Ariel chuckles and nods. "Yeah, lets." Finishing off her fruit punch, she slides off the stool and turns to go, but then looks back over her shoulder. Retrieving the flowers, she looks up at Trey with a little grin. Now she was ready.
Walking with him across the floor, she finally spots Pete standing near a table, chatting with some other people, a soda pop in his hand. Approaching casually, Ariel gives him a rather peeved look.
Pete excuses himself quickly from the table and looks back and forth between Trey and Ariel before landing on Ariel. "What? What did I do to you?"
"Oh, you know. Just watch out for the payback."
Pete tries not to smile, but it doesn't work very well. "You're looking nice tonight."
"Thanks. So are you."
Pete glances to Trey and gives him a wry grin. "Mingling, are we?"
Ashlee's words bring Eric's brushing to a sudden halt, and his eyebrows rise slightly. He shouldn't have been surprised. She was a bright girl who observed a lot. But it wasn't exactly something he'd hoped she'd notice.
Her question brings a serious but soft expression to his face. He might as well level with her, if she'd figured out that much. Tipping his hat back a little, he leans on Static's back and studies Ashlee for a moment or two. "I hope so," he finally answers. "It's not gonna be easy for him though. Something like that..." He shakes his head. "It's easy to get into and hard to get back out again. Thankfully, he's trying to get out. But he's gonna be pretty sick for a few days."
Focusing on the brush for a moment, he finally looks back at Ashlee. "The best we can do is let his dad help him through this. Then when it's over, Dylan's gonna need to know that he's still got friends who care about him. Right now it's his body that's retaliating. When that's over, it's going to be his mind, and that can be worse. But... as long as he knows we're still here for him even after all of this... I think he'll be okay."
3/19/12
Be ok
Finally sitting completely down Trey figured it was safe. He understood a little what Ariel was saying but trying was all he had right now. There was a lot he was going to have to work through and learn so a promise was not something he wanted to commit to.
As Ariel brings her hand to the side of Trey's face he can feel a little color coming to his cheeks. Her hand was soft, and warm, not the cold lifeless touch he had felt before in other people. Ariel really was someone special to be able to warm his cold heart.
"Cheers!"
Trey holds up his cup and clinks it gently against hers. Taking a sip and letting the bubbly liquid go down his throat Trey spins around on the bar stool and leans aganst the bar looking at all the people there right now. It was busy but not to busy.
"Want to see if we can find Pete somewhere and see what he's up too?"
Looking over the horse at Eric Ashlee gives a smile as she continued to brush Static. Seeing Eric glance at the house every now and than Ashlee lets out a small sigh. No one new she new about Dylan and she didn't think she needed to talk about it till now.
"I know about Dylan Eric and why I haven't seen him as much."
Drawing quiet again Ashlee leans on the horse a little and picks at the brush pulling lose hair from it. Thinking for a moment she wondered how long it would take Dylan to get everything out of his system. She worried about Dylan and prayed once again he would be ok.
"Is....is Dylan going to be ok?"
Stacy takes up a new place outside the house on the pouch swing. She wasn't sure how long but it was where most of her days would be spend. She was happy that the nights were worm she wouldn't mind much sleeping here. She was a cop after all and she was use to worse than this. If Mick needed her she would be waiting.
As Ariel brings her hand to the side of Trey's face he can feel a little color coming to his cheeks. Her hand was soft, and warm, not the cold lifeless touch he had felt before in other people. Ariel really was someone special to be able to warm his cold heart.
"Cheers!"
Trey holds up his cup and clinks it gently against hers. Taking a sip and letting the bubbly liquid go down his throat Trey spins around on the bar stool and leans aganst the bar looking at all the people there right now. It was busy but not to busy.
"Want to see if we can find Pete somewhere and see what he's up too?"
Looking over the horse at Eric Ashlee gives a smile as she continued to brush Static. Seeing Eric glance at the house every now and than Ashlee lets out a small sigh. No one new she new about Dylan and she didn't think she needed to talk about it till now.
"I know about Dylan Eric and why I haven't seen him as much."
Drawing quiet again Ashlee leans on the horse a little and picks at the brush pulling lose hair from it. Thinking for a moment she wondered how long it would take Dylan to get everything out of his system. She worried about Dylan and prayed once again he would be ok.
"Is....is Dylan going to be ok?"
Stacy takes up a new place outside the house on the pouch swing. She wasn't sure how long but it was where most of her days would be spend. She was happy that the nights were worm she wouldn't mind much sleeping here. She was a cop after all and she was use to worse than this. If Mick needed her she would be waiting.
Stick close
Mick nods in agreement. "Thanks. Do what you want, but I might suggest Clint and Wendy first, just since I'm not sure Cindy needs anything else to worry about right now. I do agree about getting BJ away from it though. He thinks a lot of Dylan, surprisingly, and I don't want to scare him either."
...After making arrangements, it was a short while later that Mick returned to Dylan's bunkhouse, then a couple hours after that, when he opted to move him to the house. With Dan's help, he gets his son to his feet long enough to coax him to the house and get him into the spare bedroom.
Lying down on the new bed, Dylan wasn't sure, but for some reason, it felt softer than his own. Shaking as another wave of chills hit, he burrows farther under the blankets, not caring anymore about getting up. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.
Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar, Mick stands with Dan in the hallway and sighs. He nods though. "Thanks for all your help. I may need you again. In the meantime, if you could let Jade know what's going on, that'd be good. I need to tell Stacy too so she can stick close."
Grooming Static, the sound of curry combs and brushes filled the barn aisle. Eric looked over at Ashlee on the other side, grinning a little as she worked at helping him with his horse. Static wasn't a small Appaloosa by any means, but she wasn't afraid, and the gelding seemed to take a liking to her, too.
Although he worked, Eric's eyes wandered every once in a while to outside where he could just see the main house. He'd gotten wind of what was happening with Dylan as word spread through the family. He wasn't sure what Ashlee knew though, or what Stacy wanted her to know, so he'd asked her to help him out in the barn so she didn't go looking for Dylan.
Ariel grins a little and turns to sip her drink again, taking a moment to think. Swiveling the stool back so she was looking at Trey again, she sighs. "Yes... we all mess up sometimes. Nobody's perfect no matter how hard we try." She pauses, pursing her lips. "It's just some of those things we do to mess up are less acceptable than others... Getting upset is one thing. Trying to drink it away is another. Speaking your mind before thinking is one thing. Being mean is another. And if we always just say, 'I'll try, but I know I'm gonna mess up again,' then it kinda defeats the purpose of trying to change."
Reaching out slowly, Ariel cradles the side of Trey's face with her palm. "But I don't really want to slap you. I do appreciate you coming tonight. It was very sweet of you, and I really do like the flowers. I've... never been given flowers before."
Letting her hand drop, she straightens a little again and stirs the ice in her punch. Giving Trey a sidelong glance, a new smile creeps out and she shakes her head. "What am I gonna do with you, hmm?" Sighing, she lifts her glass in a toast. "To us. And the sometimes-rough road of making friendships."
...After making arrangements, it was a short while later that Mick returned to Dylan's bunkhouse, then a couple hours after that, when he opted to move him to the house. With Dan's help, he gets his son to his feet long enough to coax him to the house and get him into the spare bedroom.
Lying down on the new bed, Dylan wasn't sure, but for some reason, it felt softer than his own. Shaking as another wave of chills hit, he burrows farther under the blankets, not caring anymore about getting up. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.
Leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar, Mick stands with Dan in the hallway and sighs. He nods though. "Thanks for all your help. I may need you again. In the meantime, if you could let Jade know what's going on, that'd be good. I need to tell Stacy too so she can stick close."
Grooming Static, the sound of curry combs and brushes filled the barn aisle. Eric looked over at Ashlee on the other side, grinning a little as she worked at helping him with his horse. Static wasn't a small Appaloosa by any means, but she wasn't afraid, and the gelding seemed to take a liking to her, too.
Although he worked, Eric's eyes wandered every once in a while to outside where he could just see the main house. He'd gotten wind of what was happening with Dylan as word spread through the family. He wasn't sure what Ashlee knew though, or what Stacy wanted her to know, so he'd asked her to help him out in the barn so she didn't go looking for Dylan.
Ariel grins a little and turns to sip her drink again, taking a moment to think. Swiveling the stool back so she was looking at Trey again, she sighs. "Yes... we all mess up sometimes. Nobody's perfect no matter how hard we try." She pauses, pursing her lips. "It's just some of those things we do to mess up are less acceptable than others... Getting upset is one thing. Trying to drink it away is another. Speaking your mind before thinking is one thing. Being mean is another. And if we always just say, 'I'll try, but I know I'm gonna mess up again,' then it kinda defeats the purpose of trying to change."
Reaching out slowly, Ariel cradles the side of Trey's face with her palm. "But I don't really want to slap you. I do appreciate you coming tonight. It was very sweet of you, and I really do like the flowers. I've... never been given flowers before."
Letting her hand drop, she straightens a little again and stirs the ice in her punch. Giving Trey a sidelong glance, a new smile creeps out and she shakes her head. "What am I gonna do with you, hmm?" Sighing, she lifts her glass in a toast. "To us. And the sometimes-rough road of making friendships."
Court
Looking down for a moment Trey can feel his heart still racing as he wasent sure what Ariel was saying. This was all new to him and rather confusing. He tried his best to understand though and most of what she said he figured she would. If he was her he'd say the same thing. Giving a little smile Trey nods too.
"Well, I guess I do deserve the slap so...you can do both if you want. Not to hard though I don't wanna knock any teeth loose."
Running a hand though his wet hair Trey just lets it fall anywhere. He didn't know what else to say, or what else to do. He's been wrong and he new it. He's acted wrong and he new it.
"I guess, I leave the ball in your court and I will accept it for what it is. I can't promise you anything because...even if I try will all I can not to...I'm human and I'll just mess up again. But I can try my best to try and do better."
Giving a nod to Mick Dan had no probley sitting with Dylan. He's rather someone be with him than not alone anyways. Patting Dylan's hand lightly for a moment Dan at in one of the chairs by the bed just letting Dylan know he was there and everything would be ok.
...Looking up from her desk Rosetta could tell something was wrong more than the news of Mick's brother. Her own heart gave a leap and as he explains about Dylan she gives a nod. They new it would happen sooner or later it was just the question of when.
"That is completely fine. I would just like to see first I could find someone for BJ to stay with for a little bit. Not that I think Dylan would hurt him, but I think he would get scared and that wont help anything. Maybe Cindy or Wendy and Clint will watch him."
"Well, I guess I do deserve the slap so...you can do both if you want. Not to hard though I don't wanna knock any teeth loose."
Running a hand though his wet hair Trey just lets it fall anywhere. He didn't know what else to say, or what else to do. He's been wrong and he new it. He's acted wrong and he new it.
"I guess, I leave the ball in your court and I will accept it for what it is. I can't promise you anything because...even if I try will all I can not to...I'm human and I'll just mess up again. But I can try my best to try and do better."
Giving a nod to Mick Dan had no probley sitting with Dylan. He's rather someone be with him than not alone anyways. Patting Dylan's hand lightly for a moment Dan at in one of the chairs by the bed just letting Dylan know he was there and everything would be ok.
...Looking up from her desk Rosetta could tell something was wrong more than the news of Mick's brother. Her own heart gave a leap and as he explains about Dylan she gives a nod. They new it would happen sooner or later it was just the question of when.
"That is completely fine. I would just like to see first I could find someone for BJ to stay with for a little bit. Not that I think Dylan would hurt him, but I think he would get scared and that wont help anything. Maybe Cindy or Wendy and Clint will watch him."
But
Dylan tries his best to focus, thinking on Dan's words. The last time Dylan had been caught, he'd been much angrier at the world, trusting no one, and locked up at the McClain ranch. This time he was angry at some but not everyone, he was mostly angry with himself, and he had a small few people he could trust. But in the end, because this time it had been completely his choice to go back to that way of life, he felt he must be the stupidest person alive. All he'd wanted was to get away from here... forget about the world... find someone who believed in him rather than never trusting him. But all he'd found was misery and a bunch of people that couldn't care less about him.
Staring at the outstretched phone, then glancing up to see Dan's eyes, Dylan blinks back new tears. Mick already knew? It shouldn't be a surprise. But was Dan right? Would Mick really not hate him? What if he got mad though? Yelled at him? Turned his back on him?
Though he feared the worst, somewhere deep down, Dylan knew better. And somewhere deep down was that little boy that still hoped his daddy would rescue him.
"Okay," he finally relents quietly. "You win."
Taking the phone, he hand shakes but he makes the call... "Dad? ... I...I'm at my bunk... Can... can you come?"
It takes mere minutes for Mick to arrive. He didn't know what was going on, but he had a feeling what it was about. Sure enough, when he walks in, the scene didn't surprise him. Dylan's state was all too familiar.
Kneeling beside Dan, Mick studies Dylan's face. "What's up, hmm?"
Dylan shivers. "You... you already know."
He did. And it was killing him inside, despite his calm demeanor. "When was the last time?"
Dylan looks to Dan for reassurance before answering. "Day before... before yesterday."
Mick reaches out and feels Dylan's warm forehead. "I need to know, Dylan... what was it?"
Dylan doesn't have the energy to lie. "Same as last time."
"Heroin?"
"...Yeah."
Mick sighs deeply. He wanted to wring Dylan's neck and hug him at the same time. "Okay... well... now we have a start. Come on up off the floor and back into bed."
With Dan's help, Mick gets Dylan back in his bed with an extra blanket over him. Standing near the door, Mick sets his hands on his hips, trying to think of what should be done. He looks to Dan, grateful. "Thanks... for all you've done. I want to move Dylan to the house - the next couple days are gonna be rough and it'll be easier to take care of him. I gotta talk to Rosetta first though. Would you stay here and keep an eye on him for just a while?"
...Leaving Dylan in good hands, Mick heads to the office quickly, hunting down Rosetta. Finding her at the desk, he was glad. "Hey, Babe..." His face was wrought with worry. "Dylan finally hit bottom. He's starting to go through withdrawal and is already pretty bad. Dan's with him now, but I'd like it if I could bring Dylan to the house. I wanted to check with you first though. If it's anything like last time, he'll probably get desperate in another day or so and it could get ugly. I won't bring him here if you don't want me to."
Looking quickly to the side as someone sits next to her, Ariel can't help her surprise. Trey was the last person she'd expected to see here tonight, and the look in her eye proved it. "Hi... Trey..." She wasn't upset he was there, but she was rather confused.
Seeing the flowers, then eying Trey rather suspiciously, she finally understood why Pete had been so insistent about tonight. Now he really owed her. Her hands remain cupped around her glass, her expression remaining rather dull but not upset.
Trey was apologizing? Surprise number two. She looks back at the flowers. They really were lovely, and it really was a sweet gesture. Interrupted by the bartender, she doesn't get a chance to respond, but simply continues listening to Trey, giving him time to say whatever he wanted.
His rather romantic words make her cheeks flush slightly and she finds herself glancing back down to her fruit punch before looking back at the flowers again. She had to admit that he was making her feel special whether she wanted him to or not. She hadn't thought he had it in him to say things like that. Surprise number three.
When Trey seemed to be finished, Ariel finally looks back up at him, just studying his face for several moments. Though the music was loud and more people were milling about, it felt kind of quiet in their corner at the end of the bar. She gives Trey a small smile before fingering the flowers and picking up one of the daisies to smell. Nodding, she places it back with the bunch.
Taking a deep breath, she folds her hands, cocking her head at him. "Thank you... Trey. The flowers are lovely and... I accept your apology and forgive you."
Pursing her lips, she thinks for another moment or two. "I'd like to tell you it'll all be okay now and we can just go right back to hanging out at the beach." Looking into Trey's big dark eyes, it was hard not to melt right on the spot. "But I guess I just don't know." She had to be honest. "I do still want you as a friend. I never didn't. And I know that when I told you about the truth of why I started spending time with you, that it hurt your feelings. But when you got so upset..."
Her eyes glance down for a moment. Her palms suddenly felt clammy. "...I saw something in your eyes that, quite honestly, scared me. It wasn't just what you said... it was how you said it. There was almost a hate in your tone and..."
She looks back up at him again. "...and I wasn't sure anymore what kind of a guy you were. Then when you showed up at my place drunk... It wasn't so much why or that you came - I was rather glad you'd come to me instead of going and jumping off a bridge or something. But the guy I thought I'd been hanging out with, I wouldn't have pegged for someone to go and drink away his problems and... I'm not so sure I could handle that again."
Ariel bites her lip, a little smile quirking, and she shakes her head. "Then you go and give me those great big puppy dog eyes and I don't know whether to slap you or hug you."
Staring at the outstretched phone, then glancing up to see Dan's eyes, Dylan blinks back new tears. Mick already knew? It shouldn't be a surprise. But was Dan right? Would Mick really not hate him? What if he got mad though? Yelled at him? Turned his back on him?
Though he feared the worst, somewhere deep down, Dylan knew better. And somewhere deep down was that little boy that still hoped his daddy would rescue him.
"Okay," he finally relents quietly. "You win."
Taking the phone, he hand shakes but he makes the call... "Dad? ... I...I'm at my bunk... Can... can you come?"
It takes mere minutes for Mick to arrive. He didn't know what was going on, but he had a feeling what it was about. Sure enough, when he walks in, the scene didn't surprise him. Dylan's state was all too familiar.
Kneeling beside Dan, Mick studies Dylan's face. "What's up, hmm?"
Dylan shivers. "You... you already know."
He did. And it was killing him inside, despite his calm demeanor. "When was the last time?"
Dylan looks to Dan for reassurance before answering. "Day before... before yesterday."
Mick reaches out and feels Dylan's warm forehead. "I need to know, Dylan... what was it?"
Dylan doesn't have the energy to lie. "Same as last time."
"Heroin?"
"...Yeah."
Mick sighs deeply. He wanted to wring Dylan's neck and hug him at the same time. "Okay... well... now we have a start. Come on up off the floor and back into bed."
With Dan's help, Mick gets Dylan back in his bed with an extra blanket over him. Standing near the door, Mick sets his hands on his hips, trying to think of what should be done. He looks to Dan, grateful. "Thanks... for all you've done. I want to move Dylan to the house - the next couple days are gonna be rough and it'll be easier to take care of him. I gotta talk to Rosetta first though. Would you stay here and keep an eye on him for just a while?"
...Leaving Dylan in good hands, Mick heads to the office quickly, hunting down Rosetta. Finding her at the desk, he was glad. "Hey, Babe..." His face was wrought with worry. "Dylan finally hit bottom. He's starting to go through withdrawal and is already pretty bad. Dan's with him now, but I'd like it if I could bring Dylan to the house. I wanted to check with you first though. If it's anything like last time, he'll probably get desperate in another day or so and it could get ugly. I won't bring him here if you don't want me to."
Looking quickly to the side as someone sits next to her, Ariel can't help her surprise. Trey was the last person she'd expected to see here tonight, and the look in her eye proved it. "Hi... Trey..." She wasn't upset he was there, but she was rather confused.
Seeing the flowers, then eying Trey rather suspiciously, she finally understood why Pete had been so insistent about tonight. Now he really owed her. Her hands remain cupped around her glass, her expression remaining rather dull but not upset.
Trey was apologizing? Surprise number two. She looks back at the flowers. They really were lovely, and it really was a sweet gesture. Interrupted by the bartender, she doesn't get a chance to respond, but simply continues listening to Trey, giving him time to say whatever he wanted.
His rather romantic words make her cheeks flush slightly and she finds herself glancing back down to her fruit punch before looking back at the flowers again. She had to admit that he was making her feel special whether she wanted him to or not. She hadn't thought he had it in him to say things like that. Surprise number three.
When Trey seemed to be finished, Ariel finally looks back up at him, just studying his face for several moments. Though the music was loud and more people were milling about, it felt kind of quiet in their corner at the end of the bar. She gives Trey a small smile before fingering the flowers and picking up one of the daisies to smell. Nodding, she places it back with the bunch.
Taking a deep breath, she folds her hands, cocking her head at him. "Thank you... Trey. The flowers are lovely and... I accept your apology and forgive you."
Pursing her lips, she thinks for another moment or two. "I'd like to tell you it'll all be okay now and we can just go right back to hanging out at the beach." Looking into Trey's big dark eyes, it was hard not to melt right on the spot. "But I guess I just don't know." She had to be honest. "I do still want you as a friend. I never didn't. And I know that when I told you about the truth of why I started spending time with you, that it hurt your feelings. But when you got so upset..."
Her eyes glance down for a moment. Her palms suddenly felt clammy. "...I saw something in your eyes that, quite honestly, scared me. It wasn't just what you said... it was how you said it. There was almost a hate in your tone and..."
She looks back up at him again. "...and I wasn't sure anymore what kind of a guy you were. Then when you showed up at my place drunk... It wasn't so much why or that you came - I was rather glad you'd come to me instead of going and jumping off a bridge or something. But the guy I thought I'd been hanging out with, I wouldn't have pegged for someone to go and drink away his problems and... I'm not so sure I could handle that again."
Ariel bites her lip, a little smile quirking, and she shakes her head. "Then you go and give me those great big puppy dog eyes and I don't know whether to slap you or hug you."
Heart of Stone
Dan rolls his eyes at Dylan. If the poor kid wasn't in tough shape right now he would of wracked him over the head. Sooner or later he was going to have to understand that Mick wasn't going to hate him for every little thing he did wrong. Nobody was perfect all the time, not even Mick himself.
"I know you have Dylan, I new from the moment I picked you up at the gas station but you wanna know what...I don't think any differently of you. I don't hate you either and Mick wont either because he knows already too. You gotta ask for his help Dylan."
Whipping a few more beads of sweat from Dylan's for head again Dan cocks his own to try and look at the young man in the eyes. He new he was feeling crappy and dizzy but he wanted to catch his gaze even for a moment to let him know things would be ok and would work out.
"If you wont tell Mick you need his help now, than I will. You might think you can do this alone but you wont be able too. No that doesn't make you weak either. Asking for help and leaning on others is what makes you strong. So...are you going to tell you dad, or am I going to have too?"
Dan holds out his cell phone to Dylan. He new the young man wouldn't be able to walk anywhere and he wasn't going to leave him before anyone else came to sit with him so his phone was the next best thing. Mick's number was already programmed into it all he had to do was push the button.
Enter the sunrise and scanning the area Trey's eyes fall onto Ariel. He felt his nerves start to rise and he hated it. It was a feeling he didn't like at all and didn't understand why when it came to her it happened.
Giving a glace to Pete and than back to Ariel Trey gives a short nod. He's catch up with Pete a little bit later. Taking a few steps forward looks down at the bag in his hand. Was he being cheese? To much? Over doing it? He didn't know but he had to try. Pulling a pretty bunch og daisy's out of the bag a single red rose stood out in the middle of them. Tossing the bag in a near by garbage Trey continues on his way to Ariel sliding in beside her on another stool.
"Hey Ariel..."
Hey Ariel....wow great start. Trey couldn't help but feel stupid, valnarubule, and such a nerd right now. Looking down at the flowers Trey trys to get his thoughts together and say the right thing. Maybe he was over thinking this whole thing. What if Ariel rejected him and he looked stupid. Well if she did it was his own fault, so why not just do it. He couldn't look worse than he did the night at her place.
"Ariel...these are for you. I...I know they wont make up for how I acted the other night I was a real jerk and...if your not willing to turst me again than I understand but...I wanted to tell you sorry anyways. Thats why I had Pete ask you to come tonight."
As the bartender comes over to him Trey really could go for a beer but opts out at least for now. Instead he orders a coke with a shot of vanilla in it. Getting the syrup put in after always tasted better he had found out.
"These flowers are for you too. I wanted to tell you that in a group full of girls I've met they have all been the smile like these daisy's, but than I met you and...you just stand out from the rest. Your special like the rose and I'm sorry for letting my anger get the best of me Ariel. I really am..."
Trey could feel his heart beat a mile a minute in his chest. He thought for sure he would of passed out by now if he didn't think it would make him look any sillier than he already did.
"...and I've got a lot of work at friendship, trust, forgiveness, and trying to soften up my heart of stone. But if your willing to put up with me...I...I'd still like to have you as a friend!"
"I know you have Dylan, I new from the moment I picked you up at the gas station but you wanna know what...I don't think any differently of you. I don't hate you either and Mick wont either because he knows already too. You gotta ask for his help Dylan."
Whipping a few more beads of sweat from Dylan's for head again Dan cocks his own to try and look at the young man in the eyes. He new he was feeling crappy and dizzy but he wanted to catch his gaze even for a moment to let him know things would be ok and would work out.
"If you wont tell Mick you need his help now, than I will. You might think you can do this alone but you wont be able too. No that doesn't make you weak either. Asking for help and leaning on others is what makes you strong. So...are you going to tell you dad, or am I going to have too?"
Dan holds out his cell phone to Dylan. He new the young man wouldn't be able to walk anywhere and he wasn't going to leave him before anyone else came to sit with him so his phone was the next best thing. Mick's number was already programmed into it all he had to do was push the button.
Enter the sunrise and scanning the area Trey's eyes fall onto Ariel. He felt his nerves start to rise and he hated it. It was a feeling he didn't like at all and didn't understand why when it came to her it happened.
Giving a glace to Pete and than back to Ariel Trey gives a short nod. He's catch up with Pete a little bit later. Taking a few steps forward looks down at the bag in his hand. Was he being cheese? To much? Over doing it? He didn't know but he had to try. Pulling a pretty bunch og daisy's out of the bag a single red rose stood out in the middle of them. Tossing the bag in a near by garbage Trey continues on his way to Ariel sliding in beside her on another stool.
"Hey Ariel..."
Hey Ariel....wow great start. Trey couldn't help but feel stupid, valnarubule, and such a nerd right now. Looking down at the flowers Trey trys to get his thoughts together and say the right thing. Maybe he was over thinking this whole thing. What if Ariel rejected him and he looked stupid. Well if she did it was his own fault, so why not just do it. He couldn't look worse than he did the night at her place.
"Ariel...these are for you. I...I know they wont make up for how I acted the other night I was a real jerk and...if your not willing to turst me again than I understand but...I wanted to tell you sorry anyways. Thats why I had Pete ask you to come tonight."
As the bartender comes over to him Trey really could go for a beer but opts out at least for now. Instead he orders a coke with a shot of vanilla in it. Getting the syrup put in after always tasted better he had found out.
"These flowers are for you too. I wanted to tell you that in a group full of girls I've met they have all been the smile like these daisy's, but than I met you and...you just stand out from the rest. Your special like the rose and I'm sorry for letting my anger get the best of me Ariel. I really am..."
Trey could feel his heart beat a mile a minute in his chest. He thought for sure he would of passed out by now if he didn't think it would make him look any sillier than he already did.
"...and I've got a lot of work at friendship, trust, forgiveness, and trying to soften up my heart of stone. But if your willing to put up with me...I...I'd still like to have you as a friend!"
Tears
Dylan vaguely thinks he hears someone at the door but isn't sure enough to spend energy responding. Within moments, though, he realizes he's no longer alone and Dan is kneeling beside him. He pries his eyes open enough to give Dan a lethargic look. Yes, he heard him. He knew what was going on, and no, he didn't want Mick. Had he just passed out? It didn't matter.
Pulling himself up a little bit, he shakes his head. "Nu-uh," he mumbles. "I hafta.... do it... by myself." No one knew. Or did everyone know? Another dizzy spell hits and Dylan puts a hand to his head. Here he was, sitting on the floor, unable to even pick himself up, with Dan staring at him with worry. He felt miserable and stupid. So utterly stupid.
Tears pool in his eyes and he shakes his head again. "I... I did some bad stuff, Dan... I..." He stops and swallows hard, sinking back against the wall again. "I don't want Dad to know... he'll... he'll hate me."
Pete gives Trey a once-over and grins, giving his shoulder a firm pat. "Sounds good to me. I'm ready to forget about work for a while."
Heading out, he leads the way to his car. Once on the road, he turns up the radio to pass the time, although it doesn't take long to make it to the Sunrise. The parking lot was almost full but Pete manages to find a space not too far from the door.
Getting inside, he scans the main room and the bar. Music was playing and colored lights moved about the floor but it wasn't too bad as far as noise went. The stage was home to a DJ tonight instead of a karaoke display, and the bar was in full-swing. Hopefully nobody would get out of hand though.
Setting his hands on his hips, Pete takes a second look around before he finally spots Ariel seated at the far end of the bar. She was alone and looked rather bored. "Well... there she is." Pete nods in her direction before glancing at Trey. "It's all you now."
Swiveling back and forth on the bar stool, Ariel stirs her fruit punch with the straw, watching the ice cubes chase each other around the glass. She was in jeans and cowboy boots tonight, with a silky red blouse under her light, brown leather jacket. She'd decided to pull her hair back in a low ponytail tonight, but hadn't gone to too much trouble to look good. She wouldn't be here at all if Pete hadn't convinced her to come.
Sipping her drink a little, she resumes her stare at the cubes. So far, none of her own friends had shown up, or at least those she liked to hang out with at the beach parties. If Pete didn't show up soon, she'd have to lay into him tomorrow and he'd owe her one.
Pulling himself up a little bit, he shakes his head. "Nu-uh," he mumbles. "I hafta.... do it... by myself." No one knew. Or did everyone know? Another dizzy spell hits and Dylan puts a hand to his head. Here he was, sitting on the floor, unable to even pick himself up, with Dan staring at him with worry. He felt miserable and stupid. So utterly stupid.
Tears pool in his eyes and he shakes his head again. "I... I did some bad stuff, Dan... I..." He stops and swallows hard, sinking back against the wall again. "I don't want Dad to know... he'll... he'll hate me."
Pete gives Trey a once-over and grins, giving his shoulder a firm pat. "Sounds good to me. I'm ready to forget about work for a while."
Heading out, he leads the way to his car. Once on the road, he turns up the radio to pass the time, although it doesn't take long to make it to the Sunrise. The parking lot was almost full but Pete manages to find a space not too far from the door.
Getting inside, he scans the main room and the bar. Music was playing and colored lights moved about the floor but it wasn't too bad as far as noise went. The stage was home to a DJ tonight instead of a karaoke display, and the bar was in full-swing. Hopefully nobody would get out of hand though.
Setting his hands on his hips, Pete takes a second look around before he finally spots Ariel seated at the far end of the bar. She was alone and looked rather bored. "Well... there she is." Pete nods in her direction before glancing at Trey. "It's all you now."
Swiveling back and forth on the bar stool, Ariel stirs her fruit punch with the straw, watching the ice cubes chase each other around the glass. She was in jeans and cowboy boots tonight, with a silky red blouse under her light, brown leather jacket. She'd decided to pull her hair back in a low ponytail tonight, but hadn't gone to too much trouble to look good. She wouldn't be here at all if Pete hadn't convinced her to come.
Sipping her drink a little, she resumes her stare at the cubes. So far, none of her own friends had shown up, or at least those she liked to hang out with at the beach parties. If Pete didn't show up soon, she'd have to lay into him tomorrow and he'd owe her one.
Party
Looking up front the fence once more Dan looks across the field for Dylan. If he was ever late it was never this long and Dan starts to worry. Calming his own nerves he tries to reason. Maybe Dylan had just forgotten about helping with the fence today and was cleaning stalls. Dan new he wouldn't feel better till he new for sure.
Making his way across the pasture and to the barn he enters looking around for a few moments. Not seeing Dylan and asking a few of the hand but getting no luck Dan's gut twisted. Now leaving the barn Dan goes to Dylan's bunk and gives a knock on the door. Getting no answer he knocks again, nothing, once more.
"Dylan if your in there I am coming in."
Checking the door and finding it unlocked Dan enters the bunk house and looks around before spotting Dylan on the floor by the wall. Rushing over to him and dropping down on the floor Dan could feel his heart race. A million and one things could be wrong right now and for the first time in a while he was petrified. He didn't want to see anything happen to Dylan he new it would crush his family.
"Dylan...Dylan can you hear me? Whats going on?"
Dan checked Dylan's pulse and breaths a sigh of re leaf when he found it. He wasn't dead, and it didn't look like he had, had an OD. It looked more like a withdraw. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket Dan whipes a little bit of the sweat from Dylan's face. He new Mick had to know about this but he had to give Dylan a chance to tell him himself, or at least ask for him to get Mick. If not than he would go on his own.
"Do you want me to go get Mick?"
Looking up as Pete knocks and enters Trey stands. He was ready as he's ever be. His hair was still damp from his shower, he was cleaned up a bit, had a nice white layered button up shirt on and a good pare of jeans, a bit of colon splashed on too.
"I think I am as ready as I am gonna get. Let party it up."
Turning around and grabbing his jean jacket along with a bag he took extra care of carrying Trey joins Pete at the door. Early this morning he'd left to go to the store and a few other places to returned. Seeing Ariel tonight made him a little worried but he did his best to fill himself with confidence anyways.
Making his way across the pasture and to the barn he enters looking around for a few moments. Not seeing Dylan and asking a few of the hand but getting no luck Dan's gut twisted. Now leaving the barn Dan goes to Dylan's bunk and gives a knock on the door. Getting no answer he knocks again, nothing, once more.
"Dylan if your in there I am coming in."
Checking the door and finding it unlocked Dan enters the bunk house and looks around before spotting Dylan on the floor by the wall. Rushing over to him and dropping down on the floor Dan could feel his heart race. A million and one things could be wrong right now and for the first time in a while he was petrified. He didn't want to see anything happen to Dylan he new it would crush his family.
"Dylan...Dylan can you hear me? Whats going on?"
Dan checked Dylan's pulse and breaths a sigh of re leaf when he found it. He wasn't dead, and it didn't look like he had, had an OD. It looked more like a withdraw. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket Dan whipes a little bit of the sweat from Dylan's face. He new Mick had to know about this but he had to give Dylan a chance to tell him himself, or at least ask for him to get Mick. If not than he would go on his own.
"Do you want me to go get Mick?"
Looking up as Pete knocks and enters Trey stands. He was ready as he's ever be. His hair was still damp from his shower, he was cleaned up a bit, had a nice white layered button up shirt on and a good pare of jeans, a bit of colon splashed on too.
"I think I am as ready as I am gonna get. Let party it up."
Turning around and grabbing his jean jacket along with a bag he took extra care of carrying Trey joins Pete at the door. Early this morning he'd left to go to the store and a few other places to returned. Seeing Ariel tonight made him a little worried but he did his best to fill himself with confidence anyways.
3/18/12
Breaking point
Dylan just nods in response and turns back to his work of sweeping. He knew Ashlee was just trying to be nice... and there really was a part of him that was grateful. He wasn't sure why she tried so hard - he didn't deserve it. But he was grateful anyway.
By the time supper rolled around though, the lights in his bunk would already be out. Quitting barn work early in the day, he'd managed to get some of his school done before crawling into bed. Someone checked on him once - Sparky? Later on, he wouldn't be sure since he'd been half asleep and just mumbled a response. By morning though, it wouldn't matter...
...Dylan had tried to get up three times. The last time, he'd been able to get up and pull on his jeans, but that was it before flopping back down in bed again. Curled up under his blanket, sweat poured down his face and he shook with chills, despite the warm temperature of his bunk. His stomach warned him not to move at all, lest he lose what little there was to lose. He knew if he didn't show up outside soon, someone would come looking for him. It wasn't unusual for him to skip breakfast, but he was supposed to work in the barn, then go check in with Rosetta for his schoolwork.
He pulls his blanket up a little farther and tries to ignore the shooting pain in his skull as he shivers again. He pries his eyes open to glance at the phone on his bedside table. But who would he call anyway? He'd been tempted yesterday to call someone who could help him get over this real quick... but somehow he'd convinced himself not to. He needed to beat this thing, not get in deeper. Now though... now he was in trouble. But asking for help... that meant telling the truth about what was wrong. He had a sinking feeling that people around here had figured out something at least... but he still didn't want to face them. Eventually though, somebody was going to notice his absence and come looking for him.
Struggling to stay awake, Dylan suddenly remembers that he was supposed to help Dan mend the corral fence this morning. Sparky had given him the task yesterday, saying he could do that this morning instead of cleaning stalls. But now what?
Dylan licks his dry lips and tries once more time to get himself up and out of bed. Slipping on a t-shirt and his boots, he walks shakily to the door only to sink down on the floor against the wall. No... he just wasn't going to make it. Dan would be on his own with the fence.
"Naw, you're good." Pete would have been willing to continue the conversation, but he knew better than to press it. "If I don't see you beforehand, I'll be around at about eight-thirty tomorrow night and you can ride with me to the party..."
...As promised, the next day Pete went home after work then returned a couple hours later to pick up Trey. He was dressed a little nicer than when going to the beach parties, but still casual. Wandering down to the lower level of TJY, he knocks on Trey's door.
"Ride's here," he announces. "Ready to party?"
By the time supper rolled around though, the lights in his bunk would already be out. Quitting barn work early in the day, he'd managed to get some of his school done before crawling into bed. Someone checked on him once - Sparky? Later on, he wouldn't be sure since he'd been half asleep and just mumbled a response. By morning though, it wouldn't matter...
...Dylan had tried to get up three times. The last time, he'd been able to get up and pull on his jeans, but that was it before flopping back down in bed again. Curled up under his blanket, sweat poured down his face and he shook with chills, despite the warm temperature of his bunk. His stomach warned him not to move at all, lest he lose what little there was to lose. He knew if he didn't show up outside soon, someone would come looking for him. It wasn't unusual for him to skip breakfast, but he was supposed to work in the barn, then go check in with Rosetta for his schoolwork.
He pulls his blanket up a little farther and tries to ignore the shooting pain in his skull as he shivers again. He pries his eyes open to glance at the phone on his bedside table. But who would he call anyway? He'd been tempted yesterday to call someone who could help him get over this real quick... but somehow he'd convinced himself not to. He needed to beat this thing, not get in deeper. Now though... now he was in trouble. But asking for help... that meant telling the truth about what was wrong. He had a sinking feeling that people around here had figured out something at least... but he still didn't want to face them. Eventually though, somebody was going to notice his absence and come looking for him.
Struggling to stay awake, Dylan suddenly remembers that he was supposed to help Dan mend the corral fence this morning. Sparky had given him the task yesterday, saying he could do that this morning instead of cleaning stalls. But now what?
Dylan licks his dry lips and tries once more time to get himself up and out of bed. Slipping on a t-shirt and his boots, he walks shakily to the door only to sink down on the floor against the wall. No... he just wasn't going to make it. Dan would be on his own with the fence.
"Naw, you're good." Pete would have been willing to continue the conversation, but he knew better than to press it. "If I don't see you beforehand, I'll be around at about eight-thirty tomorrow night and you can ride with me to the party..."
...As promised, the next day Pete went home after work then returned a couple hours later to pick up Trey. He was dressed a little nicer than when going to the beach parties, but still casual. Wandering down to the lower level of TJY, he knocks on Trey's door.
"Ride's here," he announces. "Ready to party?"
Don't Expect
Sitting up again with his arms folded across Pete's desk. He gives a knowing nod as he thinks for a long moment about how he had acted the other night. Thinking about it he was still embarrassed it happened at all witch was a strange new emotion. Back home he wouldn't have cared one way or the other. So to now care....it was just strange.
"Well, I really don't expect her to, and...I think as long as I know she dosn't turn and fun the other way I'll be ok."
Trey was use to people not trusting him so he really was ok with that. It was kind the norm for him and he new it was his own fault. He just wanted her to know he was sorry, and try not to lose the friendship he's built.
"Was there anything else you needed me to help with or am I good?"
Placing her napkin down in her basket Misty gives another smile to Carson's suggestion. Maybe going to the late and just being together would be nice. After yesterday he extra time together would be well needed.
"I think I like the sound of that. Maybe we can pack some leftovers and have a little picnic."
Taking note to how much Dylan was sweating and the slight shake in his hand Ashlee wondered if everything was ok. She new he hadn't been feeling well and not eating much and it made her worry. Letting out a little sigh though she smiles anyways.
"Oh, ok...I hope you feel better. Maybe tonight if your still feeling bad I could bring you some soup."
Ashlee new not to agitate Dylan to much she understood when people were sick sometimes they just didn't want to be bothered. She just wanted Dylan to be ok too. It was hard not to worry about her friend now that he was back.
"Well, I really don't expect her to, and...I think as long as I know she dosn't turn and fun the other way I'll be ok."
Trey was use to people not trusting him so he really was ok with that. It was kind the norm for him and he new it was his own fault. He just wanted her to know he was sorry, and try not to lose the friendship he's built.
"Was there anything else you needed me to help with or am I good?"
Placing her napkin down in her basket Misty gives another smile to Carson's suggestion. Maybe going to the late and just being together would be nice. After yesterday he extra time together would be well needed.
"I think I like the sound of that. Maybe we can pack some leftovers and have a little picnic."
Taking note to how much Dylan was sweating and the slight shake in his hand Ashlee wondered if everything was ok. She new he hadn't been feeling well and not eating much and it made her worry. Letting out a little sigh though she smiles anyways.
"Oh, ok...I hope you feel better. Maybe tonight if your still feeling bad I could bring you some soup."
Ashlee new not to agitate Dylan to much she understood when people were sick sometimes they just didn't want to be bothered. She just wanted Dylan to be ok too. It was hard not to worry about her friend now that he was back.
Decline
Though Jade hadn't heard Dan approach, his sudden presence didn't startle her. She knew instantly that it was his arm that wrapped around her and she automatically leans into him. Her hand finds his and she locks her fingers around his too, just glad he was near.
She sighs and continues to stare out into the pasture. "I know," she replies softly. Another tear rolls silently down her cheek. "I just don't understand why he's doing this... I don't understand why Dad isn't doing anything.... It's like I'm just watching Dylan fade away and no one is trying to help. I know it has to be his own decision but... I don't know... I guess I'm just scared he's going to do something stupid and I'll never get my brother back at all."
Shifting around, she buries her face against his chest and wraps her arms around his waist.
Still scowling and trying to finish sweeping out the barn, Dylan's gaze snaps up at Ashlee. Any other day, he'd take her up on her request for company while studying. But today?
Sighing, he leans on his broom and wipes the insistent sweat from his forehead. His hand trembles slightly and he shakes his head. "Sorry, Ash..." He blinks away another bead of sweat, paling slightly as another brief wave of dizziness hits. "I um.... I'm not feeling so hot today."
He didn't mean to let irritation lace his tone, but he was having a very hard time today controlling his mood at all. His reaction to Jade proved that. He didn't want to upset Ashlee, though, and he tries to soften his tone. "I'll probably wind up in my bunk after I'm done here... thanks though."
"Mmm..." Pete leans back, putting his hands behind his head. "Knowing Ariel, yeah, she'll listen to you. She gives everyone a fair shake."
He squints an eye, studying Trey. "But whether or not she'll trust you again... that's something I can't answer."
Once more, Carson experiences relief flowing through his veins. Finally smiling, he moves his hand across the table to take Misty's. "Don't thank me... I just wish I had time to do more than just grab a bite. Maybe... we can take an evening drive out to the lake or something?"
She sighs and continues to stare out into the pasture. "I know," she replies softly. Another tear rolls silently down her cheek. "I just don't understand why he's doing this... I don't understand why Dad isn't doing anything.... It's like I'm just watching Dylan fade away and no one is trying to help. I know it has to be his own decision but... I don't know... I guess I'm just scared he's going to do something stupid and I'll never get my brother back at all."
Shifting around, she buries her face against his chest and wraps her arms around his waist.
Still scowling and trying to finish sweeping out the barn, Dylan's gaze snaps up at Ashlee. Any other day, he'd take her up on her request for company while studying. But today?
Sighing, he leans on his broom and wipes the insistent sweat from his forehead. His hand trembles slightly and he shakes his head. "Sorry, Ash..." He blinks away another bead of sweat, paling slightly as another brief wave of dizziness hits. "I um.... I'm not feeling so hot today."
He didn't mean to let irritation lace his tone, but he was having a very hard time today controlling his mood at all. His reaction to Jade proved that. He didn't want to upset Ashlee, though, and he tries to soften his tone. "I'll probably wind up in my bunk after I'm done here... thanks though."
"Mmm..." Pete leans back, putting his hands behind his head. "Knowing Ariel, yeah, she'll listen to you. She gives everyone a fair shake."
He squints an eye, studying Trey. "But whether or not she'll trust you again... that's something I can't answer."
Once more, Carson experiences relief flowing through his veins. Finally smiling, he moves his hand across the table to take Misty's. "Don't thank me... I just wish I had time to do more than just grab a bite. Maybe... we can take an evening drive out to the lake or something?"
Though it hurts...
Exiting the barn and seeing Jade at once of the fences Dan lets out a small sigh. He felt badly for Jade, and new this must be hard for her. To sit back and watch her brother destroy himself. He new for himself it was hard. Dylan was like a younger brother to him and he longed to help. Jade being blood and having a big heart like hers it must be ten times what he was feeling.
Slowly coming up behind her Dan puts his arms around her wast and leans his head on her shoulder. Just drawing her in close to him and sheltering her as much as he could. Sometimes he wished he could do more, keep her from the cruel world but he new he couldn't and what he had was the best he could do.
"He doesn't mean it you know. To be such a jerk and hurt you. It's him talking but...not really him."
Dan is quiet again for a moment. He wasn't trying to make excuses for Dylan and say what he was doing was ok. But this pattern Dan new it was hard to break once started. All they could do was hope and pray that Dylan could break the hold and he would become stronger in God to help overcome it.
"Though it hurts the best thing you can do is be there for him. He's going to need it, no matter what he says, no matter what he does. He's going to need your support."
Entering the barn Ashlee smiles as she spots Dylan. She had a feeling he would be here and she was happy to be right. Going over to him Ashlee gives a wave and a smile. It was a nice today out today and she wondered if he'd like to study with her.
"I was wondering if maybe you'd like to study with me a little bit? It's really nice out and after lunch I was thinking about going to the south field."
Ashlee gives another smile to Dylan. It was always more fun to do some work with someone than alone. It helped her in a way focus more and it was nice to have a break here and there to chat with someone. She just hoped Dylan would like the idea too.
Sitting at Pete's desk and just listing to him on the phone Trey taps his pen on the stack of papers he had just finished. It sounded like Ariel was being difficult and it made Trey a little nervous. Would Pete be able to get her to come?
As Pete finally gets Ariel to come Trey gives a smirk. Waiting till Pete hands up the phone before giving a nod and leaning back in the chair.
"Thanks Pete. Now I just hope she'll listen to me. If I was her....I wouldn't."
Letting out a long sigh Trey's look was one in deep thought for a long moment. He had all night to try and think what he was going to say tomorrow, but the biggest fear on his mind was rejection. What if Ariel wouldn't listen and the damage he had done was to great? What would he do that?
"Think she will listen to me?"
Sitting quietly eating her tuna wrap Misty was quiet. She really didn't have much to say and though she wasn't that hungry the wrap sure did taste good. As Carson finally says something Misty looks down at the wrap and than up at Carson again.
Just staying quiet Misty took a stray peace of lettuces and put it in her mouth. She was still pretty upset about last night But Carson was being pretty sweet now and to hear him saw he was sorry Misty could see in his eyes he did mean it.
"I forgive you. Sorry you were offended by my wording but put yourself in my shoes...thats how it looked. Next time I'll think a little more before I jump."
Taking the last bit of her wrap and whiping her mouth Misty does her best to give a smile to Caron. Her stomach was still in knots but she new that they would be ok now. and she would keep true to her word and think before she spoke.
"Thank you for lunch Carson!"
Slowly coming up behind her Dan puts his arms around her wast and leans his head on her shoulder. Just drawing her in close to him and sheltering her as much as he could. Sometimes he wished he could do more, keep her from the cruel world but he new he couldn't and what he had was the best he could do.
"He doesn't mean it you know. To be such a jerk and hurt you. It's him talking but...not really him."
Dan is quiet again for a moment. He wasn't trying to make excuses for Dylan and say what he was doing was ok. But this pattern Dan new it was hard to break once started. All they could do was hope and pray that Dylan could break the hold and he would become stronger in God to help overcome it.
"Though it hurts the best thing you can do is be there for him. He's going to need it, no matter what he says, no matter what he does. He's going to need your support."
Entering the barn Ashlee smiles as she spots Dylan. She had a feeling he would be here and she was happy to be right. Going over to him Ashlee gives a wave and a smile. It was a nice today out today and she wondered if he'd like to study with her.
"I was wondering if maybe you'd like to study with me a little bit? It's really nice out and after lunch I was thinking about going to the south field."
Ashlee gives another smile to Dylan. It was always more fun to do some work with someone than alone. It helped her in a way focus more and it was nice to have a break here and there to chat with someone. She just hoped Dylan would like the idea too.
Sitting at Pete's desk and just listing to him on the phone Trey taps his pen on the stack of papers he had just finished. It sounded like Ariel was being difficult and it made Trey a little nervous. Would Pete be able to get her to come?
As Pete finally gets Ariel to come Trey gives a smirk. Waiting till Pete hands up the phone before giving a nod and leaning back in the chair.
"Thanks Pete. Now I just hope she'll listen to me. If I was her....I wouldn't."
Letting out a long sigh Trey's look was one in deep thought for a long moment. He had all night to try and think what he was going to say tomorrow, but the biggest fear on his mind was rejection. What if Ariel wouldn't listen and the damage he had done was to great? What would he do that?
"Think she will listen to me?"
Sitting quietly eating her tuna wrap Misty was quiet. She really didn't have much to say and though she wasn't that hungry the wrap sure did taste good. As Carson finally says something Misty looks down at the wrap and than up at Carson again.
Just staying quiet Misty took a stray peace of lettuces and put it in her mouth. She was still pretty upset about last night But Carson was being pretty sweet now and to hear him saw he was sorry Misty could see in his eyes he did mean it.
"I forgive you. Sorry you were offended by my wording but put yourself in my shoes...thats how it looked. Next time I'll think a little more before I jump."
Taking the last bit of her wrap and whiping her mouth Misty does her best to give a smile to Caron. Her stomach was still in knots but she new that they would be ok now. and she would keep true to her word and think before she spoke.
"Thank you for lunch Carson!"
3/17/12
Dizzy
Carson could feel a small wave of relief when Misty agrees to go with him. He'd feared perhaps she would refuse. Offering her a crooked smile, he nods. "Okay. Come on." Leading the way, he heads through TJY and out to his car.
The ride to the Sandwich Basket is very quiet, and even after they order and seat themselves at an outside table to enjoy the sunshine, conversation is all but none.
Carson works on a sub sandwich but it didn't taste all that good today. He didn't think it was the food though - it was him and his sour stomach. Eventually he sets his sub down and sighs.
"Misty, I..." His eyes attach themselves to his food basket. "I'm sorry... about last night. I was kinda hurt how you said I lied, I guess, but I shouldn't have blown up at you." He shrugs. "I don't know what happened with the phone but I didn't mean to worry you or upset you, especially when we had company over."
His gaze finally rises to look at her. "So yeah... I'm really sorry."
"Hey, Ariel. It's Pete.... Mm-hmm... yeah, it's all good.... It's fine. It all worked out.... Yeah.... Hey, listen, are you coming to the party tomorrow?" Pete swivels in his chair at his desk, giving Trey a sidelong glance. He was doing as promised - calling Ariel to try and get her to show up at the party tomorrow night.
"No, it's downtown. The Sunrise... Yeah, I know you don't usually, but it shouldn't be too rowdy or anything...." He grimaces at Trey. Ariel was balking. "I know. But really, it's mostly gonna be the same crowd - you know must of 'em are pretty good at not getting out of hand." It was true - most of the people he knew at these get-togethers might drink a little and get a little loud, but never got out of hand or did anything to get into trouble. He even saw friends from church now and again, and Ariel certainly was one of those that just wanted to have good clean fun, emphasis on the clean. Pete had never experienced anything there that would be cause for concern though, even for the young ladies. He wasn't surprised Ariel was wary of a different kind of party though.
"...Right... well, I'll be there... Yeah. Hang out with me if you want.... Eh, work can wait. Come on..." Pete rolls his eyes. She had no idea how difficult she was being. "Ahh, 'maybe' is as good as a 'yes.' So that's a yes, right?"
He grins. "Good. Uh yeah... about nine o'clock..... Yep, see you there. Alright..... Bye."
Hanging up, Pete turns back to Trey. "Well, there you go, Bud. She'll be there tomorrow night."
"Okay. Thanks, Stacy." Mick nods. "I've been through this once with Dylan before... but things are kinda different now so I'm not really sure what's going to happen. Thanks for staying extra alert though."
Opening the door for her, he lets her go back inside and follows. They needn't discuss this anymore for now. What would be would be and they just needed to wait on Dylan now...
...."No, I don't want any lunch!" Dylan raises his voice, swinging glare at Jade. First Mick then Jeff then Sparky, now Jade. "How many people do I have to tell that to?!"
Jade blinks and takes a step back from where he was sweeping the barn aisle. "Alright already. Sheesh. I was just wondering if you were hungry after you skipped breakfast." And since he hadn't come to supper the night before either. She knew he'd probably snagged a snack when no one was around, but it still concerned her.
Dylan grips the broom tightly. "You keeping track now or what? Dad have you watching me to make sure I get my three solid meals a day?"
Though her brother snapping at her stung a bit, Jade throws up her arms in disgust. "Oh shut up. You know that's not true. If I'da known you were this sensitive today, I wouldn't have asked. I'll see you later." Spinning on her heel she stalks away, not giving him another chance to respond.
Dylan watches her leave then growls angrily before continuing to sweep. He wipes the sweat from his brow, fighting the mild dizzy spell. He wanted one thing right now, and one thing only. But he was out. And there was no source to get more.
Pausing his work, he takes a deep breath. He could do this. He had to. He could beat this thing.
Jade stalks over to the nearest pasture fence to lean on and take a deep breath. She wasn't stupid. She knew what was happening. And it pained her to see her brother suffering. She wished there was something she could do, but she knew there wasn't. Why did Dylan have to do this? Why did he have to make all those bad choices? Would he make it through this? Would he wind up just eventually going back to that life again later? Was this really the last time? What did the others think? Surely most everyone knew. Did Dylan even realize how obvious his problem had become? Why wasn't her dad doing anything about it? Why had he told her to remain silent as well and let Dylan deal with it in his own time? She just didn't understand!
Swiping angrily at a tear, she scoffs into the wind. Why should she care anyway? Dylan could care less about her. When she'd finally seen him after he'd come back and given him a hug, it hadn't even been returned. There was still no smile. Nothing to say that he was glad she was there. Nothing. it was the same as always. She loved her brother to death but it was never returned, and it was getting harder to just not shut him off completely. Especially now. Especially when she had to stand back and watch him stubbornly try to survive on his own.
The ride to the Sandwich Basket is very quiet, and even after they order and seat themselves at an outside table to enjoy the sunshine, conversation is all but none.
Carson works on a sub sandwich but it didn't taste all that good today. He didn't think it was the food though - it was him and his sour stomach. Eventually he sets his sub down and sighs.
"Misty, I..." His eyes attach themselves to his food basket. "I'm sorry... about last night. I was kinda hurt how you said I lied, I guess, but I shouldn't have blown up at you." He shrugs. "I don't know what happened with the phone but I didn't mean to worry you or upset you, especially when we had company over."
His gaze finally rises to look at her. "So yeah... I'm really sorry."
"Hey, Ariel. It's Pete.... Mm-hmm... yeah, it's all good.... It's fine. It all worked out.... Yeah.... Hey, listen, are you coming to the party tomorrow?" Pete swivels in his chair at his desk, giving Trey a sidelong glance. He was doing as promised - calling Ariel to try and get her to show up at the party tomorrow night.
"No, it's downtown. The Sunrise... Yeah, I know you don't usually, but it shouldn't be too rowdy or anything...." He grimaces at Trey. Ariel was balking. "I know. But really, it's mostly gonna be the same crowd - you know must of 'em are pretty good at not getting out of hand." It was true - most of the people he knew at these get-togethers might drink a little and get a little loud, but never got out of hand or did anything to get into trouble. He even saw friends from church now and again, and Ariel certainly was one of those that just wanted to have good clean fun, emphasis on the clean. Pete had never experienced anything there that would be cause for concern though, even for the young ladies. He wasn't surprised Ariel was wary of a different kind of party though.
"...Right... well, I'll be there... Yeah. Hang out with me if you want.... Eh, work can wait. Come on..." Pete rolls his eyes. She had no idea how difficult she was being. "Ahh, 'maybe' is as good as a 'yes.' So that's a yes, right?"
He grins. "Good. Uh yeah... about nine o'clock..... Yep, see you there. Alright..... Bye."
Hanging up, Pete turns back to Trey. "Well, there you go, Bud. She'll be there tomorrow night."
"Okay. Thanks, Stacy." Mick nods. "I've been through this once with Dylan before... but things are kinda different now so I'm not really sure what's going to happen. Thanks for staying extra alert though."
Opening the door for her, he lets her go back inside and follows. They needn't discuss this anymore for now. What would be would be and they just needed to wait on Dylan now...
...."No, I don't want any lunch!" Dylan raises his voice, swinging glare at Jade. First Mick then Jeff then Sparky, now Jade. "How many people do I have to tell that to?!"
Jade blinks and takes a step back from where he was sweeping the barn aisle. "Alright already. Sheesh. I was just wondering if you were hungry after you skipped breakfast." And since he hadn't come to supper the night before either. She knew he'd probably snagged a snack when no one was around, but it still concerned her.
Dylan grips the broom tightly. "You keeping track now or what? Dad have you watching me to make sure I get my three solid meals a day?"
Though her brother snapping at her stung a bit, Jade throws up her arms in disgust. "Oh shut up. You know that's not true. If I'da known you were this sensitive today, I wouldn't have asked. I'll see you later." Spinning on her heel she stalks away, not giving him another chance to respond.
Dylan watches her leave then growls angrily before continuing to sweep. He wipes the sweat from his brow, fighting the mild dizzy spell. He wanted one thing right now, and one thing only. But he was out. And there was no source to get more.
Pausing his work, he takes a deep breath. He could do this. He had to. He could beat this thing.
Jade stalks over to the nearest pasture fence to lean on and take a deep breath. She wasn't stupid. She knew what was happening. And it pained her to see her brother suffering. She wished there was something she could do, but she knew there wasn't. Why did Dylan have to do this? Why did he have to make all those bad choices? Would he make it through this? Would he wind up just eventually going back to that life again later? Was this really the last time? What did the others think? Surely most everyone knew. Did Dylan even realize how obvious his problem had become? Why wasn't her dad doing anything about it? Why had he told her to remain silent as well and let Dylan deal with it in his own time? She just didn't understand!
Swiping angrily at a tear, she scoffs into the wind. Why should she care anyway? Dylan could care less about her. When she'd finally seen him after he'd come back and given him a hug, it hadn't even been returned. There was still no smile. Nothing to say that he was glad she was there. Nothing. it was the same as always. She loved her brother to death but it was never returned, and it was getting harder to just not shut him off completely. Especially now. Especially when she had to stand back and watch him stubbornly try to survive on his own.
Keep an eye
Sitting at her desk lost in work Misty doesn't even notice someone come into the infirmary and she was so tired at the same time she couldn't feel someone behind her. Put seeing the flower come over her shoulder and than Carson's voice Misty can't help that the corners of her lips twitch as she reaches up and take the flower.
She was hungry, not eating this morning was catching up with her. Being mad was wearing on her too. Maybe she should go, everything could be ok. This could be a chance to talk, or at least try to get over yesterday right?
"I guess I am hungry so I should eat something and I do have some time for lunch."
Closing what she was working on Misty stands and goes over to the closet and pulls out her jacket putting it on. Going back to her desk she grabs her wallet and looks to Carson trying to give a little smile.
"I'm ready. You pick the place."
Listing to Mick Stacy gives a nod. She had a feeling something was up with Dylan and he might have gained some bad habits back. But didn't know for sure and didn't want to jump the gun. Many things pointed to that though.
"Yeah I had a feeling about that. I have been trying to keep a closer eye on him and didn't want to jump to quickly like last time."
Stacy cross her arms as she thinks for a moment before speaking again.
"I do believe Dylan wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone though. I'll make sure I stay alert though just in case. I'll keep you posted as well. Let me know if you notice anythign too."
She was hungry, not eating this morning was catching up with her. Being mad was wearing on her too. Maybe she should go, everything could be ok. This could be a chance to talk, or at least try to get over yesterday right?
"I guess I am hungry so I should eat something and I do have some time for lunch."
Closing what she was working on Misty stands and goes over to the closet and pulls out her jacket putting it on. Going back to her desk she grabs her wallet and looks to Carson trying to give a little smile.
"I'm ready. You pick the place."
Listing to Mick Stacy gives a nod. She had a feeling something was up with Dylan and he might have gained some bad habits back. But didn't know for sure and didn't want to jump the gun. Many things pointed to that though.
"Yeah I had a feeling about that. I have been trying to keep a closer eye on him and didn't want to jump to quickly like last time."
Stacy cross her arms as she thinks for a moment before speaking again.
"I do believe Dylan wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone though. I'll make sure I stay alert though just in case. I'll keep you posted as well. Let me know if you notice anythign too."
Daisy
"Carson... this was supposed to be without onions." Dani hands back a plate of food through the kitchen window.
Carson growls in frustration and takes it back to remake.
Watching him for several moments, Dani furrows her brow. She was worried about him, which was unusual. Sure, her brother got in a bad mood every now and then - everybody did. Everybody had bad days too. What bothered her was that Carson's bad day was lasting more than a day. He used to smile and laugh and go out and mingle with customers. But for the last week or two, he'd been downright antisocial around the restaurant, moody, and snapping at his waitresses was becoming much too frequent.
Finally brave enough to wander into the kitchen, Dani comes up beside him at the counter to help out with the food. She opted to not complain about his mood. "You okay?" she asks softly.
Her tone was gentle enough that Carson couldn't get mad at her. His shoulders drop slightly but he keeps his eyes on the food. "I don't know."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Naw... just..." He sighs. and turns to put the food in the oven. "Misty and I had a fight and I just can't concentrate today."
Dani frowns and lays a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sure it will all be okay. Everybody argues."
"Yeah... I guess you're right." Carson shrugs. "I guess it's so rare for her and me that I don't know what to do with myself when it happens."
Dani offers him a smile. "If I know you, you'll think of something."
...Lunchtime. It was the busiest time of day for Mom and Pop's, but Carson had left it in the hands of Dani, Thirteen and Herb for just an hour or so.
Entering the infirmary slowly, Carson felt more awkward here than he had in a long time. It wasn't a good feeling. Spying Misty very involved with the work at her desk, he approaches quietly, walking around out of her line of sight. Coming up behind her, he stops and watches for a moment. Then a long-stemmed daisy slithers over her shoulder.
"Care to join an Aussie for lunch?" he asks softly.
Sparky keeps a close eye on Dylan as the young man finishes cleaning a stall and hauls the wheelbarrow down the barn aisle. It had been a few days since he'd shown up again, and things were still a bit awkward, but it seemed he was genuinely trying to fit back in around here once more. As far as Sparky knew, his nephew had started his schoolwork again and he'd been seen spending a little bit of time with Ashlee. He'd also gotten back in the saddle to help Sparky exercise the horses as well. There was just one thing...
Sighing, Sparky goes back to resetting the hay rack in another stall. A shadow though, pauses him yet again. Looking up, he sees Mick. "Yes?"
Mick shrugs. "Just wondering how Dylan's doing. He doesn't talk to me now any more than he did before he left, ya know."
Sparky straightens, fingering his screwdriver as he leans on the open stall door. He knew Mick still struggled with the fact that Dylan worked and talked with him instead of his own father. But Sparky wouldn't turn down his nephew - if Dylan talked to anybody at all, it was a good thing. Sparky studies his brother's face. "He's doing alright."
Mick senses hesitance. "But...?"
Sparky's eyes lower and he fiddles with the screwdriver.
"What? What is it?"
Sparky shrugs.
Mick steps closer. "Tyler..."
Sparky's gaze shoots back up, annoyed. "Well, I just... I don't think Dylan's being completely honest."
"With what?"
"With... what he... might still be doing... since he came back."
"As in...?"
"I dunno. I... think he's on something."
Mick nods slowly. "Yeah. That's what I think too."
Sparky's eyebrows rise. He'd thought Mick would be upset with him for such an accusation against his son. "You do?"
"Mm-hmm... I thought so from the first time I saw him when he got back. I've talked to a few of the others too, and you and I aren't the only ones that have noticed."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I just wondered if you saw it too."
"Unfortunately." Sparky purses his lips in thought. He'd seen that look in Dylan's eye. The strange behavior. The odd moods. The poor physical condition. "You gonna confront him?"
"Nope." Mick shakes his head. "This time it's gotta be his choice."
"You're just gonna ignore it?"
"No... whatever it is he's got is pretty heavy - he doesn't think anybody's noticed the needle marks on his arm. But if..." Mick would rather not say it aloud, but he knew it was best. "...if it's heroin like it was before, he's gonna run out. And he has nowhere to go..."
"...Coming to supper?"
Dylan stops and turns around, en route to his bunk. He shakes his head at Sparky. "I, um.... I got a headache - I think I'm just gonna go lie down."
Sparky lifts an eyebrow but doesn't question him. He did wonder, though, if Mick had been right, when they'd spoken earlier. "Okay. You want me to tell Angel you want something f-"
"No." Dylan's answer cuts him off. "I mean... I'm fine. Thanks."
"Yeah, okay." Sparky shrugs. "Well if you need anything, holler."
Dylan watches as his uncle heads to the dining hall before continuing on to his bunk. Getting inside, he kicks off his boots and flops down on the bed. His head felt like it was splitting open, and the thought of food was rather nauseating. No... tonight he'd rather sleep. And in the morning... he had a feeling that it would be worse than it was now, but he could pretend, right?
Sparky continues on to the dining hall where most of the others were already. Glancing across the room he catches Mick's eye and shakes his head slightly. Mick nods in responds.
Weaving through the tables, Mick makes his way over to where Stacy was. "Stacy..." He motions to the door. "Can I have a word with you for just a moment?" He wouldn't keep her long, since supper was almost ready.
Leading the way out onto the porch, he sighs and tips his hat back a little. "I just wanted to make sure you were aware of something. Knowing you, you probably already figured it out, but..." He shakes his head. "I'm not a hundred percent sure, but Dylan's got all the signs of being on drugs. I've got a feeling he's about ready to run out, if he hasn't already, and things could get difficult. I wanted you to be aware, first, because of Ashlee, and second, because I don't know if Dylan will try to leave again, but I need you to keep your eye out for that."
He shrugs lamely. He still felt like a failure of a father, but there was no point in not facing the truth. "That's all I wanted to tell you."
Carson growls in frustration and takes it back to remake.
Watching him for several moments, Dani furrows her brow. She was worried about him, which was unusual. Sure, her brother got in a bad mood every now and then - everybody did. Everybody had bad days too. What bothered her was that Carson's bad day was lasting more than a day. He used to smile and laugh and go out and mingle with customers. But for the last week or two, he'd been downright antisocial around the restaurant, moody, and snapping at his waitresses was becoming much too frequent.
Finally brave enough to wander into the kitchen, Dani comes up beside him at the counter to help out with the food. She opted to not complain about his mood. "You okay?" she asks softly.
Her tone was gentle enough that Carson couldn't get mad at her. His shoulders drop slightly but he keeps his eyes on the food. "I don't know."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Naw... just..." He sighs. and turns to put the food in the oven. "Misty and I had a fight and I just can't concentrate today."
Dani frowns and lays a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'm sure it will all be okay. Everybody argues."
"Yeah... I guess you're right." Carson shrugs. "I guess it's so rare for her and me that I don't know what to do with myself when it happens."
Dani offers him a smile. "If I know you, you'll think of something."
...Lunchtime. It was the busiest time of day for Mom and Pop's, but Carson had left it in the hands of Dani, Thirteen and Herb for just an hour or so.
Entering the infirmary slowly, Carson felt more awkward here than he had in a long time. It wasn't a good feeling. Spying Misty very involved with the work at her desk, he approaches quietly, walking around out of her line of sight. Coming up behind her, he stops and watches for a moment. Then a long-stemmed daisy slithers over her shoulder.
"Care to join an Aussie for lunch?" he asks softly.
Sparky keeps a close eye on Dylan as the young man finishes cleaning a stall and hauls the wheelbarrow down the barn aisle. It had been a few days since he'd shown up again, and things were still a bit awkward, but it seemed he was genuinely trying to fit back in around here once more. As far as Sparky knew, his nephew had started his schoolwork again and he'd been seen spending a little bit of time with Ashlee. He'd also gotten back in the saddle to help Sparky exercise the horses as well. There was just one thing...
Sighing, Sparky goes back to resetting the hay rack in another stall. A shadow though, pauses him yet again. Looking up, he sees Mick. "Yes?"
Mick shrugs. "Just wondering how Dylan's doing. He doesn't talk to me now any more than he did before he left, ya know."
Sparky straightens, fingering his screwdriver as he leans on the open stall door. He knew Mick still struggled with the fact that Dylan worked and talked with him instead of his own father. But Sparky wouldn't turn down his nephew - if Dylan talked to anybody at all, it was a good thing. Sparky studies his brother's face. "He's doing alright."
Mick senses hesitance. "But...?"
Sparky's eyes lower and he fiddles with the screwdriver.
"What? What is it?"
Sparky shrugs.
Mick steps closer. "Tyler..."
Sparky's gaze shoots back up, annoyed. "Well, I just... I don't think Dylan's being completely honest."
"With what?"
"With... what he... might still be doing... since he came back."
"As in...?"
"I dunno. I... think he's on something."
Mick nods slowly. "Yeah. That's what I think too."
Sparky's eyebrows rise. He'd thought Mick would be upset with him for such an accusation against his son. "You do?"
"Mm-hmm... I thought so from the first time I saw him when he got back. I've talked to a few of the others too, and you and I aren't the only ones that have noticed."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I just wondered if you saw it too."
"Unfortunately." Sparky purses his lips in thought. He'd seen that look in Dylan's eye. The strange behavior. The odd moods. The poor physical condition. "You gonna confront him?"
"Nope." Mick shakes his head. "This time it's gotta be his choice."
"You're just gonna ignore it?"
"No... whatever it is he's got is pretty heavy - he doesn't think anybody's noticed the needle marks on his arm. But if..." Mick would rather not say it aloud, but he knew it was best. "...if it's heroin like it was before, he's gonna run out. And he has nowhere to go..."
"...Coming to supper?"
Dylan stops and turns around, en route to his bunk. He shakes his head at Sparky. "I, um.... I got a headache - I think I'm just gonna go lie down."
Sparky lifts an eyebrow but doesn't question him. He did wonder, though, if Mick had been right, when they'd spoken earlier. "Okay. You want me to tell Angel you want something f-"
"No." Dylan's answer cuts him off. "I mean... I'm fine. Thanks."
"Yeah, okay." Sparky shrugs. "Well if you need anything, holler."
Dylan watches as his uncle heads to the dining hall before continuing on to his bunk. Getting inside, he kicks off his boots and flops down on the bed. His head felt like it was splitting open, and the thought of food was rather nauseating. No... tonight he'd rather sleep. And in the morning... he had a feeling that it would be worse than it was now, but he could pretend, right?
Sparky continues on to the dining hall where most of the others were already. Glancing across the room he catches Mick's eye and shakes his head slightly. Mick nods in responds.
Weaving through the tables, Mick makes his way over to where Stacy was. "Stacy..." He motions to the door. "Can I have a word with you for just a moment?" He wouldn't keep her long, since supper was almost ready.
Leading the way out onto the porch, he sighs and tips his hat back a little. "I just wanted to make sure you were aware of something. Knowing you, you probably already figured it out, but..." He shakes his head. "I'm not a hundred percent sure, but Dylan's got all the signs of being on drugs. I've got a feeling he's about ready to run out, if he hasn't already, and things could get difficult. I wanted you to be aware, first, because of Ashlee, and second, because I don't know if Dylan will try to leave again, but I need you to keep your eye out for that."
He shrugs lamely. He still felt like a failure of a father, but there was no point in not facing the truth. "That's all I wanted to tell you."
Past or Future
Hearing Carson moving around and not being in a deep sleep to start with Misty stirs just a bit. Not getting up though like she normally did she just continues to lay in bed staring into the dark. She was still angry with Carson over what happened last night. It had been totally uncalled for and the words still hurt. Misty couldn't remember the last time she had felt like this.
Feeling Carson come over to her and receiving the kiss to the cheek Misty doesn't reply, or even move. She continued to just lay there hoping Carson would just thinking she was asleep. And when he leaves with nothing else being said Misty was glad. She was still made at him and not ready to forgive him.
Letting out a sigh and rolling onto her back Misty closes her eyes for a moment as a few more hot tears rolled down her face. She wanted to so desperately go out and enjoy a cup of coffee with her hubby like she did every morning but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't let Carson know last night was and ok thing.
Knowing finally Carson had left for the day Misty gets out of bed and wonders to the kitchen to get she own coffee and than shower. She didn't want to work, she felt sick to her stomach and looking into the bathroom mirror it was easy to tell she had a restless night, and had been crying. She just wanted to crawl into a hole even if she new she couldn't.
...An hour and a half later Misty enters TJY. She was pretty late and she new it but she simply didn't care. Her attemts at trying to hide how tired she was, and her red eyes failed. As soon as she took her sunglasses off it would be clean on her face. Maybe she could bury herself into her research or something exciting was going on today so no one would notice. Sitting at her desk Misty could only hope.
Finishing with the kiss and snuggling in deeper with him on the couch Jess just listens to the beating of his head the soft rythem of his breathing just lulling her. It was times like this that Jess cherished the most. The quiet ones where just hearts talked, and actions spoke louder than words.
"You don't owe me anything Axel but if you would still like to take me out on night I wont fight you on it."
Giving Axel a squeeze she lets out a soft happy sigh. She was content, no matter what would happen from here out she was content and completely in love with Axel. There was no doubt in her mind. Not past or future would change that.
Feeling Carson come over to her and receiving the kiss to the cheek Misty doesn't reply, or even move. She continued to just lay there hoping Carson would just thinking she was asleep. And when he leaves with nothing else being said Misty was glad. She was still made at him and not ready to forgive him.
Letting out a sigh and rolling onto her back Misty closes her eyes for a moment as a few more hot tears rolled down her face. She wanted to so desperately go out and enjoy a cup of coffee with her hubby like she did every morning but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't let Carson know last night was and ok thing.
Knowing finally Carson had left for the day Misty gets out of bed and wonders to the kitchen to get she own coffee and than shower. She didn't want to work, she felt sick to her stomach and looking into the bathroom mirror it was easy to tell she had a restless night, and had been crying. She just wanted to crawl into a hole even if she new she couldn't.
...An hour and a half later Misty enters TJY. She was pretty late and she new it but she simply didn't care. Her attemts at trying to hide how tired she was, and her red eyes failed. As soon as she took her sunglasses off it would be clean on her face. Maybe she could bury herself into her research or something exciting was going on today so no one would notice. Sitting at her desk Misty could only hope.
Finishing with the kiss and snuggling in deeper with him on the couch Jess just listens to the beating of his head the soft rythem of his breathing just lulling her. It was times like this that Jess cherished the most. The quiet ones where just hearts talked, and actions spoke louder than words.
"You don't owe me anything Axel but if you would still like to take me out on night I wont fight you on it."
Giving Axel a squeeze she lets out a soft happy sigh. She was content, no matter what would happen from here out she was content and completely in love with Axel. There was no doubt in her mind. Not past or future would change that.
Kiss
Carson sits alone for a long time, nursing his beer until it's gone. Tonight, he could go for something stronger.
Eventually he does get up, but after putting away the empty bottle, he doesn't go to the bedroom. Instead, he hesitates in the hallway before turning back to the living room. Grabbing a blanket, he flops down on the couch and tries to get comfortable on the cushions. He couldn't remember the last time he'd chosen not to go to bed with his wife. A lump rises in his throat but he tries to ignore it. Things would be fine... they would work out... they would be fine...
...It was only a few hours before Carson was rising again for his morning run. When he gets back to the house to shower, it was still dark outside. Opening the bedroom door quietly, he slips in to find clean clothes for the day.
Once dressed, he checks the clock. He really didn't want to work today. But he had no choice.
Ready to leave, he pauses at the door and looks back over his shoulder at Misty's sleeping form. Was she really asleep? He had his doubts. She'd probably heard him moving about.
Sighing, he wanders quietly to her side of the bed. His heart hurt. He felt rotten. He'd let her down. He wanted to erase the previous night from their history. But he couldn't. And he knew... this was only the beginning of the pain.
Bending down, he kisses Misty's cheek. "I love you," he whispers.
Finally leaving the room, he goes to the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee before leaving for Mom and Pop's.
Axel didn't know how much time had passed. He didn't really care though. It wasn't often he allowed himself to fall into these moments with Jess... to be this intimate... to just allow himself and her to express their feelings like this. But tonight he had, and he enjoyed it...
...The soft classical music still played in the background. The living room was dark. Axel was leaned back in the corner of the couch with Jess tucked under his arm. They had long since ceased making out and were just quietly enjoying each other's company now. Axel's hand absentmindedly wandered up and down her arm, his other hand having found her own to hold. With her head so close on his shoulder and chest, he kisses the top of it gently.
"I still owe you dinner out," he muses quietly.
Eventually he does get up, but after putting away the empty bottle, he doesn't go to the bedroom. Instead, he hesitates in the hallway before turning back to the living room. Grabbing a blanket, he flops down on the couch and tries to get comfortable on the cushions. He couldn't remember the last time he'd chosen not to go to bed with his wife. A lump rises in his throat but he tries to ignore it. Things would be fine... they would work out... they would be fine...
...It was only a few hours before Carson was rising again for his morning run. When he gets back to the house to shower, it was still dark outside. Opening the bedroom door quietly, he slips in to find clean clothes for the day.
Once dressed, he checks the clock. He really didn't want to work today. But he had no choice.
Ready to leave, he pauses at the door and looks back over his shoulder at Misty's sleeping form. Was she really asleep? He had his doubts. She'd probably heard him moving about.
Sighing, he wanders quietly to her side of the bed. His heart hurt. He felt rotten. He'd let her down. He wanted to erase the previous night from their history. But he couldn't. And he knew... this was only the beginning of the pain.
Bending down, he kisses Misty's cheek. "I love you," he whispers.
Finally leaving the room, he goes to the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee before leaving for Mom and Pop's.
Axel didn't know how much time had passed. He didn't really care though. It wasn't often he allowed himself to fall into these moments with Jess... to be this intimate... to just allow himself and her to express their feelings like this. But tonight he had, and he enjoyed it...
...The soft classical music still played in the background. The living room was dark. Axel was leaned back in the corner of the couch with Jess tucked under his arm. They had long since ceased making out and were just quietly enjoying each other's company now. Axel's hand absentmindedly wandered up and down her arm, his other hand having found her own to hold. With her head so close on his shoulder and chest, he kisses the top of it gently.
"I still owe you dinner out," he muses quietly.
Over
Misty continues to wash the dishes as she feels a hot tear run from her eye down her cheek. She was angry and hurt she just wanted to scream. She new she could keep her mouth shut and not say anything else but she couldn't help it.
"Actually dropping it wont make me feel better. What will is you not over reacting next time I ask a question."
Letting the sink drain Misty whipes her hands off before heading for bed. Shaking her head as she got to the door way Misty didn't want to go to bed angry but there was nothing more to be said. She new tempers were hot and that would continue to make things worse.
Continuing Misty shuts the door behind her before changing into her pjs. Flopping down on the bed she bury her face into the pillow. Tonight would be a nite she cried herself to sleep, something she hadn't done in a long time.
"Actually dropping it wont make me feel better. What will is you not over reacting next time I ask a question."
Letting the sink drain Misty whipes her hands off before heading for bed. Shaking her head as she got to the door way Misty didn't want to go to bed angry but there was nothing more to be said. She new tempers were hot and that would continue to make things worse.
Continuing Misty shuts the door behind her before changing into her pjs. Flopping down on the bed she bury her face into the pillow. Tonight would be a nite she cried herself to sleep, something she hadn't done in a long time.
3/16/12
Miserable
"I give up." Carson throws his hands in the air. "Talking to you tonight is like talking to a brick wall." Following Misty's route, he aims for the refrigerator.
Fishing out his last bottle of beer, he pops the lid with his opener and takes a swig. He should be on his way to bed is what he should be doing. It was late. But his nerves were shot. His eyes fall back to Misty again and he gives her a cold stare for several moments. "How about you just drop this whole thing and not ask me about it again, ay? I think we'd both feel a whole lot better."
In order to end the conversation, he returns to the living room and flops down in his chair in the corner, glaring into the dark. Sipping his beer, his anger simmers and he listens to the dishes being washed. He imagined soon he would hear Misty preparing for bed. He knew that he'd hurt her, and she would probably let the topic drop for now in order to avoid more fighting tonight. But all that did was make him more miserable.
Fishing out his last bottle of beer, he pops the lid with his opener and takes a swig. He should be on his way to bed is what he should be doing. It was late. But his nerves were shot. His eyes fall back to Misty again and he gives her a cold stare for several moments. "How about you just drop this whole thing and not ask me about it again, ay? I think we'd both feel a whole lot better."
In order to end the conversation, he returns to the living room and flops down in his chair in the corner, glaring into the dark. Sipping his beer, his anger simmers and he listens to the dishes being washed. He imagined soon he would hear Misty preparing for bed. He knew that he'd hurt her, and she would probably let the topic drop for now in order to avoid more fighting tonight. But all that did was make him more miserable.
Snap
Turning back around the door slamming had been an honest mistake and yes maybe she could of not called him a lier but usaly Carson didn't react like this. Misty was at a lose for what was going on.
"Me PMSing!!!!! Whats wrong with you Carson? Your not normally like this, your usually calm and we are able to talk things out. Tonight you just think I am out to get you like I want to get in a fight."
Misty's look went from angry to almost sad. She really couldn't believe they were fighting right now. It had been such a long time it hurt to be doing it now. But Misty wasn't willing to say sorry when she hadn't done anything wrong.
"Snap out of it. I'm not the bad guy so don't treat me like I am over one question."
Shaking her head Misty head's to the kitchen she had dishes to do and she was angry, and sad at the same time. A bad combanation, maybe smacking some soap around would help.
"Me PMSing!!!!! Whats wrong with you Carson? Your not normally like this, your usually calm and we are able to talk things out. Tonight you just think I am out to get you like I want to get in a fight."
Misty's look went from angry to almost sad. She really couldn't believe they were fighting right now. It had been such a long time it hurt to be doing it now. But Misty wasn't willing to say sorry when she hadn't done anything wrong.
"Snap out of it. I'm not the bad guy so don't treat me like I am over one question."
Shaking her head Misty head's to the kitchen she had dishes to do and she was angry, and sad at the same time. A bad combanation, maybe smacking some soap around would help.
o.O
Carson grits his teeth as he picks up all the cards and tries to straighten them out to fit back in the box. Spinning around as the closet door slams, he glares at Misty.
"Yeah... yeah, I usually go around making excuses to you, don't I?" The more upset he became, the thicker his accent got. "You could have at least asked me why my phone when off, instead of outright calling me a liar."
Finished with the cards, he tosses them to the side of the table carelessly before crossing his arms. His glare remains. "I honestly cannot believe we're even having this conversation. Anything else I've done lately that you'd like to accuse me of? Or is it just PMS and I need to avoid you til you're in a better mood?"
"Yeah... yeah, I usually go around making excuses to you, don't I?" The more upset he became, the thicker his accent got. "You could have at least asked me why my phone when off, instead of outright calling me a liar."
Finished with the cards, he tosses them to the side of the table carelessly before crossing his arms. His glare remains. "I honestly cannot believe we're even having this conversation. Anything else I've done lately that you'd like to accuse me of? Or is it just PMS and I need to avoid you til you're in a better mood?"
I've Never
Misty can't help but let her own eyes narrow at Carson's retaliation. She hadn't expected him to get that angry over a simple questions. It hadn't been that big of a deal and she thought he would of stayed calm and explained it to you.
"You know if you stayed calm and didn't fly off the handle maybe you could of explained that to me. I simply asked you a question because of what it looked like. You really had no right to yell at me like that. So why don't you get a grip and get over it."
Walking into the living room to fold up the extra two chairs Misty couldn't help but be upset. Carson and herself didn't fight a lot so doing it now caused her to get even more upset.
"I just asked because I've never seen you make a mistake like that before since we have been married. I figured maybe you new I would be upset you didn't call so you made up the excuse your phone died. I wasn't accusing you of anything other than telling me your phone was dead when clearly it wasn't."
Putting the two chairs into the closet Misty didn't mean to close the door hard it just kind of happened and she herself cringed when it did.
"You know if you stayed calm and didn't fly off the handle maybe you could of explained that to me. I simply asked you a question because of what it looked like. You really had no right to yell at me like that. So why don't you get a grip and get over it."
Walking into the living room to fold up the extra two chairs Misty couldn't help but be upset. Carson and herself didn't fight a lot so doing it now caused her to get even more upset.
"I just asked because I've never seen you make a mistake like that before since we have been married. I figured maybe you new I would be upset you didn't call so you made up the excuse your phone died. I wasn't accusing you of anything other than telling me your phone was dead when clearly it wasn't."
Putting the two chairs into the closet Misty didn't mean to close the door hard it just kind of happened and she herself cringed when it did.
Privilege
Carson's eyes widen. He stares at Misty with disbelief until his surprise evolves into irritation, his brow furrowing. "Lied to you?" The nice little romantic moment had vanished in an instant.
"I can't believe you just asked me that. Seriously..." Something close to anger flickers in his gaze. His hands move to his hips, displaying a defiant stance. "I have no idea what happened. Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe I thought my phone was dead and it wasn't..." He shakes his head, his eyes still narrow, his frown remaining. "Why on earth would I out and out lie to you about that anyway? And in front of company, no less?" He scoffs and shakes his head. "Get a grip... It'd be nice if you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Apparently I lost that privilege somewhere along the way."
Sidling past her, he goes back to the table to clean up the cards, clearly thinking their conversation was over.
"I can't believe you just asked me that. Seriously..." Something close to anger flickers in his gaze. His hands move to his hips, displaying a defiant stance. "I have no idea what happened. Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe I thought my phone was dead and it wasn't..." He shakes his head, his eyes still narrow, his frown remaining. "Why on earth would I out and out lie to you about that anyway? And in front of company, no less?" He scoffs and shakes his head. "Get a grip... It'd be nice if you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Apparently I lost that privilege somewhere along the way."
Sidling past her, he goes back to the table to clean up the cards, clearly thinking their conversation was over.
Truth
Looking at her own cards trying to figure out what to play next Misty gives a slight jump when Carson's phone goes off. For a moment she checked her own but remembered it was sitting on the kitchen counter still. Giving Carson a sidelong glance Misty could feel her cheeks get a little red and she didn't laugh at his comment about Dani.
"For a dead phone that one sure does text good still."
Seeing it was her turn Misty lets it go for now just ending with that comment. She'd rather not get into it with Carson while there was company or make it worse than it was. Though the question still lingered on her mind she'd wait till a little later.
...Once everyone was gone Misty let out a sigh. The question was burning a hole in her mind and she had to ask before it drove her crazy. Maybe Carson had a good explanation or he hadn't though about calling and didn't want to get in trouble....it had to be something an Misty needed to know.
Letting him finish with the kiss to her head and the hug Misty gives a nod. She loved Carson and hated doubting him. Taking a few steps back she looks up into his eyes and study's them for a long moment.
"Carson, how come you lied to me about your phone?"
It was straight, simple and right to the point. Misty didn't really feel like beating around the bush tonight. She felt tired, and just worn out. Maybe it was because the night had been off to a bad start with Carson being late but now she wanted the truth.
As Axel pulls Jess closer to him Jess dosnt resist. She loved being wrapped in his arms, feeling safe, loved. It was not often that Axel showed this emotion but when he did there was no way Jess wanted to turn is down.
Shifting a little to get more comfortable Jess leans into Axel and lets her eyes fall shut. Her one hand bracing herself on his chest so not all her weight was leaning on him and the other to the side of his face just cradling it.
Her own kiss was soft, but deep just letting Axel know how much she loved him, and all the emotions she could never say. It was moments like this Jess was happy for the few times they shaired like this. It made them feel special and she welcomed them, and returned them as well.
Putting away for a second Jess smiles at Axel before turning her head the other way and returning for another kiss. This time just letting her own passion show as she returned the kiss lightly but strong.
"For a dead phone that one sure does text good still."
Seeing it was her turn Misty lets it go for now just ending with that comment. She'd rather not get into it with Carson while there was company or make it worse than it was. Though the question still lingered on her mind she'd wait till a little later.
...Once everyone was gone Misty let out a sigh. The question was burning a hole in her mind and she had to ask before it drove her crazy. Maybe Carson had a good explanation or he hadn't though about calling and didn't want to get in trouble....it had to be something an Misty needed to know.
Letting him finish with the kiss to her head and the hug Misty gives a nod. She loved Carson and hated doubting him. Taking a few steps back she looks up into his eyes and study's them for a long moment.
"Carson, how come you lied to me about your phone?"
It was straight, simple and right to the point. Misty didn't really feel like beating around the bush tonight. She felt tired, and just worn out. Maybe it was because the night had been off to a bad start with Carson being late but now she wanted the truth.
As Axel pulls Jess closer to him Jess dosnt resist. She loved being wrapped in his arms, feeling safe, loved. It was not often that Axel showed this emotion but when he did there was no way Jess wanted to turn is down.
Shifting a little to get more comfortable Jess leans into Axel and lets her eyes fall shut. Her one hand bracing herself on his chest so not all her weight was leaning on him and the other to the side of his face just cradling it.
Her own kiss was soft, but deep just letting Axel know how much she loved him, and all the emotions she could never say. It was moments like this Jess was happy for the few times they shaired like this. It made them feel special and she welcomed them, and returned them as well.
Putting away for a second Jess smiles at Axel before turning her head the other way and returning for another kiss. This time just letting her own passion show as she returned the kiss lightly but strong.
Yawning
Axel was grateful for Jess' words. It didn't change anything. It didn't fix anything. But at least she believed in him. She didn't think he was a monster. She wasn't afraid of him. At least he had her to rely on for that. If no one else believed him... she did. And if he wanted anyone to believe him, it was her.
"Thanks." Reaching over, he takes her hand in his, running his thumb through her palm. "You're pretty special, you know that? Most people... well... they'd tuck tail and run from someone with a reputation like mine, true or not. I guess that's the only thing that worries me. I want to let it go... but it keeps following me. Right now things are quiet. But what about a month from now? A year?" He shrugs. "Next time I'm exposed or accused... what will it do to me then? To us?"
He sighs. He knew there wasn't an answer. He knew Jess was ready to stick it out with him no matter what. But it did still gnaw at his gut.
Shifting a little to sit a bit more sideways, he cradles her face with his hand. "I don't mean to push you away when I get worried. I just didn't want to scare you or take out my frustrations on you. I'd rather yell at a mirror than you and I didn't want you to get the brunt of it. You're too special to me for that."
Smiling a little, he leans in closer. "No matter what happens... no matter if I need time off... know that it's never because of you, and I will always return. Always."
Closing the gap, his lips brush hers lightly before returning with a firmer kiss. His one hand slips around her waist, the other crawling to the back of her head. Deepening the kiss, he doesn't pull away. Not this time. Not yet. Right now he wanted to show her how much he cared. So he lets the passion go.
Carson's head snaps up at Misty's comment and it takes him a strange moment to smile. "Of course not, love."
"Hey!" Con swats Jamie's hand as she elbows him. "Not on a full stomach." Grinning, he leans over and gives her a kiss. "But since I apparently twisted your arm, I guess that makes us even."
...Playing cards was a nice relaxing distraction from the day. Just being able to fellowship and laugh felt good, and the time was ignored...
Pursing his lips and studying the cards in his hand, Carson is about to make a play when his phone gives a short ring from his pocket. Smirking, he pauses the game and fishes his phone from his pocket to flip it open. He grins then shakes his head as he reads the text message. "Apparently Dani left a mess in the kitchen for me to clean up in the morning." Opting not to reply to her now, he tucks his phone away again and looks back at his cards. "I'm gonna need two."
Con tries not to look at Jamie. He knew his eyes would betray him if he did. He hadn't heard Carson's phone, but it was obvious he'd received a text message. It was also obvious that Carson had not plugged in his phone after arriving - it had been in his pocket this whole time. Yet... he'd said that the battery had died and that's why he hadn't called when he'd wound up late. Maybe Con had just heard him wrong - that wasn't out of the ordinary with his bad hearing. But... it was a bit hard convincing himself that that's all it was. He didn't want to think Carson had lied. What reason would he have? Wondering what the answer was bothered Con... a lot.
Realizing it was his turn in the game, he tries to focus and forget about that other issue for now. It was probably all just his imagination anyway...
... Con yawns as he lays down his cards, starting a chain reaction of yawning. No one wanted to quit, but it really was getting late. He looks to Jamie just a little sleepily and with a wry grin. "I don't know, but I think I've about had it."
"Party pooper," Carson teases. He shakes loose an ice cube from the bottom of his glass to chew on.
Con smirks and yawns again. "Yeah well... okay. I guess I am."
It takes a few more minutes to wind things down and actually decide to leave, but eventually Con and Jamie do depart, with plans to do this again soon.
Leaning on the open doorway, Carson gives a final wave to their friends before turning and stretching, now yawning too. "Mmm... that was fun." He closes the door and pulls Misty in for a hug and a kiss to the top of her head. "Thanks for making supper too - it was great."
"Thanks." Reaching over, he takes her hand in his, running his thumb through her palm. "You're pretty special, you know that? Most people... well... they'd tuck tail and run from someone with a reputation like mine, true or not. I guess that's the only thing that worries me. I want to let it go... but it keeps following me. Right now things are quiet. But what about a month from now? A year?" He shrugs. "Next time I'm exposed or accused... what will it do to me then? To us?"
He sighs. He knew there wasn't an answer. He knew Jess was ready to stick it out with him no matter what. But it did still gnaw at his gut.
Shifting a little to sit a bit more sideways, he cradles her face with his hand. "I don't mean to push you away when I get worried. I just didn't want to scare you or take out my frustrations on you. I'd rather yell at a mirror than you and I didn't want you to get the brunt of it. You're too special to me for that."
Smiling a little, he leans in closer. "No matter what happens... no matter if I need time off... know that it's never because of you, and I will always return. Always."
Closing the gap, his lips brush hers lightly before returning with a firmer kiss. His one hand slips around her waist, the other crawling to the back of her head. Deepening the kiss, he doesn't pull away. Not this time. Not yet. Right now he wanted to show her how much he cared. So he lets the passion go.
Carson's head snaps up at Misty's comment and it takes him a strange moment to smile. "Of course not, love."
"Hey!" Con swats Jamie's hand as she elbows him. "Not on a full stomach." Grinning, he leans over and gives her a kiss. "But since I apparently twisted your arm, I guess that makes us even."
...Playing cards was a nice relaxing distraction from the day. Just being able to fellowship and laugh felt good, and the time was ignored...
Pursing his lips and studying the cards in his hand, Carson is about to make a play when his phone gives a short ring from his pocket. Smirking, he pauses the game and fishes his phone from his pocket to flip it open. He grins then shakes his head as he reads the text message. "Apparently Dani left a mess in the kitchen for me to clean up in the morning." Opting not to reply to her now, he tucks his phone away again and looks back at his cards. "I'm gonna need two."
Con tries not to look at Jamie. He knew his eyes would betray him if he did. He hadn't heard Carson's phone, but it was obvious he'd received a text message. It was also obvious that Carson had not plugged in his phone after arriving - it had been in his pocket this whole time. Yet... he'd said that the battery had died and that's why he hadn't called when he'd wound up late. Maybe Con had just heard him wrong - that wasn't out of the ordinary with his bad hearing. But... it was a bit hard convincing himself that that's all it was. He didn't want to think Carson had lied. What reason would he have? Wondering what the answer was bothered Con... a lot.
Realizing it was his turn in the game, he tries to focus and forget about that other issue for now. It was probably all just his imagination anyway...
... Con yawns as he lays down his cards, starting a chain reaction of yawning. No one wanted to quit, but it really was getting late. He looks to Jamie just a little sleepily and with a wry grin. "I don't know, but I think I've about had it."
"Party pooper," Carson teases. He shakes loose an ice cube from the bottom of his glass to chew on.
Con smirks and yawns again. "Yeah well... okay. I guess I am."
It takes a few more minutes to wind things down and actually decide to leave, but eventually Con and Jamie do depart, with plans to do this again soon.
Leaning on the open doorway, Carson gives a final wave to their friends before turning and stretching, now yawning too. "Mmm... that was fun." He closes the door and pulls Misty in for a hug and a kiss to the top of her head. "Thanks for making supper too - it was great."
Cheat
Letting the night continue on Misty lets the odd feeling she had slide. Maybe she was just being overworked and there was nothing more to the situation. Maybe everything Carson had said really did happen. She had to believe him, he had no reason to lie.
Misty gives a small laugh at Carson's mention of cards and raises her hand too. She was ready to stay away and have a little more fun herself. Tomorrow she didn't have to be to work till a little later in the afternoon so this was perfect.
"I am as long as you don't cheat."
Standing up Misty heads into the kitchen to get refils of the drinks and the desks of cards they had stashed away for a time like this.
Giving a laugh and an elbow to Con Jamie's eyes twinkle. She new he was only joking and she didn't mind. The extra time with Con was always nice and Jamie would never rush that.
"I guess you twisted my arm enough. We can stay."
Sitting down again with Axel and listing to what he had to say Jess could feel her heart break for him all over again. She new how much this bothered him from day one and to know the whole scab had been ripped away again hurt.
"Axel, that might be something you never will be able to prove. It happened so long ago, and it was such a horrible thing yes but its time to just let it go."
Jess gives a smile to Axel doing he best to be soft and understanding but trying to give him encouragement at the same time. She new this was hard for him, and even if she told him she still loved and cared for him it would both him. Thats was just how Axel was.
"If it means anything I believe, and you have proven to me you didn't do it. I believe it in here..."
Jess puts a hand over her heart. She new Axel now and even if he had changed since back than she had gotten to know his heart and it was pure, and she would never do anything like that to hurt someone. Not now, not than, not ever.
"...You'd never hurt anyone Axel and I believe that whole heatedly."
Giving a nod Trey follows Pete inside. He was satisfied with his answer and would not help him with paper work. But this gave him extra time to think about what to say to Ariel tomorrow. Time he would need to try and put his thought's together.
Misty gives a small laugh at Carson's mention of cards and raises her hand too. She was ready to stay away and have a little more fun herself. Tomorrow she didn't have to be to work till a little later in the afternoon so this was perfect.
"I am as long as you don't cheat."
Standing up Misty heads into the kitchen to get refils of the drinks and the desks of cards they had stashed away for a time like this.
Giving a laugh and an elbow to Con Jamie's eyes twinkle. She new he was only joking and she didn't mind. The extra time with Con was always nice and Jamie would never rush that.
"I guess you twisted my arm enough. We can stay."
Sitting down again with Axel and listing to what he had to say Jess could feel her heart break for him all over again. She new how much this bothered him from day one and to know the whole scab had been ripped away again hurt.
"Axel, that might be something you never will be able to prove. It happened so long ago, and it was such a horrible thing yes but its time to just let it go."
Jess gives a smile to Axel doing he best to be soft and understanding but trying to give him encouragement at the same time. She new this was hard for him, and even if she told him she still loved and cared for him it would both him. Thats was just how Axel was.
"If it means anything I believe, and you have proven to me you didn't do it. I believe it in here..."
Jess puts a hand over her heart. She new Axel now and even if he had changed since back than she had gotten to know his heart and it was pure, and she would never do anything like that to hurt someone. Not now, not than, not ever.
"...You'd never hurt anyone Axel and I believe that whole heatedly."
Giving a nod Trey follows Pete inside. He was satisfied with his answer and would not help him with paper work. But this gave him extra time to think about what to say to Ariel tomorrow. Time he would need to try and put his thought's together.
3/15/12
Game
Carson returns Misty's kiss and grins. "Thanks for waiting - this has been one ridiculous day."
He reaches to the cupboard to retrieve some glasses before getting some ice as well.
In the living room, Con stands and returns Jamie's glance. He gives a little shrug. He had no idea why Carson was acting so odd, but he figured it would be best just to try and enjoy the evening now that they could proceed with supper. Putting his arm around Jamie's shoulders, he walks with her to the dining room table.
The evening seems to go well and the atmosphere is rather pleasant, despite the late start. Carson and Con get to laughing at the dinner table over something, winding up in soda pop needing to be cleaned up after the laughter with a mouthful didn't work so well.
Once dinner was over and the four were just sitting around chatting, a few yawns start, but it was rather early to call it a night yet.
"Okay, who wants to play some cards?" Carson raises his hand.
Con looks at Jamie, hoping she didn't want to go home yet. "I'm in, if my wife will let me," he teases.
Axel grins and kisses Jess' nose. "Thanks... for being patient with me. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Dancing slowly for a few more minutes in silence, Axel finally comes to a stop and takes Jess' hand to lead her to the living room. Easing down on the couch, he puts his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.
"I'm sorry, Jess... I haven't been fair to you lately."
Sighing, he thinks a little bit more. "When Liz was here... you know she spent the night. And um... she caught me sleep walking. Not a surprise - I still do it all the time. But she caught me going outside right through my little alarm system."
It didn't seem like much. Someone who didn't know his background wouldn't understand. But to Axel... it was an extremely important detail. He swallows hard. He doesn't realize his fingers were lightly rubbing Jess' shoulder with nervousness.
"Back when... that day I was arrested. I had a similar alarm rigged. Remember I told you that I finally realized I was innocent because the alarm was still intact? That I couldn't have gone out without knowing it?"
He shrugs lamely. "When Liz caught me there... that blew my whole theory. I could have left that night. I could have done what they all said. I could have come back and reset my alarm without even knowing it."
He bites his lip, feeling again the desperation. "I want to believe I'm innocent, Jess... but I still can't prove it, even to myself."
Pausing at the TJY door, Pete cocks his head, listening to Trey. He wanted to smile, but he refrains. He really was surprised, though. In just one evening, Trey had made a big step. What had Ariel done last night? He wondered.
Crossing his arms, Pete thinks for several moments. "Well... I can certainly try. I haven't known Ariel to hang out anywhere but he beach parties since they tend to be calmer but... maybe I can think of something to convince her to come."
He finally grins. "I'll figure out how to get here there and you can figure out what to say. But take my advice... honesty is always best and knowing Ariel, that's all she'd want."
He reaches to the cupboard to retrieve some glasses before getting some ice as well.
In the living room, Con stands and returns Jamie's glance. He gives a little shrug. He had no idea why Carson was acting so odd, but he figured it would be best just to try and enjoy the evening now that they could proceed with supper. Putting his arm around Jamie's shoulders, he walks with her to the dining room table.
The evening seems to go well and the atmosphere is rather pleasant, despite the late start. Carson and Con get to laughing at the dinner table over something, winding up in soda pop needing to be cleaned up after the laughter with a mouthful didn't work so well.
Once dinner was over and the four were just sitting around chatting, a few yawns start, but it was rather early to call it a night yet.
"Okay, who wants to play some cards?" Carson raises his hand.
Con looks at Jamie, hoping she didn't want to go home yet. "I'm in, if my wife will let me," he teases.
Axel grins and kisses Jess' nose. "Thanks... for being patient with me. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Dancing slowly for a few more minutes in silence, Axel finally comes to a stop and takes Jess' hand to lead her to the living room. Easing down on the couch, he puts his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.
"I'm sorry, Jess... I haven't been fair to you lately."
Sighing, he thinks a little bit more. "When Liz was here... you know she spent the night. And um... she caught me sleep walking. Not a surprise - I still do it all the time. But she caught me going outside right through my little alarm system."
It didn't seem like much. Someone who didn't know his background wouldn't understand. But to Axel... it was an extremely important detail. He swallows hard. He doesn't realize his fingers were lightly rubbing Jess' shoulder with nervousness.
"Back when... that day I was arrested. I had a similar alarm rigged. Remember I told you that I finally realized I was innocent because the alarm was still intact? That I couldn't have gone out without knowing it?"
He shrugs lamely. "When Liz caught me there... that blew my whole theory. I could have left that night. I could have done what they all said. I could have come back and reset my alarm without even knowing it."
He bites his lip, feeling again the desperation. "I want to believe I'm innocent, Jess... but I still can't prove it, even to myself."
Pausing at the TJY door, Pete cocks his head, listening to Trey. He wanted to smile, but he refrains. He really was surprised, though. In just one evening, Trey had made a big step. What had Ariel done last night? He wondered.
Crossing his arms, Pete thinks for several moments. "Well... I can certainly try. I haven't known Ariel to hang out anywhere but he beach parties since they tend to be calmer but... maybe I can think of something to convince her to come."
He finally grins. "I'll figure out how to get here there and you can figure out what to say. But take my advice... honesty is always best and knowing Ariel, that's all she'd want."
Comfort, Love, Content
As Carson comes into the house Misty perks up a little bit. Tossing a smile in Carson's direction Misty lets out a sigh of re-leaf he was ok. Hearing his reason for being late Misty gives a nod but almost finding it hard to convince herself that it made sense but she let it go.
"I'm happy your ok sweet babe. I was getting worried."
Going into the kitchen Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss before baking up again and yelling into the living room.
"Well the table is set if you guys want to sit down. I'll bring the stuff out. Hun can you find the drinks please."
Standing throwing a strange look to Con. Something felt off though she wouldn't say anything. Maybe it was just her imagination but Carson was extra chipper almost in a nervous say and seemed to ramble a lot too. Strange.
Taking Axel's hang Jess smiles standing and just letting his wrap his arms around her. Jess felt so safe in his arms. The comfort, the love, everything she needed to feel completely content.
Looking up into his eyes Jess own sparkle in the dim light as she leans up and gives him a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away.
"How could I turn you down humm? I think thats just not possible. I'm always here when you ready, and willing to give you space as long as I know your ok."
Jess new Axel needed his alone time sometimes and it could streach for days on end, but she was willing to give him that as long as he did let her know he was ok and he always did. It was just part of the relationship they had come to an understanding on and it seemed to work out for the most part.
Seeing they were back at TJY Trey lets out another sigh. This time is was more of a here we are again. He new he should be thankful he had a place to say but this...this was not what he was use to this was not home.
Giving a chuckle and a smerk at Pete and his comment for a moment it was almost like he could read his mind. Getting out of the car and closing the door behind him Trey walks to catch up. Getting to the door he stops again and looks to Pete one more time.
"I'll help with you paper work if you...can do something for me."
Trey swallows hard for a moment before looking to Pete again. It was kind of hard to admit this. But he new he would need Pete's help.
"There is this girl I think I owe an apology too and...."
Rubbing his hand along the back of his neck for a minute Trey wasn't sure what he was gonna do.
"...I need you to convince her to come to the party tomorrow too but...don't tell her I am gonna be there. She might not come. I...I was pretty bad to her yesterday. Than I gotta....figure out how to say sorry and mean it."
"I'm happy your ok sweet babe. I was getting worried."
Going into the kitchen Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss before baking up again and yelling into the living room.
"Well the table is set if you guys want to sit down. I'll bring the stuff out. Hun can you find the drinks please."
Standing throwing a strange look to Con. Something felt off though she wouldn't say anything. Maybe it was just her imagination but Carson was extra chipper almost in a nervous say and seemed to ramble a lot too. Strange.
Taking Axel's hang Jess smiles standing and just letting his wrap his arms around her. Jess felt so safe in his arms. The comfort, the love, everything she needed to feel completely content.
Looking up into his eyes Jess own sparkle in the dim light as she leans up and gives him a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away.
"How could I turn you down humm? I think thats just not possible. I'm always here when you ready, and willing to give you space as long as I know your ok."
Jess new Axel needed his alone time sometimes and it could streach for days on end, but she was willing to give him that as long as he did let her know he was ok and he always did. It was just part of the relationship they had come to an understanding on and it seemed to work out for the most part.
Seeing they were back at TJY Trey lets out another sigh. This time is was more of a here we are again. He new he should be thankful he had a place to say but this...this was not what he was use to this was not home.
Giving a chuckle and a smerk at Pete and his comment for a moment it was almost like he could read his mind. Getting out of the car and closing the door behind him Trey walks to catch up. Getting to the door he stops again and looks to Pete one more time.
"I'll help with you paper work if you...can do something for me."
Trey swallows hard for a moment before looking to Pete again. It was kind of hard to admit this. But he new he would need Pete's help.
"There is this girl I think I owe an apology too and...."
Rubbing his hand along the back of his neck for a minute Trey wasn't sure what he was gonna do.
"...I need you to convince her to come to the party tomorrow too but...don't tell her I am gonna be there. She might not come. I...I was pretty bad to her yesterday. Than I gotta....figure out how to say sorry and mean it."
Apology
Con smiles warmly at Misty and shakes his head. "It's fine. I bet something last minute happened at the restaurant." He was a bit more worried than hungry though. It wasn't like Carson to be more than five minutes late...
Ten minutes later, Carson's car pulls into the driveway...
"Honey, I'm home!" Carson slides through the front door, carrying a grocery sack. He immediately spots Misty, Con and Jamie in the living room and his wide smile turns rather crooked. "I am soooo sorry, guys." He kicks off his sneakers and sheds his jacket. "Got out of the restaurant later than I wanted, then I got stuck behind a car accident on the way to the store. By the time I got there, I was already late but I couldn't call 'cause my cell phone had died." He rolls his eyes and heads to the kitchen, still talking over his shoulder. "Then on the way here, would you believe I'd forgotten about the accident so I took that route here and wound up waiting again? I think I left my brain at Mom and Pop's."
Putting the soda pop on the counter, Carson sees that supper had been held, and his gut twists a little. "Holy cow, you guys must be starving. I'm hungry and I haven't been sitting here smelling supper for the last hour."
"Juice, I got." Axel nods and sets about pouring them both glasses of juice. Joining her at the table, he cocks his head and just looks across at her for several moments before reaching over to take her hand and pray for the meal.
Conversation was light while they ate. Axel keeps the topic mostly on Jess and how she was and what she was doing at work. He suggested going to the lake for a picnic over the weekend, or going to a concert - where he wasn't needed as part of the band.
Once the meal was over, Axel clears a few of the dishes but doesn't leave the kitchen. Instead, he turns off the overhead light so just the light above the sink is on, leaving the room in a soft glow. The music was still playing softly, and Axel goes to Jess, holding out his hands. Grinning, he pulls her close to him and sways gently to the music. With his hand around her waist, his eyes gaze down into hers.
"Thanks for coming over." His voice was quiet and just as gentle as the music. "I thought maybe you'd turn me down since I haven't been around much this week."
Trey's mention of the party makes Pete's eyebrows rise. He was certainly surprised at that. He would have been relieved if he would have gotten back to TJY without a fight - Trey's lack of temper was much more than he'd hoped for.
Before he can answer though, he hears Trey's final comment, and it reminds him just where this young man really was - in a pretty tough spot, as far as trust and family and friends were concerned. And that... was why Pete had not informed Reese of what had happened.
Reaching TJY and finding a free parking space, Pete shuts off the car and finally turns to look at Trey, setting his sunglasses on his head. A smile curls his lips. "Don't expect to figure out the trust thing overnight... I still haven't gotten there completely and I've been working on it for years." He gives a short chuckle. "As far as the party goes... yeah... yeah, I think I'll come. You won't be the only one not drinking though - I got an early morning tomorrow."
Giving Trey's arm a friendly light punch, he opens his door. "Come on. If you want, I got some paperwork I could use some help with unless you'd rather go down to the dungeon."
Ten minutes later, Carson's car pulls into the driveway...
"Honey, I'm home!" Carson slides through the front door, carrying a grocery sack. He immediately spots Misty, Con and Jamie in the living room and his wide smile turns rather crooked. "I am soooo sorry, guys." He kicks off his sneakers and sheds his jacket. "Got out of the restaurant later than I wanted, then I got stuck behind a car accident on the way to the store. By the time I got there, I was already late but I couldn't call 'cause my cell phone had died." He rolls his eyes and heads to the kitchen, still talking over his shoulder. "Then on the way here, would you believe I'd forgotten about the accident so I took that route here and wound up waiting again? I think I left my brain at Mom and Pop's."
Putting the soda pop on the counter, Carson sees that supper had been held, and his gut twists a little. "Holy cow, you guys must be starving. I'm hungry and I haven't been sitting here smelling supper for the last hour."
"Juice, I got." Axel nods and sets about pouring them both glasses of juice. Joining her at the table, he cocks his head and just looks across at her for several moments before reaching over to take her hand and pray for the meal.
Conversation was light while they ate. Axel keeps the topic mostly on Jess and how she was and what she was doing at work. He suggested going to the lake for a picnic over the weekend, or going to a concert - where he wasn't needed as part of the band.
Once the meal was over, Axel clears a few of the dishes but doesn't leave the kitchen. Instead, he turns off the overhead light so just the light above the sink is on, leaving the room in a soft glow. The music was still playing softly, and Axel goes to Jess, holding out his hands. Grinning, he pulls her close to him and sways gently to the music. With his hand around her waist, his eyes gaze down into hers.
"Thanks for coming over." His voice was quiet and just as gentle as the music. "I thought maybe you'd turn me down since I haven't been around much this week."
Trey's mention of the party makes Pete's eyebrows rise. He was certainly surprised at that. He would have been relieved if he would have gotten back to TJY without a fight - Trey's lack of temper was much more than he'd hoped for.
Before he can answer though, he hears Trey's final comment, and it reminds him just where this young man really was - in a pretty tough spot, as far as trust and family and friends were concerned. And that... was why Pete had not informed Reese of what had happened.
Reaching TJY and finding a free parking space, Pete shuts off the car and finally turns to look at Trey, setting his sunglasses on his head. A smile curls his lips. "Don't expect to figure out the trust thing overnight... I still haven't gotten there completely and I've been working on it for years." He gives a short chuckle. "As far as the party goes... yeah... yeah, I think I'll come. You won't be the only one not drinking though - I got an early morning tomorrow."
Giving Trey's arm a friendly light punch, he opens his door. "Come on. If you want, I got some paperwork I could use some help with unless you'd rather go down to the dungeon."
Bare
Jess can feel her cheeks turn a little red. It was nice to get such a good comment from Axel. She new he always though she looked good but it just felt good when he noticed he had just done a little extra. Axel always made her feel good, and she liked it.
"You looks pretty dashing yourself tonight."
Looking twords the table where Axel pointed to the flowers Jess smile grew even more. Going over and leaning closer to smell the aroma of the flowers Jess already new right where she was going to put them. On her night stand so she could go to bed looking at them and wake up the same way.
"I think I'll take some juice if you have some."
Sitting down at her spot at the table Jess smells the flowers again. It had been so sweet of Axel to do this. He just made her heart melt all the time. The feelings she got when he would surprise her it was just amazing. Now that the mood was set Jess didn't want to ask about his strange mood lately. Maybe after dinner would be a better time?
Sitting and just listing to Pete Trey fiddles with the coffee cup before taking another sip. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to be angry and yell at Pete. If it had been yesterday he was sure he would, but today...something about today he didn't feel much like yelling.
Looking out the window and letting out a sigh Trey wasn't quite sure how to feel. He'd enjoyed his time with Ariel and Pete, than last night with Ariel being so sweet and now Pete not telling Reese he was even gone and drunk off his butt it made Trey wonder if he even had a right to be mad anymore.
"Thanks for not telling Reese."
Just continuing to look out the window Trey falls quiet again as they drive. The silence was something Trey welcomed normally, being alone was something he was use to but now...he'd tasted what it was like to have people around, to have friends, to have someone care and being alone just...didn't feel the same anymore.
Letting the silence linger a little more Trey lets out another sigh as he finally looks to Pete. He new he looked like crap, and he felt it. Not just pyscaly but emotionally too.
"Got wind that tomorrow there is going to be a really killer party down town. I doubt I'll drink but wanna come with me?"
Trey is silent again for a moment before speaking again. He new he was skipping around but its how his brain was working right now.
"Bare with me...this whole people caring thing and putting trust in them...its new."
Fingering her phone Misty gives a smile to Con and Jamie. She felt bad that they were kind of just sitting there. She was hungry they must be, she wanted to do something a little more entertaining they probable did too. Some fun night this turned out to be.
As Misty looks down at the phone again she only hopped Carson was ok. It was unlike him not to call if he was going to be late and it made Misty worry. She'd tried calling him but it went right to voice mail.
"I'm sure Carson will be here any second. I'm sorry about this guys."
"You looks pretty dashing yourself tonight."
Looking twords the table where Axel pointed to the flowers Jess smile grew even more. Going over and leaning closer to smell the aroma of the flowers Jess already new right where she was going to put them. On her night stand so she could go to bed looking at them and wake up the same way.
"I think I'll take some juice if you have some."
Sitting down at her spot at the table Jess smells the flowers again. It had been so sweet of Axel to do this. He just made her heart melt all the time. The feelings she got when he would surprise her it was just amazing. Now that the mood was set Jess didn't want to ask about his strange mood lately. Maybe after dinner would be a better time?
Sitting and just listing to Pete Trey fiddles with the coffee cup before taking another sip. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to be angry and yell at Pete. If it had been yesterday he was sure he would, but today...something about today he didn't feel much like yelling.
Looking out the window and letting out a sigh Trey wasn't quite sure how to feel. He'd enjoyed his time with Ariel and Pete, than last night with Ariel being so sweet and now Pete not telling Reese he was even gone and drunk off his butt it made Trey wonder if he even had a right to be mad anymore.
"Thanks for not telling Reese."
Just continuing to look out the window Trey falls quiet again as they drive. The silence was something Trey welcomed normally, being alone was something he was use to but now...he'd tasted what it was like to have people around, to have friends, to have someone care and being alone just...didn't feel the same anymore.
Letting the silence linger a little more Trey lets out another sigh as he finally looks to Pete. He new he looked like crap, and he felt it. Not just pyscaly but emotionally too.
"Got wind that tomorrow there is going to be a really killer party down town. I doubt I'll drink but wanna come with me?"
Trey is silent again for a moment before speaking again. He new he was skipping around but its how his brain was working right now.
"Bare with me...this whole people caring thing and putting trust in them...its new."
Fingering her phone Misty gives a smile to Con and Jamie. She felt bad that they were kind of just sitting there. She was hungry they must be, she wanted to do something a little more entertaining they probable did too. Some fun night this turned out to be.
As Misty looks down at the phone again she only hopped Carson was ok. It was unlike him not to call if he was going to be late and it made Misty worry. She'd tried calling him but it went right to voice mail.
"I'm sure Carson will be here any second. I'm sorry about this guys."
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