Fun

Feeling Con's arms around her Katie just sinks into him. He was a big fluffy teddy bear, and just feeling his strength around her just made her fell sheltered from the world that was pounding on her door. Con always had a way of doing that.

Giving a sniff and whipping away some of her tears Katie does her best to try and control herself. Everything just seemed to pile up and just the thought of losing and knowing it was coming close was just so hard for her.

"No, I don't think there is anything you can do Con. It's only about time right now, and waiting to see if Rick will find a cure or not."

Sitting up again and looking to her food again Katie's apatite seemed to be gone now. Looking to Con Katie does her best to give him a smile not wanting to make him to much more worried than she new he already was.

"Well, maybe there is one thing but its only something small. On the way back do you think you could drop me off at Jason's? I'd really like to spend some time with him for the rest of the day. I think Reese would understand too."

As Jade leans on him Dan can't help but wrap his arm over her shoulders and holds her close to him. It seemed so natural to do that now, like he had been for years, and years. It was such a good feeling too that Dan tried to keep her close whenever he could.

As Jade pops up thought and he hears about the ice Dan can't help but laugh. He found it rather amusing to say the least. Not to mention seeing Dylan and Jade joking around together was nice, and hearing about there old times even better.

"Well thanks for that tip Dylan. Now if Jade falls asleep on me while we are watching a movie I'll know what to do."

Dan gives Jade a sidelong glance and a wink showing he was kidding even if he did think it would be rather funny to see her reaction. He's never be that mean to poor Jade. Glancing back over to Dylan and Ashlee he can't help but smile himself. He liked hanging out with Dylan and being friends but it was nice to see someone a little closer to his age being around him too.

As Dylan skips over her Ashlee's eyes grow wide as she looks to him. A completely fake shocked look on her face not being able to believe he had just done that. Giving him a little shove with her shoulder Ashlee can't help the smile.

"Well than, next time we play so expect me to take it easy on you."

Giving another laugh Ashlee gives a stretch and a yawn to go along with it. It had been a long but fun night and it was slightly past her bed time but she had been having way to much fun to have called it quits yet. Just this last game, than she would head to bed.

Stacy a thoughtful nod as she turns a little bit and looks across the yard where the lights in the dinning hall were still on. Eric was right, this was a great place to be at and though Stacy had only been here a short while she could already feel the love these people had for each other, and everything around them.

"Well I am happy to be here and to help. Not to mention I think it was good Ashlee came here too. In a way I think she needed this, so she could remember what being a kid is, and able to live her childhood while she is still young."

Breaking her gaze from the building Stacy looks back to Eric again locking eyes with his. They seemed so deep and in the moonlight the took on another color, one that just seemed alluring. She hadn't noticed his eyes before but now that she had it was just to hard to look away.

Always nice

Eric glances down at Stacy's outstretched hand, then back up to her face. The way the light reflected of her cheeks was quite becoming - the shadows placed perfectly along each soft edge. His eyes meet hers for a moment. They'd already met. They'd already shook hands. But perhaps tonight they really were meeting each other for the first time.

Finally, he accepts her handshake. His rough palm envelopes her hand and he grips with a strong touch but not harsh. It was a grip that could be as hard as steel, trained to control a wild mustang... and it was a hand that could be as soft as silk, trained to soothe a horse's spirit.

Perhaps he allows the handshake to linger longer than necessary before he withdraws. "Eric Henson. Nice to meet you, Stacy." His eyes were still on hers. It wasn't a challenging stare, but it was one that he had chosen not to back down from first. There was depth in those moonlit eyes... there was a story behind the sparkling gaze that Eric couldn't quite see. But he knew now there was more than just a tough cop out to get anybody who she thought crossed the line.

"It's hard not to love it here," he agrees. His hands go back to his pockets. "A place like this... sorta just grows on a person." And yet he'd spent the majority of his time on the road. Perhaps he loved it here so much that he didn't want to be a detriment, so staying away had been his way of helping. He was just a dumb truck driver. What did he really have to offer here?

"I'm sure your presence has helped ease some minds around here," he concludes. "Always nice to have another someone on our side."


Being teased back by Ashlee felt different. Dylan wasn't sure why, but maybe it was just the simple fact that he hadn't had much good clean fun in a while. Being with his family... then being in this setting... he just wasn't used to it. But he had to admit to himself that it did feel kinda good. Sticking his tongue out at Ashlee, he finds he is in fact able to play the Draw 4 he'd been holding on to, as payback. While at times that move might make the battle more fierce, for some reason, this time it just serves to create more laughter at the table.

The evening carries on and one by one, players begin to drop out as they start to call it a night. Eventually, it's just Jeff, Jade and Dan, Dylan and Ashlee - though Jade begins to yawn.

"UNO." Jade stifles yet another yawn as she plays her next to the last card. She leans her head on Dan's shoulder, careful not to look at his cards.

"Whoa! No falling asleep on the job," Jeff chides.

"Won't do any good to tell her that." Dylan nods with authority on the subject. "Only way to keep her awake is to put ice down her shirt."

Jade's head snaps up. "One time! One time! And it's following me the rest of my life!"

Dylan comes close to a grin again as he looks at Jeff. "She fell asleep right in the middle of a board game. Couldn't believe it. So what else could a little brother do?" He shrugs. "The ice worked. She upset the whole board so we had to start over, but hey, it woke her up."

Jeff laughs and shakes his head. "I believe it." Lifting his cup, he sighs. "Aw... the coffee is gone. I said when I ran out, I'd go to bed."

"In your wired state?"

"I'm always wired." That was quite the opposite of the truth, but sometimes Jeff liked to ignore his poor health and just pretend he was invincible again. He taps his palm on the table. "Come on. Somebody win so this old man can go to bed."

Dylan tosses down a Skip. "Well, it isn't gonna be Ashlee. Sorry." His eyes give her a sidelong glance.

Watching Dylan and Ashlee, Jade can't help her little smile. Her brother was actually engaging in the activity and Ashlee was cute the way it seemed she'd taken to him. Jade could be mistaken, but it seemed to her that the younger girl might just have a bit of a crush on Dylan. At least Dylan didn't seem to mind, and, on the contrary, was responding well to the open friendship that was obviously being offered. And at this point, seeing Dylan interested in anything at all was an improvement.


Seeing Katie's tear broke Con's heart. He wished he had an answer. He wished he could fix things for his friends. He and Jason had been the best of friends for a long time... and reality was starting to hit him too... and he didn't like it either. Even so, he knew that what he was feeling was only a part of what Katie did. She was losing her love... a chunk of her life.

Abandoning his food, Con slides out from the table only to turn and slide back in to Katie's booth. Putting an arm around her, he envelopes her in a hug. "Jase is gonna be okay," he reasons softly. "One way or the other." Maybe that thought wasn't comforting to her, but it was to him. Whether Jason got well here, or whether God took him, he would be okay. It was just the thought of having a great big hole here that hurt so much.

As he can feel a burning behind his own eyes, Con gives Katie an extra little squeeze. "What can I do for you? How can I help?"


Rick knocks on the front door and hears a low bark but nothing else. "Hotshot?" he calls and knocks again. He tests the doorknob. Locked. He'd try to make his own way in if it weren't for the big dog he knew was waiting on the other side. He got along with Trooper, and the dog wasn't vicious but Rick didn't want to surprise him either. "Jase?" he calls again. Finally he hears foosteps and the door being unlocked.

Jason looks out at Rick a bit drowsily, his red eyes proving he'd been asleep. He pushes the screen door open, not even questioning why Rick was there. "Hey."

"Hi." Rick enters the house and gives Trooper some scratching behind the ears. "I, um... well, I heard that... it..."

"Con talked to you." Jason turns and limps back to the living room. It was all very obvious. He'd gotten quite sick earlier that morning and he knew that Con would tell Rick about it. Easing down on the couch, he puts his foot up on the coffee table, slaps the ice pack on his knee and leans back, closing his eyes. Hearing Rick join him, he doesn't open his eyes but simply holds out his arm, inside up, knowing that an injection was coming.

Rick sighs. "Am I that predictable?" Not receiving a response, he simply administers the antidote. He'd taught Katie how to do it so he wasn't needed every day, but today he wanted the opportunity to check out everything himself.

Jason doesn't even flinch as the needle pricks him. "Where's Katie?"

"At lunch with Con."

"Planned?"

"Yeah." Rick knew he couldn't lie to Jason so there was no point in trying. He sits sideways on the couch and just looks at his young friend for several moments. "I didn't want her to know I was here and worry her."

"She'll know - you gave me the antidote."

"Yeah, but at least it will be after the fact." Rick picks up his bag and finds the pain medication. "How's the knee?"

"Hurts."

"Anything else?"

Jason finally opens his eyes and lets his head turn to Rick. "Everything."

Rick had been afraid of that. "Like what?"

"I ache from my head to my toes. I have a splitting headache that won't go away. I got stomach cramps so bad that I don't even want to eat. Even my teeth seem to hurt." Jason shifts his gaze to the blank television. "Want me to go on?"

Rick hated hearing it, but he needed to know. "Yes."

"All my joints hurt... and this morning I woke up with chest pains."

Another sigh comes and Rick nods. It wasn't going to get any easier than all this. "Jase, I... we could make you more comfortable if you'd be willing to take a room up at the hospital."

Jason swallows hard. "No."

"But it might buy us some time and I could get you on an IV and something stronger to help with the pain and-"

"I don't want to die in a hospital." Though Jason's words were quiet, they were enough to cut Rick off. Jason fingers a loose thread on the couch cushion. "Please don't make me die in a hospital bed with white walls, loud doctors and people crying over me."

Rick holds his emotions in check. "You're not going to die."

"Rick, it's-"

"We're going to fight it. We're going to find the answer, and you're going to live." Rick grits his teeth. "If it's the last thing I do, Jason, I swear I'm going to find the cure."

Jason turns his head and gives him a defeated gaze. "You and I both know I don't have much time left. How about just letting me have some peace, huh?"

"But..." Rick's shoulders drop as he stares back at Jason's pale face. He really couldn't blame him and he knew it. If he was in Jason's position, he might argue for the very same reasons, and if he did, he would want others to treat him with enough respect to leave him be. But that didn't make this any easier. Rick hands Jason a thermometer. "At least let me check you over so I can document the progression."

That, he would do. Jason takes the thermometer and pops it in his mouth under his tongue. If Rick found a cure after he was gone, then maybe it would help someone else down the line or even help in some way with Katie...

...Left alone again in the quiet house, Jason lies in bed where Rick had convinced him to go. He'd managed to keep down a piece of toast and a little bit of juice but that was it. He did have a fever now, a sign that infection was spreading. The pain meds had kicked in and were helping a little bit, but not enough to help him stay comfortable. No matter which way he tossed or turned, the only thing he wanted was to curl up next to Katie... to feel her fingers run through his hair... to listen to her soft hum... to hear her soothing heartbeat. And yet it was Katie that this thing was hurting the most.

Tears sting Jason's eyes before he buries his face in his pillow. And for the millionth time, he asks God why.

I sure wouldn't

Seeing Eric give her his own once over she new she had been caught in doing the same thing and she can't help the little bit of color that crawled up her neck. But as fast as it came it went too and another smile was replaced on her face.

"If I thought that was your best than I sure wouldn't want to see you at your worst."

Humor dances in Stacy's eyes for a quick moment showing she was teasing him and rather enjoying it as well. Maybe there was something different about him and what she saw on the road was just a bad day. Time would tell if there was another softer side to this man.

Holding out her hand to Eric Stacy tilts her head a little into the moonlight just letting the rays wash over her. It was enough light to see but as the same time cast shadows that just seemed to accent everything in the right areas.

"I'm Stacy Cullen. New to the ranch, but so far loving it. It's nice to meet you."

Ashlee leans back in her chair and laughs again breathing in deep. Her side were starting to hurt but it just didn't seem to matter. There was to much fun going on to really care, even if it meant tomorrow being sore would be even worse.

"For an invalid you sure do know how to get around. I'll hand that to you. I've never broken anything but if I did I'm not to sure what I would do. I like being out and about to much to just sit."

Hearing Jeff call Uno Ashlee's eyes widen a little bit but a wave of releaf washes over her as Jade throws down the reverse and Jeff picks up. The game was still on, no one had one yet, though now she new that Dylan's draw four was coming her way not too.

"Yeah, good block Jade."

As Dylan blames her for the trouble being started Ashlee stops talking and just looks at him for a long moment. A grin toying at the side of her mouth as she tried her best to hide it. Not being able to hold it anymore the grin breaks forth as Ashlee gives a little wake to Dylan's shoulder.

"Me, start trouble. Look at this face, does it really look like I was capable of that?"

Ashlee gives a little bat of her eyes as she continues to look at Dylan. Ok maybe she had started it a little but it was still funny to pretend she hadn't. Looking back to the game she quick gives Dylan a glance followed by a wink and than plays a card.

Taking a sip of her drink and thinking for a long moment Katie ponders Con's question. She could give her normal I'm ok like she did everyone else but what was the point? Con new her better than that and it would be an insult to him. That was really something Katie didn't want to do. But how was she really feeling? That was a question Katie didn't even know the answer for sure.

"Oh, thats a loaded question I guess. I'm ok to an existent and than past that I'm stressed, tired, and just want everything to be ok again."

Katie lets out a long sigh as she picks up a fry and drags it through some ketchup. She new it would be a while till everything would be ok...if it ever would be. She didn't like thinking about it not being ok, and what would happened if Rick couldn't fix things. Katie new that if it was Jason's time than it was in God's will but still it was a hard thing to except.

"I just want him to be ok again ya know. Even if that meant being on the antidote for the rest of our lives I would be ok with that as long as Jason was ok."

A small tear formed in Katie's eye as it rolled down her cheek. She often wondered now if they had stayed on the antidote and not made Jason go off it, if things would be different. She couldn't blame herself and she new that but it was a what if she often though about anyways.

Not my best

Slightly startled by the female voice behind him, Eric turns, only to be met by the flashlight beam. He holds his hands out to the sides in submission and squints in the bright light until Stacy lowers it. His expression was one of wry amusement. No, he wouldn't want to be a real prowler around here - he'd be dead meat for sure.

If it had been a week prior, Stacy's comment about the ticket would have irritated him. But tonight it simply brings a sheepish grin to his lips, his nose scrunching a little as he cringes. "I suppose I deserved that," he muses ruefully. "As far as the sound of my walk goes, don't get too used to it. I like to change my rhythm every now and again just to throw people off." His eyes were the only thing that revealed he was teasing.

Studying Stacy for a moment, one of his eyebrows lifts a little. Had she just given him a once-over? Again, what would have been irritating not that long ago, now made him feel rather amused. She was going to be living here whether he liked it or not. She was a part of this ranch now, whether he liked it or not. And today... as the feeling of defeat continued to rise within him... it just wasn't worth the fight to try and be at odds. So she'd given him a ticket. Who cared? It had been his fault to begin with and she'd only been doing her job. Him trying to avoid her lately really was pretty childish now that he thought about it.

His mouth opens for an apology but instead, it seemed Stacy was pretty close to an apology herself. Folding his arms, he cocks his head, letting some moonlight below the brim of his hat. Purposefully giving her once-over, he makes it obvious that he's returning her own stare she'd given him. A low chuckle surfaces. "Yeah... I don't got a reason to want things awkward either."

Letting his arms fall so he could put his hands in his pockets, he shifts his weight a little. "I suppose a man ain't got a right to disrespect a woman - let alone a woman with authority." Let alone a woman who was attractive as she, though that was something he wouldn't dare voice. "I guess maybe we got started out on the wrong foot." His crooked grin returns. "But I think it was mostly my fault. You haven't exactly seen me at my best."


Looking to Ashlee, Dylan feigns shock that she would want to get back at him in the game. The twitch at the corner of his mouth evolves into almost a full grin before he hides it again and sends an elbow her way instead. "Be nice... I'm an invalid here, remember?"

"Invalid?!" Jade's jaw drops and she threatens to whack his ankle that sat up beside her.

Dylan automatically flinches, then throws her a smirk. "Watch it."

"Or what?"

"Or I'll..." He really wasn't in a position to be making threats at all. Swinging his gaze back over to Ashlee, he nods. "Or I'll sic this firecracker on you."

"UNO!" Jeff waves his single card in the air. "Does anybody care?"

Jade gasps and throws down a Reverse, which forces Jeff to draw cards instead of playing his last. "Blame it on Dylan. He's stirring up all the trouble."

"Me?!" He leans over and shoves Ashlee playfully with his shoulder. "It's all her, I'm telling ya."


Con smiles as Katie takes her arm, and he leads the way outside. He lets her pick where to go eat, and it doesn't take long to be sitting down and eating their lunch.

Munching on a frenchfry, and after some smalltalk about nothing very important, he cocks his head, just studying Katie. It was nice to spend some time with his "little sister." It seemed they rarely got to see each other anymore other than just saying hi at work. A benefit was her sensitivity to him not hearing well and he could always count on her speaking up and didn't get embarrassed when he had to have her repeat something.

Today though... this lunch was about her, not him. "So..." The thoughtfulness remains in his eyes. "How are you really doing, Kat?" He meant it... this whole thing with Jason had to be rough and he really did want to know how Katie was holding up under it all.

O.O

Sitting around the table and just enjoying the card game Ashlee couldn't help but laugh and jokes with the others. It was nice to interact with people and get to know them. To have those she new that if she ever was bored around be more than willing to spend there time with her. It was a good feeling to have friends and interact with others.

"Cheater...yes I think Luke is cheating...Angel you need to teach him how not to do that."

Giving a smirk to Luke Angel gives him a backhand to the shoulder playfully. She'd been having fun tonight too and was happy this time she decided to tag along.

"Don't you know the rule of letting the new kid win? Whats wrong with you now she will never want to play cards with us again."

Ashlee can't help but laugh again as she looks over to Dylan and gives a smile. Even thought he didn't smile as full one the little twitch at the couriers of his mouth seemed to match his eyes and on the inside maybe he was smiling and it made her feel good.

"Awww..your gonna hit me with a draw 4 huh? Yeah well what if I reverse it back, and just hit you with one back? Or next time you don't say Uno I wont let it slide and will make you pick up cards."

Ashlee gives a grin as humor dances in her eyes showing how much fun she was having. It had been a great night and though it would be coming to an end soon Ashlee would enjoy the little time left.

Wondering across the grass and checking thing out this had been the normal retain the last few nights. Making everything was ok before she took she spot for half the night where she could see most of the ranch and what went on. Stacy had been enjoying her new job and on top of watching the ranch another person had caught her eye as well and she had been watching him too.

Movement catches Stacy's eye bringing her out of her state of thought. Squinting through the dark she looks to see who was walking across the grass. It was dark and hard to see. Taking out her flash light she turns it on and shines it in Eric's direction.

"Hang on a second."

Drawing a little closer and lowering the flash light a little bit she felt silly noticing it was Eric she was now standing face to face with. Well they were going to run into each other sooner or later. Turning the flash light completely now the only thing left to light up the darkness was the moonlight shinning down on them both.

"Sorry about that, was kind of hard to tell who you were without writing you a ticket. Not to mention I am still trying to get use to everyone's pattern and there own individual sound they make when walking."

A small grin quirks at the courners of Stacy's mouth as she gives Eric a once look over taking him in and not being able to help how good looking he really was.

"I guess I can be kind of brutal when I am working. Kind of just comes with the territory. I hope it wont cause any awkwardness here. Thats really the last thing I want."

Stacy flashes Eric another smile as he moonlight hits her eyes just right causing them to glimmer in the moonlight making them look brighter than normal. She'd thought Eric had seemed like a jerk the find time on the road she had met him, but it was safe to say she wants all that pleasant either. Maybe he was different here and now.

Thinking for a long second Katie wasn't sure. Maybe she should call Jason anyways just to make sure. Shaking her head Katie felt silly for even thinking that. Con had never told a lie to her, and if he said Jason was ok than he must be. Katie had to trust that.

"Alright lets get going. Honestly some time away will be nice."

Grabbing her jacket from the back of her chair Katie throws it over her shoulder before shutting her monitor off and grabbing her keys. Coming out of her cubicle and along side Con she links arms with him before looking up and giving a tired half smile. It really was the best she could muster today.

Worry-free

The tap on the table lifts Dylan's gaze, and one of his eyebrows quirks, signaling his surprise. Daring to look Ashlee in the eye, he searches to see if her invitation is genuine. Did she really know him better than anybody else at the game table? He found that hard to believe, but maybe she'd spoken to him more than the others. Did she really want him there for her, or was she trying to get him involved for some strange reason? All of the above, maybe?

His eyes shift to the table where he sees his sister give him a smile. She'd heard Ashlee too, and it didn't look as though she was apposed. He looks back to Ashlee. Getting a break from school did sound good... maybe he'd stay... for a little while.

Shutting his book, he shrugs. "Yeah, okay." Standing up, he winces and takes a moment before hobbling towards the other table with Ashlee.

Trying to hide surprise, Jeff pulls out a chair next to him. "Have a seat, Tiger."

Dylan smirks. "Only if no one sits across from me." He looks over to his sister who was directly across from him.

She gives him a haughty look. "Oh really? Don't like looking at my mug anymore, eh?"

"No. I need a chair to put my foot up on."

"Oh." Jade grins and stands up, making Dan move too so she could still sit with him. "Why didn't you say so? It's all yours. Want some ice to put on that ankle?"

Dylan had to admit that he appreciated his sister's willingness to help. "Um... yeah, I guess if it's not hard to get at."

As he sits, Jade nods and goes for the kitchen. "No prob. Be right back."

Fifteen minutes later, the game had started. Dylan was settled between Jeff and Ashlee, able to keep his foot up and still play cards. Laughter between most of the players was frequent, and though competition was fierce, it was all in good fun. Somebody makes popcorn and breaks out the pop that was in the kitchen refrigerator. Winning hands rotate between players and at some point, everyone has won at least once, though Luke's in the lead - after which Jeff complains he never should have been invited and is promptly whacked upside the head with as much humor as had been in his own statement.

An hour passes, and Dylan is relaxed, but has yet to join the laughter or even crack a smile... unless the faint grin that tugged at his mouth every now and then counted. Seeing another Skip card played, he rolls his eyes over to Ashlee. "Thanks. A lot," he teases dryly.

"She just likes making you sit out," Jade comments from across the table, throwing her brother a grin. It was good to have him here, interacting at all, whether he was enjoying it as much as the others or not. They didn't always get along as siblings, for sure, but she still loved him and hoped that he'd find his place. "It's a woman thing," she concludes.

"Next game..." Dylan points at her. "You sit over here and get the brunt of all my cards. How about that?"

"Oh no, I'm quite comfy." She pats Dan's leg and leans into his shoulder a little more. "Thanks for the offer though."

Dylan smirks and shakes his head. He gives Ashlee another sidelong glance. "Next time someone plays a Reverse, I have a Draw-4 with your name on it."


It was dark in the barn, except for a few dim lights. It would have been closed up for the night, had Eric not preferred being in here than his bunk for a little while longer. He slowly brushes the red roan mare, his hands lost in the soothing task, and his mind lost far, far away. The sound of the bristles combing through the soft hair tantalizes his ears and brings so many thoughts up from the dead. The scent of the horse infiltrates his nostrils, bringing a collage of memories. The feel of the warm, rippling muscles beneath his palm births scenes in his mind from the past.

It had been so long... so long. His hands pause and he leans his arms across the mare's back, his eyes not seeing anything but years that had gone by. He could still feel the thick leather woven between his fingers as he gripped the reins and a chunk of coarse mane. The first leap always sent his heart into his throat and the trip around the track always felt so much longer than it was in reality. He could still remember the first time he and Mick and been neck and neck and without having even talked about it prior, they'd reached out, clasped hands and crossed the finish line together. And after that, they'd been the unstoppable duo.

A little smile of melancholy curls Eric's lips, his gaze still holding a faraway look. Somehow a wedge had been driven between him and Mick after a while... maybe it was jealousy... maybe it was that they were growing older and beginning to go their separate ways. But no matter their differences, eventually, they'd come back around again, as good a friends as ever. Then Eric had taken that fateful fall and nothing had ever been the same.

Glancing down, he runs his finger through the mare's hair then fingers her mane. He'd lost so much after his accident. It had taken so long for him to regain enough balance and control to even think about riding again... and so many skills had been lost. He could remember struggling with simple math and spelling, proving the depth of damage. Trucking... had been his only way out of a world where he felt stupid daily.

The mare turns her head as much as she could while in the crossties, and looks back at him as if asking if he was going to keep grooming her or just stand there all day. Eric smiles a little and shakes his head. "I'm sorry." He pats her neck lovingly. "You're as bad as a woman who feels neglected."

"It's be being pregnant part. Always makes 'em moody."

Eric swings his gaze over his shoulder, surprised to see Mick wasn't back at the house yet, and he gives him a wry grin. "Yeah, Jim said she was due here pretty soon."

"Mm-hmm." Mick wanders around the other side of the mare, letting his hand trail down her neck before he stops and looks across her back at Eric. He'd seen a light on and had just come to check it out. Maybe finding Eric here was a good thing. "Should be a good foal."

"Out of Turbulence?"

"Nope. Stud from the Mullin's ranch - big grey. Great disposition. Thought about buying him - he's been up for sale a few times. Figured I'd see what kind of foal this girl here would throw first though."

Eric nods absentmindedly as he picks some hair out of the brush he'd been using. His eyes study the bristles for a few moments. He'd been avoiding Mick the last few days... but maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all. Mick didn't seem to hold any grudges... for which Eric was thankful. He'd been a jerk, no doubt, and he wasn't proud of it.

Mick cocks his head as he looks at his brother-in-law, seeing the pensive stare. And he wonders. "You know... sometimes God gives us a second chance with something we love."

Eric's eyes shoot up and they lock with Mick's. Was he referring to horses?

Mick runs his fingers through the mare's mane, tugging at a couple tangles. "I keep telling Rosetta I need an extra set of hands for the training - with riding lessons and normal breaking, I mighta bit off more than I could chew with those fillies that need race training. Gotta have them ready for the track but most of my help either doesn't have the experience or they're kept too busy with other work." He shrugs. "Figure it'll come together somehow, one way or another."

Giving the mare's back a last pat, he sighs and turns down the aisle. "Goodnight, Eric."

Left alone again, Eric grooms the horse for much longer than planned. Was there...hope?

It was at least another half an hour before Eric finally shuts off the lights and make sure all the stalls were closed up for the night. Wandering outside, he shuts the barn door and looks up at the dark night sky, sighing wearily. His walk is rather aimless as he favors his leg... but he still didn't head for his bunkhouse right away. He saw lights still on in the dining room - the late bunch was probably still up playing cards. He really didn't feel like mingling right now. So, he continues to wander, forgetting about the possibility of running into the ranch's new security.


Con chuckles and shakes his head. "Yeah, you know how Jamie gets - she's the jealous type through and through."

Folding his arms, his eyes twinkle with humor before he replies to her wanting to call Jason. "Aw, you think I wouldn't have all the bases covered? I already talked to him. He's fine and he wanted you to have a worry-free break. So we're gonna at least let him think it's worry-free." He winks at Katie and nods towards the exit. "Come on. I'm driving."


"Thanks, Misty." Rick was glad he had her around to help keep his head on straight. Grabbing everything he thought he needed, he aims for the door before stopping again.

Looking over his shoulder, he addresses Misty once more. "When I get back... don't let me forget to call Cindy." The look in his eye was a grim one. "If she wants to spend time with Jason..."

He can't finish his sentence, so he turns and leaves instead.


Tal's eyes glisten as he smiles at Ryan, thoroughly enjoying the time spent with her. It had been even more fun than he thought, and seeing Ryan laugh made it all worth it.

He sighs deeply but nods. "Yeah... " Then his eyes widen. "I just had a vision of your brother coming after me. I think you're right. We definitely need to get back."

Grinning again, he stands up and brushes off his jeans before offering Ryan a hand up too. Just standing with her a moment, he cocks his head and reaches out to tuck her hair behind her ear. "We'll pick up where we left off, tonight when you come over," he reasons.

Laughter, the best Medicine

Looking up from her text book that had been sitting at the table with her for most of dinner Ashlee gives a smile to Jade. She had a text tomorrow she was studying for but she had spent the last hour doing so, maybe it would be ok this time.

"Yeah sure."

Closing her book and standing Ashlee makes her way to the table before she stops and turns to look at Dylan for a moment and than back at the group. It looked like a lot of people where there and if she asked him to join that wouldn't be her imposing right? They looked friendly enough not to mind and at least than she would know someone there.

Turning and heading over to Dylan's table she taps on it lightly to get his attachen giving him a nice warm smile. She wanted to be friends with him, and she wanted to see him smile more. There was a look in his eyes that showed deep down he wanted to smile but something stopped him from doing it.

"Hey Dylan. I know your trying to study and all but I was wondering if you would like to come play cards too. It would be nice to know someone else at the table too and it would be a nice break from school work. What do you want to say? Wanna try and venture this road with me?"

Looking up at Con Katie smiles big. It had been a little while since she had talked to Con and even longer since she had hung out with him and Jamie. Jason being sick took up most of her time not that is bothered it at all, but it just let little time for her to do anything else.

"Lunch huh? I don't know Jamie keeps me on a tight leash with all this works and everything on top of taking one hundred percent of you time away from her she might double my work load."

Katie gave a little smile. She was trying to be funny but once the joke was said it just didn't seem as funny anymore and she rolled her eyes at herself. She new Jamie wouldn't mind if she tagged along and what she said now just seemed dumb.

"I think I can take a lunch break today. I just need to call Jason to see how he is doing before we go."

It felt strange saying she had to call Jason. It was so abnormal, for them to ever have to pick up the telephone to talk to each other that now it just felt strange. But at least they had that still so they could get a hold of each other when they needed too.

Misty's look held one of worry. It wasn't often a smile wasn't on her face even in hard time, but this time...this was something completely different. This was there friend, someone close to them who was not given a choose to live or die. This was out of there hands and Misty hated it.

"Yeah its right here on the counter."

Standing Misty goes over to the counter and picks up the needle along with the pain killers. Handing them to Rick she lays a hand on his shoulder and trys to give the best smile she could at this point. It was hard, but it was all she had.

"I'm going to keep seeing what I can do. We are going to figure this out, and we are going to save Jason and Katie. One without the other is not an options."

Letting out another laugh at one of Tal's jokes Ryan almost had tears in her eyes. Once Tal started it was on a roll for sure. It had turned out to be a pretty good afternoon and Ryan was pleased with that. She might haven't taken a longer lunch than intended but that just met she would work a little later tonight.

"Tal you have got to stop...my sides hurt so much...oh my goodness."

It had been a long time since Ryan had laughed like this but it felt good. To just open up like this and laugh as loud and as long as they wanted too. Laughter the best medicine....Ryan was starting to think that saying way true.

Looking up at the clouds she finally sits up and glances at her watch and than back at Tal. She didn't want to time to end not yet, but she new she had too. Letting out a small sigh she throws a blade of grass Tal's way.

"Well I better get back or everyone is going to think you kidnapped me. Not that I mind that thought but you might end up having an angry Auto mob coming after you and that...can't end well."

Worsening condition

It turned into a quiet day, and too quickly the hours passed. It was after supper now, and people were starting to filter out of the dining hall for the evening. Some to run errands in town, some to finish last minute chores, and some to just go home and relax. A small group remained though, and the sound of shuffling cards could be easily heard.

Jeff sits back in his chair and fingers the deck of UNO cards. Laughing at something Clint had said, he engages in a conversation with Dan before rescuing his cup of coffee that Luke had just stolen.

Jade munches on a cookie and glances around the room to see if anyone else was sticking around. Smiling, she calls out to a nearby table. "Hey, Ashlee... wanna stay up for a while for some UNO?" It was still early evening... even if Ashlee needed to go to bed sooner than the others, it would be a couple hours yet, and Jade really did want to get to know the younger girl. They weren't all that far apart in age and Ashlee seemed like she could be a lot of fun.

Dylan looks up from his usual corner table where he'd been doing schoolwork throughout supper, gingerly seated with his foot propped up on a chair and leaned back so his ribs and shoulder didn't hurt as much. He wasn't surprised to see a group playing cards, nor was he surprised his sister was inviting Ashlee to join in. Jade had always been like that... friendly, popular... the most rebellious thing Dylan had seen her do was come looking for Mick a while back. She liked people and probably genuinely wanted to include Ashlee in the fun.

Dylan knew his invitation wouldn't be coming - he'd said no so many times that they'd finally quit asking. Not that he cared... right? He needed to get his schoolwork done and besides, UNO wasn't his favorite game...

He puts his eyes back on his history book. Maybe he should go back to his bunk so he wouldn't be distracted.


"Hey, little sister." Con towers over Katie's cubicle wall and smiles down at her. Since Jason had been sick, it seemed the close friends rarely interacted anymore and Con missed it.

"Jamie's off today and I'm hungry for lunch. Wondered if you'd let me buy you a sub or something... take a short break from work...?"


"I don't understand." Rick rubs his eyes and moves away from the microscope. The lab table in the infirmary was cluttered with data readoffs, bloodwork and DNA analysis. And none of it was making any sense.

"There's got to be something to work with. It can't just be invisible." He shakes his head, frustrated. "I know it's a foreign thing to begin with - the telepathy that Jason and Katie have can't be medically or scientifically explained, even though we've tried. But what's happening to Jason's body is real. He's really getting sick. He's really being killed from the inside out. I mean look at this!"

Rick grabs an x-ray and waves it in the air. "That scan we took of his knee when all this happened? Look at the damage! He was fine before the last couple attacks. Now suddenly he needed surgery again because all that cartilage that grew back simply deteriorated. Every weak spot he has is attacked, like whatever it is has intelligence and knows where to go. But there's no reason why!"

Slamming the x-ray back down, he heaves a sigh. He didn't mean to yell at Misty - she had no control over any of this, and she was trying just as hard as he was. He was just so frustrated. Con had been to see Jason this morning and when he'd returned to TJY, he'd come to see Rick. Apparently after Katie had left the house this morning, Jason had taken a nosedive. Thankfully, Con had been there to help him when he'd gotten sick and to get some liquids in him and get him settled down on the couch again before leaving. But Con had said he'd never seen Jason look so pale and it was very obvious that he was extremely worried. And so was Rick. With each passing day, Rick knew that Jason was worsening. He'd stopped visiting TJY... he'd stopped going anywhere but for short walks... he'd stopped playing the guitar.

"I can't tell him he's going to die." Rick's tone had quieted. "He knows it's killing him, but I can't tell him there's nothing we can do... I just can't. I won't."

He gathers up some things to put in his bag. "I'm going to the house to check on him while Con keeps Katie distracted for a while. There's no need in getting her upset." He searches the counter then his bag, then the counter again. "Do you know what I did with that syringe of antidote and pain killer I was going to give Jason?"


"I want to speak with you about your upcoming hearing."

Alec scoffs at Justin and remains slouched on his cot. He was getting tired of these routine sessions... every day was the same... every day went by without hope of any change except when he'd be carted off to be placed behind bars. "What about it? We all know I'm gonna get a guilty verdict."

"You may still have a chance if you fight for it. I just don't want to see anybody else get the guilty verdict, too."

Alec furrows his brow. "Anybody else?"

Justin shrugs as he shifts a little in the folding chair, tapping his pen on the table. "Well, yeah. I mean, you go to prison, there's gonna be other people on trial right behind you who could end up in prison, too."

"Who? I don't understand."

"It's pretty simple really." Justin remains casual, even though on the inside he was continually reminding himself how to deliver the message the way he wanted. It was a little hard to keep his head in the game today. He'd slept well though - even that, he had to admit. It had been a little embarrassing, waking up on the couch with Beth this morning, but she hadn't seemed to mind and really... he hadn't minded so much either. So they'd shared some breakfast before parting ways and by then, Justin had gotten to TJY almost late. But it was getting up and going that had brought back all his worries and stress about everything else, which made it difficult to focus on Alec's bad attitude today. But he had to. "See, Reese got permission to help people like you who have been in the Agency. You go to prison, that will be proof that the program failed."

"So?" Alec was still confused.

"So if the program fails, that's gonna open up the doors to investigation. And if they investigate, they could pull out other people who are on the straight and narrow now but were connected with the Agency in some way or another in the past, and put them on trial."

"Like who? Gage?"

"Him..." Justin pauses, making Alec want more. "And people like Carson... Phinox... Ryder... Misty..." He pauses again. "Ryan."

Alec's eyes flash. "Ryan? Why? She didn't do anything."

"No, but she was planning on contacting the Agency when you disappeared. Now, the other law enforcement may not have all of that information, but believe me you, they will find it. If they get their foot in the door, they'll dig up anything they can. They'll say that Ryan had her own contacts or that she wanted to join the Agency - it would be too risky to let her go. And Misty? Carson? They've both been in a few scrapes since being out of the Agency and those will certainly be used against them. They could even drag Scott back into all of this and put him on trial all over again as a new case."

Alec swallows hard. He wasn't so sure he liked the sound of all that. "Well they can't do that just because I went off the deep end. I mean, that's not fair. Just because I turned doesn't mean the others did."

Justin shrugs. "Maybe not. But you know how the system works. Right now, the Elite is under extreme scrutiny. Reese has put more than his neck on the line with this thing."

"He was stupid to," Alec mutters.

"Was he? He did it because he cared and you know it. Thing is, he cares about those other people too. More is riding on this than just your own future."

"Well what would I have to do? Go grovel in front of the judge or what?"

Justin hides his hope that maybe they were getting somewhere. Alec was thinking through it now. "You just need to tell your story the way you and I both know it needs to be told. Do you want to go to prison?"

Alec glares at him. "Of course not."

"Then you're gonna have to behave like it. Yeah, you're gonna have to swallow your pride, but isn't it worth it? Isn't it worth it if it will keep people like Misty and Ryan out of prison too?"

Alec's eyes drop and he fiddles with his fingernails. He didn't like this. When it was just him, he couldn't care less. But... with the others on the line too... it wasn't so easy to just turn his back and give up. "So I gotta pretend I actually care and lie and say I promise to be a model citizen from here on out."

"Who said anything about lying?" Justin quirks an eyebrow. "You do care. And you can say you'll do your best at reintegrating into society. If you're saved from prison, I would hope that wouldn't be a lie."

Alec still doesn't raise his eyes. He knew he cared. Way deep down, he knew it was true, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Prison was the last thing he wanted... and seeing others put there because of him was not a pleasant thought. But to go and basically beg before the judge? Could he really do that?

Moving the day on

Hearing Luke's comment Angel new it was a sore subject and Luke didn't like always talking about it unless he wanted too. So when the subject was changed Angel didn't push it anymore and just moved onto another topic.

"I know you love your card games. Maybe I'll tag along and finally join in too for once. I think it could be a fun way to spend the evening with you."

Leaning her head on his shoulder again and just enjoying the air and company Angel let out a content sigh. It was going to be a good day, she could feel it already.

Happy with Eric's answer on coming back later Ashlee turns to leave again. What would she do to pass the time before coming back? She didn't know. Exploring more was her first answer but she might get so wrapped up in it that she might miss feeding. Maybe though she could do some school work.

Getting to her bunk and going inside she fishes around her stuff for her math and history book quick sticking them into her backpack along with paper, and some pens. Next getting a blanket she holds onto it before heading out again.

Walking just a little ways along side of of the barns where there was good room to see everything Ashlee lets her backpack slip to the ground as she lays the blanket down and than sits. It was to much of a nice day to have to stay locked inside.

Bored

Luke chuckles. "Yeah... I think Dylan's a lot more like his dad than he sees, or wants to admit. I'm not even sure Mick sees it most days."

His hand rubs Angel's arm absentmindedly as he thinks - a habit he usually didn't even realize existed. "At least Dylan is getting out and doing a few more things now. He still hibernates too much, but at least he's making an effort in a few areas." His lips form a wry grin. "I guess even I'd try to help out but I think all I could do was teach him how to sit in a porch swing, and I'm pretty sure he already knows how to do that."

Even though he was kidding, just a little bit of sarcasm seeps into his tone. Realizing it too late, he tries to change the subject. "So anyway, Jeff's been trying to get an UNO game going forever - I thought I might humor him tonight and stay up at the dining room for a while after supper."


Eric gives a short kind of laugh and nods. He hadn't thought he'd help with chores later but now... maybe he would. "Yeah... I'll be here."

Wandering back down the barn aisle, he looked for something to do to keep himself occupied for a while longer.


Dylan hobbles alongside Sparky, wanting to just make it to his bunkhouse where he could hibernate the rest of the day. This morning's lesson had been a disaster. Usually they waited until late afternoon, but Sparky had known Mick was busy in the office this morning, so he'd had Dylan ride early. Unfortunately, it wasn't the time of day that was the problem. It was just one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. Now if Dylan could just avoid a bunch of questions...

No such luck.

"Dylan?" Mick stops them, approaching with worry in his eyes from seeing his son limping and being helped along by Sparky. "Are you okay? What happened?"

When Dylan glares at the ground in silence, Sparky is quick to speak. "Oh, just had a little tumble. Nothing but a cracked rib, sprained ankle and a nice black and blue shoulder. He'll be good as new so fast that nobody'll know the difference."

Mick isn't convinced and he folds his arms. "Tumble?"

"Yeah... yeah, but we're good."

The pause that follows is an awkward one. Dylan glances up once to see Mick's face before he looks down again. "Can we just get to my bunk?" he mumbles.

"Not until I know what happened," Mick states flatly. He looks at Sparky with irritation - it wasn't like his brother to skirt around issues like this. "Who's gonna tell me?"

Sparky can feel Dylan tense, and he tries to put out a fire before one started. "While he was riding earlier, a few things went wrong and he got bucked off. Angel's already checked him out though and all he needs is a couple days to-"

"Riding?" Mick's eyebrows had already arched. "Dylan, the hater of horses was riding?"

Dylan's gaze snaps up angrily and he opens his mouth to spit out an angry retort, but Sparky speaks before he can.

"Well, you know how some people change their minds." Sparky keeps his tone light, while he gives Mick a definite look that told him to shut up and he'd talk to him later.

Mick catches the hint and backs off. "Ah. Okay. Well, um... if you need anything, Dylan, let me or Rosetta know, alright?"

Dylan gives him half a nod. "Yeah." Leaning into Sparky, he forces him to keep going, abandoning the short exchange with Mick. Once they reach his bunk, he's helped onto his bed to put his ankle up and Sparky helps him with some ice before leaving him be. Stuck where he was, Dylan grudgingly does his schoolwork, though after an hour of staring at his books, these four walls never felt tighter. One math lesson and one book flung at the floor later, he leans back and stares up at the ceiling, frustrated and bored.


"So what's going on?" Mick spins on his heel as Sparky approaches him from behind in the barn aisle.

Sparky sighs and tips his hat back on his head. "I've been giving Dylan riding lessons. He didn't want you to know about it yet."

"Why not?" Mick throws his arms in the air and paces in circles. "And he gets thrown? What happened?"

"Nothing - it was just a rough day. He was having trouble, Sharpshooter had his own ideas and it just happened." Sparky remains perfectly calm. "You know how it goes."

"Well why didn't Dylan want me to know? I don't get it. One day he hates horses and the next he's riding?"

Sparky furrows his brow and just waits a moment until Mick will look him in the eye. "He was scared, Mick. He never hated horses... he was scared. You just didn't see it."

Mick stops his pacing and stares at his brother. "But he never said-"

"It doesn't matter what he said. It's the truth. And on top of that, he's even more scared of disappointing you. That's why he didn't want you to know about him riding."

"Disappointing me? Why? I don't understand. He told you that?"

"No, but he didn't have to. Look, you two might not get along very well, but you're still his father. You're also the top horseman around here - you think he wants to look stupid in front of you? Take a fall for you to see? He's disappointed you enough. First, he hasn't turned out to be what you wanted in a son, and now you think he'd want to attempt being a horseman in front of you - his father and the best?" Sparky shakes his head. "I can't blame him."

It takes a few moments for the whole thing to sink in, but when it does, Mick's heart sinks just as low. His shoulders drop. "Things really are messed up between him and me, aren't they?"

Sparky purses his lips and nods slowly. "Yeah... yeah, they are. But... that doesn't mean it can't get better. Now, I've never been a parent, but my advice for the moment would be to just keep giving Dylan his space. He's more embarrassed than hurt right now and he thinks you're judging him already."

"But I-"

"I know you're not. But his perspective isn't accurate either. He's hurt, he's frustrated, he's scared, and he wants to be loved but just doesn't know that's what that hole in his life is. He doesn't have hardly any friends, his relationship with his family isn't great, he's stuck at a horse ranch and he's got the Agency after him. It's a heavy load for a kid to bear."

Mick sighs deeply. "So I should just ignore today?"

"Not ignore... but don't make a big deal out of it either. Now's not the time to reprimand or draw attention to what he thinks is a shortcoming. I'll keep working with him... if it's alright with you."

"Yeah... yeah." Mick nods, though his mind was going several directions at once. He was so frustrated... and sad... sad that Dylan was letting Sparky close but not him. But... if that was Dylan's choice, then Mick knew he had to just stay back no matter how hard it was.

Craving

Feeling Justin's hand close over top of hers again Beth moved her head up a little bit for a moment just to look down at both there hands laying there. It was odd in a way to be sitting here, like this with someone. It was something Beth didn't think would ever happen because of who she was. But now she was, and Justin was here too, his hand over hers and it felt nice, warm.

Leaning her head back again a smile on her lips Beth's mind wonders. Did this mean her and Justin were more than friends? Or was it still sitting on the friend level? Wondering Beth didn't know but right now she didn't want to ask either. It was, what it was and Beth wasn't going to mess it up by asking any questions.

As the movie played on and Beth stayed comfortable soon her own eyes fell shut and her hands that ran through Justin's hair seemed to stop as well, but her fingers still lied in his hair comfortable. Sleep had found her at last, and maybe...it was the best sleep she'd had in a long time.

Just cuddling even closer to Luke Angel gives a small giggle at his comment. She love spending time with him and never did a doubt pass through her mind that he would want to be anywhere else, nor would she. This had been something she searched for, for a long time and now finding it how could she ever want something different.

"My day is going alright. Had to patch Dylan up a little, he was riding and got thrown. He's about as bad as Mick with not wanting to accept he got hurt."

Angel shakes her head a little bit before letting out a little laugh. The Henson's were always stubborn Angel new that and she couldn't help but laugh a little bit seeing it carried over into the kids.

Finishing with the horse and handing the towel to Eric Ashlee gives a smile. It felt good being around the horse, and Eric, it felt even better knowing she was helping out even if it wasn't anything big it still felt good.

About to turn and head to find something else to do Ashlee stops as she hears Eric's voice again and his offer about feeding the horse. Feeling her heart speed up a little bit she turned on her heels to look at Eric again a big smile on her face as she cocked her head a little bit.

"I'll be there if you are to show me what to do."

It was nice that Eric showed her how to do two things already today. To have someone explain the reason, and go through the steps without her having to read was a bit refreshing. Not that her mom never did, or she hated how her life was, it was just...different with Eric...maybe something she missed but never really payed attachen to before. But now she realized it was there, and it was almost something she was craving.

Days like today

It was an odd sort of feeling that crawled up Justin's spine. Whether his good sense was on edge or not, he certainly was comfortable, and Beth seemed to be very relaxed as well. Maybe... there was nothing wrong with this?

His eyes drift all the way shut, unable to help it that her fingers running through his hair felt as good as it did. Yes, there was more to her than the surface of timidity and high defenses.

He lets his hand move back up to his chest where his palm rests over Beth's fingers. Right now... he didn't care what time it was or how long they'd stay like this.


Having Angel join him on the swing, Luke smiles and stretches out his arm so it could wrap around her as she cuddles in close. He chuckles and kisses the top of her head. "Me, trying to get away from you? Are you kidding?" He pauses, humor making his eyes twinkle. "I can't run fast enough so I gave up trying."

Giving her a teasing squeeze, he leans back and pushes the swing gently with his foot. Most days went pretty slowly for him. Sometimes he could get out to the barn and do chores. On really good days he could make it in the saddle for a little while. And other days... like today... it was just too painful to try and do much other than sit in the swing.

"So how's your day going, Darlin'?"


"Well... I guess we all need to run around in circles sometimes." Eric watches as Ashlee starts to help him, grinning as he hears her laugh. "You're thanking me? Isn't it my job to thank you for helping?"

Working on Sharpshooter for a few more minutes, the horse's pelt starts to dry and eventually the short task is finished and Eric takes him outside to be put in the pasture for the rest of the day. Wandering back inside with the leadrope, he looks to Ashlee again, giving her a crooked sort of smile. "Come back here at chore time tonight and you might get to help feed, if you want."

Old Days

Leaning hear head back just a little bit and feeling relaxed, more so than she had in a very long time. Just continuing to run her fingers through his hair Beth was just enjoying the moment, and watching the movie.

"I wouldn't mind if I couldn't leave right away."

Being so comfortable Beth didn't even realize what she had said till after it had been said. Stopping for a moment and looking down at Justin she wondered if he would even notice what she said or maybe he had passed out already.

"I don't mind at all."

Just leaning her head back again and letting the silence fall over them again Beth focuses on the tv and move once more. It was nice to just spend time with Justin, to have a friend she could just doing things with out of the normal.

Giving a nod and a wave as both men go outside again Angel gives a small shake of her head. Some memories come floating back to her about the younger years. So many had been in and out of her office, Rosetta, Mick, Luke and the list went on. Each getting banged up more than the time before and non of them wanting to give up. It put a smile on Angel's face to remember that time and miss it as well.

Going through the back door and into the house Angel looks for Luke. Not seeing him she goes out the back door. Stepping onto the porch and looking to the little swing she smiles seeing Luke sitting there. Walking over to him and sitting down she snuggles into him a little.

Though she missed the old days when things seem to be easier, days seemed longer and there was more energy to spend Angel would never want to give up what she had now. Life may not have turned out perfect but it was pretty darn close and the best part of all is it was just how God wanted it.

"What are you doing out here by yourself huh? Trying to get away from me are ya?"

Still leaning on the fence Ashlee smiles at Eric as he walks through with the horse. Even if it was just watching Ashlee still had fun see what Eric was doing, and watch how the horse moved and what his mannerisms were like.

"I was going to go explore a little but than I saw you out here again, and I figured I'd watch. I thought it was interesting with you were doing with the horse to get his energy out. Sometimes I have so much energy I just feel like running around too. I think it will be nice to have the open space to do that now too."

Getting the towel thrown at her Ashlee gives a smile as she just holds it standing there for a moment. She hadn't thought Eric was going to let her help, but now that the offer was open she was kind of excited about it."

Walking over to the other side of the horse Ashlee lays on of her hands on the horses next before bringing the towel to the horse and and rubbing it the horse down. Feeling the soft fur in her hand she couldn't help but laugh a little. It tickled the palm of her hand while her other still ran the towel over the horse.

Standing on her tip toes to try and look over the hours he barley could but can just make out Eric a little bit and a smile forms on her face again though most of it was hidden.

"Thanks for letting me help."

Kiddo

Feeling Beth's fingers run through his hair, Justin is a little surprised, but it did feel good. It was relaxing and right now, that's what he needed. She had a warm, light touch that was soothing, and Justin's eyes start to droop just a little. His hand creeps up to hers that was lying on his chest, until his fingers run over hers lightly.

Too quickly though, a thought flashes through his mind that "friends" didn't usually sit in this position. Wondering if maybe even though Beth didn't seem to mind, if he'd perhaps overstepped some bounds, he retracts his hand again.

"Keep running your fingers through my hair," he mumbles drowsily, "and I might fall asleep right here. Then you'd never be able to leave."


Dylan tolerates Angel's doctoring, though he never cracks a smile. It hurt, he was embarrassed, and he knew that Mick was gonna find out and that was the worst part of all this.

Sparky pats his shoulder. "Well, I always say you're not really a rider until you've taken at least one spill."

Dylan rolls his eyes as he eases off the table. "That's stupid."

Sparky chuckles. "No it's not. If a cowboy saunters up to me and says he's a real rider, and he's never fallen off a horse, I know he hasn't ridden very much. Every rider falls eventually, and usually more than once... if they've actually spent time in the saddle."

"So I'm supposed to be happy about this?"

"Think of it this way... the first time is always the worst. And you did learn something, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Dylan grumbles. "I didn't mean to kick him like that. My foot was-"

"No matter the reason, it was mixed signals. Sharpshooter hopped, you lost your balance, gave him more mixed signals and away you went. He's an easy-going horse until he gets confused about what he's supposed to be doing."

"Great." Dylan sighs, then winces, as his ribs protest. He looks to Angel, still not happy but grateful for her help. "Thanks. I'm already too sore to even think about a saddle so you don't have to worry about that."

"Come on," Sparky offers to help Dylan out of the office. "Let's get you settled in your bunk and get your foot propped up and on ice for a while."

"Yeah, yeah."

Sparky turns once and tosses Angel a wink of thanks before the two men head back outside.


Once Sharpshooter starts to calm down and Eric is satisfied that the horse isn't going to pull any stunts, he slows him down little by little until Sharpshooter is just walking, his head hanging. After his breathing is back to normal, Eric brings him in to stand. He pats his sweaty neck and Sharpshooter responds by trying to rub his head on Eric, but Eric pushes his head away. "Naw, naw... you know better than that." He smirks. "What did you do, eh? Dylan didn't look too happy and Sparky looked even less happy. You don't usually do things like this."

Deciding the session was over, Eric turns and makes Sharpshooter walk next to him. Heading for the gate, he's surprised to see Ashlee again. He'd been paying so much attention to the horse that he hadn't even realized she'd stuck around. Watching a horse go around and around and around wasn't exactly the most exciting thing in the world.

"Hey, Kiddo." He comes through the gate. "Figured you'd be long gone by now." He walks just a short ways down the barn aisle before stopping and crosstying Sharpshooter. He slowly takes off the saddle and blanket, setting them out of the way. Retrieving a couple towels from the tackroom, he goes back to the sweaty horse and starts to rub him down.

Looking over his shoulder, a little grin toys with the corner of his mouth. He tosses one of the towels to Ashlee. "You can take the other side," he offers. "I just wanna dry him off a bit before letting him loose outside so when he rolls, all that dirt ain't gonna stick to him so bad."

Unwanted Words.

Ashlee can't help but let her smile grow as she sits with Eric more. Maybe it was the lack of a male role model in her life that drew her to the sweet nature she could tell he had but she just liked spending time with him, and learning from him even if it hadn't been for very long today.

Just working quietly Ashlee didn't mind. The silence was kind of nice just listing to the normal sounds that were around here that most people might not hear because it was filled with talk. But soon the quiet was broken with yelling, and the sound of a horse.

Looking up to the door Ashlee lets her own things lay aside as she follows Eric out wondering what happened. Taking a step back at Eric takes the horse Ashlee looks around him to Sparky and Dylan as he holds his arm. She wondered what happend, and if Dylan was ok. Seeing Sparky and him walk away though it didn't seem like they were in to much of a hurry so he must be ok...right?

"Thanks for showing me how to oil the saddle and stuff. It was fun."

Giving a smile and a wave as Eric walks away Ashlee goes back into the tack room. Looking down at the saddles and the tools that were still out she smiles to herself again. It really had been fun and she had a yurning to know more now. Taking her saddle and putting it back, Ashlee struggles with the bigger saddle that Eric had been working on but managed to put it back as well. Along with the oil, soap and rag.

Wondering from the room once more and heading outside Eric in one of the rings catches her eye. Watching for a long moment she wondered what he was doing now. She couldn't help it she was full of questions.

Going over and standing on the bottom rung of the fence and leaning over the top rail and just watching leaning her chin on her arms. It was interesting to just watch, and not ask questions right away. Observations was always a good thing.

As Dylan and Sparky come into her office and Angel takes one look at Dylan and how he was holding his arm and ribs something happened. Standing and coming over to him Angel just looks over his ribs and arm.

"Horse falls are always the worst, but the best part about them is getting back on."

Pocking and pushing here and there making sure no bones were broken, and his ribs were tapped up nicely. Giving a nod and a smile it really took not time for Angel to fix him up.

"You have on cracked rip, a bruised shoulder, and lots of sore muscles tomorrow but thats about all. I say don't ride for at least a day or two so your body can heal but after that you right as rain."

Getting comfortable on the couch Beth was a little surprised as Justin lied his head in her lap. Recovering quickly thought a smile spreads across her lips as her one hands lays over Justin's chest and the other goes to his hair so she can run her fingers through it.

No words were spoken as the movie played on. Beth felt relaxed and rather liked having Justin's head in her lap. Knowing she could help him relax too made her feel good. So the air wasn't filled with un needed words as the movie played on. It already felt like they had talked for hours.

All that and more

Eric's grin remains on his lips for a few more moments as he returns to his own saddle again. He wasn't sure why he had the funny feeling that this kid wasn't going to let him get away with not being the one to teach her how to ride.

The tackroom falls quiet again as both work on their saddles, quite content with the task. The sounds from outside the room signaled feeding didn't take very long and the sounds of hooves told that most of the horses were being let out into the pastures for the day to graze rather than being fed hay this morning. Eric wasn't keeping track of time at all, so he really doesn't notice when all has grown quiet once more. That is, until muffled shouting can be heard.

Eric's hands stop, almost finished with his saddle. His head tilts up as he listens, hearing what he thought was Sparky's voice, then someone else's. The sound of a horse running through the barn wasn't a good sign. Shooting a glance at Ashlee, Eric gets up, leaving his rag behind. He steps out into the barn aisle just in time to grab the flying reins of Sharpshooter. The chestnut gelding was tacked up and sweaty, sliding to an abrupt halt at the sudden pull on his bit. Skidding around Eric, he stops and snorts, knowing he'd been caught.

"Hey, you got him?"

Eric looks to the barn entrance and squints to see Sparky, who had Dylan's arm over his shoulders, helping him walk. "Yeah," he calls back. "What happened?"

"Later." Sparky turns around with Dylan, heading to Angel's office. "Give that horse some exercise!" he yells.

Eric stares after them for a moment or two before looking at Sharpshooter. "What did you do now, hmm, you big brute?" He sighs and pats the horse's sweaty neck. Remembering Ashlee, he looks back at the tackroom. "Well... I guess I'll have to finish my saddle another time. I'll see you later, Ashlee." He didn't know if she'd stay, leave, watch him work or if she needed to go do something like schoolwork, but it really was none of his nevermind.

Still favoring his leg, he finds a loungeline and Sharpshooter's halter, exchanging it for the bridle. Also retrieving a lounging whip, he heads for the indoor arena where there would be less of an audience. Once the gate was latched, he lets the horse jog circles around him, allowing the circle to get as big as he could while still being in control. Popping the whip, he urges Sharpshooter into a lop. The gelding shakes his head in protest, giving a few hops and a kick in Eric's direction. Eric is quick to discipline and get him going again, and within ten minutes, the horse was finally obeying, realizing he didn't have much of a choice.


Back outside, Dylan hobbles alongside Sparky, still arguing with him. "I'm fine. Just let me go back to my bunk."

"We're having Angel look at you," Sparky replies flatly.

"It's just gonna be sore, that's all!"

"If that's all it was, I woulda made you get right back in the saddle, you know that. But I saw how you came down on the saddle horn before you went flying. Don't you try to lie to me about how it feels."

Dylan winces as they turn to the doctor's office. "I can't be hurt," he hisses. "Dad can't find out."

"Well, maybe we've been keeping your riding a secret long enough."

That thought didn't help any as the two make it inside and Dylan is deposited near the examining table. He leans one hand on it while his other hand cradles his ribs at the same time he doesn't put any weight on his right leg. Glaring at the table, he refuses to look up.

Sparky sighs and looks over to Angel. "He just got bucked off a horse. I think he cracked a couple ribs on the saddle horn first, then his right ankle took the brunt of his fall. It's probably just sprained but you better look at it." Tipping his hat back on his head, he gives her an annoyed look. "And whatever you do, don't take his lip. He's worse than his father with his macho act."

Dylan grits his teeth against the pain, not appreciating Sparky's comment. The worst thing in all this wasn't that he'd gotten bucked off - it was that Mick would now find out he'd been riding.


Tal smirks and rolls his eyes. "Yeah... pregnant roommate. That's how rumors get started, remember?"

He smiles though, enjoying both the humor and the fact that Ryan had said yes to coming over. "Good. I get off work at five, so any time after that is fine." A sidelong glance catches her eye and for a moment, he just studies her gaze. He wondered what she thought... about this whole thing. He hoped he was giving her some days to look forward to... something to distract her from some of the rotten cards she'd been dealt lately. But... was there more?

Looking back over the cliff's edge, he sighs contentedly.


"Yeah... must've been a smart person who told you that," Justin muses wryly.

All of a sudden though, he feels even more out of it than he had earlier and it takes an effort to put Beth's next words together so they made sense. He takes another bite of spaghetti to at least give him a few seconds to put all his thoughts in order again. It didn't work very well, but it gets him back on track... mostly.

Picking up the tv remote, his finger hovers over the button. Did he want to play the movie? Or did he want to talk some more like Beth had offered? With as much as he has going through his mind right now, it would probably be a good idea for him to talk it out. But at the same time, he was tired of rehashing everything.

He hits the button and gets the movie playing, without saying much more.

Once supper was finished, dishes are left on the coffee table for now as the movie plays on. Justin remains curled in his corner of the couch with his knees tucked up safely near his chest. It still wasn't easy to concentrate though and the movie, even though he'd seen it at least ten times, wasn't making much sense tonight. He knew he was starting to let stress get to him - he could feel it, and he didn't like it. He also knew he was being quieter than normal tonight and he felt badly that he wasn't giving Beth any more attention than he was. He was just... tired... of everything. And he was probably just feeling sorry for himself, which made everything worse.

Justin sighs as his eyes move over to the other corner of the couch where Beth was. How approachable was she tonight? He hoped she was comfortable. If she wasn't, he would probably regret this.

Stretching his legs out a little and slowly sliding over, he eases down on his side until his head was resting in Beth's lap. He doesn't say a word but just lies still - a silent plea for help after an emotionally difficult day.

Good Advise

Listing to Eric talk about how Mick usually gave the lessons and his bumb knee Ashlee can feel her heart drop just a little bit. She didn't know why but there was just something about Eric that she liked. She felt like she trusted him enough to know he would teach her the right way and safe way.

"Well maybe...if your knee feels better sometime you could show me a thing or two."

Taking the little toothbrush from Eric and looking at it for a second Ashlee dips it in the soap a little bit and brushing it on the saddle in little circles. She liked this, learning how to oil, and wash the saddle. It kind of made her feel good just being able to help out.

"I can see how sliding out of the saddle would be a bad thing. Thanks for the tip."

Leaning back a on her elbows after taking another bite of her food Ryan thinks for a moment. It wouldnt be different going over to Tal's house but it might be nice. At least she wouldn't be sitting at home alone. Not to mention a little extra time with Tal would be nice.

"Oh, so you mean I can mean your pregnant room mate huh?"

Ryan can't help the little sly grin that spread across her face.

"I think that would be alot of fun Tal. I'm game for it."

"Sometimes...we need to stop doing things for others and start doing things for ourselves. Someone pretty smart told me that. So maybe he should take his own advise put his paper work down and just take the long deserved vacation."

Taking some of the spaghetti twirled on the fork putting it into her mouth a peace floops out and hits her chin. Slurping she sucks it into her mouth and takes her napkin wiping her chin. Looking back to Justin she gives a little.

"Mmmm...You can put the movie in now, or if you want to talk a little more thats ok too."

Downswing

So Stacy must be tougher on speeders than her own daughter. That was probably good - at least Ashlee didn't seem like the rod had been spared too much. Eric digests her words, still trying to figure out the whole family dynamics and what Stacy was made out of. Her question makes him pause his work again though.

Thinking a moment, he finds a dirty spot in some deeper tooling that he picks at with his thumbnail. "Mick's usually the one that gives lessons," he finally answers. It was true - Mick was the head honcho when it came to riding lessons or breaking in horses, whether it was visitors, family or paying customers. Eric only got involved if he was asked directly by Mick or Rosetta. His job had always just been to help around the barn and bring in money from the road.

His mistake, however, was glancing over at Ashlee. There were those eyes again. He usually didn't have trouble saying no, did he? He didn't think she was trying to manipulate him - there was just a sweet spirit about her that was hard to ignore. For a moment, Eric wonders what it must be like for her to be the daughter of a law enforcer, and without a dad too. She seemed happy and well-adjusted but he was sure some days must be tough. Why she'd come to him though, he had no idea.

"And I ain't sure when I'll be in the saddle again," he concludes, settling on his last excuse. "I got a leg that don't like cooperating."

Getting up from the bench, he limps over to the supply shelf and grabs a round tin. Bringing it back, he sits next to Ashlee again and leans over, pointing out some dusty places in the leather, and even where some mold had formed. "This is some saddle soap," he explains. "It'll soften up leather too, but does a better job of actual cleaning." Picking up a soft toothbrush that had seen better days, he rubs the bristles into the wax-like soap and brushes it onto the saddle, brushing in circles until the soap had disappeared and a clean spot now existed. He hands Ashlee the toothbrush. "You can use this too... don't much matter where on the saddle you use it - just if the leather ain't soaking up anything anymore, it's had plenty of soap and oil."

He pats the saddle seat, gaining back a little grin. "Just don't put too much of either here... you might go sliding off as soon as your bottom hits it."


Tal chuckles and he shakes his head. "If I didn't want to share the secret with you, I wouldn't have brought you here, now would I?"

He takes a bite of his food before leaning back against the tree, his mind wandering to many different places. None that took away his smile, but none that wished to be spoken either. So for a few moments, he simply enjoys his lunch and the company.

"So I was thinking... Eli said he'd be out with Scarlet again tonight. I... wondered if maybe you'd like to come over to my place for supper?"

He glances over to Ryan before his eyebrows rise a little. "If... you don't have any other plans. I mean..." He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. "...if you want to. And I could even introduce you to Holly."


Justin shrugs lamely, his eyes staying focused on his food. "Maybe some of it's my fault, always trying to fix things. I guess when I couldn't make it with social services, I gave up on starting my own practice or anything. Just got a bad taste in my mouth. But then I just started trying to fix people's problems all over again, like a bad habit or something. Technically I'm not even a counselor... I just get away with it because of connections. Experience, I have. The little paper that says so, I don't."

Stabbing a meatball with more force than necessary, the tines clang on his plate. Taking a bite, he has enough time to chew before he laughs outright at Beth's suggestion. "Vacation? What's that?"

He smirks and shakes his head. "Oh, I've had a day off here and a day off there. A real vacation hasn't happened since I was a kid. Not since..." His sentence drifts off as he remembers the last family vacation when his dad had still been alive. He clears his throat and takes a sip of water. "I guess there's just some things that never get done." He'd always wanted to take a trip to a nice big lake somewhere, take the dogs with him, and spend a week fishing and relaxing. But he'd always had too much work and had always stayed close so he wouldn't be far from his mother. Of course... that had apparently changed now.

That thought seems to anchor his mood on the downswing and he gestures to the television remote. "Wanna watch the movie while we eat or wait 'til after?"