Tilting her head a little bit and looking up at the ring on her finger and how it sparkled in the sun light. Moving her hand back and forth a little to make it shimmer even more Faith's smile grew even more. Sparky had done a great job picking the ring out and to her it was very so pretty.
"Every moment I spend with you is worth ever moment and any harmful word anyone says. Your amazing, and you make me feel amazing. To know I get to spend the rest of my life with you makes me extremely happy, even if its in a little card bored box as long as it was with you."
Looking back into Sparky's eyes Faith could see the life he held in them, and the love that reflected. It was so nice to see the same love in his eyes that she had in her own. Every moment with him was like she was meeting him all over again.
Giving a slight nod of her head Scarlet understood what Eli was saying. She new when he was ready and new what he was doing Ryan would be told. Eli cared for his sister to much to just leave without telling her. Not to mention it wasn't her place to say anything.
"Don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Taking another sip of her water Scarlet gives a little squeeze in return. Looking across the table Eli Scarlet gives a grin as her dark eyes give a twinkle. A ride with Eli how could she turn that down?
"The day I turn a bike ride with you down is the day pigs fly. I'd do anything as long as it meant I could wrap my arms around you."
Answering the phone and hearing Justin's voice on the other end Beth sits up from the couch. She meant to call him back but she must have fallen asleep on the couch. Blinking away the sleepiness a little she stands and wonders to the kitchen.
"Oh Hey Justin. Yeah sorry I didn't call you back. I have off tonight so if you want to come over still that would be great."
Giving a glance to the table where the box of pictures sat Beth felt a stand churn in her stomach. She wasn't to go through them but she was still scared. Having Justin there with her might make it better.
"I can make some dinner for us, and maybe we could go through these pictures....as long as your sure your up to it. You sound a little tired."
Looking up quickly at the sound of Alec's voice Sapphire's eyes were slightly sleepy. She been sitting by Gage's side since he had been in the hospital. Going home only once or twice to sleep and shower only to return once again so if he woke she was there.
"Hey, he's unchanged in his condition."
Letting out a little side and leaning forward a little to adjust the blanket on Gage it was the only thing she could do that felt like she was helping. Sitting back to look at Alec again she sighs again.
"He'd been keeping himself on up pills so he didn't have to sleep so he would have more time in the day to spend with me, and to do other things. Finally his body just said enough and...wouldn't let him stay awake anymore. So now we are here, and the dr. don't know if he will wake or not."
9/25/10
Accomplishment
Sparky grins and shakes his head. "You're thanking me. I'm not sure how that works, but you're welcome as long as I can thank you, too."
Flopping down on his back beside Faith, he takes her hand and holds it up to look at the ring against the sun. It seems the smile simply can't leave his face. "I don't care what my brothers think," he muses aloud. "No matter what, it's worth it. I hope it is for you, too."
Turning his head so he can see Faith's face, he studies her fine features. "A lifetime never felt as short as it does now."
Eli sighs deeply as his gaze drops to his and Scarlet's hands on the table. Her touch brings his fingers around to hold hers, too. He supposed the time frame didn't mean everything, but he hated the position he was in. He hated the letters in the mail asking for full payments, and he hated having to choose between those or paying his sister rent. He knew she didn't care but that didn't matter to him. It didn't feel right. He was the older one... he was supposed to be responsible, and no matter how much Ryan said he was fine, he would always feel like he was mooching if he couldn't pay rent in full. But... leaving here? For a year? At least?
"I guess I'll keep thinking about it," he finally concludes, even though it isn't much of an answer. "Thank you for your honest opinion."
Shoving aside his finished plate, he slides his other hand across the table to take hers. "Don't say anything to Ryan, okay? She doesn't know and..." He shrugs. "I just don't want to tell her yet." He figured his sister would be fine with whatever he decided, but he also knew she'd be somewhat disappointed, and that was enough for him to not want to tell her.
Smiling a little, he squeezes Scarlet's hands. "Wanna take a ride before getting back to work?"
Scott glares at his supper plate as if wanting to stare down the chicken and noodle soup and crackers. He didn't usually sit in the dining room for meals, but tonight he was. His bedroom just felt too small this time.
His eyes were red and swollen from overflowing emotions after getting back from seeing Hope and there was nothing anyone could do about it. He was hurt and he was angry. He'd turned his back on Justin as soon as they'd gotten back to Brookshire, and he wasn't so sure Justin would even show up in the morning. Scott could only hope that if anything more happened with Hope, that someone would have the decency to let him know.
"Has it bitten you yet?"
Scott looks up briefly at Jenny who was doing her best to cheer him up, but a smile just wouldn't come. "No."
"Pretty soon I'm gonna have to reheat it for you." Jenny cocks her head thoughtfully then eases down across from him at the little table. Taking an extra spoon, she dips into the soup her self and blows on it before taking a bite. "Mmm... it's actually good today."
For some reason, Jenny could treat him like a little kid without making him feel like it. "Martha's in the kitchen?"
"Yep." Jenny nods. Martha was the best of the cooks they had there.
Scott finally picks up his own spoon. Staring into the soup, he grips his utensil. He was angry. Angry that things always went wrong. Angry that everything was continually being stolen from him over and over and over. Angry that his life was ripped from him again and again. Angry that every time he thought he'd conquered it, something else happened to set him right back on his backside again. He'd thought he was okay more than once... thought he'd gotten through the nightmare more than once... but was always proven wrong. He had lost everything, including his dignity. Now he was losing Hope too. And he was tired of it. He was tired of losing. Tired of giving in and being trampled on by life and circumstance.
Shoving a mouthful of soup into his mouth, he chews the hearty chicken and noodles and lets the warm liquid slide down his throat. He almost gags and his stomach immediately starts to churn. But he doesn't care. He stuffs another spoonful in his mouth and forces himself to chew and swallow.
Jenny grins a little and helps him with another bite of her own. "Easy, big guy. What did the soup ever do to you?"
Scott swallows and grimaces, forcing the meal down. "It exists. That's good enough."
Jenny smirks at him. "Well I certainly hope I don't get the same treatment just for existing."
Scott looks up quickly with his own smirk. "As if. You're the only one in this place I don't hate."
"Is that a compliment?"
"The best I can do today."
Jenny grins knowingly. "Fair enough."
Scott points at his bowl. "Have another bite. If you help me, I can actually say I finished a meal."
"Mmm, that would be a first, wouldn't it?" Even if she was helping him, she was only taking small spoonfuls and if the bowl ended up empty, it wouldn't have been because of her efforts.
"I guess so."
"Good. Then today will be a day of accomplishment, no matter what else happens."
Justin sits on his front porch in his old jeans, t-shirt and barefoot, one hand absentmindedly stroking Danitza's head. His other hand held his phone. Beth hadn't called him back, and it was already starting to get dark. He still didn't know if she was working tonight, she hadn't called, and he was in no mood for socializing. But... wither he had other problems or not, he couldn't just leave her high and dry.
He finally flips open his phone and dials, waiting for an answer. "Hey, Beth... it's Justin." He tries not to sound as weary as he was. If Beth was ready to face the past through photos, then he needed to be there for her. "I don't know if you got my last message or not. I, um... well, my evening is free, so if you still want to get together, I'm all for it."
Gage continues to lie quietly in the hospital bed, not having moved all day. Doctors had been in and out along with nurses, but there had been no change. It was still uncertain when Gage might awake, but he was stable and that was what kept the doctors positive.
Out in the hall, a figure appears, almost hesitant. He wasn't sure why he was there... someone might say he cared. But that didn't seem right. He'd never cared before. He did feel a little funny, but surely it wasn't because he cared about Gage or even Sapphire... was it?
Biting the inside of his lower lip, Alec tucks his helmet under his arm and finally slips into the room quietly. Approaching the bed slowly, he glances over to Sapphire. "Hi." He was sure she wouldn't know what he was doing here either. "How's he doing?" He still didn't even know why Gage was here, but he was sure Sapphire would tell him - if she wanted anything to do with him, that is.
Flopping down on his back beside Faith, he takes her hand and holds it up to look at the ring against the sun. It seems the smile simply can't leave his face. "I don't care what my brothers think," he muses aloud. "No matter what, it's worth it. I hope it is for you, too."
Turning his head so he can see Faith's face, he studies her fine features. "A lifetime never felt as short as it does now."
Eli sighs deeply as his gaze drops to his and Scarlet's hands on the table. Her touch brings his fingers around to hold hers, too. He supposed the time frame didn't mean everything, but he hated the position he was in. He hated the letters in the mail asking for full payments, and he hated having to choose between those or paying his sister rent. He knew she didn't care but that didn't matter to him. It didn't feel right. He was the older one... he was supposed to be responsible, and no matter how much Ryan said he was fine, he would always feel like he was mooching if he couldn't pay rent in full. But... leaving here? For a year? At least?
"I guess I'll keep thinking about it," he finally concludes, even though it isn't much of an answer. "Thank you for your honest opinion."
Shoving aside his finished plate, he slides his other hand across the table to take hers. "Don't say anything to Ryan, okay? She doesn't know and..." He shrugs. "I just don't want to tell her yet." He figured his sister would be fine with whatever he decided, but he also knew she'd be somewhat disappointed, and that was enough for him to not want to tell her.
Smiling a little, he squeezes Scarlet's hands. "Wanna take a ride before getting back to work?"
Scott glares at his supper plate as if wanting to stare down the chicken and noodle soup and crackers. He didn't usually sit in the dining room for meals, but tonight he was. His bedroom just felt too small this time.
His eyes were red and swollen from overflowing emotions after getting back from seeing Hope and there was nothing anyone could do about it. He was hurt and he was angry. He'd turned his back on Justin as soon as they'd gotten back to Brookshire, and he wasn't so sure Justin would even show up in the morning. Scott could only hope that if anything more happened with Hope, that someone would have the decency to let him know.
"Has it bitten you yet?"
Scott looks up briefly at Jenny who was doing her best to cheer him up, but a smile just wouldn't come. "No."
"Pretty soon I'm gonna have to reheat it for you." Jenny cocks her head thoughtfully then eases down across from him at the little table. Taking an extra spoon, she dips into the soup her self and blows on it before taking a bite. "Mmm... it's actually good today."
For some reason, Jenny could treat him like a little kid without making him feel like it. "Martha's in the kitchen?"
"Yep." Jenny nods. Martha was the best of the cooks they had there.
Scott finally picks up his own spoon. Staring into the soup, he grips his utensil. He was angry. Angry that things always went wrong. Angry that everything was continually being stolen from him over and over and over. Angry that his life was ripped from him again and again. Angry that every time he thought he'd conquered it, something else happened to set him right back on his backside again. He'd thought he was okay more than once... thought he'd gotten through the nightmare more than once... but was always proven wrong. He had lost everything, including his dignity. Now he was losing Hope too. And he was tired of it. He was tired of losing. Tired of giving in and being trampled on by life and circumstance.
Shoving a mouthful of soup into his mouth, he chews the hearty chicken and noodles and lets the warm liquid slide down his throat. He almost gags and his stomach immediately starts to churn. But he doesn't care. He stuffs another spoonful in his mouth and forces himself to chew and swallow.
Jenny grins a little and helps him with another bite of her own. "Easy, big guy. What did the soup ever do to you?"
Scott swallows and grimaces, forcing the meal down. "It exists. That's good enough."
Jenny smirks at him. "Well I certainly hope I don't get the same treatment just for existing."
Scott looks up quickly with his own smirk. "As if. You're the only one in this place I don't hate."
"Is that a compliment?"
"The best I can do today."
Jenny grins knowingly. "Fair enough."
Scott points at his bowl. "Have another bite. If you help me, I can actually say I finished a meal."
"Mmm, that would be a first, wouldn't it?" Even if she was helping him, she was only taking small spoonfuls and if the bowl ended up empty, it wouldn't have been because of her efforts.
"I guess so."
"Good. Then today will be a day of accomplishment, no matter what else happens."
Justin sits on his front porch in his old jeans, t-shirt and barefoot, one hand absentmindedly stroking Danitza's head. His other hand held his phone. Beth hadn't called him back, and it was already starting to get dark. He still didn't know if she was working tonight, she hadn't called, and he was in no mood for socializing. But... wither he had other problems or not, he couldn't just leave her high and dry.
He finally flips open his phone and dials, waiting for an answer. "Hey, Beth... it's Justin." He tries not to sound as weary as he was. If Beth was ready to face the past through photos, then he needed to be there for her. "I don't know if you got my last message or not. I, um... well, my evening is free, so if you still want to get together, I'm all for it."
Gage continues to lie quietly in the hospital bed, not having moved all day. Doctors had been in and out along with nurses, but there had been no change. It was still uncertain when Gage might awake, but he was stable and that was what kept the doctors positive.
Out in the hall, a figure appears, almost hesitant. He wasn't sure why he was there... someone might say he cared. But that didn't seem right. He'd never cared before. He did feel a little funny, but surely it wasn't because he cared about Gage or even Sapphire... was it?
Biting the inside of his lower lip, Alec tucks his helmet under his arm and finally slips into the room quietly. Approaching the bed slowly, he glances over to Sapphire. "Hi." He was sure she wouldn't know what he was doing here either. "How's he doing?" He still didn't even know why Gage was here, but he was sure Sapphire would tell him - if she wanted anything to do with him, that is.
No hurry
Just letting the kiss happen and not resisting when Sparky gentile lays her down a small smile forms on Faith's lips making sure not to break the kiss. He made her feel so good, and to know her love was returned was just an amazing feeling that Faith new would never end. What her and Sparky had very few found, but she was one of the lucky ones!
"Even if they tried the would be heart broken when they found out I wouldn't leave you for anything. You've made me so happy, and feel so wonderful how could I ever give that away!"
Bringing her own hand to the side of Sparky's face and letting her thumb run over his cheek Faith lets her smile grow even more. Her heart was still racing in her chest but she didn't care. It was a good feeling and she loved every moment of it.
Leaning her head back again to return the soft kiss from Sparky Faith's eyes twinkle even more when he pulls away. Hear that she could help him with the building of the house Faith can't help the small chuckle that escaped her lips and the small tear that rolled down her cheek.
"I'd love to be able to help with the house. Than it really would be our totally because both our touches would be on it. Thank you Tyler so much for making me feel this way."
Scarlet can't help the chuckle that escaped her lips at Eli's comment about all the work she went through before dating him. Really when she stopped to think about it, it was a lot of work but to her it was well worth it.
"Getting out of debt is a good thing but do you really have to leave to do that? I mean I know its going pretty slow as of right now but really there is no hurry right?"
Though she did understand what Eli was saying about getting out of debt Scarlet wondered if many there was a hurry for him. Sometimes certain thing couldn't wait or just the simple fact of not wanting to have money issues hanging over your head was enough too.
Letting her thumb move just a little so Eli's on finger fell down between her own Scarlet puts her thumb back to be able to hold it. His touch, the way he talked, riding his bike with him it was all so perfect to have it gone seemed to made her even sadder.
Hearing him ask her what she would do Scarlet looks up at Eli and lets her eyes search his. What would she do? It was a hard question to answer because she already went away with her job that kept her away days on end, but if they asked her to stay longer would she?
"Well, My job already takes me out of town, across the state for days on end. Getting away, going new places is nice. but if they asked me to stay a month or two for one job I think I'd have to turn them down. I don't have any brothers or sister though I've always wanted some...and to have my parents back that would be wonderful. I really don't think I would be able to leave for a long time with out them coming with me. My limit is two weeks at most."
It was always hard to answer a if you were me question but Scarlet tried the best she could just being honest with how she felt about the whole thing. She deffintly didn't want to see Eli go, that she new for sure but if he did she wouldn't be made, and they would work there way through it.
"Even if they tried the would be heart broken when they found out I wouldn't leave you for anything. You've made me so happy, and feel so wonderful how could I ever give that away!"
Bringing her own hand to the side of Sparky's face and letting her thumb run over his cheek Faith lets her smile grow even more. Her heart was still racing in her chest but she didn't care. It was a good feeling and she loved every moment of it.
Leaning her head back again to return the soft kiss from Sparky Faith's eyes twinkle even more when he pulls away. Hear that she could help him with the building of the house Faith can't help the small chuckle that escaped her lips and the small tear that rolled down her cheek.
"I'd love to be able to help with the house. Than it really would be our totally because both our touches would be on it. Thank you Tyler so much for making me feel this way."
Scarlet can't help the chuckle that escaped her lips at Eli's comment about all the work she went through before dating him. Really when she stopped to think about it, it was a lot of work but to her it was well worth it.
"Getting out of debt is a good thing but do you really have to leave to do that? I mean I know its going pretty slow as of right now but really there is no hurry right?"
Though she did understand what Eli was saying about getting out of debt Scarlet wondered if many there was a hurry for him. Sometimes certain thing couldn't wait or just the simple fact of not wanting to have money issues hanging over your head was enough too.
Letting her thumb move just a little so Eli's on finger fell down between her own Scarlet puts her thumb back to be able to hold it. His touch, the way he talked, riding his bike with him it was all so perfect to have it gone seemed to made her even sadder.
Hearing him ask her what she would do Scarlet looks up at Eli and lets her eyes search his. What would she do? It was a hard question to answer because she already went away with her job that kept her away days on end, but if they asked her to stay longer would she?
"Well, My job already takes me out of town, across the state for days on end. Getting away, going new places is nice. but if they asked me to stay a month or two for one job I think I'd have to turn them down. I don't have any brothers or sister though I've always wanted some...and to have my parents back that would be wonderful. I really don't think I would be able to leave for a long time with out them coming with me. My limit is two weeks at most."
It was always hard to answer a if you were me question but Scarlet tried the best she could just being honest with how she felt about the whole thing. She deffintly didn't want to see Eli go, that she new for sure but if he did she wouldn't be made, and they would work there way through it.
9/21/10
I am now
Hearing Faith say yes, Sparky lets out the breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. Being pulled into her embrace, he slips his arm around her, still kneeling. "I was gon ...mmmm." His words are cut off by her kiss, but he doesn't care. Returning her kiss with pent-up emotions, one arm stays around her while the other hand comes up to stroke her soft hair. What he was feeling was indescribable. It was joy... a new kind of joy that he'd never experienced before. He loved and was loved in return.
Gently pushing Faith back while still kissing her, he eases her down on her back, leaning over her and never wanting this moment to end. The day she said yes... he would always remember.
Resting on his side with one arm draped over her, he finally releases the kiss to look into her eyes... the eyes that had captured him from day one. "You have made me the happiest man alive." Cheeks flushed and eyes bright, he felt as though he were young again. His rough hand brushes aside a lock of hair from her face so softly as if touching the petals of a delicate flower.
Still looking down at her, his hand comes around that still held the the little box. Leaning on his other elbow, he removes the ring and takes Faith's hand, slipping the ring onto her finger, proving a perfect fit. "Mm... now no one will dare take you away."
He leans down over her again and kisses her nose then her cheek, retreating to grin at her. "And now you get to help plan how the house will be built."
Scarlet's response was perhaps more like what Eli had expected in the first place. And though he felt relief that she actually cared, it did send a new pang to his heart - one that made him question this whole thing even more.
Cocking his head and leaning down a little so he can see her eyes, he draws her gaze back up. "After all that work you went through... background checks and hunting me down... you'd really let me go that easily if I said we were breaking up?"
He gives her a crooked grin and shakes his head. "I may be crazy but I'm not stupid. Why would I break up with the hottest woman in town?" He didn't want to leave her behind. He didn't even want to leave his sister behind. Not to mention some other friends he'd made here. He liked it in Nevada more than he'd thought he would. But... Florida was the perfect opportunity for some good cash, too.
Sliding his hand across the table, he finds Scarlet's and runs his fingers over hers, back and forth. "I enjoy having you around, too and... I don't really want to go either. I just... how can I pass it up? With the job I got, I just can't get ahead and out of debt. But with a little extra cash..."
His words trail off as he realizes how shallow it all sounded. "I don't know how I can say no to the job offer, but I don't know how I can leave either... not when I hear you talk like that... You're too good at it."
Smirking a little, his hand stops moving and just lies on top of hers. "I haven't even talked to Ryan about it yet. If you were me... would you go or stay?"
Returning Libby's kiss, Ty grins at her as she pulls away. "Getting in trouble with him isn't so bad," he muses. "But you're probably right."
Finally sitting up, he sighs deeply, ending in a big yawn. Putting his arm around Libby to roughly pull her close, he kisses the top of her head before standing up. "See ya in the morning." Wandering to the other door, he looks back through for a moment to toss her a wink, then closes it.
The old man walking alongside the road did catch Quinn's attention, and his eyes focus on the rearview mirror, wondering at the peculiar sight, miles out of town. Next came the broken-down car on the shoulder with its hood propped open. The scene made sense now.
But as he continues to drive, the familiar - even though it might be unwanted - jabs to his conscience arise. Sighing, Quinn checks his mirrors again. There were no other cars that he could see. The old man would probably overextend himself and have a heart attack on the way back to town.
Giving a little growl, Quinn pulls off to the side and does a u-turn, heading back the other way. Reaching the man again, he stops and rolls down the window. "Hey... need a lift?"
The old man looks up quickly, a smile appearing on his weathered face. "Do I ever. You headed into town?"
Quinn grins wearily. No, he really wasn't. "I am now."
Gently pushing Faith back while still kissing her, he eases her down on her back, leaning over her and never wanting this moment to end. The day she said yes... he would always remember.
Resting on his side with one arm draped over her, he finally releases the kiss to look into her eyes... the eyes that had captured him from day one. "You have made me the happiest man alive." Cheeks flushed and eyes bright, he felt as though he were young again. His rough hand brushes aside a lock of hair from her face so softly as if touching the petals of a delicate flower.
Still looking down at her, his hand comes around that still held the the little box. Leaning on his other elbow, he removes the ring and takes Faith's hand, slipping the ring onto her finger, proving a perfect fit. "Mm... now no one will dare take you away."
He leans down over her again and kisses her nose then her cheek, retreating to grin at her. "And now you get to help plan how the house will be built."
Scarlet's response was perhaps more like what Eli had expected in the first place. And though he felt relief that she actually cared, it did send a new pang to his heart - one that made him question this whole thing even more.
Cocking his head and leaning down a little so he can see her eyes, he draws her gaze back up. "After all that work you went through... background checks and hunting me down... you'd really let me go that easily if I said we were breaking up?"
He gives her a crooked grin and shakes his head. "I may be crazy but I'm not stupid. Why would I break up with the hottest woman in town?" He didn't want to leave her behind. He didn't even want to leave his sister behind. Not to mention some other friends he'd made here. He liked it in Nevada more than he'd thought he would. But... Florida was the perfect opportunity for some good cash, too.
Sliding his hand across the table, he finds Scarlet's and runs his fingers over hers, back and forth. "I enjoy having you around, too and... I don't really want to go either. I just... how can I pass it up? With the job I got, I just can't get ahead and out of debt. But with a little extra cash..."
His words trail off as he realizes how shallow it all sounded. "I don't know how I can say no to the job offer, but I don't know how I can leave either... not when I hear you talk like that... You're too good at it."
Smirking a little, his hand stops moving and just lies on top of hers. "I haven't even talked to Ryan about it yet. If you were me... would you go or stay?"
Returning Libby's kiss, Ty grins at her as she pulls away. "Getting in trouble with him isn't so bad," he muses. "But you're probably right."
Finally sitting up, he sighs deeply, ending in a big yawn. Putting his arm around Libby to roughly pull her close, he kisses the top of her head before standing up. "See ya in the morning." Wandering to the other door, he looks back through for a moment to toss her a wink, then closes it.
The old man walking alongside the road did catch Quinn's attention, and his eyes focus on the rearview mirror, wondering at the peculiar sight, miles out of town. Next came the broken-down car on the shoulder with its hood propped open. The scene made sense now.
But as he continues to drive, the familiar - even though it might be unwanted - jabs to his conscience arise. Sighing, Quinn checks his mirrors again. There were no other cars that he could see. The old man would probably overextend himself and have a heart attack on the way back to town.
Giving a little growl, Quinn pulls off to the side and does a u-turn, heading back the other way. Reaching the man again, he stops and rolls down the window. "Hey... need a lift?"
The old man looks up quickly, a smile appearing on his weathered face. "Do I ever. You headed into town?"
Quinn grins wearily. No, he really wasn't. "I am now."
9/20/10
Tears
"If you left...would...we be breaking up? I certainly don't want that nor do I want another guy. Honestly I don't even want you to go but I can't make you stay either. My job has me travil all over and it wouldn't be right to say you had to stay."
Looking down again Scarlet tried to hold in the feeling she had not waiting Eli to see them. She wanted him to stay, but she couldn't be the one who told him that. How she felt was an odd feeling happy and sad at the same time.
"I...I don't want to lose you Eli thats something I know for a fact. You've filled the hole in my life and...I enjoy having you around."
This was something Scarlet always had a hard time doing. Telling her feelings and trying to explain how she felt. She only wished Eli would understand and see she really did care a lot for him and didn't want him to go.
Sitting on the bed next to Ty Libby giving a laugh at the comment only she can hear. Finding Ty's hand on the bed her fingers lock with his as she leans a little closer to him. The night had been great, the food wonderful, and spending the time with Ty even better. It definitely nice to know she had someone like him in her life.
"I don't want to have to wait eight house either. But the faster we fall asleep the faster we can wake and see each other again."
Leaning down over top of him Libby press her lips to his letting her emotion flow to him. Words were sometimes complicated so a simple emotion just seemed to work better this time around. Finally backing away knowing Rick would be calling for Ty again soon she smiles.
"You better get going before we get into anymore trouble with the Dr."
Just enjoying the out side and listing to Sparky talk Faith gave him her fill attachen like she always did. The sound of his voice was so comforting and just made her feel so safe. Letting her eyes follow him as shifted on the blanket Faith just continued to listen.
Not even realizing it right away Faith's heart starts to race and a nervouse feeling enters her tummy. Sparky was talking about building a house, and he was talking about not shearing it alone. In a way she wondered if he was asking her to live with him, or if he was having them go there own ways so he could find what he wanted. Faith didn't think it was the last reason. Why would he bring her out here if it was? But still it was a thought that entered her mind.
Letting her eyes fall to Sparky's hand and seeing the small velvet box there was no denying what it was. Her heart beat increasing even more Faith felt as though it would pound right out of her chest. She hadn't been expecting this and it added to the excitement.
Bringing her hand down to his and running her fingers along his fingers and than to the box ever so lightly letting her fingers run over the ring a few tears seemed to escape Faith's eyes. She felt so happy right now it was hard to even try and contain.
Looking up into Sparky's eyes letting her own glisten Faith can't help the smile that was on her face. In that simple smile it said everything and held her answer to him but still with her shaky voice to hear herself say it was even better.
"Yes Tyler, yes I will marry you!"
Leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his neck Faith pulls herself close. She didn't have hardly anything to her name here in the US, but to Sparky that didn't matter he loved her anyways and that made her feel better.
Pulling away a little and looking into his eyes Faith can't help the smile, and the tears as she leans in and pushes her lips to Sparky's. She was so happy, and she just let her emotions, she passion flow to Sparky not caring how much time passed by.
Looking down again Scarlet tried to hold in the feeling she had not waiting Eli to see them. She wanted him to stay, but she couldn't be the one who told him that. How she felt was an odd feeling happy and sad at the same time.
"I...I don't want to lose you Eli thats something I know for a fact. You've filled the hole in my life and...I enjoy having you around."
This was something Scarlet always had a hard time doing. Telling her feelings and trying to explain how she felt. She only wished Eli would understand and see she really did care a lot for him and didn't want him to go.
Sitting on the bed next to Ty Libby giving a laugh at the comment only she can hear. Finding Ty's hand on the bed her fingers lock with his as she leans a little closer to him. The night had been great, the food wonderful, and spending the time with Ty even better. It definitely nice to know she had someone like him in her life.
"I don't want to have to wait eight house either. But the faster we fall asleep the faster we can wake and see each other again."
Leaning down over top of him Libby press her lips to his letting her emotion flow to him. Words were sometimes complicated so a simple emotion just seemed to work better this time around. Finally backing away knowing Rick would be calling for Ty again soon she smiles.
"You better get going before we get into anymore trouble with the Dr."
Just enjoying the out side and listing to Sparky talk Faith gave him her fill attachen like she always did. The sound of his voice was so comforting and just made her feel so safe. Letting her eyes follow him as shifted on the blanket Faith just continued to listen.
Not even realizing it right away Faith's heart starts to race and a nervouse feeling enters her tummy. Sparky was talking about building a house, and he was talking about not shearing it alone. In a way she wondered if he was asking her to live with him, or if he was having them go there own ways so he could find what he wanted. Faith didn't think it was the last reason. Why would he bring her out here if it was? But still it was a thought that entered her mind.
Letting her eyes fall to Sparky's hand and seeing the small velvet box there was no denying what it was. Her heart beat increasing even more Faith felt as though it would pound right out of her chest. She hadn't been expecting this and it added to the excitement.
Bringing her hand down to his and running her fingers along his fingers and than to the box ever so lightly letting her fingers run over the ring a few tears seemed to escape Faith's eyes. She felt so happy right now it was hard to even try and contain.
Looking up into Sparky's eyes letting her own glisten Faith can't help the smile that was on her face. In that simple smile it said everything and held her answer to him but still with her shaky voice to hear herself say it was even better.
"Yes Tyler, yes I will marry you!"
Leaning forward and wrapping her arms around his neck Faith pulls herself close. She didn't have hardly anything to her name here in the US, but to Sparky that didn't matter he loved her anyways and that made her feel better.
Pulling away a little and looking into his eyes Faith can't help the smile, and the tears as she leans in and pushes her lips to Sparky's. She was so happy, and she just let her emotions, she passion flow to Sparky not caring how much time passed by.
So much it hurts
"Tomorrow," Jason agrees. "And it's no trouble. If it was, I wouldn't have offered."
He cocks his head looking at Destiny for a moment. Though seeming to be on the mend herself, there was still such a sadness about her that continued to make Jason feel as though he wished he could do something more to help. But there still was not. He probably shouldn't tell her that Chance had dropped off radar either... that was in the notes he'd read just this morning. Reese was less than happy but no one could explain how Chance had slipped out from under them.
Eli looks across at Scarlet for a moment and seems to shift gears a little. He clears his throat and sits up a little straighter as if trying to be more casual about the whole thing. Perhaps he'd expected a different kind of response but... he shoudn't have, right? It wasn't like he and Scarlet were joined at the hip here... she obviously wanted him to accomplish what he wanted so... he shouldn't have thought she'd react any other way, right?
"I hope so," he answers, his fingers slowly turning his glass as his eyes drift down again. "I mean, I got a lot here, ya know? Ryan... you... and Florida was alright, but never was my cup of tea."
Glancing back up again, the questions linger in his eyes. "Of course... I don't know... I might not wanna go and risk some other charmer to come along and steal you away."
Rick chuckles and heads for the front entrance. "Well come on then."
Ty hangs back a moment and grins, giving Libby's hand a squeeze. "You'll have to help me with the menu," he muses. "No lying though. I don't wanna end up with something like cow brains or something."
It wasn't cow brains he ended up with, but rather a nice large steak, the same as Rick. The restaurant really was nice, but even though they might not have been quite as nicely dressed as most of the patrons, it didn't seem to matter, and Rick made sure of that. It was rather a fun evening - very different than what was usually experienced back at TJY. And though Rick was the older leader, he did a good job at entering into conversation with both Ty and Libby. The food was good and the laughter was even better...
"...I don't think I'm gonna need to eat for a week," Ty moans. He doesn't move, still lying on his back, sideways on Libby's hotel bed.
"Ty, you coming?" Rick calls from the adjoining room.
"Uh-huh." Ty's eyes fall shut and he still doesn't move. "If you come drag me in there," he finishes, too quiet for Rick to hear.
Opening his eyes, he finds Libby and grins at her. "But I suppose I should leave you be anyway. I just didn't want to wait another eight hours to see you."
"Mmm... maybe forever can be wrapped in one single moment at a time." Sparky smiles again and finishes his piece of chicken before sitting up and taking a sip from his water bottle. For a few moments, silence is invited into their little scene until he speaks again.
"You know... a while back when Mick and Rosetta raised my pay and all, um... well I guess they talked a little more and... they're giving me a piece of land. Kinda like some of the others around here... you know, if I wanted to stick around here at the ranch and all. Finally have my own little spot that I can call mine."
He looks down and plucks a blade of grass. "I chose this spot and Mick approved." Glancing up, his eyes roam the clearing as if imagining what it might look like in the future. "I was thinking about a house over in that corner there." He points to the far corner. "Maybe even plant a few of my own fruit trees or something... but keep all these nice trees around so it's still secluded." It really wasn't that far of a walk through the trees back into the heart of the ranch, but it felt like it was far away. "I was thinking maybe a log cabin... rustic but nice."
Sparky gives Faith a sidelong glance before shifting and crawling over the blanket to take a knee front of her so he's at her eye-level, and removes his hat. Reaching out, he takes her hands in his, noting as he often did, how soft they were compared to his own. But today, his own were shaking ever so slightly. "Thing is... even with all that... it wouldn't mean much if... if I was all alone."
His eyes pierce hers, staring, searching, hoping. Swallowing hard, he lets go of her hands and fishes in his jeans pocket, pulling out a little velvet box. For a moment, he stares at it as he wonders if perhaps Faith can hear his heart, it was beating so loudly.
Opening the box, he turns it around and holds it out to her. Nestled inside was a dainty diamond ring, small but lovely, sparkling in the sunlight. It seemed to sparkle even a little more, his hand still trembled. The words seem to get stuck in his throat, but he forces them out. "I'm... tired of being alone. And you... you make things brighter and you give me more purpose than I've ever had, and... and I love you so much that some days it hurts."
He swallows again, knowing that he had so little to offer. He felt so strongly about Faith, but did she feel that way for him, too? To this degree? He didn't know what he'd do if she said no.
"Faith... will you... will you marry me?"
He cocks his head looking at Destiny for a moment. Though seeming to be on the mend herself, there was still such a sadness about her that continued to make Jason feel as though he wished he could do something more to help. But there still was not. He probably shouldn't tell her that Chance had dropped off radar either... that was in the notes he'd read just this morning. Reese was less than happy but no one could explain how Chance had slipped out from under them.
Eli looks across at Scarlet for a moment and seems to shift gears a little. He clears his throat and sits up a little straighter as if trying to be more casual about the whole thing. Perhaps he'd expected a different kind of response but... he shoudn't have, right? It wasn't like he and Scarlet were joined at the hip here... she obviously wanted him to accomplish what he wanted so... he shouldn't have thought she'd react any other way, right?
"I hope so," he answers, his fingers slowly turning his glass as his eyes drift down again. "I mean, I got a lot here, ya know? Ryan... you... and Florida was alright, but never was my cup of tea."
Glancing back up again, the questions linger in his eyes. "Of course... I don't know... I might not wanna go and risk some other charmer to come along and steal you away."
Rick chuckles and heads for the front entrance. "Well come on then."
Ty hangs back a moment and grins, giving Libby's hand a squeeze. "You'll have to help me with the menu," he muses. "No lying though. I don't wanna end up with something like cow brains or something."
It wasn't cow brains he ended up with, but rather a nice large steak, the same as Rick. The restaurant really was nice, but even though they might not have been quite as nicely dressed as most of the patrons, it didn't seem to matter, and Rick made sure of that. It was rather a fun evening - very different than what was usually experienced back at TJY. And though Rick was the older leader, he did a good job at entering into conversation with both Ty and Libby. The food was good and the laughter was even better...
"...I don't think I'm gonna need to eat for a week," Ty moans. He doesn't move, still lying on his back, sideways on Libby's hotel bed.
"Ty, you coming?" Rick calls from the adjoining room.
"Uh-huh." Ty's eyes fall shut and he still doesn't move. "If you come drag me in there," he finishes, too quiet for Rick to hear.
Opening his eyes, he finds Libby and grins at her. "But I suppose I should leave you be anyway. I just didn't want to wait another eight hours to see you."
"Mmm... maybe forever can be wrapped in one single moment at a time." Sparky smiles again and finishes his piece of chicken before sitting up and taking a sip from his water bottle. For a few moments, silence is invited into their little scene until he speaks again.
"You know... a while back when Mick and Rosetta raised my pay and all, um... well I guess they talked a little more and... they're giving me a piece of land. Kinda like some of the others around here... you know, if I wanted to stick around here at the ranch and all. Finally have my own little spot that I can call mine."
He looks down and plucks a blade of grass. "I chose this spot and Mick approved." Glancing up, his eyes roam the clearing as if imagining what it might look like in the future. "I was thinking about a house over in that corner there." He points to the far corner. "Maybe even plant a few of my own fruit trees or something... but keep all these nice trees around so it's still secluded." It really wasn't that far of a walk through the trees back into the heart of the ranch, but it felt like it was far away. "I was thinking maybe a log cabin... rustic but nice."
Sparky gives Faith a sidelong glance before shifting and crawling over the blanket to take a knee front of her so he's at her eye-level, and removes his hat. Reaching out, he takes her hands in his, noting as he often did, how soft they were compared to his own. But today, his own were shaking ever so slightly. "Thing is... even with all that... it wouldn't mean much if... if I was all alone."
His eyes pierce hers, staring, searching, hoping. Swallowing hard, he lets go of her hands and fishes in his jeans pocket, pulling out a little velvet box. For a moment, he stares at it as he wonders if perhaps Faith can hear his heart, it was beating so loudly.
Opening the box, he turns it around and holds it out to her. Nestled inside was a dainty diamond ring, small but lovely, sparkling in the sunlight. It seemed to sparkle even a little more, his hand still trembled. The words seem to get stuck in his throat, but he forces them out. "I'm... tired of being alone. And you... you make things brighter and you give me more purpose than I've ever had, and... and I love you so much that some days it hurts."
He swallows again, knowing that he had so little to offer. He felt so strongly about Faith, but did she feel that way for him, too? To this degree? He didn't know what he'd do if she said no.
"Faith... will you... will you marry me?"
Maybe
Moving through the morning just keeping herself busy and trying to help with what she could Faith tryed to just let time slip by waiting for the afternoon and lunch to come. And not soon enough it did.
Getting settle under the tree with Sparky Faith couldn't be enjoying herself anymore. Shifting just a little so she could eat and see Sparky better she smiles. Taking a sip of her drink her eyes twinkle in the sun light as she looks back to Sparky.
"Mmm...I do like it here. It's so peaceful and quiet, Definitely a nice place to spend with someone you love. So its more than perfect for us."
Being here with Sparky for Faith it was perfect. She loved every moment spent with him, and had gotten use to what the other though. Now it really didn't matter anymore. She new where they both stood with each other and was happy no matter what.
"Can we just get lost and stay here forever? It's just to wonderful to want to leave."
Pulling away from being so close to Ty Libby doesn't lose full contact as her hand slips down to his and her there fingers lock. Hearing about dinner some place nice Libby's smile grows a little more. Food was something she liked, and something she could never say no too.
"I think dinner sounds like a great idea I'm starving."
Looking up from the couch and turning her attachen away from the tv Destiny looks over to Jason. It was good to see him up and about again after being sick for a little while. Though he seemed to be ok Destiny did her best not to cause any problems knowing he was still on the mend.
"Yeah maybe later today or tomorrow if your feeling up to it we can go to my parents house. There is still a few things I'd like to do there. If its..not to much trouble that it."
Over the last few days things hadn't seemed easy and though much pain still cased her heart Destiny tryed to see things in a better light. Though it didn't come easy she didn't stay in her room as much and moving around the safe house was more she still hated it. Would things get better? Would this pain stop? And would she ever stop thinking about Chance?
Looking up from her empty plate Scarlet just looks across the table at Eli. The news of him having a job offer in Florida and considering to take it surprised her though she didn't let it show.
"Wow, that would be great for you to get caught up on your bills. Than you wouldn't have those hanging over your head all the time."
Continuing to just study Eli Scarlet couldn't help a few of her own throughs that ran through her mind. A sudden sadness seemed to pass through her eyes that mixed with the softness that only Eli got to see. But trying to push it away Scarlet wanted to let her strength show though. She should be happy for Eli.
"I know Ryan would miss you, and I know I would miss you too. Would you ever be coming back?"
Getting settle under the tree with Sparky Faith couldn't be enjoying herself anymore. Shifting just a little so she could eat and see Sparky better she smiles. Taking a sip of her drink her eyes twinkle in the sun light as she looks back to Sparky.
"Mmm...I do like it here. It's so peaceful and quiet, Definitely a nice place to spend with someone you love. So its more than perfect for us."
Being here with Sparky for Faith it was perfect. She loved every moment spent with him, and had gotten use to what the other though. Now it really didn't matter anymore. She new where they both stood with each other and was happy no matter what.
"Can we just get lost and stay here forever? It's just to wonderful to want to leave."
Pulling away from being so close to Ty Libby doesn't lose full contact as her hand slips down to his and her there fingers lock. Hearing about dinner some place nice Libby's smile grows a little more. Food was something she liked, and something she could never say no too.
"I think dinner sounds like a great idea I'm starving."
Looking up from the couch and turning her attachen away from the tv Destiny looks over to Jason. It was good to see him up and about again after being sick for a little while. Though he seemed to be ok Destiny did her best not to cause any problems knowing he was still on the mend.
"Yeah maybe later today or tomorrow if your feeling up to it we can go to my parents house. There is still a few things I'd like to do there. If its..not to much trouble that it."
Over the last few days things hadn't seemed easy and though much pain still cased her heart Destiny tryed to see things in a better light. Though it didn't come easy she didn't stay in her room as much and moving around the safe house was more she still hated it. Would things get better? Would this pain stop? And would she ever stop thinking about Chance?
Looking up from her empty plate Scarlet just looks across the table at Eli. The news of him having a job offer in Florida and considering to take it surprised her though she didn't let it show.
"Wow, that would be great for you to get caught up on your bills. Than you wouldn't have those hanging over your head all the time."
Continuing to just study Eli Scarlet couldn't help a few of her own throughs that ran through her mind. A sudden sadness seemed to pass through her eyes that mixed with the softness that only Eli got to see. But trying to push it away Scarlet wanted to let her strength show though. She should be happy for Eli.
"I know Ryan would miss you, and I know I would miss you too. Would you ever be coming back?"
Gone
"Good." Sparky draws Faith even closer, kissing the top of her head before turning to watch the sun slowly come up over the horizon. He sighs with content, finally feeling as though he had a real purpose here. He finally felt like he fit... like he'd been waiting all these years for the last puzzle piece to come along. He knew that some people still didn't think they should be this close because of their age difference but he'd given up fighting them. It just didn't matter. He knew he could trust Faith. He knew she wasn't just taking him for a ride, and he certainly wasn't out for anything but Faith's love and companionship. Other people might see him as becoming bogged down with caring for her, but he loved every moment of it. Why let love slip by when it was right here within reach?
His arm tightens around her shoulders, wishing he could somehow tell her how he felt, but there really were no words. "I love you," he whispers in her ear. Cocking his head so he can give her another kiss, he smiles. "I'll see you at lunchtime if not before."
And too soon, he's ambling back towards the barn, now joined by some of the others to begin the chores for the day. With something to look forward to, hours always seemed to drag by, and this morning seemed to take even longer. But eventually lunch time does come, and eventually Sparky does get everything together along with Faith, and eventually they do make it to the little clearing he'd talked about. It had taken them a little while to walk there, taking it slow for Faith, but Sparky didn't mind.
The clearing was just like he'd described - away from the rest of the world, secluded and so pretty. The grass was waving in the breeze, and the trees surrounded them as if providing them a small world all their own. The path there had been cleared, and part of the clearing had been mowed, proving that even though this was a secluded spot, it had been taken care of.
Sparky makes a beeline for a large old oak tree, under which to spread the blanket, and after getting Faith settled near him, the food is laid out and enjoyed.
Leaning back against the tree, Sparky chews his chicken thoughtfully, turning to just watch Faith. His eyes sparkled with life that had been absent for so long. "Thanks for coming out here with me... this is nice." He smiles. "I thought you might like it here, too."
"Yeah... thanks, Misty." Rick wasn't sure how much he could "enjoy" the time away now with his mind running rampant with theories, but he would try. "I know you're quite capable of keeping everything under control. If anything else comes up, don't hesitate to call. Otherwise, I'll see you soon."
Ending the call, Rick finally wanders back over to Ty and Libby, not surprised that Ty had his arm around her. "Aright you two... how about some supper? And since we're in Vegas, we really should take advantage of a nice dinner somewhere, don't you think?"
Ty quirks an eyebrow. "But I-"
"On me." Rick winks at them. "You guys deserve it. Come on."
Jason ambles back into the kitchen to clean out the glass he'd just used, glancing out the window to check things over. He was feeling much better now - pretty close to normal, which was a relief. He'd let Katie go this morning so it was just him and Destiny again for a while.
Wandering into the living room again, he takes a seat the computers, though his eyes do glance to the couch were Destiny was. He was sorry for the last few days with him being down, but he hoped she was still recovering from her own experiences.
Swiveling in the chair, Jason eyes her with question. His idea hadn't been approved, but he didn't care. "If you want to go back to your own place... you know, just to check on things, take a look around... we can." Maybe baby steps towards her goal of getting away from the safe house was the best route.
"So... Nick's offering me the job." Eli stares down into his half-empty glass of pop as he sat across from Scarlet at Tou Han's for lunch. The meal was over, and Eli had just been telling her that an old friend from Florida was offering him a job at his trucking company.
"Not exactly what I want to do the rest of my life, but I still can't seem to get my bills paid off, I know Ryan doesn't mind me not paying her more, but I mind, and this job pays really well... well enough that I could be caught up within a year, tops."
Glancing back up to Scarlet, his eyes hold more than anticipation though. They held hesitance. A job in Florida meant he wouldn't be in Nevada... and that meant he'd be away from Ryan... and away from Scarlet. But it would only be for a year... right? He bites his lower lip, waiting to see what Scarlet would say.
"So what do we do?" Quinn's eyes remain focused outside the window. It was hard to believe he was standing in the same room as Axel, let alone having a conversation with him. It felt like a strange anomaly in time - on one hand, it felt like no time had passed, and on the other, it felt as though a lifetime had passed them by.
"Apparently you have an appointment out of town."
Quinn scoffs quietly. "Just the possibility of a minor gig."
Axel had his own questions about that, and it seemed a good enough time to attempt small talk. "How do you do it? I mean... afford to be on the road like that?" He knew well enough that Quinn couldn't be making a lot of money. Even if he was well-known, little gigs and traveling around most times didn't pan out.
Quinn finally turns around and leans against the window sill. He was hesitant to answer, knowing that it had the potential to bring about resentment. But the truth was the truth. "A few years ago, um... Granddad died."
Axel's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea. He remembered their grandfather very well and was now saddened by this news. "I didn't know... how?"
"Heart attack." Quinn ambles back over to the couch and sits down again, sighing. "He, uh... had a will written up and... I'm going to be set for... quite a while if I don't squander."
"I see." Without even having to think about it, Axel immediately knew that he'd been intentionally left out of any inheritance. He'd always been doted upon by their grandfather and had always had a knowledge that one day he and Quinn would receive something after Granddad died. But apparently that had changed. It shouldn't be surprising though. "Well that's.... that's good for you. At least you get to do what you like, right?"
"Yeah." Quinn could see that look that passed in Axel's eyes - disappointment? It seemed there was no anger though.
Another long, awkward pause follows. Axel looks at the floor, a million and one questions running through his mind. Granddad was dead - that left no grandparents. How about their parents? Were his mother and father even still alive? How were they? What about their cousins? Where was everyone now? Were there any marriages? Children in the family? Yet he felt unworthy to ask these things. Innocent or not, it wasn't surprising that he had no idea about any of that now. He was the black sheep of the family, shunned and ignored. There was one question though, he had to ask. "Quinn... do you believe me?"
Quinn sighs deeply and folds his hands on his lap, not even sure how to reply. "I don't know, Axel... I've spent a lot of years believing in your guilt and... I've hated you for a long time. To suddenly just take your word for it is asking a lot, don't you think?"
Axel swallows hard. It was asking a lot. Could he really blame his brother for that? "Do you believe me?" he repeats quietly.
Quinn thinks for a long moment, unable to decide. It felt like a worse inner battle now than it had all those years ago. He remembers the words of Anastasia, and dwells on what he was feeling now. Belief was a choice, and he could choose to believe, whether it was backed up by evidence or not. But could he really take that step? There was still a part of him that wasn't so sure this all wasn't just a big lie. Yet the more he talked with Axel, the less that seemed likely. Quinn would be able to tell if his brother was just being manipulative... right? "I can't answer that," he finally responds. "But... I will say that... maybe for the first time, I... I want to believe you."
Axel has a hard time controlling his emotions, feeling the tears that wanted to come. That's all he'd wanted to hear. That's all he'd ever wanted. Just an ounce of faith - that's all. And in that very moment, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His fingers fiddle with a loose thread on the arm of the chair, unable to speak again just yet, lest his voice crack.
The ringing phone suddenly breaks the silence, making both men jump, but Axel doesn't answer it. Instead, the answering machine picks up. "Hey, Axel, yeah, it's Leo. Thought I might catch you. I had to move that car you were working on - you know, the one from that Thornton guy. I was just gonna tell you that I drove it out into the lot 'cause we needed another open bay but... since you're not there, this message obviously has no point. Figured you must've found the problem anyway since the engine started up, but if you need the bay back, we're only using it a short while. And I have... no idea why I'm even talking anymore. Catch you later."
Both men's eyes rise to lock with one another. The car had started.
Quinn blinks. "Did you..."
"No." Axel shakes his head slowly. He had not fixed it prior to this - he had not just led Quinn to believe it wasn't so that they would talk. "Two minutes before you came, I tried to start it again and it wouldn't."
"Well then how..."
Axel's lips show a faint grin. There was a whole lot that could be said now, but words didn't really seem to be adequate. Both knew that this was impossible. But both knew that anything was possible with God. Perhaps they had done a better job together today than they thought. "I guess... you can go now."
"I guess so." Quinn had been so prepared earlier this morning but now it felt almost strange that he would take off. "I, um... yeah." Standing up along with Axel, he looks at him for a long moment. "I guess this is-"
"It was good to see you, Quinn." Axel holds out his hand. "If you're ever back in the area..."
Quinn looks down at Axel's hand. A day ago, he would have turned his back. But after a night, time to think, time to pray and a surprisingly calm conversation... that hand no longer looked like a threat. Slowly, he reaches out and grasps Axel's hand. "Yeah."
Shaking his brother's hand, it's as if the first few threads of a long lost bond find each other and begin to intertwine. "You know you can stay... I got room..."
Quinn smiles a little, letting go of Axel's hand. "Thanks, but... I better go. The open road, ya know?"
"Sure." There were still so many things Axel would like to know, but he refrains. At the very least, he had Quinn's phone number.
The walk downstairs, a final check on the car and Quinn's leave take less than twenty minutes. And even though the auto shop was busy, to Axel, it felt quiet. He excuses himself from work, asking Daryl for the rest of the day off, but doesn't explain to anyone else, simply slipping back upstairs.
Once alone again, he wanders to the couch to sit, then rolls onto his side, closing his eyes. It felt like so much had been accomplished and yet nothing at all. The whole thing was over... it was hard to fathom.
A fresh tear finds its way between his closed eyelids and trickles down to meet the couch. He had time to rest and try to recuperate before Jess called him later.
His arm tightens around her shoulders, wishing he could somehow tell her how he felt, but there really were no words. "I love you," he whispers in her ear. Cocking his head so he can give her another kiss, he smiles. "I'll see you at lunchtime if not before."
And too soon, he's ambling back towards the barn, now joined by some of the others to begin the chores for the day. With something to look forward to, hours always seemed to drag by, and this morning seemed to take even longer. But eventually lunch time does come, and eventually Sparky does get everything together along with Faith, and eventually they do make it to the little clearing he'd talked about. It had taken them a little while to walk there, taking it slow for Faith, but Sparky didn't mind.
The clearing was just like he'd described - away from the rest of the world, secluded and so pretty. The grass was waving in the breeze, and the trees surrounded them as if providing them a small world all their own. The path there had been cleared, and part of the clearing had been mowed, proving that even though this was a secluded spot, it had been taken care of.
Sparky makes a beeline for a large old oak tree, under which to spread the blanket, and after getting Faith settled near him, the food is laid out and enjoyed.
Leaning back against the tree, Sparky chews his chicken thoughtfully, turning to just watch Faith. His eyes sparkled with life that had been absent for so long. "Thanks for coming out here with me... this is nice." He smiles. "I thought you might like it here, too."
"Yeah... thanks, Misty." Rick wasn't sure how much he could "enjoy" the time away now with his mind running rampant with theories, but he would try. "I know you're quite capable of keeping everything under control. If anything else comes up, don't hesitate to call. Otherwise, I'll see you soon."
Ending the call, Rick finally wanders back over to Ty and Libby, not surprised that Ty had his arm around her. "Aright you two... how about some supper? And since we're in Vegas, we really should take advantage of a nice dinner somewhere, don't you think?"
Ty quirks an eyebrow. "But I-"
"On me." Rick winks at them. "You guys deserve it. Come on."
Jason ambles back into the kitchen to clean out the glass he'd just used, glancing out the window to check things over. He was feeling much better now - pretty close to normal, which was a relief. He'd let Katie go this morning so it was just him and Destiny again for a while.
Wandering into the living room again, he takes a seat the computers, though his eyes do glance to the couch were Destiny was. He was sorry for the last few days with him being down, but he hoped she was still recovering from her own experiences.
Swiveling in the chair, Jason eyes her with question. His idea hadn't been approved, but he didn't care. "If you want to go back to your own place... you know, just to check on things, take a look around... we can." Maybe baby steps towards her goal of getting away from the safe house was the best route.
"So... Nick's offering me the job." Eli stares down into his half-empty glass of pop as he sat across from Scarlet at Tou Han's for lunch. The meal was over, and Eli had just been telling her that an old friend from Florida was offering him a job at his trucking company.
"Not exactly what I want to do the rest of my life, but I still can't seem to get my bills paid off, I know Ryan doesn't mind me not paying her more, but I mind, and this job pays really well... well enough that I could be caught up within a year, tops."
Glancing back up to Scarlet, his eyes hold more than anticipation though. They held hesitance. A job in Florida meant he wouldn't be in Nevada... and that meant he'd be away from Ryan... and away from Scarlet. But it would only be for a year... right? He bites his lower lip, waiting to see what Scarlet would say.
"So what do we do?" Quinn's eyes remain focused outside the window. It was hard to believe he was standing in the same room as Axel, let alone having a conversation with him. It felt like a strange anomaly in time - on one hand, it felt like no time had passed, and on the other, it felt as though a lifetime had passed them by.
"Apparently you have an appointment out of town."
Quinn scoffs quietly. "Just the possibility of a minor gig."
Axel had his own questions about that, and it seemed a good enough time to attempt small talk. "How do you do it? I mean... afford to be on the road like that?" He knew well enough that Quinn couldn't be making a lot of money. Even if he was well-known, little gigs and traveling around most times didn't pan out.
Quinn finally turns around and leans against the window sill. He was hesitant to answer, knowing that it had the potential to bring about resentment. But the truth was the truth. "A few years ago, um... Granddad died."
Axel's eyebrows rise. He'd had no idea. He remembered their grandfather very well and was now saddened by this news. "I didn't know... how?"
"Heart attack." Quinn ambles back over to the couch and sits down again, sighing. "He, uh... had a will written up and... I'm going to be set for... quite a while if I don't squander."
"I see." Without even having to think about it, Axel immediately knew that he'd been intentionally left out of any inheritance. He'd always been doted upon by their grandfather and had always had a knowledge that one day he and Quinn would receive something after Granddad died. But apparently that had changed. It shouldn't be surprising though. "Well that's.... that's good for you. At least you get to do what you like, right?"
"Yeah." Quinn could see that look that passed in Axel's eyes - disappointment? It seemed there was no anger though.
Another long, awkward pause follows. Axel looks at the floor, a million and one questions running through his mind. Granddad was dead - that left no grandparents. How about their parents? Were his mother and father even still alive? How were they? What about their cousins? Where was everyone now? Were there any marriages? Children in the family? Yet he felt unworthy to ask these things. Innocent or not, it wasn't surprising that he had no idea about any of that now. He was the black sheep of the family, shunned and ignored. There was one question though, he had to ask. "Quinn... do you believe me?"
Quinn sighs deeply and folds his hands on his lap, not even sure how to reply. "I don't know, Axel... I've spent a lot of years believing in your guilt and... I've hated you for a long time. To suddenly just take your word for it is asking a lot, don't you think?"
Axel swallows hard. It was asking a lot. Could he really blame his brother for that? "Do you believe me?" he repeats quietly.
Quinn thinks for a long moment, unable to decide. It felt like a worse inner battle now than it had all those years ago. He remembers the words of Anastasia, and dwells on what he was feeling now. Belief was a choice, and he could choose to believe, whether it was backed up by evidence or not. But could he really take that step? There was still a part of him that wasn't so sure this all wasn't just a big lie. Yet the more he talked with Axel, the less that seemed likely. Quinn would be able to tell if his brother was just being manipulative... right? "I can't answer that," he finally responds. "But... I will say that... maybe for the first time, I... I want to believe you."
Axel has a hard time controlling his emotions, feeling the tears that wanted to come. That's all he'd wanted to hear. That's all he'd ever wanted. Just an ounce of faith - that's all. And in that very moment, it felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. His fingers fiddle with a loose thread on the arm of the chair, unable to speak again just yet, lest his voice crack.
The ringing phone suddenly breaks the silence, making both men jump, but Axel doesn't answer it. Instead, the answering machine picks up. "Hey, Axel, yeah, it's Leo. Thought I might catch you. I had to move that car you were working on - you know, the one from that Thornton guy. I was just gonna tell you that I drove it out into the lot 'cause we needed another open bay but... since you're not there, this message obviously has no point. Figured you must've found the problem anyway since the engine started up, but if you need the bay back, we're only using it a short while. And I have... no idea why I'm even talking anymore. Catch you later."
Both men's eyes rise to lock with one another. The car had started.
Quinn blinks. "Did you..."
"No." Axel shakes his head slowly. He had not fixed it prior to this - he had not just led Quinn to believe it wasn't so that they would talk. "Two minutes before you came, I tried to start it again and it wouldn't."
"Well then how..."
Axel's lips show a faint grin. There was a whole lot that could be said now, but words didn't really seem to be adequate. Both knew that this was impossible. But both knew that anything was possible with God. Perhaps they had done a better job together today than they thought. "I guess... you can go now."
"I guess so." Quinn had been so prepared earlier this morning but now it felt almost strange that he would take off. "I, um... yeah." Standing up along with Axel, he looks at him for a long moment. "I guess this is-"
"It was good to see you, Quinn." Axel holds out his hand. "If you're ever back in the area..."
Quinn looks down at Axel's hand. A day ago, he would have turned his back. But after a night, time to think, time to pray and a surprisingly calm conversation... that hand no longer looked like a threat. Slowly, he reaches out and grasps Axel's hand. "Yeah."
Shaking his brother's hand, it's as if the first few threads of a long lost bond find each other and begin to intertwine. "You know you can stay... I got room..."
Quinn smiles a little, letting go of Axel's hand. "Thanks, but... I better go. The open road, ya know?"
"Sure." There were still so many things Axel would like to know, but he refrains. At the very least, he had Quinn's phone number.
The walk downstairs, a final check on the car and Quinn's leave take less than twenty minutes. And even though the auto shop was busy, to Axel, it felt quiet. He excuses himself from work, asking Daryl for the rest of the day off, but doesn't explain to anyone else, simply slipping back upstairs.
Once alone again, he wanders to the couch to sit, then rolls onto his side, closing his eyes. It felt like so much had been accomplished and yet nothing at all. The whole thing was over... it was hard to fathom.
A fresh tear finds its way between his closed eyelids and trickles down to meet the couch. He had time to rest and try to recuperate before Jess called him later.
Sounds Perfect
Leaning into Sparky a little more Faith just takes in his comfort and his strength. His sense of humor went along with the whole package of who he was and Faith couldn't be happier. Tilting her head a little took look out as the sun rises the golden red, pink colors mixing together. It was so nice to be able to see this, and to enjoy it with someone she cared so much for.
"Pretending the rest of the world doesn't exists that sounds pretty good to me, and having you there to enjoy the picnic with me is even better."
If the day was going to be nice, and Sparky would be able to get done with his work in good time she'd love to spend the day with him. It was one of the things she enjoyed the most each day. The moment when all work was done and just enjoying each other was finally there.
Looking up at him as the brim of his hat brushed her head Faith's smile widens even more. Just knowing and feeling his love, and how much he cared made her feel like a million dollars and so happy to return it.
"I think the picnic sounds perfect."
Leaning her head on his shoulder and letting out a happy sigh Faith gives him a little squeeze just returning the affection. Though some still didn't approve much of there relationship she couldn't be happier.
Wrapping her arms around Ty Libby just smiles up at him. Only looking away for a moment and giving a nod to Rick as he walked away. Turning back to Ty and leaning into him Libby press his lips to his. Letting the moment linger she finally withdraws and back away.
"I really am proud of you Ty. You did great coming here and facing this head on. It's all gonna look up from here on out now."
Hearing the phone ring again Misty answers right away having a good feeling it would be Rick. He'd surely be wasting no time in trying to get a hold of her again. Hearing Rick's voice on the other end was confirmation.
"Yeah I wont be planning on telling anyone till you get back. I don't want this to get to the wrong ears, not yet anyways."
Listening to Rick again Misty gives a nod even though she new Rick couldn't see her. It was just a normal reaction.
"Ok, I'll set something up with Rick as soon as I can. He's not in the office yet but when I get wind he's in I'll set it up. Try and enjoy the rest of your time away huh? I've got things under control here."
"Pretending the rest of the world doesn't exists that sounds pretty good to me, and having you there to enjoy the picnic with me is even better."
If the day was going to be nice, and Sparky would be able to get done with his work in good time she'd love to spend the day with him. It was one of the things she enjoyed the most each day. The moment when all work was done and just enjoying each other was finally there.
Looking up at him as the brim of his hat brushed her head Faith's smile widens even more. Just knowing and feeling his love, and how much he cared made her feel like a million dollars and so happy to return it.
"I think the picnic sounds perfect."
Leaning her head on his shoulder and letting out a happy sigh Faith gives him a little squeeze just returning the affection. Though some still didn't approve much of there relationship she couldn't be happier.
Wrapping her arms around Ty Libby just smiles up at him. Only looking away for a moment and giving a nod to Rick as he walked away. Turning back to Ty and leaning into him Libby press his lips to his. Letting the moment linger she finally withdraws and back away.
"I really am proud of you Ty. You did great coming here and facing this head on. It's all gonna look up from here on out now."
Hearing the phone ring again Misty answers right away having a good feeling it would be Rick. He'd surely be wasting no time in trying to get a hold of her again. Hearing Rick's voice on the other end was confirmation.
"Yeah I wont be planning on telling anyone till you get back. I don't want this to get to the wrong ears, not yet anyways."
Listening to Rick again Misty gives a nod even though she new Rick couldn't see her. It was just a normal reaction.
"Ok, I'll set something up with Rick as soon as I can. He's not in the office yet but when I get wind he's in I'll set it up. Try and enjoy the rest of your time away huh? I've got things under control here."
9/18/10
Picnic?
Pete grins a little, recognizing the reference to Ariel. "See you tomorrow, Trey."
Turning around, he heads from the little room to amble back up to the main floor. Now that he knew what he was doing tomorrow night, he could concentrate on his date with Nikki tonight. Well... it was supper over at her house again with her mother, but it was just as much a date to him as anything and he loved it.
"Mmm." Sparky returns Faith's soft kiss before slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Well, I hope Mr. Handsome doesn't show up while we're kissing. That could be kind of embarrassing and possibly detrimental to my health."
Gazing out to the horizon, he gives her a little squeeze. Opening his mouth as if to say something, he seems to stop then rethinks. "It's gonna be a warm day today," he muses. "If you feel up to it, a picnic sounds mighty good to me... maybe with some of Becky's leftover fried chicken from last night."
He cocks his head down to see her face, his hat brim brushing her forehead. "There's a little spot... clear out on the west edge of the property... nice little clearing with trees all around... perfect for pretending the rest of the world doesn't exist." His grin returns. "Join me?"
Interlocking his fingers with Libby's, Ty gives a little scoff. "You kidding me? I'll always need your help." Bending down, he gives her cheek a kiss.
Rick smirks and rolls his eyes. Feeling his phone vibrating in his pocket, he refrains from commenting on the young couple. "Excuse me. Don't run too far."
Ty grins knowingly and winks at Libby.
Moving a ways away, Rick retrieves his phone and listens to the voicemail. Hearing Misty's message, a chill runs down his spine and his pulse begins to race. How... how could it be? Though he wanted to see the data for himself, he trusted Misty and knew she would have read it correctly. But how? Did anyone else know already? Was it a surprise to all, or some big secret? One thing was for sure though...
Dialing quickly, Rick calls Misty right back. "Misty, it's me... thanks for calling. I know you're probably doing this already, but keep this under your hat until I get back, okay? I have no idea what any of this means, but this is big enough that it can't leak at all. I've got to talk to Reese as soon as I get back and I want you in on it too. Arrange a meeting, will you? And make sure Reese knows it's important so he doesn't just blow it off."
Turning around, he heads from the little room to amble back up to the main floor. Now that he knew what he was doing tomorrow night, he could concentrate on his date with Nikki tonight. Well... it was supper over at her house again with her mother, but it was just as much a date to him as anything and he loved it.
"Mmm." Sparky returns Faith's soft kiss before slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Well, I hope Mr. Handsome doesn't show up while we're kissing. That could be kind of embarrassing and possibly detrimental to my health."
Gazing out to the horizon, he gives her a little squeeze. Opening his mouth as if to say something, he seems to stop then rethinks. "It's gonna be a warm day today," he muses. "If you feel up to it, a picnic sounds mighty good to me... maybe with some of Becky's leftover fried chicken from last night."
He cocks his head down to see her face, his hat brim brushing her forehead. "There's a little spot... clear out on the west edge of the property... nice little clearing with trees all around... perfect for pretending the rest of the world doesn't exist." His grin returns. "Join me?"
Interlocking his fingers with Libby's, Ty gives a little scoff. "You kidding me? I'll always need your help." Bending down, he gives her cheek a kiss.
Rick smirks and rolls his eyes. Feeling his phone vibrating in his pocket, he refrains from commenting on the young couple. "Excuse me. Don't run too far."
Ty grins knowingly and winks at Libby.
Moving a ways away, Rick retrieves his phone and listens to the voicemail. Hearing Misty's message, a chill runs down his spine and his pulse begins to race. How... how could it be? Though he wanted to see the data for himself, he trusted Misty and knew she would have read it correctly. But how? Did anyone else know already? Was it a surprise to all, or some big secret? One thing was for sure though...
Dialing quickly, Rick calls Misty right back. "Misty, it's me... thanks for calling. I know you're probably doing this already, but keep this under your hat until I get back, okay? I have no idea what any of this means, but this is big enough that it can't leak at all. I've got to talk to Reese as soon as I get back and I want you in on it too. Arrange a meeting, will you? And make sure Reese knows it's important so he doesn't just blow it off."
9/17/10
Proud
Thinking for a moment and consternating on his game again it the wheels in Alec's head turned. Pete didn't want him caged, it was strange to think someone saw him like that, a little more than just a trouble maker.
"Well as long as the top dog doesn't skin us both."
Pausing the game again and looking at Pete Trey cocks his head a little but just to look up at him for a long moment. He liked to bend and break the rules, maybe thats why they seemed to get along, they both clicked.
"I guess it is silly of me to ask why you'd want to get into trouble when I do it all the time too huh? Alright I guess I am on for tomorrow night again. Free beer, and maybe with some luck that pretty girl will be there again right?"
Giving Pete a little wink he looks back to his game again drawing his attachen there again a grin draw across his lips. Tonight was going to be a boring one but with any luck and a few hours of bugging Hal to go outside he hoped it would pass quickly.
Hearing someone slowly approaching the smile on Faith's lips grows. Just by the sound of his footsteps she new it was Sparky. Leaning her head on his shoulder for a moment she gives a content sigh before looking up at him again.
"Yes, just the most amazing man I ever met. Good Morning Tyler."
Tilting her head a little she leans in to place a soft kiss on his lips before pulling away a little. The colors from the rising sun stretching across the sky, and across her face as well. Reflecting in her eyes causing them to dance, and sparkle.
Pasing the floor Libby couldn't help it. Ty had been in with the Dr for a long time and the longer they waited the more nervous she got. She hopped everything was ok with Ty, and once in a while giving glances to Rick and being reassured with nods she tried to keep her hopes up.
Looking up and seeing Ty finally emerge from the back Libby stops moving back and forth just watching him. Seeing his up and moving that was good, not that what he went through was going to be dangerous but she couldn't help the worry anyways.
Leting Rick talk to Ty first Libby moves a little closer to him. Hearing what was wrong and that it might of been what Rick had guess it excited Libby a little bit, to know everything was going to be ok and with a little help Ty would be just find at reading and she hoped it would help his confidence.
Finally when they were finished talking Libby steps closer again slipping her hand into Ty's her smile wide on her own lips. As her eyes sparkle.
"I'm so proud of you Ty, so many new things are going to be opened up for you. I better watch myself now, you might not need me to help you quite as much."
Looking over the print outs another two times Misty just can't believe what she is reading. This was almost impossible, though she new really it wasn't. Going to her desk and setting the paper down and pulling out her phone she new it was Rick she needed to call next. Dialing the number and waiting till his voice mail picked up.
"Rick, It's Misty...I got all the tests back on Jason and Trey. If I read them right and I don't know how I couldn't..they say they are...brothers. Twins to be more like it. I need you to call me as soon as you can. Thanks Rick."
"Well as long as the top dog doesn't skin us both."
Pausing the game again and looking at Pete Trey cocks his head a little but just to look up at him for a long moment. He liked to bend and break the rules, maybe thats why they seemed to get along, they both clicked.
"I guess it is silly of me to ask why you'd want to get into trouble when I do it all the time too huh? Alright I guess I am on for tomorrow night again. Free beer, and maybe with some luck that pretty girl will be there again right?"
Giving Pete a little wink he looks back to his game again drawing his attachen there again a grin draw across his lips. Tonight was going to be a boring one but with any luck and a few hours of bugging Hal to go outside he hoped it would pass quickly.
Hearing someone slowly approaching the smile on Faith's lips grows. Just by the sound of his footsteps she new it was Sparky. Leaning her head on his shoulder for a moment she gives a content sigh before looking up at him again.
"Yes, just the most amazing man I ever met. Good Morning Tyler."
Tilting her head a little she leans in to place a soft kiss on his lips before pulling away a little. The colors from the rising sun stretching across the sky, and across her face as well. Reflecting in her eyes causing them to dance, and sparkle.
Pasing the floor Libby couldn't help it. Ty had been in with the Dr for a long time and the longer they waited the more nervous she got. She hopped everything was ok with Ty, and once in a while giving glances to Rick and being reassured with nods she tried to keep her hopes up.
Looking up and seeing Ty finally emerge from the back Libby stops moving back and forth just watching him. Seeing his up and moving that was good, not that what he went through was going to be dangerous but she couldn't help the worry anyways.
Leting Rick talk to Ty first Libby moves a little closer to him. Hearing what was wrong and that it might of been what Rick had guess it excited Libby a little bit, to know everything was going to be ok and with a little help Ty would be just find at reading and she hoped it would help his confidence.
Finally when they were finished talking Libby steps closer again slipping her hand into Ty's her smile wide on her own lips. As her eyes sparkle.
"I'm so proud of you Ty, so many new things are going to be opened up for you. I better watch myself now, you might not need me to help you quite as much."
Looking over the print outs another two times Misty just can't believe what she is reading. This was almost impossible, though she new really it wasn't. Going to her desk and setting the paper down and pulling out her phone she new it was Rick she needed to call next. Dialing the number and waiting till his voice mail picked up.
"Rick, It's Misty...I got all the tests back on Jason and Trey. If I read them right and I don't know how I couldn't..they say they are...brothers. Twins to be more like it. I need you to call me as soon as you can. Thanks Rick."
Early
Pete steps a little farther into the room and leans back against the wall. He tilts his head and grins, shrugging. "Ah well, you know... the boss man gets pretty steamed about a lot of things. Doesn't really bother me."
Pausing, he studies Trey for a moment. "You're the guy who likes trouble and you're asking me why I would want to get into some?" He grins again. "Don't think too much, your brain might implode. Just chock it up to me figuring a guy like you could use the fresh air. I don't like caged animals either." He shrugs once more. "Reese will cool off anyway - he's the kind of guy that gets hot then cools off quick... especially if it's with an agent he likes." Pete winks, indicating that he was one of those agents.
"So is that a yes about tomorrow night?"
Rick paces the large waiting area at the test center, though isn't nervous. He'd been sitting with Libby for quite a while, waiting for Ty who had been with the doctor. Rick's eyes roam the large paintings, studying them for the umpteenth time before wandering over to a display of color charts, pamphlets about Irlen's syndrome and more.
Yawning, he returns to the plush couch next to Libby and he glances over to her. "Exciting day," he teases. In reality, it was a bit boring, no matter how great a reason they had for being there. Not to mention, Rick's mind was still partially back at TJY, wondering about the tests Misty was doing.
Catching movement with the corner of his eye, he looks up to see Ty coming towards them. Smiling, he stands up. "Hey... you're still alive, I see."
Ty grins and nods, hooking his thumbs in his jeans pockets. "Yeah, apparently."
"So..." Rick looks at him with question. "What did the find doctor have to say?"
"I've got Irlen's," Ty confirms. Even though there was hesitance in his eyes when he looked to Libby, there was a new element of relief as well. "Guess I'm a medium case - not the worst, but bad enough it messes with me."
Rick nods, very glad to know that they had finally figured out what was going on, and so glad that it was something like this, rather than a learning disorder which could have no remedy. "What's your color?"
"Kinda a burnt red."
Rick grins. "At least it wasn't pick or purple."
Ty laughs and nods. "Yeah, that was a relief. Wouldn't want to walk around with pink glasses. Might do damage to my reputation."
"So what did they recommend?"
"Um, glasses. They know what I need so... they said with any luck they could have them ready by tomorrow afternoon. Already picked out frames. They'll give me an overlay too for reading stuff or whatever if I don't have my glasses on."
"Well that's fantastic, Ty." Rick pats his shoulder. "Good for you. This is great news."
Ty's cheeks grow a little warm, but he still smiles, his eyes roaming back to Libby. "I guess I've got the two of you to thank for this. I... I wouldn't have come otherwise."
Sparky yawns and trudges down the bunkhouse steps. Even though his body had not wanted to roll out of bed this early, his mind hadn't let him sleep any longer. He had too many thoughts running through his mind to leave him be. Maybe a cup of coffee would do the trick in a while and he could perk up for the day.
Tucking his hands in his denim jacket pockets, he heads towards the barn, yawning again as his boots crunch on the gravel. Reaching the door, he's just ready to open it when he realizes that someone is standing out by one of the pasture fences. He squints out from under his hat, finding it difficult to focus in this gray light right before the sunrise. Realizing who it is, a small smile creases his lips and he leaves the barn be for now. He was early anyway.
Ambling across the driveway then the grass, he approaches Faith slowly, coming up beside her to lean on the fence. "You're up awfully early," he greets quietly. He has no control over his lips as they curl into another smile. "Waiting for someone?"
Pausing, he studies Trey for a moment. "You're the guy who likes trouble and you're asking me why I would want to get into some?" He grins again. "Don't think too much, your brain might implode. Just chock it up to me figuring a guy like you could use the fresh air. I don't like caged animals either." He shrugs once more. "Reese will cool off anyway - he's the kind of guy that gets hot then cools off quick... especially if it's with an agent he likes." Pete winks, indicating that he was one of those agents.
"So is that a yes about tomorrow night?"
Rick paces the large waiting area at the test center, though isn't nervous. He'd been sitting with Libby for quite a while, waiting for Ty who had been with the doctor. Rick's eyes roam the large paintings, studying them for the umpteenth time before wandering over to a display of color charts, pamphlets about Irlen's syndrome and more.
Yawning, he returns to the plush couch next to Libby and he glances over to her. "Exciting day," he teases. In reality, it was a bit boring, no matter how great a reason they had for being there. Not to mention, Rick's mind was still partially back at TJY, wondering about the tests Misty was doing.
Catching movement with the corner of his eye, he looks up to see Ty coming towards them. Smiling, he stands up. "Hey... you're still alive, I see."
Ty grins and nods, hooking his thumbs in his jeans pockets. "Yeah, apparently."
"So..." Rick looks at him with question. "What did the find doctor have to say?"
"I've got Irlen's," Ty confirms. Even though there was hesitance in his eyes when he looked to Libby, there was a new element of relief as well. "Guess I'm a medium case - not the worst, but bad enough it messes with me."
Rick nods, very glad to know that they had finally figured out what was going on, and so glad that it was something like this, rather than a learning disorder which could have no remedy. "What's your color?"
"Kinda a burnt red."
Rick grins. "At least it wasn't pick or purple."
Ty laughs and nods. "Yeah, that was a relief. Wouldn't want to walk around with pink glasses. Might do damage to my reputation."
"So what did they recommend?"
"Um, glasses. They know what I need so... they said with any luck they could have them ready by tomorrow afternoon. Already picked out frames. They'll give me an overlay too for reading stuff or whatever if I don't have my glasses on."
"Well that's fantastic, Ty." Rick pats his shoulder. "Good for you. This is great news."
Ty's cheeks grow a little warm, but he still smiles, his eyes roaming back to Libby. "I guess I've got the two of you to thank for this. I... I wouldn't have come otherwise."
Sparky yawns and trudges down the bunkhouse steps. Even though his body had not wanted to roll out of bed this early, his mind hadn't let him sleep any longer. He had too many thoughts running through his mind to leave him be. Maybe a cup of coffee would do the trick in a while and he could perk up for the day.
Tucking his hands in his denim jacket pockets, he heads towards the barn, yawning again as his boots crunch on the gravel. Reaching the door, he's just ready to open it when he realizes that someone is standing out by one of the pasture fences. He squints out from under his hat, finding it difficult to focus in this gray light right before the sunrise. Realizing who it is, a small smile creases his lips and he leaves the barn be for now. He was early anyway.
Ambling across the driveway then the grass, he approaches Faith slowly, coming up beside her to lean on the fence. "You're up awfully early," he greets quietly. He has no control over his lips as they curl into another smile. "Waiting for someone?"
9/16/10
Sunrise
Looking up from the game he was playing on his PS3 Trey lifts an eyebrow hearing Pete's voice and the hushed tone. Pausing the game he wondered if he heard Pete right, he wanted to take him to another party even after getting in trouble yesterday?
"Yeah, I'd love to get out again but wont you get in trouble by the boss man up top? He seemed pretty steamed about yesterday."
Turning his attachen back to the video game he was playing and he unpauses the game for a moment and starts to move his fingers on the controller just drawing silent for a long moment. Continuing to watch the TV he talks again to Pete.
"Why would you want to take me out again when you know you would be in trouble?"
Leaning on the fence that overlooked the pasture to the north Faith took in a deep breath of air. Though she was still weak and she walked with a cane for now, it was amazing she could walk at all. Her strength was slowly coming back to her each day and Angel was impressed with how well she recovered. Soon she'd be as good as new, and it was something she looked forward to. Being able to ride with Sparky again was something she truly looked forward too.
Watching as the sun would soon rise a smile spreads across her lips just thinking about him. He'd been so good to her since she had come here, and as she was recovering. Never minding helping her, and be there for her. He was truly a gift and she loved every moment spent with him.
She was up early this morning, knowing the sun would rise, and he would be working in the barn soon. Maybe she would catch him before he want to work, and they could watch the sun together.
Getting into the office and siting down at her desk Misty looks over a few folders before looking up at the blinking computer. Her tests from last night were done, and could be checked now. Standing and moving over to the other computer she rubs her eyes for a moment before flipping the monitor on and looking everything open.
Giving it a once over and looking away Misty quickly looks back again realizing what she had seen. Much of the DNA strings matched in both blood, only a few things were off but not enough to matter. But the only way for this to happen was if Jason and Trey were brother?
Moving quickly Misty pulls out a few more test pallets and gets to work completely forgetting about everything else for now. She wanted to run a few more test just to make sure this was correct before calling Rick. How could this happen, and to have Trey show up here of all place was a little to strange for her.
"Yeah, I'd love to get out again but wont you get in trouble by the boss man up top? He seemed pretty steamed about yesterday."
Turning his attachen back to the video game he was playing and he unpauses the game for a moment and starts to move his fingers on the controller just drawing silent for a long moment. Continuing to watch the TV he talks again to Pete.
"Why would you want to take me out again when you know you would be in trouble?"
Leaning on the fence that overlooked the pasture to the north Faith took in a deep breath of air. Though she was still weak and she walked with a cane for now, it was amazing she could walk at all. Her strength was slowly coming back to her each day and Angel was impressed with how well she recovered. Soon she'd be as good as new, and it was something she looked forward to. Being able to ride with Sparky again was something she truly looked forward too.
Watching as the sun would soon rise a smile spreads across her lips just thinking about him. He'd been so good to her since she had come here, and as she was recovering. Never minding helping her, and be there for her. He was truly a gift and she loved every moment spent with him.
She was up early this morning, knowing the sun would rise, and he would be working in the barn soon. Maybe she would catch him before he want to work, and they could watch the sun together.
Getting into the office and siting down at her desk Misty looks over a few folders before looking up at the blinking computer. Her tests from last night were done, and could be checked now. Standing and moving over to the other computer she rubs her eyes for a moment before flipping the monitor on and looking everything open.
Giving it a once over and looking away Misty quickly looks back again realizing what she had seen. Much of the DNA strings matched in both blood, only a few things were off but not enough to matter. But the only way for this to happen was if Jason and Trey were brother?
Moving quickly Misty pulls out a few more test pallets and gets to work completely forgetting about everything else for now. She wanted to run a few more test just to make sure this was correct before calling Rick. How could this happen, and to have Trey show up here of all place was a little to strange for her.
Out again
"Is she gonna be okay?"
Justin glances to the passenger seat at Scott as they drive back to Brookshire. "I don't know, Scott."
Scott rests his head against the window, utterly exhausted from the events of the day and even more emotionally distraught. He didn't have much else to say... what was there? Hope might very well die... he might very well have spoken to her for the last time. And now all that could be done was wait - the worst kind of torture.
Justin sighs and reaches for his phone, flipping it open and dialing. "Jenny... yeah, it's Justin. Listen, tell Linda that her car's at Franklin Hospital and try to get her not to press any kind of charges, will you? Naw, it's all fine. Tell Doctor Hawks I'm bringing Scott back now okay? Oh, and if Linda wants a ride back here for the car, I can bring her after I get there. Yeah... I know you can convince her not to be too angry." He smiles. "Thanks, Jenny. Bye."
Pete pokes his head around the partially opened door and scans the room for Trey. "Hey..." He grins and raps a knuckle on the door before putting a finger to his lips. "Shh... tomorrow night... wanna go out again?" He was busy with Nikki tonight, but tomorrow it was back to the lake. "Same bunch - lake again. Normally don't do it this often but somebody convinced 'em to. My passenger seat is empty if you wanna come again."
Seeing Axel come through the door, Quinn sighs. He'd had a small hope that he'd deal with a different mechanic today. No such luck. After hearing no word about his car, he'd remained at the hotel until he was bored out of his mind, then had finally called a taxi. Now at the shop, he'd inquired about his car and of course, it was Axel that had appeared. Leaning on the customer counter, his fingers fidget with a pen. "So what's the damage?"
"Don't know."
Quinn quirks an eyebrow. It was early afternoon... they'd had the rest of the day yesterday and half the day today and still nothing? "You're kidding."
"Nope." Axel wanders a little closer, crossing his arms. "As far as all eyes and computers are concerned... there's no reason for your car not to start."
"Well, there has to be a reason. Do I have to take it somewhere else?"
"You can if you want." Axel shrugs. "I don't care. But I have to say that I'm not convinced anyone else will find anything wrong either."
Quinn shifts his weight from one foot to the other, studying his brother's eyes. He wonders if Axel had visited the same reasoning as he had. "So... it's a phantom problem or what? Engine won't start. There has to be a reason."
"I said as far as eyes and computers were concerned," Axel repeats. "I didn't say there wasn't a reason at all."
"So what's the reason?"
Axel hesitates. It seemed too far-fetched. It seemed crazy, illogical and he could only imagine what the others would think. He opens his mouth but closes it again, trying to find the best way to say it, and not even sure if he had the guts.
Quinn's fingers tighten around the pen as he stares at his brother. He could feel his stomach take an odd turn and his jaw tenses. "You think it's God, don't you?"
Axel swallows hard. "There's been an awful lot of coincidences in two day's time."
"For what purpose would He keep me here?"
"Reconciliation?" Even that seemed far-fetched and Axel could feel his pulse quicken.
Quinn wasn't sure he was ready for that one. He sets down the pen and finally lowers his gaze, turning to pace the waiting area. "That takes two willing parties," he counters.
"And you're not one of them?"
"I thought you weren't."
Axel's mouth turns up in a wry but sad grin. "Yeah... I'm not sure either of us is willing. You think I betrayed you, and I think you abandoned me. Both of us have solid ground to stand on with our perspectives and we're both stubborn enough not to be moved."
Quinn faces him again and stands still. "I suppose so that means we're just gonna have to wait out God."
"At least we probably won't get swallowed by a big fish."
Quinn almost smiles, thinking about them versus Jonah. "I haven't received a direct command, have you?"
"Naw..." Axel shrugs. "But then... sometimes I have trouble hearing the still quiet voice, so I might have missed it."
Quinn had always wondered if Axel still held a faith. It was hard to believe a man convicted and sent to prison would have remained a believer...if he'd been guilty. But it was pretty obvious that Axel wasn't just making these things up - he meant them... And they also struck Quinn down deep. "Me too."
Sighing, Axel looks up at the clock on the wall. "I know you have to leave town. We could always try having a decent conversation and see if that works."
"You mean for my car?"
It sounded ridiculous, but Axel shrugs again. "Why not? If it doesn't work, all we did was waist a little bit of time and you can take your car somewhere else."
"And you?"
"I won't make you stay."
Quinn shifts uncomfortably, weighing his options. Did he want to work things out with his brother? His mind wanders to the conversations with Anastasia... to the conversations with his own conscience... to his desperate prayers. His inner being knew what was right. His inner being knew that remaining as they were was not right. Yet his humanness fought against these things. He wanted to hold onto his grudge. He wanted to remember the past. But... what was the harm in a few minutes of time with Axel? What did he really have to lose? "Okay."
Axel couldn't help it that his eyebrows rise. He was very surprised, but tries to maintain composure. "How about my place?"
"Well, obviously, I don't have a ride."
Axel points to the ceiling. "Won't need one. I... live above the garage..."
...Quinn's eyes roam the apartment, taking notice of everything, even the little details like the color of throw pillows on the couch. It seemed to be clean and neat - that fit Axel's personality as far as he could remember. Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary, and Quinn wasn't surprised to see a fishbowl with fish over in one corner. "Nice."
"Thank you." Axel opens his refrigerator, glancing inside. "Jess and I finished up the orange juice this morning... but I still got some pepsi, milk and water. Want anything?"
Quinn bypasses the question. "She live with you?"
Axel straightens and lets the fridge door fall shut. His gaze is a cold one for seeing that Quinn actually felt the need to ask. "No." He cocks his head. "I've actually managed to live with integrity, despite my reputation. It's called purity. What about you?"
Quinn's jaw tightens, but he supposes that he'd deserved that. It hadn't been any of his business whether Axel's girlfriend lived here, spent the nights here, or did nothing of the sort. However, it was now obvious that Axel was living with a clean slate. "I'd like to think I saved myself for someone special."
"Where is she?"
"In a fairytale somewhere."
Axel searches his brother's face, his initial irritation subsiding. There was something mellow in Quinn's tone... sadness? Nostalgia? Either way, it appeared he didn't have a girl at the moment. Interesting. "You want something to drink or not?"
"No... thanks."
Axel sighs and turns to the living room, offering Quinn a seat. He takes the chair while Quinn takes the end of the couch, and for several minutes, there is only silence. Axel clears his throat awkwardly, feeling the need to be the first to speak again, but what to talk about, he really didn't know. Discussing the past seemed a task neither of them could handle. "I saw a guitar case in your car," he muses. "Looked like an acoustic."
"Mm-hmm."
"What kind?"
"Taylor."
Axel quirks an eyebrow. "Nice."
"You still play?"
"Once in a while." Axel rubs his hand. "I fill in for someone every now and then."
Quinn couldn't help it that his curiosity was piqued. "For who?"
"Ever heard of Cryptic?"
Quinn had, actually. It wasn't a huge name, but he'd heard it a few times and even caught a song or two on the radio a once or twice. Was Axel actually connected to them? "Yeah...?"
"I run sound. Backup vocals... fill in drums or guitar once in a while if needed."
Quinn blinks. He'd had no idea that Axel had kept up with music at all, let alone with a real band. "Impressive."
"Not really." Axel shrugs. "You?"
"I do my own stuff." Quinn doesn't try to make it sound great - it really wasn't. "Nothing incredible. Small gigs."
"On your way to a gig now?"
"Kind of. Just... heading west. Pick up interest where I go. One day I'll hit the right town."
"Oh." Axel cringes inwardly at the new awkward silence. He hated it. Maybe they should just quit beating around the bush, whether it was most comfortable or not. "I'm sorry you had to run into me," he finally states. "I know you didn't plan it."
"You're telling me." Quinn scoffs. "I guess I figured I'd never see you again."
"And... you would have preferred that?"
"Yeah." Quinn wasn't going to lie. His eyes meet Axel's head-on. "Never thought it was worth it to try and see you."
"Because I was guilty?"
"Yep."
Axel nods slowly, then bends forward to rest his elbows on his knees and stare at the floor. He'd determined not to beg, not to defend, not to try and convince. But... if he didn't try one more time, would he not always wonder? "I wasn't guilty, Quinn." His voice has quieted. "I was innocent."
"Proof?"
"There is none."
"So you still expect me to just blindly believe you."
Axel looks up once more. "What's blind about believing in someone's proven character?"
"So because you were a good guy, I'm supposed to believe you could do no wrong."
"We all make bad choices," Axel reasons. "But rape? Me? I've never understood how you could believe it, even through all the accusations."
Quinn didn't know either. "There was proof. Evidence."
"And it's impossible for there to be liars in the system or tampered evidence, right?"
Quinn swallows hard, beginning to feel more uncomfortable. Searching his brother's eyes, he isn't even sure if he wants the truth. If he were right all these years, then he was staring at someone who didn't deserve to live. If he had been wrong, then he had a terrible guilt. "Did you do it?"
Axel stares back at him bravely. And for the first time, he could respond with confidence. No more questioning himself. No more questioning his innocence. "No."
The truth in his tone was undeniable. Even to Quinn. He looks down then back up again, not even sure what to say now or how to react. The air is still thick, the tension still high, both men shift uneasily. And both at the same time decide to stand and pace. Almost running into each other, Axel sits back down and allows Quinn the floor.
Quinn wanders over to the window and looks out, sighing deeply. "What now, AJ?"
Axel looks up quickly, not having heard that in years. "I guess we..." He hesitates, not knowing the answer. "I don't know. What do you want?"
Quinn shrugs lamely, still looking out the window. "I don't know. I thought I wanted to see you pay or something. Or just be able to reject you out of spite."
"And... and now?"
"I just want this whole thing to end."
Axel leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Me too."
Justin glances to the passenger seat at Scott as they drive back to Brookshire. "I don't know, Scott."
Scott rests his head against the window, utterly exhausted from the events of the day and even more emotionally distraught. He didn't have much else to say... what was there? Hope might very well die... he might very well have spoken to her for the last time. And now all that could be done was wait - the worst kind of torture.
Justin sighs and reaches for his phone, flipping it open and dialing. "Jenny... yeah, it's Justin. Listen, tell Linda that her car's at Franklin Hospital and try to get her not to press any kind of charges, will you? Naw, it's all fine. Tell Doctor Hawks I'm bringing Scott back now okay? Oh, and if Linda wants a ride back here for the car, I can bring her after I get there. Yeah... I know you can convince her not to be too angry." He smiles. "Thanks, Jenny. Bye."
Pete pokes his head around the partially opened door and scans the room for Trey. "Hey..." He grins and raps a knuckle on the door before putting a finger to his lips. "Shh... tomorrow night... wanna go out again?" He was busy with Nikki tonight, but tomorrow it was back to the lake. "Same bunch - lake again. Normally don't do it this often but somebody convinced 'em to. My passenger seat is empty if you wanna come again."
Seeing Axel come through the door, Quinn sighs. He'd had a small hope that he'd deal with a different mechanic today. No such luck. After hearing no word about his car, he'd remained at the hotel until he was bored out of his mind, then had finally called a taxi. Now at the shop, he'd inquired about his car and of course, it was Axel that had appeared. Leaning on the customer counter, his fingers fidget with a pen. "So what's the damage?"
"Don't know."
Quinn quirks an eyebrow. It was early afternoon... they'd had the rest of the day yesterday and half the day today and still nothing? "You're kidding."
"Nope." Axel wanders a little closer, crossing his arms. "As far as all eyes and computers are concerned... there's no reason for your car not to start."
"Well, there has to be a reason. Do I have to take it somewhere else?"
"You can if you want." Axel shrugs. "I don't care. But I have to say that I'm not convinced anyone else will find anything wrong either."
Quinn shifts his weight from one foot to the other, studying his brother's eyes. He wonders if Axel had visited the same reasoning as he had. "So... it's a phantom problem or what? Engine won't start. There has to be a reason."
"I said as far as eyes and computers were concerned," Axel repeats. "I didn't say there wasn't a reason at all."
"So what's the reason?"
Axel hesitates. It seemed too far-fetched. It seemed crazy, illogical and he could only imagine what the others would think. He opens his mouth but closes it again, trying to find the best way to say it, and not even sure if he had the guts.
Quinn's fingers tighten around the pen as he stares at his brother. He could feel his stomach take an odd turn and his jaw tenses. "You think it's God, don't you?"
Axel swallows hard. "There's been an awful lot of coincidences in two day's time."
"For what purpose would He keep me here?"
"Reconciliation?" Even that seemed far-fetched and Axel could feel his pulse quicken.
Quinn wasn't sure he was ready for that one. He sets down the pen and finally lowers his gaze, turning to pace the waiting area. "That takes two willing parties," he counters.
"And you're not one of them?"
"I thought you weren't."
Axel's mouth turns up in a wry but sad grin. "Yeah... I'm not sure either of us is willing. You think I betrayed you, and I think you abandoned me. Both of us have solid ground to stand on with our perspectives and we're both stubborn enough not to be moved."
Quinn faces him again and stands still. "I suppose so that means we're just gonna have to wait out God."
"At least we probably won't get swallowed by a big fish."
Quinn almost smiles, thinking about them versus Jonah. "I haven't received a direct command, have you?"
"Naw..." Axel shrugs. "But then... sometimes I have trouble hearing the still quiet voice, so I might have missed it."
Quinn had always wondered if Axel still held a faith. It was hard to believe a man convicted and sent to prison would have remained a believer...if he'd been guilty. But it was pretty obvious that Axel wasn't just making these things up - he meant them... And they also struck Quinn down deep. "Me too."
Sighing, Axel looks up at the clock on the wall. "I know you have to leave town. We could always try having a decent conversation and see if that works."
"You mean for my car?"
It sounded ridiculous, but Axel shrugs again. "Why not? If it doesn't work, all we did was waist a little bit of time and you can take your car somewhere else."
"And you?"
"I won't make you stay."
Quinn shifts uncomfortably, weighing his options. Did he want to work things out with his brother? His mind wanders to the conversations with Anastasia... to the conversations with his own conscience... to his desperate prayers. His inner being knew what was right. His inner being knew that remaining as they were was not right. Yet his humanness fought against these things. He wanted to hold onto his grudge. He wanted to remember the past. But... what was the harm in a few minutes of time with Axel? What did he really have to lose? "Okay."
Axel couldn't help it that his eyebrows rise. He was very surprised, but tries to maintain composure. "How about my place?"
"Well, obviously, I don't have a ride."
Axel points to the ceiling. "Won't need one. I... live above the garage..."
...Quinn's eyes roam the apartment, taking notice of everything, even the little details like the color of throw pillows on the couch. It seemed to be clean and neat - that fit Axel's personality as far as he could remember. Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary, and Quinn wasn't surprised to see a fishbowl with fish over in one corner. "Nice."
"Thank you." Axel opens his refrigerator, glancing inside. "Jess and I finished up the orange juice this morning... but I still got some pepsi, milk and water. Want anything?"
Quinn bypasses the question. "She live with you?"
Axel straightens and lets the fridge door fall shut. His gaze is a cold one for seeing that Quinn actually felt the need to ask. "No." He cocks his head. "I've actually managed to live with integrity, despite my reputation. It's called purity. What about you?"
Quinn's jaw tightens, but he supposes that he'd deserved that. It hadn't been any of his business whether Axel's girlfriend lived here, spent the nights here, or did nothing of the sort. However, it was now obvious that Axel was living with a clean slate. "I'd like to think I saved myself for someone special."
"Where is she?"
"In a fairytale somewhere."
Axel searches his brother's face, his initial irritation subsiding. There was something mellow in Quinn's tone... sadness? Nostalgia? Either way, it appeared he didn't have a girl at the moment. Interesting. "You want something to drink or not?"
"No... thanks."
Axel sighs and turns to the living room, offering Quinn a seat. He takes the chair while Quinn takes the end of the couch, and for several minutes, there is only silence. Axel clears his throat awkwardly, feeling the need to be the first to speak again, but what to talk about, he really didn't know. Discussing the past seemed a task neither of them could handle. "I saw a guitar case in your car," he muses. "Looked like an acoustic."
"Mm-hmm."
"What kind?"
"Taylor."
Axel quirks an eyebrow. "Nice."
"You still play?"
"Once in a while." Axel rubs his hand. "I fill in for someone every now and then."
Quinn couldn't help it that his curiosity was piqued. "For who?"
"Ever heard of Cryptic?"
Quinn had, actually. It wasn't a huge name, but he'd heard it a few times and even caught a song or two on the radio a once or twice. Was Axel actually connected to them? "Yeah...?"
"I run sound. Backup vocals... fill in drums or guitar once in a while if needed."
Quinn blinks. He'd had no idea that Axel had kept up with music at all, let alone with a real band. "Impressive."
"Not really." Axel shrugs. "You?"
"I do my own stuff." Quinn doesn't try to make it sound great - it really wasn't. "Nothing incredible. Small gigs."
"On your way to a gig now?"
"Kind of. Just... heading west. Pick up interest where I go. One day I'll hit the right town."
"Oh." Axel cringes inwardly at the new awkward silence. He hated it. Maybe they should just quit beating around the bush, whether it was most comfortable or not. "I'm sorry you had to run into me," he finally states. "I know you didn't plan it."
"You're telling me." Quinn scoffs. "I guess I figured I'd never see you again."
"And... you would have preferred that?"
"Yeah." Quinn wasn't going to lie. His eyes meet Axel's head-on. "Never thought it was worth it to try and see you."
"Because I was guilty?"
"Yep."
Axel nods slowly, then bends forward to rest his elbows on his knees and stare at the floor. He'd determined not to beg, not to defend, not to try and convince. But... if he didn't try one more time, would he not always wonder? "I wasn't guilty, Quinn." His voice has quieted. "I was innocent."
"Proof?"
"There is none."
"So you still expect me to just blindly believe you."
Axel looks up once more. "What's blind about believing in someone's proven character?"
"So because you were a good guy, I'm supposed to believe you could do no wrong."
"We all make bad choices," Axel reasons. "But rape? Me? I've never understood how you could believe it, even through all the accusations."
Quinn didn't know either. "There was proof. Evidence."
"And it's impossible for there to be liars in the system or tampered evidence, right?"
Quinn swallows hard, beginning to feel more uncomfortable. Searching his brother's eyes, he isn't even sure if he wants the truth. If he were right all these years, then he was staring at someone who didn't deserve to live. If he had been wrong, then he had a terrible guilt. "Did you do it?"
Axel stares back at him bravely. And for the first time, he could respond with confidence. No more questioning himself. No more questioning his innocence. "No."
The truth in his tone was undeniable. Even to Quinn. He looks down then back up again, not even sure what to say now or how to react. The air is still thick, the tension still high, both men shift uneasily. And both at the same time decide to stand and pace. Almost running into each other, Axel sits back down and allows Quinn the floor.
Quinn wanders over to the window and looks out, sighing deeply. "What now, AJ?"
Axel looks up quickly, not having heard that in years. "I guess we..." He hesitates, not knowing the answer. "I don't know. What do you want?"
Quinn shrugs lamely, still looking out the window. "I don't know. I thought I wanted to see you pay or something. Or just be able to reject you out of spite."
"And... and now?"
"I just want this whole thing to end."
Axel leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Me too."
Leave
Receiving the goodbye kiss from Scott Hope didn't want to say good night but she new it had to be. Would Scott be back? She didn't think he would. Not because he didn't want to but because he probably shouldn't have left to start with and to do it again might cause him never to get out.
Giving a smile and a slight nod as Scott leaves Hope leans her head back again and closing her eyes. The room was quiet other than the sound of the different equipment hooked up to her. Feeling so tired Hope closes her eyes and finally drifts off to sleep again not being able to stay awake anymore.
Sitting, waiting, standing and pacing Sapphire waits, and waits a little longer. Every passing moment was like an eternity. Not knowing what was going on with Gage was the worst, and it made her worry even more.
Finally seeing the Dr come out to her Sapphire stands her heart thumping in her chest. It felt so loud to her she thought it might jump right out of her chest. Just listing Her heart dosnt slow as she hears what is wrong. Lack of sleep...he was taking something to stay awake? Feeling this was a little bit her falt Sapphire wraps her arms around herself.
"Yes I'd like to see him, thank you Dr."
Heading down the hall Sapphire follows the directions and gets to Gage's room. Entering and seeing everything hooked up to him a sick feeling hit her stomach. Pulling a chair over to the bed Sapphire slips her hand into his. It felt so close, he looked so small and tired in the bed.
"Oh Gage, you didn't have to stay awake for me. Please don't leave me now..your the only thing good in my life."
Bringing his hand to her lips she gives it a kiss saying a silent prayer in her head. She'd never met someone she felt so strongly about before and now to have him she didn't want to have to say good bye. She felt complete with him in her life.
Giving a smile and a slight nod as Scott leaves Hope leans her head back again and closing her eyes. The room was quiet other than the sound of the different equipment hooked up to her. Feeling so tired Hope closes her eyes and finally drifts off to sleep again not being able to stay awake anymore.
Sitting, waiting, standing and pacing Sapphire waits, and waits a little longer. Every passing moment was like an eternity. Not knowing what was going on with Gage was the worst, and it made her worry even more.
Finally seeing the Dr come out to her Sapphire stands her heart thumping in her chest. It felt so loud to her she thought it might jump right out of her chest. Just listing Her heart dosnt slow as she hears what is wrong. Lack of sleep...he was taking something to stay awake? Feeling this was a little bit her falt Sapphire wraps her arms around herself.
"Yes I'd like to see him, thank you Dr."
Heading down the hall Sapphire follows the directions and gets to Gage's room. Entering and seeing everything hooked up to him a sick feeling hit her stomach. Pulling a chair over to the bed Sapphire slips her hand into his. It felt so close, he looked so small and tired in the bed.
"Oh Gage, you didn't have to stay awake for me. Please don't leave me now..your the only thing good in my life."
Bringing his hand to her lips she gives it a kiss saying a silent prayer in her head. She'd never met someone she felt so strongly about before and now to have him she didn't want to have to say good bye. She felt complete with him in her life.
9/15/10
Ready
Hearing the nurse, Scott doesn't move yet. He knew Justin was waiting on him as well, but it didn't make it any easier.
Finally, he lifts his head and gives Hope's hand another squeeze. "I love you too," he whispers. He probably wouldn't be back - he knew that. He'd already broken a whole list of rules and would be lucky if Brookshire didn't lock him up. It wasn't as easy as just packing up and leaving from a place like that... once in the system, there were channels, and he'd completely overstepped his bounds on this one. Justin might help him, but even so, it wouldn't be easy, and... there was a chance that Hope wouldn't survive either. Even though he didn't want to acknowledge it, it was still a fact.
Leaning down, Scott gives Hope's lips a tender kiss. He couldn't say goodbye, so he would just leave it as it was. Slowly backing away from the bed, his fingers slip from hers. He glances at the nurse before his eyes fall to the floor and he trudges out of the room.
Justin spots him and approaches slowly. "You ready?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yeah."
Scott looks up to see his face. "I'm ready."
Left stranded in the hall, Alec stares after Sapphire as she follows the medics. He shrugs lamely. "Okay then," he says to the empty hall. Turning around, he goes back to his apartment, only to reemerge with his keys and jacket.
The ride to the hospital is a swift one and the medical team does what it can, though Gage's eyes do not open. Once to the hospital, they take him to the ER but force Sapphire to wait outside while the doctors are summoned.
It's at least an hour later before a doctor finds Sapphire in the waiting room. "Hi, Miss... Johnson?" He smiles kindly. "I want you to know that Gage is stable and we have him in his own room now." He glances at his clipboard and sighs. "Unfortunately, we don't know long he's going to be asleep. Apparently, he's been taking a drug that is usually used to keep an individual alert, however, it's often misused as an upper and often results in an overdose. However, I think in Gage's case, it isn't that he took too much at once, but I believe his body is severely sleep deprived."
The doctor cocks his head. "You see, eventually if a body doesn't get enough sleep, it will simply shut down. Though I'm unsure, my guess would be that Gage was keeping himself awake for so long that it finally caught up with him."
He purses his lips grimly. "Though he is stable right now, he has entered into a coma. It could last only a few hours or a few days, or... well, my guess would be a few days." He doesn't voice that it could be indefinite. "Right now, the best thing is to simply let his body sleep and slowly recover. We're monitoring him closely." He gestures to the nearby hall. "Feel free to see him if you like."
Finally, he lifts his head and gives Hope's hand another squeeze. "I love you too," he whispers. He probably wouldn't be back - he knew that. He'd already broken a whole list of rules and would be lucky if Brookshire didn't lock him up. It wasn't as easy as just packing up and leaving from a place like that... once in the system, there were channels, and he'd completely overstepped his bounds on this one. Justin might help him, but even so, it wouldn't be easy, and... there was a chance that Hope wouldn't survive either. Even though he didn't want to acknowledge it, it was still a fact.
Leaning down, Scott gives Hope's lips a tender kiss. He couldn't say goodbye, so he would just leave it as it was. Slowly backing away from the bed, his fingers slip from hers. He glances at the nurse before his eyes fall to the floor and he trudges out of the room.
Justin spots him and approaches slowly. "You ready?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yeah."
Scott looks up to see his face. "I'm ready."
Left stranded in the hall, Alec stares after Sapphire as she follows the medics. He shrugs lamely. "Okay then," he says to the empty hall. Turning around, he goes back to his apartment, only to reemerge with his keys and jacket.
The ride to the hospital is a swift one and the medical team does what it can, though Gage's eyes do not open. Once to the hospital, they take him to the ER but force Sapphire to wait outside while the doctors are summoned.
It's at least an hour later before a doctor finds Sapphire in the waiting room. "Hi, Miss... Johnson?" He smiles kindly. "I want you to know that Gage is stable and we have him in his own room now." He glances at his clipboard and sighs. "Unfortunately, we don't know long he's going to be asleep. Apparently, he's been taking a drug that is usually used to keep an individual alert, however, it's often misused as an upper and often results in an overdose. However, I think in Gage's case, it isn't that he took too much at once, but I believe his body is severely sleep deprived."
The doctor cocks his head. "You see, eventually if a body doesn't get enough sleep, it will simply shut down. Though I'm unsure, my guess would be that Gage was keeping himself awake for so long that it finally caught up with him."
He purses his lips grimly. "Though he is stable right now, he has entered into a coma. It could last only a few hours or a few days, or... well, my guess would be a few days." He doesn't voice that it could be indefinite. "Right now, the best thing is to simply let his body sleep and slowly recover. We're monitoring him closely." He gestures to the nearby hall. "Feel free to see him if you like."
Very Much
Once the ambulance gets to the apartment and it fills with everyone Sapphire is forced to step aside. Trying to pay attachen to what they were saying and what was going on her mind reeled. How did this happen? Why did this happen? Gage overdosed? On what? Gage wouldn't do that...would he?
Following behind everyone as they carried Gage out Sapphire walked close. She was going to ride to the hosp with Gage in the back. She didn't care if she didn't have her car. Just being with Gage and knowing what was wrong was important to her. Stopping at the sound of Alec's voice Sapphire stops and turns. Her eyes were full of worry.
"I don't know. I came over for dinner with Gage and he wouldn't want up. He's sick from the sound of it but they wont tell me anything else. I am heading to the hospital now with them."
Wanting to talk to Alec more about the matter Sapphire new she could not. She needed to keep following so they didn't leave with out her. She wanted to be there knowing Gage had no one else.
"Sorry Alec, I'll talk to you a little later."
Hearing Scott's words it lifts a little bit of a weight off her shoulders. Though Scott didn't say it in a way he did forgive her.
"Thank you Scott."
Leaning her head back again and closes her eyes Hope keeps her fingers grasping Scott. She didn't want to let him go even if she new she would have too.
"I won't let go...not yet..I'll try my hardest to keep my light glowing for you."
Entering the room a tall thin nurse looks in on them for a moment and held a soft look on her face seeing Scott and Hope so close. She hated to break them up, but she had too.
"I'm sorry Hun, Hope needs her rest now. Tomorrow if you like you can come back."
Opening her eyes again and looking up at the nurse before looking to Scott again Hope smiled the best she could. For Scott she didn't want him to worry any more than he already would be. She'd try to fight this as much as she could.
"I love you Scott very very much."
Following behind everyone as they carried Gage out Sapphire walked close. She was going to ride to the hosp with Gage in the back. She didn't care if she didn't have her car. Just being with Gage and knowing what was wrong was important to her. Stopping at the sound of Alec's voice Sapphire stops and turns. Her eyes were full of worry.
"I don't know. I came over for dinner with Gage and he wouldn't want up. He's sick from the sound of it but they wont tell me anything else. I am heading to the hospital now with them."
Wanting to talk to Alec more about the matter Sapphire new she could not. She needed to keep following so they didn't leave with out her. She wanted to be there knowing Gage had no one else.
"Sorry Alec, I'll talk to you a little later."
Hearing Scott's words it lifts a little bit of a weight off her shoulders. Though Scott didn't say it in a way he did forgive her.
"Thank you Scott."
Leaning her head back again and closes her eyes Hope keeps her fingers grasping Scott. She didn't want to let him go even if she new she would have too.
"I won't let go...not yet..I'll try my hardest to keep my light glowing for you."
Entering the room a tall thin nurse looks in on them for a moment and held a soft look on her face seeing Scott and Hope so close. She hated to break them up, but she had too.
"I'm sorry Hun, Hope needs her rest now. Tomorrow if you like you can come back."
Opening her eyes again and looking up at the nurse before looking to Scott again Hope smiled the best she could. For Scott she didn't want him to worry any more than he already would be. She'd try to fight this as much as she could.
"I love you Scott very very much."
My light
Receiving Sapphire's call, Susanne's eyes widen. She opens her mouth but doesn't even have time to respond before Sapphire hangs up. Still a bit shocked, Susanne tries to locate Reese. He would definitely want to know about this. Whether or not Gage was out on his own, the Elite still had a certain amount of responsibility for the young man and Reese still looked after him, whether Gage knew it or not.
A familiar voice seems to echo in the darkness like someone calling through a thick fog. Gage reaches out to it, wanting to draw near, almost feeling something like comfort. But no matter how many steps he takes, he doesn't seem to come any closer. The voice was still far away and he was so tired... so tired of trying to reach it. Unmoving, he remains quiet and still.
The sounds of a siren wail through the air as the ambulance races across town. Getting through traffic, it finally arrives at the apartment building, several EMTs getting out and retrieving a stretcher before heading up the three flights of stairs.
Getting to Gage's apartment and being let inside, they make sure they understand everything correctly from Sapphire while checking on Gage, feeling his pulse and looking at his eyes. Speaking amongst themselves, they make quick work of getting Gage onto the stretcher. Words like "overdose" and "malnutrition" seem to be threaded into their initial theories, but they don't express anything to Sapphire directly. Once out in the hall, they head carefully down the stairs.
Hearing all the ruckus, Alec looks out his window, disinterested in the ambulance until he hears them on his floor. Cracking his door, he looks out, now very surprised to see them at Gage's place, then even more so when he sees it's Gage they've come for.
Seeing Sapphire behind the medical team, he slips out into the hall, getting her attention with a touch to the shoulder. "Sapphire? What's going on? What's wrong with Gage?"
Scott doesn't move, but sighs deeply as Hope touches his face. It had been a long time since he'd felt that, and it did feel so good, like some kind of long lost friend. Her plea for forgiveness forces his eyes to meet hers, and for a moment, it seems time slows. His gaze might seem empty to some, with one eye so gray and lifeless... but the other was a window into the very depths of his being, to someone who knew how to read him.
His mind works through her question. Forgiveness was a choice, regardless of any emotions. Deep down, he could still feel the bitter pangs of betrayal. But they weren't as prominent now... not as easily felt, and less likely to surface. Yes, they were still there, but... he could no longer hold her decisions against her.
"You made the right choice," he assures quietly. He closes his eyes, imagining for a moment that they were somewhere other than this dreaded hospital room. "I belonged there... I still do... for a while longer."
After a moment, he opens his eyes again, his voice still soft. "There's nothing to forgive. You have... been my light. Even when... when I locked you out." A new tear rolls down his cheek to land on her hand. "Just hang on... and don't let... don't let that light go out."
A familiar voice seems to echo in the darkness like someone calling through a thick fog. Gage reaches out to it, wanting to draw near, almost feeling something like comfort. But no matter how many steps he takes, he doesn't seem to come any closer. The voice was still far away and he was so tired... so tired of trying to reach it. Unmoving, he remains quiet and still.
The sounds of a siren wail through the air as the ambulance races across town. Getting through traffic, it finally arrives at the apartment building, several EMTs getting out and retrieving a stretcher before heading up the three flights of stairs.
Getting to Gage's apartment and being let inside, they make sure they understand everything correctly from Sapphire while checking on Gage, feeling his pulse and looking at his eyes. Speaking amongst themselves, they make quick work of getting Gage onto the stretcher. Words like "overdose" and "malnutrition" seem to be threaded into their initial theories, but they don't express anything to Sapphire directly. Once out in the hall, they head carefully down the stairs.
Hearing all the ruckus, Alec looks out his window, disinterested in the ambulance until he hears them on his floor. Cracking his door, he looks out, now very surprised to see them at Gage's place, then even more so when he sees it's Gage they've come for.
Seeing Sapphire behind the medical team, he slips out into the hall, getting her attention with a touch to the shoulder. "Sapphire? What's going on? What's wrong with Gage?"
Scott doesn't move, but sighs deeply as Hope touches his face. It had been a long time since he'd felt that, and it did feel so good, like some kind of long lost friend. Her plea for forgiveness forces his eyes to meet hers, and for a moment, it seems time slows. His gaze might seem empty to some, with one eye so gray and lifeless... but the other was a window into the very depths of his being, to someone who knew how to read him.
His mind works through her question. Forgiveness was a choice, regardless of any emotions. Deep down, he could still feel the bitter pangs of betrayal. But they weren't as prominent now... not as easily felt, and less likely to surface. Yes, they were still there, but... he could no longer hold her decisions against her.
"You made the right choice," he assures quietly. He closes his eyes, imagining for a moment that they were somewhere other than this dreaded hospital room. "I belonged there... I still do... for a while longer."
After a moment, he opens his eyes again, his voice still soft. "There's nothing to forgive. You have... been my light. Even when... when I locked you out." A new tear rolls down his cheek to land on her hand. "Just hang on... and don't let... don't let that light go out."
911
Closing her eyes again for a moment as Scott leans his head down on Hope's hand she could feel a few of her own tears room from her eyes and down her cheeks. How did things get so messed up so fast? It was hard to think past this point and to what might really come of this all.
"Scott, thank you...for coming."
Opening her eyes again and bring a hand to the side of his face Hope just runs her thumb over his cheek. She felt so tired, but she wasn't ready to go back to sleep not yet. She'd hold on and she'd try to fight this because she had promised it to Scott but how long could she really hold on she didn't know. There was something on her mind she had to say. Tilting her head a little bit to be able to see into Scott's eyes Hope's held the reflection that her words she spoke were the truth and she meant it.
"I'm sorry I for...forced you to go to Brookshire when you didn't want too. Will you forgive me?"
Sitting on the cot in his so called room Trey is slouched over as he listens to Reese yell at Pete out in the other room. He new someone was going to get into trouble because he was out late but he thought for sure it would be been himself.
Every word he hears Reese yell at Pete his fists clench more, and he cringes inside. He wished Reese would just yell at him and not Pete. He'd just been trying to be a friend and help him get out and about. It wasnt right Pete got yelled at and now him. Just another reason to not care for Reese.
Just continuing to sit in his room Trey doesn't bother getting up right now. If he did, he might end up saying something that would get him in more trouble and he didn't really need that on top of everything else right now.
Looking up at the clock Sapphire see three hours has gone by and still Gage had not moved a muscle. He must have been tired if he was still sleeping but maybe he'd like some dinner.
Slowly walking over to where he was sleeping Sapphire bent down and gave him a little shake.
"Gage hun its time to get up...Gage."
Giving him another shake a little rougher and calling his name louder. Feeling her heart tump in her chest Sapphire can feel a wave of panic as Gage wont wake. Grabbing her phone and dialing the first number that came to mind Sapphire remember Rick was gone, Misty was home already. Not having a chance to hang up Sapphire can hear Susanne's voice on the other end.
"Susanne you need to tell Reese Gage wont wake up, I am calling 911."
Hanging up the phone Sapphire wastes no time in calling 911 and letting them know what was going on to have someone there as soon as possible. Hanging up the phone again all she could do now was wait.
"Hang in there Babe...come on...hang in there."
"Scott, thank you...for coming."
Opening her eyes again and bring a hand to the side of his face Hope just runs her thumb over his cheek. She felt so tired, but she wasn't ready to go back to sleep not yet. She'd hold on and she'd try to fight this because she had promised it to Scott but how long could she really hold on she didn't know. There was something on her mind she had to say. Tilting her head a little bit to be able to see into Scott's eyes Hope's held the reflection that her words she spoke were the truth and she meant it.
"I'm sorry I for...forced you to go to Brookshire when you didn't want too. Will you forgive me?"
Sitting on the cot in his so called room Trey is slouched over as he listens to Reese yell at Pete out in the other room. He new someone was going to get into trouble because he was out late but he thought for sure it would be been himself.
Every word he hears Reese yell at Pete his fists clench more, and he cringes inside. He wished Reese would just yell at him and not Pete. He'd just been trying to be a friend and help him get out and about. It wasnt right Pete got yelled at and now him. Just another reason to not care for Reese.
Just continuing to sit in his room Trey doesn't bother getting up right now. If he did, he might end up saying something that would get him in more trouble and he didn't really need that on top of everything else right now.
Looking up at the clock Sapphire see three hours has gone by and still Gage had not moved a muscle. He must have been tired if he was still sleeping but maybe he'd like some dinner.
Slowly walking over to where he was sleeping Sapphire bent down and gave him a little shake.
"Gage hun its time to get up...Gage."
Giving him another shake a little rougher and calling his name louder. Feeling her heart tump in her chest Sapphire can feel a wave of panic as Gage wont wake. Grabbing her phone and dialing the first number that came to mind Sapphire remember Rick was gone, Misty was home already. Not having a chance to hang up Sapphire can hear Susanne's voice on the other end.
"Susanne you need to tell Reese Gage wont wake up, I am calling 911."
Hanging up the phone Sapphire wastes no time in calling 911 and letting them know what was going on to have someone there as soon as possible. Hanging up the phone again all she could do now was wait.
"Hang in there Babe...come on...hang in there."
Argument
Scott shakes a little, so scared of everything right now... of losing Hope, of himself... of the future. He latches on to her words and tries to let them bring him courage.
Bending forward, he rests his head on top of her hand, feeling her skin in his cheek. Another tear rolls down. "I promise." Would he really not give up? He wanted to almost every day. But if Hope lived, maybe he really did have something to fight for. There was more to this than just him... getting out of Brookshire just wasn't about him... it was about those who loved him, too.
He sniffs and just holds her hand, his head still resting beside her. Oh to just erase everything and go back in time to when things were simpler. "I don't want to lose you either," he whispers. "So you have to hang on... you have to."
Despite Sapphire's entrance and her moving around the apartment, Gage still doesn't stir. He had not heard his alarm, nor had he heard Sapphire's voice or even realized she was giving him a kiss. It was a deep sleep - too deep. A sleep induced by lack of rest, though he had tried so hard to not let his job get to him. But Lonnie's pills were now taking their toll on Gage's body, and no matter how long Sapphire waited or prompted, he would not wake.
"Thank you." Reese enjoys Angelica for a little while longer accepting her support and talking a little bit about Hope. Soon though, he knows he needs to finish off the work day, so he promises to meet back up with her later.
It wasn't too long before his voice and Pete's could be heard in the lower level hall...
"I thought Hal said-"
"Well he was wrong." Reese's tone is stern. "Who do you think you are, taking Trey out of here after curfew? I specifically set up those rules for a reason, and you go and break them."
Pete sets his hands on his hips, letting his eyes drift away to where he knew Trey was probably in his room and could probably hear them. He looks back to Reese. "Look, I just thought he could use some fresh air."
"I don't care what you think! We have protocol in place for a reason. This isn't the first time you crossed the line, and so help me, any more of this and I'll put you on probation."
"For what?! Give a guy a break! So I took Trey out. Big deal. A man's gotta live, ya know? Keep him locked up in here and he's liable to go crazy. You can yell at me until you're blue in the face and I don't care."
"So you admit you're deliberately defying me."
"Call it what you want."
"I'm warning you, Pete... you take him out again and it'll be on your head."
"So sue me." Pete backs away and holds out his arms. "But until you do, don't go trying to break me because it won't work. I won't be a robot."
Reese scoffs and spins on his heel to stalk back up to the main floor, muttering under his breath.
Pete watches him go and sighs, pausing to collect his thoughts before turning around and heading to the rec room, passing Trey's door on his way.
Bending forward, he rests his head on top of her hand, feeling her skin in his cheek. Another tear rolls down. "I promise." Would he really not give up? He wanted to almost every day. But if Hope lived, maybe he really did have something to fight for. There was more to this than just him... getting out of Brookshire just wasn't about him... it was about those who loved him, too.
He sniffs and just holds her hand, his head still resting beside her. Oh to just erase everything and go back in time to when things were simpler. "I don't want to lose you either," he whispers. "So you have to hang on... you have to."
Despite Sapphire's entrance and her moving around the apartment, Gage still doesn't stir. He had not heard his alarm, nor had he heard Sapphire's voice or even realized she was giving him a kiss. It was a deep sleep - too deep. A sleep induced by lack of rest, though he had tried so hard to not let his job get to him. But Lonnie's pills were now taking their toll on Gage's body, and no matter how long Sapphire waited or prompted, he would not wake.
"Thank you." Reese enjoys Angelica for a little while longer accepting her support and talking a little bit about Hope. Soon though, he knows he needs to finish off the work day, so he promises to meet back up with her later.
It wasn't too long before his voice and Pete's could be heard in the lower level hall...
"I thought Hal said-"
"Well he was wrong." Reese's tone is stern. "Who do you think you are, taking Trey out of here after curfew? I specifically set up those rules for a reason, and you go and break them."
Pete sets his hands on his hips, letting his eyes drift away to where he knew Trey was probably in his room and could probably hear them. He looks back to Reese. "Look, I just thought he could use some fresh air."
"I don't care what you think! We have protocol in place for a reason. This isn't the first time you crossed the line, and so help me, any more of this and I'll put you on probation."
"For what?! Give a guy a break! So I took Trey out. Big deal. A man's gotta live, ya know? Keep him locked up in here and he's liable to go crazy. You can yell at me until you're blue in the face and I don't care."
"So you admit you're deliberately defying me."
"Call it what you want."
"I'm warning you, Pete... you take him out again and it'll be on your head."
"So sue me." Pete backs away and holds out his arms. "But until you do, don't go trying to break me because it won't work. I won't be a robot."
Reese scoffs and spins on his heel to stalk back up to the main floor, muttering under his breath.
Pete watches him go and sighs, pausing to collect his thoughts before turning around and heading to the rec room, passing Trey's door on his way.
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