Tea Though...

About to turn away Misty stops at the mention of Wyatt and getting into it with Jason. Her cousin was so proactive Misty didn't mind though it made her feel good he cared. Misty just continued to listen before turning around. Deep down she new Jason didn't mean to hurt her, and she understood why he had broke things off and she couldn't be mad about that either. It was an extremely honorable thing he did, but still on top of everything else she was still hurting.

   "You never lost my friendship Jason. We always have been and always will be friends."

Turning Misty walked to her desk and sat down taking a sip of her tea that had now gone cold. She didn't mind though. Sitting down she let out a small sigh and looked at Jason for a long moment, She wish she felt better, she wished things were better but the truth was they wernt.

   "Thanks for the off but I'm not really feeling up for doughnuts at the moment...I could go for more tea though."

Karla held up her hand to Kip and entered the room. She didn't want to small talk much. She just wanted to get to the point. This was going to be hard for every one involved and it was better to just get it done and over with than.

   "No I'm good thank you anyways."

Pacing for a long moment Karla had her arms wrapped around herself. This was so hard for her and she had no idea what to say first. It took all she could to not just turn into s big ball of a mess right here.

    "Kip....I,,,I did a lot of thinking and I do forgive you, but I cant forget what you did."

Karla turns to Kip and searches his face. So much emotion was on her own. She'd been thinking a lot, about different things and one thing just seems to keep running into the other that she couldn't get over.

   "What we had...it doesn't feel special anymore. Its not just you and me, its you me and someone else. I dont know if that makes sense but to me it does. I know you can say you will never let it happen again but the fact is it did happen. You were unfaithful, our bond broken, and on top of all that...I dont feel special to you anymore. I wasn't good enough to have you call me and tell me what was going on,"

Everything Karla said made sense to her, if it did anyone else she didn't know. It was a hard thing to swallow to look at Kip and know he'd been with another woman. 

   "I'm sorry but I just can't be with you anymore. I cant be in a relationship where I cant trust the other person, where the sacred bond is broken. I..just cant."

Karla turned and headed out of the room. If she stayed there she'd change her mind, or shed break down and cry in front of him. This whole thing was hard to swallow. She only friend, one of the last few people she had, was now gone. Things were just...different.

As Jared shifted Grace just let him. She new how bad everything was for him right now, and he new it was hard. Just resting her one hand on his solder her other hand just absentmindedly ran her fingers through his hair. She was comfortable just siting there with the cool wind blowing.

    "You know, I don't really feel like doing anything today myself. How about we just sit here and enjoy each others company? Sometimes that really is the best therapy."

Donut Runs

Hearing the knock on the door, Kip's heart lurched. He'd been pacing his bedroom ever since Karla had said she was coming over. Things were going to be okay, right? He knew things wouldn't be back to normal right away, but she'd give him a chance to prove he wouldn't be stupid again, surely. Whatever she asked of him, he'd do it to make things right again.

Opening up the door, for a quiet moment he just looked at Karla, his eyes wearing the same sorrowful look they had the other night. He wanted to reach out and hug her, but her expression made him leery. Maybe he should wait.

Backing up, he gestured to his bed where they always sat and talked or cuddled while watching a movie. "Come on in," he invited quietly. "I'm... I'm glad to see you." He really was. Her coming over was a good sign. He tucked his hands in his jeans pockets and shifted his weight awkwardly. "If you wanna stay a while, I can grab us a couple cans of pop or something..."


Jason obeyed Misty's directions, though he sighed when she listed all the reasons for concern when it came to the Agency. He winced a little as she cleaned the wound, but didn't complain. He knew good and well this was the wise thing to do.

He gave her a wry grin as she finished up. "It wasn't my bodyguard's fault. Nobody coulda seen this one - the shooter was too far away. Wyatt feels bad enough the way it is."

Rolling his sleeve back down, he remained seated on the bed. It felt a little awkward to have Misty help him. Though they were okay, it felt like things between them just hadn't ever been quite settled. Though interacting at work, there was just this invisible wall, and Jason hated it. Mostly because he knew it was his own fault. He hadn't exactly planned on saying anything today but...maybe taking advantage of the moment wouldn't be so bad. "Speaking of Wyatt... he told me last night that I'm a jerk." He bit his lip. "Talk about a buzz kill." Really? That's where he chose to start? He inwardly rolled his eyes at himself.

"He pointed out rather boldly that I'm awfully good at starting things...and just as good at not following through. I was mad at him...til I realized he was right."

Would saying these things really make any kind of difference? He had his doubts, but it was too late to stop now. "I guess I really have built quite a pattern of getting in too deep then royally messing things up, and... I know I've apologized for what happened with us but...I guess I'm still sorry. I can't change anything now. I was dumb from the get-go. I don't regret being there for you... I just went about things all wrong and... If I could go back and do things differently, I would."

He searched Misty's face, hoping she wouldn't think him crazy. "Guess I deserved the tongue-lashing from your cousin, but..." He shrugged. "Thought maybe we could at least shoot for being friends again?" A little grin surfaced. "And I'm the kind of friend who even goes on donut runs in the middle of the day...in case bribery works."


Jared didn't move or say anything as Grace approached and sat down after shifting his legs. But he didn't complain either. Truth be told...as miserable as he was, her words touched a part of his heart that he usually kept too deeply for anyone to reach. It didn't bring a smile to his face, but he knew what she really meant. He knew her statement didn't just apply to the literal storm clouds rolling by.

Remaining silent, it wasn't clear how many minutes passed until he stirred. It was difficult - especially after going these last few days without any therapy - but he slipped his legs off her lap and shifted his weight. It was wobbly on the swing, but he managed to make the effort anyway, until he was eventually opposite of what he was before. Though his legs weren't as comfortable, he ignored the pain, and leaned back until his head was resting in Grace's lap. He still said nothing, but simply closed his eyes as the swing rocked gently. A tear slipped down the side of his face, as his fingers found her hand. Words couldn't express how dark the world felt to him right now. 

"Please don't make me do therapy today," he whispered.

Wonders

Walking up to Kip's house Karla just stood outside for a long moment. She'd called Kip a few hours ago and asked if she could come over. She wanted to talk to him, she needed to talk to him and it couldn't wait. After the last few days of silence it was time to talk about everything that happened. She new it was going to be hard though, for herself, for Kip...it just was not going to be an easy thing to hash out. She'd cried, she'd prayed, and she'd kept to herself these last days.

Finally getting the courage Karla walked up to the door and gave a knock before opening it and going in. Seeing Gram and Gramps in the living room she smiled a little and waved before heading up to Kips room and giving a knock at the door. Picking at a lose string on her coat she waited till he answered.

Seeing Jason come into the room Misty tried to give a little smile though things seems a little awkward now, and when everything that has been going on she still wasn't her old happy self. Smiles were hard to come by, and her eyes where just dark. Life seemed so different now, she just didn't know how to fix it.

   "Come and sit here."

Misty motioned to the one of the empty beds close to her desk. If Aaron woke up again she wanted Jason as far away as he could be. For all they new Aaron could be the one that was to kill Jason if anything happened. She wouldn't take that chance or risk.

   "My overprotective Uncle is smart. Bullet could of been laced, it could of nicked something a million to one things could of happened specially if it was from the Agency. We all know they know no bounds."

Drawing quiet again Misty sets to work looking at Jason's wound and cleaning it up. The would didn't look to be reacting to any poisons, or any sign that it might, Jason got lucky or the person the Agency send was dumb. Either way Jason wold be ok.

   "You got lucky this time. Just keep clean dressing on it so it wont get infected, and tell your bodyguards to do a better job."

Pulling into the driveway Grace looks at the sky and grimes for a moment. She'd hope to get out and about with Jared today but it looked like the rain had other plans. Getting out of the car and tucking her keys into her pocket she made her way to the porch, up the steps and to the swing. Gentily she lifts Jared's legs and slids under them on the porch swing.

Looking out at the sky again the clouds where thick, and dots of light broke that darkness as thunder formed. A cool breeze blew and she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again and looking at Jared with a smile.

   "It's always amazing how storms can look so scary, and some times are, but afterwords there is always a calm, a rainbow, new life that forms. One of the many wonders of the world if you ask me."

Chaotic Moment

Watching Karla walk away, Kip tried to say something, but the words caught in his throat. Though he reached out to her, she was gone. His feet felt as though they were glued to the ground. He wanted to run after her. He wanted to say he was sorry at least a hundred more times. He wanted to scream. But this is what he deserved, and he knew it.

With head hanging, he eventually wandered in the direction of home again. Hands in pockets and shoes scuffing the pavement, he walked as a wounded soul. Wounded by his own actions. His own poor choices. Choices that had broken someone's heart.

Getting back to the house, he was surprised to see someone sitting on the porch in one of the patio chairs. Nearing though, he realized it was Gramps. Still, both he and Gram were usually in bed by now. Kip approached cautiously, just wanting to go to bed himself, and pretend that nothing around him existed anymore. But even though he tried to get away with just a little wave, Gramps gestured to the chair next to him.

Sighing, Kip obeyed and sank down, his eyes falling to the porch floor. Gramps studied him for a moment before letting his gaze roam the nighttime surroundings. "Her name was Barbara." It seemed a bizarre place to start talking, and Kip's eyebrows rose.

"I knew her all through grade school and into high school," Gramps continued. "I liked her. A lot. Figured one day I might even marry her." He folded his arms and leaned back as the memories filtered through his mind.

Kip took the bait. "What happened?" he asked quietly.

Gramps shrugged. "I messed things up. Made a big mistake. We fought. It was entirely my fault, even though at the time I wasn't going to admit it for anything." He had to chuckle about it now. "Yes...that was one young lady I'll always remember. I dare say she was my first love."

Kip swallowed hard. "So it...was over...between you two?"

"Yep. That was it. I tried for a while to get back together with her, but she wouldn't have any part of it."

"Are you telling me that I may have screwed things up with Karla permanently?"

Gramps thought for a few quiet moments. "If I hadn't lost Barbara, I never would have met Gram. And I thank God every day for her. I'm not saying a future with Barbara wouldn't have been great. But God worked things out in my life that turned out even better than I'd hoped - in spite of my own silly mistakes."

Had Kip really lost Karla? Surely not. Surely she'd forgive him...right? It might take a while but...but she'd come around, wouldn't she? He'd hear from her and they'd talk things through, and he'd promise never to be stupid like that again, and they'd be okay....right? He focused on a splinter of wood in the floorboards before he finally got to his feet again. "I'm glad you found Gram," he concluded softly. But he really didn't want to think about his own mess anymore right now. He just wanted to go to bed.

Even in bed though, his phone was tucked under his pillow with the volume up. Just in case. Karla could text or call any time, and he wouldn't want to miss it. But he didn't hear from her. Not that night. Not for the next few days. Countless times he started to call or text her, but stopped himself. What could he say anyway? Maybe she just needed time. And then everything would be okay. He'd give her space, and then things could get back to normal.


It was an odd kind of feeling as Jason pulled out of the Elite parking lot with Wyatt tailing close behind in his jeep. It had been such a good evening, and such a long time since Jason had really enjoyed himself like that. He didn't really want it to end...but nothing would last forever. And too soon, the next day had come...

“Hello, Mike Reese?”

Reese stood from his desk as the newcomer entered. He was a medium-height, thin man, clean shaven with dark hair, dressed in nice pants and button-down shirt, and appeared to be in his mid-thirties. Reese acknowledged him with raised eyebrows. “Yes. Agent Young?”

“Yes.” He extended a handshake and polite smile. “But call me Kirk.”

“As long as you call me Reese like everyone else.”

Kirk chuckled. “You got it.” He set his briefcase down and glanced around the office. “So, um…I assume you’ve been brought up to speed.”

“Of course.” Reese moved around to his computer and clicked the send button. The memo he’d had saved for days was now sent to everyone’s computers so they’d immediately see it.

Heads up. Agent Kirk Young from the FBI will be with us for several days. He will be observing our operations and filing a report with the Bureau. This is not a test, or threat – simply do your jobs, answer any questions he has, and be on your best behavior. Yes, we are under scrutiny. Agent Young’s report may or may not affect the future of the Elite. If you have any questions, let me know. Carry on.

“We have several empty cubicles out on the main floor – let’s get you settled.”

Kirk nodded his thanks. “Alright. Lead the way.”

"I'm fine!"

"You're bleeding!"

"It's just a scratch!" Jason yanked his arm away from Wyatt as they walked through the main floor of the Elite.

"Even a scratch should be taken care of!"

Reese stopped in his tracks on his way to showing Kirk around. "What on earth is going on here?"

"We got shot at," Wyatt stated flatly. "That's what's going on. Or more accurately, our hitman had this hothead in his sites."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. It was just a cheap shot."

"That grazed your arm only because you bet to tie your bootlace! It woulda been your head otherwise!"

"But it wasn't!"

"Hold it!" Reese held up his hand. "Did you get any kind of lead on the shooter?"

Wyatt shook his head. "I dug the bullet out of the doorframe and my guess is it's from some kind of high powered rifle. I followed the angle and couldn't see anywhere the shooter could have hidden, so I'm guessing he was quite a ways away, which increases the risk since we may never get a glimpse of him before he shoots."

Reese gritted his teeth and looked back at Jason. "Have Rick look at your arm."

"But-"

"No arguments. I wanna make sure that bullet wasn't laced with any poison. Wyatt, take Pete and see if you can figure out anything else."

Garret had been avoiding stopping by the infirmary. Not because he wanted to avoid Aaron – on the contrary, he wanted to see him. But he also knew it would just stir up trouble that he’d get blamed for. Today though, as he wandered down the hall towards the main floor out of boredom, a commotion stopped him.

“Get back in bed this instant!” Rick’s stern voice rang out into the hall before being followed by a loud crash and clattering of infirmary paraphernalia. Aaron stumbled through the doorway, his eyes darting wildly at these surroundings as he tried to find an exit. He fell against the wall as his leg buckled under his weight, and by the look on his face, it was excruciatingly painful.

“Aaron!” Garret barked and jogged the rest of the way down the hallway.

“Get away from me,” Aaron hissed. He stepped forward again, and again almost fell. Sweat poured down the sides of his face and he shot Garret a warning glare. “You can’t keep me here. No one can.”

“Well what…” Garret glanced back to the infirmary. What had happened to Rick? “You can’t leave.”

“Watch me.” Aaron took another painful step.

“Don’t do it,” Garret warned. “I’m not asking.”

Out on the main floor, Justin had just come in to see Reese, then make an initial assessment on Aaron for the books. He paused by the little group though, sensing something was wrong. "Hey guys. What's..." His sentence trailed off as they heard the commotion down the hall, and all of them automatically headed that direction. As they got to the hall though, they hadn’t expected such a ruckus as they found.

Aaron ignored Garret and took another step towards the freedom he thought he could find. But Garret wasn’t going to let him ruin what he had here. “Aaron,” he ordered, “one more time. You can’t leave. I will stop you.”

“You’re a traitor,” Aaron spat out. “That’s all you’ll ever be.”

Garret wasn’t going to let Aaron cause trouble – not when he was trying so hard to establish trust here. To establish a new beginning. He stepped forward and grabbed Aaron’s arm.

Aaron tore himself away and stood straighter, despite the pain in his knee. “Touch me again, and you’ll regret it.”

Garret was done talking, and aimed a fist a Aaron’s face.

Aaron blocked and tried to get his own punch in, but failed.

Garret grabbed his arm and torqued it – hard – making Aaron turn against the wall. “Back in the infirmary. Now.”

But Aaron was not in the mood for cooperating. Fighting against Garret’s strength, a short brawl ensued, though Garret took no hits, while Aaron’s own face received several punches. The scuffle ended with Aaron caught in a strong headlock from behind, struggling to breathe.

“Garret!” Reese stopped in his tracks at the hallway. “Stand down!”

Garret’s gaze snapped up but he didn’t let go.

Reese’s eyes narrowed in a warning. His hand went to his sidearm, but Justin stopped him. “No. Let him go.”

“What?” Reese hissed. “Are you kidding me?”

Justin shook his head. “Somebody’s gotta be the alpha dog. If you’re ever gonna tame Aaron, let Garret do this.”

Garret wasn’t sure what was being said, but continued his hold on Aaron until his struggling slowly subsided and he slumped down in Garret’s grip. Now that he was rendered unconscious, Garret grabbed him under his arms and dragged him backward, back to the infirmary.

Reese relaxed and rolled his eyes. "Justin, go see what's going on. Jason, go with him and get yourself taken care off and check on Rick. Wyatt..." He glanced at his son, too stressed to even think straight. "Go find Pete and work on finding that shooter." He turned around and almost ran right into Kirk - he'd forgotten he was even there. "So how about we find that empty desk for you to set up?"

Kirk's eyebrows were arched and his gaze implied there was plenty he'd like to say, but he held his tongue and just nodded instead. "Lead the way."

In the infirmary, Rick was dabbing a cut on his head, with Misty's help. Aaron had broken loose and knocked him over while Rick was trying to administer a shot. Taken so off guard, Rick had been dazed and just let Aaron go, knowing he wouldn't get far anyway, and simply let Misty help get him back on his own feet. 

Looking up as Garret came in dragging Aaron, Rick smirked. "Is he alive?"

"Of course he is." Garret shoved Aaron's limp form up on the bed and huffed a sigh. "He'll be out for a little while, but you better watch him."

"No kidding." Rick nodded to Misty. "Thanks. I think I'm alright now." His pride was more hurt than anything else. Ready to get back to work, he was then surprised at Jason's entrance. "What happened to you?" 

"Bullet." Jason glanced at Misty and grimaced. "Just a scratch. But your overprotective uncle made me come."

"Oh for crying out loud." Rick rolled his eyes. "Misty, take care of him, would you? I'll get our unconscious friend over here settled." 

Justin leaned on the open doorway and studied the chaotic scene with just a little bit of amusement. So much for his initial assessment. It would be hard talking to a guy who was dead to the world at the moment. 

Jared turned his head in the hopes that Grace wouldn't take note of his tears. He'd always been on top of the world. At the head of the pack. One step in front of everyone else. And now...now he was a pathetic excuse for a man - not even capable of taking care of himself, let alone just walking across the floor. And just when he thought things couldn't get worse, they did. When on earth was it going to end?

He closed his eyes and decided to just let himself fall asleep if he could, rather than trying to talk anymore. There was little point anyway...even if Grace's words did linger in the back of his mind...

...It was several days later. Stabilized with new medication, Jared had been released from the hospital with the doctor's approval to continue as he had been with physical therapy and daily activities, as long as he didn't have any more seizures. His emotional state was something else altogether though.

Stretched out sideways across the porch swing was usually one of Jared's favorite places to be. But this afternoon as the dark clouds covered the sun and the rain fell, he just wanted to be back inside in bed. Unfortunately, his mother had forced him up and had helped him out here, intentionally leaving his crutches just out of reach so he'd have to stay a while. Still in an old t-shirt and sweatpants, he hadn't even bothered to dress more than that this morning. It just felt too hard anyway.

A painful muscle spasm in his back made him cringe and curse under his breath. Pointless. That's what his life was. Pointless. He stared out at the rain and barely noticed the low rumble of thunder in the distance. He'd lost track of time and didn't even think about the fact that Grace was supposed to come today for his therapy.

Time...

Sitting down on one of the swings Karla could feel her heart beat faster and faster. Something was not right and Kip stammering just proved it even more. Listing to his words and not being able to get any of her own Karla stiffened at Whitney's name. She wasn't the jealous type but she didn't like Whitney at all, she was trouble and just bothered her.

As Kip continued Karla could feel sadness, and maybe even a little anger show on her face. This was really happening? Kip really let this happen? She couldn't describe how betrayed she felt. She reality didn't expect Kip to honestly do this. Getting up from the swing Karla just looked at Kip for a moment.

   "I...I don't know what to say Kip. I'm angry, I'm disappointed...I just don't know. I need time to think about this. Just...I need to go."

Turning Karla walked away heading back the way she came. She was just to upset to stand there anymore. It wasn't till she was a little bit away that tears sprung into her eyes. Her life was just starting to get on track and now this was here to just rune it all.

Getting home Karla didn't bother to say hi to anyone, she didn't even bother getting a snack. She went right up to her room closing the door behind her. Throwing herself on her bed and buring her face in a pillow she let out a long scream as the tears just continued to fall.

Getting back to the Elite Katie had to admit to herself she was sad the night was over. It had been a good one and it was nice to have hung out with friends. The friends, food, music it had all been nice, and a nice change. It had been far to long.

Turning to face Jason a little Katie smiles just looking at him for a long moment. It had been a nice night. A little sad at times as she remembered the days long gone, but mostly happy as she built a new friendship, and saw old friends once again.

   "Any time you know that, it's what I am good at, and the world would be a lot less exciting without you in it so I might as well. Nite J, take care and I'll see you tomorrow."

   "Mmmm...I don't have an answer to that unfortunately. The only thing I could imagen is sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we can start going up again."

Grace thinks for a moment before coming and sitting on the bed again. She wished she had all the answers, it would make so many things better. Specially now and with what Jared was going through.

   "I wish I had all the answers for you, and I wish I could tell you everything happens for a reason, but I can't because I simply dont know. All I do know is we have to keep pushing on, smiling when we don't want to and kick life in the face when things are not fair and I want to be there to help you because I care."

Messed Up

Turning just in time to see Karla approach, Kip tried to smile, but didn't do a very good job. He would normally greet her with an enthusiastic hug and probably a kiss, but tonight, his hug was a softer one - almost timid.

"I'm okay," he assured. "Just, um...it's not...I mean, I wasn't... it..." He stopped stammering as his eyes fell to the ground. He could deny anything had ever happened. He could lie his way through this and never tell her the truth. He could forget about his stupid actions and Whitney and that awful night. But he knew in his gut that somehow, some way, if he chose that path, he would come to regret it in a big way.

"Karla, I..." Even though his eyes were already glued to his feet, he turned his back on her. He couldn't watch her face. He couldn't look her in the eye. He just couldn't. "I messed up.... really bad." His voice was quiet as he started to pace back and forth, kicking at a crack in the sidewalk. He swallowed hard. "It was the other night. I...I got an email from my dad and...and I was just... I was so upset. And so...so I went for a walk. It was late and...I rant into...into Whitney."

His pacing stopped, but his eyes remained on the ground. It felt like he was suffocating, and his hands had started to tremble. "I don't know what happened. She just... I mean, I... I don't even remember hardly anything." As if that would make a difference. "I guess I drank too much and...and..." His voice cracked at that point, tears filling his eyes as he stared at the sidewalk. He hated himself. "The next morning, I woke up in a hotel room...in bed with Whitney." Oh, how Erik had warned him about her so long ago. He drew in a shaky breath. "I went right home. I was so sick, Gram took care of me. I just...I couldn't..."

He finally lifted his gaze to see Karla's face. His own wore an expression of anguish. Guilt. Fear. "I didn't go back, and I have no idea where Whitney is now. I never meant for anything to ever happen, and it never will again." His voice grew even quieter. "I just need to know if you can forgive me."


Seeing Katie's tear, Jason cocked his head, wondering at what might be going through her mind. Her words brought a new little smile to his face. "Yeah...lots of good memories." He missed the days of concerts when all he had to do was  turn around, and Katie would be there. Describing her as loyal would have been an understatement. She'd been...a part of him, like no one else ever could be.

He opened his mouth to say something else, but stopped right before the words hit his tongue. Their lives were different now. They did have good memories, but it was all just a part of the past now. 

"You're never gonna believe this..." Phil came back into the room, holding up his cell phone.

Jason's attention snapped up. "What is it?" 

"Just got an invite for Jetstream to open for another band."

"Oh? Well who?"

Phil just grinned and shook his head. "The Kyle Mitts band."

"Ha!" Jason glanced at Katie then back to Phil. "That is...unbelievable."

"Told ya."

"So what did you say?"

"I said yes, of course!"

Talk turned to Kyle's band, where he was at, and Jetstream's future lineup - which wasn't as full as it used to be, but they didn't mind. It was still mostly for fun anyway...

...It was later than originally planned when Jason pulled back into the Elite parking lot, from where Wyatt would take over watching his back for the rest of the night. Wyatt was waiting in his Jeep and gave a wave as Jason parked by Katie's car. 

Jason shifted a little in his seat to face Katie. "Guess I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks...for your hawk eyes." He hesitated a moment, then simply reached over to give her shoulder a gentle pat. "Goodnight, Hero."


Jared squinted as Grace opened the curtains and let the light in. He'd rather enjoyed the dark. Sighing, his eyes drifted to the television that was muted. Bored. Tired. Depressed. It felt like he always returned to this spot now. Even though he acted like he ignored Grace's words, deep down, he really was listening.

Without warning, tears filled his eyes. "I just wanna feel better," he almost whispered. "Why does it have to keep falling apart?"


Rosalyn giggled. "I don't know. I'm never out late. But I have a feeling they'd start dreaming up romantic theories before sending any hounds."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him another long kiss. "I prefer the romantic dreams anyway."

The Hounds

   "I have faith that maybe one day your dad will come around. Till than I'll just continue to show him I don't plan on hurting his baby girl."

Returning Rosalyn's kiss Chad really did hope her dad would come around if it was in God's will. He wanted to get to know Jim, he wanted to show him he was a good man, and he wanted him to be proud of his daughter. He'd continue to pray on the matter and just keep doing what he was doing.

   "So how long can I keep you out tonight before your friends send hounds after me?"

  "I keep trying because you wont. One of has too."

Standing again Grace goes to windows and opens them letting the sun light on. She new Jared thought things looks dark right now and they did, but there had to be something good that would come from this. She had to believe that even if Jared didn't.

   "Also, I'm not letting you give up. I care about you way to much to do that. You mean a great deal to me, and I look forward to seeing you if not every day, than almost every day. Even if you are in a gumpy mood. So now lighten up, and lets get this recovery on the road again."

Sitting on the couch Katie was enjoying herself. It was great to be with the guys again and just listen to them play and joke around. She'd really missed that, and it was nice that they accepted her back like she'd never left.  It felt nice, and she really was happy she'd ended up coming inside.

As Jason sat next to Katie straightened making more food for him. As he strummed She smiled and closed her eyes for moment just listening. A flood of memories came back to her in that moment. Being with the band, going to consents, spending time with Jason and just listing to him play. They were all good memories, and it made her miss this so much. Even if she was welcome here at any time it just wasn't completely the same.

Opening her eyes a tear slipped from her eyes without her even knowing it was there. Wiping it away quickly she smile again looking at Jason for a moment before replying to him.

   "I know I am. Thank you for convincing me to come in tonight. I's been really nice, without a lot of good memories. I've missed very one so much."

Putting her phone back in her pocket Karla was making good time. Kip wanted to meet at 9 and it was 8:55. It wasn't odd that they would meet here so late, it was pretty normal for them and it was what they liked. Something about tonight though told Karla this was different. Kip had been distance and every time she wanted to get together there was some reason he couldn't. She didn't like to thinking the worse but it was hard not to at this point.

Coming up to there normal spot and seeing Karla smiles and gives a small wave but as Kip came into focus more her heart gave a leap. He looks horrible, far worse than she had imaged. It just made her heart race more and she new something bad was going to happen again. She tried to be cheery still, but she new it was a failed attempt.

   "Hey Kip! Good to finally see you again, I've been worried with how sick you have been. Feeling any better?"

Talk

Gram gave Karla’s shoulder a gentle pat. “Thank you for helping with the dishes, Dear. I’ll certainly tell Kip you were here.” She smiled her same kind smile she always did…though tonight her eyes were more thoughtful. “You have a good night.” 

Back in his bedroom, Kip could hear the door open and close, and he knew Karla had gone. His grip on his pillow loosened, though his gut was still in knots…where it stayed for the rest of the evening, despite Gram coming in to check on him and offering an attempt at encouragement. He could later hear Gram talking to Gramps, and even though he couldn’t distinguish what was being said, he knew they were talking about him…and it made the pain worse.

After that, nothing changed. Not Kip’s work schedule, not his depression, and not his contact with Karla – which was little to nothing. He avoided her completely, communicating through text, but continuing to use the excuse he wasn’t feeling well, just so he didn’t have to see her. Whenever she came by, he was either in bed, or had slipped out for a while. And he hated it. He hated himself, and he hated his cowardice. He hated what he had done, and he hated how he continued to beat around the bush and try to ignore what had happened. 

Now, four days later, it was to the point that Kip wasn’t even sleeping. He couldn’t. Not with all of this on his mind. Not with the guilt that was eating him alive... 

…It was evening. The sun had just set, and the lights in the park that normally created a glowing, romantic atmosphere, now went almost ignored. Kip paced near one of the benches...his and Karla’s favorite spot. He fished his phone from his pocket and nervously scanned his last text message to her. 

Can we meet at the park? 9:00? I need to talk to you.

She’d agreed. And now he waited. With every fiber in his being, he wanted to run and hide. He wanted to lie. Or pretend nothing had ever happened. But he knew he couldn’t. It would just continue to tear him apart. So he paced. Worried. Sick. And too tired to fight it any more.


Jason grinned as he got out of the pickup. He was glad Katie had decided to come inside with him…for more than one reason. And in the end, her presence added to the fun of the evening. Mike, Phil, Axel and Rocky were all thrilled she’d come, and treated her just like they always had – like a sister. The company was good, the food as good, and the music was as good as it always had been, if not better. Even though JetStream was still just a three-man band since Kyle had left, their practice had paid off, giving them an improved tight sound. Axel and Rocky added advice and more fun as they played around with ideas and just had a good time. 

It was getting late. Rocky had left, Mike and Phil were in the kitchen, and Axel had gone outside to take a call. Jason sat on a stool with his acoustic guitar and swiveled around to see Katie on the couch. He’d had such a nice evening. It felt like…old times. Different, but…the old times had been so good…it was nice to feel like this again. 

He stood slowly, and wandered over before easing down next to Katie, and strumming a few soft notes on his guitar. Pausing, he turned his head to look at her, and he gave her a little smile. He’d seen how she’d enjoyed the evening, too. And even though there was still a weird awkwardness between them…he could still read her well enough to know she had liked this time as much as he had. 

“Ya know…” He plucked another note or two. “You can join us again…whenever you want. You’re more than welcome.” 


Jared sighed and set the rest of the chocolates aside for now. His eyes rolled to the ceiling. “Recovery? What recovery? This?” He gestured around the hospital room. “One step forward, two steps back. Who cares if family is around or not? My situation doesn’t seem to change.” 

His gaze shifted over to the flowers Grace had brought. Their colors and sweet scents were supposed to be cheerful. But if there was anything he didn’t feel right now, it was cheer. 

“I don’t think this is ever gonna end. I don’t know why you keep trying.”


Rosalyn stared up into Chad’s eyes, in total awe. In awe of him, his dreams, and his strange love. “You are…amazing,” she whispered. “I highly doubt it would be cheaper since you don’t come up this way for anything but me… but if you say you can do it, I believe you. And…I certainly wouldn’t say no.”

She leaned up and gave his lips a soft kiss. “You amaze me more each moment. I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and not giving up like I did.” She paused as her fingers toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I wish my family…my dad…could see what I see in you.”

FOOD

Giving a smile to Gram Karla nods as she continued to help with the dishes. At least Kip was resting, and that was important if he was sick. Maybe tomorrow she would stop by again and see him. She could always bring more soup.

Finishing up and drying her hands off  Karla lets out a small sigh followed by a yawn. She was starting to get a little sleepy. She could spend all night with Gram though but new she couldn't.

   "Well I guess I should probable get going. Just let Kip know I was here, and I'll stop by again tomorrow."

Katie can't help but smile and shake her hear. It was silly of her really to even suggest staying out in the car. She should have known that never would happen. The guys would have her and Jason's head for trying something like that.

   "Alright alright. Just to save trouble with everyone I'll come in."

Getting everything together Katie gives a small smile to Jason. She new this was more than likely strange for him. They haven't spent this much time together in a long long time, not to mention come over to Mike's in even longer. It was mostly her fault and she still felt bad for it.

   "Food...I love food."

Pushing everything out of her mind Katie didn't want to make things worse. She would just take things as they came and have a good time. Than again who couldn't with this bunch. It would be good to see everyone too.

Sitting down on the bed Grace smiles at Jared and takes one of the chocolates as well giving a nod of thanks while she listened.  It was hard trying to peace together everything Jared was saying about Justin but she was trying to anyways.

   "Guilt? Maybe he was just realizing what he was missing in life, Maybe he finally wants to try and build a relationship with you."

Popping the chocolate in her mouth Grace closes her eyes and chews it. At the moment her taste buds were dancing. It had been quite some time since she actually had chocolate. Opening her eyes again she continues to just smile. She really felt like today was going to be a good day.

   "Whatever it is though I'm happy. You need Justin in your life, as much as you need your mom. Family is important and will be important to your recovery. Even if you dont think so, having the extra support in your corner is good."

Reaching down and tilting Rosalyn's head up with his thumb Chad let it run over her cheek as she smiled down at her. He new most might think he was crazy, or living in a dream world, but to him this was real and everything he said to Rosalyn was the truth.

   "Mmmmhmm...I do mean it."

It was a crazy thing he was willing to do though. He was willing to get lashing from everyone as long as he was close to Rosalyn. He loved her with all his heart, and everything else was worth it to just be closer to her.

   "I can figure it out. I just might have to do a little more traveling and I'll keep the place there, so it cuts down having to pay for a hotel and what not. In the long run really it should be cheaper. I don't want you to worry about that though. If I didn't think I could do it, I wouldn't...I promise."

Included

Gram smiled as Karla entered the kitchen. She was like a granddaughter and always welcome. Taking her time with the dishes, she nodded her thanks. "That's so sweet of you. I'm sure he'll appreciate the food." 

Karla's question made Gram hesitate, though. Obviously Kip had told her he wasn't feeling well...but also just as obviously he had not expressed the nature of his condition. And it was not Gram's place to spill the beans. 

"Last time I checked on him, he was still sleeping, so that's good." At least that was an honest answer. She turned and just studied Karla for a moment, offering a new, comforting smile. She didn't know what was going to happen, but her heart hurt for this young couple. She hurt for Kip who needed more help than he allowed. She hurt for Karla who deserved more than this out of a relationship. "I'm sure he'll pull through just fine," she finally concluded. He might need some help along the way, but eventually... Gram had faith Kip would figure things out. 

Down the hall, Kip's ears had picked up the sound of Karla's voice, and his fingers curled tightly around his pillow. What was she doing here? He didn't want her to come to his room. He didn't want to see her. Or talk to her. Not now. Not yet. He couldn't bear it. He wasn't even sure how he'd ever be able to look her in the eye again. Maybe she'd just leave him be today. Maybe she'd just talk to Gram then go home. Gram wouldn't say anything about what had happened, right? She wouldn't tell Karla why he was really sick, would she? 

His grip on his pillow tightened, as did the knot in his stomach. If there ever was a time he wished he could erase the last twenty-four hours, it was now.


Evening. Jason had worked until it was time to head to Mike's, and had driven his pickup with Katie in the passenger seat. He still felt badly about ruining her evening, but there wasn't much either one of them could do about it if they didn't want to face Reese's wrath. And...even though Jason wanted to ignore it, he knew there was a very real threat out there. 

Getting outside of town to Mike's, Jason parked near the house and cut the engine before turning to look at Katie a he fiddled with his keys. "You mentioned staying out here, but there's no way the guys are gonna let that happen." He gave her a wry grin. Rocky and Axel might come to play around, too. So, the more the merrier..." 

Once upon a time, no one would have dreamed of leaving Katie out of the band's scene. It felt weird to be trying to convince her to be included now. "And besides, if they find out I left you out here, I'll never hear the end of it. Not to mention, neither of us has had supper, and there will be munchies."


Jared was propped up in bed, half dozing, half watching television when Grace came in. He eyed the flowers and candy suspiciously - she was trying to make him feel better. But what was the point? Despite that feeling, a little smile did turn up one corner of his mouth. He studied the chocolate for a moment before daring to open it. She knew his weaknesses, for sure. 

Glancing over at her, he shrugged. "It was...okay. I think maybe he doesn't hate me anymore." He finally couldn't resist trying a piece of chocolate, and chewed it slowly. Maybe he felt like crap, but at least his taste buds were temporarily happy. It took a few moments, but he finally managed to voice his appreciate, even if it was buried under a mountain of negativity. "Thanks..." He offered her a piece of candy, too. 

"Justin was kinda weird. Guess maybe his guilt got to him. I dunno. I should prolly be happy about it."


Rosalyn settled in on Chad's lap, breathing a deep sigh of content as she nuzzled her head into his shoulder. If there was ever a time she'd like something to last forever, it was here, right now. But no matter how much they pretended, reality still stood in the way. A week and a half though...that didn't seem so bad... until imagining a whole other month with him  being gone again. At least she wouldn't be ignoring communication from him though, so it wouldn't be like these last few weeks had been.

She was about to respond, when his idea of buying a house here made her head snap up and she studied his face. Was he really serious? She knew he was a dreamer, but...this? 

"Are you...serious? You'd do that...just to spend more time with me?" That concept really was beyond her. "I...I certainly wouldn't complain." She gave him a sheepish grin. "I mean...I'd love that. But is that something you really can do? Don't you have to stay close to the marina even when you're not traveling? And that's a huge expense..." She didn't want to be negative, but in her world, that was something way outside the realm of possibility.

Pretend....

Looking up at Hunter Katie gives a smile. She was happy he was so understanding and didn't give her a hard time about work, at the same time she was happy his friend called too. She didn't feel as bad knowing he had somewhere to go now.

   "I will...thanks for being such a good spot about this."

Moving her head and leaning up Katie pressed her lips on his for a long moment before baking away and giving a smile. She did need to get back to work now. Specially if she was going to take off with Jason. She wasn't sure when he was going and she had to at least get a little done or Reese wouldn't let Hunter come again.

Giving a tap on the door Grace enters Jared's room with a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolate. She was bound and determined to make him smile no matter what it took. She new he was down, but she didn't want him to continue to be like that. So if she could do something to make him feel better she would.

   "Morning...I just saw Justin leave. Did you have a good visit?"

She'd seen Justin leave and wondered about it. He didn't seem upset so that had to be a good thing. Passing Jared's bed Grace puts the chocolates in his lap before giving hi a pat on the shoulder and going over to the little table to arrange the flowers.

Walking with Rosalyn Chad couldn't be more content. He had enjoy the time with all the girls, but this time alone with just Rosalyn was even more priceless. Keeping his arm around her, and keeping her close his walking pace matched hers. It was a nice night, not to hot and not to cold. What more could he ask for really?

   "We could pretend it could last forever."

Chad couldn't help the smile that played on his lips as he spied a swing set and directed Rosalyn in that direction. Sitting down on one of the swing he pulled her close and positioned her in his lap to sit comfortable as he softly drifted back and forth. 

   "But I guess...being an adult is knowing that pretending is just that and sooner or later the real world really does callus back. That being said...I think a week and a half to two weeks is really all I can get away with. If all goes well, in a months time after that we should be done over seas and be able to come home for a little bit and relax before getting another job in."

Falling silent for another moment Chad leans his head on Rosalyn's and let out a breath of air. He new his work made him bounce all over and he wondered how hard that would be on Rosalyn. He only hoped she was willing to deal with it for a while, at least till something changed, and than maybe she could come with him. He new that would be a while though, but it was a nice thought to look forward too.

   "I was thinking when we come about though about buying a house here in town. It would make things a little easier and I'd be able to spend more free time with you. That is...if you think thats a good idea."

Getting Kips text Karla felt her heart sink just a little. She'd been looking forward to dinner tonight but she quickly pushed that feeling away. It wasn't Kip's fault get got sick and he did have to work tonight so she new he would need his rest. Maybe she could bring him some soup though just so he new she was thinking about him.

A few hours later Karla stood outside Kips a container of homemade soup in one hand and a basket of fresh baked bread in the other. Giving a knock on the door Karla than opened it knowing that Gram didn't mind if she just walked in. She considered her family and wouldn't dream of it any other way.

   "Gram...its Karla."

Making her way through the house and to the kitchen she smiles seeing her standing at the sink. Coming in and setting everything down Karla went over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek before diving in and just helping her with dishes.

   "Hi Gram. I made some soup and bread for Kip since he wasn't feeling well. I thought it would help you out a little, and well I had to eat tonight too so I might as well make enough for everyone."

Stopping for a second to rinse some dishes off Karla places them into the strainer before turning the water off and waiting for a few more to pile up.

  "How is Kip feeling..any better?"

So Stupid

Jason nodded, but didn’t voice his actual thoughts. He’d save them for later. For now, he simply gave Katie a little smile. “Okay. Thanks for being a good sport. Hopefully this thing won’t last too long and Reese will quit being paranoid.” He tapped the top of the cubicle wall. “I’ll touch base later then and we’ll come up with a plan. But I won’t let Wyatt get away without paying.” He tossed her a wink, then waved to Hunter before heading back to his office.

Hunter wasn’t sure what he wanted to say, if anything, but his buzzing phone got him off the hook. Glancing at his text message, he quirked an eyebrow. “Well, it all worked out,” he mused aloud to Katie. “Buddy needs some help working on his car before a race tonight, so I’ll be well entertained.” He stood and stretched tall before coming closer and leaning down to give her a kiss on the lips. “I should let you get back to work. Text me later so I know you got home okay, alright?”


Jared didn’t respond and just pretended to sleep, even though he was quite awake. Half of him wanted Grace to stay and half of him wanted her to leave. But he didn’t have enough gumption to actually tell her to go. He knew she didn’t deserve his bad mood. No one did. But at the moment, this pit of darkness was too deep to see out of.

For the next couple days, not much changed – in his condition or his attitude. The doctors were getting closer to an answer, now saying with more confidence that what had happened had something to do with trauma from his initial accident, but he’d be there for another one or two days just to make sure a new medication was working…

“…Knock knock.”

Jared glanced to his hospital room’s door, his eyebrows lifting slightly at seeing Justin. He hadn’t expected his brother to show up. “Hey.”

Justin wandered in and eased down in a chair close to the bed. “How ya feeling?”

“Oh, you know. Cooped up. Bored. Depressed.” Jared shrugged. “The norm.”

Justin gave him a small grin. At least he was telling the truth – and at least he was talking today. He’d heard that Jared’s conversations lately had been little to nothing, even with Grace. “Yeah. No fun. At least you get more jello. Lime’s your favorite, right?”

Jared eyed him suspiciously. “Yeah.” He cocked his head. “Why…are you here?”

“Because you are.” Justin shrugged. “You’re in a hospital. Aren’t I supposed to visit?”

“That never convinced you to come before.”

Justin bit his lip. Yeah. That was true.

The silence confused Jared even more. He really didn’t feel like doing anything but sleeping right now, but he was bored enough that he’d bite. “Is…something wrong?”

“Naw.” Justin slid down a little further in the chair. “Just…”

Jared waited. “You alright?”

“Uh-uh.” Justin paused, then shook his head. “I guess not.”

More silence. Jared folded his hands on his lap. This was a switch. “I’d try to help, but you’re the shrink, not me.”

“Right, right.” Justin eyed the bedspread instead of his brother’s face. “I guess I…just wanted to come and…”

Jared rolled his eyes. His brother hadn’t even corrected him about calling him a shrink. “Dude. You haven’t been this bad since that debate in high school. Seriously…what’s wrong? I’m too depressed to figure it out myself.”

Justin remembered that debate. He’d totally lost all his nerve – and the competition for his team. “I’m sorry.”

“For…what?”

“For being the same kind of guy I loathe.” Justin picked at a callous on his palm. “The kind of guy who refuses to forgive and doesn’t give a second chance to someone who deserves it.”

Jared’s expression flickered between more confusion, surprise, sadness, confusion again and hope. “I…I know I don’t really deserve a second chance. I don’t blame you for not wanting to be around me. I mean, I tried to make you miserable on purpose. If I were you, I wouldn’t forgive me either.”

“Yeah, well…I’m not you.” Justin finally glanced up at him. “And I really don’t like the way I’ve been acting lately. We’ve never been close, even before Dad died. But I guess behaving like a child doesn’t fit my style.”

Jared’s eyes dropped as his emotions started to churn, and he tried to swallow the lump in his throat. “So…we’re good?”

“No.” Justin shook his head. “But we’re better than bad. And…that’s an improvement.” He stood up and set the chair aside. “I gotta run.”

“Oh. Yeah, okay.” Jared watched him go, but stopped him. “Hey, Justin?”

Justin turned once more. “Yeah?”

“I really am sorry. About everything.”

Justin nodded. “I know. Me too.”

Only when left alone did Jared allow a tear to trickle down his face. Maybe, just maybe, he really would get his brother back. He didn’t want to take that for granted. Yet at the same time, here he was, feeling more stuck than every before, in a mire so thick, he couldn’t move. He hated where he was at. He hated himself. He hated his condition. He just wanted…peace.

Sinking down a little in his bed, he closed his eyes. He hadn’t seen Grace yet today. But then…he wasn’t sure he would. Not after he’d given her the silent treatment the last few days. She didn’t deserve that from him. And again…he just felt stuck in his own misery.


Lots of laughter. Lots of pizza. And Lots of fun. At least for Rosalyn. Having Chad here, despite all of her inner questions, was enough to brighten her spirits more than she could have dared hope. Despite the rather strange circumstances of her and him, and how she came to be here with her two friends, he fit right in, and Lizie and Hannah treated him as they would a brother – especially Lizzie who dished out the teasing as much as she always did.

Eventually as the evening wound down and the pizza was gone though, Rosalyn did want her time alone with Chad, and got it in the way of a walk. Ambling slowly down the sidewalk, she kept herself tucked under his arm, just soaking up everything she could, not knowing how long it would last.

It was only a few blocks to a little park, which was lit up for the evening. Rosalyn rarely came here alone, but with someone else, it was quite peaceful. She sighed deeply, glad she’d grabbed her denim jacket – the air was growing cool for the night.

“So…” She wrapped her arm around Chad’s waist as they slowly walked. “You never really gave me a straight answer about how long you’re staying. I mean, I know your brother’s covering your workload, but that can’t last forever.”


It was one in the morning when Kip quietly entered the house, careful not to wake Gramps and Gram. By now they were used to him getting off work at the wee hours of the morning, whether it was midnight or four o’clock, but he still did his best not to disturb them.

After grabbing a cookie off the kitchen counter, he ambled to his room where he kicked off his shoes and flopped onto the bed. Grabbing his laptop, he decided to check his email before going to sleep. As soon as he spotted a particular email though, all other thoughts fled. His heart raced, and he was tempted to delete it without reading it. But something made him look.

“Heard you were doing well for yourself. Good. You know I can come any time I want, right? Took me a while to figure out where you were, but I found you. Thought I’d leave you be until I needed you though. Don’t worry. I’m still good for a week or two. But I think a trip to Nevada sounds like a good plan. You know, so we can catch up and all that. So I’ll be seeing you. Til our reunion…”

Kip wasn’t sure how long he’d been staring at the message, but it was long enough that his laptop went to sleep on its own. His hands were trembling, and his stomach was in knots. Erik had warned him. He’d told Kip to report his father more than once, but he never had. And now…now he was coming here. Kip’s mind replayed their last encounter over and over. How badly he’d been beaten. The time it had taken just to physically recover, let alone mentally… he was still recovering.

Thoughts of sleeping vanished. Kip slipped his shoes back on, and within minutes, he was back outside. Adrenaline surged through his veins, making his muscles shake as he walked down the dark sidewalk. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t. What should he do? What could he do? Should he tell anyone? Just keep quiet? Hope it went away on its own? Why did this have to keep happening? It wasn’t fair. These thoughts and more plagued his mind as he walked. Tears were kept at bay by sheer willpower. It was fear that drove him on as he desperately tried to maintain control over his emotions. Fear of the past. Fear of the future. Fear of his own emotional instability. Soon, he was a long distance from home, having unintentionally reached downtown where there was still activity at a few all-night places. Passing by a particularly noisy club, the doors burst open, and a handful of people came spilling out, talking and laughing and ignoring where they were going.

Getting run into, Kip was accidentally shoved to the side and almost tripped off the curb. “Hey!” he complained. “Watch it.”

“Sorry, sorry.” One of the young women turned around and immediately stopped, her eyes widening. “Kip?”

Kip blinked. “Whitney?”

“Well I’ll be.” Whitney waved to the others. “Go on, guys, I’ll catch up. I got me an old friend here.” She folded her arms and gave Kip a once-over. “Looking good.” She grinned slyly. “I shoulda come sooner.”

Kip bristled. “What…what on earth are you doing here?”

“Here here, or here Nevada?” She ran a hand through her tousled hair. “Just a change of scenery. Actually, my cousin got a lead on a job and invited me along for the ride. So here I am! And so are you. What a small, small world.”

“Uh…huh.” Kip folded his arms, trying to hide that his mind was reeling. How could Whitney be here? This was insane. Everything he’d tried to leave behind was all coming back, and all in one night. What were the odds? This couldn’t be happening. “Well… goodbye.”

“That’s it? After all this time?” Whitney stuck out her lower lip to pout. “We parted on such lame terms. I think it’s fate that brought you around here tonight.” She stepped closer until she was just inches away from Kip. “Don’t you?”

His pulse was pounding. He was beyond upset about his father’s email, his heart was in utter turmoil, all he’d wanted was some fresh air, and now he was face-to-face with someone that had always somehow been one of his greatest, most hated weaknesses. He swallowed hard as he realized he’d been backed up against the brick wall of the club. “I think you’re drunk.”

Whitney laughed and slung her arms around Kip’s neck. “I just can’t seem to stay mad at you. And I’m not drunk. I’m just right.” She leaned her face in until her forehead was touching his. “You haven’t said yet why you’re out here at this late hour.”

Kip reached up to try and pull her hands down. “Just walking. I need to go.”

“Well if you’re just walking, you don’t have a reason to go.” She refused to back away. “I’ve tried harder with you than anyone else, and you’ve always slipped through my fingers. Why is that, hmm?” Without waiting for an answer, she pressed her lips to his in a passionate kiss.

Trying to pull away, Kip couldn’t move as the back of his head was against the wall. Emotions writhed within him. He didn’t want this. He didn’t want any of this. He didn’t want to be tormented by his father. He didn’t want to be followed around by a guilty conscience and memories of constant failures. He wanted to forget. He was so very desperate for a world where his problems no longer existed.

Lost in the same kiss that had seduced him so long ago, Kip’s shoulders finally dropped. He couldn’t fight anymore. He couldn’t fight anything. He was too tired. Too tired of the constant battle. Couldn’t he just once pretend his life was somewhere far away out of sight?

Feeling Kip returning her kiss, Whitney pressed herself up against him and continued the exchange for several very long moments until she finally withdrew. “Mmm…there’s the Kip I used to know.” Her hand slid down his arm until she grasped his fingers. “And there’s no ‘big brother’ to get in the way this time.” She bit her lip and started to pull him down the sidewalk. “Come on. This is too much of a coincidence to ignore. You and I are long overdue for some fun…”

…Kip opened his eyes slowly and squinted in the dim light. Dim or not, it hurt. He licked his parched lips and tried to sift through his mental fog. Maybe he should just go back to sleep. Wait…something didn’t feel right. He blinked open his eyes again and focused on a window he didn’t recognize. Where on earth was he? Confusion woke his mind at a faster rate, and he rolled over onto his back to find he was not in his own bed at all. This was a hotel room bed. And he wasn’t alone.

A whole new kind of panic rose within him as he turned his head. Whitney was still sound asleep. Oh, no…what had he done? As he sat up, his head spun and he felt like throwing up. He managed to maintain control though, and dressed as quickly as he could find all his clothes that were strewn about. He wasn’t even sure all he’d done the night before, but it was pretty obvious he hadn’t been an innocent bystander, and all he knew now was he had to get out of here. He was so…so…so stupid. Why hadn’t he said no? Why hadn’t he walked away? He’d tried, but not hard enough. He’d just wanted an escape…but he was now waking to a nightmare – and one that he couldn’t even fully remember. After locating his sneakers, he tied them quickly, and aimed for the door. Just as he reached it though, the door to an adjoining room opened, and a shirtless guy walked in, yawning. “Hey, Whit, you up?” He spotted Kip and grunted. “Leaving already?”

Kip couldn’t even remember who this was. “Yeah.”

The man grinned. “Too much for you, huh?”

Kip’s hand was on the door handle when Whitney’s voice joined in.

“Hey, keep it down and let a girl sleep,” she mumbled.

“Your boyfriend is trying to leave,” the man teased.

Whitney sat up too fast and winced, putting a hand to her head. “Ugh.” She blinked and squinted at Kip before grinning. “You shouldn’t leave yet. We’re gonna be here another couple days.”

Kip was too sick to care anymore and he turned back to the door without responding.

Getting a signal from Whitney, the other guy stepped between Kip and the door. He was bigger than Kip, and looked down at him with a teasing smile. “I think she’s asking you to stay.”

“Yeah, well I don’t care.”

“You should.” He set a firm hand on Kip’s shoulder. “If I know her, and…I know her quite well, she’s got plans for you today that you don’t wanna miss.”

“It would seem I got enough of her last night,” Kip growled. “Get out of my way.”

The man laughed. “Ooh, ya got spunk. Hey, Whitney, he’s got some energy left after all!”

Out of nowhere, Kip’s mellow demeanor was overtaken by a sudden burst of rage. And without any warning, his fist connected with the other guy’s face.

He staggered to the side before tripping over a chair and falling to the floor. His hand went to his bleeding lip, and he looked up angrily at Kip. “Oh, you’re gonna regret that, kid.”

Just as quickly as the rage had come, Kip felt a new and even greater wave of guilt. That fist… that fist he’d just swung… that was his father’s fist. And he’d just struck out of anger. Just like his father. Before anything else could happen, Kip was out the door. He didn’t even know how to get out of the hotel, but managed to find his way until he was finally outside in the fresh air. He had no idea what time it was, but judging by the light, it was late morning.

It took a while to get back home, and by the time he got there, he was so sick that all he could do was head straight to the bathroom. In the kitchen, Gram was washing dishes when she heard the door. “Kip, is that…” Her voice trailed off as she saw him disappear down the hall. Concerned, she slowly followed his trail to where he was sitting on the bathroom floor, hung over the toilet. “Oh dear… Hun, are you alright?” She knelt next to him and rubbed his back as he threw up again.

Kip just groaned and slid back to lean against the wall, his eyes refusing to look up. Gram sighed deeply. The boy looked terrible, and she couldn’t deny the scent of alcohol on him. Without saying anything, she rose, and was back a few minutes later with a cold, wet cloth and a cup of water.

It took several more times of throwing up before Kip’s body was finished, and by then, he had no energy left to get up. He let Gram help clean him up a little though, but he remained quiet.

Gram sat on the edge of the bathtub and just studied him for several long minutes. “I thought maybe you’d just had an overnight shift at work, but…I’m guessing that’s not it.”

He shook his head.

“Want to tell me about it?”

He shook his head again.

“Gonna tell me anyway?”

Kip swallowed hard as tears sprang into his eyes. He stared at the tiled floor. “I…I don’t even…remember much,” he mumbled quietly.

“Mmhmm.” Gram pursed her lips. “How about starting with what you do remember?”

“I was upset…” He swiped at his eyes, frustrated with the emotions he couldn’t seem to get under control. “’Cause I got an email from my dad. So I went for a walk. Then I…I ran into a girl I used to know.” As his lower lip started to tremble, he stopped.

Gram reached over to pat his shoulder. “It’s okay.”

“No it’s not!” He finally looked up at her as the tears ran down his cheeks. “I went with her… and… and I don’t know what happened, but there was drinking, and, and other people and…” His face grew hot. “And when I woke up this morning, I…I was in bed with her.” His eyes dropped again. “Not that I remember it, but it’s pretty obvious what I did.” He leaned forward and hid his face in his hands. How could he have been this stupid? He’d done stupid things, but this…it took the cake.

Gram’s voice remained gentle. “Why did you go with her?”

Kip kept his face hidden. “I dunno,” was his muffled response. “’Cause I just… I was too… my dad and… ‘Cause I’ll always be worthless.”

“Hey.” Gram poked him in the ribs with her toe. “You’re not worthless. A little lost maybe, but never worthless. Did you learn anything?”

Kip nodded. “That I’m even more stupid than I thought.”

Gram sighed again. “Well, what are you gonna do about it now?”

He shrugged lamely. “I…I don’t… There’s Karla and…” The tears started again.

Gram rose and coaxed him to his feet to lead him to his bedroom. He was so hung over, that getting anywhere with him was going to have to wait. “Sleep a while, okay? When you wake up, I want you to take a hot shower, I’ll have some food for you, and the world will look differently.”

He didn’t believe her, but he didn’t have the energy to argue. Falling into bed, he checked his phone that he’d left here last night. Thankfully, no one had tried to get a hold of him, and he wasn’t supposed to see Karla until supper tonight. Karla. Oh, Karla. What was he going to do?

…It was several hours later when Kip awoke and had enough nerve to text Karla. But even then, he kept it short.

Rough day. Got sick. Prolly shouldn’t do supper. Sorry :( Gram’s taking care of me. Gonna sleep til work tonight.

At least it was all true. But that didn’t release the enormous knot in his gut.