Blinded

At some point, Rosalyn had forced herself to get to her feet again, but she found herself wandering aimlessly only to return to the same tree again. She knew she'd need to face the music again, but never had she felt so unprepared. 

Suddenly hearing Chad's voice, she wasn't surprised. She'd known that sooner or later, he would probably come looking for her, if her dad hadn't killed him, that is. 

Chad's words send tingles down her spine, and his gentle touch makes her heart flutter. But no smile came to her lips. Silent, she leans her face into his hand before turning and lightly kissing his palm. At his apology, her eyes rise to meet his. Her own were dry now, but there was evidence of the hard crying she'd done. 

"There's nothing to forgive," she responds quietly. "You didn't do anything wrong. On the contrary, you were quite a gentleman to have let me stay all night without trying anything." She shrugs lamely. "It was my fault for asking to stay in the first place. I knew I'd probably fall asleep... I just didn't care. I should have though. We didn't do anything wrong, but it wasn't right either, and it was because I came, not because you invited me." 

Pushing off the tree, she wanders a couple feet away, her back to Chad. "I've always trusted my dad. I've never had any reason to doubt him." Her eyes roam the land, her thoughts so very far away. "You know how I was raised not knowing he was my father. But he was always so kind... always caring for us, even if he was protecting us by staying away. Then when the truth was out, he was the dad I'd always wanted. I haven't had many years to be close to him, but they've been good years, and I have no doubt he loves me."

She pauses and swallows hard, still not facing Chad. "Then being with you is so easy. You make me feel so good... like for the first time I know what it feels like to be a woman." New tears form in her eyes, but she holds her voice steady. "But to be honest, I'm not sure I could say no to you for anything, no matter what you asked of me. And I'm scared I'm being blinded by my heart. My dad is someone I trust, and I'm completely ignoring him. What does that mean? Is being with you the right choice or just something I want, regardless of consequences?"


Tucking in his shirt and buckling his belt, Eric sighs at Angel's suggestions. He knew she was right. With this leg's history, he couldn't be too careful. It was a weak spot he'd just have to watch from now on. But tomorrow was when he was planning on going to town with Stacy, Ashlee and Dylan. After that was Sunday, then the next day he'd be on the road. He really didn't want to skip tomorrow, especially since Ashlee had seemed so disappointed he was going to be gone for a while. 

Sitting on the table, he gives Angel a weary look. "Well...  I guess Static won this one then." He shakes his head. "A few years ago, I woulda knocked Jim's block off, but now it seems rather pointless." 

He purses his lips and thinks for several moments before nodding in surrender. "I'll make sure Static's taken care of, then put my leg up for the rest of the day." He knew he'd be icing it on and off as well. "I was.... s'posed to have a day out with the girls and Dylan tomorrow... If I don't do anything today, then take it easy tomorrow, you think it's still a high risk for me?" 


As soon as Grace enters his room, Jared perks up a little bit, shutting off the television. Her hug was a little bit of a surprise but... he didn't mind it, and almost wished he could keep his arm around her for another few seconds or so. 

Giving her a crooked sort of grin, he rolls his eyes. "You can't help it, can you? Bringing in the sunshine on a gloomy day." He nods to the window. "Help yourself. Fair warning though, I'm not gonna be moving around too much. I know I promised I'd be ready for therapy today, but I sorta had an unexpected meeting with the floor the other day." 

He gives her a silly smirk. "The floor won. My shoulder lost. Surgery is this week." He gestures to his right shoulder. "So much for having a go at getting to the hallway without the wheelchair on my own." 


The kitchen table was deathly quiet. Two pairs of eyes remained locked together in challenging stares. Only one set glistened with tears. It was round eight. And no one had given up yet.

"Come on, Jason!" Mackenzie pushes the bottle of hot sauce closer towards him. "He's gonna win!"

"Hey, whose side are you on?" Alec complains, giving his niece a teasing thump on the arm.

Mackenzie giggles. "Anybody's?"

Alec grins, cocking his head at Jason. "Well? I had mine. You going again?"

Jason clears his throat and grabs another tortilla chip from the bowl. "Right. Sure. No problem." He blinks a tear from his eye and shakes the designated ten drops of sauce onto his chip before putting it in his mouth. Cringing, he swallows it down before coughing and looking at the glass of water that had not yet been touched.

Alec tries not to laugh. "Want a drink?"

"No, no.... I'm good." Jason clears his throat again and glances over at Misty with a smirk. "Why didn't you warn me he could handle spicy stuff?"

"She did," Mackenzie interrupts. "But you didn't listen." She turns back to Alec. "Another?"

"Of course!" Alec grabs a chip and the bottle, shaking on ten drops, pausing, then putting on several more. "Just for good measure."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Jason shakes his head as Alec easily eats the chip. "I'm so not gonna let you win this."

Alec snickers. And three rounds later, he was waiting on Jason to take his turn again. He pushes the water towards him.

Jason wipes sweat from his brow and finally relents, grabbing the water and taking several long swallows.

Mackenzie laughs and nibbles on a plain chip. "You look terrible."

"I feel like my insides are gonna blow up."

At that, she and Alec both crack up.

Jason rolls his eyes then wipes them with his sleeve. "You're not even the least bit affected! Do you have a mouth of iron?"

"Naw. It's just the..." Alec glances at Mackenzie, deciding not to mention Agency drugs. "Um...my taste buds aren't what they used to be."

"You mean to tell me that you just sat there and watched me burn my mouth out when you knew good and well it wasn't going to bother you?"

"Eh. It tingles a bit."

Mackenzie bursts into giggles and Jason nudges her shin under the table before taking another sip of water. "Good thing Katie can't feel me anymore."

Alec quirks an eyebrow. "How come?"

"'Cause she'd never forgive me for this. I used to either have to warn her when I was gonna eat something spicy, or shut her out for a while. Otherwise she'd be gulping down water right along with me."

Alec chuckles and grabs another chip with some more hot sauce. "I can just see her giving you a hard time."

"Mm..." Jason gets lost in thought for a moment before standing and wandering over to the stove, slinging his arms over Misty's shoulders. "So... are these tacos gonna be ready soon? 'Cause if not, Alec's gonna kill me with that hot sauce."

It had been a fun evening already. After work, Jason had come over to Misty's to join her and Alec and Mackenzie for supper. Tacos were on the menu, but the guys had started goofing off after one of them had mentioned hot sauce, and the competition had begun.

Back at the table, Mackenzie watches Jason and Misty interacting for a moment before catching Alec's eye. "Have you...seen my dad lately?"

Alec's eyebrows rise, and he carefully contemplates his answer. He knew this was a touchy subject, and Mackenzie hadn't talked about Carson for quite a while. What had triggered the question tonight? His eyes glance over to Jason and Misty too, and he wonders if that's what had started the young girl thinking. "Yeah, I have."

"Is he okay?"

"Well, sure. Why wouldn't he be?"

"I dunno." Mackenzie shrugs. "Justin said he was all alone and... I just hope he's okay."

Alec frowns, wishing he had an answer. At least Justin had told her that the other woman was no longer in the picture, and Alec trusted that he'd explained more than that to the girl so she wouldn't think her father had truly cheated on his wife. "He is," he assures. "I'm gonna see him tonight."

Mackenzie's eyes light up. "You are?"

"Yeah, I get to help him clean the kitchen at Mom and Pop's. Great job, huh?"

She giggles, but falls silent just as quickly. "I'd like it...so I'd get to see him."

Alec sighs. He wished he could just take her with him, but he knew her family's decision and would not risk his own contact with her by rebelling. "Anything you want me to tell him?"

"Just that I miss him."

"That I can do." Alec grabs another chip and puts one drop of hot sauce on it. "In the meantime..." He holds it out to her. "Prove to me you're a Banks."

Grinning, Mackenzie accepts the challenge.

Another Day

Stacy gives a smile to Eric and a nod. She new he didn't like being told what to do but she just wanted to make sure if was ok before he went off and started riding or doing anything else again. She new he had to take care of himself with his own health issues looming. It was just a chance she didn't want to take.

   "Alright, I will make sure someone keeps Static ready for you so if Angel clears you, you can teach him who is boss."

Giving a wave Stacy turns and heads to the barn. She was satisfied that he was going and she was sure that Angel would convince him not to do anything else if she really felt he shouldn't. That she was very sure of.

Working on some paper work at her desk Angel looks up seeing Chad and Eric come into the room. Standing she hurry over to them and motions for Chad to set Eric down. She had heard a commotion outside but wasn't sure what it was, did whatever was wrong with Eric have to do with it?

   "Thank you Chad for bringing him here."

Taking a few moments to look over Eric's leg and ask a few questions to get the whole picture Angel now whats he was looking for. It was pretty clear though looking at the welt and the start of a bruise what was going on. Poking a little and prodding Angel was finally done and able to asses correctly what was going on and how to help Eric.

   "Well the good news is nothing is broken and if taken care of it will heal. The bad news it though its a very deep tissue bruise. You're going to have stay off your feet for at least a day or to and let it heal before an infection sets in again. With you starting to drive again as well I think it would be a good idea to rest today and tomorrow and than let me check you over before you leave."

Hearing Eric would be semi ok and conformation from Eric that he would be ok Chad slowly makes his exit not wanting to cause any more problems than he had already. Chad really couldn't help but feel bad about what had happened with Eric.

Leaving the infirmary Chad makes his way back to his bunk. Breakfast was forgotten as he was more worried about Rosalyn now. First he needed to change into some real clothing though before he ran all over the ranch in his pajamas. 

It didn't take him long to shower and change before he was leaving the bunk again. He wasn't one hundred percent sure where Rosalyn would have gone but by the way he'd seen her head he had a good guess. It wouldn't take long to get to the place they called there tree and seeing her leaning against it he smiles a little to himself.

   "Even when your not smile, deep in thought your beauty is beyond compare."

Coming up to the tree next to Rosalyn Chad reaches out and runs a finger along her jaw line and over her cheekbone giving a soft smile. With everything that had happened the last thing he wanted her to think was that he was mad at her or that he was going to be scared away. However he did feel responsible for what had happened.

   "I'm really sorry I got you in trouble. Even if we didn't do anything wrong I should of known better than to let you stay the whole night. Will you forgive me?"

Grace couldn't help but be excited about coming over to see Jared today. It had been a little bit now as her calendar had filled up quick. She always tried to make time for him since he was one of her pashent to but he was becoming more than that slowly he was also becoming her friend and that meant doing what she could to see him. 

Knowing the door was open Grace enters poking her head into the kitchen and saying hello to Lyda before heading down the hall to Jared's room a brown paper bag in hand, and her duffel bag in the other. It was not bad out today but a little chilly. So maybe opening the windows and staying inside was in order. 

   "Hey Jared."

Knocking and entering Grace gives a big smile as she draws closer to the bed. The memorie of there kiss still locked in her head and thinking about put color on her cheeks but it wasn't something she wanted to shy away from and it didn't make her think any differently of Jared other than he really was a good kisser.

   "Hows it going? Sorry it's been a few days. Things have been crazy."

Setting the bag downs and coming around to the bed Grace reaches down and gives a hug to Jared. Pulling away and sitting down on the edge of the bed Grace's eyes give a small twinkle. She enjoyed coming over and standing time with Jared. He was fun to talk too, and it had become a bright spot to her. She only hoped once he was better maybe they could continue there friendship.

 "So I figured if you didn't mind since it was gloomy out we could open the windows right here and have a inside picnic."

Don't worry

Eric sighs, trying not to get upset. He didn't like being pushed. The rule around here was to get back in the saddle, and he didn't like breaking that rule whether his leg felt like it was on fire or not. It was a bad example to younger riders, and it would make it harder to control Static next time too. 

On the other hand, Stacy was his weakness. And seeing the worry on her face, well... it didn't make him feel very good. He didn't want her getting all worked up about anything. 

He finally relents. "Alright, okay... Chad, take me to Angel's." His eyes swing back to Stacy. "But then you go to the barn and make sure one of the guys gets a hold on Static and puts him in his stall without unsaddling him." 

Aiming towards Angel's office, he hobbles alongside Chad. Why did his leg hurt this bad? It really didn't make sense to him. He hadn't fallen that hard. What he didn't realize was after he'd landed and Static took off, one of Static's hooves had caught his leg as he'd bolted. As a result, his thigh had taken the impact of the fall, then received an extra hard slam after that. A weak spot anyway, it had instantly become another deep tissue bruise that, unbeknown to him, was already turning black and blue. And he was once again a prime target for infection.

Getting to Angel's office, Eric had loosened up enough that climbing the couple steps wasn't too bad. Seeing her at her desk when they enter, he gives her a wry grin. "Mornin." Letting go of Chad, he gives the man a thankful nod. "I'm alright now. You should probably go find that little lady before she thinks we all hate her." 

Another smirk is given to Angel. "Long story. I just took a little tumble off Static and Stacy insisted I come see you about my leg. I'm sure it's nothing, but I figured I'd make her happy."

Justin felt badly for Hope. He knew she only wanted what was best for Scott, and it was a shame she'd been trying to hide her love. The thing was, it just couldn't be hidden. It wasn't her fault though. She couldn't help it, and there was nothing wrong about her love. It was Scott who had the issues, making this into a sad situation. Justin knew what it felt like to not want to acknowledge feelings for someone else. But he couldn't imagine feeling such deep love and trying to hide it so the other person would still be a friend. 

Standing up he offers Hope an encouraging smile. "Don't worry. We'll get this figured out. Scott doesn't have a chance against the two of us." He tosses her a wink. "I'll talk to you again soon."

Leaving TJY, the wheels in his mind were already turning...

Hearing a knock at the door, Scott pauses his work of taping up photographs on the wall. He hadn't expected anybody to stop by, but he wasn't totally surprised either since he'd left his phone off the hook all day and had turned off his cell phone.

Domino races to the door and starts barking up a storm, boldly protecting the house.

"Scott?" Justin calls. "You home?"

Realizing who it was, Scott turns from his desk, leaving shut the drawer that held his handgun, and telling Domino she could calm down. Shuffling to the door in his baggy jeans, he unlocks it and opens it slowly, squinting in the sunlight. "Justin? Did I forget you were coming today?"

Justin grins and shakes his head. "Naw. But I happened to be in town. Stopped by TJY and since you weren't there, I just thought I might touch base and make sure everything was okay."

For a few moments, Scott debates on whether or not to open the door wider, but he finally does. "Yeah, things are fine." Turning, he leaves Justin to follow if he wants as he heads back to the living room.

Entering after him, Justin stops in the living room doorway and stares at the walls that were covered in photographs. "Whoa. These all yours?"

"Yeah." Scott looks at a few more that were scattered on his coffee table. "Only way to really choose the ones I like. Hang 'em up and compare."

"I see." Looking more closely, Justin studies the photographs, some that were freshly made. Most were black and white. And most were simply of objects or nature with unique angles, but with seemingly perfect lighting and focus. They were truly works of art. But one thing about them bothered Justin. "These all recent?"

"Huh? Yeah, I think so." Scott stands back and surveys a couple more pictures. By now he'd run out of empty spaces.

Justin wanders to the coffee table and picks up one of the photographs to look at it more closely. It was of an alleyway somewhere in town. "None of these seem too... happy."

Scott just shrugs.

Pursing his lips, Justin replaces the picture and turns his attention to Scott instead. "These are fantastic, but they all seem a bit dark, don't you think?"

Scott shrugs again. "I dunno. Just 'cause they don't have any smiling babies doesn't mean they're dark."

"No, but I don't see any of Domino... or Hope."

Scott's gaze drifts over to Justin. "You talked to her today, didn't you?"

"I did." There was no point in denying it.

"And I suppose she's worried about me."

"Does she have reason to be?"

Another shrug is Scott's answer. "I'm fine. I just think it's time she should move on."

"Why's that?"

"'Cause it's stupid to wait on somebody like me."

"So you think she's waiting?"

Scott throws Justin an irritated look. "I don't think. I know."

Justin sighs and takes a couple steps closer to him while he mulls it all over. "And...whose choice is that?"

"Apparently hers, but I don't have to go along with it."

"Think pushing her away will get her to stop waiting?"

"Worth a try, isn't it?"

"Then you don't love her like she loves you?"

"I didn't say that."

"So tell me again why you don't want her waiting."

"I never told you in the first place."

"Then how about you do?"

Scott frowns at Justin's persistence, and sinks down into his couch, joined by Domino, who curls up in his lap. "Is this why you came? On Hope's behalf, or what?"

"No, I came on your behalf." Justin half-sits on the armrest at he other end of the couch. "So tell me why Hope shouldn't wait for you, especially if you love her, too."

"Because I'll never be ready!" Scott raises his voice. "And it beats me why she refuses to see that."

"Why won't you ever be ready?"

"Look at me!" Scott throws up his hands. "I may not be in a mental hospital anymore and I may be back to work and living alone again, but seriously? I still jump at my own shadow. I get nightmares so bad that I wake myself up screaming, then go puke my guts out the rest of the night. Half the time I can't decide if I even want to roll out of bed in the morning or just stay there. And sometimes I wish I'd never wake up again at all."

Justin's body language doesn't change, even though on the inside he was picking up on all sorts of red flags. He was glad Hope had alerted him to Scott's behavior. Last week's visit had not been like this at all. "So you made it this far and you just decided it's not worth it anymore, huh?"

"I don't know."

Justin's brow furrows. "Well you better figure it out before somebody calls Brookshire."

Scott's head snaps up as he stares at Justin. "Never again."

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Yesterday."

"When?"

"How should I know? Noon? It was lunch, alright?"

"Why didn't you want to go to work today?"

"I just didn't feel like it!"

Justin holds his eyes on Scott, letting silence speak for itself.

Scott looks down at Domino and swallows hard. His tone quiets as the realization hits him. "It's starting all over again, isn't it?"

"It does seem to be. But it doesn't have to turn out the same way. You have control over this thing. It does not control you."

"Sure doesn't feel like it sometimes."

"Sometimes it won't. You're going to have these rough spots, Scott. No one can survive what you did and come away without scars. It's like a broken bone. It can heal, but after that, it might ache every time the weather changes. You just have to realize when the pain is happening so you can take care of it and not allow it to control you. And right now, you're giving in to it. This is the first of many rough spots to come - but you have the power to overcome them. And if you do, it'll get just a little easier each time."

Scott leans his head back into the couch cushion and sighs.

After a few moments, Justin resumes talking. "What you do with Hope is your business. But I think you'd agree that pushing her away is just another sign that this thing has a hold on you. You're letting it drag you down, when you're so much stronger than that. It's the strength Hope sees in you, not the weakness. That's why she's willing to wait. But if you really stop and think about it, I know you'll see that there's a bigger picture here."

"I was doing so well," Scott whispers. "I was the last time too. Then it all fell apart."

"Why do you think it fell apart?"

"I don't know."

"Did you ask anybody for help?"

Scott shakes his head. No, he'd pushed everyone away... just like he was starting to do now, all over again. "No... that's why they forced me to go to Brookshire."

"So how can we make this time different?"

"I don't know."

Allowing another pause, Justin finally stands up. "Come on. Get your shoes on and grab Domino's leash."

"Where are we going?"

"For me to know. Come on. Let's go." In truth, Justin was still trying to decide on a location. He hadn't planned on being in town this long today at all, but Scott was worth it... 

"Drink."

Too tired to argue, Scott accepts the concoction that Justin hands him. Sitting at his kitchen table, his clothes were still damp from sweat and every muscle in his body ached. Giving the green, thick liquid just a quick glance, he raises the glass and swallows it down. 

Justin makes sure he's drinking the mix of fruit and vegetable juices before going to the sink and giving Domino some water. The little dog looked utterly exhausted, but accepted the drink with enthusiasm, giving Justin's hand a thankful lick. After giving her a few loving scratches behind her ears, Justin joins Scott at the table. "How ya feel?"

Scott shakes his head, struggling to finish his drink. "Like I'm gonna fall asleep right here if I don't puke first." 

"Good." Justin gives his shoulder a hearty pat. He'd taken Scott a few miles out of town for a hike, and had wound up taking a path several miles one way, complete with rough terrain for a hearty walk. For Justin, it had been a rather nice jaunt. For Scott, it had been a more vigorous workout than he'd had in a long time.

"I'll be back in a couple days," Justin figures. "In the meantime, I want you to go to work tomorrow. Even if you sleep late, I still want you to go, alright?"

Scott nods numbly. At the moment, all he wanted to do was crawl in bed, but he had just enough willpower left to agree to going to work. He wasn't sure his mood was any better than it had been earlier, but his body certainly was exhausted. Well...maybe his mind felt a little better. "Yeah, okay." 

"Alright." Standing again, Justin glances at his watch. He'd have to hustle if he was going to make it home in time to clean up before hitting the road again and going to Beth's. It sure was an awful lot of driving between North Springs and Briarville but at this point, he figured it was worth it. He wouldn't want to lose Beth, and he didn't want to spend less time with his mother or his clients here either. 

Scott gives him a brief wave. "See ya."

"You certainly will." Seeing Scott had finished over half his drink, Justin was satisfied and aims for the door.

Jared lies in bed, propped up with a couple pillows, bored to death of the shows on television. Every day, things got just a little more boring, just adding to his frustrations. To make things worse, two days ago, he'd fallen and hurt his right shoulder. A doctor's visit revealed he had a bad enough tear that surgery was already scheduled. It wasn't that the fall itself had been that bad, but after he'd hurt that shoulder in the accident to begin with, something seemingly simple turned out much worse. It made Jared wonder how weak the rest of his body really was, and if he'd be prone to injuries from here on out. 

For now though, his shoulder hurt more than the pain killers could handle, so once again, he was stuck in bed, inside, doing nothing. He'd tried not to let it get him down, but being down already to begin with didn't help matters. At least today Grace was coming.

At this point, that was the only thing that shone light into Jared's word. He'd thought back several times to their kiss, and hoped that after these few days had passed, that she wouldn't feel too differently... he really didn't want things to become awkward between them. He'd enjoyed the moment of affection and he had no idea where it was going, if anywhere, but he did feel a tinge of excitement, knowing she was coming back today. 

You better

Continuing to let Eric lean on him Chad didn't mind. This was partly his fault and he did feel bad that someone got physically hurt. As Stacy comes over Chad is just quiet letting her and Eric talk. She didn't want to get into the middle of it but he didn't want to just leave Eric there by himself either.

   "It's not a problem Eric. I do think seeing Angel is a good idea though."

Just watching Chad and Eric for a moment Stacy could tell that Eric wasn't ok. Maybe he didn't have any broken bones and was not bleeding to death but she could tell by his limp and the way he was keeping his weight off his leg he did end up hurting it again.

   "Oh Eric...I think Chad's right. At least go see Angel please? I know you might think you ok, but you should take it easy so it doesn't get bad again. If she says its ok than you can ride again please?"

Stacy's eyes begged Eric to at least see Angel and make sure worse was going on with him. She cared and new he would be leaving soon to start driving again so she just wanted to make sure he was ok before he went. She cared about him enough to be worried, and Stacy hated to seeing him hurt more than anything in the world.

   "It would be better for your leg to heal quicker with Angel's help than to be down and out again for a long time right?"

Hope lets out a long sigh. Justin was a good councler and she could see why. He could see things differently than she could not that, that was bad but they both had there own ways and it made them see, think and react differently. In a way it was good for Scott to have both sides.

As Justin pinpoints how much Hope still loved Scott she looks down for a second. She didn't think he was dumb and not realize it but she thought she was doing a good job of hiding it. Maybe really she wasn't doing as well as she thought. She'd never push Scott though and just wished he'd understand that.

   "I guess I should of known better than to try and hide that I still loved him from Scott. I just, cared so much that I wanted to over look that love and at least have a friendship. In a way I guess I can't balm him for pushing me away I just wish he wouldn't"

Thinking for a second again and looking down at her hands Hope was happy Justin said he would check on Scott. She new if something was going on with him too he would be sure to take care of it and Hope was happy for that. The last thing she wanted was for Scott to relaps.

   "Thanks for getting back to me Justin. If you need anything from me, just let me know."

Forever

"Mm, thanks." Eric was grateful Chad was there, and didn't resist the help. He shakes his head at Chad's question though. "No, I-"

He stops mid-sentence as Stacy approaches, and keeps himself from rolling his eyes. Not because she cared, but because he didn't particularly like much attention when it came to things like this. "Yeah, I'm alright." He pauses, letting half his weight lean on Chad. "Static just decided he'd rather go to the barn than stick around and listen to an argument. So now..." 

He starts forward again, gritting his teeth as his leg protests more than he thought it would. "Since nothing's broken and I ain't bleeding to death, I'm going to the barn to retrieve that ornery brute, and I'm gonna get back in the saddle."


Air. Room to breathe. That's all Rosalyn wanted. Heading at a fast pace back behind the barns and out to the back pasture, she keeps going. Her vision blurred through her tears but she didn't stop. She just wanted to get away. To get away from all the tension. 

Finding herself in the small orchard, she easily finds the tree that had become "hers and Chad's." Sliding down to the ground as she cries, she leans back against the rough bark, covering her face with her hands. How could such a peaceful night be so quickly torn away as she was yanked into another horrible scene? Why couldn't she have just remained in bliss a little while longer? What was happening? Whose fault was it really? 

She wasn't sure how long she remained under the tree, but she didn't want to move. It felt like every muscle in her body hurt and her eyes burned so badly that her head pounded. With her tears finally subsiding, she just closes her eyes and stays seated in the long grass, feeling the morning sun pouring down on her. So many questions ran through her mind. So many concerns. She didn't know what was right anymore. She didn't know what to do. 

Though missing breakfast entirely, she didn't care. She was supposed to have helped in the kitchen, but she lets it slide. She wasn't going to reappear in this shape anyway. She wasn't sure if she wanted to reappear at all. She just wanted to stay out here forever.


Listening quietly, Justin studies Hope's face as she spoke, taking note to her body language and eyes. Sliding one foot up on the chair, he wraps his arms around his knee and takes a moment to think. "Well, I'll try to figure out what's going on with him, but from what you just told me, it sounds like a classic case of someone caring enough that they don't want to hurt somebody else, so they push them away." He pauses, just letting his eyes roam hers. 

"Love isn't easily hidden, and Scott's a smart man." It was so obvious to Justin that Hope still loved Scott deeply. Whether her suggestion of taking Scott to the park was just a friendly gesture or not, Justin could only guess that Scott knew good and well Hope loved him. "And knowing him, he's already thought of the big picture. A picture of you and him. Together for the long haul. And he sees himself having violent nightmares almost every night. He sees himself barely able to keep his eating disorder under control. Constantly battling depression. Being angry and not knowing why. And when a man envisions that next to a woman he cares about, well..." Justin gives her a wry grin. "Maybe it's a guy thing, but we'd rather sacrifice our own happiness than put a woman through all that with us - regardless of whether or not the woman is willing."

Sighing, he nods slowly. "And... all those things, added together with his fears as well, probably make him feel pretty weak. And most guys I know don't particularly like it when a woman is stronger than they are."

He pauses again, thinking through the whole situation. "Unfortunately, you're Scott's best friend next to Dalton, and he needs all the support he can get. For a guy like him, retreating like this can get him in trouble again, and none of us want him to go back down the path to Brookshire. That said, I see he's not at work today so I might just slip on over to his house and check on him." 

What on Earth

Continuing to walk twords the dinning hall Chad didn't bother turning around while Jim was yelling at him. He new it was better if he just went, had something to eat and cooled down letting Jim cool down as well. Standing there and just yelling back and forth would do nothing except cause more of a scene and cause words to be thrown around.

It wasn't till he heard the shout of Eric's voice that Chad stopped and turned around only to see Eric being thrown from his horse. All Chad can do is stand there wide eyes and move a few steps closer to Eric but stops seeing Jim trying to help him up. He wished Jim hadn't been so loud so Eric wouldn't have come over at all.

Once Jim was gone Chad looked to Rosalyn the look on his face more sad and hurt than angry. There was so many things he wanted to say to her but before he could she was gone. Letting out a sigh he glances back to Eric. Seeing him limping and wincing a little bit Chad comes up along side him and slings his arm over his neck.

   "Here let me help you. Want to go see Angel?"

Having heard a commotion outside Stacy exited her bunk house. Just in time to see Eric take his fall and for a moment all she could do was stand there. What on earth was happening or going on? Moving off the pouch and coming over to Chad and Eric She looking at Eric with consern.

   "What on earth happened? Eric are you ok?"

Hearing the knock on he door and seeing Justin Hope was a little surprised to see him here but she didn't mind. Hearing his reason too didn't bother at all. Maybe talking in person was a little better than talking over the phone anyways.

   "I don't mind you stopped by at all. Come on in and have a seat."

Having Justin sit down and hearing that he noticed something different with Scott too made Hope feel a little bit better than she wasn't just imagining things. Though in a way she kind of wished she was and Scott was ok, but no such luck. At least Scott had Justin to talk to so he wasn't completely alone.

   "Well yesterday he asked me if I could drive him home and have coffee with him. I was more than happy too. We ended up talking, he broke a glass, than I asked about his photography. Told him if one day he wanted me to take him some where so he could take more pics I would be more than happy too."

Hope gives a small sigh as she remembers the conversation. Even now a day later it made her very sad thinking about it. She didn't want to lost her friend.

   "He ended the conversation with telling me we should not spend so much time together even if we were friends. As quickly as the door opened it closed again. It was just a friendly gesture to take him to the park or something because I know he didn't have a car and he took it as something more."

Accident

"Hope?" Justin knocks lightly on her open office door before stepping quietly inside and offering her a friendly smile. "Got your message. I just happened to be in town so I thought it would be just as easy to stop by rather than calling you back." In truth, he'd been to see his mom and exchange a few awkward words with Jared. At the moment, he'd just as soon concentrate on somebody else for a while, and he did have genuine concern for Scott. 

Hooking his thumbs in his jeans pockets, he cocks his head, studying Hope for a moment. She looked more tired than the last time he'd seen her. Was it her health or Scott that was having an affect on her? 

"I've been keeping an eye on Scott's mood and you're right - I think he's got some anger that's starting to surface. We covered a lot of things while at Brookshire, but it was mostly dealing with the present, not necessarily with what happened to him. I didn't think he'd push you away though. What happened?" 


Standing back and watching in horror as her dad took a swing at Chad, Rosalyn is too upset to even cry. She was glad that Chad had his wits about him and was able to avoid getting hurt, but this whole thing was making her feel sick. Not knowing what to do, she just nods numbly at Chad as he walks away, still standing in the bunkhouse. It wasn't until Jim moved that she did. 

Angry that he'd been unable to get the upper hand, Jim stalks out after Chad. "Don't you walk away from me!" he shouts. "I told you to pack up and-"

"Leave him alone!" Rosalyn finally finds her voice as he comes up behind her father. "You've said enough!" 

Jim whirls around to glare at her. "I haven't said nearly enough to either one of you! If I had-" 

"Hey, whoa, what's going on?" Eric had already been up for a short while, and was mounted on Static for an early ride before getting started with the day. Reining in his sweaty horse, he looks with concern between the three involved in this seemingly chaotic scene. 

Jim shoots him a look. "None of your business, so butt out." 

Frowning at Jim's tone, Eric holds Static steady as the horse senses the tension in the air and starts to fidget nervously. "I think y'all just need to calm down here."

"Don't tell me what to do! This is not your concern!" 

"It is when you're causing a scene!" 

Rosalyn's eyes widen as the two go back and forth and Static grows more and more nervous. Backing up a step, she glance to where Chad had walked, feeling trapped in this whole horrid mess. 

"Go take care of your horses or whatever it was you were doing," Jim growls. 

"I'll stay here if I want to." Eric shakes his head in disgust before giving Static's reins a warning tug for him to settle down. At this point, he just wanted Jim to leave Chad and Rosalyn be, before he did something stupid. He had no idea what had started the fight, but it had been an awfully long time since he'd seen that kind of blazing anger in Jim's eyes, and he wasn't about to take it lightly. "How about you and me go getting a cup of coffee an talking about it, huh?" 

"I don't need to talk about it!" Jim yells. At the same time, he throws his hands up in frustration. 

Too close to the horse, Static takes advantage of the moment by spooking at the flying hands. Shying to the side, he rebels against the bit and gives a quick buck with his hindquarters. Focused on the situation and not enough on his horse, Eric was unprepared for the quick movement. Tossed from the saddle, he does a sloppy somersault over Static's neck, landing hard on the ground. Rolling over, dazed, he looks up to see Static sprint towards the barn, reins flying. 

Now caught between still being angry, and also being sorry for the incident, Jim reaches a hand down to him. "You alright?" 

Breathing heavily, Eric looks up at the hand but doesn't accept it. "I'm fine. Just... knocked the wind outta me." Not happy, he locks eyes with Jim for just a moment. "I suggest you walk away." 

Knowing it was time to back down for now, Jim's expression is one of irritation and apology both. Backing up a few steps, he finally turns to leave, not looking at Rosalyn or Chad, but heading straight for the barn instead. 

Only now does Eric wince as he tries to get up. His bad leg had taken the brunt of the impact, and it felt none too good. 

"Eric, I'm so sorry." Rosalyn bends to help him up as tears form in her eyes. "Are you okay?" 

"I will be." Eric takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Standing, he puts little weight on his one leg but doesn't want Rosalyn to worry. "Don't be sorry - it wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was. It all is." The tears spill over and down her cheeks. "This whole thing is all my fault." Not wanting to even look at Chad right now, Rosalyn spins around and takes off at a half-jog towards the back corral, ignoring all the eyes that had stopped to stare at the scene. 


 

Lost Time

Assessing the the situation Chad was one step in front of Jim and from his body language he could tell his next move was to throw a punch. Chad really hoped that he wouldn't but he was ready just in case. Seeing the Jim was not going to rethink his actions Chad sets so the side ducking under Jim's swing and turning around quickly. Standing tall again Chad's eyes held a deep emotion of hurt more than anger. He was irritated, and upset but Jim's words cut him deeper than he would admit to. No one deserved to be judged no matter what, and to think Jim would think so little of him before he even new who he was.

   "I am going to go grab some coffee and breakfast and than see if I can help out around here to pass a little time like everyone else who is welcomed here and as far as I have seen I am welcomed other than by you."

Looking to Rosalyn Chad give her a look of sorry for getting her into trouble. He should have known better than to let her and himself fall asleep. No matter if they did anything wrong or not it looked wrong and it was simply not decent of him.

But on the same hand he gave her a small smile that showed his confadince that he wasn't going to be bullied or back down. He had a strong will when he new what he wanted and that he'd had a great deal of honor getting it. When it came to Rosalyn he respected her, and would never dishonor that respect.

   "Sorry I got you in trouble Rosalyn. I hope to see you at breakfast as well."

Turning around and making his way out of the bunk house Chad walks down the porch and starts across the yard heading to the mess hall. He couldn't stand there or he might say something he would regret. He meant no disrespect and he wanted to keep it that way. So walking away right now was the best thing he could do.

Having Cindy shift and sit into his lap Wes welcomed it. Even if he was still just a little bit sore he would never let on or reject having her close to him. Not now, not ever, not when he'd almost lost her and she had lost him. It made him see just how much more he was thankful for his wife, for the small things, the things that most people took for granted.

   "Shhhh...I don't hold that against you Cindy. If I really had been gone I would of wanted you to move on, so you could be happy, so our daughter could be happy. I know if was not you forgetting me, but just moving on with life. I'm happy I was able to come back though before it was to late."

Leaning his head down into Cindy's hair for a moment Wes just takes in the sent of it. The mornings he'd wake up and smile seeing her sleeping next to him. The afternoons when he would come home from lunch and find her rocking Kaylee in the nursery. The moments when he'd just watch them without them even knowing. Those moments and memories were the ones the he had clung to and gave him the will to move forward. 

Looking up again and into Cindy's eyes Wes just smiles. He'd never tire of searching the deeps, seeing the the twinkles, and the life. As Cindy moves into him he was all to willing to accept the kiss she offered. Wrapping his one arm even tighter around her, and the other cradling her face he kiss with such passion. He'd missed these moments, he'd missed her, and he never wanted to feel that again. So he left the kiss linger making up for so much lost time.

Sitting in her office Hope lets out a small sigh finding out that Scott had called in today. Something had told her that he might but she really had hoped he was wrong. She was lost on what to do and just leaving things be seemed wrong to her. But on the same hand she wondered if it was for the best. But still something seemed missing...

...The hours seemed to pass and Hope lets out a frustrated sigh putting down some paperwork. She had done her best to focus and get some stuff done she needed to but her mind kept wondering back to Scott. She was having a hard time just letting this whole thing go. Maybe she could talk with Justin? He was still working with Scott so maybe he could help in some way.

   "Hey Justin sorry I called at a bad time. This is Hope from TJY. I was just calling because I was worried about Scott. He's been pushing me away as of late and...I dont know I guess I felt like there was a problem that was not being addressed though I am not sure what it is. Maybe anger, in himself, the world I am not sure. I just felt like I needed to tell someone other than myself. If you have any other question feel free to call me. Take care."

Hanging up the phone Hope was kind of glad in a way she got the voice mail. She wasn't sure what to say to start with to Justin so not he could just listen to her babble. But at the same time she hoped he would understand too and maybe be able to help Scott through whatever he was dealing with.

O.o Temper

Seeing Chad stand up to her father, Rosalyn felt half empowered, half afraid. Standing back and watching, all she could do was hope this whole thing would end right here so this madness could cease. 

"Since you haven't done anything?" Jim's eyes narrow as his next words are barked in anger. "You're seducing my daughter! That's what you've done! And if I have to explain every stinkin' detail to you, then you're stupid right along with inappropriate and arrogant!" 

One more step closer and he was just inches away. "And I'll have you know, I've got all the right I need to throw you out anywhere I please, Mister. This is my home, not yours. You're the outsider, and I'm not in the habit of tossing around idle threats!" By now, his tone had just about reached its maximum yelling volume. "So you take your money, your good looks and whatever else you use to attract innocent girls and get out!" 

Too worked up to care about stopping himself, his body coils slightly, his shoulder rolling back, signaling the punch that was coming. And his fist shoots towards Chad's jaw. 

Taken completely off guard by Hope's quick kiss, Scott immediately tenses, sucking in his breath. But as fast as it had started, it was gone... and so was she. 

Standing in the open door, it's not until he shivers from the cool night air that he stops staring at the empty street. He hadn't even felt Domino pawing at his leg to come back inside. After closing the door and locking up, Scott aims straight for his bedroom, shutting off lights as he goes. He doesn't bother cleaning up from the coffee...he'd do it tomorrow. 

Getting to his bedroom, he doesn't even undress. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he hugs a pillow and rocks slightly as several silent tears trickle down his face. He appreciates Domino's attempts to comfort him with her quiet nudges and licks to his hands. But he knew it wouldn't do any good. He knew the nightmares were coming. They always did, especially when his emotions were running this high. And he hated it. He hated hurting. He hated feeling at all. He wished he could just be numb. 

And many hours later as the sun rose in the sky, a call was made to TJY. Scott wouldn't be in to work today... 

It didn't matter if Cindy thought she'd run out of tears or not - they just seemed to keep coming. Overflowing with so many emotions, it was the only way she could handle it. Joined on the couch by Wes and hearing the short version of what had happened, her heart ached. He'd been hurt... hurt enough to have forgotten everything. But he'd hung on...for her. 

Not even knowing how to respond, Cindy shifts around and slips gently sideways onto Wes' lap. Curling into him, she buries her face against his warm chest as more tears flow. Having him close... hearing his heartbeat... feeling his arms around her... it had never felt so good. 

"I love you so much..." She sniffs and tries to regain some amount of control. "And I'm.... I'm sorry I gave up hope. I thought for sure you really were dead." 

Finally lifting her face, her tear-filled eyes stare into his. Oh, those eyes that went on for miles. Those eyes that she had fallen in love with so unexpectedly. Those eyes she was still madly in love with. Sliding her arms around his neck, she brings her lips to his once more, this time just letting them stay there as long as he'd let them, still afraid at any moment, he'd be gone again.

Not going anywhere...

As the door opens with a loud bang Chad stands as his eyes lay on Jim. He hadn't relized till now how much taller he was till being this close. He would see the fire in her fathers eyes and in a way Chad couldn't blame him. How things looked right now was really bad but at least he could of given him time to explain. To make matters worse though Chad didn't like how he talked to Rosalyn. Jim could yell at him, and call him anything he wanted but to hear his tone with his daughter just seemed to rub him the wrong way.

   "Corrupt your daughter? I'd like to know how I have done that! We were talking last night, and tell asleep thats where it started and ended."

Still standing tall Chad new he was bigger than Jim but he'd never use that power against him unless he felt threatened. He new thought that Rosalyn and himself did nothing wrong even if it looked bad Jim did have a right to be angry. But they also had a right to explain what had happened and have the benefit of the doubt. Not treated like they had done something wrong from the get go.

   "I'm not going anywhere Jim. I haven't done anything wrong so you can try and force me to leave but you have no grounds to stand on. I have a right to be here like any other paying customer to the ranch. I just have a perk of seeing my very pretty, and smart girlfriend. So you might as well leave your threats because they don't mean anything to me since I haven't done anything."

Grabbing her jacket and purse Hope puts them on slowly letting out a small sigh. Taking a small sigh Hope walks to the door. Looking at Scott again Hope searches his eyes before leaning into him slowly and pressing her lips against his lightly. Not lingering though she figured a little one might as well be risked since she was pretty much losing her friend anyways.

   "You're always welcome Scott. I never mind coming over and scaring whatever you need away."

Stepping out the door Hope stops again. It was hard to will her feet to continue  but it was hard. Looking over her shoulder. Trying to give a smile she waves a little bit.

   "I'll see you at work. Take care of yourself Scott."

   "Either the kitchen or the living room would be ok with me as long as it with you."

 Standing with Cindy Wes still keeps his one arm around her. He didn't want to let go, he wasn't ready to let go. Not yet, he had just gotten her back he wasn't going to let go yet. Turning slightly Wes waves to Sean in the car to let him know things were going ok.

   "Sean drove me but he's staying at a hotel in town. I didn't want to throw to much at everyone by having him pop up here too. I just had a small bag as well not really to much in it. I can grab it quick and meet you inside ok?"

Letting go of Cindy finally Wes gives a smile before going back to the jeep. Smiling at Sean no words needed to be said as he grabbed his bag. He new his friend would understand because he was just good like that.  Heading back to the house and grabbing his jacket and hat Wes steps inside.

Looking around he remember the house well and at the same time. He'd missed it here, and he was happy to be back. This was the house he built, for his wife and his child. This was there house. Making his way to the living room after placing his bag on the floor. Sitting down next to Cindy he puts his arm around her again leaning his head onto hers.

   "To much time has gone by that I have been without you...I am so sorry Cindy. I'd lost my memorie, and was stuck over seas. Not knowing who I was, why I was there, I didn't even know my name. But through that all I new I was missing something..and thats what drove me forward. It was you."

If you don't...

Cindy wasn't sure she was ready yet to quit crying, but she nods numbly and gets to her feet with Wes. She did want to know everything that had happened... why the Army had thought he was dead... why he hadn't been found... where he'd been all this time. There were so very many questions. At the moment though, she could go forever without answers. Just having her husband home was enough. 

Sticking like glue to Wes' side, she wipes her eyes and sniffs, trying to regain some control. "We can... sit in the kitchen if you want." She remembers the mess she'd made and shakes her head. "Or maybe the living room would be better." 

Moving forward, she stops, her mind reeling. "Oh... do you need to bring anything in? And you weren't alone, were you? Did someone bring you?"

Rolling onto her back, Rosalyn stretches again and yawns before blinking her eyes open again. "Ugh. I guess I'll... slip out alone," she decides. Turning her head and studying Chad for a moment, a smile curls her lips. "Thanks for letting me stay." A little color comes to her cheeks. She knew they'd done nothing wrong, but she also knew they shouldn't make a habit out of this either. "I slept really well." 

Propping herself up, she leans over and gives his lips a gentle kiss. "I'll see you in a little while, okay?" 

Before they could talk any more though, the peaceful atmosphere was suddenly shattered as the door was kicked in with a loud bang. Rosalyn jumps and sits straight up, her eyes wide. And as she sees her father enter the bunkhouse, she can feel all blood drain from her face. 

Jim's eyes were as cold as ice as he looks upon his daughter. "Get out," he hisses. 

"But, Dad, I-"

"Out!" His tone raises along with his finger pointing to the door. 

For a moment, Rosalyn feels as if she's frozen to the bed. Did her father really think anything had gone on here? How could he think she'd do something he wouldn't approve of? Deep down though, she knew that no matter how pure she and Chad had been last night, it still didn't look good. At least they were both dressed though - that had to count for something at the moment, right? 

Trembling slightly and not even daring to look at Chad, she slides off the edge of the bed and stands, bending to pick up her shoes. Actually leaving though was another story. 

When she goes no further, Jim takes another step inside. "Get your hind end out of this bunhouse right now, or so help me, Rosalyn, I'll do it for you." 

Rosalyn grits her teeth as her blood begins to boil. Everything about their fight last night comes rushing back, flooding her with anger. "I can walk myself out, thank you," she retorts. "I'll gladly follow you out." 

"You'll leave right now," Jim corrects. "I want to be left to speak to your boyfriend alone." 

Rosalyn's grip on her shoes tighten. "Whatever you have to say to him, you say in front of me," she defies stubbornly. 

"Fine. Have it your way." Jim takes a couple more steps closer to the bed, his eyes blazing as they land on Chad. "How dare you come here and corrupt my daughter." His tone was more than angry. It was seething. "If you don't pack up and leave within the hour, I will have you forcibly removed from this ranch."

Scott bites his lip and nods. He'd just really hurt Hope's feelings, hadn't he? It felt awful. He hadn't wanted to. But he knew he needed to say what he had. It was just all so messed up. 

"Yeah..." He rises from his chair to walk her to the door. "I'm sure you'll see me at work." She shouldn't feel too badly, right? She'd at least still see him at TJY now that he was working again. And yet... he knew deep down, that wasn't enough. 

Getting to the door, he musters up a small smile. "Thanks for coming over and scaring away the boogie man. I, um... I appreciate it."

Everything

As Cindy comes in for another hug Wes returns his arms around her and holds her close. Feeling her close feeling her acceptance, it was like a slice of heaven a heaven he thought he might never see again and now, her she was in his arms again. There was so much he wanted to tell her, he wanted to say to her, but right now just holding her and rocking slightly was all he could do. 

   "I miss you every second, minute, hour, day...they were never complete without you. I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

Pulling back a little bit and giving Cindy a few kiss to the forehead before burying his head into her head into her hair again and holding her. All the emotions the swirled around inside him, everything he'd been feeling this moment here just seemed to whip it all away. To be in his home, with his wife, and to see his daughter soon it took everything bad away.

   "How about we go inside and have some coffee...and I can fill you in on everything that happened mmmm...?"

Feeling Rosalyn move on top of him Chad opens his eyes again and runs his hand through her hair. He'd been awake for a while but didn't have the heart to wake Rosalyn. She looked so at peace resting there and he had been to comfortable to even think about moving her himself. This had been one of the best night sleeps he had gotten in a while.

   "You don't have to get up but I think for our own sakes we better before more people wake up and we run the risk of them seeing you leave me room. We know nothing happened but something tells me a few other people might not believe that."

Shifting a little to slip out from under Rosalyn Chad gives a stretch before turning and looking at Rosalyn and gives a smile. It really had been a good night sleep and now seeing her this morning she still looked as pretty as ever and he couldn't help but think how lucky he was again.

   "Want me to walk you out? Or do you wanna slip out on your own?"

Hearing what Scott had to say again Hope looks down at her empty hands again as Scott removed it from his arm. His words stung and Hope wasn't sure what to do now. She'd dont all she could do to let Scott know how else that she would not give up. Hope just felt so lost, and confused and hurt.

   "I...well...alright than. I guess I will just leave it at you coming to me when you want to hang out or something. Not like you don't know where I work right?"

Giving a half smile Hope wasn't sure what else to do or say. Feeling Domino next to her though it was almost like a nice tension breaker. Bending down and taking the dogs rubber bone Hope tosses it into the other room before straightening up again.

Looking back to Scott she shifts a little bit before looking around and than giving a knowing nod like everything was ok. It would be ok right? Something deeper was going on with Scott that maybe she could talk to Justin about but for now there was really nothing we can do. 

   "Well thanks for the coffee Scott. I guess I should head home now...see you soon?" 

 





 

All night

Hearing Wes' promise, Cindy can feel her walls crumbling even more. She had to trust him. She had to believe him. He was home. For good. He was really home.

"Oh, Wes..." Retreating slightly, she puts a hand to her mouth, just studying him again, assuring herself that it really was him. Overcome with emotions, she suddenly throws her arms around his neck, burying her face against his chest. Sobs break forth as she trembles, crying for sorrow... crying for joy. Forgetting they were on the floor, she just hugs him tight, fearing if she let go, he really would disappear and she'd wake up.

"I missed you so much," she chokes between tears. "I prayed so... so hard you'd be okay..." 

Lifting her face, her lips meet his to give him the kiss she'd longed to feel for so long. "I can't believe you're alive," she sniffs. "That you're here..." Returning to her tight hug, she cries some more, just soaking him in like a sponge. 

Stirring slightly, Rosalyn stretches her legs before sighing deeply. Her eyes still closed, she nuzzles her head further into her pillow even though her body was trying to wake itself up. She could tell it was time to get up. Actually, it felt a little later than that. Had she not heard her alarm? Maybe. But she was so comfortable, and Jade would cover for her if she was late to the kitchen this morning. 

Shifting a little more, she suddenly realizes she's not in her own bed and it was not her own pillow she was resting in. On the contrary, she was up against something very warm. Her head lay on Chad's shoulder, her arm still draped around him, her hand tucked under his open shirt against his warm skin. One leg was tangled with his own, and her other arm felt impossibly numb where she'd slept on it, apparently all night. 

All night. Oh, this was not good. She finally pries open her eyes to confirm everything she'd just figured out. Yes, and there was faint morning light outside. She groans and just tucks herself in beside Chad a little tighter. "Do I have to get up?" she mumbles.

If what Hope said was true, that she was satisfied with just friendship, then why did Scott see in her eyes what he did? Was she just that willing to ignore her feelings just so she could at least be friends with him? While that made him feel good, it was also frustrating. 

Scott's eye focuses on Hope's hand that lay on his arm. Her touch made him feel good, and he didn't like that. "I'm glad you want to be friends, and that's fine. I like being friends with you too." He shifts his arm out from under her hand as he leans his elbows on the table, deciding it was better just to remain seated. "But I still think we outta spend less time together. I can't handle it." There. He'd admitted it. It was because of him, not her. He was the one with the problem. He was the one that couldn't stand being so close to her all the time. 

Trotting over to her two favorite people, Domino carries in her mouth a squeaky rubber bone. Sensing that her master was not in the mood to play, she aims for Hope instead. Putting her front paws on Hope's leg, she looks up at her, her stumpy tail wriggling with excitement.

Promise

Looking up at Cindy all Wes could do was search her face, she pretty face, the face he had fallen in love with, the face of the woman who he would spend the rest of his life with, the prettiest face he still to this day had ever set eyes on. There was something about her that captivated his heart and even now it was the same, something that never was to die. 

Cindy's words cut his heart like a knife. They did not anger him and though they did make him feel slightly sad he did understand where she was coming from and if it were him in her position he would feel the same way. All he could do though was keep at least one hand on Cindy as if she might be gone again if he didn't. Wes' voice still but a whisper, soft, full of love and emotion some how pushed out the words he wanted to say.

   "I don't want to pick up where we left off because I know to much time has passed for that, but I would like to pick up and move on to our future."

Feeling Cindy's hand on his face again Wes can't help but tilt his head just a little bit so that he could nuzzle a little more into that hand and feeling clearer on his skin. Hearing the sob, and her words it shattered Wes heart. To think what it must have been like to think he was dead, to think about raising there daughter on her own. It must have been hard and than to show up here again Wes could only imagine the emotions.

Hearing Cindy's question Wes continues the silence for a long second. He's been hurt in the line of duty saving a young child's life. Being called back into the field was highly unlikely unless something major happened.

   "I promise I wont leave you for more than a day or two ever again from this point on. "

How dare you...

Watching Wes remove his hat and outer shirt, Cindy knew her request, on some level, was rather ridiculous. But she didn't stop him. She had yet to work through much buried anger for what had happened and the organization that had taken her husband away from her. 

Her eyes drifted to the scars on his face and her gut twists. Not because she thought they were ugly, but because of what he must have gone through. He not only had been missing, but he'd been hurt. How hurt? How had he suffered? Where had he been? What had he seen and experienced? What horrors had he lived through? 

There were too many words to try and sort them out as they all piled up and got stuck in Cindy's throat. As Wes steps closer, she stiffens, still not knowing what all this was about or if it was even real. He was supposed to be dead. No one had told her he was alive. Would he just be taken away again? Was this a cruel five-minute reunion, just to have him turn and leave again? Was this whole thing a dream? 

Cindy sucks in her breath as Wes touches her face. She knew that touch. She knew that hand. It was his and only his. No other man could spread such warmth through her. And his voice...yes, that was Wes' voice. Her husband's voice. The voice she had longed to hear for so long. If this was a dream, it was all too real. 

Without much time to react, Cindy is drawn to her knees with Wes, suddenly caught in his embrace. She'd seen him cry before...but not like this, and she thought her heart might just crumble right here. Still in a state of shock, some of her walls remain firmly in place, even if this really was Wes. Pulling back far enough to see him, she lifts her hand to his face. Her fingers run over his scars, so lightly as if she thought it would cause him pain. She straightens a strand of hair over his ear and rearranges a few locks above his forehead to look more like "her" Wes. Silent tears fill her eyes and slowly spill over, trickling down her cheeks without her even noticing. 

"How dare you come unannounced," she whispers hoarsely. Amidst the shock and love, fire flashes in her gaze. Her palm still rests gently on his face though, proof of the conflicting emotions she felt."You leave me, never to return... I thought you were dead..." Her voice wavers, matching her tears. "And now..." Her hand slides from his cheek. "Do you think you can just... just waltz back in here and pick up where we left off?"

She swallows hard, looking again at the scars on his face. How hard this all must have been on him. How heart-wrenching to have left his wife and daughter behind, thinking he'd never see them again. She knew how much he'd loved her and Kaylee. She had trusted that love and knew it was true. It wasn't his fault he'd left. But who else could she be mad at? She wanted to scream. Cry. Hit. But she couldn't bring herself to inflict any more pain on this man she loved so deeply. 

Searching his eyes, she could feel her walls starting to lower, and a sob catches in her throat. "I missed you so much," she manages between tears. Her had returns to his face, just feeling him to reassure her he really was real. "Please tell me you're not going to leave again." Her lower lip trembles and her face contorts as she tries to maintain control. "Because if... if you are... then you can just go right now." 

If what Hope said was true, that she was satisfied with just friendship, then why did Scott see in her eyes what he did? Was she just that willing to ignore her feelings just so she could at least be friends with him? While that made him feel good, it was also frustrating. 

Scott's eye focuses on Hope's hand that lay on his arm. Her touch made him feel good, and he didn't like that. "I'm glad you want to be friends, and that's fine. I like being friends with you too." He shifts his arm out from under her hand as he leans his elbows on the table, deciding it was better just to remain seated. "But I still think we outta spend less time together. I can't handle it." There. He'd admitted it. It was because of him, not her. He was the one with the problem. He was the one that couldn't stand being so close to her all the time. 

Trotting over to her two favorite people, Domino carries in her mouth a squeaky rubber bone. Sensing that her master was not in the mood to play, she aims for Hope instead. Putting her front paws on Hope's leg, she looks up at her, her stumpy tail wriggling with excitement. 

Never again

Letting his eyes fall on his wife as she opened the door Wes could feel all the words he wanted to say catch in his throat. He's tried to think of so many things to say and now as his eyes rested on the wife he had missed, and thought maybe he would never see again those words just didn't seem important anymore.

His eyes searching her face he felt sad admits his happiness to see her. She looked so thin, or warn, tired and stressed. To think he'd been the cause of it send another pain through his heart. He's promised to never do anything to hurt Cindy and now he had even if it hadn't been his choose or intention. 

Hearing Cindy's comment Wes still says nothing but takes his hat off making the few scars on his face even more viable. Next he starts to unbutton his shirt Wes takes it off a plan tan shit still underneath. Placing both the shirt and hate over the railing Wes turns back to Cindy. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. Taking a few steps forward he reaches out and gently runs his finger along her cheek, and jawline his eyes just taking in how pretty she was, and how much he's missed. His own voice a soft whisper.

   "I thought I'd never see you again."

Not being able to help the overwhelming feel of emotions anymore Wes slips his arm over Cindy's shoulders as he sinks down to her knees. Bringing his other arm around her as well and pulling her close to him. Burying his face into her neck he can't help the hot tears that streamed from his eyes. He's missed her so much, seeing her, feeling her, having her love there. He's missed everything about Cindy right down to her silly quirks. Now holding her again Wes just sat there keeping her close to him, letting his sobs come and just holding her.

Hearing Scott's words Hope can feel a little bit of her heart chip off. She new how Scott felt and that he wasn't ready for a relationship and she was ok with that. But hearing him say the words just seemed to make everything a little more real and it still hurt a tiny bit.

   "I don't expect anything Scott but your friendship Scott. That's all I want and all I ask for, you are important and your friendship is important."

Looking at Scott and searching his face Hope could see all the emotion, pain, worry and it stung. She new he was having a hard time battling with everything, and it was so clear to see the emotion in his eyes. She only wished he wouldn't push her away. He needed friends and people who cared, this was not the time to push them away.

   "And if you think pushing me away will stopping me from waiting for you than your wrong. Weather I see you every day, or never again I will still wait for you."

Taking a few steps closer to Scott Hope lays a hand on his arm for a second as her eyes continue to just look deep into his. She was pashent and she would continue to be so even if it meant doing it for the rest of her life. It was something she was willing to do for love.

   "You're worth that to me Scott. Even if all we ever have again is friendship, I will cherish what we once had, and love our friendship even more."

...isn't welcome

At Hope's suggestion of hanging out while he took more pictures, Scott's gaze roams her face. Whether she knew it or not, her eyes said a lot more than her words did. The way she looked at him proved she missed him...more than just a friend missing a friend. She was patient, but she was still waiting on him to make some kind of move beyond the relationship they had now. She wanted more. She still loved him. 

Letting his eyes drop again, he takes another sip of coffee before focusing on the table. Part of him very much wanted to spend more fun time with her. But part of him also felt a burden... a burden to resist so as not to hurt her in the long run. 

"That sounds like fun," he finally responds quietly. "I, um... it's just..." He gives a short half laugh half scoff and shakes his head. "I can't believe I'm saying this..." 

Looking up again, he locks with her gaze. His own was full of tiredness and remorse. "I think maybe it would be better if... we didn't spend as much time together." He pauses, swallowing hard and resisting the urge to reach over and take her hand. "You're waiting for something that's just never going to happen, Hope. I'm... not the same man I was before, and... I just don't see that I'll ever be in a place where I'll be able to have a relationship with you... 

...I'm sorry."


Hearing a knock at the door, Cindy gives a wail of frustration. Who was bothering her now? It had just been one of those days, and she'd already taken Wendy up on her offer to watch Kaylee since she'd been a holy terror. Alone in the house, she'd decided she could finally get some things done... until the clothes dryer had quit working, her computer had frozen up, two dishes had been dropped and broken, a shelf full of books had come tumbling down on her while being dusted, and the vacuum cleaner had stopped working. And now she was elbow-deep in cold soapy water trying to unclog the kitchen sink. And someone was at the door? Seriously?

Pulling her hand out of the drain, she grabs a towel. But drying off, something didn't feel right. Glancing down in dismay, she sees her ring finger empty. She'd lost weight and she'd known her wedding ring had been loose, but hadn't done anything about it. And now she was paying for that bad decision. Not to mention, she should have taken it off before doing the dishes like she always did anyway. What had she been thinking?

Pent-up frustration forced tears to her eyes and she swipes at them with her t-shirt sleeve. She'd pulled her hair back earlier but now half of it was falling around her face, and she knew she was a royal mess. And someone had to come now? She had half a notion just to ignore the door.

Huffing a sigh, she rolls her eyes and heads for the door. She'd come back and continue trying to unplug the drain, and now also hunt for her ring. Throwing the dish towel somewhere between the kitchen counter and the table, she ignores where it lands and goes in her bare feet to see who was there. If it was anybody but ranch family, she had half a notion to sock 'em in the face just for bothering her. 

Yanking open the door with irritation, her eyes looked straight ahead to see an Army uniform. A mixture of fear and even more irritation flooded her veins. Lifting her gaze, it traveled up until she saw his face. And when she realized who it was, it felt as though her heart stopped completely. Blinking, little emotion showed on her face. Was she dreaming? Had she fallen asleep and was now having a nightmare? Was this a joke? Was this real? Was this really Wes standing in front of her? Her husband? The man who was supposed to be dead? 

Taking a shocked step backward, her breath catches in her throat. The woman that had cried into her pillow at night yearned to leap into his arms and hold him tight and scream for joy. While the woman that was angry he had been taken away in the first place would just as soon leave mended the wounds she'd finally sealed. 

"Wes?" Her voice was but a hoarse whisper, her thin face contorted in confusion. Wrapping her arms around herself, the inner conflict worsens as she lifts her chin in defiance. "You better have a change of clothes," she whispers tersely. "'Cause that uniform isn't welcome in this house."