch of paper work. She had just finished at the dr's and she had learned a lot more than she expected. Tears wanted to come but the shock was still to great to let them. This was not what she had expected.
Now she stood here, Reese was not only her boss who needed to know but she considered him a friend as well. One of the few she had right now and she needed someone. She couldn't do this alone. Everything was going to change.
Knocking on the door Hope waits for an answer before entering. She trys to give the best smile she can though she still felt so sick. She hoped the meds the dr had given her for now would start to kick in and make her feel a little better.
"Hey Reese. I just got back from the dr's and I was hoping maybe I could talk to you about something. I could really use a friend."
Hearing it would be ok Hope sits down in one of the chairs across the desk from Reese. Drawing silent for a long moment and catching her breath Hope finally looks up at him.
"First I was to ask that you respect me enough that what I am going to tell you I don't want Scott to know yet. He doesn't need this weighing on his mind with everything else he is dealing with. If you need to tell anyone else thats fine just not him, not till he is better."
Setting her medical papers down on his desk of different charts, reads and tests Hope had them copied so she could give them to Rick seeing as he was the Dr here. It would be good he had them in case Hope ever needed his help.
"I went to the Dr's today as you know because this morning I was still feeling so sick. They ran some minor tests and relized my breathing seemed a little off, and than they ran a few more tests on my lungs."
Hope chocks on her words for a moment fiddling with the zipper on the jacket she wore just a sign this was hard for her.
"They found some abnormality and they have ruled it as lung cancer. I'm going to have to go back in for more tests to see how bad it is and what not but...they are sure and hoping they caught it in time and it had done little damage so I wont have to go through much to get rid of it."
Looking up at Reese it was easy to see the pain in her eyes and how hard this was for her. She was always the strong one helping people and now she was the one that needed to be helped.
"I'd still like to work here on good days when I can. Just to keep my mind off everything thats going on with me so I don't sit at home and go crazy. But I though you should know as my boss and my friend."
5/7/10
Tantrum
Eli catches up Scarlet in his arms, wrapping them around her firmly. Hearing her muffled words and realizing she was crying, he rocks her a little before stroking her hair. "Shh... it's okay," he soothes, kissing the top of her head. "You don't have to be scared anymore."
Just holding her a few moments, he eventually pries her away, reaching to her face to wipe away some of her tears with his thumb. Then taking her by the hand, he finds the living room and the end of the couch. Sitting down, he pulls her down into his lap and wraps his arms around her again, holding her close and letting her cry more if she needed to. For now, what was going on outside went unrealized.
"Jimmy told me what happened," he explains quietly. "I understand... you don't have to be sorry." He kisses her head again. "It takes more than that to scare me away."
Justin returns Sapphire's smile and nods. "It's good there's more than three things... thank you." Giving her a little wave, he wanders back towards the exit, stopping for a moment or two to talk with Con, then finds his way back outside. The sun was still shining, but it was aiming towards the earth once more, foretelling of evening. Justin would head home now, but not before picking up something for supper for himself, along with getting some more dog food.
His half-hour drive home was a thoughtful one as he processed all he'd learned and thought about how he could use it during his time with Scott. It was at tough case with so many different angles. It almost made his head hurt just thinking about it. But he was involved now and wasn't going to give up. No, he'd see it through for sure. He wasn't one to let go this easily...
The next morning, Justin leans on the desk down by the front door of the Brookshire building, cocking his head at Jenny. Scott had not been outside where they normally met. "Scott?"
Jenny shakes her head. "Wouldn't get up this morning. I tried a couple times, finally Dr. Hawks said to just leave him and wait for you."
Justin sighs. Three good days, one bad... it wasn't a bad ratio. But he needed to get Scott up and going or he'd backslide for more than just a day. "Alright... I'll be back in a bit." Heading up the stairs, he takes them two at a time until he's on the third floor. Wandering down he finds Scott's room number and knocks. No answer. Knocking again without a response, he goes in uninvited.
Scott is curled up in bed and appears to have not even undressed from the day before. It had been nightmares... all night. And this morning had come way too soon. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the day. He was on the brink of falling into that awful pit again and didn't want to step forward, lest he lose his balance and fall. No... it was safer just to stay here... in bed. The world could move on without him.
"Hey, Scott." Justin wanders to the bed and looks down at him. "What's up, hmm? Jenny said you wouldn't get up."
Scott opens his good eye to look up at him lamely and shakes his head a little. "Go away."
"Naw, sorry, I can't do that." Justin folds his arms. "You gotta get up. Come on."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"There's too much living to do outside of this room for me to let you stay. Now come on. Come outside with me."
Scott glares up at him, refusing to move. "Make me."
"No! Let me go! Put me down!" Scott fights for all he's worth, but his lack of strength is no match for Justin. Slung over Justin's shoulder like a sack of potatoes, the ride down the stairs is less than comfortable. Clawing at the wall and flailing for the railing, he knocks Justin off balance more than once.
"Cut it out!" Justin orders. "Or we'll both go head first the rest of the way down." One arm is wrapped around Scott's legs, his other hand having a tight hold on the waist of Scott's jeans.
"Put... Me... Down!" Scott screams.
As the two reach the ground level, Jenny's eyes are huge. Justin wasn't that big of a man, so seeing him hauling another man around over his shoulder was quite the sight, not to mention Scott's tantrum as they went. Jenny blinks and looks to Justin, still shocked. "Sedative?"
"What for?" By now, Justin is panting and sweating, his arms still locked in place so as not to release Scott. One of Scott's feet slips loose though and kicks out, knocking several items off the desk. "Say now," Justin chides, grabbing hold again. "You're gonna cause a mess." He calmly looks back to Jenny. "Would you mind opening the door for me?"
"I... um... sure." Jenny gets up and goes to the door to open it for him, staring after them both as they head to the open grass.
Once Justin reaches the open lot, he falls to one knee and dumps Scott on the ground. Trying to catch his breath, he studies Scott with purpose. "I had planned something else for today, but now I'm worn out."
"Good," Scott growls as he sits up, trying to get his bearings after being upside down. "I'm going back inside."
"Be my guest. But as soon as I catch my breath, we're doing this all over again."
"That's your problem." Scott gets up a bit unsteadily and heads back across to the housing.
Justin shakes his head and sighs, watching him go. Ten minutes later, it's an exact replay of the entire thing, except this time Scott's a little louder and more insistent. Once he's dumped on the ground for the second time though, his energy is just about spent. "What is with you?" he hisses. "Grab me like that and I'll report."
"I don't care," Justin retorts. "Ready for round three?"
Scott was not. He was too tired. Pulling his legs up close, he puts his chin on his knees. "Why did you make me come out here?"
"Because the sun is shining, Scott. Look." Justin gestures to the sky. "Because the breeze is blowing... feel it. Because spring is in the air... smell it. Because the birds are singing... listen."
Scott closes his eyes and refuses to take the advice. But he can't help but hear. He can't help but feel. "So what?"
"If you don't recognize it, I'm not going to waste my breath."
"But you still drag me out here."
"I'll set you right down in the middle of life," Justin replies. "But no one can make you live." He'd brought a backpack and soccerball when he'd arrived in the first place, so now reaches into the bag and pulls out two apples. Keeping one, he tosses the other to Scott.
Scott looks down at it with little interest. "I'm not hungry."
"What's eating got to do with being hungry?" Justin shrugs. "I eat it 'cause it's good for me, not because my stomach's asking for it, or because my tastebuds are begging for it. If that were the case, I'd break out my chocolate bar instead."
Scott knew good and well that Justin was just trying to get him to eat. He hadn't had anything since yesterday lunch... maybe it would be alright if he had an apple. His stomach would handle it better than the chili that was on the menu for today's lunch. Grudgingly, he takes the apple and crunches into it with a little bite. "So why did you really drag me out here? I'm not happy about it, you know."
"I know. Doesn't hurt my feelings any." Justin chews on his own apple thoughtfully. "Why do you think I brought you out here?"
"Don't start that question garbage with me."
Justin shrugs. "Alright."
Scott rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah... you brought me out here for all that sunshine and fresh air I'm missing in my room." He nibbles on a little more of his apple.
"Well if you knew, why did you ask?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know."
"Wanna play soccer?"
"Not really."
"Hard night?"
"No, I just wanted to stay in bed for the fun of it," Scott retorts. "You just shoulda left me alone. I'm in no mood for this today."
"For what?"
"This." Scott gestures around him, only to realize that he's gesturing at fresh air and sunshine. It sounded pretty pathetic that he wasn't in the mood for good things like that. His expression changes to one of slight sheepishness. "I'm pretty miserable to be around, aren't I?"
"Mm..." Justin nods. "Yeah, pretty much. Why do you think I brought a soccer ball? At least I can have a little fun, even if you're insisting on being miserable."
Scott eyes him with suspicion. "So when are the real sessions gonna start?"
"Real sessions?"
"Don't think I'm that stupid. You're just trying to be my friend, get me to trust you, then one of these times, we'll sit down and you'll start picking my brain about how I'm feeling and how I'm dealing with this stage of my life."
Justin looks at him lamely. "Don't make me puke. I hate sessions like that."
"Then why are you here? Just to play games?"
Justin sighs deeply. "I'm here to be your friend. You want out of here, and I want you out of here. If we work together as a team, we can meet both those goals. I can't do it on my own, and you can't do it on your own either."
"Who says I can't?"
"Well then prove it and let's get out of here."
Scott shrinks back again. He knew that he needed to be here because he hadn't been able to pull through on his own. "Alright... so I need help. Why are we playing games then?"
"It's good exercise." Justin tosses his apple core into a nearby trashcan. Retrieving his soccer ball, he lets it roll back and forth between his feet as he slowly nudges it a ways away, noting that Scott was following him. A few minutes of gentle kicking back and forth and Justin speaks again. "So. Hard night. Nightmares?"
Scott grits his teeth and kicks at the ball. "Yeah."
"Do you have one that always comes back?"
"Maybe."
Justin can feel him pulling back so he waits, just letting them kick the ball a little while longer. "I used to dream about the night my best friend was killed. While I was in college. He was murdered and I saw the whole thing. Still haunts me once in a while."
Scott's eyebrows rise just a little. "And you just... ignore it or what?"
"Not really. It bothers me. But I just gotta keep reminding myself that there was nothing I could do about it. It was just... one of those things. And I learned to let it go."
"How?"
"Time. And I had to make the choice to do it." Justin kicks at the ball. "I blamed my emotions... said I couldn't help the hate and anger and guilt I felt. But then one day I realized that all those things... they were my choices. I was choosing to hate because it made me feel in control. I was choosing to be angry because then I didn't have time to be sad. I was choosing to harbor guilt because then I could take out my sadness on myself and stay hidden in my own little world."
The ball has stopped at Scott's feet and he stares back at Justin a little confused. "You can't just choose the way you feel."
"Can't I?" Justin holds out his arms. "I can choose to be miserable today. My truck wouldn't start, my dog tore a hole in my jeans and I got here just to realize I'm almost out of gas. Those things are irritating, but I've chosen to enjoy the sunshine anyway. Being miserable doesn't do any good." He cocks his head. "Sometimes it takes a while for us to think through our trials before our emotional reactions... but in the end, it's our choice. I choose to forgive. I choose to love. I choose to hate. What I do with my thoughts and feelings is under my own control not my circumstances."
"But you can't decide you're not gonna be sad or upset when someone dies."
"It's my initial response, yes. But why? Because of what I thought beforehand. Thinking always comes before the emotion. Once I've thought through it, I choose how I am going to react by way of an emotional response. Do I not have the control to find the good instead? The pain might always linger. But that doesn't mean I have to continue being upset. I just have to make up my mind to deal with it. Conquer it. I cannot let my emotions control me."
"But what about if a friend betrays you. Wouldn't you be mad at them?"
"Well I'm only human. But I don't have to be mad at them. I might be upset and disappointed... but if I get mad at them and hate them, I'm letting the circumstances rule my response instead of taking control. It's not easy. But we all have the ability to change our reactions. Sometimes it takes a while. It could take me five minutes to decide not to be mad anymore, or it could be five weeks. But once I've decided... then it's up to me to do it. Deciding to actually change my own attitude - that's the hard part."
Scott rests his foot on the ball. "So you're telling me that I can just choose to not be angry at the Agency or myself anymore. That I can just decide it and that's that."
"I thought we were talking about me."
Scott smirks a little and gives the ball a hearty kick. "Right."
Just holding her a few moments, he eventually pries her away, reaching to her face to wipe away some of her tears with his thumb. Then taking her by the hand, he finds the living room and the end of the couch. Sitting down, he pulls her down into his lap and wraps his arms around her again, holding her close and letting her cry more if she needed to. For now, what was going on outside went unrealized.
"Jimmy told me what happened," he explains quietly. "I understand... you don't have to be sorry." He kisses her head again. "It takes more than that to scare me away."
Justin returns Sapphire's smile and nods. "It's good there's more than three things... thank you." Giving her a little wave, he wanders back towards the exit, stopping for a moment or two to talk with Con, then finds his way back outside. The sun was still shining, but it was aiming towards the earth once more, foretelling of evening. Justin would head home now, but not before picking up something for supper for himself, along with getting some more dog food.
His half-hour drive home was a thoughtful one as he processed all he'd learned and thought about how he could use it during his time with Scott. It was at tough case with so many different angles. It almost made his head hurt just thinking about it. But he was involved now and wasn't going to give up. No, he'd see it through for sure. He wasn't one to let go this easily...
The next morning, Justin leans on the desk down by the front door of the Brookshire building, cocking his head at Jenny. Scott had not been outside where they normally met. "Scott?"
Jenny shakes her head. "Wouldn't get up this morning. I tried a couple times, finally Dr. Hawks said to just leave him and wait for you."
Justin sighs. Three good days, one bad... it wasn't a bad ratio. But he needed to get Scott up and going or he'd backslide for more than just a day. "Alright... I'll be back in a bit." Heading up the stairs, he takes them two at a time until he's on the third floor. Wandering down he finds Scott's room number and knocks. No answer. Knocking again without a response, he goes in uninvited.
Scott is curled up in bed and appears to have not even undressed from the day before. It had been nightmares... all night. And this morning had come way too soon. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to face the day. He was on the brink of falling into that awful pit again and didn't want to step forward, lest he lose his balance and fall. No... it was safer just to stay here... in bed. The world could move on without him.
"Hey, Scott." Justin wanders to the bed and looks down at him. "What's up, hmm? Jenny said you wouldn't get up."
Scott opens his good eye to look up at him lamely and shakes his head a little. "Go away."
"Naw, sorry, I can't do that." Justin folds his arms. "You gotta get up. Come on."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"There's too much living to do outside of this room for me to let you stay. Now come on. Come outside with me."
Scott glares up at him, refusing to move. "Make me."
"No! Let me go! Put me down!" Scott fights for all he's worth, but his lack of strength is no match for Justin. Slung over Justin's shoulder like a sack of potatoes, the ride down the stairs is less than comfortable. Clawing at the wall and flailing for the railing, he knocks Justin off balance more than once.
"Cut it out!" Justin orders. "Or we'll both go head first the rest of the way down." One arm is wrapped around Scott's legs, his other hand having a tight hold on the waist of Scott's jeans.
"Put... Me... Down!" Scott screams.
As the two reach the ground level, Jenny's eyes are huge. Justin wasn't that big of a man, so seeing him hauling another man around over his shoulder was quite the sight, not to mention Scott's tantrum as they went. Jenny blinks and looks to Justin, still shocked. "Sedative?"
"What for?" By now, Justin is panting and sweating, his arms still locked in place so as not to release Scott. One of Scott's feet slips loose though and kicks out, knocking several items off the desk. "Say now," Justin chides, grabbing hold again. "You're gonna cause a mess." He calmly looks back to Jenny. "Would you mind opening the door for me?"
"I... um... sure." Jenny gets up and goes to the door to open it for him, staring after them both as they head to the open grass.
Once Justin reaches the open lot, he falls to one knee and dumps Scott on the ground. Trying to catch his breath, he studies Scott with purpose. "I had planned something else for today, but now I'm worn out."
"Good," Scott growls as he sits up, trying to get his bearings after being upside down. "I'm going back inside."
"Be my guest. But as soon as I catch my breath, we're doing this all over again."
"That's your problem." Scott gets up a bit unsteadily and heads back across to the housing.
Justin shakes his head and sighs, watching him go. Ten minutes later, it's an exact replay of the entire thing, except this time Scott's a little louder and more insistent. Once he's dumped on the ground for the second time though, his energy is just about spent. "What is with you?" he hisses. "Grab me like that and I'll report."
"I don't care," Justin retorts. "Ready for round three?"
Scott was not. He was too tired. Pulling his legs up close, he puts his chin on his knees. "Why did you make me come out here?"
"Because the sun is shining, Scott. Look." Justin gestures to the sky. "Because the breeze is blowing... feel it. Because spring is in the air... smell it. Because the birds are singing... listen."
Scott closes his eyes and refuses to take the advice. But he can't help but hear. He can't help but feel. "So what?"
"If you don't recognize it, I'm not going to waste my breath."
"But you still drag me out here."
"I'll set you right down in the middle of life," Justin replies. "But no one can make you live." He'd brought a backpack and soccerball when he'd arrived in the first place, so now reaches into the bag and pulls out two apples. Keeping one, he tosses the other to Scott.
Scott looks down at it with little interest. "I'm not hungry."
"What's eating got to do with being hungry?" Justin shrugs. "I eat it 'cause it's good for me, not because my stomach's asking for it, or because my tastebuds are begging for it. If that were the case, I'd break out my chocolate bar instead."
Scott knew good and well that Justin was just trying to get him to eat. He hadn't had anything since yesterday lunch... maybe it would be alright if he had an apple. His stomach would handle it better than the chili that was on the menu for today's lunch. Grudgingly, he takes the apple and crunches into it with a little bite. "So why did you really drag me out here? I'm not happy about it, you know."
"I know. Doesn't hurt my feelings any." Justin chews on his own apple thoughtfully. "Why do you think I brought you out here?"
"Don't start that question garbage with me."
Justin shrugs. "Alright."
Scott rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah... you brought me out here for all that sunshine and fresh air I'm missing in my room." He nibbles on a little more of his apple.
"Well if you knew, why did you ask?"
Scott sighs. "I don't know."
"Wanna play soccer?"
"Not really."
"Hard night?"
"No, I just wanted to stay in bed for the fun of it," Scott retorts. "You just shoulda left me alone. I'm in no mood for this today."
"For what?"
"This." Scott gestures around him, only to realize that he's gesturing at fresh air and sunshine. It sounded pretty pathetic that he wasn't in the mood for good things like that. His expression changes to one of slight sheepishness. "I'm pretty miserable to be around, aren't I?"
"Mm..." Justin nods. "Yeah, pretty much. Why do you think I brought a soccer ball? At least I can have a little fun, even if you're insisting on being miserable."
Scott eyes him with suspicion. "So when are the real sessions gonna start?"
"Real sessions?"
"Don't think I'm that stupid. You're just trying to be my friend, get me to trust you, then one of these times, we'll sit down and you'll start picking my brain about how I'm feeling and how I'm dealing with this stage of my life."
Justin looks at him lamely. "Don't make me puke. I hate sessions like that."
"Then why are you here? Just to play games?"
Justin sighs deeply. "I'm here to be your friend. You want out of here, and I want you out of here. If we work together as a team, we can meet both those goals. I can't do it on my own, and you can't do it on your own either."
"Who says I can't?"
"Well then prove it and let's get out of here."
Scott shrinks back again. He knew that he needed to be here because he hadn't been able to pull through on his own. "Alright... so I need help. Why are we playing games then?"
"It's good exercise." Justin tosses his apple core into a nearby trashcan. Retrieving his soccer ball, he lets it roll back and forth between his feet as he slowly nudges it a ways away, noting that Scott was following him. A few minutes of gentle kicking back and forth and Justin speaks again. "So. Hard night. Nightmares?"
Scott grits his teeth and kicks at the ball. "Yeah."
"Do you have one that always comes back?"
"Maybe."
Justin can feel him pulling back so he waits, just letting them kick the ball a little while longer. "I used to dream about the night my best friend was killed. While I was in college. He was murdered and I saw the whole thing. Still haunts me once in a while."
Scott's eyebrows rise just a little. "And you just... ignore it or what?"
"Not really. It bothers me. But I just gotta keep reminding myself that there was nothing I could do about it. It was just... one of those things. And I learned to let it go."
"How?"
"Time. And I had to make the choice to do it." Justin kicks at the ball. "I blamed my emotions... said I couldn't help the hate and anger and guilt I felt. But then one day I realized that all those things... they were my choices. I was choosing to hate because it made me feel in control. I was choosing to be angry because then I didn't have time to be sad. I was choosing to harbor guilt because then I could take out my sadness on myself and stay hidden in my own little world."
The ball has stopped at Scott's feet and he stares back at Justin a little confused. "You can't just choose the way you feel."
"Can't I?" Justin holds out his arms. "I can choose to be miserable today. My truck wouldn't start, my dog tore a hole in my jeans and I got here just to realize I'm almost out of gas. Those things are irritating, but I've chosen to enjoy the sunshine anyway. Being miserable doesn't do any good." He cocks his head. "Sometimes it takes a while for us to think through our trials before our emotional reactions... but in the end, it's our choice. I choose to forgive. I choose to love. I choose to hate. What I do with my thoughts and feelings is under my own control not my circumstances."
"But you can't decide you're not gonna be sad or upset when someone dies."
"It's my initial response, yes. But why? Because of what I thought beforehand. Thinking always comes before the emotion. Once I've thought through it, I choose how I am going to react by way of an emotional response. Do I not have the control to find the good instead? The pain might always linger. But that doesn't mean I have to continue being upset. I just have to make up my mind to deal with it. Conquer it. I cannot let my emotions control me."
"But what about if a friend betrays you. Wouldn't you be mad at them?"
"Well I'm only human. But I don't have to be mad at them. I might be upset and disappointed... but if I get mad at them and hate them, I'm letting the circumstances rule my response instead of taking control. It's not easy. But we all have the ability to change our reactions. Sometimes it takes a while. It could take me five minutes to decide not to be mad anymore, or it could be five weeks. But once I've decided... then it's up to me to do it. Deciding to actually change my own attitude - that's the hard part."
Scott rests his foot on the ball. "So you're telling me that I can just choose to not be angry at the Agency or myself anymore. That I can just decide it and that's that."
"I thought we were talking about me."
Scott smirks a little and gives the ball a hearty kick. "Right."
Dirty Deed
Taking the card from Justin Sapphire holds it for a moment reading it before looking up at Justin again and giving a smile. Justin was a very sweet guy and Sapphire was thankful that her brother had someone like him to help him.
"Thanks you. I'll make sure to keep this close in case I need anything."
Turning to go back to her work Sapphire stops as Justin asks his last question. Thinking for a long moment she gives Justin a smile again before answering.
"I could never pick just three things that made my brother smile. He has so many things he really enjoyed in life. Hope, Domino, life, nature, working, having little code wars with Dalton, classical music, the list really is endless."
Shutting the door behind Eli Scarlet wish her apartment was a little cleaner for his first time seeing it but right now that really didn't matter. Looking up at Eli and seeing his arms held out to her it seemed to wash a little fear away that that he would be upset and not want her anymore. Did he know the whole truth? Scarlet wasn't sure but at least he wasn't mad about her driving off.
Taking a few steps twords him Scarlet falls into Eli's arms burring her face into his chest for a long moment just taking in his sent. His smell, his arms they made her feel safe, and shelter the cold world out. His warmth seemed to warm her.
Moving her head a little to rest her face on his chest Scarlet lets a sigh out as she tried to be strong and fight off the tears that wanted to come.
"I feel so safe in your arms Eli, like nothing could hurt me."
Not being able to help it any longer and knowing she needed to just let the tears out, it was all or nothing and if Eli did truly care than the tear should make no difference. Scarlet's shoulders shakes a little as the tears fall. Her fists clenching Eli's shirt.
"I'm sorry I left you, I was just so scared of what would happened if I hadn't."
Outside in the shadow lurked someone up to no good. Seeing in the window at the loving embrace Eli and Scarlet were in only fueled his anger even more in the diluted little fantasy he lived in.
Spotting the two bikes that stood in the driveway Roth couldnt help but snicker to himself. He's show them good not to mess with him. Withdrawing his keys he goes to Eli's first and over the pain he scratches some not so nice words into the pain. Than going to Scarlet's the new paint job that been done on hers he new was Eli's hand work. Running his key in deep to the colors and images he ingraves a few choose names of what he though of Scarlet.
Standing back and admiring his own handy work Roth heads back to his car and gets in. Starting it up he takes one last look into the window before pulling out and dirving away still half drunk from earlier.
"Thanks you. I'll make sure to keep this close in case I need anything."
Turning to go back to her work Sapphire stops as Justin asks his last question. Thinking for a long moment she gives Justin a smile again before answering.
"I could never pick just three things that made my brother smile. He has so many things he really enjoyed in life. Hope, Domino, life, nature, working, having little code wars with Dalton, classical music, the list really is endless."
Shutting the door behind Eli Scarlet wish her apartment was a little cleaner for his first time seeing it but right now that really didn't matter. Looking up at Eli and seeing his arms held out to her it seemed to wash a little fear away that that he would be upset and not want her anymore. Did he know the whole truth? Scarlet wasn't sure but at least he wasn't mad about her driving off.
Taking a few steps twords him Scarlet falls into Eli's arms burring her face into his chest for a long moment just taking in his sent. His smell, his arms they made her feel safe, and shelter the cold world out. His warmth seemed to warm her.
Moving her head a little to rest her face on his chest Scarlet lets a sigh out as she tried to be strong and fight off the tears that wanted to come.
"I feel so safe in your arms Eli, like nothing could hurt me."
Not being able to help it any longer and knowing she needed to just let the tears out, it was all or nothing and if Eli did truly care than the tear should make no difference. Scarlet's shoulders shakes a little as the tears fall. Her fists clenching Eli's shirt.
"I'm sorry I left you, I was just so scared of what would happened if I hadn't."
Outside in the shadow lurked someone up to no good. Seeing in the window at the loving embrace Eli and Scarlet were in only fueled his anger even more in the diluted little fantasy he lived in.
Spotting the two bikes that stood in the driveway Roth couldnt help but snicker to himself. He's show them good not to mess with him. Withdrawing his keys he goes to Eli's first and over the pain he scratches some not so nice words into the pain. Than going to Scarlet's the new paint job that been done on hers he new was Eli's hand work. Running his key in deep to the colors and images he ingraves a few choose names of what he though of Scarlet.
Standing back and admiring his own handy work Roth heads back to his car and gets in. Starting it up he takes one last look into the window before pulling out and dirving away still half drunk from earlier.
Offer
Justin gives a little nod, now understanding what Sapphire had meant. He could see where Scott wouldn't want to have anything to do with someone who had been a part of the Agency, even if they hadn't affected him directly.
"I'm sure in a way Scott feels betrayed on some level," he comments thoughtfully as he finally jots down a note. "That's the funny thing about being angry at a group of people rather than just one person. Anybody else who gets involved with those people is automatically an enemy. I think with Scott it's probably a defense mechanism as he tries to protect himself from a future attack."
Lifting his eyes, Justin looks at Sapphire kindly. It was his nature. He couldn't help it. He was here about Scott, but seeing the pain in Sapphire's eyes... "I can't speak for Scott but... if I had to make a bet, I'd say Scott's reaction really has nothing to do with you at all. And if that's the case... there's a good chance you will get your brother back again."
Standing up, Justin is about to push the chair back where it belonged when he pauses. "Thank you, Sapphire... for everything." Reaching in his pocket, he fishes out a card with his name and number. "Should you think of anything else or..." He shouldn't offer more. It was way out of line. But he couldn't not. "...or if you just need to talk, you can call me, okay?"
Turning around, he stops once more. "Oh, I almost forgot. If you had to pick three things that make your brother smile... what would they be?"
Eli was a little relieved that Scarlet actually came to the door. After she'd high-tailed it, he hadn't even been sure she'd want to see him. Female moodiness was something he'd never understood, but he'd work around it if she didn't want to talk to him. Seeing her now though pushed aside that worry.
Looking down at her, Eli is just quiet for a few moments and he finally nods and steps inside. Scarlet's tone was different. Her eyes were different. This was the inside... this was what laid underneath all that courage and toughness that he'd seen before. This was the other half of Scarlet and he wasn't going to be afraid of it.
Getting inside, his eyes glance around for a moment but quickly fall back to Scarlet again. He really didn't feel like anything else to eat or drink. Holding out his arms to offer a hug, he cocks his head, speaking softly. "Come here."
"I'm sure in a way Scott feels betrayed on some level," he comments thoughtfully as he finally jots down a note. "That's the funny thing about being angry at a group of people rather than just one person. Anybody else who gets involved with those people is automatically an enemy. I think with Scott it's probably a defense mechanism as he tries to protect himself from a future attack."
Lifting his eyes, Justin looks at Sapphire kindly. It was his nature. He couldn't help it. He was here about Scott, but seeing the pain in Sapphire's eyes... "I can't speak for Scott but... if I had to make a bet, I'd say Scott's reaction really has nothing to do with you at all. And if that's the case... there's a good chance you will get your brother back again."
Standing up, Justin is about to push the chair back where it belonged when he pauses. "Thank you, Sapphire... for everything." Reaching in his pocket, he fishes out a card with his name and number. "Should you think of anything else or..." He shouldn't offer more. It was way out of line. But he couldn't not. "...or if you just need to talk, you can call me, okay?"
Turning around, he stops once more. "Oh, I almost forgot. If you had to pick three things that make your brother smile... what would they be?"
Eli was a little relieved that Scarlet actually came to the door. After she'd high-tailed it, he hadn't even been sure she'd want to see him. Female moodiness was something he'd never understood, but he'd work around it if she didn't want to talk to him. Seeing her now though pushed aside that worry.
Looking down at her, Eli is just quiet for a few moments and he finally nods and steps inside. Scarlet's tone was different. Her eyes were different. This was the inside... this was what laid underneath all that courage and toughness that he'd seen before. This was the other half of Scarlet and he wasn't going to be afraid of it.
Getting inside, his eyes glance around for a moment but quickly fall back to Scarlet again. He really didn't feel like anything else to eat or drink. Holding out his arms to offer a hug, he cocks his head, speaking softly. "Come here."
Come in?
Sapphire gives a small sigh and a nod. She might as well tell Justin, he seemed trust worthy enough and if any little bit of information could help him help Scott than it would be important to tell him.
"Yeah pretty much. Gage was part of the Agency but much different from the people the hurt Scott. He, and another girl we have had and got them use to normal life are what we like to call Agency babys. All they new when we found them was the way of the Agency. Hurting people, stealing, so on and so on was life because since they were small thats what they were trained to do. The one girl we found didn't even have a name. Only a number they called her."
Letting out another sigh Sapphire remembered when she had first met Gage, and Thirteen. It still hurt to think of them growing up like that and thinking it was normal.
"We reintroduced them to life, and how it was meant to be. Showing them everything they missed and letting them experience. Gage didn't even know what Lemon Aid was before I showed him. So we started out as friends and soon started dating when we felt we have stronger feelings for each other. Gage is a wonderful guy with a great head on is shoulders that is trying to make up for his past deeds. He also asked me a lot how Scott is."
Sitting holding the pen and fiddling with it Sapphire looks up at Justin again. In a way she felt like she was having a pity party for herself wondering if she was being selfish, but at the same time she wasn't willing to let Gage go.
"Unfortunately with everything that has gone on with my brother he can't see past the face Gage was Agency at one time along with a few others who have turn to the good side so to say. Not saying I don't blame him if I went through everything he did, I might be the same way too."
Giving Eli a nod and a half wave as he walked out the door Jimmy turned to clean up his place and than go to the door himself closing and locking it. Tonight was over, and though it ended bad hearing Eli would be back it gave him some hope that he and Scarlet would be ok.
Sitting in her living room Scarlet held the phone in her hand. She was going to call Eli, she felt bad for leaving him now she was just gather what she would say in her own head. Jimmy would of told him she left and in the back of her mind she new she had to tell him about Roth especially after tonight she just wasnt sure how. Running her arm where Roth had grabbed her she absentmindedly rubbed the bruise in the sap of fingers that were forming. It was going to leave a nasty mark.
About to dial Eli number Scarlet hears a motorcycle pull up and the engine die. Just from the sound she new it was Eli's but getting up she slowly goes to the window and sure enough it was Eli. She hadn't expected him to come to her house, but she had to admit she was kind of happy he was here.
Hearing the knock on the door and his voice following she new Jimmy must have told him what happened. Giving a small brave sigh she opened the door slightly.
"Yeah, I'm ok I think."
Finally looking up at Eli's face for the comfort she so desperately wanted She opened the door a little more. Her one arm crossed her chest as she held her arm of where the bruise was forming. Her eyes were bloodshot and one could tell she'd been crying. Tonight had brought back so many horrible nightmares of her past. She'd thought the crying was over, and the hardness had kept the pain out but tonight run in just proved to be so much.
"I'm sorry I didn't meet you for drinks to night..I..left before you got there. If your not to upset would you like to come in, I think I have something cold in the fridge we could have and we can talk."
Scarlet didn't feel much for joking right now, or letting her sassy nature show. Tonight had went from good to horrible bad, but having Eli here now was a pluse!
"Yeah pretty much. Gage was part of the Agency but much different from the people the hurt Scott. He, and another girl we have had and got them use to normal life are what we like to call Agency babys. All they new when we found them was the way of the Agency. Hurting people, stealing, so on and so on was life because since they were small thats what they were trained to do. The one girl we found didn't even have a name. Only a number they called her."
Letting out another sigh Sapphire remembered when she had first met Gage, and Thirteen. It still hurt to think of them growing up like that and thinking it was normal.
"We reintroduced them to life, and how it was meant to be. Showing them everything they missed and letting them experience. Gage didn't even know what Lemon Aid was before I showed him. So we started out as friends and soon started dating when we felt we have stronger feelings for each other. Gage is a wonderful guy with a great head on is shoulders that is trying to make up for his past deeds. He also asked me a lot how Scott is."
Sitting holding the pen and fiddling with it Sapphire looks up at Justin again. In a way she felt like she was having a pity party for herself wondering if she was being selfish, but at the same time she wasn't willing to let Gage go.
"Unfortunately with everything that has gone on with my brother he can't see past the face Gage was Agency at one time along with a few others who have turn to the good side so to say. Not saying I don't blame him if I went through everything he did, I might be the same way too."
Giving Eli a nod and a half wave as he walked out the door Jimmy turned to clean up his place and than go to the door himself closing and locking it. Tonight was over, and though it ended bad hearing Eli would be back it gave him some hope that he and Scarlet would be ok.
Sitting in her living room Scarlet held the phone in her hand. She was going to call Eli, she felt bad for leaving him now she was just gather what she would say in her own head. Jimmy would of told him she left and in the back of her mind she new she had to tell him about Roth especially after tonight she just wasnt sure how. Running her arm where Roth had grabbed her she absentmindedly rubbed the bruise in the sap of fingers that were forming. It was going to leave a nasty mark.
About to dial Eli number Scarlet hears a motorcycle pull up and the engine die. Just from the sound she new it was Eli's but getting up she slowly goes to the window and sure enough it was Eli. She hadn't expected him to come to her house, but she had to admit she was kind of happy he was here.
Hearing the knock on the door and his voice following she new Jimmy must have told him what happened. Giving a small brave sigh she opened the door slightly.
"Yeah, I'm ok I think."
Finally looking up at Eli's face for the comfort she so desperately wanted She opened the door a little more. Her one arm crossed her chest as she held her arm of where the bruise was forming. Her eyes were bloodshot and one could tell she'd been crying. Tonight had brought back so many horrible nightmares of her past. She'd thought the crying was over, and the hardness had kept the pain out but tonight run in just proved to be so much.
"I'm sorry I didn't meet you for drinks to night..I..left before you got there. If your not to upset would you like to come in, I think I have something cold in the fridge we could have and we can talk."
Scarlet didn't feel much for joking right now, or letting her sassy nature show. Tonight had went from good to horrible bad, but having Eli here now was a pluse!
Just wanted
Justin listens to Sapphire, his pen hovering above his notepad but remaining still, his eyes watching her intently. He knew that someone in his position needed to be very careful about letting other people's problems get to him or affect his own emotions. But something in Sapphire's voice... it sent a little pang to his heart. Everything he was gathering today - all the information and tidbits - proved that Scott wasn't the only one who was being affected by this ordeal. He had the worst of it, no doubt, but his own condition was affecting everyone who cared about him.
Hearing about someone named Gage, Justin's eyebrows rise slightly. He lets Sapphire finish though, processing everything, while his pen still does not write. He cocks his head a little, careful not to step on toes while at the same time he gleaned information. "Gage, huh?" He purses his lips in thought. "Someone Scott doesn't like you being around?"
Sighing deeply, one might think Eli wasn't listening to Jimmy anymore, but he was. He just needed to sort through everything before taking any action, passive or otherwise.
Accepting the whiskey he downs it as quickly as he had the first, letting it settle before starting to finish off his beer. It was several long moments before he said anything at all, seeming to be lost in his own world.
"Thank you, Jimmy... for telling me the truth." It would have been just as easy for the man to lie and avoid all that pain. But he'd respected Eli and for that, he was grateful. Sliding off the barstool, Eli leaves a little beer in the bottle. He didn't need anymore, especially since he was driving. "I'll see you around..." He catches Jimmy's eye and nods. He would be back... he wouldn't hold Roth's actions against him. But for now, there was nothing else that could be said...
The streets were dark, lit by streetlights and a few stars. But the beauty of the evening was far from Eli's mind. His bike takes him down the back roads, out of town, then in again as he zigzags behind traffic, letting his mind wander.
Eventually, the rumbling of his bike can be heard outside of Scarlet's apartment before the engine is cut. Just sitting on his bike for several minutes, Eli thinks. Did Scarlet really react differently to him than other men she'd had? Was this really something special? Was Jimmy right?
Sighing deeply, he takes off his helmet and finally wanders to Scarlet's door. His boots could be heard on the walkway along with his wallet chain - anyone who knew him well could always tell when it was him approaching with his long stride.
Stopping at her door, he pauses again before knocking with his knuckles. "Scarlet?" he calls softly. "It's me... I just... wanted to see if you were alright."
Hearing about someone named Gage, Justin's eyebrows rise slightly. He lets Sapphire finish though, processing everything, while his pen still does not write. He cocks his head a little, careful not to step on toes while at the same time he gleaned information. "Gage, huh?" He purses his lips in thought. "Someone Scott doesn't like you being around?"
Sighing deeply, one might think Eli wasn't listening to Jimmy anymore, but he was. He just needed to sort through everything before taking any action, passive or otherwise.
Accepting the whiskey he downs it as quickly as he had the first, letting it settle before starting to finish off his beer. It was several long moments before he said anything at all, seeming to be lost in his own world.
"Thank you, Jimmy... for telling me the truth." It would have been just as easy for the man to lie and avoid all that pain. But he'd respected Eli and for that, he was grateful. Sliding off the barstool, Eli leaves a little beer in the bottle. He didn't need anymore, especially since he was driving. "I'll see you around..." He catches Jimmy's eye and nods. He would be back... he wouldn't hold Roth's actions against him. But for now, there was nothing else that could be said...
The streets were dark, lit by streetlights and a few stars. But the beauty of the evening was far from Eli's mind. His bike takes him down the back roads, out of town, then in again as he zigzags behind traffic, letting his mind wander.
Eventually, the rumbling of his bike can be heard outside of Scarlet's apartment before the engine is cut. Just sitting on his bike for several minutes, Eli thinks. Did Scarlet really react differently to him than other men she'd had? Was this really something special? Was Jimmy right?
Sighing deeply, he takes off his helmet and finally wanders to Scarlet's door. His boots could be heard on the walkway along with his wallet chain - anyone who knew him well could always tell when it was him approaching with his long stride.
Stopping at her door, he pauses again before knocking with his knuckles. "Scarlet?" he calls softly. "It's me... I just... wanted to see if you were alright."
Accept
Still sitting next to Eli Jimmy study's him. It was hard to read his expressions and his face seeing that there was a lot of mixtures of everything. He could only hope that wouldn't damage the just started relationship that had brought so much promise.
Hearing that Eli wanted another shot he studys him for a long moment. This might be the only thing that was keeping him calm right now. By looking at most people Jimmy had a talent for being able to see there limit before they even could. From just looking at Eli he new one more shot wouldn't send him over the edge and he'd still be able to drive safe.
"Don't be to upset with Scarlet for not telling you..."
Jimmy slides off the the bar stool and makes his way around the back of the counter to where the liqueur was. Taking Eli's older shot glass away and getting a newer one he places it down in front of him pouring the liqueur into it.
"..I know she would of told you when she was ready. It's not an easy thing for her to talk about, but I know she would of told you soon because she really is fond of you. I can see it in her eyes when she talks about you. She feels safe, and she feels human again."
Not saying anything else Jimmy pushes the shot twords Eli. He new it was his desition what would happen next, and what ever it was it would be for Eli's own reasons. He couldn't change his mind with words not that he would try to much anyways because it wasn't his place. He could only try and incurage as much as he could.
Shaking her head a little bit as Justin sits outside the cuble she can't help a small chuckle. He could of come in she would of had no problem with that, but just the simple gesture was nice.
Hearing her brother was doing well was nice, even though Sapphire had already believed Scott would come home someday and new he was ok or she would of been told. Still she couldn't help but feel a little more comfort just being reassured from Justin's words. He was a thoughtful man and she liked that.
Leaning back in her chair and thinking about his question for a moment Sapphire gathers information in her head about her brother and how she remembered him than, and now.
"My brother and I have always been close being twins and all thats just normal I would guess. As kids, and even in grade school we always did things together. We were both into computers and techy stuff."
Stopping and thinking again Sapphire took her pen from her desk and held it putting the cap on and off again as she thought.
"Than as we got older we started to drift apart. He was always smart in school, and I was the popular one though I had very few people I would call friend or hang out with. We slipped away from each other and went own ways. But years later as luck would have it we both ended up here working together and though we didn't talk much our relationship started to grow again."
Sapphire new they were coming to the hard part of the conversation. She always hated talking about when they though Scott was dead. Even just remembering it hurt like no other.
"When everyone though my brother was dead it killed me inside. I lost the person I had a connection with even if we didn't talk a lot. Than he came back and it was like a second chanse to get to know him all over again. Than things just...started to go down hill again. I love my brother like no other..."
Sapphire's eyes glistened a little showing she really meant it. She did love Scott with all her heart.
"..and I just want to see him well again. And I hope that one day he can accept me and Gage being together because I want my brother apart of my life and I miss being close to him. He's my best friend and I hate that he's not ok."
Hearing that Eli wanted another shot he studys him for a long moment. This might be the only thing that was keeping him calm right now. By looking at most people Jimmy had a talent for being able to see there limit before they even could. From just looking at Eli he new one more shot wouldn't send him over the edge and he'd still be able to drive safe.
"Don't be to upset with Scarlet for not telling you..."
Jimmy slides off the the bar stool and makes his way around the back of the counter to where the liqueur was. Taking Eli's older shot glass away and getting a newer one he places it down in front of him pouring the liqueur into it.
"..I know she would of told you when she was ready. It's not an easy thing for her to talk about, but I know she would of told you soon because she really is fond of you. I can see it in her eyes when she talks about you. She feels safe, and she feels human again."
Not saying anything else Jimmy pushes the shot twords Eli. He new it was his desition what would happen next, and what ever it was it would be for Eli's own reasons. He couldn't change his mind with words not that he would try to much anyways because it wasn't his place. He could only try and incurage as much as he could.
Shaking her head a little bit as Justin sits outside the cuble she can't help a small chuckle. He could of come in she would of had no problem with that, but just the simple gesture was nice.
Hearing her brother was doing well was nice, even though Sapphire had already believed Scott would come home someday and new he was ok or she would of been told. Still she couldn't help but feel a little more comfort just being reassured from Justin's words. He was a thoughtful man and she liked that.
Leaning back in her chair and thinking about his question for a moment Sapphire gathers information in her head about her brother and how she remembered him than, and now.
"My brother and I have always been close being twins and all thats just normal I would guess. As kids, and even in grade school we always did things together. We were both into computers and techy stuff."
Stopping and thinking again Sapphire took her pen from her desk and held it putting the cap on and off again as she thought.
"Than as we got older we started to drift apart. He was always smart in school, and I was the popular one though I had very few people I would call friend or hang out with. We slipped away from each other and went own ways. But years later as luck would have it we both ended up here working together and though we didn't talk much our relationship started to grow again."
Sapphire new they were coming to the hard part of the conversation. She always hated talking about when they though Scott was dead. Even just remembering it hurt like no other.
"When everyone though my brother was dead it killed me inside. I lost the person I had a connection with even if we didn't talk a lot. Than he came back and it was like a second chanse to get to know him all over again. Than things just...started to go down hill again. I love my brother like no other..."
Sapphire's eyes glistened a little showing she really meant it. She did love Scott with all her heart.
"..and I just want to see him well again. And I hope that one day he can accept me and Gage being together because I want my brother apart of my life and I miss being close to him. He's my best friend and I hate that he's not ok."
Temper
Receiving the beer from Jimmy and still looking in his eyes, Eli felt an odd twist in his gut. He stays put though, feeling maybe he needed this beer more than he thought. Taking a swig, he listens.
The news that Roth was Jimmy's son took Eli completely off guard. Now that he thought about it, he could see some resemblance, but their dispositions were so different, he never would have guessed. Shock fills his gaze. Scarlet had dated Jimmy's son. Roth. Scarlet had actually been in love with the same man who had put Ryan on her death bed. It had been a long time ago, but still... it wasn't a pleasant connection to make. Surely Scarlet knew about Roth shooting Ryan, yet she'd never said a word about her even knowing him?
Eli contains his temper and takes another sip of beer, forcing himself to stay and hear Jimmy out. He wasn't sure he believed Roth had ever been a nice guy, but the story of his mother's death did explain how a change might have occurred.
Having Jimmy join him on the same side of the bar, Eli is hesitant, but again forces himself to stay put, if just to finish off the beer he'd started. Though right about now, another shot of whiskey would have been nice.
Pictures of Roth and Scarlet flashed through Eli's mind. A new kind of pain reflects in his eyes as he hears of the abuse. Scarlet... this beautiful, intelligent, wonderful woman... how could someone ever dare to lay a finger on her? It was beyond Eli and his blood began to boil with an even greater hatred for Roth.
Jimmy's insights into Scarlet seemed to make the pieces fall into place. Her tough exterior. Her want to travel. And one puzzle piece in particular was now evident - it was that shy hesitance right below the surface that Eli had seen and questioned. Now he knew. A bad relationship had formed that bit of hesitance and now Eli understood. Ryan had been right - it had been from a bad experience.
Remaining silent as Jimmy finishes his explanation, Eli lets his eyes fall to his beer instead of the other man's eyes. He felt way too many things at once right now. He was angry... so angry at Roth. Not only because of Ryan, but now because of Scarlet too. Roth was a genuine scumbag and Eli's hate had grown tenfold. Taking another swig of beer he is still silent. There was also a feeling of something close to betrayal. It was obvious why Scarlet wouldn't have told him about Roth - it was probably painful for her. But Eli would have liked to have known... he didn't like finding out this way. Sure, he hadn't told her about Sasha either, but Sasha hadn't harmed Scarlet's family like Roth had harmed Eli's. And then there was Jimmy. He obviously wasn't to blame for his son's actions, but Eli now had a different perspective... and it was hard to see past that now when looking at Jimmy.
Only halfway through his beer, he leans his elbows on the bar and rubs his hands over his face, trying to keep his temper cool. He wanted to hit something awfully bad, but this time there was a warning to chill... acting without thinking on this one could have a very long list of consequences. "Gimme another shot of whiskey, Jimmy."
Justin's smile widens a little bit. There was something about this woman he liked. Spying an empty chair nearby, he retrieves it and sits right outside Sapphire's cubicle, rather than invading her space. "First of fall, your brother is doing fine and I truly believe that one of these days he'll be able to come home."
He wasn't sure if Scott's sister needed that reassurance or not, but he was willing to give it just in case. "I was just wondering if maybe you could briefly share a little bit about him from your perspective. Maybe what he was like growing up or in school? I'm trying to get the big picture and get to know the Scott that everybody else knows."
The news that Roth was Jimmy's son took Eli completely off guard. Now that he thought about it, he could see some resemblance, but their dispositions were so different, he never would have guessed. Shock fills his gaze. Scarlet had dated Jimmy's son. Roth. Scarlet had actually been in love with the same man who had put Ryan on her death bed. It had been a long time ago, but still... it wasn't a pleasant connection to make. Surely Scarlet knew about Roth shooting Ryan, yet she'd never said a word about her even knowing him?
Eli contains his temper and takes another sip of beer, forcing himself to stay and hear Jimmy out. He wasn't sure he believed Roth had ever been a nice guy, but the story of his mother's death did explain how a change might have occurred.
Having Jimmy join him on the same side of the bar, Eli is hesitant, but again forces himself to stay put, if just to finish off the beer he'd started. Though right about now, another shot of whiskey would have been nice.
Pictures of Roth and Scarlet flashed through Eli's mind. A new kind of pain reflects in his eyes as he hears of the abuse. Scarlet... this beautiful, intelligent, wonderful woman... how could someone ever dare to lay a finger on her? It was beyond Eli and his blood began to boil with an even greater hatred for Roth.
Jimmy's insights into Scarlet seemed to make the pieces fall into place. Her tough exterior. Her want to travel. And one puzzle piece in particular was now evident - it was that shy hesitance right below the surface that Eli had seen and questioned. Now he knew. A bad relationship had formed that bit of hesitance and now Eli understood. Ryan had been right - it had been from a bad experience.
Remaining silent as Jimmy finishes his explanation, Eli lets his eyes fall to his beer instead of the other man's eyes. He felt way too many things at once right now. He was angry... so angry at Roth. Not only because of Ryan, but now because of Scarlet too. Roth was a genuine scumbag and Eli's hate had grown tenfold. Taking another swig of beer he is still silent. There was also a feeling of something close to betrayal. It was obvious why Scarlet wouldn't have told him about Roth - it was probably painful for her. But Eli would have liked to have known... he didn't like finding out this way. Sure, he hadn't told her about Sasha either, but Sasha hadn't harmed Scarlet's family like Roth had harmed Eli's. And then there was Jimmy. He obviously wasn't to blame for his son's actions, but Eli now had a different perspective... and it was hard to see past that now when looking at Jimmy.
Only halfway through his beer, he leans his elbows on the bar and rubs his hands over his face, trying to keep his temper cool. He wanted to hit something awfully bad, but this time there was a warning to chill... acting without thinking on this one could have a very long list of consequences. "Gimme another shot of whiskey, Jimmy."
Justin's smile widens a little bit. There was something about this woman he liked. Spying an empty chair nearby, he retrieves it and sits right outside Sapphire's cubicle, rather than invading her space. "First of fall, your brother is doing fine and I truly believe that one of these days he'll be able to come home."
He wasn't sure if Scott's sister needed that reassurance or not, but he was willing to give it just in case. "I was just wondering if maybe you could briefly share a little bit about him from your perspective. Maybe what he was like growing up or in school? I'm trying to get the big picture and get to know the Scott that everybody else knows."
5/6/10
Long time ago
Seeing the look in Eli's eyes Jimmy new just from that how much he couldn't stand Roth and how worried he was that Scarlet would be ok. Thinking for a long moment before next setting a beer down on the table for Eli new the story would be long and this might be the only thing to keep him in his seat.
Letting out a sigh Jimmy gives it one more thought about it. Something told him Scarlet would not be upset and might actually feel a little revealed that he had told him knowing she hated telling the story herself. Than if Eli really did care about her he would stick around though Jimmy couldn't help but wonder.
"A long time ago, Roth use to be much different than he is now believe it or not. He use to be kind, gentile and loving. Back than he and Scarlet dated and thats when I first met her. On there first date he brought her home to meet the family."
Looking Eli in the eye Jimmy gives a small nod that Eli had heard him right on his last comment.
"Roth is my son, and he and Scarlet were in love so much. She was such a nice, his mother and I loved having her around the house and she never hesitated to help us if we needed it. We thought for sure one day they would marry."
Letting out a long sigh and turning to pick up some empty glass Jimmy runs a rag through them collecting his thoughts. It was easy to see that this story even pained him to tell.
"About two years after Scarlet and Roth started dating his mother passed away. Her and Roth were very close and it hit him hard. We thought he would bounce back and be ok but he never did. So many things turned wrong, and he slipped farther and farther away from the boy we raised till soon we didnt even know who he was anymore."
Setting the glasses down Jimmy pulls out his own beer and sets it on the counter in the empty spot next to Eli. Walking to the end of the bar and lifting the divider Jimmy steps out and comes back over to where Eli is sitting down on the empty stool. Holding the bottle he doesn't take a sip yet.
"Scarlet stayed with Roth even though he on more than one occasion hit her, and abused her mentally. She still often came to check on me and see how I was doing. When I'd see a new bruise or cut I'd tell her why...why was she staying with my son when she new this was wrong. She would always tell me she new the Roth she had fallen in love with was inside of him still somewhere, and she just needed to wait out the bad."
Finally bringing the beer to his lips Jimmy takes a sip swishing the liquid in his mouth before letting it slide down his throat. Collecting his thoughts before he continued.
"After a bad night, Roth came home to find Scarlet asleep without cooking him dinner. He dragged her out of bed that night and into the kitchen not caring what damage he did along the way. That night ended with a lot of cuts to the face. The scars can hardly be seen if your not looking on her face, along with many you cant see else where. Her nose broken in three places if looking close enough you can see its slightly crooked as a resalt."
Jimmy takes another sip. It was hard to think of his son like this, his boy going from being so sweet to something like this. But her new also it was his own choose and his actions were his own.
"It was that night I took Scarlet battered and blood to the hospital and put a report in on my son for abuse. That night I talked some sense into Scarlet and told her to get out before he killed him. She finally listened to me...and moved. Roth spent a year and a half in jail we hoped when he got out he would have changed though I know Scarlet would never go back to him. But he didn't...jail made his worse."
Looking down at his bottle Jimmy picks at the lable. It would be close to closing time soon here and he didn't mind drinking a cold one knowing not many more people would be in. It helped calm his own nerved and keep him calm from just thinking about what his son had done to Scarlet.
"Since that day I've looked out for Scarlet and kept her close like my own. Her job takes her all over so she can keep her mind busy. Not staying in one place to long but always coming home. I watched her grow hard and tough on the outside keeping people at bay. The boyfriends she has tried to have never worked out and she was smart enough to get out before they got back. And it only made her tougher, but on the inside she had a soft spot that still wants love, and to feel the protection."
Enjoying the last sip of the beer Jimmy looks to Eli as his eyes study the younger man in front of him. Scarlet had been so excited to tell Jimmy about Eli there was something in him she saw, there was what she was looking for in him. He'd penetrated the walls.
"Not many if anything scares that woman, but Roth is a whole new ball game. He puts fear into her eyes. Tonight he must have over heard her talking to me about you. It didnt sit with him well as he still thinks Scarlet should be with him. Her grabbed her, said a few nasty things and than I grabbed him making sure he let her go. Than I told her to leave, and I told Roth to get lost. He's my son but I don't tolerate his behavior."
Continuing to study Eli Jimmy wonders what will happen next and what Eli will do. Be who Scarlet though he was, or walk away forever. Jimmy hoped it would be the first so he could see more smiles on her much deserved face.
Letting out a sigh Jimmy gives it one more thought about it. Something told him Scarlet would not be upset and might actually feel a little revealed that he had told him knowing she hated telling the story herself. Than if Eli really did care about her he would stick around though Jimmy couldn't help but wonder.
"A long time ago, Roth use to be much different than he is now believe it or not. He use to be kind, gentile and loving. Back than he and Scarlet dated and thats when I first met her. On there first date he brought her home to meet the family."
Looking Eli in the eye Jimmy gives a small nod that Eli had heard him right on his last comment.
"Roth is my son, and he and Scarlet were in love so much. She was such a nice, his mother and I loved having her around the house and she never hesitated to help us if we needed it. We thought for sure one day they would marry."
Letting out a long sigh and turning to pick up some empty glass Jimmy runs a rag through them collecting his thoughts. It was easy to see that this story even pained him to tell.
"About two years after Scarlet and Roth started dating his mother passed away. Her and Roth were very close and it hit him hard. We thought he would bounce back and be ok but he never did. So many things turned wrong, and he slipped farther and farther away from the boy we raised till soon we didnt even know who he was anymore."
Setting the glasses down Jimmy pulls out his own beer and sets it on the counter in the empty spot next to Eli. Walking to the end of the bar and lifting the divider Jimmy steps out and comes back over to where Eli is sitting down on the empty stool. Holding the bottle he doesn't take a sip yet.
"Scarlet stayed with Roth even though he on more than one occasion hit her, and abused her mentally. She still often came to check on me and see how I was doing. When I'd see a new bruise or cut I'd tell her why...why was she staying with my son when she new this was wrong. She would always tell me she new the Roth she had fallen in love with was inside of him still somewhere, and she just needed to wait out the bad."
Finally bringing the beer to his lips Jimmy takes a sip swishing the liquid in his mouth before letting it slide down his throat. Collecting his thoughts before he continued.
"After a bad night, Roth came home to find Scarlet asleep without cooking him dinner. He dragged her out of bed that night and into the kitchen not caring what damage he did along the way. That night ended with a lot of cuts to the face. The scars can hardly be seen if your not looking on her face, along with many you cant see else where. Her nose broken in three places if looking close enough you can see its slightly crooked as a resalt."
Jimmy takes another sip. It was hard to think of his son like this, his boy going from being so sweet to something like this. But her new also it was his own choose and his actions were his own.
"It was that night I took Scarlet battered and blood to the hospital and put a report in on my son for abuse. That night I talked some sense into Scarlet and told her to get out before he killed him. She finally listened to me...and moved. Roth spent a year and a half in jail we hoped when he got out he would have changed though I know Scarlet would never go back to him. But he didn't...jail made his worse."
Looking down at his bottle Jimmy picks at the lable. It would be close to closing time soon here and he didn't mind drinking a cold one knowing not many more people would be in. It helped calm his own nerved and keep him calm from just thinking about what his son had done to Scarlet.
"Since that day I've looked out for Scarlet and kept her close like my own. Her job takes her all over so she can keep her mind busy. Not staying in one place to long but always coming home. I watched her grow hard and tough on the outside keeping people at bay. The boyfriends she has tried to have never worked out and she was smart enough to get out before they got back. And it only made her tougher, but on the inside she had a soft spot that still wants love, and to feel the protection."
Enjoying the last sip of the beer Jimmy looks to Eli as his eyes study the younger man in front of him. Scarlet had been so excited to tell Jimmy about Eli there was something in him she saw, there was what she was looking for in him. He'd penetrated the walls.
"Not many if anything scares that woman, but Roth is a whole new ball game. He puts fear into her eyes. Tonight he must have over heard her talking to me about you. It didnt sit with him well as he still thinks Scarlet should be with him. Her grabbed her, said a few nasty things and than I grabbed him making sure he let her go. Than I told her to leave, and I told Roth to get lost. He's my son but I don't tolerate his behavior."
Continuing to study Eli Jimmy wonders what will happen next and what Eli will do. Be who Scarlet though he was, or walk away forever. Jimmy hoped it would be the first so he could see more smiles on her much deserved face.
What is it
As soon as Eli hears Roth's name, his eyes narrow, his blood running cold. He had no tolerance for that man - absolutely none whatsoever. Just the fact that Roth was still loose and able to do damage was enough to anger Eli.
Had it not been for Jimmy knowing he favored a shot of whiskey, Eli would have already walked out as well. He knew Jimmy looked after Scarlet, but Eli knew several places Roth might be and it wouldn't be too hard to find him. But for now, he stays put, wanting to know exactly what happened before he went after anybody. Not only was Roth still causing damage, but Eli had just lost a date and he was none too happy.
Downing the whiskey, he winces a little and looks to Jimmy, the anger clear in his eyes. "What do you mean they had a run in?" Something told him there was more to this. He wasn't sure why or how, but something in Jimmy's eye said that this was more than just a little roughhousing tonight. "What is it I don't know, Jimmy?"
Had it not been for Jimmy knowing he favored a shot of whiskey, Eli would have already walked out as well. He knew Jimmy looked after Scarlet, but Eli knew several places Roth might be and it wouldn't be too hard to find him. But for now, he stays put, wanting to know exactly what happened before he went after anybody. Not only was Roth still causing damage, but Eli had just lost a date and he was none too happy.
Downing the whiskey, he winces a little and looks to Jimmy, the anger clear in his eyes. "What do you mean they had a run in?" Something told him there was more to this. He wasn't sure why or how, but something in Jimmy's eye said that this was more than just a little roughhousing tonight. "What is it I don't know, Jimmy?"
Quick Run In
Looking up from her cubicle at the sound of a knock and a voice that followed Sapphire gave a smile at Justin. Hearing why he was there and that he was trying to help Scott she was a little surprised. Last she new Dr. Hawks and Hope were Scott's Dr's but maybe Scott needed someone else too so if thats what Justin was trying to do was help her brother than she liked him already.
"Sure, I was just finishing up with my work and I have a little time to spare before meeting my boyfriend so if you make it quick I would be more than happy to talk."
Sapphire's eyes sparkle a little showing that her comment about making it quick was only in a teasing manor. She had about an hour before she was to meet Gage for a movie so she had no problem talking with Justin at all.
Looking up as the door opens again Jimmy was sure it was Roth back for another beer even if he told him to leave. It had happened before playing this game of in and out but tonight he'd pushed Jimmy to far with Scarlet he wasn't messing around anymore.
Seeing it was Eli though he gives a nod as he draws closer coming over to him a little close as well. Hearing his question and seeing the confusion in his eyes Jimmy turns to the little cooler remembering what Eli had to drink last time and giving him the same setting it down on a little napkin.
"Yeah that was Scarlet you saw and I think she did mention something about having drinks with you tonight but that was before she had a quick run in with Roth before I broke it up."
Eying Eli for a moment he can see the confusion still on his face, and for a moment he hesitates. He new what Roth had done to Eli's sister and what Eli in turn had done to Roth. What would he do if he new what Roth had done tonight?
"Scarlet is a pretty special girl and she's like a daughter to me. I'd never let anything bad happen to her again or be put into a situation where she would get hurt. I told her to go home tonight. She didn't need to be here and if she stayed things might of gotten a lot uglyer than they already had."
Searching Eli's face Jimmy wonders if Eli new about Scarlet's past or not. His own face her new it said he new more than he was telling but really was it his place to say anything at all?
"Sure, I was just finishing up with my work and I have a little time to spare before meeting my boyfriend so if you make it quick I would be more than happy to talk."
Sapphire's eyes sparkle a little showing that her comment about making it quick was only in a teasing manor. She had about an hour before she was to meet Gage for a movie so she had no problem talking with Justin at all.
Looking up as the door opens again Jimmy was sure it was Roth back for another beer even if he told him to leave. It had happened before playing this game of in and out but tonight he'd pushed Jimmy to far with Scarlet he wasn't messing around anymore.
Seeing it was Eli though he gives a nod as he draws closer coming over to him a little close as well. Hearing his question and seeing the confusion in his eyes Jimmy turns to the little cooler remembering what Eli had to drink last time and giving him the same setting it down on a little napkin.
"Yeah that was Scarlet you saw and I think she did mention something about having drinks with you tonight but that was before she had a quick run in with Roth before I broke it up."
Eying Eli for a moment he can see the confusion still on his face, and for a moment he hesitates. He new what Roth had done to Eli's sister and what Eli in turn had done to Roth. What would he do if he new what Roth had done tonight?
"Scarlet is a pretty special girl and she's like a daughter to me. I'd never let anything bad happen to her again or be put into a situation where she would get hurt. I told her to go home tonight. She didn't need to be here and if she stayed things might of gotten a lot uglyer than they already had."
Searching Eli's face Jimmy wonders if Eli new about Scarlet's past or not. His own face her new it said he new more than he was telling but really was it his place to say anything at all?
A moment to spare
Justin nods and gives Misty a little smile, taking a note as he answers him. He turns to Rick next, his eyes asking the same. "Would you agree?"
"Yeah. He likes classical music too," Rick muses. "Scott's always been pretty simple. Never took much to make him happy, ya know? I feel... very sorry that all this happened to him. He's just not the same Scott we all used to know."
"No, he's not." Justin shakes his head. "But that's why we're helping him... so that hopefully we can bring him back. He'll always have scars but... the old Scott is still there... just buried under a lot of pain."
Sighing deeply, Justin stands up, finished with Rick and Misty. "Thank you both for your time. I appreciate it." He shakes both their hands. "I may be back."
"Um, Justin, before you go..." Rick wanders over to the supply cupboard and pulls out a clean white t-shirt. "On the house. You can use the bathroom back here too if you like."
Justin's grin turns into a laugh and he finally accepts. "Okay. Maybe it would be best if I didn't scare too many other people, huh?" With his wry humor in tact, he disappears for a few minutes, returning with a clean shirt on, along with his face being void of the colored dye. Much more presentable, he nods his appreciation. "Thank you." He gives an extra little wave to Misty. "I'll probably be in touch."
Once he's gone, Rick stands quietly for a moment before turning to Misty. "Well... he seemed nice. I think I like him. Don't know if he can help Scott more than anybody else but... he seemed dedicated. Different, but dedicated."
Hot, sweaty and just a little frustrated from the afternoon at work, Eli finds himself enjoying a hot shower more than normal. The beginning and middle of his day had gone so well - lunch with Scarlet had been as fantastic as usual... he needed to end this day right too. Meeting her at Jimmy's was going to do just the thing.
After grabbing a quick supper and leaving a note for Ryan that he'd be back later, he heads out again, just as it was getting dark. Riding his motorcycle to the bar, he takes the shortest route to get him there right on time. As he's nearing though, he sees a figure leaving the front door. Scarlet?
Pulling up to the curb, Eli is just in time to see that it is indeed her, and she is indeed leaving. All that's left is her taillights disappearing down the street. He doesn't even have time to wave at her or ask her why she was taking off. She had said yes to meeting him, right? And he was here on time, right?
Eli considers pulling back out and following her, but for some reason, his gut tells him not to. Confused, he puts his kickstand down and dismounts, locking his helmet to his bike before heading inside. His wallet's chain jingles as he walks and he takes off his gloves, putting them in his jacket pocket. Entering the bar, he takes a quick glance around before spotting Jimmy. Something just didn't feel... right.
Coming up to the bar, he rests against it, giving Jimmy a nod. "Hey... was Scarlet just in here?" He was genuinely confused. "Thought I was supposed to meet her but I think I just saw her take off. You know anything?"
"Yeah. He likes classical music too," Rick muses. "Scott's always been pretty simple. Never took much to make him happy, ya know? I feel... very sorry that all this happened to him. He's just not the same Scott we all used to know."
"No, he's not." Justin shakes his head. "But that's why we're helping him... so that hopefully we can bring him back. He'll always have scars but... the old Scott is still there... just buried under a lot of pain."
Sighing deeply, Justin stands up, finished with Rick and Misty. "Thank you both for your time. I appreciate it." He shakes both their hands. "I may be back."
"Um, Justin, before you go..." Rick wanders over to the supply cupboard and pulls out a clean white t-shirt. "On the house. You can use the bathroom back here too if you like."
Justin's grin turns into a laugh and he finally accepts. "Okay. Maybe it would be best if I didn't scare too many other people, huh?" With his wry humor in tact, he disappears for a few minutes, returning with a clean shirt on, along with his face being void of the colored dye. Much more presentable, he nods his appreciation. "Thank you." He gives an extra little wave to Misty. "I'll probably be in touch."
Once he's gone, Rick stands quietly for a moment before turning to Misty. "Well... he seemed nice. I think I like him. Don't know if he can help Scott more than anybody else but... he seemed dedicated. Different, but dedicated."
Hot, sweaty and just a little frustrated from the afternoon at work, Eli finds himself enjoying a hot shower more than normal. The beginning and middle of his day had gone so well - lunch with Scarlet had been as fantastic as usual... he needed to end this day right too. Meeting her at Jimmy's was going to do just the thing.
After grabbing a quick supper and leaving a note for Ryan that he'd be back later, he heads out again, just as it was getting dark. Riding his motorcycle to the bar, he takes the shortest route to get him there right on time. As he's nearing though, he sees a figure leaving the front door. Scarlet?
Pulling up to the curb, Eli is just in time to see that it is indeed her, and she is indeed leaving. All that's left is her taillights disappearing down the street. He doesn't even have time to wave at her or ask her why she was taking off. She had said yes to meeting him, right? And he was here on time, right?
Eli considers pulling back out and following her, but for some reason, his gut tells him not to. Confused, he puts his kickstand down and dismounts, locking his helmet to his bike before heading inside. His wallet's chain jingles as he walks and he takes off his gloves, putting them in his jacket pocket. Entering the bar, he takes a quick glance around before spotting Jimmy. Something just didn't feel... right.
Coming up to the bar, he rests against it, giving Jimmy a nod. "Hey... was Scarlet just in here?" He was genuinely confused. "Thought I was supposed to meet her but I think I just saw her take off. You know anything?"
Run In
Justin seemed nice and Misty was happy to help him. She'd seen many people come and going in her lift without the help of counseling some were strong enough to over come it and some were not. And maybe this time around Justin could help Scott. Not that Misty thought Hope hadn't or she couldn't but now it was a little different since they were dating. One would have a tendincy to hold back where if you had no connection would not.
Hearing Justin's last question Misty sits back and thinks for a moment. There were many things Scott liked that always mad him happy, how could she pick three.
"Well I guess since your making me pick only three out of the hundreds of things that make him happy I would say..taking pictures, Hope, and Domino his dog."
Giving Justin a pleasant smile Misty looks to Rick before Justin again. It was so hard picking but those were maybe the three most important that Misty though made Scott smile."
Than once again the sun starts to set the time moving on not stopping for anyone. Moving thought the day for some all to fast but for other not fast enough. The night would hold many different thing some good and some bad. But in a bar across town a motorcycle was heard pulling up a little early tonight but there non the less.
Entering the bar a little early than planned Scarlet didnt care. It had been a few days since she had talked to Jimmy and with everything going on she had to admit she was excited to talk with him.
Looking up from the glass he was polishing up Jimmy smiles seeing Scarlet. He'd hopped for one reason she wouldn't have come tonight of all nights but now she was here and he couldn't tell her to leave. He could only hope no trouble would be started.
Taking note to the wide smile on Scarlet's face Jimmy new something good must have happened to her. It had been a long time since he saw her smile like that, and the twinkle in her eye...he'd seen it before for a little while but to see it again it made her eyes even more amazing than they already where. Waiting until she was a little closer so he didnt have to draw to much attachen Jimmy finally greets her.
"If I didn't know any better by that smile on your face I'd say you where very happy with how your bike came out?"
Sitting down at the bar and leaning forward Scarlet didn't even have a chance to scan the room to see who else was there. She new Eli wouldn't be she was early and she was to excited about talking with Jimmy to bother.
"It turned out better than being very happy with it. Eli did a beautiful job on it. Not only that Jimmy...I scored a man out of the deal too. Made it official today when he told everyone where he works I was his girlfriend."
Jimmy own smile forms even bigger on his face as her hear Scarlet's good new. She had been through so much she deserved to have something good to happen to her and so far from what he new and ever say the last time Eli was here he was a good guy.
"I'm so happy for you Scarlet. You better hold onto him huh?"
Though Jimmy was happy his face seemed to drop a little slightly. His eyes seeming to narrow, he was wrong now there would be trouble he new it.
"Don't you start."
Moving one of the stools out of the way and leaning on the bar facing Scarlet the smell of liquor on his breath. Roth gives a snicker, Jimmy words being ignored as his hand moves across the bar counter to Scarlet's hand.
"So your dating the great Eli McKade now huh? Didn't you know you once your mine your always mine. So Mr. McKade is out of luck."
Moving her hand away from Roth's quickly almost like it was on fire Scarlet glares at him. Her own smile gone, her own tone gone cold.
"I'm not your girl and I haven't been for a long time Roth now get lost."
The blood all seemed to rush to Roth's face at Scarlet's comment making his anger rang a little more. Grabbing her arm and holding it all to tightly He pulls her twords him in a rough angry mannor, snearing.
"You are mine, and Eli should be the one who stays out of my way, and you should learn to respet me. You wont be anything ever, and as soon as Eli see right through you He'll drop you so fast. Your just a peace of trash and you belong with scum like me."
Seeing quite enough Jimmy steps in reaching out and taking Roth by the collar of his shirt and pulling him over the bar a little. For being older Jimmy still had quite the strength.
"Let her go Roth now before I make you wish you never came in here today."
Waiting for Roth to let go of Scarlet Jimmy can see the fear in this strong woman's eyes and it killed him a little inside. She was strong and could handle herself until it came to Roth who scared her to death.
"Scarlet why don't you go home for tonight ok?"
Looking back to Roth Jimmy's eyes narrow not letting go of him right away.
"And you best get home too before I call the cops."
Letting go of Roth his eyes never leave him making sure Scarlet gets out first without any other problems from Roth.
Knowing Jimmy new best and only wanted what was best for her Scarlet moves away from the bar. Her date with Eli tonight totally forgotten as she was to upset. Making her way out quickly Scarlet heads to her bike putting the helmet on and revving her engine a signal to Jimmy she had made it there ok. In a few moments she off, and it would take no time to get home.
Just glairing at Jimmy Roth looked as though he wanted to say something, or even take a swing at Jimmy but something in his eyes showed hesitance. Jimmy would be true to his word and call the cops if he didnt back off. Turning without saying anything more Roth leaves the bar and heads to his car waiting a few moment before peeling out of the driveway, way to fast and heading to where ever his destination might be.
Hearing Justin's last question Misty sits back and thinks for a moment. There were many things Scott liked that always mad him happy, how could she pick three.
"Well I guess since your making me pick only three out of the hundreds of things that make him happy I would say..taking pictures, Hope, and Domino his dog."
Giving Justin a pleasant smile Misty looks to Rick before Justin again. It was so hard picking but those were maybe the three most important that Misty though made Scott smile."
Than once again the sun starts to set the time moving on not stopping for anyone. Moving thought the day for some all to fast but for other not fast enough. The night would hold many different thing some good and some bad. But in a bar across town a motorcycle was heard pulling up a little early tonight but there non the less.
Entering the bar a little early than planned Scarlet didnt care. It had been a few days since she had talked to Jimmy and with everything going on she had to admit she was excited to talk with him.
Looking up from the glass he was polishing up Jimmy smiles seeing Scarlet. He'd hopped for one reason she wouldn't have come tonight of all nights but now she was here and he couldn't tell her to leave. He could only hope no trouble would be started.
Taking note to the wide smile on Scarlet's face Jimmy new something good must have happened to her. It had been a long time since he saw her smile like that, and the twinkle in her eye...he'd seen it before for a little while but to see it again it made her eyes even more amazing than they already where. Waiting until she was a little closer so he didnt have to draw to much attachen Jimmy finally greets her.
"If I didn't know any better by that smile on your face I'd say you where very happy with how your bike came out?"
Sitting down at the bar and leaning forward Scarlet didn't even have a chance to scan the room to see who else was there. She new Eli wouldn't be she was early and she was to excited about talking with Jimmy to bother.
"It turned out better than being very happy with it. Eli did a beautiful job on it. Not only that Jimmy...I scored a man out of the deal too. Made it official today when he told everyone where he works I was his girlfriend."
Jimmy own smile forms even bigger on his face as her hear Scarlet's good new. She had been through so much she deserved to have something good to happen to her and so far from what he new and ever say the last time Eli was here he was a good guy.
"I'm so happy for you Scarlet. You better hold onto him huh?"
Though Jimmy was happy his face seemed to drop a little slightly. His eyes seeming to narrow, he was wrong now there would be trouble he new it.
"Don't you start."
Moving one of the stools out of the way and leaning on the bar facing Scarlet the smell of liquor on his breath. Roth gives a snicker, Jimmy words being ignored as his hand moves across the bar counter to Scarlet's hand.
"So your dating the great Eli McKade now huh? Didn't you know you once your mine your always mine. So Mr. McKade is out of luck."
Moving her hand away from Roth's quickly almost like it was on fire Scarlet glares at him. Her own smile gone, her own tone gone cold.
"I'm not your girl and I haven't been for a long time Roth now get lost."
The blood all seemed to rush to Roth's face at Scarlet's comment making his anger rang a little more. Grabbing her arm and holding it all to tightly He pulls her twords him in a rough angry mannor, snearing.
"You are mine, and Eli should be the one who stays out of my way, and you should learn to respet me. You wont be anything ever, and as soon as Eli see right through you He'll drop you so fast. Your just a peace of trash and you belong with scum like me."
Seeing quite enough Jimmy steps in reaching out and taking Roth by the collar of his shirt and pulling him over the bar a little. For being older Jimmy still had quite the strength.
"Let her go Roth now before I make you wish you never came in here today."
Waiting for Roth to let go of Scarlet Jimmy can see the fear in this strong woman's eyes and it killed him a little inside. She was strong and could handle herself until it came to Roth who scared her to death.
"Scarlet why don't you go home for tonight ok?"
Looking back to Roth Jimmy's eyes narrow not letting go of him right away.
"And you best get home too before I call the cops."
Letting go of Roth his eyes never leave him making sure Scarlet gets out first without any other problems from Roth.
Knowing Jimmy new best and only wanted what was best for her Scarlet moves away from the bar. Her date with Eli tonight totally forgotten as she was to upset. Making her way out quickly Scarlet heads to her bike putting the helmet on and revving her engine a signal to Jimmy she had made it there ok. In a few moments she off, and it would take no time to get home.
Just glairing at Jimmy Roth looked as though he wanted to say something, or even take a swing at Jimmy but something in his eyes showed hesitance. Jimmy would be true to his word and call the cops if he didnt back off. Turning without saying anything more Roth leaves the bar and heads to his car waiting a few moment before peeling out of the driveway, way to fast and heading to where ever his destination might be.
Obvious
Rick nods as Misty speaks, agreeing with her about Scott's condition. When she looks at him, he takes his cue to pick up where she'd left off and he places his attention back on Justin. "In essence, we believe Scott doesn't even realize when he's hungry. Whether his stomach is telling his brain it's hungry or not, I don't think his brain registers it anymore just because of all the trauma he's been through. Like Misty said, it's like he's still starving."
Justin purses his lips, the look in his eye more than just gathering information - he was processing it and trying to solve it. "Do you think it's something that can be overcome?"
Rick is doubtful. "In all honesty? I don't think it is. I think this is something that will follow Scott the rest of his life. Which is why it's important he have at least one person close to him who is willing to help keep him on track, because he doesn't even know when he's skipping meals." He pauses, trying to sum it up in his own mind. "I think Scott was abused to the point of no return on this one."
Justin can hear the sadness in Rick's tone, and can see it in Misty's eyes too. These people weren't just coworkers or just Scott's doctors... they were his friends and they cared about him very much. "Is there anything else you believe is irreversible?"
Rick leans back in his chair to think, exchanging another look with Misty. "His immune system is shot. Some of that can be built back up, but I doubt he will ever be a hundred percent healthy again, even if we can get him to eat right. So far he hasn't gotten too sick, but if he catches a cold or virus, he'll go down pretty quick and hard just because his body has nothing left to fight it. Which again... is why his eating habit is important so at least he can be getting the nutrients he needs. Right now... he has nothing to fight with, not even extra weight."
"Yeah, I noticed that." Justin makes a couple more notes, then just sits for a moment, thinking. It was hard not to notice Scott's extremely thin frame. "Okay, well... anything else you can think of that might be helpful for me to know?"
Rick shrugs, really not sure if there was or not. "You know about his eye."
"Yep. That was included in the report about the initial incident. He seems to have adjusted well."
"He has - better than I expected. Some days I think he wishes he were normal, then other days he'll scare Susanne on purpose with it." Rick chuckles. "He's got a good sense of humor there - just hasn't been seen much lately."
"I noticed him rubbing his wrist yesterday."
"Mmm... yeah, he cracked that once a while back, before the Agency deal. Had a quarrel with another guy here over a girl."
Justin raises an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah..." Rick shakes his head. "Other guy had a temper, blamed Scott for stealing his girl and beat him to a pulp."
"Ouch. How did he respond?"
Rick remembered it well. "The only thing he wanted was for the girl not to know. She was close to the other guy too and Scott didn't want to hurt her. He was scared of the other guy for a while but never angry that I could see."
"Didn't get the girl anyway though?"
"No..." Rick grins wryly. "Scott did get engaged to her but... it just wasn't meant to be. She ended up with the other guy."
"Nice." Justin smirks a little.
"Surprisingly enough... Scott and this guy are pretty good friends now. Both of them have managed to put the past behind them and call a truce. I think a lot of it's for the girl's sake."
"He's got guts."
"Scott's got more than guts," Rick states flatly. "He's got honor. Respect. And more endurance than anyone gives him credit for. He deserves a medal for making it this far."
Justin nods thoughtfully. "So then he wound up with Hope?"
"Yeah. Rick made him see a counselor and she was it. I guess technically it was after Scott's sessions were over that they started dating. But he's refusing to see her, huh?"
"Mm-hmm." Justin taps his pen on the notepad. "I think it's a temporary state of mind though. The Scott that's at Brookshire right now isn't the real Scott. He was doing well though, wasn't he?"
"He was. At least we thought he was. He was eating well... picking up weight... happy. Then the Agency garbage cropped up again and it sent him on this downward spiral."
Jason takes a few more notes and converses for a little while longer with both Rick and Misty, gleaning all he could. They were a wealth of information and he was glad they'd been on his list to talk to. Finding he had just about exhausted this resource, he's almost ready to close his notebook. "Thank you both very much for sharing with me - it's been extremely helpful. I do have one question left..." His gaze is aimed at Misty first. "If you had to pick three things that made Scott happy... what would they be?"
Eli watches Scarlet take off, keeping an eye on her bike until it was out of sight.
"Yo, Mr. Popular..."
Eli turns around quickly at the sound of Tal's voice. "You talking to me?"
Tal gives him a little smirk. "Yes. You got brains enough left to help me finish on this Mustang or do I have to report it as a late job?"
Eli is quick to shed his jacket and aim for the small locker room. "I will be right with you."
"Uh-huh. Bring your brain back when you come."
"Who says it was gone in the first place?"
"Man, your brain was on that bike with that girl."
Eli throws Tal an inquisitive look. "That obvious?"
"Yes. Now hurry up."
Eli grins and does as he's told. Keeping busy would be a good way to end the day quickly. Then he'd have plenty of time to go home and get cleaned up before heading to Jimmy's after supper.
Justin purses his lips, the look in his eye more than just gathering information - he was processing it and trying to solve it. "Do you think it's something that can be overcome?"
Rick is doubtful. "In all honesty? I don't think it is. I think this is something that will follow Scott the rest of his life. Which is why it's important he have at least one person close to him who is willing to help keep him on track, because he doesn't even know when he's skipping meals." He pauses, trying to sum it up in his own mind. "I think Scott was abused to the point of no return on this one."
Justin can hear the sadness in Rick's tone, and can see it in Misty's eyes too. These people weren't just coworkers or just Scott's doctors... they were his friends and they cared about him very much. "Is there anything else you believe is irreversible?"
Rick leans back in his chair to think, exchanging another look with Misty. "His immune system is shot. Some of that can be built back up, but I doubt he will ever be a hundred percent healthy again, even if we can get him to eat right. So far he hasn't gotten too sick, but if he catches a cold or virus, he'll go down pretty quick and hard just because his body has nothing left to fight it. Which again... is why his eating habit is important so at least he can be getting the nutrients he needs. Right now... he has nothing to fight with, not even extra weight."
"Yeah, I noticed that." Justin makes a couple more notes, then just sits for a moment, thinking. It was hard not to notice Scott's extremely thin frame. "Okay, well... anything else you can think of that might be helpful for me to know?"
Rick shrugs, really not sure if there was or not. "You know about his eye."
"Yep. That was included in the report about the initial incident. He seems to have adjusted well."
"He has - better than I expected. Some days I think he wishes he were normal, then other days he'll scare Susanne on purpose with it." Rick chuckles. "He's got a good sense of humor there - just hasn't been seen much lately."
"I noticed him rubbing his wrist yesterday."
"Mmm... yeah, he cracked that once a while back, before the Agency deal. Had a quarrel with another guy here over a girl."
Justin raises an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah..." Rick shakes his head. "Other guy had a temper, blamed Scott for stealing his girl and beat him to a pulp."
"Ouch. How did he respond?"
Rick remembered it well. "The only thing he wanted was for the girl not to know. She was close to the other guy too and Scott didn't want to hurt her. He was scared of the other guy for a while but never angry that I could see."
"Didn't get the girl anyway though?"
"No..." Rick grins wryly. "Scott did get engaged to her but... it just wasn't meant to be. She ended up with the other guy."
"Nice." Justin smirks a little.
"Surprisingly enough... Scott and this guy are pretty good friends now. Both of them have managed to put the past behind them and call a truce. I think a lot of it's for the girl's sake."
"He's got guts."
"Scott's got more than guts," Rick states flatly. "He's got honor. Respect. And more endurance than anyone gives him credit for. He deserves a medal for making it this far."
Justin nods thoughtfully. "So then he wound up with Hope?"
"Yeah. Rick made him see a counselor and she was it. I guess technically it was after Scott's sessions were over that they started dating. But he's refusing to see her, huh?"
"Mm-hmm." Justin taps his pen on the notepad. "I think it's a temporary state of mind though. The Scott that's at Brookshire right now isn't the real Scott. He was doing well though, wasn't he?"
"He was. At least we thought he was. He was eating well... picking up weight... happy. Then the Agency garbage cropped up again and it sent him on this downward spiral."
Jason takes a few more notes and converses for a little while longer with both Rick and Misty, gleaning all he could. They were a wealth of information and he was glad they'd been on his list to talk to. Finding he had just about exhausted this resource, he's almost ready to close his notebook. "Thank you both very much for sharing with me - it's been extremely helpful. I do have one question left..." His gaze is aimed at Misty first. "If you had to pick three things that made Scott happy... what would they be?"
Eli watches Scarlet take off, keeping an eye on her bike until it was out of sight.
"Yo, Mr. Popular..."
Eli turns around quickly at the sound of Tal's voice. "You talking to me?"
Tal gives him a little smirk. "Yes. You got brains enough left to help me finish on this Mustang or do I have to report it as a late job?"
Eli is quick to shed his jacket and aim for the small locker room. "I will be right with you."
"Uh-huh. Bring your brain back when you come."
"Who says it was gone in the first place?"
"Man, your brain was on that bike with that girl."
Eli throws Tal an inquisitive look. "That obvious?"
"Yes. Now hurry up."
Eli grins and does as he's told. Keeping busy would be a good way to end the day quickly. Then he'd have plenty of time to go home and get cleaned up before heading to Jimmy's after supper.
5/5/10
Call out!
Trying to sit up in bed Hope felt so woozy. Her head was spinning and her body was hurting so much. It felt like she had pulled everything only worse. What was this she had got? It had to be more than a cold, maybe the flu but something still felt off.
Standing Hope becomes extremely dizzy and falls back down onto the bed again. She had to go to work today, she had to go to the hospital today...she had to get up. Just having the few simply thoughts got though her mind made her growing headache worse.
Raching over and grabbing her cell phone from her night stand Hope new when something would be to much and there was just no way she could go into work today no matter how hard she wanted to. Dialing Reese's number she waits till getting his voice mail.
"Her Reese...Its Hope."
Her voice was low and a little raspy as she talked but she hope Reese would be able to understand her anyways.
"I'm not going to make it into work today. I'm still really sick and I can hardly sit up. Once I am off the phone here with your voicemail here I am going to call my Dr. I'll make my house up later in the week when I am feeling better. Thanks."
Hanging up the phone with Reese Hope was true to her word and set up a dr's apt tomorrow morning. Putting the phone back on the nightstand Hope slowly crawls under the covers again and pulls them up almost over her head to keep the sun light out...sleep...yes more sleep would help.
Grinning up at Eli Scarlet's eyes twinkle even more. He made her feel so good, and special. It was something she hadn't felt in so long and now to feel it from Eli it was amazing.
"I think meeting at Jimmy's tonight would be a great idea. I can't leave one of my closest friend out of the loop on who's my guy now."
Leaning into Eli again for a quick moment Scarlet presses her lips to his for a quick soft kiss goodbye before retreating and giving his hand a gentile squeeze. Going over to her bike and getting on Scarlet put her helmet on her head but waits to push it down looking over at Eli one last time.
"I'll see you tonight."
Giving a click of her tong at Eli and a half wave to the other coworkers that had moseyed into the area Scarlet pushes her helmet the rest of the way down onto her head. Starting up her bike it purred like a kitten. Giving it an extra rev before heading out Scarlet was off.
Looking up from her desk as the newcomer enters Misty gives him a friendly smile that grew a little at the mention of him being here for Scott. This mad must be very dedicated to his pashent to come all the way here not even stopping to clean up before him. Misty couldnt help but respect him for that.
"Hi Justin its nice to meet you."
Standing from her desk and joining Rick and Justin at the table Misty sits crossing her legs as she waits. Hearing his first question Misty thinks for a moment. She really hadn't dealt with Scott's eating much but she does try to remember what she had read and when she had helped him a few different times.
"After Scott got back to us his eating habit just wasn't the same. Oh sure he'd eat if someone reminded him or forced him so he wouldn't get sick again. I think being held captive by the Agency they didn't feed Scott very much if at all and to block that out Scott's stomach kind of blocked the hungry pains. Than coming back here his stomach just didn't go back to normal and not really having normal eating patterns it never got better again because his stomach was still thinking it was being starved."
Pausing Misty looked to Rick hoping she got it right so she could be helpful...this was just one question she could only guess on really as she didn't deal with it much first hand.
Standing Hope becomes extremely dizzy and falls back down onto the bed again. She had to go to work today, she had to go to the hospital today...she had to get up. Just having the few simply thoughts got though her mind made her growing headache worse.
Raching over and grabbing her cell phone from her night stand Hope new when something would be to much and there was just no way she could go into work today no matter how hard she wanted to. Dialing Reese's number she waits till getting his voice mail.
"Her Reese...Its Hope."
Her voice was low and a little raspy as she talked but she hope Reese would be able to understand her anyways.
"I'm not going to make it into work today. I'm still really sick and I can hardly sit up. Once I am off the phone here with your voicemail here I am going to call my Dr. I'll make my house up later in the week when I am feeling better. Thanks."
Hanging up the phone with Reese Hope was true to her word and set up a dr's apt tomorrow morning. Putting the phone back on the nightstand Hope slowly crawls under the covers again and pulls them up almost over her head to keep the sun light out...sleep...yes more sleep would help.
Grinning up at Eli Scarlet's eyes twinkle even more. He made her feel so good, and special. It was something she hadn't felt in so long and now to feel it from Eli it was amazing.
"I think meeting at Jimmy's tonight would be a great idea. I can't leave one of my closest friend out of the loop on who's my guy now."
Leaning into Eli again for a quick moment Scarlet presses her lips to his for a quick soft kiss goodbye before retreating and giving his hand a gentile squeeze. Going over to her bike and getting on Scarlet put her helmet on her head but waits to push it down looking over at Eli one last time.
"I'll see you tonight."
Giving a click of her tong at Eli and a half wave to the other coworkers that had moseyed into the area Scarlet pushes her helmet the rest of the way down onto her head. Starting up her bike it purred like a kitten. Giving it an extra rev before heading out Scarlet was off.
Looking up from her desk as the newcomer enters Misty gives him a friendly smile that grew a little at the mention of him being here for Scott. This mad must be very dedicated to his pashent to come all the way here not even stopping to clean up before him. Misty couldnt help but respect him for that.
"Hi Justin its nice to meet you."
Standing from her desk and joining Rick and Justin at the table Misty sits crossing her legs as she waits. Hearing his first question Misty thinks for a moment. She really hadn't dealt with Scott's eating much but she does try to remember what she had read and when she had helped him a few different times.
"After Scott got back to us his eating habit just wasn't the same. Oh sure he'd eat if someone reminded him or forced him so he wouldn't get sick again. I think being held captive by the Agency they didn't feed Scott very much if at all and to block that out Scott's stomach kind of blocked the hungry pains. Than coming back here his stomach just didn't go back to normal and not really having normal eating patterns it never got better again because his stomach was still thinking it was being starved."
Pausing Misty looked to Rick hoping she got it right so she could be helpful...this was just one question she could only guess on really as she didn't deal with it much first hand.
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