Really?

Though Eric was glad Stacy didn't blame him for his reaction, he still knew he'd been wrong too. He doesn't argue with her though, not having much time before she speaks again. 

Just listening quietly, Eric's heart sinks a little. Ashlee's father had called? Of all the nerve... No wonder Stacy had been so upset. She was right - that guy had no right to see Ashlee now. Not after abandoning them and all of his fatherly responsibilities. It was despicable as far as Eric was concerned. People like Rich ought to be strung up by their fingernails.

Realizing that there was something else in Stacy's voice... withheld tears, perhaps? Eric's anger against Rick is quickly replaced by a deepening sorrow for Stacy. Here she was apologizing all over again, when now Eric understood completely. It all made sense now and... he felt rather rotten. 

Allowing a short pause of silence after Stacy is finished speaking, Eric suddenly pulls Static to a halt. With his arm still around her waist, he could feel her hand on his, and he wonders why it created the little flutter in his chest. 

"I am so sorry." His voice is quiet... so gentle compared to earlier. "I... should have known you didn't mean what you said." 

He swallows hard, fighting against any remaining pride. "When... when you yelled at me, it, um... it really hurt my feelings... a lot. You probably didn't even know you found the worst buttons of mine to push. It's my fault I'm so sensitive... I've been called stupid a lot in my life but I guess I ain't figured out how to handle it too well." 

Static shifts restlessly and Eric pauses to settle him down before speaking again. "How I reacted wasn't okay and it wasn't right, no matter how hurt I felt. My actions..." He could kick himself now for that angry kiss. "...were highly inappropriate, and I apologize for stepping over that line. If I would have known why you were so upset I... well, I never would have done that." 

As they remain still in the path, there's a sudden dim light that spreads, and Eric's eyes glance up to realize that the clouds were beginning to part. The sky was a dark gray color, the sun having already gone down. The stars would be visible soon. 

Returning his gaze to earth, he feels a bit awkward all of a sudden, feeling every bit of Stacy that was tucked in his arm. "Are... are you really okay?" He wasn't worried about her head anymore, it was her heart that concerned him now.

Burning Tears

Seeing that she would be riding on the horse Stacy was a bit nervous but knowing Eric would be riding with her helped her calm a little. She did trust him, and new in his hands she would be safe. and she had never thought differently though her words not so long ago said so.

Having Eric get on the horse behind her Stacy helps him get comfortable and as the horse starts forward with a little jerk her hand instantly finds his as she holds on. Leaning back just a little she does her best to stay calm. She'd never ridden before so this was something completely new for her and she admitted she was nervous.

Continuing along the path the silence was so awkward till finally Eric spoke. Hearing that he was sorry sent another pang to Stacy's heart. It was really clear to tell that she had hurt Eric very much and she hated the thought of that. 

   "No, No you had every right to act the way you did. I attacked you and you were just trying to defend yourself. There is no harm or fowl play in that."

Letting the silence linger again Stacy looks to the side watching the scenes go by. Riding on a horse was  so much different than anything else. There was more time to look and enjoy everything that was going on around you. Never would she have guess it would be this nice.

Giving a small sigh Stacy doesn't give much warning to Eric as she continues to talk once again. She wasn't sure why but she felt the need to continue telling Eric why she had been so mad. She didn't like that she was upset with her even if he had every right.

   "Before I had come to see you..I'd just gotten off the phone with Rich. He wan't to start seeing Ashlee and I told him no. In fourteen years he never even tried to see her. He never was there the say she was born what right would he have now. We got in a big fight over it and it ended with him saying he was going to take me to court over it."

Even now talking about it Stacy could feel the tears burn in her eyes. It still made her so angry.

   "It's not an excuse to have gotten upset with you, I should not have taken it out on you at all and for that I was very wrong. Your a great guy, and everything I said was mean, and a lie. I didn't mean any of it."

Wish

Though Eric was concerned to hear that Stacy had been unconscious, he was glad that she seemed to be feeling better now. Going to respond, he stops as she continues. 

Her apology comes as a surprise, though his expression still didn't change much. She... hadn't really been angry with him? Then why had she said those things? Why had she called him stupid and deliberately taken a stab at his intellect? Who else had she been mad at, and why? 

He really wasn't sure how to feel. He wanted to forgive her. He wanted to just forget the whole thing. But he still couldn't deny the lingering sting that he still felt inside. It wasn't just his pride that had been bruised. Whether she knew it or not, she'd attacked his feelings and they were still a bit tender. 

Sighing, Eric takes his bandanna out of his back pocket and licks it before reaching out and rubbing some blood off her forehead to look at the cut better. It didn't look too awful deep. "You're welcome." 

Putting his hand under her chin, he tilts her head back a little more and looks at her eyes, moving a finger back and forth to check and see how her vision tracked. She appeared to be fine. Just a little shaken. For a moment though, his fingers remain under her chin and he studies her eyes for longer than need be. She was telling the truth. There was genuine remorse there. But why then had she said those mean things? 

Backing away, he doesn't respond to her apology, but turns to the saddlebags again for the walkie-talkie. "Mick, Sparky - I found her. She's alright. Four-wheeler's gonna need some work, but Stacy's okay." 

This time it was Sparky who responds. "Nice work. You need help?" 

"Naw. I'll bring her back. Head back to the ranch and be sure to tell Ashlee her mom's okay. I'll see you there." Tucking away the walkie-talkie once more, Eric tucks his bandanna back into his pocket and reaches out to guide Stacy nearer Static. He knew she'd never ridden before, but this was their only way home - he was not going to walk all the way back to the ranch, especially when it was starting to get dark. 

Giving Stacy a once-over, he takes a couple moments to adjust both stirrups to a shorter length before patting the saddle seat. "Come on. Left foot in the stirrup and swing yourself up." He wasn't going to take no for an answer.

Helping her with a little boost, he holds Static steady, waiting until Stacy looked halfway balanced. Without warning, He grabs hold of the saddle and swings up behind her in one motion. Adjusting his weight over Static's hindquarters, it wasn't the most comfortable seat, but it would do. 

Slipping one arm around Stacy's waist to hold her steady, his other hand remains on the reins. A little nudge with his legs and Static starts forward at an easy walk. 

Keeping Stacy tucked closely to him, Eric can't help but wish there had been no argument at all. Maybe then this evening would be much different. Maybe then, his arm wouldn't be around her only to help her balance... or was there more to it now anyway? 

He swallows hard, feeling his pride beginning to slip. Guiding Static along the path, he finally sighs. The silence was murder. "I'm sorry too." It was a late response to her apology, but he meant it. "I shouldn't have acted like I did. I just..." Did he dare open himself up again? No... no, not yet. "I was upset," he ends lamely.

Shinning Armor

Letting out a long sigh Stacy puts her head in her hands. Her head really hurt and she was tired but only from the stress of what was going on. Hearing something though Stacy looks up and spots the horse and rider coming near. Not knowing who it was Stacy stands and walks forward a little bit. 

Seeing it was Eric Stacy was a bit surprised. After what had happened the other day he would be the last one she expected to be here. She had been rotten to him and yet here he was...looking...as good as ever. 

As he his mounts and steps forward a little bit Stacy gives a smile smile and cocks her head a little bit. He looked extra good today maybe because he was the night in armor at the moment or maybe it was he always looked good and she just not noticed.

   "I definitely have been worse. I...I wasn't paying attachen and I hit that downed tree. Was knocked out for I dont know how long but I'm up and moving. Thats a good thing. Just a little disoriented at the moment."

Looking up at Eric Stacy's heart thumped. She remembered the kiss the other night, it was out of anger but she still remembered it. And now having Eric standing there she yearned for another one. But first she owed Eric something else, and she new she had to or it would eat her away inside.

   "Eric, thanks for coming looking for me. And...I'm...I'm sorry about yelling at you the other day. I shouldn't have, I was wrong and in no way was I angry with you. I let my anger for someone else get the best of me and...I took it out on you. I wanted to say that last night but...I didn't."

Simple Question

Eric stops Static for the umpteenth time to scan the area. Standing up in his stirrups, he looks across the clearing, his eyes squinting as he strains to see as far as he can. Nothing. Still nothing. He'd ridden clear out to the edge of camera line and had seen no sign of Stacy. 

Sighing, he sits back again and retrieves his walkie-talkie from his saddlebag. "Hey, Mick? Sparky?" 

Mick's voice crackles back several seconds later. "Eric?" 

"Yeah. Anything?"

"Nope. Thought I saw tracks once but I haven't even seen the missing four-wheeler. Sparky hasn't either." 

Eric gives a little growl. "Alright. What's your plan?" 

"Not sure. I'm getting worried. Stacy's not back at the ranch either." 

"You thinking foul play?" 

"Either that or an accident."

"Well I'm not gonna stop looking til we find her."

"Me neither. Keep in contact."

"Yeah." Eric puts the walkie-talkie away again and looks one more time across the clearing. "Stacy, where are you?" he asks aloud. Mick was worried... and so was he. He really didn't think it was the Agency... not without some other sign or taunting that they had her. What he feared was an accident. Even if Stacy knew which way she was going, the terrain could be rough on the trails in spots. 

For a moment, Eric remembers their brief but heated argument. The words she'd said to him. The words he'd said to her. The angry, passionate kiss.

His pulse quickens slightly. He could still taste her returned kiss. He could still feel the way her arms had slipped around him right before he'd yanked himself away. He'd been on fire. And confused. 

He was still confused. 

Static chomps at his bit and paws at the earth, anxious to get moving again, and bringing his rider's mind back to the mission at hand. Eric shakes his head and readjusts his weight in the saddle. "Alright, come on." Steering his mount back towards the path, once they reach the trees, he pulls to a stop again. He saw nothing. No sign of anything. 

"Well, my friend..." He pats Static's neck. "Let's go left this time." 

Riding for a short while longer, Eric is just about to turn around, when something catches his eye. There was a downed tree up there and... His adrenaline kicks in. An upturned four-wheeler. 

Urging Static forward at a lope, he approaches quickly, sliding to a stop in front of the small wreckage. Looking around wildly, it only takes a moment to finally spot Stacy nearby sitting on a tree stump. Relief washes over him as he sees her stand. She was up and walking. Thank God.

Eric steers Static around the tree and slowly walks him up to Stacy, pulling his horse to a stop right near her. Just looking down at her silently for several long moments, his relief is hidden well behind his unemotional expression. She probably wished for anybody but him to find her. Anybody with more brains than he had. 

Finally dismounting, he covers the couple steps to her and cocks his head, seeing the dried blood on the side of her head. "You alright?"

Wake Up

Sitting in the mess hall Ashlee was at the table by the window. She new she didn't have to worry about her mom but she did. Maybe now she understood how her mom felt when she was missing. It just was not normal for her to be like this. Eric said it would be ok though so she trusted him. Now she just had to pay she was ok.

Slowly opening her eyes Stacy's head was splitting...what had happened. Seeing the over turned four wheeler she soon remembered. Had she been knocked out for long? She didn't know what time it was, or how long she'd been out.

Bringing a hand to her head she feels something wet. Bring her hand back down it was blood. Not a lot but enough to say she was correct in knowing she hit her head. Standing Stacy moves about just making sure she didn't have a concussion, her motar skills were still good. Everything seemed ok other than the wicked headach.

Looking around her Stacy isn't even sure what direction she had come from. She felt so turned around and lost. Glancing up at the sky she couldn't even us that to tell what direction go. It was so cloudy and over cast. Maybe if she just sat for a second and caught her breath everything in her head would straighten out a little better and she could head back or at least try and find her way.

Worry

Eric is just straightening out a mess of wire and recoiling it when Ashlee approaches. He tenses just a little, still unsure of how to act or what to say, lest something he did be taken the wrong way again. 

Standing and working as Ashlee asks if he's seen her mom, he concentrates on the wire in his hands. But when he looks up to see her face, he notices now the worry in her eyes and he realizes that this was more important than her just casually looking around for her mom. 

Pausing his work, he tips his hat back on his head in thought. "Well..." He glances around, trying to remember the last time he'd seen Stacy. "I thought she headed out early on one of the four-wheelers to check on a camera. At least that's what I heard Mick tell Dan. Coulda been that she had to fix something or it was further down the perimeter than she thought..." 

Starting to coil up more wire, he stops again, feeling badly that Ashlee looked so worried. It bothered him to see her concerned. Taking a piece of twine from his pocket to tie off the wire he already had wound up, he then takes off his gloves and stuffs them in his back pocket. "Come on... let's go see if the four-wheeler is back, okay?" The least he could do was help her out and make her feel better.

Heading for the garage near the barns, he makes sure Ashlee is following. Once there, though, there's still an empty spot where one of the four-wheelers was still gone. "Hmm." A small twinge of worry creeps up on Eric, even though he fought it. Stacy knew good and well how to take care of herself. There was no cause to get worked up. "Well..." He sets his hands on his hips and looks down at Ashlee. "Maybe she came back but just didn't put the four-wheeler away yet." It sounded a bit lame, but it was the best he had. He had no explanation of why Stacy was still gone. "Let's ask a few of the other guys. I'm sure somebody knows something we don't." 

Unfortunately, asking around only led to more questions. No the four-wheeler wasn't anywhere to be found. No, she hadn't planned to be gone more than a couple hours. No, she had not shown up for lunch earlier. No, she hadn't called.

"I hope she didn't run into trouble out there." Mick stands outside the barn and looks down the lane, wondering what could have kept Stacy out so long. There were lots of spots out in the woods and along the foothills that were dead zones as far as cell phones went, so maybe she had a perfectly good reason for still being gone and just hadn't been able to phone back in. They had long-range walkie-talkies, but she hadn't taken one with her. 

Eric frowns, not wanting to come up with any scary theories with Ashlee there. "My guess would be she had to fix a camera or something and it just took longer than she'd thought." 

"Maybe." Mick glances to Ashlee then back up to Eric. "Keep an eye out. If she's not back in another hour, I'll take another four-wheeler out and see what's up, just to be on the safe side." 

"Yeah, okay." As Mick walks away, Eric glances to Ashlee and gives her a small smile. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

...An hour later though, Eric wasn't so sure he'd been right. Stacy still wasn't back. The sky was overcast, and even though there was no rain predicted, it was going to get dark sooner this evening without the sun shining. 

Finished with his small tasks, Eric wanders to the lane once more and looks down towards the woods. Had Stacy really run into trouble? Even if she'd had problems with the four-wheeler, she should have been able to walk back in this amount of time. Unless she'd gotten lost. Eric knew she'd been in the near vicinity a time or two and she'd studied the ranch's map, but it was easy to get turned around out there. And there was also the chance of foul play. Unfortunately, that was always a chance around here. If the Agency wanted to take out the extra set of eyes, Stacy was the right one to target. But would they have gone after her? What if they were responsible for the broken camera and not the wind or an animal? 

A revving engine causes Eric to turn around as Mick rides up on the four-wheeler. "I'm heading out," Mick informs loudly over the sound of the motor. He taps the walkie-talkie on his belt. "I'll let you know what I find out. Sparky's going around the other way." 

"Yeah... okay." Eric waves him on, and watches until he'd disappeared around the bend. With both Mick and Sparky out there, surely they'd find Stacy and everything would be just fine. 

Glancing back to the dining hall where he'd told Ashlee to hang out in case her mom showed up, the twinge of worry returns. His eyes go back to the lane. He hadn't spoken to Stacy for two days and he was still upset with what she'd said to him. Despite that though... if anything happened to her... For some reason, his mind wanders to the couple evenings they'd stargazed from the hayloft. And the twinge of worry grows.

Making up his mind, Eric heads to the barn. Crosstying Static in the aisle, he's saddled up within minutes and back outside. 

"Hey, you taking off too?" Jim looks at him with concern. 

"Yeah, figured I would."

"You're gonna ride with that leg of yours?"

Eric's eyes narrow. "All three of the four-wheelers are out. But even if they weren't, I can still ride."

Jim backs off, knowing that look on Eric's face all too well. "Alright. Just be careful, huh?" 

"I always am." Swinging up into the saddle, Eric steers Static towards the lane at a fast trot.

"Okay, sounds good." Justin stands up and wanders the living room, glancing out the window to check on the dogs. "Um... if you wanna pack a lunch, I won't stop you. You know I'll eat anything of yours." He chuckles. "But if you don't have anything or don't have time, we can stop at the store. I'm good either way." 

Wrapping up the phone call, Justin finally lets her go and hangs up. Sighing, he stares at the silent phone. He was very glad Beth was going to join him on Sunday. And he was looking forward to it. But the thoughts about tomorrow still bugged him.

Jason leans back in his chair with his feet up on his desk, flipping through a file. The day seemed to quiet and he was getting tired. Or maybe it was just the late night he'd had last night. Either way, he wished he could call it in early.

"Jaysh!"

Kaylee's squeal of delight breaks Jason's concentration and he puts his feet down, sitting up straight in surprise. "What on..." Before he can react, Kaylee is by his side, giggling and bouncing with excitement.

A smile creases Jason's lips and he picks her up, giving her a bear hug that makes her squeal all the more. "Kaylee!" Although the warm feelings deep down didn't quite register, he was going to act on them anyway. He knew he had to be excited to see his little sister, so he would act as such. And... it did feel... good, he thought. Setting Kaylee on his lap, he tickles her, making her squirm and laugh.

Cindy stands in the doorway, just watching and smiling. Those two had always had something special. She remembers when Kaylee was just a small baby and she'd found them both so peacefully asleep on the couch. It was an image she would never forget.

Looking up, Jason finally spots his mother and gives her a smile too. "Mom... I didn't expect you so soon."

Cindy enters slowly and shrugs. "I guess I needed a break from the ranch sooner than I thought. Since I booked a room at a hotel, I figured it would be okay if I just showed up."

Jason smirks. "It would be okay any time. You can stay at my place though, if you want, you know."

"I know." Cindy smiles and nods. "I was thinking of a hot tub." In truth, she really did just want some time alone. She knew she was always welcome at her son's house, but it would be nice to just have her own room and relax, and it would be fun for Kaylee too.

Jason chuckles. "Okay. Did you just get in then?"

"A few hours ago actually. We-"

"Trey!" Kaylee points towards the door.

Jason lifts his eyebrows. "Trey, huh?" He looks back to his mother. "Talk about him much?"

"I was just going to explain we saw him. I just came from downstairs."

Jason isn't sure he understands and he quits playing with Kaylee, letting her inspect the badge on his belt. "You just saw him? With Kaylee? After what happened last time?"

Cindy searches her son's face, hoping he would understand. "Yes. It was something I needed to do, and... it actually turned out pretty good this time. We had a nice talk and even had lunch together."

All of a sudden, the good feelings Jason had felt were replaced by negative ones. He wasn't sure what they were though. He felt... upset. But he didn't know why. He couldn't dissect what he was feeling to figure it out, and it was frustrating. His brow furrows. "You were here and just went straight downstairs?"

Cindy comes a little closer, trying to maintain the joy she'd gained by her time with Trey, while also sensing Jason was upset. "I didn't ignore you on purpose, if that's what you mean. But what would you have said if I'd told you what I was planning to do?"

"I woulda said yo were crazy."

"Yeah." Cindy gives him a gentle smile.

Jason remains skeptical. He'd found out about his brother quite a while ago, but he'd had no desire to interact with the Elite's arrogant resident, especially when it was so hard to process it all. Then he'd gotten sick and had been more focused on that than dealing with a twin. Rick had told him that Trey had found out about them being brothers but obviously that hadn't changed anything.

Cindy can read the confusion and mix of questions on Jason's face, and she's sorry. "You two have never spoken since you found out, have you?"

Jason's eyes lower and he toys with one of Kaylee's pigtails. "Just in passing... like a nod when we pass in the hall. We'd see each other all the time before I got sick but never talked, no. Since I've been back to work part time, I haven't seen him. I just hear him being talked about by Reese or Pete."

Cindy sighs deeply. "He thinks you don't want to get to know him."

"Well I don't."

"Why not?"

"He's..." Jason bites his tongue. He was going to say Trey was a jerk. Though they never interacted, he heard and saw all there was to around here. He knew all the reports, he knew where Trey had come from, and he'd seen his attitude. He knew how he'd treated Cindy their first time meeting. But all of a sudden, Jason wasn't just calling a stranger a jerk... he was calling his mother's son a jerk. And he couldn't say it to her face.

Not liking the way this was headed, Cindy opts to change the subject before her tears surfaced again. Coming around Jason's desk, she holds out her hands. "Come here."

Jason lets Kaylee slide from his lap and he stands up, offering an embrace to his mother. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "It's really good to see you."

"Ditto." Cindy rests her head on his chest and sighs deeply. "Are you okay?"

"Me?" Jason grins a little and pulls her away to look at her face. "I was going to ask you the same thing."

Cindy laughs. "Two worrywarts we are." She nods. "I'm okay. Really. I'm... missing... a lot.... but I'm okay." 

"Up! Up!" Kaylee jumps up and down, begging Jason to pick her back up again.

Jason's grin widens and he shakes his head. "Okay... but only because I love you." Scooping her back up again, he holds her upside down as she shrieks.

"Noooo!"

"What's the matter?" Jason rights her again and holds her close. "Is this better?"

Kaylee scrunches her nose and pats his head. "Tank oo."

Jason chuckles and kisses her cheek. "You're welcome."

Final Crack

Heading out early this morning Stacy takes the four wheeler into the woods and up a path. There was a camera that seemed to be out and it was more than likely just an animal or the wind but it was something she needed to fix. Though she new her task her mind was far away. Still thinking about Eric and how hurt he had looked so sad, He's turned away from her, not saying anything just slipping into his bunk. It made Stacy's heart break.

Snapping herself out of her though as something caught her eyes it was two late. The large tree branch in the path was there to damage and it did just that. Not being able to go anywhere Stacy can't swerve and hits it head on. Being thrown from four wheeler Stacy new she had been going to fast she new she should of been watching but there was nothing she could do now.

The last thing Stacy remembered was the impact of the tree before everything went dark. Her breath low, shallow, she was alive but trapped in the darkness while body tried to recover and make sure nothing was broken.

Coming out of the mess hall Ashlee spots Eric across the yard. It was odd her mom had been gone so long for one reason. If she ever was going to be this long she at least would of let Ashlee know but now she hadn't and it made her worry.

   "Hey Eric, have you seen my mom? She's been gone since this morning and I am starting to worry. I asked Mick, and Sparky but they haven't seen her either. I though maybe you've spotted her or something."

She couldn't help the worried look on her face as she talked to Eric. Someone had to know where she was or seen here. Some dark clouds loomed in the sky like it would rain soon. If no one picked up a trail now after the rain they wouldn't be able to either.

Beth gives a smile as she takes a spoon full of the fruit juice. It had been a long time since she'd gone to church and it was not because she was angry with God, or she though anything was his fault but it was more because of her fear of people. Now though something had changed and there was a tugging on her heart and she felt the want to go again.

   "Coming to Sunday school too sound great. I haven't been in a while and being able to go again will be nice."

Standing Beth take she bowl back to the sink and puts it into the soapy water just letting it soak for now. She was sure she'd have more by the end of the night and than she could just do them all together. 

   "I'll make sure to bring a change of clothes. Do you want me to pack the lunch or should we stop at the store after church?"

Once Cindy and Kaylee were gone Trey sinks down on his bed again. He's told Cindy depending on how the day fit him he would see her again but there was no harm in asking. He hadn't given her a hug before she left because he wasn't to sure he was ready for that. 

Cindy's words about being proud to have Trey as her son still rung in his ears. He brought no attachen to it but he'd heard and it send a feeling of warmth through his heart the finally crack being put into the wall and breaking them down. No one had ever said that to him before.

Reaching over on the nightstand Trey could feel some more tears roll out of his eyes. It was like a damn he couldn't stop . His heart ached, like a little child he wanted to run after his mother and sister and tell them not to leave. These feelings they were new, They hurt, they felt good and it only caused try to cry more. 

Laying own on his bed his back to the door he brings his knees up close to his chest and holds them. He didn't want to be alone but here he was. He didn't want to be around anyone at the same time but he longed for it. The tears just continued to come as his should shook. Till now he never relized how much in life he'd really missed out on.

Cutter

Kaylee snuggles in close to Trey, hugging his neck. Pulling back a little, she looks at him inquisitively, as if wondering why he seemed, to her, happy and sad at the same time. In an attempt to make him feel better, she gives him a sloppy kiss on the cheek, then giggles. "Trey!"

Watching the interaction, Trey's tear did not go unnoticed by Cindy, and it takes all she has not to start crying herself. Reaching out, she places a gentle hand on Trey's arm, feeling him for the first time. She didn't know him. She didn't know what kind of man he was or what his past was like. She'd heard bad things. Things that would make her believe he was harsh and uncaring. A troublemaker who enjoyed it. But no matter what she'd been told, right here, right now, she saw something more. She saw a little boy who had missed out. A little boy who had been cared for, perhaps loved, but never given the truest love that said, "no matter what happens, I will always be here for you." His trust had somehow been betrayed by those close to him. He was a little boy who had a lot of hurt stored up inside, creating a bitterness that even he now despised. Cindy saw it. In that single tear. And in that moment, she didn't care what he'd done or what his past was like. It didn't matter. He was her son, and she loved him.

"I am... proud... to have you as my son." Her voice quivers slightly. "Would you be willing to see me again? I'll be in town for a little while."


Hearing Beth's offer to join him for church, Justin perks up. He'd been waiting for this... hoping for this. He knew Beth had, at one time, been quite close to God when she'd been younger. But so much bad had happened, that she'd perhaps searched elsewhere for answers. Justin often brought God into conversations, but never pushed. Not with Beth. She would have to come back in her own time, and Justin knew that. He honestly hadn't expected it this soon, though. However, he was thrilled.

"Well sure," he agrees. "That would be great. Sunday school is at nine... I usually go to that, then the main service is at ten-thirty. It's up to you what time you'd like to come. Just bring clothes to change since we'll be going out to the pond."


"You're kidding." Alec glares at the other guy working at digging the drainage ditch out by the highway. He spears the ground with his spade angrily. "I told him to back off."

"Yeah, well, that's not what Tony said. Word has it they're still seeing each other. You must not have roughed him up enough."

Alec's eyes narrow. "Must not have." Any guilt he had felt for beating up Tal was vanishing more quickly with each passing moment. He hadn't listened. He was still seeing Ryan. The nerve! Didn't he take Alec seriously? Or even Ryan? She knew what he was capable of. Then he remembers Trey. Alec wouldn't be able to take another late-night excursion and get away with it. He had no ally anymore. But that didn't mean he would have to give up. No.... no, his words to Tal would hold true.

"Hey! Get back to work!"

Alec swings a glare at the officer in charge of the road crew and steps back to begin digging again.

"So whatcha gonna do?" Lenny whispers hoarsely.

"Get me Cutter's phone number."

"Are you nuts?! He'll eat you alive."

"He's not gonna eat anybody," Alec retorts. "Handling him is like handling a baby. Just get me his number."

"He doesn't do nothin' for nothin.' What do you got for him?"

"I'll figure it out. I got somebody who owes me a favor. Cutter will get paid." Alec certainly did have a lot of people who owed him favors. But then, he'd been a whole lot busier when he'd been free before, than anyone knew. He hadn't been able to afford everything he'd had just because of a stupid little job. No... no, he'd been an avid gambler of illegal fights, races and more, knowing far too well how to play the right people... knowing far too well who to be "friends" with. And now when he was stuck and could do nothing on his own - he had people to call. Tal must be warned again. It was the only way. Getting rid of Tal was the only way Alec would ever have another chance at Ryan.


Eric ambles out of his bunk, still favoring his sore leg. It had been two days since getting kicked. The swelling had gone down and there was still a nasty bruise, but he knew it would only take a few more days and he'd be feeling better. For once, he'd followed Angel's orders. For once, he'd taken it easy instead of trying to do just as much work. For once, he hadn't cared about spending more time in his bunk than outside. He'd even skipped out on working with Ashlee yesterday, using his leg as an excuse. In realty though, he wasn't sure if Stacy even wanted him working with her daughter anymore. So for now, he avoided that conflict until he knew for sure. Although it might be hard to find out since he'd been avoiding Stacy altogether.

Stepping off his porch in the early morning light, he yawns and tucks in his t-shirt, pulling his suspenders up over his shoulders. It was chilly yet, but he had to throw down hay from the loft this morning, and he knew he'd warm up quickly. After that... well, he wasn't sure. He'd probably go get a cup of coffee once everybody else was done with breakfast, then maybe he'd go start working on that fence Mick wanted fixed.

Tears

The ride back to TJY was a quiet one but every once in a while Trey would turn around and peek around the seat with a silly little smile on his face to see Kaylee. Seeing her little smile and hearing her giggles seemed to warm Trey's heart a little more each time. He enjoyed just seeing that sparkle in her eye.

Getting down to his room Trey sticks his hands in his pockets looking back at her mother and sister. He wouldn't admit it out loud but he wished the time would last a little longer. Smiling at Kaylee he was expecting the goodbye but when she reaches out for him he was a little surprised.

   "I well...."

Looking to Cindy a little bit of nerves shown in Trey's eyes. He's never held someone so small before and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. Seeing her eyes sparkle though Trey can feel the corners of his mouth twitch as he takes his hands from his pockets.

Reaching out for Kaylee Trey puts one arm under her bottom and the other behind her back. It felt a little awkward but he did his best. Feeling the little arms go around his neck Trey leans his head down to rest against his sisters. She was ungrudging, took him for who he was, her little arms doing there best to wrap around him. More cracks on the wall formed as Trey just help her close a tear finally...finally rolling down his check...She accepted him.

Sucking on a peach Beth tried to deiced if Justin sounded disappointed or not. She though maybe in his own there was a bit of sadness but she wasn't quite sure. Just as long as he wasnt mad at her. If she had known he was going to ask her to do something she would of waited to tell Zach yes.

   "That sounds like a good plan to me. I could...always come to church with you too! Than afterwards we could just figure out what we are gonna do if you want. Might be easier."

Making he rounds Stacy once again like so many nights in the past finds her ending spot at the row of bunks. Eric's bunk was here too and tonight something pinged inside her heart harder than normal. Once calming down from everything that happened in the day she realized she had taken her anger for Rich out on Eric and she felt horrible for it. Now she found herself drawing closer to the bunk she needed to say she was sorry.

Seeing Eric come out she smiles he was still awake good. At least she wouldn't be waking him. But as he stops and looks in that direction she know he saw her and the look on his face was still less than pleased. Seeing him turn and slip back into his bunk Stacy could feel her heart drop. She had really hurt him and he was not yet willing to talk with her. 

Letting out a heavy sigh Stacy felt like complete crap but turns to head the other day. There would be another day she could say she was sorry. For now maybe it was best if she left Eric alone. Yet there was still this heavy thought in her heart, and a lump in her though. Dang him, Dang Rich he always found a way to mess up her life.

Tank oo

Kaylee accepts the cheese from Trey, giggling all the more as he teases her. Chowing down on the food, she nods in satisfaction, bouncing in her seat.

Cindy just shakes her head. "I don't know what's gotten into her - she's usually not this wound up." Trey's comment about Kaylee looking like her when she smiles only proves to make Cindy smile again. "There are days she's the spitting image of her father too." She sighs a little, still having a hard time dealing with thinking about Wes. "When Wes left to go overseas she was barely walking and she could manage to say 'Dada' but that was about it. Now she's running around, she's just about potty trained and she's starting to put more words together every day."

She shakes her head a little sadly, though she holds her smile. "I'm blessed." New tears suddenly spring into her eyes. She still hurt so much. She was still so angry that her husband was gone. So confused as to why it had to happen. But she had to keep going. She just had to. Looking back at Trey, she nods. "Being with you today has meant the world to me." The tear finally trickles slowly down her cheek. "Thank you."

"Tank oo!" Kaylee shouts, throwing her hands in the air. "Tank oo!"

Rather than being upset, Cindy starts to laugh and reaches over to ruffle her hair. "I gotta be careful what I say around you now, don't I?" She shakes her head again and glances at her watch. "I bet you're bout ready to bounce right on out of that chair. Maybe we should get going before you do huh?"

Kaylee gives her a silly grin and munches on a mushy french fry. 

Cindy really didn't want to end their time together. But it was inevitable. She did want to get back to TJY and see Jason as well. And while she was so happy that Trey was so willing to see her today, she didn't want to push her luck by spending too much time with him yet. The last thing she wanted to do was smother him. 

The ride back to TJY was too fast. Cindy didn't want to say goodbye to Trey, but she could hope that he might at least want to see her again. Once parked and getting Kaylee out of the car too, she walks with Trey back in through the back way once more, winking at the security camera as they passed. She knew good and well that Hal was watching them, but it didn't bother her. Sometimes she missed seeing all the people around here all the time. It seemed like a lifetime ago that Jason and Austin spent so much time here - Jason still in high school and everything here done in secret.

Finally getting down to Trey's room again, Cindy pauses at the door, looking up at her son. She'd take her turn last. Keeping Kaylee on her hip, she turns her closer to Trey. "Alright, sweety... say goodbye to Trey."

Kaylee had way too much practice saying goodbye to people - Uncle Sparky had taught her that - and today was no exception. Letting go of Cindy, she twists around and reaches up towards her brother. "Trey!" She giggles, her big blue eyes sparkling. "Up!"

Cindy grins and holds her out a little further, nodding at Trey to give him permission to take her. She knew it was probably something he wasn't used to, but she'd give him this chance if he wanted it.

Zach? Again? Justin sits up on the couch, his shoulders slouching a little. He'd really hoped Beth would come fishing with him. He enjoyed time alone but... he'd gotten used to having her around when they both had a free day. And he knew she enjoyed being out in the fresh air and playing with the dogs too. And he enjoyed watching her have a good time - she deserved it. But...she was going to have a good time tomorrow anyway, right? With Zach? So if Beth having a good time was Justin's whole intention then... he shouldn't mind... right?

"Oh." Did that sound too disappointed? He didn't want to make Beth feel bad. "Well that's okay. I mean, I'll probably go anyway. The girls will enjoy it."

He chews on his lip, wondering why with each passing second, he liked Zach less. Why was that strange twinge in his gut back again? "Sunday works too though. Like after church I'm free if you wanna come over to my place and we could go from here." 

"What on earth are you doing here?" Eli finishes tying his bandanna over his head, scowling at Tal as he enters the shop.

Tal quirks an eyebrow. "Um... working?" 

 "You shouldn't be back to work yet!" It had only been a few days and the bruises were still dark on Tal's face, along with the stitches providing ample evidence for his assault. At least he was walking better. Eli was still perturbed though. "You shoulda waited til next week." 

"I gotta pay my bills somehow," Tal retorts. Hanging up his jacket, he winces a little, putting his hand to his side. "Already got my cell phone cut off and I'm gonna be kicked out of my apartment if I don't get my rent in right away." 

"You gotta sell them dogs, man." 

"I know. I'll be fine as soon as I can do that, but even that won't be til next month at least."

Eli sighs. "Well if you need help or something..." 

Tal shakes his head and takes a look at their job list. "Never been a beggar and I'm not gonna start now." 

Eli rolls his eyes. "Stubborn. You know I wouldn't let you go homeless anyway so there's no discussion here. All that aside, at least take it easy today, eh?"

Tal looks over his shoulder, grinning. "I better. I need to have enough energy left for tonight."

"What's tonight?" 

"Ryan's fixing me dinner." 

Eli gives him a teasing growl. "No wonder she didn't mind I'd be out with Scarlet." 

"Mm... I'd say she preferred that, actually." 

Laughing, Eli turns to the first car in their bay. "To anybody but you, I'd give a knuckle sandwich." 

Tal laughs and joins him at the car. "As if you're actually worried." 

About Tal? No, Eli knew he never had anything to worry about. He grins and sets to work. "Well if you're that determined to work and have supper with my sister, then I won't stop you. just don't kill yourself - Ryan would never forgive me."

Crickets chirped their late night song and the stars twinkled brightly in the sky. But tonight, Eric felt less than relaxed on his porch step. It wasn't just his leg - it hurt, but the pain killers Angel had given him had helped. No, it was more on the inside that was bothering him.

The ranch felt extra quiet tonight. Everyone seemed to be tucked away for the night. Eric had skipped supper, so he hadn't really talked to too many people - maybe that's why it felt quieter than normal. He didn't know. All he really was sure of right now was that he felt miserable. 

Suddenly seeing movement around the shadows, Eric realizes he'd come out on his porch too soon. Stacy was making her rounds. Realizing she was starting to pass by this short row of bunkhouses, Eric finds himself standing. He wasn't sure why. Maybe because he thought he might get yelled at. Or maybe because he was still hurt. No matter the cause, he slips back inside. There would be other nights to let his insomnia take him stargazing.

Dimple

Trey gives a nod as she listens to Cindy talk about Jason. He'd only talked to his brother once and that was something no one even new. Not even Jason he had watched him while he was sick. Hearing Jason had a rough past too like his own Trey understood a little more about the tough outside shell Jason seemed to have. Though Trey never talked to him he had watched him without anyone knowing it.

As Kaylee bangs her plate Trey was thankful for the break in the awkward silence. He sure could count on his little sister for that. Seeing the french fry land in her hair Trey smiles again before reaching over and taking it from her hair. Setting it aside he shakes his head a little bit.

   "Well you sure do know that word good. At least we know you wont ever miss a meal huh Squirt?"

Seeing the peace of cheese that Kaylee wanted Trey reaches for it and picks it up. Playful he brings it to his mouth as if he was going to eat it just continuing to watch Kaylee. Giving a smile though he finally hands it to her waiting for her to take it.

   "Here you go. I guess thats something we have in conman huh? We both love cheese."

Trey couldn't help but love the interaction with Kaylee. He'd always wanted a sister and now having the chance for that it was something special to him. Looking back at Cindy and studing her for a moment Trey gives a small nod.

   "Kaylee looks like you when she smiles. I think she has the same little dimple in her cheek."

Still holding Luke's hand in her own Angel smiles. She liked her walks with Luke even if they were slow going. That was one of the best things around them just enjoying the time with him and taking in the nature.

   "I think a walk sounds great. Maybe we can go to the pond and pack a little lunch too. Than again any time with you makes me happy no matter what we are doing."

Angel meant it with all her heart too. Every day spend with Luke was a blessing. Aside from Wendy Luke was the best thing in her life, and having the Ranch it was home away from home. Every moment she had learned to take it slow and for all it was worth living it like it was the last.

Answering the phone and heading Justin on the other end Beth can't help but smile like always. She loved getting to talk to her friend though most days she saw him. On the days she didn't though she was happy for the phone and the ability to talk on it.

  "Hey Justin."

Moving around the kitchen trying to scrounge up something for dinner Beth relized how badly she needed to do some shopping. The fridge was almost empty but some fruit in the bottom look to be the perfect thing to eat for now.

Sitting down at the table and hearing Justin's offer Beth's heart sinks a little bit. She would of loved to have gone fishing tomorrow with Justin if she hadn't already made planes with Zach. Maybe they could do something this weekend?

   "Awww...I'm sorry Justin. Zach and I made plans this afternoon to do lunch and than he was going to show me around the animal shelter he works at. I was thinking about volunteering there."

Poping a peace of pineapple into her mouth Beth chews it silent for a moment. Swallowing she finally speaks again making a counter offer.

   "I have Sunday off this week too if your free maybe we could postpone the fishing and go than? I would like to go with you."

Common

Cindy nods with gentle understanding. If she were in Trey's place, she was sure she wouldn't feel much differently. She was just happy for anything she could get - and today was more than she could have asked for. 

"Jason... has an awfully tough shell to crack," she admits. "He always has. Well, at least after he was abducted. I didn't realize it until he was older. He was always so good at hiding the way he really felt - he even fooled some of his counselors. Unfortunately he locked a lot of things away that didn't affect him until later in life and by that time, he'd already become quite an expert at building walls and wearing masks." She shakes her head, her eyes showing remorse for the past. "He and I have always been close... but after being held for a year... beaten... starved... locked up like an animal..." New tears glisten in her eyes. "It has shaped a part of who he is, even after all these years. He has little tolerance, and trust doesn't come easily." 

She cocks her head and offers a new small smile. "Maybe you two have something in common after all."

"Food!" Kaylee bangs on her plate, sending crumbs exploding in all directions, a bit of mushy french fry landing in her hair. Her eyes go wide in surprise before she bursts into giggles.

Cindy rolls her eyes. "Kaylee... How many times have I told you not to bang your plate? If you want more to eat, you need to ask nicely." 

Kaylee is completely ignoring her, looking instead at Trey with her nose scrunched up in a silly expression. She points at a piece of cheese that Cindy had given her earlier but had fallen just out of her reach. "Sees?" She tries to ask Trey to give it to her. 

"Kaylee," Cindy warns. "Nicely?" 

Kaylee pouts for a moment before regaining her grin and pointing again, still looking to Trey. "Pwease? Sees?" 

Luke always appreciated Angel's encouragement. She would never let him stay depressed for long. 

Grimacing at what had happened to Eric, he nods. "I got a good guess at which horse it was too. Ouch." 

Having Angel draw near, he grins and slips his arms around her waist. He loved her affection and soaked it up like a sponge. With their foreheads resting against each other, he moves just a little so he can give her a peck on the lips while considering her question. "Hmm... well, this is good. We could just stay like this all day." Grinning, he gives her a little squeeze. 

Straightening, he shakes his head. "How about I let you get back to your work and you save an hour for a walk?" He knew it would be a slow walk, but he really did want to move around as much as he could and fight back against his weakness. And he knew that Angel wouldn't mind a less-than-fast pace.

Zach grins and lifts his glass to toast Beth. "Then to a fun-filled tomorrow." Finishing his coke, he sighs, knowing he needed to get going so he could run some errands. He waits until Beth has another free moment before sliding off the barstool. 

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then. Same place for lunch we went before sounds good if it's okay with you..." 

...Going home, Zach felt happy. It was fun having a new friend, and he was looking forward to showing her around the animal shelter. If she did come to volunteer sometimes, he might even get to see her there when he worked too...

...Justin flops down on his couch and yawns. Between his session with Mackenzie, shopping for his mother and helping Mr. Jackson fix his rain gutters, he was exhausted. It hadn't been too bad of a day though, considering. Now that it was dark, his body was getting tired.

Picking up his phone, he dials  from memory and waits for Beth to answer. He figured she'd be home from work by now - he thought she had a day-shift today at any rate.

Hearing her answer, he grins a little. "Hi, Beth, it's me." He stifles another yawn. He was so used to seeing her all the time that it felt a little strange not to have spent any time with her today. "Hey, listen... I was thinking about dropping a fishing line in the pond tomorrow since I got some free time... wondered if you'd like to join me. Thought I might take a picnic lunch or something."

Far to Fast

Turning his attachen from Kaylee to Cindy again Trey just searches her face. He wondered how much he really could trust her, if everything she said was true. Why would she lie though? Right now she had nothing to gain from it so all Trey could do was trust her. 

   "I'm just taking it one step at a time to move forward. I don't want to leap to far to fast. I still...am learning to trust."

Trey's walls were still up but there were many cracks in them that let his different emotions through. It was a slow process but it was happening and Trey could feel it. Most of the emotions confused him, and at the same time made him worry. His biggest fear disappointing someone.

   "I don't think Jason will ever want to get to know me. He hasn't said it but....I can tell, not that I can blame him."

Giving a big smile as Luke enters the office Angel returns the kiss just letting it linger for a moment. Angel loved every moment she got to spend with Luke and on the bad days she thanked God even more. Today had been a bad one but she was happy to now see Luke out of bed.

   "Nah half the day isn't wasted. You just woke up so that means your day is just starting is all."

Patting Luke's arm gently Angel cleans a few things up after Eric's had been there. Just thinking for a long moment on Luke's question. Something had been different today with Eric there was a depressed look in his eye but Angel wasn't sure what it was about. It could have simply been because of his leg But Angel sensed it was something more. 

   "I think he's ok. Other than being kicked by a horse in his bad leg and it acting up now."

Coming back over to Luke and standing in front of him Angel drapes her arms over his shoulders. Leaning her head against his she smiles just taking in the depth of them. Angel always loved getting lost in his eyes. From the day she had meet look that was what captured her. 

   "So we got the whole day together, how should we spend it?"

Dan gives a nod to Dylan. Without him saying much he understood what his young friend was going through. The depression stage was never fun but Dylan was lucky he had so many people who cared and would help him though. Even if the young man didn't see it right now.

   "Hey Dyl...if you ever need to talk I'm still here for ya ok! Have a good afternoon too."

Coming back over to Zach again Beth keeps her smile on her face. She enjoyed being able to talk to Zach between customers. It broke the normal dull drunk talk she listened to every day.

   "Lunch than the shelter sounds good to me. Of course spending time with you is always been fun so far."

Friends

Kaylee giggles even more at Trey, although she does obediently settle down, knowing she'd get into trouble if she made too much of a commotion. Working on her fries again, she watches her mother and Trey intently. 

Cindy offers Trey a smile, knowing that it must have been hard for him to apologize. She certainly hadn't expected it either. "I understand. If I was in your shoes, I probably wouldn't have been much different. I just wish things hadn't turned out like they did." 

Leaning back and sighing, she reverts back to his other comment about Derek. "Your father... was a jerk, I'll admit. Boy I didn't see it at the time. But... if I'm going to be completely honest about the whole thing, I really didn't give him a chance either since he didn't know I was pregnant. He'd already dumped me so... I figured he wouldn't want anything to do with me anyway. I should have at least tried though. That was my fault." 

Taking a bite of her sandwich again, she reaches over and wipes Kaylee's mouth and gives her something to drink so she would remain satisfied. 

"Then when Jason was a child, he was abducted. It was about a year before he was found and I just about went crazy. I'd worked so hard at being a mom, that to have him ripped away from me like that... it wasn't fun. I guess..." She chuckles softly...sadly. "I guess when I found out about you and realized you didn't want to see me, it felt like my child was being torn away from me all over again." 

Pausing, her eyes linger on the table before finally looking up at her son again. "I'm sorry that I never knew about you. I know it's hard to believe... it's hard for me to believe too. But I had no insurance and was clueless about having a baby at all, so I never did what I should have - going to the doctor and such. When I did go, it was too soon to tell I was carrying twins. You and Jason came along early too. Jason was small, so I'm sure you were too. I just... had no idea." 

Tears form in her eyes once more, and she tries to keep her emotions in check. "Thank you... for letting me know you a little better, despite all that. I... I hope we can be friends."

Eric always hated being poked and prodded - by a female doctor, no less. But if it had to be anybody, at least it was Angel, and he trusted her. It never was comfortable though. Wincing a little as she runs her hand over the bruise, he bites his lip. He wasn't one to complain unless something really hurt... and this really did. Tundra would be hearing from him quite soon.

Heat and ice. "Yeah, okay." As Angel goes to the cabinet, he get his clothes readjusted again. He knew that tomorrow he would be even more sore, so he wouldn't ignore her orders.

Accepting the bottle of pills, Eric looks it over before glancing up quickly at Angel's extra instruction. Was it just a passing comment, or was it that obvious that he was feeling miserable? He shakes his head and stands up, giving Angel a faint smile. "Never can pull one over on you, huh?" He sighs, but nods. "These are for my leg. Got it. If I need something for here..." He taps his chest. "...I'll go for a talk over a cup of coffee instead."

Starting to leave, he pauses at the door, glancing over his shoulder. There was a part of him that did want to talk. But he wasn't ready yet to verbalize what he was thinking, let alone explain what had happened in the barn. "Thanks, Angel. If my leg gets worse, I'll let you know."

Exiting the office, he almost runs into Luke, both trying not to stumble down the couple steps.

"Whoa, sorry," Luke apologizes.

"My fault. Wasn't watching where I was going." Eric rolls his eyes. "Story of my life."

Luke furrows his brow. "What?"

"Nothing. Catch you later."

"Well are you..." Too late, Eric was walking away. Luke shrugs and continues his route into the office, leaning heavily on his cane. Spotting Angel, his eyes light up. "Hey, sweet thing." He grins and makes his way over to her slowly so he can give her a one-armed hug and a lingering kiss.

He hadn't seen her yet today, even though it was the afternoon. It had been one of those days that he'd been unable to get up out of bed this morning. He'd slept through lunch, though knew Angel had probably checked on him. He'd eventually woken again though, and managed to get his legs working enough to take a shower, get dressed and come over here. It was only maybe once a week that he had these bad days...maybe twice a week sometimes... so he tried not to let it bother him. It did though. On the inside. But he at least had gotten pretty good at hiding it... from everybody but Angel, that is. He still tried to though, just for good measure.

"So... now that the day is half gone..." He sits on the corner of her desk and gives her a sheepish glance. He knew it wasn't his fault he hadn't been able to get up earlier, but he still hated it and felt like he'd completely wasted a whole day. "Is Eric okay? I 'bout ran into him out there and he didn't look too happy."

Dylan finally looks up at Dan and gives a little nod. "I think so. I mean yeah. I'm just..." He shrugs. "At least I'm not puking my guts out anymore, right?"

It was a lame attempt at humor and he knew it. Even his lips didn't want to smile. Maybe it was because he was trying to hide the fact that even though he was thanking Dan for keeping him alive... at the moment... maybe on the inside, he felt... dead. His body was healing. The cravings were subsiding. His fever was gone. But deep down...

"I, um... I gotta go study. I'll prolly see ya later."

Jason purses his lips in thought, understanding what Katie was saying. He'd known they both felt like this... but they'd just never talked ab out it. 

"Yeah... It's... been kinda quiet for me too." He leans down to kiss the top of her head.  "I'm sure it'll pass though, eventually. We just gotta get used to it."

"Tomorrow." Zach nods. "Then tomorrow it shall be." He quirks an eyebrow. "I'll just have to call my boss and tell him I'm taking the day off whether he likes it or not because I have more important things to attend to." 

Taking a sip of his cherry coke, he gives Beth a silly grin. "Actually I only work part of the morning tomorrow, so that works great. How about....."

His sentence drifts off as she moves on to a customer, and he holds that thought until she returns. "...I meet you for lunch at noon, then head to the shelter?"

Sorry

Sitting down at the table Trey settles in and order his food along with a coke. Listing to Cindy and hearing about her past Trey understands about a few things but he mind still wonders about how Cindy could not know she had two baby's. Maybe it was because he was a guy that he didn't understand, but now he did believe that she didn't know about him.

About to say something Trey stops as he gets hit in the head with a french fry. Slowly turning his head to look at Kaylee he can't help but grin and give her a little wink that he didn't mind even if mom has said not too.

Turning around again so she couldn't see his face Trey takes two frys and puts them in his upper lip letting them hang down like walrus tusks. Looking back at Kaylee he makes a funny face with the frys still in place just trying to get her to laugh even more. Having one of the frys fall out through Trey lets the other one fall too before replaces the throw fry on Kaylee's plate and than looking back to Cindy.

   "So....My dad sounds like a pretty big jerk leaving you like that. Even if it was a mistake...he should of helped you."

Taking a sip of his coke Trey is quiet for a second. He found it hard to make conversation with Cindy and not talk about his own life. It wasn't so great and most of the stuff from the past he would rather leave out so Cindy didn't have the option of not wanting to talk to him anymore form it.

   "My childhood wasn't to horrible. I mean it could of been worse really...My parents did love me so thats good. I really did always want to meet you though...even if...if I was so bitter at first. I'm...sorry for that."

French fry

Kaylee continues to watch Trey intently as he prepares to come with them. His question brings another smile to her face. "No."

Cindy grins. "I guess that answers that. Looks like we'll just have to pick a random spot then."

Making sure Trey followed, Cindy heads up and out the back way, avoiding the upper level entirely. She knew Jason was working today - she'd seen his truck - and she'd just as soon see him when she got back instead of now. She didn't want to make this any more awkward for Trey than it already was.

Getting out to the car, she gets Kaylee settled in the back in her car seat before sliding in behind the wheel. Waiting for Trey before pulling out, she looks left and right down the street, then shrugs, turning left.

It was a quiet ride, and quiet, but not too long, so the awkwardness didn't last very long either. Finding a quiet little diner, Cindy continues to lead the way until they were seated at a quiet corner booth, Kaylee at the end of the table in a high chair...

"...So I was pretty much on my own." Cindy takes a sip of her water, trying to mix light conversation with some explanations as well. Trey only had the short version of her past. "I'd made a mistake with Derek, for sure, but having my family react the way they did..." She shakes her head. "I vowed never to be like them. Struggling on my own wasn't fun, especially after I had a baby to care for." Sighing, she leaves the second half of her sandwich for now. "I only wish I would have known about you. I would have fought tooth and toenail to get you back."

"Ahh!" Kaylee squeals and tosses a french fry at Trey, interrupting the conversation.

Cindy tries not to laugh, and looks at her daughter sternly. "Kaylee... we don't throw our food. You know that."

Kaylee recoils slightly, bending her head, but at the same time, she looks at Trey with a mischievous grin. Stuffing a squished fry into her mouth, she giggles, part of her mouthful falling onto her bib.

Waiting a While

As Kaylee pulls his fingers apart Trey just lets her not minding at all. Her fingers so tiny against his, her skin so soft and unblemished. Trey is just quiet as he watches her. As she tried to say his name Trey can't help but laugh. It was a strange new emotion but like water it just seemed to spread and the feeling was so warm.

   "Tree, Ray, Yet...You can call me any of those Squirt and I'll answer. I've sure been called worse."

Bringing one of his fingers to her cheek he just rubs it gently before letting his hand drop. Looking to Cindy he things for a moment. He didn't have a care of his own yet to drive so her offering really was his own option. Something told him begging Pete for a ride might just get him knocked over the head.

   "Ya, I can ride with you. My only other option would be to walk and than you would be waiting a while for me."

Turning around to the chair in the one corner Trey grabs his jean jacket and puts it on. Grabbing his wallet from the dress and his phone he slips them into his pocket. Turning back around again he lets out a small sigh. Inside he was nervous about going to lunch with Cindy and Kaylee. He was still hurt but something pushed him in this direction and told him it was right that still didn't keep his hands from going clammy.

   "I don't mind where me go. I still don't know many places around here. What do you think Squirt? You got a favorite place to eat?"

Giggles

Cindy's heart skips a beat as Trey stands and approaches. Was that... a smile? She was so scared he was going to yell at her... but... as he nears... she saw no malice. No hate. Not this time. Had she finally made it through the first barrier?

Kaylee studies Trey from head to toe as comes closer. Reaching out, she fiddles with his finger and giggles, pulling apart his other fingers too, seemingly fascinated by the fact that his hands were so much bigger than hers.

Watching the two interact, a tear finally slips out of Cindy's eye and rolls silently down her cheek. Yes... yes a barrier had been broken. And he wasn't yelling at her. Relief floods her veins and it's all she can do not to reach out and hug him. Not yet. She couldn't go too fast. It had to be at his own pace and she knew it.

Trey's question shocked Cindy. Sure, this was going well, but he... actually wanted to spend some time with her? It was far more than she'd dared hope for. She offers him a warm smile and nods. "I'd like nothing more. Truly."

She turns to Kaylee and kisses her cheek. "You wanna go get something to eat with Trey?"

Kaylee furrows her brow as if trying to decide - or rather, figure out what her mother was talking about - before she smiles again at Trey. "Tree!"

Cindy can't help but laugh. "Trey, sweetheart. His name is Trey."

Kaylee huffs a sigh. "Ray."

"Trey."

"Yet!" Kaylee giggles again, oblivious to why she was being laughed at, but apparently thinking this whole game was quite funny.

Cindy shakes her head in amusement. "I'll take that as a yes." Looking back to Trey, she studies his eyes.... his eyes so deep. He didn't look much like Jason... he looked a lot like her own father... but she could definitely see Derek in those eyes. "Do you... want to ride with me? I don't really have a preference as to where we go."

Squirt!

Sitting slumped down on his bed Trey couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the knock on the door. He wasn't expecting anyone and most of the time Ariel would call before coming over and Pete had his own rhythm knock. Cerosity drove him to to tell whoever it was to come on in.

As Cindy enters Trey was shocked and he sits up more on his bed. His eyes narrow for a second wondering what she wanted and who the child in her arms was. About to say something Trey is cut off by Cindy and he just sits on the best and listens not saying anything. Tears seem to want to well up in Trey's eyes but he fights them off. She'd come again to see him, to try to get to know him..and he...he had a sister.

Hearing the little words that come out of Kaylee's mouth and her trying to say his name another crack formed...family and love. A small smile spreads across Trey's face as he stands. Not saying anything Trey stands and walks over to Cindy and Kaylee. Bending down  a little bit to be eye level with the little girl he holds out a finger to her to grab on.

   "Hey there Squirt. You're a cute little thing aren't you? I bet you know it too huh?"

Trey never told anyone he always wanted a sister and now knowing he did...he could feel his heart beat a little faster in his chest. This feeling...it was...it was warm and fuzzy. He had a sister, so small, so impressionable. Her tiny little fingers, eyes and nose she was just so cute.

   "I bet your being a good girl for mom huh?"

Mom...the word just seemed to slip out of Trey's mouth and it felt nice. Cindy was his mom, she hadn't given up trying to get to know him and here she was again. The word it...it didn't seem so bad after all. DId she really care and want to get to know him?

Looking up at Cindy Trey's eyes search hers for a long moment. So much emotion laid in his eyes. Mixed emotions, Broken heart, the tortures of a past never forgotten.

   "Would...would you like to go to lunch with me? It's gotta be better than sitting here."

Gurn

"Knock knock."

Gunner types one last thing on his computer before turning around to see who was at his cubicle. The visitor makes his eyes widen in surprise, and he immediately stands, smiling. "Well hi there, Cindy! What are you doing here?"

Cindy returns the smile and readjusts Kaylee on her hip. "Um... unfinished business."

Gunner isn't sure what she means, but doesn't pry. "Jason, he... told me about... well, about-"

"It's okay." Cindy cuts him off. "And thanks."

"Yeah." Gunner turns his sights to Kaylee and grins. "Boy has she gotten big."

Cindy chuckles. "She sure has. Haven't you, Pumpkin?"

Kaylee buries her face against Cindy's neck, keeping her head turned just enough to peek out at Gunner, her blonde pigtails bouncing as she moved.

Gunner's grin widens and he moves a little closer, trying to get a smile. "Aw... you're not afraid of ol' Gunner, are you? You shoulda seen me when I was out at the ranch."

Cindy rolls her eyes. "You mean the long hair and shaggy beard look? That woulda scared anybody."

Gunner laughs. "I was just trying to keep the bears away." Catching the glimpse of a little smile on Kaylee's face, he bends down a little more. "Aha... there it is!"

Kaylee finally straightens again, giggling at him. "Gah!"

"No... Gunner."

"Gurn!"

Gunner laughs. "Yeah, close enough."

Kaylee giggles again and reaches out to him. His eyes widen. "What, really? You want to come to me?"

Cindy grins and hands her over. "Looks like love at first sight, Gunner."

He sheepishly accepts the little girl, giving her a playful bounce before holding her up high and grinning up at her. She squeals and laughs, babbling some unrecognizable words. Her laughter is contagious and Gunner cuddles her close, giving her all the attention she was very skillfully trying to get.

Cindy rolls her eyes. "She's becoming quite the little ham."

"Yeah, but a cute ham." Gunner hands Kaylee back over and sighs with content. "So... sticking around?"

"Don't know yet." Cindy straightens out Kaylee's pink t-shirt. "All depends. I just wanted to at least stop and say hi to you."

"Alright... well maybe I'll catch you later." Gunner watches her walk away, only letting his smile fade when her back is turned. She was trying very hard to appear happy but he saw the depression behind her gaze and it worried him.

Making her route across the main floor, Cindy knew the way well. She passes the main hall, though, and takes the back way down to the lower level, avoiding the majority of people. She'd say hi to everybody else later, including Jason. She'd told him she wanted to visit, she just hadn't said when. It wasn't like her not to make plans with him, but this time... this was different.

Finding the right room on the lower level, her pulse quickens a little. This could be a really, really bad idea. Knocking, she waits until she hears the invite to open the door before slowly letting it swing open. Keeping her arms around Kaylee, her eyes find Trey and she gives him a good hard stare for a long moment.

"Don't try saying anything yet because I'm a woman and can out-talk any man I please." She adjusts Kaylee on her hip, holding her stare on Trey, determined to say what she wanted before he had a chance to stop her - or before she lost her nerve. "I know you hate me and never wanted to see me again. But whether you like it or not, I wanted to see you. Recently I almost lost Jason. When I found out about you, I was pushed away. Not long after I got home, I got word that my husband is missing in action overseas - most likely, he's dead." She shakes her head. "I started feeling sorry for myself. Then I realized that I still had blessings staring me right in the face - and you're one of them. You're still alive and still my son, whether you hate me or not. And I'll be hanged if I don't at least try to gain your trust, or friendship, or whatever I can get."

She takes a deep breath. "You can tell me off, you can scream at me, you can tell me you hate me. But I will keep trying until either I get somewhere with you, or I die. Maybe I'm stupid. Maybe I'm crazy. But I can't live with myself knowing that I willingly just gave up trying to get to know my own son."

Tears sting her eyes, but she refuses to let them overflow. She was so nervous and upset that she was shaking, and Kaylee starts to fuss. Calming her daughter, Cindy resumes her stare at Trey. "For starters, I'd like you to meet some more of your family. You have two more siblings on your father's side, but on my side, this is Kaylee. She's your half-sister."

Kaylee sucks on her fingers and gives Trey and inquisitive look before fingering one of her pigtails, then pointing at him. "Who da?"

Cindy nods. "Trey."

Kaylee scrunches her nose and giggles. "Tra!"

Cindy wanted to laugh at the mispronunciation, but her stomach was churning and her palms clammy. She knew it was risky bringing Kaylee with her, but it's what she wanted. She was prepared to be yelled at, cursed at and/or have the door slammed in her face. But it didn't make her stance any less determined.

This, not This

Looking up as Eric enters the office Angel gives a smile noting his limp as he walked. It had been a long time since he came in and asked for anything for the pain. Motioning for him to sit down he new good and well she wouldn't give him anything without looking at what happened first.

   "Let me take a look first and than I can."

Taking a look at the affected area Angel runs her hand over it as gentily as she can knowing it was tender. Seeing the swelling, black and blue make Angel gives a nod. He'd gotten kicked pretty good today and she believe him when he said it she just had to make sure it wasn't hurt any worse and the pain was being masked.

   "Alright let me give you a few pain killers to hold you over till the swelling goes down. Just make sure you are switching between heat, and ice on and off alright?"

Turning around and going to the locked cabnit Angel pulls out an empty pill bottle and another filling the one up with a few pulls. Writing up a quick label she puts it on the bottle before turning around and going back over to Eric. Handing it to him she gives a smile. She new everything Eric had been through as of late though she didn't know how he was doing now.

   "Just make sure you taking these for this.."

Angel points in his leg.

   "Not this."

She than points at his heart.

   "Now I wouldn't think you would but its part of my job to say it anyways."

Hearing someone approach Dan can see Dylan out of the corner of his eye. Finishing up with the whole he was patching on the barn Dan puts the hammer down and turns to him giving a smile. He was happy to see Dylan up and moving around. He still was slightly pale, and thin but he looked much better than when Dan had first picked him up at the gas station.

   "You're very welcome Dylan. Your like a brother to me, and I'd hate to see anything happen to you. I said I'd always be here for you and I meant it. You're a good kid Dylan."

Dan really meant it too. Dylan had made some bad chooses but no one was perfect. He'd been there in life and he got over it and became a better person with God. He could only hope the same thing for Dylan and help him along that path all he could.

   "How are you feeling? Any better?"

   "I think I have a spot in my ever so busy life to hang out with you tonight."

Walking with Jason Katie gives a small smile. It felt good to have Jason ask her if she wanted to hang out with him tonight though at the same time it was still strange to not just think thats what would happen. Maybe all this time her just took him for granted.

Coming to a stop at the end of the hall and hearing Jason's question Katie thinks for a long moment. Was she really ok? No not really but did she need to worry Jason with that? She didn't think so but to say she was ok would be a lie.

   "Yeah I think I'm alright. Just since we woke up I've been feeling...well rather lack of feeling. I think I just need to get use to it and things will be ok. It's just...quiet right now."

Helping a few other customers that wanted drinks and declining some shots that a few of the guys wanted to buy her Beth moves about the bar, every now and than looking over at Zach she would give a wink or just smile sweetly to him.

Finally finding a free moment she comes back over and leans on the bar twords him a little bit. One would think with everything else Beth was doing his question had been missed but Beth's ears were sharp and she never missed when someone was talking to her.

   "Of course I still want to go and if it's with you thats even better. How about tomorrow? That is my next day off."