Missing...

"Yeah... yeah, okay." Easier said than done, but Jeff would try not to let this get him down as his sister was prompting.

Finishing up with Hawk, he returns his horse to his stall and gives him an extra sheet of hay just to spoil him, before putting his bridle away. Crossing Rosetta's path again, he thinks for a moment. "I... think I'm gonna go lay down for a while before I fall over. If I don't show up for supper... have somebody come check on me, okay?" It wasn't a usual request of his, but he really wasn't feeling well.

Giving Rosetta's shoulder a little pat, he heads from the barn to Angel's first, asking how Hunter was, then going to his own bunk. He was glad Hunter was going to be okay - it could have been far worse. He still felt badly though. Hunter was a very physically active man... being laid up for several weeks minimum was not going to be easy for him. 

Once to his bunkhouse, Jeff showers and lays down on his bed to rest. He hated being so very tired, but he knew he couldn't fight it. The only thing he could do was sleep and hope that he'd bounce back quickly.

And come suppertime, he didn't show up at the dining hall, still sound asleep. 

Hunter lets Katie settle in beside him, his hand finding hers on his chest. Sighing deeply, he lets his eyes fall shut. Now this... this was comfortable. 

Katie's offer to bring him dinner brings a mumbled, "Mm-hmm," as a response. He wasn't exactly hungry at the moment, but hopefully come suppertime he'd be up to eating something. Right now though, the day's events were catching up to him fast and all he wanted was rest. 

It didn't take long for him to fall asleep, and it wasn't until a couple hours later when his muscles involuntarily jerk that he's yanked awake by the pain in his knee. Giving a little groan, he shifts his weight, finding that Katie was gone. When she'd left, he had no idea. Yawning, he glances at his clock. Seemed like just yesterday he was waking about this time - time for dinner. He'd just as soon these past twenty-four hours hadn't happened at all. 

Managing to get up, get to the bathroom and back was enough work for him that he decides not to try traipsing to the mess hall. He knew Katie had offered to bring him something to eat, and he really didn't want her to have to go to all that trouble... so if she didn't think of it, he wouldn't remind her. Maybe he could bribe her to bring him some lemonade though... 

Sighing, he props his leg back up again and lies on his back. He was glad he'd been able to sleep instead of thinking too much. Come to think of it... his sleep had been very peaceful without any help at all. Could it be that... the nightmares... were over? He certainly hoped so. For some odd reason though, he just couldn't let it go at that. It was as if he suddenly knew there was a whole lot more to those nightmares than just bad dreams. Something had happened today... it had been his nightmare in real life. Things like that didn't just "happen." But... why did this happen to him? 

"Ice cream. I can do that." Alec makes that mental note while still thinking about what he'd need for under the sink. He knew where Misty kept the spare cash for when he needed supplies from the store. But today... he'd use his own money. Someone might think the little bit of pay that Misty gave him once week was pitiful - to him it was a blessing on top of a blessing. Not only was she letting him stay here and letting him fix up the shed for his own, but she was paying him for his help around the place too. Never would he ever even dream of being ungrateful. He deserved a whole lot less than this. He knew he wanted to save enough to fix up his motorcycle and have gas money to get him places... but today, buying supplies and a treat for Misty were more important. 

"Okay, well I'll see you tonight then." Ending the conversation, he goes to hunt down his sneakers before heading outside. It would take a little while to get where he needed to go, but it was a nice day for a walk.

Only after returning the favor of sticking his tongue out at Misty does Jason take another bite of his sandwich. Sitting backwards in the office chair next to her desk, he swivels back and forth until she's done with her call.

It had been a little strange for him at first, getting use to the idea of Misty being pregnant. He'd been around his mom some when she'd been expecting Kaylee, but the whole thing really was rather foreign to him. It had always freaked him out just a bit too, though he'd never admit it. Spending time with Misty though... maybe it had shown him that she was still the same Misty he always knew. They could have just as much fun, she was no different, and though there were a few things she had to be careful of now, for the most part, dating was... normal, not strange. And perhaps on the nights when Jason's mind wandered, the thought of being around a baby wasn't quite as scary as it had used to be. After all, he'd been around Kaylee as a baby, and he'd done pretty well with that. He'd never wanted his own kids, and of course, Misty having a baby was not the same as him being a father, but it did give him some new insights. He really was enjoying being with Misty, and he knew that wouldn't change, whether she was a mother or not. So perhaps... something so foreign and scary... wasn't that bad after all. And besides... it did give him some new fodder for teasing...

"Are you always in the mood for ice cream, or is it that you simply crave something or other twenty-four/seven now?" As she hangs up the phone, his eyes twinkle at her, and he pops a potato chip in his mouth, unable to hide his grin. He does shift his chair back a couple inches though, just in case a hand or foot were to fly in his direction.

"Mm... yeah... Pete's kept half an eye on Jaz as well, but it seems she spends most of the time at home. Doesn't even have a job that we know of." Reese sighs again. "You're right though... even Carson has to slip up eventually. He's good, but not that good." 

A friendly conversation? Here? Maybe. Reese takes the folder offered to him and thumbs through a few of the pictures. Carson would have a fit and fall in it if he knew these had been taken. 

"Speaking of friendly..." Reese cocks his head, shifting through a couple more photos. "Remember when you said something felt off about this whole thing, and I wasn't sure I agreed?" This wasn't the first time he'd seen some of these pictures, but today he was noticing something different. "Well... maybe you were right." 

He leans forward to spread out some of the pictures on her desk so they both could see. "What's missing?" He scans the faces of Carson and Jaz in each situation. "No holding hands... no arm over the shoulder... no kissing or making out..." He glances up to Angelica. "Not than I'm an expert..." For a moment, a silly grin quirks the corner of his mouth before he quickly shifts back on task. "But if these two are supposed to be lovers... how come there's no... loving? I mean, I don't wanna set up a camera in their apartment, but wouldn't you think there'd be some affection shown... outside the bedroom?"

Ice cream

Stopping what she was doing and looking at Jeff again Rosetta gives a little shake of her head. Maybe Jeff should of picked a different way to go, or a smoother trail for there first time riding together but still blaming himself was senseless.

   "You were thinking about having a nice time, and picked a wonderful spot to do so."

Finished with one of the horses Rosetta moves to put it away before working on the the other horse. She new how Jeff was feeling and no matter what she said it wasn't going to help really. She just hopped that this wouldn't set Jeff back any either.

   "Everything worked out Jeff, and who knows maybe God had a plan in this all. Just don't let this one accident hold you bad, ok?"

Following Hunter out of Angel's office and to his bunk it was a slow move but Katie didn't mind. She was there to help and a few times when it looked like Hunter might lose his balance she was there to steady him. Crunches were next easy to walk on for that she new. He did it pretty good though and Katie hadn't known better she would of guessed he had done it before.

Finally getting to the bunk and helping Hunter inside Katie gets and extra blanket and pillow for the closet to help prop his leg up and anything else he might need. Sitting down on the edge of the bed Katie gives a smile to Hunter as he pats next to him. After this whole thing she was feeling a little drained herself. Maybe a little rest would be nice.

   "Of course I'll keep you company. I don't have much else to do at the moment."

Swinging her legs around Katie curls up next to Hunter draping her arm over his chest and comfortably laying her head on his arm. She'd stay and keep him company trying not to fall asleep herself. She wanted to make sure he was still ok. After almost losing him being a little over protective was normal.

   "I'll even bring you some dinner if you want too."

Picking up the phone Misty answers hearing Alec's voice. Giving a little smile she thinks for a moment. There were lots of things she was in the mood for but was there anythign she really needed?

   "I could go for some ice cream if its not putting you out to much. I've been craving it today. Than again I always am in the mood for ice cream."

Looking over at Jason Misty sticks out her toung before giving a small laugh. She'd been having lunch with him but it was still ok that Alec had called. She thought it was nice of him to have asked. Having Alec around really was nice and Misty enjoyed the house not being so quiet.

Sitting in her chair at her desk Angelica listens to Reese and gives a small nod. She new everything that was going on and new how this could jeprodise the Elite. There was not much they could do though other than what they have. No information had been found to accuse Carson of anything and that at the moment was the major problem.

   "Well, you can still have someone tail him. Sooner or later he has to make a slip up. How about someone follow that woman he is with now? Maybe if we can find a connection with her, we can find the one with Carson as well."

Angelica holds out a yellow folder to Reese. It had many pictures inside of Carson and the woman together out and about, or at home. There was something off about them and she had told Reese so but she wasn't sure what. This whole thing just seemed off and it bothered her to no end.

   "I guess we could just bring Carson in for friendly conversation too, but I'm not sure how friendly it would be."

Company

Jeff just sighs and shakes his head, retrieving an old towel to rub down Hawk. "I know the accident wasn't my fault - but taking a novice up that trail was." 

Leaning against his horse, he looks to his sister. He was exhausted and knew that today had not been good for him in more ways than one. But he really didn't care. What he cared about was Hunter - a young man - Katie's man - who had almost died... because he'd suggested a rougher trail. 

"I should have known better. I know Hunter rode when he was a kid, but he's been riding here, what? A week? Ten days? Anybody else wouldn't have let him ride that trail. I don't know what I was thinking."

Hunter nods gratefully, sliding off the bed and standing on one leg as he adjusts the crutches under his arms. "Alright... I think I'm ready. Just catch me if I fall." Locking eyes with Katie, perhaps his gaze revealed that his words were not only meant for the trek to his bunkhouse. 

Glancing away again, he slowly heads for the door. It wasn't a comfortable journey to the bunkhouse. By the time they arrived, Hunter's knee felt like it was on fire and all he wanted to do was lie down again. Getting inside, he carefully eases down on his bed, setting his crutches aside. Lying on his back, he sighs deeply. He felt utterly drained... for more than one reason. 

Looking up at Katie, he gives her a sleepy grin before patting the space next to him on the bed. "Keep a cripple company for a while?" He knew she'd have other things to do before supper, but he wouldn't mind her sticking around at least a few minutes. It would postpone anything else he didn't want to think about right now, too.

A curse slips out as the wrench comes down on Alec's finger. Lying on his back, he was staring up at the kitchen sink pipes, his legs sprawled across the floor. Without a list of things to do today, he'd first tackled the dripping sink in the bathroom and now had spent the last two hours trying to unclog the kitchen sink. He'd tried drain cleaning chemicals, he'd tried going from the top down, and nothing was working. His last resort was to take apart the pipes and see what was going on. Unfortunately, the pipes were being stubborn.

In all reality though, he didn't mind that it was taking a while - at least it used up part of his day. He usually had plenty to do though. He was finally caught up on sleep, completely over his cold and getting used to having regular meals again. He'd stopped thanking Misty after she'd warned him to, but he wished there was more he could do to repay her. At least she made sure to keep him busy. He'd cleaned out the garage, tidied the front yard, fixed the kitchen table, gone grocery shopping a couple times and rearranged the living room. Each task he took seriously and he made sure everything was done before Misty got home at night - which wasn't hard on the evenings she spent out with Jason. One ongoing task was the shed, but since it was such a big project, Alec spread it out between the other odd jobs and Misty didn't seem to mind. He was looking forward to it being his and was meticulous about his work on it.

Sometimes though, the days did get long. He still hunted for work, but there were times he sat around with nothing to do but sit and be... lonely. At least Misty was home every night and sometimes Jason for a while too, so he did have some company.

Banging around on the pipe some more, the one he was working on suddenly gives way and his face his met with a downpour of water that had been backed up above the clog. Coughing and sputtering, he sits up too soon and hits his head on the underside of the counter before he slides out on the floor groaning.

After cleaning himself up, he sighs, leaning against the kitchen counter and picking up the phone. Dialing from memory, he waits to hear Misty's voice. "Hey, Misty. I gotta run to the store to pick up a piece of..." He looks at the mess on the floor. "...pipe. Anything you want me to get while I'm out?"

"Nothing." Reese sighs before setting his hands on his hips as he stands by Angelica's desk. "Dalton can't find a thing that Carson might have been doing on the computers here. Which can only mean one thing - he's covered his tracks for some reason. Otherwise, something would have shown up. Anything! But not even Dalton can find it, which means not only has Carson covered his tracks, it was severe enough for him to work really hard at it."

Flopping down in an extra chair, Reese looks at Angelica with desperation. "What do I do? I've had Pete tail him. So far that hasn't proven anything, although it hasn't been too long. I'm just... I'm worried. I'm worried that Carson's into something bad, and if he is, that could mean something even worse for the Elite."

All Day

Coming over to Jeff Rosetta helps him remove the saddles on the horses. It was nice working next to her brother. Team work, thats what they were, both knowing there limitations and being there to help each other. Rosetta liked the feeling it gave her, and the closeness that just seemed to be there.

Listing to Jeff talk as she continues to unhook the horses Rosetta can't help the look of shock. That path was a challenge but it had never been dangerous before. The whole thing seemed kind of bazaar but anything could happen and Rosetta new this. Always expect the unexpected.

   "Wow, thats crazy. I'm happy you and Katie were there with him or who knows what could of happened."

Taking the blankets off the horses and putting them over the holding bar Rosetta stops for a second to give the horse a scratch before looking back to Jeff again. Seeing the look in his eye she new what he was thinking and she shakes her head.

   "Jeff you know this is not your fault. It could of happened to you, or Katie, or anyone. It's just one of those uncontrollable things. So don't go blaming yourself ok?"

Being pulled in for the kiss Katie gladly returns it. If anything today she learned how quickly someone can slip out of your grasp and become no more. She new if it was there time, it was there time but it was not something she wanted to quickly move along.

Pulling away a little and looking down at Hunter Katie looks deep into his eyes searching the depths. She couldn't help but wonder how much of his real emotions he was hiding but she could guess it was quite a few. Something like this might be better thinking about it alone.

   "You're welcome Hunter, and I guess God deiced it wasn't. He must have some unfinished business to do with you yet."

Looking around the office Katie spots the crutches. Going over and grabbing them she brings them back to Hunter. She wasn't sure how long he would need them, or have to be off his feet but it was anything like when Jason hurt his knee it would be several weeks.

   "Here they are. Just take it slow and I will help. No need to hurry though I've got all day."

It wasn't my day...

Jeff focuses on loosening Hawk's girth, giving a weary sigh to Rosetta's question. They were back early afternoon instead of this evening, that's what had happened. Letting the buckles fall, he doesn't attempt to lift the saddle himself - he'd wait for her help.

"Had an accident on the trail," he finally explains. Removing Hawk's bridle, his horse gratefully spits out the bit. "Rode up that narrow pass along Diamond River. Bonzai spooked at something. Hunter lost his seat and I don't even know how, but he ended up down the bank and in the river."

Pausing, he puts Hawk's halter on, giving him a loving pat on the cheek. That whole ordeal on the trail still sent fear running down his spine. And in a way... he blamed himself. 

"He went under and didn't come up until a ways down. Katie got to him first and had to give him CPR. I guess his leg got caught on something when he was underwater and he dislocated his knee. Only way back here was the horses though, so... here we are. Eric helped get him to Angel's so she's looking at him now."

That was the short, unemotional version. Concentrating on Hawk, he picks at a knot in his mane for several moments. "I never should have taken a novice on that trail," he mutters. "I shoulda known better."

Finally joined by Katie, Hunter just closes his eyes, letting her hand brush his cheek. Her little teasing brings a small grin to his face and he reaches for her hand to give it a light kiss. "Naw..." 

He looks up at her, giving her a quirky expression. "I just wanted to see if you cared enough to rescue me. Figured drowning was the best way to find out." 

Taking her arm, he pulls her down to him, tilting her chin with his finger. Studying her eyes for a moment, he reaches behind her head so his lips could meet hers in a tender kiss. "Thank you... for saving my life." 

Tucking some hair behind her ear, he offers her a new weary smile. "I guess it wasn't my day to die after all." No... apparently it wasn't. And those words... those words he had heard... they continued to reverberate in his mind. But he was not yet ready to talk about what had really happened below the river's surface. He had a lot of thinking to do first. 

Giving a tired sigh, he finds her hand to give it a squeeze. "Wanna help me to my bunkhouse? Apparently there's a set of crutches around here I need to use."

Strong Heart

Looking up at Jeff's voice Rosetta smiles, but as soon as she looked at Jeff it disappeared. He looked so tired, like he had just run a marathon. Coming over to him and taking two of the horses she'd be happy to help him. Even if he didn't look exhausted she would help him. It's not often she was in the barn early enough to help anymore and she did miss it.

   "Yeah not a problem I can help."

Starting to help with the horses Rosetta looks over at her brother. She couldn't help but worry a little bit. She'd hopped he wouldn't over do it again, at least not so soon after getting out of the hospital. Though she didn't want to assume it was hard not to seeing how Jeff was right now.

   "What happened?"

Standing outside Katie paces back and forth just waiting, continuing to feel helpless. She had to admit she was happy to be out here though and not inside helping Angel. She didn't know how she kept so clam through this time of stuff. Maybe thats why Angel was the Dr and not her.

Hearing the scream from inside Katie stops and looks twords the door. She wanted to bust in there and see what was going on. She wanted to make sure Hunter was ok, it was an instinct from the cry. Though she stood where she was because she new that he couldn't be in better hands. And Angel would make sure he was going to be ok. Continuing her pace again all Katie can do is wait.

Laying a soft hand on Hunter's arm Angel gives a small nod. She needed to clean up a little bit but than she would be more than happy to get Katie for him. Moving quickly around the room she puts things away while putting other items in the sink to be stabilized and washed. Done in a few second Angel goes to the door and steps out.

   "Katie, Hunter would like to see you. He's going to be ok, just have to stay off his leg and take care of his other cuts."

Looking up hearing the door open Katie stop pacing and comes a little closer to Angel. Hearing Hunter was going to be ok she gives a sigh of re-leaf and a nod. She was thankful he would be ok and that Angel was able to help him. She really hadn't wanted to back to the hospital.

   "Thanks Angel, for everything."

Moving past her and going inside Katie walks over to where Hunter was laying and sits down on the edge of the bed next to him. Giving a small smile she reaches out and brushes a hand along the side of his face. She was so thankful God had been watching over him today.

   "What are you trying to do huh? Test to make sure my heart is strong enough?"

Katie gives a smile humor in her voice. She tried to make a little joke out of it so she didn't start crying right here again. Today she'd almost lost Hunter and it was still a shock to her system. She just needed a little time to make sure everything was going to be ok.

Not Possibly

Hunter does as he's told and leans back into Katie, trying to focus on her instead of his leg. The ride back was nothing like he'd ever experienced. He'd been hurt before. He'd had broken bones before. But nothing compared to riding with his knee the way it was. By the time they arrive back at the ranch, Hunter knew he must have passed out more than once, as there were gaps in his memory of the ride. He'd grown numb with the pain though, his face pale and his whole body aching.

Hearing Katie call to him, Eric is quick to come, surprised they were back so early, then worried when hearing about Hunter. Wasting no time, he helps get Hunter down off the horse then into Angel's. 

Watching them head in that direction, Jeff sighs deeply, wiping his brow with his sleeve. He was utterly exhausted, but he wouldn't complain - not when Hunter was in far worse shape. Dismounting, he takes all three horses to the barn, walking slowly. Getting inside, he squints in the dim interior before spotting Rosetta. "Hey, Sis... help a weary cowboy put these brutes away?" He gives her a little grin, but he knew she'd be able to tell right off the bat that he'd overdone it today. At least this time he had a good reason.

Back at Angel's, Eric doesn't question her, although helping her wasn't an easy task - not when he knew how much pain Hunter must be in. 

Lying on his back, Hunter bites down on the piece of plastic, his fingers clutching the bed. Being held down by Eric's strong arms, he didn't have much of a choice not to move, and it's a good thing. As Angel puts his knee back into place, Hunter screams - thankful for something to bite down on, rather than his own tongue. Once it was done though, he relaxes again, just closing his eyes and trying to ignore it all. 

Eric straightens up and runs a hand over his face, glad that was over. He'd help in any situation where he was needed, but he'd be the first to admit that this sort of thing bothered him. 

Being looked after, Hunter doesn't resist Angel's pokes and prods, nor her cleaning up his other minor wounds - he hadn't realized until now that he had cuts and bruises on his arms, most likely from his tumble on the way to the water. Remaining quiet, he tries to relax, glad for some pain killers and the news that he'd be okay. For as much as it hurt, he was thankful it wasn't something worse. He'd have to deal with how he was going to stay off his leg while still staying here, but he'd worry about that later.

Angel's words though make him shake his head a little. Though groggy and completely worn out, he did know one thing. "Not possibly... I would have died." If Katie had not been there, he would have drowned, and there was no doubt in his mind.

His eyes start to drift shut but he forces them open again, despite knowing he could rest here as long as he wanted before going to his bunkhouse. "Can I see Katie?" he asks quietly.

Possably

Even though Jeff didn't say it Kate new that he shouldn't be helping her with Hunter and she felt badly. She could try and help Hunter herself but once on the horse it would be far harder and she might do more damage to him on her own. There really was no other option at the moment and all Katie could do was hope Jeff would be ok and it would be quick so he wouldn't have to prolong helping her.

Once Hunter was on the horse Katie has to do all she can to keep from crying anymore herself. Just seeing Hunter in so much pain it sent daggers to her heart. In a way Katie wished Hunter would pass out than he wouldn't have to feel the pain of riding back to the ranch.

Mounting herself Katie moves her leg to rest it slightly against Hunter's to keep his knee from moving to much while they walked. Starting forward Katie goes at a little bit of a slower pace making sure to avoid a lot more than she had on the way up. Now it was different.

    "It's gonna be ok Hunter. Just lean into me and try to relax."

...Several hours go by and finally the ranch comes into view. Katie lets out a sigh of re leaf knowing the journey was almost over. It had been a long ride back, much longer than she ever remembered. But when one was in a hurry it always seemed to be that way.

Getting onto the ground and seeing Eric by one of the barns Katie calls to him. Her dad was exhausted already from helping her get Hunter on the horse she wasn't going to make him help get him down too. Now that they were here someone else could help.

   "Hey Eric, I need you help please."

Giving Eric a quick idea of what happened Katie asks him to help get Hunter down and take him into to see Angel where once again she tells what happened. Being asked to wait in the other room Katie lets out a small sigh but new why.

Looking to Eric Angel could already tell something was wrong with Hunter's keep even before looking under his pants.

   "It's dislocated, and there might be some cartridge damage. If you don't mind I am going to need some help. I have got to put it back into place and for that I am going to need you to hold Hunter down."

Looking to Hunter Angel shows him pity. This was not going to be fun and it was going to hurt a lot. Getting a plastic pipe from one of her draws she tells Hunter to bit down. Giving a nod to Eric she goes to the other end of Hunter's leg.

   "Alright...One...two..."

Angel doesn't even get to three as she take his leg and twists popping the knee cap into place. At least the hard part was over. It doesn't take much longer for Angel to finish cleaning up the cuts and bruises and the rest of Hunter over. It seemed the worst part had been his knee.

   "It's going to take a little bit for your knee to heal Hunter. You need to stay off of it, and ice it along with heat twice a day. Other than that, your gonna be ok. Minor concussion, some cuts, but no major damage. Your lucky you had people with you or you could have possibly died."

Shouldn't

"Yeah, I can lead Bonzai, no problem - he's a good follower and he and Hawk get along." Those were two pluses right there. If only that were the most difficult decision. Jeff sets his hands on his hips and looks between them and the horses then back again. 

No... he shouldn't help with Hunter at all. He wasn't supposed to lift over five pounds for another four weeks at least, and he'd even asked for help getting saddled up earlier. But there was no way he could let Katie try and support the weight of a grown man on her own. He'd just have to pray that this incident wouldn't have a negative affect on his own health. 

"Yeah, I'll be fine." He gives his daughter a reassuring nod, hiding his apprehension. "Okay, Hunter... we're gonna have to get you in the saddle again." 

Hunter just groans. He didn't want to be difficult, but right about now, a saddle sounded like the worst idea in the world. 

"I know... but we gotta do it." Though Jeff's coaxing tone was calm, he wanted to get Hunter back to the ranch as soon as possible. There could be more injuries than just his knee, and even though it appeared the shock was wearing off, there were still many possible dangers that might not be detected until Angel looked him over. 

Kneeling, he looks to Katie for help getting Hunter to first sit up. 

As Hunter rights himself with their aid, his leg bends, causing more shooting pain. Muffling his own cry, he bites his lower lip hard enough that it starts to bleed. Hanging on to both Katie and Jeff as he's pulled up from the ground, he puts no weight on his injured leg - afraid to even try, and knowing that he probably shouldn't anyway. 

"Alrighty..." Jeff was breathing heavily by now as beads of sweat formed on his brow. He slings Hunter's arm over his shoulders and waits for Katie to do the same before starting forward slowly.

Hunter was not a small man and it took some doing just to get him as far as the horses, but Jeff and Katie manage. Once to Katie's horse, Hunter leans against the saddle, hiding his face and his contorted expression of pain. 

Catching his breath, Jeff gives his daughter another nod. "Okay... Grab hold of his belt with me and we're gonna give him a boost so he can get his right foot in the stirrup." He was mounting up from the wrong side, but thankfully Katie's mount didn't care. "Hunter - you still with us?" He pats his arm. "Come on - you can do this." 

Hunter nods numbly, having heard the plan. Grabbing hold of the saddle, he waits until the other two are ready before springing up. It works better than he thought it would - until he has to swing his left leg over the saddle and he bumps it as he goes. Choking on his own breath, his hand grip the saddle horn until his knuckles were white, and he was afraid he might pass out right there. 

"Easy does it," Jeff prompts. "Take a deep breath. The hard part's over." It wasn't really true, but it's all the reassurance he had. Hanging onto the reins, he lets Katie mount up behind Hunter before giving the reins back to her. Returning to Hawk and retrieving Bonzai as well, he mounts up too, ready to go. Sweat had soaked his shirt and his pulse was racing, but he ignored himself for now. He didn't have time to worry about any of that yet. "Okay, Katie... you take the lead." He knew he didn't need to tell her to take it easy. 

Starting forward, the movement was almost too much for Hunter to bear. Hunching forward, he tries to keep breathing as his eyes water from the pain. It had taken them several hours to get here... it was going to be an even longer ride back. 

Help

Trying her best to stay as calm herself as she could Katie just listens to Jeff. She was happy he was there and she was not alone. One wouldn't know how to act in this situation till it really happened and if they had been alone maybe she would of been ok, but he was there now and he new the right questions to ask and for that she was very thankful.

Hearing Hunter cry out in pain Katie gives a little jump and a few more tears roll down her cheek. To hear a grown man cry out in pain like that you new something had to be wrong and it had to be bad. It hurt to see Hunter in so much pain and feel so completely helpless to him.

   "Yeah I wont mind taking Hunter with me as long as you think you can lead Bonzi back with you. He should be ok and calmed down by now."

Looking up at her dad Katie gives a worried look. She just wanted Hunter to be ok, but she new this ride back was going to do him no good. The only way to get him out though would be by horse back since he couldn't walk. Maybe with any luck her horse would sense something was wrong and move with extra care. 

   "I'm going to need your help getting him on the horse though. Will you be ok to do that?"

   

Pain

Letting his eyes fall shut  again, Hunter listens to the brief recap of what had happened. He remembered tumbling down the embankment and hitting the water. Then being pulled under. The thought makes him shudder and he grips Katie's hand a little tighter. Coughing some more, his lungs ached and he wondered if he'd ever get all the water out.

His chest? Come to think of it, it did feel pretty sore, and it takes a moment for his lethargic mind to realize that not only had he breathed in a bunch of water, but Katie had probably given him CPR. What about anything else? He sort of just felt numb all over. "Um..." Yeah, he'd thought he'd lost himself there too for a few minutes.

"Here you are." Jeff was back and tucking a blanket around Hunter's shivering body. "Just lie still. Can you hear us?" 

Hunter nods slowly, prying his eyes open once more. They stung from having been open underwater. 

"Good. How do you feel?" 

"Mm..." It was hard to speak with chattering teeth. "Ss...s...stupid." 

Jeff can't help his chuckle and he rubs Hunter's shoulders under the blanket to warm him and keep his blood flow going. Not having heard Katie himself, he repeats her question. "Are you hurt anywhere?" 

Hunter blinks, forcing his eyes to open wider before coughing again. "I... I don't think so..." 

"Thought maybe you hit your head." Jeff runs a careful hand through Hunter's hair, checking for any injuries. 

"Uh-uh." Hunter shakes his head a little. "I just... I couldn't breathe and... and passed out I guess." 

"I've never known the undertow in this river to be that bad," Jeff muses as he continues to keep Hunter warm - and keep him talking so his mild shock didn't turn into something worse. He was glad for Katie's presence as well, knowing she would help keep Hunter calm.

"Mm... I got caught..." Hunter coughs again, spitting up what he hoped to be the last of the water. "My leg..." 

Jeff lifts his eyebrows and glances to Katie before speaking to Hunter again. "Which leg?"

"Um..." Hunter tries to think. "Left... I think."

Jeff moves down to Hunter's legs and feels through his jeans, starting at the ankle and moving up. When he reaches the knee, he knew immediately something was wrong. 

Crying out in pain, Hunter puts Katie's hand in a death grip before rolling onto his back. "No don't touch it... please, please..."

Jeff sighs and tilts his hat back on his head. "Hunter, I think you dislocated your knee." 

Hunter groans, still trying to breathe after the shock of pain. "Is it... is it bad?" 

"I don't know - but your kneecap isn't where it's supposed to be."

"Can you put it back in place?"

"There's a chance I could." Jeff nods. "There's also a chance there's more damage than that or that I do something wrong and make it worse." 

Hunter swallows hard. As he becomes more alert, the more his numbness turned to pain in more than one place - but his knee was by far the worst. He blinks another couple drops of water out of his eye as he shivers again. "What... what do we do?" 

"I don't know." Standing up, Jeff checks his cell phone, just to confirm what he already knew - no signal. They were too far out to contact anybody. But to make Hunter ride would not only put him through excruciating pain, but could potentially injure his leg even more. But what choice did they have?

Leaning his head to the side, Hunter's eyes fall shut again as he tries to concentrate on Katie's hand that combed through his hair, rather than his pain. He felt stupid, embarrassed, helpless and scared. The terrifying ordeal had lasted only minutes, yet the adrenaline still raced through his veins. 

Looking down at Katie, Jeff locks eyes with her. There was simply no solution other than Hunter riding, but it wasn't going to be easy. The rest of their ride, and lunch, were completely forgotten. "Hawk doesn't do very well with extra passengers. You up to having Hunter ride double with you?"

Heart Attack

As Hunter spits up the water Katie lets him roll over as she rubs his back. Getting the water from his lungs was good and she wasn't going to stop it. The water needed to come up and Katie just held Hunter stable and rubbing his back. Katie's heart still raced and her own hands shook a little bit. The tears finally breaking free from her eyes as they streamed down her face. She'd been trying to be so strong and now the walls just broke open.

Brushing some of the wet hair from Hunter's eyes Katie rubs the side of his cheek with her hand. She had no idea what Hunter was feeling right now but she felt releaf and terror at the same time for what had happened. It had happened all so quickly and he been a pure adrenalin rush that now it was over coming down was not fun.

   "Your horse got spooked and you took a pretty nasty spill. Stopped breath there for a little bit and gave me a heart attack. Are you feeling any pain besides your chest?"

Katie didn't know if they would be able to make it back to the ranch or have someone come here. Moving Hunter could be dangerous if he had head trauma. If there was no real danger of that though they could head back and have Angel look at him. It would be much easier than having her come here.

Letting her hand find Hunter's Katie just holds it. Giving it a little squeeze to let Hunter know she was there too. Her other hand still gently running through Hunter's hair as she just softly trys to sooth him. He was going into shock if not already in it and she needed to keep him calm.

   "I thought I'd almost lost you!"

Shock

"Katie!" Jeff's pulse raced as he saw his daughter head down the embankment. He trusted her skills, but he didn't trust the riverbank. And right now, he was already near panic about Hunter.

Urging Hawk back down the path and keeping an eye on Katie, he watches as she plunges into the water to pull Hunter out... Hunter... who was not moving. Horror shoots through Jeff's veins. How had this happened? This trail wasn't this dangerous... the river not that deep... had Hunter injured himself? Been knocked unconscious during his fall? It didn't really matter though - all that mattered was that Katie was trying to save his life.

Realizing Katie had dragged Hunter up onto a plateau-like place on the bank where the trail was closer to the river, Jeff steers Hawk that way around to avoid going down anything too steep. There he meets up with Katie's horse as well, as he quickly dismounts.

Rushing to Katie's side, he slides down beside her as she works at reviving Hunter. Gently holding the young man's head, he helps steady him. "Come on, Hunter," he urges quietly. "Breathe..."

As life-giving air is offered, Hunter's lungs finally reject the water they had received. His body tenses and automatically coughs, spitting up water. Waking up with a jolt, he instinctively rolls over, coughing and choking as his lungs try to get rid of all the water and intake the air they desperately needed.

Relief sweeps through Jeff as he gives Hunter's back several hearty pats to help him cough up the water. "Easy does it, easy..." 

Hunter is too weak to hold himself up and he collapses on his side, still coughing. Every muscle trembled as he shivered uncontrollably, and he tries to bring his mind out of the darkness. Feeling something forcing his eyes open, he resists, not able to focus on anything.

After checking Hunter's pulse and eyes, Jeff stands. "He's in shock. I'm going to go get the blanket." It had been intended to sit on for lunch - now its purpose had changed. Only when Jeff is untying the blanket from behind his saddle does he realize that his hands are shaking.

Still not sure what was happening, and still trembling, Hunter finally manages to slowly open his eyes. He blinks away some water that ran down his face from his soaked hair, and through blurred vision, the first thing he sees is Katie's face. 

"K...Katie?" Was he dead? Was he alive? What had happened? The last thing he remembered was being caught underwater. That thought alone is enough to give him another surge of terror.

Coughing again, he reaches out to try and find Katie's hand.

Terror

Katie's thoughts and enjoyment was shattered as soon as Hunter's horse was out of control. She new what these banks where like, she new there was no safety and if the horse faulted Hunter would go down with him and there was no telling what might happen. All Katie can do it watch as to not make anything worse.

Seeing the line was about to snap though Katie acts fast riding over to Hunter but right as she reaches for him she was not fast enough and he was gone. 

   "HUNTER!!!!!"

Katie yells after him as she watches him tumble down the hill hitting roots, trees and everything else that was in his path. Not even waiting Katie was already looking for a way down that was safe for her and her own horse. Hearing a splash it causes her to stop and look. Not seeing Hunter anywhere she new what happened, she new where he was, and she new how dangerous that part of the creek could be. The explanation of his dream comes back to Katie's mind and she eyes widen just a little bit.

Taking the horse and going down the hill Katie new it wasn't to safe but she didn't care there was no time and as her heart raced, she could feel the emotions of pure terror course through her veins. She couldn't believe this was happening.

   "Dad...down a little ways is a safe way down here, I am gonna need your help to find...."

The sentince wasn't even finished as Katie looks down the creek a little way and see Hunter's lifeless body in the water. Getting off her horse Katie new she would stay put but if she didn't at the moment she didn't much care.

   "No No No No....Hunter....Hunter...!"

Desperation laced Katie's voice pure adrennilan rushed through her veins keeping all the emotions that wanted her to break down at cry at bay for now. Now she was worried about her friend, and she needed to help him.

Jumping through the water Katie didn't care she was getting wet. It was last thing on her mind that she needed to worry about. Getting to Hunter she slowly turns him over keeping his head stable encase of head trama. Pulling him out of the watch she checks his breath He wasn't breathing and her heart races even faster,as a little tear rolls down her cheek.

   "Come on Hunter don't leave me."

Covering his nose and opening his mouth tilting his head back a little Katie breaths into him before going to his chest and positioning her hands pumping down on him trying to kick start his hearth, and lungs again. Still nothing she repeats it doing it once again, and than again each time with a little more hast and urgency.

   "Come on, Come on Hunter dont you dare leave me this way. Breath dang it!!"

Live Nightmare

It didn't take long for Jeff and Hunter to both get saddled up and ready to go. Once Katie was back from the mess hall, the three exit the barn and mount up. Jeff waves to Mick, letting him know they'd probably be back late afternoon, and telling him which trail they were taking. It wasn't really a rule, but a good habit most of those at the ranch had when taking off for more than an hour, just in case anything happened.

"Alrighty..." Jeff raises his hand in the air. "Tallyho!" Although this time, he refrained from letting Hawk gallop down the trail. Today, he'd keep it to a walk, as he'd promised Angel.

The morning was gorgeous - perfect for a horseback ride and even better with good company. Jeff did his best to be satisfied with an easy pace, and also tried to keep himself in a good mood. He was still working through his depression, but with the support of his family, he was slowly starting to be his old self again. Leading the way, he takes the other two up the main trail then off onto a narrower, less-traveled path. There was more brush and bramble, forcing the riders to cease riding side-by-side. Conversation continued though - anything from horses, to camping to Hunter's racing to movies. It was pleasant, and time went quickly. Before they knew it, they were almost halfway up into the foothills - soon to arrive at the clearing where they would stop for lunch. 

"Watch your step up here, guys," Jeff warns, hollering over his shoulder. It was more a warning for Hunter than Katie - she'd been up here countless times. For a novice rider though, it could be just a little difficult to maneuver. The trail followed the path of the river - which could be rough in a few deep spots, but generally it flowed gently down from the nearby mountain.

Working their way up the trail, the threesome continues in a single-file line as the horses pick their way along the edge of the drop-off that served as a high bank for the river. Taking up the rear, Hunter enjoys the scenery, of blue sky, fluffy clouds and woods, just soaking it in. Glancing off to the side, he leans a little to see the river below. "Hey, Jeff," he calls ahead. "Any good fishing in here?"

Jeff turns around in his saddle, letting Hawk have his head. "Not too bad, depending on the season. I come up here every once in a while and drop a line. Catch a few trout if I'm lucky."

Hunter nods, hardly able to remember the last time he'd been fishing, but he missed it. Wait, hadn't it been in the river back in Nevada? Yeah, he'd been with... Kyle.

Completely lost in thought for the next few minutes, Hunter pays little attention to the trail, or to the jackrabbit that came crashing through the brush. Bonzai, however, saw it clearly, and was not happy about the speeding critter that crossed his path. Stopping abruptly, the horse shies, spinning towards the woods.

Unprepared, Hunter loses his balance and yanks back on his reins to keep Bonzai from bolting. At the sharp pull on his mouth, Bonzai stumbles backward, his hind feet slipping off the path and down the embankment. Jostled from his seat, Hunter grabs hold of his saddle and Bonzai's mane, his eyes catching a glimpse of the short but rough bank down to the river. "Whoa, easy, easy..."

Hearing the commotion, Jeff turns around to see Bonzai struggling to pull himself back up onto the path, and Hunter hanging on, having lost both his stirrups. "Lean forward!" he barks. "Get him back on the path!"

Doing his best, Hunter manages to stay seated... until Bonzai trips on a tree root. One second, Hunter was struggling to remain in the saddle, and the next he was on the ground. Sliding down the embankment, he hangs on by the reins, his body tensing in fear. "Come on, Bonzai," he coaxes. "Back up... back up."

Bonzai finally gets his feet under himself, his head almost all the way to the ground, being pulled by the reins. Grunting and snorting, he tries to back up, flailing his head in an attempt to be free of the pressure.

By now, Jeff had Hawk turned around and knew the situation was not good. "Katie!" He couldn't get to Hunter himself on the narrow path. "Get to him before -"

Too late. The reins snap.

The abrupt release in tension sends Bonzai reeling backward, finally getting his feet under himself. But it also gives Hunter nothing to hold.

All at once, Hunter finds himself sliding down the steep embankment. Trying to stop himself, his hands claw at the earth only to scrape against rocks and protruding tree roots. Hitting a dead tree, his feet-first slide becomes an all-out tumble, head over heels until for a split second, he feels himself in mid-air. Then his body hits the water.

Never was there a more helpless feeling than seeing someone fall. "Hunter!" Jeff's call was useless though - nothing was stopping Hunter's momentum or could catch him before he fell into the river.

Struck with the force of water, Hunter thrashes against the current, coming up for air just to be yanked back below the surface by an invisible undertow. The sunlight disappears as he's dragged through the water and all at once, he's surrounded by darkness. And in that moment, he experiences his nightmare all over again - but this time, it wasn't a dream. He was living it.

Ripped along by the current, Hunter kicks against it, trying to swim, but to no avail. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't surface. His lungs felt as though they were being torn apart, begging him for air as precious oxygen slips away.

Suddenly, Hunter's body comes to a halt amidst the current as his leg is caught in the fork of a sunken log. Jerked around by the swirling water, his knee is wrenched, sending pain shooting through his entire leg. His cry is lost underwater and the remaining air in his lungs is spent. Struggling in a panic to free his leg, it's simply no use - his knee was wedged in too tightly to move. And his head could not reach the surface.

Every muscle in his body ached as he tries to free himself. But the inevitable hurts even more: he was going to drown.

Jeff's eyes wildly search the river, waiting to see Hunter reappear... but he didn't. The river wasn't that deep. It wasn't that strong. What was happening? Why hadn't Hunter surfaced? Dread hangs in the air.

Caught in the deadly current with nowhere to go, Hunter could hear his own heart beating loudly, his pulse racing with adrenaline. In every nightmare, he died. In every nightmare, he experienced an impending darkness before awakening in cold sweat. But there was no awakening from this. This was not a dream. And he was going to die.

Still fighting, he knows that his lungs won't last much longer, and he can feel himself beginning to grow dizzy from lack of oxygen. Yanking at his leg despite the pain, desperation is the only thing he feels. Yet it could not help him now. Nothing could help him now. He was going to suffer a miserable end to a miserable life right here, before he'd even experienced the life he wanted. He was leaving behind dreams. Hopes. A future. Katie. A life which he had despised, he had grown to want.

"God..."

How long had it been since he had prayed? How long had he rejected God, who had given him all of those dreams and hopes that he was longing for now?

"Please... don't let me die... not today... not like this... I have too much left... please..."

His silent words are desperately spoken through his heart. Darkness invades his mind, and he feels the presence of unconsciousness coming closer. Using what little strength he had left, he yanks one more time at his leg.

  Let go, Hunter. 

Shocked by the voice that was more felt than heard, Hunter stops thrashing.

  I'm in control - not you. If you want to live, let go. 

Let go? He couldn't let go! He had to survive. Had to fight. If he let go, he would drown right here and now!

But as the darkness increases, Hunter knows he does not have the power to save himself. And as the murky black closes in, he gives up. Ceasing the fight, he allows his muscles to relax. And as the water rushes towards his lungs, he can feel his eyes roll back in his head...

...A short ways down the river where the bank was not so high, Hunter's unconscious body washes up, coming to rest on a partial sandbar. Face-down in the water, he shows no signs of movement.

Ready

Turning around quickly at her dad's voice Katie can't help but laugh and have some color come to her own cheeks. She enjoyed the attachen Hunter gave her and was not embarrassed by it but just something about her dad being there felt kind of strange. Maybe because taking a step forward with Hunter was still new and they hadn't really told anyone.

   "Ohhh...Becky is such a sweet heart. I like that woman more and more every day."

Moving back by her horse Katie continues to tak her up. Hearing Jeff's plan Katie gave a nod. It sounded good to her. It would be something different but an easy ride at the same time. Katie thought the idea was perfect and was happy he thought about it.

   "I think thats a great idea. There should be that clearing by the creek about half way up too we can stop at to eat the figure out if we want to continue or not."

Finishing with her horse first Katie ties the horse off before making her way to the mess hall. She'd offered to get some bottles of water and the food from Becky since she was done first. Getting the bag and slinging it over her shoulder Katie heads back twords the horses wondering if everyone was ready.

PDA

"Blowing off chores sounds like too much fun." Hunter lets Katie go, reaching out to pat her horse. "But... you twisted my arm." 

Turning back around, he grins at Katie before leaning down to give her lips a quick but passionate kiss. "I did get a good night sleep, thank you." Smiling, he brushes her cheek with the back of his hand. He did feel good this morning - better than he had in over a week. He wasn't sure how long Angel would let him stay on the pills, but if they worked, he'd take them as long as he could. He'd only woken up once, and even then it was just to turn over and go right back to sleep again. Rising this morning he felt refreshed and ready to go. 

"Alright, you two. No public displays of affection this early in the morning." 

Hunter spins around to see Jeff before laughing. "Right. Uh... sorry." 

Jeff grins and winks at his daughter. "Don't forget you're riding with her dad today."

Color comes to Hunter's cheeks as he clears his throat. "Of course... Sir." 

Jeff chuckles and gives Hunter's arm a teasing whack. "Katie, I just came from the mess hall, and Becky offered to make us some food to take a long so I gave her my saddlebags. By the time we're saddled up, we should have lunch to go." He turns and looks at Hunter. "You, um... need help tacking up?" 

"You kidding me?" Hunter starts down the aisle. "Bonsai taught me everything I need to know."

Grinning, Jeff looks back to Katie. "I was thinking we'd take the north trail through the foothills. We haven't had any rain lately so the river should be plenty low. It's kind of a narrow trail, but Hunter seems like he's gotten his seat well enough that he should be okay. What do you think?" 

Good Night

Leaning back into Hunter's Katie smiles and gives a small laugh bringing her hands to Hunter's who was around her. Feeling wrapped in his arms was nice and telling by the pep in his voice last night had been another good night for him and Katie was glad.

   "Good Morning Handsome! Looks like you got a good night sleep again finally."

Turning around a little to look at Hunter Katie's eyes twinkle. She had a feeling today was going to be an enjoyable day for everyone. And starting out early would give them the relaxing start and still get them where they wanted in good time. 

   "So we figured today we would blow off our chores and just do double tomorrow to help out. That way we can start early, and not have to worry about time till later in the day. Dad should be meeting us here any moment if you wanna go get your horse ready."

Morning

Hunter's eyes remain on Jeff for several more moments before he looks down at his plate. There was an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach all of a sudden, and he finds himself playing with his green beans. Seeing Katie interact with her father was... different. She really did love and respect him, and it was more than obvious that Jeff loved his daughter dearly. What must it be like? To have a relationship like that? To feel that loved by a parent? To know that they wouldn't let you down?

Clearing his throat, he takes a bite of his supper and nods. "Yeah... when you told me how good the food was here, I figured you were exaggerating. Guess I was wrong." 

He grins and nudges Katie with her elbow. "So... I'm thinking if I can stay awake a while then I'll be more likely to sleep some more tonight. So if that crazy cousin of yours wants to play UNO again, I'm in."

And he was. Staying up with a small group to play cards was fun, and Hunter finds himself in stitches half the time - mostly from Clint's antics or teasing Katie. By the time everyone dispersed for bed, Hunter was quite tired - enough so that he really did hope he'd get some more good sleep. And after a tender kiss goodnight to Katie, he promised he'd see her in the morning...

...Stifling a yawn, Hunter ambles into the barn. It was early morning and chores were underway. He knew that he, Jeff and Katie would be heading out as soon as possible if they were going to make any kind of distance today. 

Bidding good morning to a few of the guys, he finally spots Katie already starting to tack up her horse in the aisle. Coming up behind her, he slips his arms around her waist and gives her neck a kiss. "Good morning, Buttercup." 

Even Before

Receiving Hunter's hug Katie gives a laugh and squeezes him back. It really did make her feel good that he was going to stay, he though she was worth it and that said more than words ever could. And him getting sleep confirmed to Katie that he was meant to be here, there was always a way as long as someone looked hard enough.

   "Ok good. It should be lots of fun."

Hearing her dad's voice Katie looks up at him and smiles. Seeing he had a plate of food for Hunter too she gives a small nod of thanks. The only person she had explained anything to at the ranch was him. He was her father and he new when something was wrong. There was no way she could keep anything from him. Never could, and never would.

Just watching her father as he talked Katie was thankful he still accepted Hunter even though he had made a mistake. She had been worried that Jeff might not want to spend time with him or might even advise Katie not too. Now her worries were calmed though seeing now thing would be ok with a little time.

   "Oh I am so happy Angel cleared you. I am really looking forward to the ride tomorrow. It's always fun going into the mountains."

Watching her dad walk away Katie's smile grew even more on her lips. Her dad was pretty special to her and there were so many things about him that were amazing. His life had been hard, he might have health problems and a hard time accepting it but still he really was amazing to have kept his spirits up for so long, and to push through the day. Katie had learned many things from him, and always would continue.

   "Yeah, He's great. I love him to death, even before I new he was my dad I did."

Humbled

Smiling, Hunter doesn't refuse Katie a hug, and holds her tight for a moment, kissing her forehead. "Mm... yeah, I do feel better. Feel like I could sleep another eight hours though - maybe I'll actually be able to catch up on that tonight." He hoped that he could at least make it through tonight. Just one night so he could have a good day tomorrow. 

Leaving one arm slung over her shoulders, with his free hand, he snitches a green bean from her plate. "Of course I'll go riding with you guys - I'd love to. Even if I don't get any sleep tonight, I should be good enough tomorrow to at least stay in the saddle."

"I hope so." Jeff ambles up to their table and sets a plate of food down in front of Hunter. 

Hunter looks up in surprise, then smiles gratefully. "Thanks." 

"You're welcome." Pulling out a chair across from them, Jeff eases down to sit. "Not interrupting, am I?" 

"Naw." Hunter shakes his head before taking a bite of meatloaf. 

"Okay, good. Looks like Katie's already asked you about tomorrow... I wasn't sure if you'd be up to it though. I know you haven't been feeling well." 

Not feeling well? Hunter could see as plain as day that look in Jeff's eye - Katie's dad knew all about his bender and arrest. Disapproval lay in his gaze... but so did something else... mercy and grace. He was still willing to have Hunter along on their ride. He probably knew about Hunter's sleeplessness too, but that was being kept quiet as well. And Hunter felt... too humbled to be upset. His eyes drop though as he toys with his fork. "Yeah, I um... Angel helped me out in the sleep department today, so... I think I'll feel up to a ride... if you really don't mind me along." 

"Not a bit." Jeff winks at Katie. "Besides, I have a feeling my daughter is going to smile more if you come." 

Hunter grins and gives Katie a sidelong glance. Apparently they were becoming more obvious.

Jeff chuckles and stands up again. "Well, I'm gonna go finish my own food. See you two later." 

Watching Jeff walk away, Hunter leans back in his seat. "Your dad's a nice guy," he comments quietly to Katie. 

Ride

Hearing Jeff's little joke and seeing that familiar glint in his eye it made Angel feel good and confidante that things might be a little different now and for that alone she was happy and willing to agreeing on letting Jeff do a little more than normal as long as he new when to call it quits.

   "Your welcome Jeff and dont sweat it. Whats done is done and forgotten we are good now, thanks for the apologize though."

Giving Jeff another smile and a nod Angel was please and she was happy too. If he kept this up than he would be feeling better in no time. Having balance was important and once Jeff found it things would become much easyer.

   "If you need anything else Jeff, feel free to ask ok?"

Feeling the hand go up her back and than seeing Hunter Katie grins up at him. It gave her chills just feeling his fingers run up her back but it wasn't a bad thing. She'd been wanting to spend some time with him all day but had refrained knowing he needed his sleep. Though she had stopped in once and a while to make sure he was ok. 

   "Of course you can...as long as I get a hug first."

Reaching out and giving Hunter a hug Katie was happy to see he'd gotten some sleep. Even if his body was still the sleep was needed before he got himself sick. He looked healthy now and she was happy, that meant what Angel gave him had worked.

   "You might feel like Rip but you don't look like death anymore. I was getting worried, but seeing you renewed now I am guessing what Angel got for you worked."

Katie gives a large smile as she pats Hunter's hand and lets her fingers rest over his.This was the start, and with Hunter getting some sleep it was just the start. She couldn't wait to share more time with him.

   "So tomorrow want to go riding with my dad and I? Angel gave him the ok so we are gonna head into the mountains."

Rip Van Winkle

Sitting on the table, Jeff gives Angel a reluctant nod. "Okay... nothing wild. I'll even ask Sparky to ride Hawk today and get all his energy out so tomorrow he'll be as tame as a lamb." He stops and quirks an eyebrow. "Hawk, not Sparky. Well, maybe Sparky too. He could use some calming down too. Ever since he's been married, he's just been a handful, ya know." 

Quirking a grin, a familiar old teasing glint appears in his eyes. Sliding off the table, he pulls his t-shirt back on before giving Angel a grateful glance. "Thanks... for everything." He winces just a little, remembering how he'd treated her. "And I'm sorry I was such a bear before too. I haven't felt much like myself lately."

"Yeah.... yeah, okay." Arriving at his bunk, Hunter squeezes Katie's hand, turning towards her. "You're stuck with me now, ya know." He lets her hand go to reach up and brush her cheek with his fingers. "I hope you don't regret it." 

Leaning down, he gives her lips a tender kiss. "I'll see you later." He hoped it would be later than sooner, if that meant he could sleep. He felt like he was walking around dead right now the way it was, and he could feel his body trying to shut down. He'd gone without sleep before, but it had never been anything like this. 

Giving Katie's chin a light tap with his thumb, he turns to go into his bunkhouse. Once inside, he takes off his jacket and kicks his boots off into the corner. Studying the bottle of pills for a couple minutes, he finally takes a dose and lies down on the bed. It was so soft and comfortable. His body wanted sleep so badly, while his mind continued to race with fear of that horrible darkness. But his eyes felt so very heavy. Maybe if he could just get a half an hour in... that would be better than nothing...

...Prying open his eyes, Hunter groggily looks about his surroundings. The lighting was strange. Dim. Soft. Rolling over onto his back, he winces as his muscles protest. He felt as though he'd been run over by a truck. 

Blinking, he finally gains a few more of his senses and he looks over at the clock. Shocked to see that it was almost seven o'clock he then looks to the window. No wonder the light seemed strange - it was much later in the day than when he'd laid down earlier. He must not have moved at all either, according to his achy back and legs. 

Eventually sitting up, he runs a hand through his matted hair and tries to bring his mind into focus. Seven o'clock... he'd slept over eight hours straight. No wonder he was groggy. And... he hadn't woken from a nightmare once either. Though feeling tired from such a hard sleep, at the same time, he hadn't felt this good for over a week. Finally, finally. 

Getting himself up and washing out his eyes, he finds his sneakers and pulls on a clean shirt. He'd need to do laundry again tomorrow. With as few things as he'd brought, he was doing laundry every two or three days. He was grateful for Becky's willingness to help out with that though.

Finally making it out of his bunkhouse, he sees little movement around the ranch and knew that supper was probably well under way. Wandering to the mess hall, he slips in the back door and scans the room. Yep, it looked like supper was at least halfway over. Spotting Katie over to one side, he ignores some of the other glances thrown his way. More than likely everybody had noticed his absence and knew he'd been trying to sleep all day. They could wonder what they wanted for now. 

Ambling over to Katie's table, he comes up behind her, running his hand up her back before giving her shoulder a playful squeeze. "Got room for me?" 

He pulls out a chair and sits down, stifling a yawn. Giving her a sleepy smile, his eyes still weren't fully awake yet. "I feel like Rip Van Winkle." 

Relax

Keeping her hand locked with Hunter's Katie walks with him back to the bunk. She new that she had worked that was left unfinished and she needed to finish it but she wanted to make sure all was ok with Hunter as well. She'd get to her work again soon and new no one would razz her to much.

   "I understand Hunter. Maybe trying to sleep is best for you right now. You don't want to over work yourself to much at this point."

Katie new that maybe there was a little fear there about sleeping but it really was a must and Hunter had to at least try to get a little sleep. Maybe these pills would work and for now it would be Hunter's quick fix so he could function like a normal person.

   "The worse that happens it doesn't work and we go back to Angel. At least go into it positive though ok?"

Hearing another knock and looking up again to see Jeff Angel was a little surprised. She was sure she wasn't going to see Jeff for at least a few more days, but she was happy he had come. Knowing his reason made her feel even better that he'd come to see her. She was confidant that maybe he was understanding the realism of everything.

   "Alright lets look ya over and see how you are doing and we can go from there ok?"

Looking Jeff over and asking him a few questions Angel gives a smile before stepping back and giving a little nod. Jeff was not all the way but he was much better than he had been. There was a little more color to his skin, and the dark circles under his eyes seemed to be less. For that Angel was very happy.

   "You can go riding tomorrow if you promise me if will be a relaxing ride and nothing to wild!?"

I Promised

Taking the bottle from Angel, Hunter nods at her instructions. "Okay... thanks." In reality, he knew that a hammer wouldn't be the next step - a shrink would. And that was something he was unwilling to try. 

Leaving with Katie, he wanders beside her towards the bunkhouses. "I'm not gonna be any good today at all with the shape I'm in." Sighing, he studies the bottle in his hand as they walk. "Maybe I should just try to sleep today instead of worrying about barn work or riding, I don't know." In reality, he was afraid this wouldn't work, and he really didn't want to have nightmares during the day too. At least he'd contained them to the night so far. But he was so tired...

It was only moments after the two had left Angel's office that there was another knock to her door. Poking his head inside, Jeff spots her before entering. "Morning..." He hadn't talked to her much since he'd come back from the hospital, making him feel just a little awkward, but he knew it was time. 

"Um... I don't want to bother you, I just... well, I promised Katie I'd go riding with her when I felt better, and I do. I was thinking about tomorrow but... I wanted your approval first. If you don't think I should yet then... I won't."

Dream

Giving a little laugh Angel shakes her head at Hunter's comment. At least he had a mild sense of humor still. If anything else that was a good thing and a plus. Though looking between Hunter and Katie Angel could see the worry on both there faces and she new that it was the truth.

   "I'd rather not have to take care of another concussion myself. I deal with enough of those in a week."

Backing away and unlocking her cabnit Angel looks through what she has. Something that could knock Hunter out but was not to strong or habit forming. That was a tough combination but she was sure she had something. Picking up the bottles and reading them finally she finds the one was was looking for.

   "Here we go. This might not knock you out knock you out but it will get you in a deep enough sleep you wont dream. It's not habit forming so you wont have to worry about that and the only side affect it a little dry mouth. I want you to try taking it every other day starting today."

Looking to Angel Katie gives a nod of thanks and a smile. Would this work for Hunter she wasn't sure but she was thankful Angel was trying anyways. Hunter did need to sleep and if this at least gave him a few solid hours than it was well worth it.

   "Thanks Angel for you help."

Hammer

Following Katie back to the ranch, it was all Hunter could do to keep his bike going in a straight line. He'd originally set out with the intent of driving straight back to Nevada, but after the short break, apparently his sleepiness was back full-force. 

Making it back to the ranch though, he tries to ignore the fact that others might have seen him leave and now he had some explaining to do. They might not ask... but the had a feeling Mick at least would be questioning him. 

Going to Angel's with Katie, Hunter rubs a tired hand over his face before offering Angel a weak smile. "I need something that's gonna knock me out - and I mean, knock me out. If you don't have anything, Katie's gonna have to take a hammer to my head and I really wanted to avoid a concussion."

Help

Katie wondered if Hunter still really didn't know what was wrong with him or if he was just failing to face the truth. Either was she was in this with him now and she would continue to help and stand by him till he did face the truth and found his way.

   "Alright, talking to Angel when we get back sounds good to me."

Looking up at Hunter and giving a smile Katie leans up to give him another soft kiss on the lips. Before heading back to her car and making there way back to the ranch together. She wasn't sure where this new chapter was going in life, or how it would end but what she did know was to enjoy the ride while she could and if good came from it than it was far from a wast.

Getting back to the ranch and parking Katie waits for Hunter to take his stuff back to his bunk before heading over to Angel's. Giving a little knock on the door before walking in Katie gives a little wave to Angel who was at her desk.

Hearing the door open and looking up Angel smiles seeing Hunter and Katie. Taking note to the dark circles under his eyes she could guess Hunter was still not sleeping good. She new he'd had nightmares and she gave him a mild sleep aid to see if would help but it seemed it was not, but that was only her observation.

   "Morning! What can I do for you guys?"

As If

Looking down into Katie's eyes, Hunter sees the remnants of tears, but also a new shine of hope. There were a lot of people he could say no to... apparently she wasn't one of them.

Her question makes him roll his eyes and he reaches a hand up to wipe away a couple remaining tears from her cheek. "As if I could leave now."

Sliding his arm back around her, he just holds her for a few quiet moments, studying her gaze. His eyes were so dark and tired... exhaustion had long since set in. But his mouth creases into a small smile. "I don't know why I get the funny feeling you're gonna be the death of me. But I guess if I have to die, having you around would make it more enjoyable."

Bending, he kisses her forehead before sighing deeply. "I only ask that we talk to Angel when we get back." He leans his head against hers, closing his eyes. "I've gotta sleep..." His hand absentmindedly rubs her back. "I've gotta figure out what's wrong with me."

Don't want

As Hunter pulls her in for another kiss Katie doesn't resist. Just letting her own emotions run free and flow into her kiss. Bringing her hand behind Hunter's head and her other hand to his back she rubs it gently. Her heart pounded in her chest so hard that it might just pound right out. Katie didn't care though this moment she would let last, this moment she had been waiting for would continue.

Letting a soft murmur free Katie lets her fingers play with Hunter's hair softly brushing the back of his neck her other had holding him tight as she could feel his grip on her tighten. Just letting the kiss continue as she lets what she felt come out. Finally as Hunter breaks the kiss but pulls her closer Katie wraps her own arms around him. 

Her tears now had quieted a little but her eyes were still slightly glossy as she sniffed to keep from getting Hunter's shirt wet. Just staying silent after hearing his words Katie lets out a sigh she just mumbles a little into his shoulder.

   "We can heal your mind, but I am not sure I want to give you, your heart back."

Standing there for another moment Katie was happy this was a quiet road with them both standing in the middle like they were. Some traffic would be held up if not, but it was rare anyone not going to the ranch would come down this way so they were safe.

Finally pulling away a little Katie keeps her arms around Hunter. Searching his eyes she gives a small smile looking up at him. Just continuing to search his eyes Katie's heart continued to pound but she didn't want to hide it. It was another way of just saying how she felt.

   "Does...this mean you will stay?"

Wildly

It hurt. Everything did. Her words, him being here, his feelings... Hunter just wanted it all to go away so he could return to a simpler life - a simpler life he'd been living, whether it had been right or not. 

Being forced to turn around, he has to look into Katie's eyes once more, and once more, her tears pierce his heart. It was bad enough seeing her cry - worse was knowing that she was crying because of him. Her admitting she was falling for him seems to numb everything else. It wasn't a new thought... he knew they'd been leaning towards more than friends... but to have her say it to his face, it... 

Hunter's thoughts are brought to a halt as suddenly Katie's lips are on his own. His hands go to her shoulders to push her away, but he never does. Her kiss was sweet... warm... tender... full of all the emotions that had been surging through her gaze. It was all here, all being placed out in the open, and all being laid before Hunter - he could embrace it or trample it. Too confused and shocked to return the kiss, he just lets her show her feelings through this moment, as his pulse starts to race again.

As Katie retreats, his hands linger on her shoulders. His gaze meets hers and her words pierce his heart like a knife. It didn't matter how set he was on leaving.... how firmly he'd made up his mind... how much he wanted to flee... He just couldn't leave her - not like this. She wanted him. Saying no to that would make him the ultimate fool. 

Saying nothing, he pulls her back close to him again. Sliding one hand up behind her head, he guides his lips to hers once more - but this time like he'd wanted to all week... with passion. Kissing her long and hard, all of his pent-up emotions seem to overflow. Gripping her tightly around the waist, he coaxes a returned kiss to share it together. All of his intentions from this morning were shot to pieces, leaving him at the mercy of whatever was to come. He couldn't walk away from this... from her. 

Deepening his kiss, he lets it continue until eventually drawing back with several lighter kisses. Wrapping his arms around Katie, he pulls her to his chest, just hugging her close to his heart, which was beating wildly. Breathing heavily, he closes his eyes, burying his face in her hair. 

"Heaven help me, Katie," he whispers. "I'm losing my heart right along with my mind."