Truth

Continuing to watch her step son Rosetta listened to his words and understand where he might get the idea Mick wouldn't believe him. But what Dylan didn't know was that over the last few years Mick had changed Dylan just wasn't able to see that yet.

"I believe you Dylan, as long as your completely honest with me and don't leave anything out. If you want me to believe you, than I have to know the whole story so there are no surprises. Are you willing to do that?"

Searching his eyes Rosetta new there was more to the story now Dylan just had to tell her. She believed him this far, and she would saw if he was to continue she would too but he had to tell her. Rosetta motions to one of the chairs for Dylan to sit in. She wasn't busy right now and was willing to listen.

Karla gives a giggle as she continued to run her hand through Kip's hair and over his skin. She loved comforting him, and offering what she could. It made her feel like she was wanted and could do some good.

"I think ordering in and snuggling on the couch sounds like a great plan to me."

Leaning down again and giving Kip another kiss before retreating Karla couldn't help the smile that ran across her face. She felt so happy when she was around Kip it was hard to hide it.

Seeing Susanne chuckle a little and smile Chuck was happy to see that. She was relaxing and in this whole mess if it was only a show to her or not that was his main goal was to just get her to relax a little.

As he is offered the pizza a grin forms on Chuck's lips as his heart picks up a little again. This was all a joke to Susanne but something inside Chuck bubbled, and loved every moment of this remembering how he did miss having someone to spend his time with.

"Don't mind if I do."

Taking a bit and chewing he looks up as one of Susanne's friends come over he gives a grin. Just letting Susanne talk he gives a nod keeping his arm around her in a hello. Watching as Darlene walks away Chuck trys to swallow his own laugh. This was fun, and it was funny to see the reaction of the others.

"Well that was fun."

As Susanne leans into his shoulder Chuck can't help but feel the warmth from her and like it. Bringing his arm around her a little more half playing to the other table and half just wanting an arm around her Chuck leans his head on top of hers as he gives his own chuckle again.

"I think you did a great job. Maybe you should see if your boss will give you a raise!"

Hearing Ariel's laugh Trey's attachen snaps up to her. His eyes narrow a little bit as he looked unamused but still there was some kind of twinkle there. Standing and just letting the water drop off to a moment Trey goes to take another step almost slipping again he gets his balance this time and continues out of the water.

"Oh I am sure you do wish you had a camera so you could blackmail me or something right? You know this is your fault right?"

Standing there and looking at Ariel a mischief smile forms on his lips as he looks down at himself and than her again. Taking a few swift movements Trey steps twords Ariel to wraps his arms around her and get her wet as well.

"Come here you...I think you owe me a hug."

Bad actor

Seeing Trey go down, Ariel's eyes widen and she takes a step forward, unsure if he needed help. Noting that he appeared to be okay, she chokes on a laugh and covers her mouth. It didn't help much though as her eyes well up and the laughter bubbles over despite her efforts to keep it in.

Trying to breathe, she manages to speak in between her attempts to stop laughing. "Oh, Trey... are you... are you okay?" His complaint about the seaweed only serves to crack her up again. "I really wish I had a camera right about now."


"Uh..." Susanne knew Chuck was talking to her and she was sure that whatever he was saying was in English and she was supposed to understand. For a moment though, he could have been talking gibberish for all her brain knew.

Blinking again, she comes to her senses, her cheeks turning redder, if that was even possible. "Stay here," she responds quickly, her hand going to his leg to keep him there. "It won't be... as believable, if... if you move."

Turning her eyes back to the table, she realizes her hand is still on his leg and she withdraws quickly as if she'd been shocked. She clears her throat and goes for her glass of water, taking a sip while noting that Chuck's arm was still around her. If this whole thing weren't one big gag, she would stop and consider if she liked his arm there or not. But as it was, it just made the joke better so she didn't move away.

Toying with a napkin, she tries to at least look relaxed, even if she wasn't on the inside. A deep breath helps and she forces herself not to look over at the other table so as to appear oblivious that her friends were even here.

"And we have one pizza for two..." Carson delivers the pizza to the table personally, setting the tray down along with two plates and some extra napkins. He gives Susanne a curious glance along with a grin of amusement. "Do you two need anything else? I have some candles in the back if you-"

Susanne's hand flies to whack Carson's arm and he laughs. "Careful. You almost hit Chuck here."

Susanne smirks at him as she withdraws. "Go... clean dishes or something."

"Well that's a fine thanks for the dinner."

"Thank you, it looks delicious. Now go."

"Alright, alright." Carson throws up his hands in surrender and walks away.

Once he's gone, Susanne stares at the pizza, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "Um, Chuck... would you... would you be so kind as to say grace?" Pleased that he didn't mind praying, she bows her head. Listening to his soothing voice, and taking advantage of the quiet moment, Susanne's heart begins to slow and her mind grows more at ease. Adding a quiet "amen" at the end of the prayer, she opens her eyes to see the pizza again, and a little smile crosses her lips. Then a little chuckle comes and she shakes her head. This really was one of the craziest things she'd ever done, and it was so absurd that she was so nervous.

Lifting her eyes slightly, she catches sight of the nearby table, remembering the purpose of this whole thing. Maybe she felt some tingles when Chuck had kissed her, but in reality - this was all just a scam to make her friends think twice, right? While she was busy being scared, she needed to be having fun.

Giving Chuck a sidelong glance, she gains back a bit of the mischief that had been present that morning. Reaching for a slice of pizza, she takes a bite and chews it slowly as she smiles - it really was her favorite pizza in town and Carson always put on extra cheese.

Still chewing, she twists a little, holding up the same slice for Chuck to take a bite as well, knowing that this would be a nice touch for her friends. "Try it, darling, it's wonderful."


"Well who is he?"

"How should I know?"

"They were kissing, and she's never even mentioned him?"

"Look, look, they're sharing their pizza."

"Good gracious, are you sure it's Susanne?"

"She's all over him!"

"Or he's all over her."

"Shhh, not so loud."

Darlene steals another look to the nearby table but jumps when she feels a kick to her shin under the table. "What?!"

"Go find out," Bonnie hisses.

"I can't just-"

"Go! We gotta know who he is!"

Darlene smirks at her friend, then looks to the others who all seem to agree. Their whispered observations weren't getting them anywhere. "Oh, okay, fine. I'll go." Getting up from her chair, she points to Mark. "Don't eat my salad." Heading over to the other table, she approaches with some caution, cocking her head a little at Chuck and Susanne eating. "Susanne?"

Susanne looks up quickly, expertly faking total surprise. "Darlene! Hi!"

Darlene blinks, not returning the enthusiasm. "Well hi... I um... we... I mean..." She gives Chuck a good once-over, then looks back to Susanne. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Susanne furrows her brow. "What? Why?"

"Tonight? Our little get-together?" Darlene points to the other table.

Susanne follows her pointing and her eyes widen. "Oh my goodness, that's right. You were all going to eat here tonight, weren't you?"

"Uh... yeah." Darlene pauses, leaning in a little, her eyes asking for an explanation.

Susanne looks at her dumbly for a moment, then blinks. "Oh, I'm sorry. Darlene, this is Chuck, Chuck, this is my friend, Darlene."

Darlene smiles sweetly at Chuck. "Hi." She looks back to Susanne. "You never told me that you..."

Susanne takes another bite of pizza and offers Chuck another as well as if thinking nothing of it. "Yes?"

Darlene blinks several times and her cheeks flush. "Um... nothing. You two want to join us?"

"Nah..." Susanne grins and nuzzles in closer to Chuck. "We're good."

"Right."

Watching Darlene walk away, it takes all Susanne has not to burst out laughing. Biting her lip, she stares down at the pizza, trying not to choke as she holds it all in. Her eyes creep sideways to look at Chuck though and before she loses it completely, she buries her face in his shoulder, muffling her laughter. To anyone watching, it might look as though she were simply cuddling with him, when in reality, all she was doing was trying to hide how funny this whole thing really was.

"I'm a bad actor," she mumbles just loud enough for him to hear before laughing again.


Kip smiles a little and sighs, enjoying the feel of Karla running her fingers through his hair. Returning the light kiss, he looks up at her, his grin showing even more. "Snuggle time sounds great." As her hand moves through his hair, he runs a finger up and down her arm. "We could always order out pizza and claim the basement here for the evening. Gram and Gramps won't mind, and we'll have the couch and tv to ourselves down there."


Dylan can feel his stomach tighten just a little and he drops his gaze as he leans back in the chair, his shoulders slouching in defeat. "Dad won't believe me," he mumbles.

Quiet for several moments, he finally looks back up at Rosetta. "Even if you were there, it wouldn't make any difference. He'll still think I'm to blame for everything. I'm his drug addict son who will never earn back any respect. And the irony is that I didn't even want to be in that place."

He swallows hard then looks away again. He'd told Dan the truth - why couldn't he tell anyone else. Dan just seemed more... like he'd believe a story like that. The others, they were... more rigid... or something. Dylan's jaw muscles work out his tension and he hasn't a clue how much it looks like Mick.

"All my story sounds like is an excuse and Dad will take it that way. He'll just think I'm trying to put the blame on somebody else and not take responsibility for my actions. It's not about whether or not I'm comfortable talking to him... it's about him believing me, and having you there won't make him any more likely to believe than if you weren't." He pauses searching Rosetta's eyes again. "Unless you believe me first," he concludes. Did he really want to talk to her... to tell her the whole truth? It was beginning to look like that was the best option here - at least in his mind. "What if I tell you first? If you don't believe me, then we never had this conversation. If you do, I'll tell Dad, but you have to make sure he knows you believe me first."

Seaweed

As Susanne pulls away Chuck can't help the smile that spreads across his face. Searching her eyes he can see the frightened look and couldn't help but wonder if He's scaired her, or if the look was of her own confusion. Not bringing to much atatchen to it now and making things worse he just continues to look into her eyes. They were so brings, he just could get lost.

"Now that should give them something to talk about, and stop them from saying your a stick in the mud."

Chuck can't help but let his own eyes sparkle. Though it had been a joke to kiss Susanne he couldn't help the feelings that had burst forward even more. And as her arm wrapped around him he couldn't deny how it felt good and he just wanted to melt under her touch.

"Want me to move to the other side of the table again or stay here?"

Giving a chuckle at the returned splash Trey turns around watch Ariel move out of the water. Setting his hands on either side of his hips he shakes his head a little bit.

"Ahh now thats not fair moving out of the water like that."

Thinking for a moment and looking around a little bit Trey bends down to cup his hands with water. Taking a few steps forward Trey's foot hits a flat spot that was covered in seaweed. Feeling his foot slip from under him Trey trys to catch himself but it was to late. Doing down with a splash he just lays there for a moment to stunned to get upset.

Sitting up Trey just sits there for a moment before leaning forward and picking up the seaweed that was now floating near him. Taking it he toss it feeling completely foolish.

"Stupid peace of crap seaweed."

Seeing Kip respond well to her suggestion it made Karla feel good. She was hopping he would not be offended. Now they could only hope it would work. The last thing Karla wanted was for Kip to leave the band. Music was his life he couldn't just throw it away.

As his head slips into her lap Karla leans against the wall and lets her hand come to his head so her fingers could gently run through his hair and over his eyes softly. Looking down at him she smiled.

"I can stick around for a little while if you want. I've missed spending some time with you."

Just cocking her head a little Karla can't help the smile that spread even more over her lips. Leaning down and placing a kiss on Kip's lips Karla sits up again but continues to look into his eyes.

"Maybe we can figure out something for dinner together today or a movie, I could use some snuggle time."

Tickets for the show

Kip blinks. "Salad and carrots." He shifts his eyes to glance at Karla skeptically. "I see your point, but lets try to be more creative, unless you want me to turn into a rabbit or something."

Though he didn't laugh, it was apparent that he was making an attempt at being humorous. Still curled on his side, he shrugs. "Yeah, it's worth a try, right? I'm wired differently in my head, why not somewhere else?" Erik's mom had tried getting Kip to change his eating habits once, and now that he thought about it, it seemed to have helped a little, but then he'd slid right back into irregular meals and grabbing candy bars for quick pick-me-ups instead of healthier options. His metabolism kept him trim so weight had never been a problem, only adding to the ease of eating sugar.

"Tomorrow I'll let Gram fix me breakfast like she's been dying to, instead of grabbing a doughnut en route. Then we'll see how practice goes."

Shifting around a little, Kip tries to get comfortable, but it just wasn't working. Looking over to Karla again, he finally rolls over and crawls nearer to her, flopping down on his side again, but this time, his head was in her lap. His body wanted to get up and run laps, but his mind was too depressed to care. Closing his eyes, he sighs deeply. "Do you have to go right away?" he mumbles.


Having Chuck slide into her side of the booth and put his arm around her, Susanne looks to him quickly, tensing a little. What was he doing? His whispered words put her on edge. What was he planning? Something for her friends to really talk about? Her gaze at him grows uneasy.

Though it was apparent he had something in mind, she was not at all prepared for him to lean in for a kiss. Giving a little gasp, as his lips touch hers, her hand goes to his chest to push him away. But even though her heart raced and her good sense wanted to slap him, the muscles in her arm relax and she feels as though she hasn't the strength to fend him off.

His hand on her cheek was so soft and warm, just like it had been when she'd held it earlier and without thinking, Susanne lets her eyes fall closed. The hand with which she'd wanted to push him away, instead, slides back over his shoulder until her fingertips lightly touch his hair at the nape of his neck as if testing to see what it felt like.

Her cheeks were hot and her heart beat so loudly, she was sure the whole restaurant could hear it. But never had she felt so helpless... and so not worried about that fact.


At the nearby table, the seven friends were chattering until Darlene spots Susanne and this strange man with her. Her eyebrows rise, surprised that Susanne was here after turning down the offer to join everyone. And who was this she was with? A colleague, perhaps? "Hey, Mark." She pats the arm of the man next to her. "I'm going to go say hi to Susanne - maybe she'd like to join..." Her statement is never finished as she, and the others now as well, look to the other table to see Susanne and the man kissing. And from their angle, it appeared to be quite a passionate kiss, whether it really was or not.

Darlene's jaw drops, her mouth gaping open as she stares. The others can't help but stare as well, utterly amazed at what they were seeing. Susanne... boring old stick in the mud, prim and proper Susanne was not only eating dinner with a man, but she was kissing him... in public, no less!

Darlene blinks and tries to say something, but all that comes out are a few garbled words as she lifts a finger to point, then stares back at the others as if asking what on earth was going on. The looks they give her seem to match - nobody else know what was going on either.

Before anyone can do anything, a body moves across their line of sight, blocking the view. "Sorry. Tickets for the show don't go on sale until tomorrow night. I can take your orders for dinner though." Carson's tone was less than amused, but anyone who knew him would be able to see the twinkle in his eye. He had no idea what was really going on here, but he suspected more than just a dinner date. And if he were ever to take sides, Susanne's would be the first. He holds out a pencil to the pad in his hand. "Are we ready to order?"


Somehow, Susanne manages to open her eyes in time to see Carson now at the other table and reality comes rushing back to her. Also realizing she'd been holding her breath, she pulls away from Chuck, grabbing a lungful of air as she blinks, stunned. Her hand comes back to herself and she looks into his eyes, her own gaze wide and frightened - but not of him. Perhaps only frightened by the tingles that ran up and down her spine or the strange beating of her heart.


"Old depressed people," Ariel repeats, laughing. "I guess I hadn't thought of that before, but I suppose that could be generally true about the bar scene."

Receiving the small splash, her eyes snap to Trey's as the smile returns to her lips. "I think somebody has an ornery streak." She gives him a sly look. "If that's the case, then you, my friend, may have met your match."

Flicking her foot in the water, she sends a light spray in Trey's direction to get him back then takes several quick steps back out onto the dry sand again so she couldn't be reached with more water.

Compramise

Continuing to search Dylan's face as he talked Rosetta could see clearly the fear and desperation in her step sons eyes. Her look was soft and we out to him. She could only imagine how he felt knowing that a long time ago she'd run into her own problems and new it was never good. But something still in his eyes said the whole story was not out.

"Dylan why don't you want to tell you dad? He'd understand just as much as I would if you only explained it to him! Thats a good reason why you wouldn't want to go to school and I can't blame you I would be the same way."

Leaning back in her chair for a moment Rosetta continues to look across the desk at Dylan. She didn't want to have to be the one to tell Mick this, but she did want to help Dylan. Maybe...a comparamise.

"How about if you were to tell him and I was with you? It might help if you told him yourself and It would help you that I was there."

Listing to Kip as he still didn't feel any different Karla let out a little sigh. She felt so bad that he felt so bad and she hated seeing him talk down about himself. She cared so much for him, and new this band was his life. He couldn't quit.

Thinking for a long moment Karla new there had to be a way to divert Kip's energy some how. Watching him for a moment and seeing the enegry was starting to kick in it was almost like a light bulb goes off in her head. Sitting up and turning a little more to Kip Karla gives a smile.

"I got an idea. What if before practice you don't anything more than a salad or carrots. Something that doesn't have sugar in it. Maybe if you get get the extra sugar you wont have the extra energy and you can concentrate better."

Once the food was ordered and the small talk started Chuck didn't mind at all. Susanne was relaxing and that made him feel good. Not to mention getting to know Susanne a little better and listing to her talk was nice as well.

Once Susanne stops though and her eyes go to the door Chuck turns around a little bit to eye the people who had come in the door. Giving a smile and turning back to Susanne Chuck slides out of his side of the booth and moves next to Susanne putting his arm around her. Leaning in a whispering a little bit.

"Don't look so nervous, just breath."

Giving a small laugh he keeps his eyes on them for a moment watching as they sat down. Turning back to Susanne his eyes twinkle. He wanted to have this be what she wanted and so her friends she could be fun. Chuck could see how important this was to her.

"How about we give them something to really talk about?!"

Leaning a little closer to Susanne his one arm was still around he brings his other to her chin and lifts her head up to look at him. Locking eyes with her he smiles before moving in closer. Pressing his lips to hers Chuck's hand slips from her chin the the side of her face. Just letting the moment linger to make sure Susanne's friends could see and because it helped add to the whole thing. But somewhere in the middle of the joke Chuck's heart seemed to pick up speed and thump with a new feeling.

That's them

Dylan stares back at Rosetta, his eyes unafraid to search hers without looking away. He could tell that she really was willing to help - but he couldn't blame her that she wanted more information. What could he say though?

"I hate the work," he responds quietly. "But... only because I'm not good at anything." That in itself was true. He'd always had poor grades, and being held back a year hadn't helped matters.

Still on his knees, he lets his chin lower to rest on his hands and he closes his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "But that's not why. I just... I can't go to school," he emphasizes. Looking back at Rosetta again, he wanted so badly to trust her. She wouldn't yell at him like his dad might. She wouldn't give him that cold, hard stare that his dad would. But - whatever Dylan told her, would get back to his dad and he wasn't sure he was ready for that.

Eventually, he moves back and takes a chair instead of the floor, bending forward to lean his elbows on his knees. After studying the floor for what seems like an eternity to him, his eyes are raised once more. "Remember when I stole those meds from Angel's office?" Of course she would remember, and Dylan's gut twists just thinking about it. "They weren't for me. They were for someone else... someone who had found out where I was... someone who could make my life miserable if I didn't do what they wanted."

He swallows hard, his gaze begging Rosetta to believe him. "After they didn't get it, and I was okay, I realized that this ranch was safe. They weren't gonna dare to come here for me."

Pausing, he makes sure his thoughts are collected. There was so much more to the story than that... how he'd been manipulated, forced and abused without escape. He still had nightmares about it. But he wasn't convinced Rosetta, let alone his dad, would respond with belief to all of that, so he avoids those details for now.

"There are people who will find me if I go back to school," he states firmly. "People from my past and... they're gonna hurt me. I will do just about anything to stay here... I will work, I will study, I'll do anything... anything just so I don't have to be away from here alone for that long every day."

He wasn't sure if he sounded like a whiny kid or someone who was at fault for making the wrong person mad, but even if neither were true, Dylan didn't care. No matter what anyone thought, if he didn't have to go to school, any further amount of shame was worth it.

His eyes roam Rosetta's with an intensity brought on by desperation. He was truly afraid. There were a whole lot of things he still wasn't saying, but the bottom line was that his fear was real. "Please... you've got to convince my dad."


Still staring at the ceiling, Kip doesn't respond to Karla right away. It would be easier just to quit the band and walk away without any more embarrassment, and without any more slowing them down. It would be better for everyone, right?

"So everybody else is quicker than me," he responds dryly. "That makes me the lame duck no matter what angle you look at it from. I'd rather quit than know that they had to slow down for me. It's not fair to them and it's frustrating for me."

His fingers fidget with a loose thread on the bed blanket and his leg bounces a little as a sign that the food was kicking in and energy was building. "Maybe I'm just not cut out for this."

Sighing deeply, he quits fidgeting and rolls over to curl up on his side, his face hidden from Karla so she couldn't see the moisture welling in his eyes. This whole thing had been a grand adventure and he'd been so excited to be a part of it. Concerts... albums... being a part of a band that could really go somewhere. And now... to find out that he was the one trailing behind... it wasn't a good feeling.

"I'll go to practice tomorrow," he mentions quietly. "But if it doesn't go well, then I don't know what I'm going to do."


Susanne puts an elbow on the table so she can rest her chin in her hand as she listens to Chuck. He had such a nice voice and he was far from dull but not too animated that it was annoying either. He was... well, pretty perfect as far as that went.

A grin forms on Susanne's lips as she learns a little more about him. He seemed pretty down-to-earth, but she knew there was much more to his story than just what he did every day. How had he connected with his niece that she worked with him? Had he ever been married? He'd mentioned a woman from years ago, but it was unclear if it had been his wife or not. What was his belief in God? He didn't have bad language and he was certainly a gentleman, but lots of people could be that way. He liked to read... what kind of books? Did he have any similar interests to her?

All these new questions floated through her mind, but she dared not ask them... not yet anyway. They seemed so personal and... well, she just wasn't sure what really was appropriate to ask. It didn't matter though - his comment about her going on more rides with him turned everything around again and her eyes widen just a little bit. He was still talking about after tonight... surely it was all just talk. Why pretend?

She smiles a little and shakes her head, straightening as she sees Carson coming. "I suppose miracles do happen," she quips, implying that she didn't believe it would ever happen.

"Alright - you two know what you want?" Carson stops at the table, ready to take their order.

A pizza is ordered and just a little bit of small talk ensues again as Susanne begins to relax. She tells Chuck about the work she does at the Elite, about Reese, and about how hectic work was right now because of so many things happening with their agents. Mid-conversation though, the bell above the door rings, and Susanne catches sight of a small group of people entering the restaurant. Her face grows warm and she freezes, keeping her eyes straight back at Chuck. "That's them," she whispers. "The tall blonde... that's Darlene... the one that thinks I'm no fun."

Trust

"I got some double whoppers, frys, and milk shakes. Along with some apple pies."

Giving a smile and handing him the food Karla new he would be hungry if he hadn't had anything all day. Kip didn't eat a lot normally but he did like to eat.

Sitting in the quiet and just eating with each other. Karla didn't mind the quiet, and just watching him eat and letting the quiet rain over them not letting words get in the way.

Once the meal was over Karla leans back a little bit her tummy now full. Feeling Kip kick her a little Karla turns her head to him and gives a smile. She was happy to see him smile a little bit. It made her feel good.

"Your very welcome Babe."

Drawing silent again for a moment Karla thinks. She was still thinking about what they talked about earlier. She couldn't want away knowing he was feeling down and thinking about leaving the band.

"Hey Kip. Don't give up on the band yet ok? They are not willing to give up on you because they know you ARE good enough, its just something grab on quicker than others. So just...don't give up yet ok?"

Chuck gives a chuckle again as he looks down at the menu once more. Pizza did sounds good to him. That was one thing that he could never turn down that was for sure.

"I think shearing a pizza sounds perfect. Thats my weakness..never being able to turn down pizza...and a pretty woman."

A grin forms on Chuck's lips not being able to drop the little comment about Susanne being so pretty again. Leaning on the table a little more he didn't mind that Susanne was babbling. He liked her voice and seeing her open up even if it was babble was nice.

"Well...I opened my shop about five years ago. It kind of started as a way to collect all the old music I liked and than from there I sold, traded, and even carried some new stuff. Its something I like doing and my niece Anastasia likes to do now as well."

Taking a sip of his water and looking down for a moment Chuck gathers his thoughts. He didn't mind talking about himself its was just something he didn't do often. Looking back up at Susanne and searching her face he can't help but let his smile grow even more. He really was happy to be here with her right now.

"Other than that I spend time reading at home, listing to more music, sometimes I go out and hang out with a few friends go on bike journeys but thats about it. Maybe sometime you can come on one with me?! They are loads of fun."

"Oh I am defiantly a night person, but I just wondered what else there was to do too. Same thing over and over again without a variety can get a little dull."

Giving a grin as he listened to her talk. Drik he'd have to keep that name in mind. Maybe he could help him out. Hearing Ariel mention shopping and spending to much money he couldn't help but laugh. His mom was like that, and so were his cousins.

"Night Clubs are cool, not a big bar person myself. Makes me think of old depressed people."

Watching Ariel as she walked into the water Trey cocked his head at her chide to getting wet. He couldn't turn down a challenge. Leaning down and rolling up his pants. Wondering into the water a little bit it felt warm on his feet despite the cool chill in the air. Looking over at Ariel again and giving a grin Trey lifts his foot up and gives a splash in her direction.

Hearing the knock at the door Rosetta looks up a little surprised to see Dylan slip into the office. Watching him as he sat across from her desk Rosetta gives a soft smile to him.

"Morning Dylan. What can I do for you?"

Seeing the look in his eye it reminded her of one Mick once held when he was younger. Scared, despite, what was Dylan holding back on and why was school such a big deal to him?

"How come you don't want to go to school Dylan? Is it the work you don't like or the people? If I know even a little bit of why I can help you and I wont be angry. But I have to have a reason."

Rosetta's eyes were soft and filled with love for her step son. She wanted to help but she just needed to know why first. If he was in trouble, or being lazy? Rosetta did want to help him, if he could only trust her.

I'll do anything

Maybe Kip didn't want to digest Karla's words or take them seriously, but they did sink in. It was a strange little feeling when she said the word "love." Whether he just hadn't expected it or had a hard time believing it was unclear, but her affection didn't go unnoticed. He'd much rather stay here and continue this now, but he knew she was right about eating. The last time he went a whole day without food, he'd passed out and Twila had just about clobbered him.

Raising up on his elbow, he gives Karla a sleepy sort of smile before giving her lips a quick little kiss. "Okay, fine. But only because you insist." Backing off and sitting up, he grabs the bag of food again and noses inside this time. "Mmm... whatcha get?"

Remaining quiet while eating was easy since there was reason not to talk, and Kip takes advantage of it, even if he usually did chatter during meals. Once the food is gone though, there's not much reason to sit in silence and Kip knows it, but he'd rather not go back to their previous conversation, even if he knew Karla would make him.

With the bed cleared off and the food sack in the garbage, Kip flops onto his back, staring up at the ceiling as his toes nudge Karla's leg for no real reason. "Thank you for the food... it hit the spot."


"Breathe. Right." Susanne lifts her head while her fingers curl around Chuck's. Giving him a sheepish grin, she blushes. "You'd think I'd never been out with a man before. Oh, wait..." She smirks a little. "Fact number one about me: I don't do things like this."

Huffing a short sigh, she rolls her eyes and lets go of Chuck's hand to grab her menu again. Talk about herself? What was there to talk about? "Quite honestly, I really don't know what to say about myself," she admits as her eyes roam the meal options. "I work for the Elite. Assistant to the chief - not out working cases or anything exciting like that. I, um..." She thinks for a moment, truly at a loss. "I like flower gardening and... listening to music and..." She racks her brain and throws Chuck a worthless sort of glance. "That's about it. Oh, I do have some pet birds."

Setting her menu aside, she nods. "I'm going to be boring and have pizza. I'll get a personal size unless you want pizza too then we can split a bigger one."

Taking a sip of her water, she has to remind herself to quit chattering so much and just calm down. This was ridiculous. After another deep breath, she dares to look over at Chuck once more, finding her insides melt all over again as soon as she sees those dark eyes. "And... and what about you? Say something so I don't keep rambling and making a fool out of myself."


Ariel quirks her eyebrow at Trey's hesitance, but she doesn't give him a bad time about not wanting her to pick him up. "Well.. before we leave tonight, let's pick a place and I'll meet you there then. That will make everything so much simpler."

Grinning, she takes a step forward so her feet get wet from the lake water and she wriggles her toes in the sand. Trey's question makes her laugh and she shakes her head. "What? You don't like the night life?" She gestures around them. "This dead quiet isn't exciting enough for you?"

Still smiling, she makes sure he knows she's teasing before she gives him a real answer. "I don't do an awful lot myself, really. I mean, if you're the party type, go find Dirk and ask him - he gets around the most of any of us probably." She shrugs. "Me, I come here... go to movies sometimes... I go to concerts every now and again... I like to walk downtown and window shop or spend way too much money." She laughs. "There's a zoo a couple hours away that's a nice one. Hiking is always fun - we got some foothills where there are great trails and places to camp. Um..."

Turning to Trey, she shrugs again. "There are bars and nightclubs too but I'm not usually around that scene. Although I do get a kick out of our karaoke cafe sometimes."

Bending down, Ariel rolls up the legs of her jeans up to her knees and steps further into the water. Throwing a smile over her shoulder, she quirks a challenging eyebrow at Trey. "Can't enjoy the water if you don't get your feet wet."


Mornings always seemed to be the longest part of the day. Today was no different. But, like every other day, Dylan gets himself up, quietly slips himself a small breakfast while avoiding the others who might be gathering to eat, and takes a half cup of coffee to drink on his way to the barn. His timing was always the same - right after Sparky opens up the barn, but before Mick arrives. That way, he couldn't get blamed if anything was amiss since he wasn't the one opening up, but he wouldn't get in trouble for laziness either since he would arrive before his dad. It was always the same...

"...Dylan?"

Tossing another hay bale aside, Dylan stops at the sound of his father's voice. Turning around, he eyes him cautiously. Half the morning was over - a little chat was not the norm. "Yeah?"

Mick takes his gloves off, pausing his own work to talk to him. "Just wanted to make sure you remembered school on Monday. Jeff said he'd drive you for now."

Dylan swallows hard. He remembered. He could buck it, but there were already issues since he wasn't starting the school year when he should have. Whether he showed it or not, he was grateful his dad had worked it out with the school system so he didn't have to start when everybody else did. Of course, the reasoning was the trouble he'd been in, but still, it had postponed everything at least. Unfortunately, late or not, Dylan did not want to go. He was afraid to go, and for good reason in his mind. But no one would understand why - nobody but Dan anyway. "Can't I drop out?" he asks, his eyes falling to the dirt floor. "I'll get my GED... I'll do anything. Just... why do I have to go?"

Mick sighs and sets his hands on his hips. "We've been through this, Dylan," he reminds calmly. They'd already gone around and around about this twice with the same begging and alternatives from Dylan. "You know the deal."

"But I'll work," Dylan pleads, hoping that this time maybe his father would listen. He finally raises his eyes to beg Mick. "I'll do more than I am now even. I'll study at home. Anything."

Mick shakes his head, not understanding. "What is it with you anyway? This is the third time you've tried to get out of this. I know you don't like school, but come on - it's not like it's something new, and you know the reasons. Your mother and I both agreed to put you back in school to ensure you graduate in two years."

Dylan bites his lip. "Please," he begs one more time.

"Why?"

"I just... it's complicated."

"Well then I'm sorry, my decision stands."

"But please, Dad! You don't understand."

"All I understand is that you're acting like a spoiled kid that just doesn't want to do the work of studying and going to school like everybody else has to." Mick looks at him sternly, but keeps his volume low. "Now if you can't give me a good enough reason to let you drop out, then I'm sorry. If you want to live here, you have to go to school. It's a good school and I know you'll make new friends in no time."

"Can't you just...." Dylan knows it's no use, so he stops mid-sentence, not even bothering to finish as he shrugs lamely. He was done for. "I'll be ready."

"Thank you."

Left alone again, Dylan flops down on a hay bale and groans. The nightmare would come again, he just knew it. There had to be a way to convince his dad to let him drop out. There just had to be. Suddenly, a thought strikes him and he sits up straight. There was one person that could get his dad to do anything.

Looking around to make sure he wasn't needed at the moment, he slips out of the barn and heads for the main office. Sneaking a glance in the window, he sees Rosetta at the desk inside. Skipping up the porch steps, he knocks once then enters slowly. "Rosetta?" Making sure she saw him and was okay with him there, he approaches the desk and bypasses the chair to kneels down in front and rest his elbows on top. Staring up at her across the desk, his eyes hold a desperate look. "You've got to get my dad to let me stay out of school. Please. I'll do anything."

Breath

Walking hand in hand inside Mom and Pop's with Susanne Chuck wore a smile on his lips as his eyes were lite. One might thing he was a good actor, but someone who new him well enough would know the look on his face was the real thing and he was happy to be here with Susanne.

Sitting down and getting comfortable Chuck gives a smile and nod to Susanne as she comments on going into the bathroom. He though she looked perfect, but he understood how women like to clean up when they could too. He'd lived with Anastasia long enough to have leaned that one quickly.

Once she was back Chuck straightens a little and gives a smile to her. Taking his own menu and looking at it he scans everything. It all looked so good, and it was so rare he went out to eat he wasn't sure what he wanted.

Hearing the male voice Chuck looks up and gives a smile to Carson along with a little nod of hello. He'd never been here before, but so far it looked good, and everyone seemed friendly.

"I'm well, thank you."

Looking over at Susanne as she fumbles over her words on the introductions Chuck does his best not to laugh though his eyes do twinkle. He though Susanne was very cute trying to explain everything and fumbling. It really was like high school again and it made him feel young again.

"The Elite huh? Well its good to meet you Carson."

Once Carson was gone Chuck looks over at Susanne and gives a little shake of his head a little. He wasn't upset with Susanne, or laughing at her. He only though she was so cute he couldn't help it. Reaching his hand across the table Chuck cocks his head a little bit to catch Susanne's eye.

"You don't have to keep saying sorry. Take a deep breath, and just relax, act like your with one of your friends. Tell me about yourself, ask me questions but rule number one is breath and keep breathing."

Looking back into Kip's eyes as his thumbs ran over his cheeks Karla could still see the far away look and it pained her heart. He really was the glue that held her together she just didn't know how else to tell him.

"You are good enough still, and you are the glue if for no one else you are for me."

Being pushed back on the bed and having Kip just cuddle in next to her Karla smiles a little and wraps her arms around him. She could tell he was hurting and beating himself up and she hated it. If she could take away his pain she would do it in a heart beat.

"Your not like the others because than I wouldn't love you. Your prefect the way you are for me and I love everything about you. It's you I love not them."

Feeling the kiss to her cheek Karla can't help the chuckle that escaped her lips than feeling his kiss move down to her next what sounded almost like a hum escaped as her arms tightened around him a little more. Hearing his stomach growl again though Karla finally laughs a little. She couldn't help that it was a tad bit funny.

"My goodness Kip, you can't go all day without eating. Sit up and get something in that stomach before it starts eating itself. Maybe after we can pick up where we left off here."

Karla hadn't forgotten the conversation but for now she would let it lay a little bit and than bring it up again. She wasn't ready to let Kip get away that easy.

Turning a little as Ariel comes along next to him Trey study her in the moonlight for a moment. She was pretty, her features were fine, and not face. She was different from most women he'd met, and she was pretty in a different way. Maybe because she was real and not covered up.

"Well...I if you give me your number I can see about borrowing a car, and if I don't call than we can just meet somewhere."

Why he wasn't taking the ride he didn't know. Maybe it was the fact she would be picking him or, or maybe because of where he did stay. Either way he'd rather pick her up or meet here some where.

"What kind of food do you like? I've always been parsheal to Mexican but I guess...thats a given. I'm up for anything though really. So I can let you choose. I am sure you know whats good around here and whats not."

Looking back out across the water and than up at the sky the stars twinkle. A sick feeling seemed for form in Trey's stomach. He'd never been away from home for this long before, and now that he was...he missed his parents, his dog, he missed a lot of things. Feeling still for those feelings though he shakes his head a little.

"So, what other fun stuff is there around here to do? Like...in the day light?"

...be like the others

Following Chuck's lead, Susanne gets the helmet back on again and has an easier time mounting the bike this time around. Getting situated behind him, she wraps her arms around him once more, this time ready for the little jolt before they took off down the road.

About halfway back to town, she finally dares to open her eyes and stare around Chuck's shoulder, her grip still tight around him but no longer a death grip. There was something about having him in total control on the motorcycle that was exciting, once she got around her initial fear. Here she was, on the back of a bike, holding onto one of the most dreamy men she'd ever met, completely at his mercy. Going sixty miles an hour down the highway with the wind pelting against them, the roar of the motorcycle muffling all other sounds... Susanne leans her head on the back of Chuck, leaning with him as they take a curve. And a little smile comes to her lips.

Once parked at Mom and Pop's, Susanne takes off the helmet and shakes out her hair, throwing a silly look at Chuck. Taking a deep breath, she lets it out slowly. "I don't see Darlene's car, so we can get settled before they get here." She rolls her eyes. "Just so you know, I really can't believe I'm doing this."

Taking his hand, she dismounts the motorcycle and retrieves her purse from the saddlebag. Still hand-in-hand, they amble to the front door of the little restaurant, letting themselves in. Susanne points to a corner booth that was back out of the way, but able to be seen by the table at which she was sure her friends would be seated.

Not sitting right away, she gestures Chuck to the booth. "I'll be right back," she hints, nodding down the hall to the restroom. Leaving him be for now, she heads to the bathroom, mainly to straighten her hair and fix whatever makeup was left on her face. Staring into the mirror, she runs her fingers through her hair and pulls it back and up into a clip again, a few strands still falling down around her face. With a finger, she smudges off some of the mascara that had been smeared and she grimaces. She didn't have any with her to fix it, and she couldn't believe Chuck actually liked seeing her in such a state.

As satisfied as she could be, she heads back out to the table, slipping in across from Chuck and grabbing a menu. Her jitters were back again, and she tries to not let it show, just swinging her legs a little under the table.

"Good evening." Carson grins and gives them both some water. Seeing Susanne, he'd told Aerith, he'd take care of this table. He liked breaks from the kitchen, especially when it was for a customer he knew. "And how are we tonight?"

Susanne glances up at him, her cheeks gaining color. She hadn't thought about him seeing her here. "Um.... fine... thanks...."

Carson quirks an eyebrow, then gives a sidelong glance to Chuck, wondering who he was. Was Susanne actually on a date, or was this just an acquaintance of hers? He didn't seem to be her type, though Carson didn't sense a bad nature.

Susanne can see the question in his eyes, and she'd rather get the jump on it before any assumptions were made. "Carson, this is um..." A friend? A date? A... what? And for a horrid moment, his name slipped from her mind. "Um... Chuck." She forces a strange sort of smile. "Chuck, this is Carson. I work with him... sometimes... kind of."

Carson tries not to laugh at Susanne's odd behavior, but the twinkle in his eye proves that he found this quite humorous. "I'm on call for the Elite," he explains briefly. Seeing how flustered Susanne was, he moves on for her sake. "You guys think about what you want and I'll be back in a few minutes."

Once he's gone, Susanne plants her face on the table. "I'm sorry," she mumbles. She felt so silly, she didn't even know what to do. Could she not relax? All she had to do was sit here and eat a meal with Chuck and then leave. That simple. And she was already wanting to bolt for the door. "I don't know if I can do this."


Shifting a little with Karla, Kip leans his face into her hand and lets his eyes fall shut, wanting to trust her words. It was hard though. "I don't hold anybody together," he mentions softly. He wasn't trying to talk down about himself - he really did believe what he said.

Turning his head, he kisses her palm, letting his lips drift over her fingers, then back to the other side over her knuckles. Moving around so he's facing her a little more, he lets his head rest down on her shoulder and plants several light kisses on her neck while his hands play with hers. "I don't want to think about it anymore," he mumbles, sighing deeply. "I just want to... not be so... me."

Straightening a little, he lets go of her hands to lift his palms to rest on each side of her face, his thumbs tracing over her lips and her cheekbones. His eyes were so far away and lost, mirroring his soul that seemed to be drowning. "Thank you for trying to make me feel better though. I just... don't know how I can be any better than I am and... I'm not good enough for the band anymore."

Inside, his heart was in pieces and he was just scrambling, trying to figure everything out and trying to know how to move on from where he was. He knew he was loved and knew the band didn't mean to hurt him, but... they'd spoken the truth. Searching Karla's eyes, he isn't even sure how to tell her any more than he had... there weren't many words for what he was feeling.

Moving aside the sack of food, he gently pushes Karla onto her back and lies next to her on his stomach, hooking one leg around hers and curling an arm around her waist, his face buried in her shoulder. "Why can't I be like the others?" he asks, almost in a whimper. "Why can't I just..." His statement goes unfinished - he doesn't even know how to finish it, so it's left to drift into the silence as his lips softly kiss her cheek and neck once more before returning his head to her shoulder.

Not having been satisfied by only a few french fries, his stomach growls loudly again. Kip can't help a little chuckle, though he doesn't move. "My stomach apparently knows how to ruin a perfectly good moment." He sighs, but maybe this was the change in subject he wanted. "I guess it has a right to since I haven't fed it all day."


Being picked up and spun around so suddenly, Ariel lets out a little squeal, hanging onto his arm. Startled, but not scared, she laughs as Trey sets her back down again. "You turkey," she teases. She smiles though at his comment. "You're doing it because something about this beach at night makes a person uninhibited."

Watching him walk towards the water, she cocks her head, finding him intriguing. He had an air of confidence about him, yet there was something underneath that said maybe he was just as lost as anyone else, just as eager to find himself as anyone, and maybe not quite so confident on the inside. Something said that he maybe hadn't had a hard life, but there had been things that chiseled his heart with rough edges needing to be softened.

Ariel finally wanders behind him, her hands clasped casually in front of her. Stopping a short ways from him at the water as well, she wriggles her toes in the lapping water. As she hears his invitation for tomorrow, she raises her head but doesn't look at him right away. She swallows hard, wondering what his intentions were. "Lunch, huh?"

Coming a little closer to him, she stands with her bare feet next to his and looks at them for a moment. "I like lunch. And you seem to be pretty good company." She shrugs. "I've got off work tomorrow too so if you were looking for a good time to ask, coincidence was on your side."

She tosses him a sidelong glance with a little grin. "Wanna meet me somewhere? Or..." She knew he was new in town and both nights now, he'd come with Pete, so wasn't so sure he had his own vehicle. "...I could give you a ride if you tell me where you're at."


"Hey, Mick, have you seen Jim?"

Mick is startled from his thoughtful stare and he straightens from leaning on the wall in the barn. Turning to see Becky, he shakes his head. "Not for a couple hours. Need anything?"

"It can wait." Becky smiles and is about to leave when she cocks her head, studying Mick's pensive expression. "You okay?"

Mick gives her a wry grin. It seemed the older he got, the more obvious his moods were to the world. "Yeah. Just thinking." He nods down the aisle to where someone was cleaning out a stall. "Mr. Quiet is still refusing to be anything but."

Becky knew he was referring to Dylan. "I noticed he didn't seem to be any more social since he decided to stay. He seems lonely."

"I think he is," Mick agrees. "But he's not putting any effort into remedying that. He hangs out with Dan and Jade more than anyone, but even then, you can tell he's trying to give them their own space too, and I can't blame him. Hanging out with an engaged couple could get a little tiresome." He manages another grin.

Becky chuckles and nods. "I suppose. I've seen Clint try to get him involved in the shop but he seemed disinterested."

"He seems disinterested in most things. I honestly don't even know why he decided to stay here. I mean, I'm glad he did but... I just wonder what his reasoning was, if all he's going to do is mope. You know I don't think I've ever seen him smile. Let alone laugh or have any amount of fun. It's been what - several months? And he's still an outsider by his own doing."

"He's working though, isn't he? I mean, better than when he first came?"

"Oh, tons better. It had something to do with Dan, but I never did find out what. One minute, Dylan was leaving and the next, he was back here, willing to work in order to stay." Mick shrugs. "But even so, he still won't talk. I'd be happy if he talked to anybody, let alone me, but I think he hates me for life."

"I don't think that's true." Becky looks down at the floor for a moment before looking back up at her brother-in-law. "If he did, he wouldn't be here. He probably just doesn't know how to express himself."

"But I'm his father. He shouldn't-"

"You can be a scary guy, Mick." Becky chuckles, but she does get her point across. "We all love you to death, but even you would be the first to admit that you can be a little hard on people sometimes. And poor Dylan, probably thinking he has to live up to your standards? That's not an easy task."

Mick bites his lower lip and glances down the barn aisle again. "Is it all my fault, Becky? Is this whole thing the way it is because I've been too hard on him?"

"No, I don't think so. We all have different ways of doing things and I couldn't condemn you for the way you've treated him. If I did, someone could turn around and blame me for raising my own kids the wrong way. Look at Clint. Thankfully, things are working out for him and Wendy, but someone could say that Jim and I must have been bad parents to have raised a boy who would make those kinds of choices."

"Well, that was all him. You and Jim did all you could to teach him right."

"Exactly. You did all you could, Mick. Then for not even knowing Dylan for half his life... just the fact that he's willing to stay here is pretty good." Becky tries to reassure him. "What is it you want from him?"

Mick shrugs lamely. "I guess... just to talk. To know what's on his mind... to know where things went wrong. He still won't tell me about how he got into trouble. Something that was said a few weeks ago though, gave me the impression that Dan knows the story, so why could Dylan tell him and not me?"

"He almost got your other son killed, and you think he wants to admit to you what happened with him being hooked on drugs?"

It did sound a bit silly, and Mick sighs. "Point taken." Watching the stall down a ways, he sees someone return the horse to the stall and Dylan moves quickly out of the way, moving on to another stall and avoiding the animal. "He hates horses," he muses. "You'd think after this amount of time, he'd at least have gotten used to it, but he still appears to loath working in the barn."

"Yet he cleans stalls every day," Becky returns. She eyes Mick. "That doesn't seem to quite add up, does it?"

"No."

"Then maybe there's more than one mystery here." She pats him on the shoulder before turning to leave. "It'll work out, Mick... God will see to that."

"Yeah... thanks, Beck..." Mick keeps his eyes on Dylan working until finally he just shakes his head and goes out to the pasture to bring in some of the other horses for the night.


Dylan throws another shovelful of manure into the wheelbarrow and squints as some sweat drips down in his eye. His t-shirt was wet with sweat and dirty from working all day in the barn. Most days were the same. He spent most of his time in here... even though he was allowed free time, he rarely took it. There were things he hated about this place, but keeping busy seemed the best thing to him.

Since deciding to stay, he'd become more skilled with using the tools around the barn and he'd started to fill out again, losing the pale, thin look from before he'd gotten off the drugs. He'd been able to gain back some weight but was kept in shape from the daily work. He didn't notice much though... day in and day out, it was all the same. He hung out with Dan sometimes... sometimes with Jade... but mostly he was on his own.

Pausing, he wipes some sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. Looking into the next stall over, he peers through the bars at the tall horse. Wandering a little closer, he cautiously studies the big animal. When the horse turns around and sticks her nose up to the bars though, Dylan jumps back. Scoffing at himself, he grabs hold of the shovel again and gets back to work. He'd never fit in here. The only reason he stayed was because he was afraid to return home. Well, maybe that wasn't the only reason, but it was a main one.

Stopping his work again, his mind turns with questions, theories and consequences. He still hadn't explained everything to his dad. Maybe he was still afraid to. At least without having said anything, he hadn't faced rejection or disbelief. Dan had believed him, but there was no telling if his dad would or not. He didn't want to be accused of lying... he'd been in enough trouble around here without that.

"Dylan - five minutes?"

He looks up to the sound of Sparky's voice. He knew his uncle would be bringing the horse back in shortly. "Yep." Digging his shovel into the manure again, he works a little faster so the stall can be finished by the time the horse returned.

The rest of the day goes by quickly. Dylan keeps busy in the barn as usual - doing his work, doing it well, and staying out of everybody's way. There were times when some of the other ranch hands would go to do their tasks, only to find them finished without knowing who had done them. Later, they might discover it had been Dylan, only feeding his reputation as the "ghost man."

Once the barn is closed up for the night, everyone filters their own ways for supper. Some go to their own homes or bunkhouses, but most gather, as usual, in the main dining hall. There is chatter, laughter and fellowship amongst friends and family - the older generation and those still brand new to the world. It was a warm scene on a chilly night. The smiles on faces were genuine and contagious, making for a happy evening, just like most were. There was peace here. Peace and love.

Outside, the sun has set and the ranch is quiet. Dylan leans against the pasture fence and stares up at the dark sky, witnessing the stars as they begin their nightly watch. The sounds of happy voices and laughter filter from the main building and his eyes lower to the glow coming from the windows. Yes, it was like most every evening. There was rarely an unhappy mealtime here - which was amazing for as many different people and personalities that were here. Even when some weren't getting along, the disputes were usually quiet and settled within a reasonable amount of time.

The sound of a door opening and closing catches Dylan's attention and he sees Clint, Wendy and the baby head off towards their own place. That meant supper was wrapping up and everyone else would be filtering out soon. It was also Dylan's cue.

Wandering to the dining hall, he lets himself in the back door and slips quietly around the noisy room to the kitchen. A few women were in and out starting on the dishes, but they seemed too busy to notice him. He'd learned how to be quiet and not be noticed. It wasn't hard blending into the background when he really wanted to.

Grabbing a bowl from the cupboard, he spies leftover stew on the stove and helps himself, also grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. Finding a spoon and napkin, he heads back along the wall to the back door, letting himself out again. The trek to his bunkhouse only takes a few moments and he's soon sitting on the porch, eating his meal alone. Leaning back against the railing, his eyes roam the ranch as he eats. He sees dark figures moving about and knows who each one is, even with lack of light. Judging just by the way they walked and what time it was, he was rarely wrong. They all had routines and patterns, whether they realized it or not.

Taking another bite of stew, Dylan knows that Rosetta had helped Becky in the kitchen tonight. He could always tell who had cooked, and Rosetta was one of his favorites. He'd probably missed out one some kind of dessert - he hadn't stuck around long enough to nose around and see if any of Rosetta's cookies from yesterday were left or not.

Settling back, he sighs and eats slowly, making the bowl of stew last longer than it normally would. After this, all he had was bed, unless he found something lame to watch on television for an hour or two.

Play the part

Keeping Susanne close and making sure she didn't slip off his feet Chuck was enjoying this moment, and enjoying that Susanne was smiling with the twinkle in her eye. He wanted her to feel good so badly, the strange force just seemed to call him to do so.

Hearing her comment about the time Chuck stops singing again before letting go of Susanne's hand but keeping his arm around her wast so he could lower her to the ground safely again. Letting his hands fall from her wast his own hand slips into hers.

"Alright, I guess we want to make sure we are one time. I'll make sure we get there."

Taking Susanne back to his bike and handing her the extra helmet. Making sure she put it on, and than putting his own on he mounts the bike waiting for to put her arms around him. Feeling she was sacred Chuck starts the bike up and takes off.

Driving a little faster down the road more than he had come Chuck was still very safe with his driving till the came into down where he slowed down a little bit. Pulling into Mom and Pop's Chuck cuts the bike off getting. Holding out his hand to Susanne he smiles ready to slip into the character he would be playing tonight and than maybe for a while longer too.

Leaning into Kip Karla lays her hand on his leg. Hearing his words she thinks for a moment before moving and eating one of the frys he held out to her. Giving a smile she can't help but lean over to him and kiss his nose a little bit. Thinking about what he said Karla's look turned to one if sympathy.

"You know they love you to death Kip and they have no second thoughts about having you in the band. Your good at what you do, and amazing on the bass. I think its just going to take you a little while longer to get use to everything."

Bringing her hand to the site of his face Karla runs her thumb over his cheeks as her eyes search his. She cared for him so much she hated seeing him hurt.

"You know the band would probably fall apart without you. You part of them, and part of the glue that holds them together, your the glue that holds me together."

Walking and listing to Ariel Trey found her intriguing. Her job alone was interesting, he'd never met someone who did something like that before. He couldn't help but want to hear a little more.

"I do find that kind of interesting. I've never met someone who did that."

Taking another sip of his beer and walking to the edge where the sand was Trey cocks his head at Ariel. Just watching her for a long moment he considers walking in the sand. He'd never done that bear foot before.

Slipping his own shoes off a long with his socks he sent his empty bottle down along with a few things from his pockets. What was he doing? Walking in the sand with no shoes...thats what little kids did not someone like him.

Walking over to her the warm sand on his feet it sent a thousand tingles through him. It tickled and felt good at the same time. Coming over to her Trey slips his hand around her wast and lifts her up a little bit spinning her around before setting her down again. Looking down into her eyes his own hold a deep gaze to them, one that if someone saw...they might have seen it else where.

"I have no idea why I am doing this."

Letting her go and backing up a little bit he continues to smile as he looks back to Ariel. The moon was shinning bright tonight and it just seemed to light the beach perfect. Finally turning around a little bit he walks to the edge of the water and lets it wash over his feet.

"Would you like to get lunch tomorrow with me?"

Had he really just asked her to lunch? Did he just need a reason to get out of TJY or was the strange feeling he had really true? Did he feel like he needed a friend? Was he really lonely? It was strange to feel like that, maybe because here....he really did have no one.

Special

I promise I won't hurt you.
Why Susanne believed him, she didn't know. She shouldn't trust him like this... it wasn't logical, at all, nor was it wise. All of her training and self-taught rules told her to back away and not allow Chuck to be this close. So why she moved closer and allowed Chuck's arm to be around her waist, was beyond her.

With her feet on top of his, the movement felt a little awkward at first, but forcing herself to relax, her feet moved right along with his as if she was dancing as well as he. Listening to him sing, feeling his arm around her, her hand in his, and dancing like this was all so unreal, and Susanne felt so silly yet didn't want to stop.

A smile starts at the corner of her mouth, and the tears in her eyes disperse to leave a new little twinkle. Laughing, she hides her face for a moment by leaning her head against his chest. She didn't want him to think he was laughing at him - it was just this whole thing that made her emotions bubble over.

Finally looking up at him again, she still smiles and shakes her head. "You... are something else, you know that?"

His offer for some water makes her giggle but she declines. "I think I'm alright for now."

Searching his eyes, she just lets her feet and legs move with his, letting him take her where he would as he slowly danced. At a pause in the song, her gaze softens just a little. "Thank you," she mentions quietly. "If only for a few minutes, you've managed to make me feel special, and that's something that most people never accomplish."

With one hand up on his shoulder as they danced, her wrist was exposed and she suddenly catches sight of her watch. Giving a little gasp, she stops dancing. "Oh, goodness... we better get back if we're gonna get to Mom and Pop's before that silly bunch does."


Karla's light backrub was unexpected but so relaxing and Kip sighs deeply with a quiet murmur, just enjoying it for a few moments and wondering if she knew how good it felt. Her question though, reminds him that not all was well. He'd missed her, too, and knowing that she'd missed him back makes him feel a little guilty for having been so distant the last few days.

Finally rolling over onto his back, he looks at Karla for a moment. No, he didn't want to talk about it, but he knew he'd have to eventually. Still not saying anything, he sits up and scoots back so he can lean back against the wall. Spreading his legs apart, he pulls Karla up between them so she can sit and use his chest as a backrest. Reaching over to the nightstand, he grabs the bag of food and sets it on Karla's lap, his arms on either side of her as he opens the bag and snitches a couple french fries.

Wrapping one arm around her waist, he holds her, just chewing quietly for a moment, and offering her a fry too, holding it up so she can take it in her mouth from his fingers. Soon, he rests his chin on her shoulder, still slowly eating the fries but more to just keep his hands busy than to satisfy his stomach.

"I heard the band talking the other day," he finally admits quietly. He holds up another fry for her, then one for himself. It was easier talking when he could keep his face hidden from her line of sight. Still resting on her shoulder, he lets his head lean against hers. "About me... and how I've been delaying the band recordings and... and hindering their performance."

He swallows hard and leaves the food be for now, locking his other arm around Karla's waist now too. He sighs a deep, weary sigh. "I guess the last few days, I've been trying to figure out how to tell them they'd be better off finding another bass player who can keep up with them." He gives a quiet scoff at himself. "I'm not surprised. I know I'm not as good as the others. I'm just sorry for making it more difficult for them. They deserve someone better."


Ariel didn't know what TJY was or why anybody would be hounding Trey, but for now, she doesn't ask. She didn't want him to feel like she was doing any hounding either, and she didn't mind not knowing everything yet.

Walking a short ways with him, she smiles and shakes her head at his question. "Not unless you count painting butterflies with sponges." Looking up at him, she grins. "I'm an art teacher at a school for kids with disabilities. On a normal day, the most excitement happens when someone drops the box of crayons."

Still walking slowly, she takes a small sip from her bottle, one hand tucked in her jeans pocket, her braided hair hanging over one shoulder. "As far as fun, outside of teaching, I guess I enjoy myself at these get-togethers, but I don't have anybody I really hang out with regularly. It's just me and the cats most days." She laughs. "All five of them."

Reaching the small, sandy beach, another grin comes to Ariel's lips. Slipping out of her flipflops, she sets her beer down for now and walks into the sand with her bare feet. "Mmm..." It was nice and warm out tonight and she so loved walking in the sand. Turning, she walks backward for a moment, looking to Trey, her gaze asking him to join her.

Trust me

Wrapping his fingers around Susanne's Chuck puts his other hand around her wast and gives a soft smile to let her know he wouldn't try anything, and she was safe in his arms. Moving a little slowly Chuck could feel Susanne tremble a little. Than hearing her words about not being able to dance Chuck smile even more the words to the song dieing off again.

"Thanks ok. I'll make it work so you can enjoy it too. Just...trust me I promise I wont hurt you."

Wrapping his other arm around Susanne as well Chick lifts her up a little bit and places her on top of his feet. His steel toe boots proving to me good platforms to stand on so they could dance with him taking the lead.

"Now we can dance and you don't have to worry."

Picking up in the song again Chuck smiles keeping his arms around Susanne. Morning around one way, and than going the other was moving in soft circles and all over the open area just enjoying the moment and letting Susanne do the same.

"If you get thirsty its not punch but I have some water on the bike in the seat compartment."

Don't know how

At first, Susanne is surprised that Chuck seems to not want to walk anymore. Was it something she'd said? Had she offended him? She hadn't meant to. She'd just been honest with him and...

Her thoughts trail off as her confusion builds, watching Chuck back off. When his soft singing hits her ears, it's one of the warmest sounds she's ever heard. She recognizes the tune right away, and a little smile starts at the corner of her mouth. Though still confused as to what on earth he was intending, she cocks her head, just listening for a moment. But as his question is asked of her, the smile fades and her eyes hold a look of pure astonishment.

Susanne's heart almost stops for a moment as she looks down at his outstretched hands then back up to his face again as he begins the soft singing once more. Someone... a man... was... actually asking her to dance. Never once had anyone ever done that. Never once had anyone paid that much attention to her as a woman. She'd never complain about the friendships she had, or the way her "family" at TJY treated her - she knew they all loved her. But this was different. This was the direct attention of a man in a way that was very different.

Her mouth opens slightly, still amazed that Chuck would be so observant... thoughtful... tender, in a way. She didn't want to open up to him... she didn't want to allow herself to fall into this moment, knowing that tomorrow it would be over. But... but maybe... just this once... it wouldn't be so bad? She could live in a single moment... right?

Without realizing her eyes had filled, she blinks, allowing a tear to escape and run down her cheek. It wasn't one of sadness... perhaps one of happiness, mixed with melancholy. No matter the reason, she feels a little silly, but doesn't want Chuck to think she's upset. So reaching out with trembling hands, she takes his own. Both hands in his, it made her warm all over, and she takes a small step forward to leave a smaller space between them. "I don't know how to dance," she whispers.

Unchained Melody

Continuing to keep his full attachen on Susanne as she talks Chuck's eyes dont wonder around like some might. They stay on her and give her all his focus. Every words she said he herd, and every bit of hurt he saw he could feel. To think he dad use to say that struck him hard. A family was meant to support not bring down, even if it was in joking.

Letting the wheels in his mind turn Chuck's eyes wonder her face, her eyes, studying them, taking them in. Her questions he just cocks his head a little to one side before give it a shake say no he didn't want to walk anymore with her.

Backing up a little bit Chuck clears his throat before looking away. Taping his foot for a moment finally a soft song starting low comes from his lips. The song was familiar and played at many dances. The words from Unchained Melody come from his lips before becoming more stronger as he looks up at Susanne.

Letting the words die off Chuck lets the melody continue to be hummed as he holds his hand out to Susanne again. The hum going away for now as he speaks.

"We arnt in high school anymore, but I think you've missed out far to long on your first dance. Can I have the honor of shearing it with you, Susanne may I have this dance?"

Once his question to her was out Chuck starts to hum again not skipping a beat to where he left off the words coming out softly again as he wait for her reply.

Coming into the room with the bag of food Karla sets it on the nightstand before sitting in on the bed next to Kip.

"You don't look to sick, but if you are thats ok. I'd rather be with you and get sick than be alone."

Resting her hand on Kip's back Karla gives it a nice rub quiet for a moment. She really had missed him a lot, and she was worried too.

"I've missed you. Wanna talk about whats been bothing you?"

Giving a swig of his beer Trey gives a little shrug as he puts his other hand in his pocket. Starting forward with Ariel they walk a little ways away from the camp fire. He'd always been a party animal but this were calmer than what he was use too. But it was nice not to worry about anything to bad going wrong.

"I'm doing ok I guess. I don't really do much right now so there is not much to talk about. Unless you want to count in being hounded by the big boss at TJY exciting."

Shaking his head he takes another swig of beer walking a little ways more before turning to Ariel a little bit. Studing her side profile as they walked he couldn't help but wonder about her. He hardly new anything about who she was, yet how did he ask? He wasn't use to talking to women before, least not like this.

"How about you? Anything fun and exciting going on?"

Homely

Karla's voice jolts Kip from his sleep. He hadn't intended on taking a nap, but after he'd laid on his bed for a while, sleep had taken over. Sitting up, he tries to shake the fog from his mind. His hair was a little matted on one side and his eyes were red, proving he'd been sleeping.

Getting up, he shuffles to the door in his bare feet, his t-shirt a bit wrinkled and his jeans hanging loose without a belt. Pulling on the knob, he looks out at Karla and spies the McDonald's bag. His stomach growls again but he seems less than enthusiastic as he yawns. He does muster up something close to a smile though and sleepily rubs a hand over his face. "Hi." His voice was gravely and he clears his throat before backing up and letting Karla through. "Come on in."

Returning to the bed, he flops down on his stomach, hiding his face in his pillow. He knew Karla wasn't stupid. She probably already sensed something was more wrong than his lie of being sick. The smell of the french fries tempts him and his stomach growls again. Gram had been trying to feed him all day, and he'd refused. Unfortunately, Karla knew his weakness. He remains stubborn though and doesn't move.

"What I got's probably catching," he mumbles into the pillow.


Susanne didn't want to feel Chuck's words the way she did. She didn't want to feel that tingle that ran down her spine or that warmth that spread through her veins. His voice was like an embrace itself, wrapping her in the most peculiar state of mind where she felt far less control than what was comfortable. She finds herself gripping his hand just a little tighter as if trying to remember this was reality and not some dream that would always have a happy ending.

He really did want to get to know her? Why? His mention of fifteen years ago makes Susanne wonder what he must have been through. He seemed so gentle and kind with a dash of danger about him... what kind of a woman would abuse that? She feels a bit of sympathy for Chuck now, realizing that he was indeed human as well.

As he stops again and looks down at her, Susanne looks up this time, willing to fall into those eyes once more. Why did he want to open his heart up to her? After one look? One glance? She wanted to believe him, but it just seemed so impossible. He admitted that he knew nothing about her, so how could he possibly want to share himself with her like that after she'd simply walked through the door? If he was telling the truth, it couldn't be her... it had to be something in his imagination or he was just in the right mood or something.

"I don't have the presence or looks or personality to deserve such compliments," she responds quietly. "It's like my father used to say when I'd try to dress up for a school dance. He'd say, 'Suzy, don't put so much work into looking good. The guys are going to ignore you anyway.' And he was always right. I'd go, sit in the corner, unnoticed and be miserable the whole time. Then when the next dance or party came around, I'd do the same thing all over again." She chuckles. "Until one day I realized that nothing I did would change any of that. My dad would introduce me to others as his 'homely child' and I came to realize he was right. There was never anything special about me... then or now."

Pausing, she shakes her head, the defeated smile still on her lips. "So you see why I can't believe you? It's all just a game and none of it is real. But because you're such a gentleman, no, I won't just write you off. I plan to have a fun dinner and maybe by the time we get back to town, I'll even like the motorcycle ride."

Lifting her eyes, she sees that Chuck's hair had been matted down in his helmet and she grins. Standing on her toes and reaching up like she had that morning, she runs her fingers through his hair to mess it up again. This time though, she takes just a little longer doing it, feeling the soft locks between her fingertips.

Taking back her hand, she swallows hard, her eyes resting on his again. She wondered if the tingle than ran through her was what chemistry felt like. "Shall we... keep walking?"


Trey's comment makes Ariel laugh, her eyes sparkling by the light of the nearby fire. "Yeah well... party hearty, right?" She was anything but, and she was sure Trey sensed that.

Accepting the beer, she smiles at him. 'Thanks. One's my limit but I haven't had any yet."

Just standing a moment to take a swig, she give him a sidelong glance. "So... how's it going?" She nods towards the beachside. "Wanna walk and talk?"