Phil feels a little like he's in a daze as he's asked about the accident. He really didn't know a thing, other than he'd seen the car, stopped, pulled the girl out and called for help. When the policeman leaves, he almost feels left out of the loop, now knowing no more than he had when he'd arrived. Who was the girl? What had really happened? Would she be okay?
Sighing, Phil watches the firemen for a few minutes before heading back to his pickup. Back on the road again, the radio is silent this time. Glancing down, he sees he's got blood on his sleeve, and for a moment, he sees the young woman's face again, and her eyes as she'd looked up at him.
Trying to move past the whole thing, he winds up at a gas station to fill up his truck and grab a snack to eat. Having worked later than normal, supper had been nonexistent and his stomach was reminding him that he better eat something. So after getting gas, he pulls to the side of the parking lot and just sits for a short while, eating a somewhat dry sandwich and downing a bottle of pop.
Once finished though, his mind was still wondering about the girl and if she was okay. It was common for him to be found visiting people in hospitals - him, Jen, Mike, and Kyle before as well. Even Jason got in on it now every once in a while through JetStream's continued Sunshine fund, though usually he couldn't get away from work as much as the others. In the end, it resulted in the small group being quite familiar with the local hospital.
Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, Phil looks out to the dark streets. If he wasn't going to be home right away, he should probably call Kyle. Since he was back now, it was only right so no one worried.
It doesn't take long for him to let Kyle know what was going on, and Phil pulls out from the gas station and heads towards the hospital. His mind would rest easier if he could find out the woman was alright.
Once arriving at the hospital, Phil rolls up his sleeves to hide the bloodstains, not wanting to alarm anybody. He was a bit grimy from work, but it would have to do. Entering by way of the visitor entrance, he wanders over to the nurse's station and leans on the counter, waiting for someone free. A polite smile comes to his lips. "Hi... I'm looking for some information about a young woman who was brought in tonight from a car accident - an ambulance picked her up. I... don't even know her name or anything, but I was the one who found her and... I guess I just wanted to find out if she was okay."
Giving a bit of a start, Justin's eyes fly open an he raises his head a little to see Beth. A wry grin appears. "Sorry - didn't mean to look like I was dead. Though I guess it would be easy transportation for anyone taking me to the morgue."
Not having gained much rest or even succeeding in getting the pain and dizziness to subside, he sits up anyway, trying to shrug the whole thing off. No one need worry, least of all someone he hardly knew, and certainly no one should worry enough to take him to a hospital. Though in the back of his mind, he found it humorous that Beth would suggest taking him somewhere other than right here where there were medics on staff. He wondered amusingly if she could read his mind - he wouldn't want to be caught dead going to a medic in a mental facility.
With both legs now dangling off the tailgate, he takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his hair. "Naw, I'm alright. I just bonked it on a bench shortly before I saw you a while ago. I got a hard enough noggin that it would take more than that to put me out of commission."
Sliding off the bed of the truck, he stands up, though he suddenly finds it quite the task just to stand still and not stagger to the side. The world seems to flip one way then the other and his legs don't seem to jive with his brain for a moment, causing him to grab hold of the tailgate again so he doesn't fall over. "Whoa..." Even he had to admit that this just didn't feel right. A concussion was what was going through his mind, but that was the last thing he needed and not be able work for the next few days.
Justin blinks and tries to shake it off, but he couldn't deny any longer that his head really did hurt and if he hadn't received a concussion, it shouldn't be hurting this much after resting as long as he had. "Um..." Glancing to Beth, he really wasn't sure what to do now, and he was a bit embarrassed. "I guess you could go find Dr. Hawks for me. I don't want to make you drive me anywhere. You've got better things to do."
"But I-"
"No!" Reese slaps his papers down on his desk and turns with the same stern look as he stares Alec down. "I don't know how you've been getting out of here under our radar, but it stops now. I can't have you gallivanting around the city at night loose and unmonitored. If Brown found out, he'd have all our badges!"
Alec crosses his arms, his face wearing a scowl. He'd come back to TJY this morning, only to face a grouchy chief. "I was only at the McKade's - you know that!"
"Uh-huh. All night with a woman. Look, your personal life is your own, but I don't leave the door unlocked so you can go satisfy yourself with a woman and-"
"Oh, get off it," Alec hisses in defense. "Ryan's not that type of girl. Or hadn't you noticed? She'd beat me up herself if I tried anything, and if she didn't, her brother would kill me on the spot."
"I bet that's something new to you."
Alec's scowl remains. Reese might have been right on that one - his relationship with Ryan was just about as opposite as he could get from the ones he'd had with other women, but that wasn't the point here. "You can't keep me locked up in here like an animal! I'm tired of it. I said I'd help you out and I have and I will. But everybody else comes and goes... why not me?"
Reese sighs and shakes his head. "Has it ever occurred to you that you belong in prison? That if it weren't for the Elite, you would have been tried and gone to prison for life, if not received the death sentence yourself?"
"Yeah... yeah, it has." Alec didn't like admitting that one, but he did know good and well how fortunate he was. He hadn't viewed it that way in the beginning... he would have gladly taken any sentence and faced it with as much ire and stubbornness as ever. But now... he was just starting to see what life was really about, and he knew that if he were to go to prison, he'd wind up finding an out, even if it would be taking his own life. He couldn't stand to be locked up. Not there, and not here. "Look, you let me have some free time. Great. And I'm grateful. But what am I supposed to do all day while I'm not needed? I'm sitting in the basement and rotting! How come Gage was let loose, huh?"
Reese's eyes narrow as if to say, "You've got to be kidding me." He shakes his head. "First off, Gage was an Agency baby, not a coldblooded killer. Second, he doesn't have quite the record you do. Third, he has a good attitude. Forth, he was willing to go out and do community service for as long as needed, and now he's doing his best to get a job and get on his own feet. Now... you tell me how that differs from you."
If Alec had ever had a father around, he imagined this kind of tongue-lashing was about the same kind he would have gotten as a kid for acting up. "I'll get a job," he states flatly.
"Got a place to live?"
"N- well, no. But-"
"What if the Elite supplied you with your own place like we did for Gage? Would you keep it up? Prove it's to our advantage to have you loose on the streets?"
Alec's temper had suddenly fizzled as he was faced with this very real decision. He had longed for freedom. Begged for it. Wanted it so badly that he could taste it. Yet now as he stared freedom in the face, there was something about it that evoked fear. He grits his teeth and stands straighter. "Either put me in prison, or set me free."
Reese cocks his head, studying the younger man and trying to come up with the right solution. But what was right? All of these cases... from Gage to Thirteen to Phinox, to Alec... they were all so different, and Reese still believed that each should be treated differently as well. But what was right for Alec? "What about community service?"
"I'll keep coming here," Alec barters. "You threw Gage on street duty because he didn't have any other service to give. You know I can still help you out here. I still got things you want and information you can use. Give me a set number of hours to come in every week and I will. Just give me time to look for my own income and get me a place I can crash until something better comes along."
Reese sighs deeply. He really did want to help Alec. Coldblooded or not, even Alec deserved a second chance. He was a killer. A liar. A thief. But mercy shown to the least of these would not go unseen. "Alright. I'll talk to Brown."
"But-"
"That's the best I can do, Alec. You know you're on a thin line here - don't push it. I know you want out and I know you want freedom. I want that for you too because I believe you're not really a killer and I don't think you want that life anymore. But if you push too fast, other people aren't going to understand and they'll just be harder on you. Let me talk to Brown and see about getting your case rolling through the system."
Alec thinks it through before nodding. "Why hasn't my case moved to begin with?"
The corner of Reese's mouth twitches. "Why haven't you been as willing to shape up to begin with?"
Alec gives half a sheepish laugh. "Point taken." But as he thought about it, he suddenly saw more than he had before. "You've been the one holding up my case, haven't you? So they wouldn't put me in prison."
Reese nods. "Both you and Gage. Blame it on the system, but most of it was me, yes. I knew that given time, we could find solutions for almost every case. Gage was willing to start over, so it was just a matter of convincing Brown and the Elite board to accept my proposal of a new rehabilitation program. And you... there wasn't much hope there for a while. But I didn't want to give up. So instead of pushing them for a decision, I let them forget about it, while keeping my eye on you."
"And now that I'm not trying to kill anybody, you think it's safe for me to be out and about."
"In a manner of speaking." Reese looks Alec in the eye. "We're not the enemy, Alec. I'm trying to help. But in turn, we need your help too. Give me a little more time and I'll see what I can do."
"And in the meantime?"
"Just stay out of trouble, will you? And go talk to Hal about a cell phone - I need to be able to find you without running all over town."
6/3/10
6/2/10
You know how...
Though everything was dull and dark the mind wrapped around the soft words of a song. Clinging, not giving up, straining to listen to those words. Though eyes were closed, and breathing was slow maybe it was the words alone that helped her hang on and keep total darkness at bay.
As the mintues passed and everything happened with the ambulance showed up loading the girl inside a police officer had arrived to the scene as well. Pulling Phil the the side the office pulls out of pad of paper ready to jot some stuff down.
"Did you see the accident? Were you involved? Explain to me what you saw?"
Jotting down all of Phil's answers and getting his name and address the office gives a nod thanking him for saving this young woman's life. Finally letting him go the officer gets into his own car and speeds away heading in the direction of the hospital while fire trucks and other office stay behind to take care of the still burning car.
Opening her door and smile at Dani Misty nods. She had come here with the intention to walk a little in the park. It was a nice day out and she was happy Dani wanted too.
"Of course we can. I also have some ice cream sandwiches we can eat here too."
Reaching into the back seat Misty grabs the two ice creams that had been in the little cooler staying cold. Handing on to Dani she takes one for herself and than gets out of the car. Coming around to Dani's side she waits for her to get out as well. Giving a smile she nods as she takes the paper off her ice cream.
"Ice cream makes everything better."
Coming out of the hospital after finishing her visit with her sister Beth starts down the sidewalk. Looking up at she came to the bench that Justin had been sitting on when she went in now it was empty. Giving a little sigh Beth couldn't help the feeling of being a little disappointed. Why she wasn't sure, it was a strange feeling.
Continuing along the way Beth gets to the parking lot passing a few cars before stopping again seeing a pick up with a familiar pare of legs sticking out of the tail gate. Feeling her heart jump into her throat Beth slowly moves to the bed and looks over at him. Seeing his chest moving up and down a little she relaxes a little.
"You know how to scare the crap out of a person than don't you? I think you need to see someone about your head. See some one here or I am driving you to the hospital not to far away."
As the mintues passed and everything happened with the ambulance showed up loading the girl inside a police officer had arrived to the scene as well. Pulling Phil the the side the office pulls out of pad of paper ready to jot some stuff down.
"Did you see the accident? Were you involved? Explain to me what you saw?"
Jotting down all of Phil's answers and getting his name and address the office gives a nod thanking him for saving this young woman's life. Finally letting him go the officer gets into his own car and speeds away heading in the direction of the hospital while fire trucks and other office stay behind to take care of the still burning car.
Opening her door and smile at Dani Misty nods. She had come here with the intention to walk a little in the park. It was a nice day out and she was happy Dani wanted too.
"Of course we can. I also have some ice cream sandwiches we can eat here too."
Reaching into the back seat Misty grabs the two ice creams that had been in the little cooler staying cold. Handing on to Dani she takes one for herself and than gets out of the car. Coming around to Dani's side she waits for her to get out as well. Giving a smile she nods as she takes the paper off her ice cream.
"Ice cream makes everything better."
Coming out of the hospital after finishing her visit with her sister Beth starts down the sidewalk. Looking up at she came to the bench that Justin had been sitting on when she went in now it was empty. Giving a little sigh Beth couldn't help the feeling of being a little disappointed. Why she wasn't sure, it was a strange feeling.
Continuing along the way Beth gets to the parking lot passing a few cars before stopping again seeing a pick up with a familiar pare of legs sticking out of the tail gate. Feeling her heart jump into her throat Beth slowly moves to the bed and looks over at him. Seeing his chest moving up and down a little she relaxes a little.
"You know how to scare the crap out of a person than don't you? I think you need to see someone about your head. See some one here or I am driving you to the hospital not to far away."
Hoping, praying
Looking down into the young woman's eyes, Phil tries to comfort her with a little smile. But as she slips into unconsciousness once again, the worry on his face returns. He may have been handling the situation well on the outside, but inside, his pulse was racing with adrenaline, his heart pumping, wanting to get up and do something. But he had to wait. Had to wait for the ambulance.
"Hang in there," he prompts. Feeling her breathing was growing shallower, he says a prayer, doing his best to make her as comfortable as possible. The wind blew hot through the flames of the nearby car, embers and smoke creating a hazy cloud that blanketed the two huddled on the roadside.
Finding the woman now unresponsive, Phil checks her pulse again, muttering about ambulances taking too long to arrive. Alone in the silence, he starts to hum, trying not only to soothe her, but keep himself calm as well. Words gently roll off his tongue, backed up by the sound of flames, a night breeze and a coyote howling in the distance.
Hold out your hand, cradle the wind.
Close your eyes, life begins.
Run beyond the hills of time,
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Breathe in deep, capture the sun.
Stop to hear, hearts beating.
Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Phil takes his thumb and softly wipes grime from the girl's cheek, brushing aside more of her hair that was matted with blood and sweat.
Catch the breeze, ride the stars.
Hold the light, today’s the day.
Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Sirens. Phil's heart skips a beat and he turns to look over his shoulder, seeing the ambulance approaching. Thank God. He needn't wave - it was obvious where they were.
As the paramedics arrive, he's bombarded with questions, while needing to step back out of the way. Watching the young woman being placed on a stretcher, he felt helpless, and hoping that she would be okay. Hoping he'd done the right thing.
Dani nods to Misty and blows her nose again, grateful for her presence and the extra tissues as well. "Thank you, Misty. I... I don't know what I'd do if I was alone through this. If I didn't have Carson and you and... and Dalton."
Looking down at her lap, the tears have slowed a little bit. Telling someone about her living nightmare - her memories - it seemed to help just getting it off her chest. She had to. She knew she couldn't bottle it up inside where it would fester. She knew she had to work through it and put it behind her, and admitting what had happened was the start. Talking it through brought it into the light where nothing could hide, even if it was a scary process.
Taking a deep breath, Dani looks out the window at the peaceful little park. "Can we walk for a few minutes? Some fresh air would be nice."
"Hang in there," he prompts. Feeling her breathing was growing shallower, he says a prayer, doing his best to make her as comfortable as possible. The wind blew hot through the flames of the nearby car, embers and smoke creating a hazy cloud that blanketed the two huddled on the roadside.
Finding the woman now unresponsive, Phil checks her pulse again, muttering about ambulances taking too long to arrive. Alone in the silence, he starts to hum, trying not only to soothe her, but keep himself calm as well. Words gently roll off his tongue, backed up by the sound of flames, a night breeze and a coyote howling in the distance.
Hold out your hand, cradle the wind.
Close your eyes, life begins.
Run beyond the hills of time,
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Breathe in deep, capture the sun.
Stop to hear, hearts beating.
Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Phil takes his thumb and softly wipes grime from the girl's cheek, brushing aside more of her hair that was matted with blood and sweat.
Catch the breeze, ride the stars.
Hold the light, today’s the day.
Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.
Sirens. Phil's heart skips a beat and he turns to look over his shoulder, seeing the ambulance approaching. Thank God. He needn't wave - it was obvious where they were.
As the paramedics arrive, he's bombarded with questions, while needing to step back out of the way. Watching the young woman being placed on a stretcher, he felt helpless, and hoping that she would be okay. Hoping he'd done the right thing.
Dani nods to Misty and blows her nose again, grateful for her presence and the extra tissues as well. "Thank you, Misty. I... I don't know what I'd do if I was alone through this. If I didn't have Carson and you and... and Dalton."
Looking down at her lap, the tears have slowed a little bit. Telling someone about her living nightmare - her memories - it seemed to help just getting it off her chest. She had to. She knew she couldn't bottle it up inside where it would fester. She knew she had to work through it and put it behind her, and admitting what had happened was the start. Talking it through brought it into the light where nothing could hide, even if it was a scary process.
Taking a deep breath, Dani looks out the window at the peaceful little park. "Can we walk for a few minutes? Some fresh air would be nice."
6/1/10
Stairing back
Though dazed and confused, coming in and out of being awake, and than blacking out the young woman in the car can smell the smile as pain course through her head, and other parts of her body. Feeling the heat in the car, and the smoke that filled her lungs she new she had to get out but she just had no strength to do so.
Hearing the faint voice the woman wanted to yell she needed help but her vocie wouldnt come between the choking of the smoke. Feeling a bit of fresh air though from the open door, someone unbuckling her and the soft sweet sound of a voice she new it would be ok as her head raced.
Only a mumble comes from her lips as she trys to thank him for saving her. Being picked up in his arms she leans her head into him. Grasping at his voice to try and keep herself awake, though she was becoming so tired.
Getting to the side of the road everything next happened so fast, the sound oh the explosion, the smell from the burning car, the man leaning over her. But once his sits up again and puts the pressure on her head wound the woman finds the strength to look up into Phil's eyes. Just looking into them almost trying to convey a thank you through there sparkle. But finally, the stress, the pain, was to much and the the sleep takes over the womans eyes closing as her breathing becomes shallow.
Continuing to drive Misty listens to Dani not saying anything just letting her talk and taking everything in. Misty's heart broke for Dani, Carson had told her once about his dad so she new a little and she hated hearing him talk about it than, now she hated hearing her sister in law having a hard time with it now. She never understood how people could hurt another person like that let alone family.
"Oh Dani, I'm so sorry that you've now had to deal with that. Sometimes memories stay locked away for so long that we forget about than. Than when they are triggered and come out, its a whole big mess."
Coming to a stop sigh Misty leans over to the glove box and pulls out a pack of tissues handing it to Dani seeing she needed them.
"I don't think its anything to be ashamed of though and dealing with it now is a good thing so you can put it back into the past. Its hard, and hurts a lot but thats why we have loved ones ya know? To help us through these times."
Driving only a little while longer Misty finally pulls into the area of the park. Shutting the car off she sits there with Dani for a long moment not sure if she still wanted to get out or not, but not making any movement right away herself wanted her to think she had to.
"We are here for you Dani, Me, Carson, Dalton no matter how silly you think something is its not and we are behind to comfort you, protect you, talk to you no matter what you need and what time. And never feel that your feelings are silly because there not. Something like that, that happed to you as a kid is traumatizing and not easy to shake."
Hearing the faint voice the woman wanted to yell she needed help but her vocie wouldnt come between the choking of the smoke. Feeling a bit of fresh air though from the open door, someone unbuckling her and the soft sweet sound of a voice she new it would be ok as her head raced.
Only a mumble comes from her lips as she trys to thank him for saving her. Being picked up in his arms she leans her head into him. Grasping at his voice to try and keep herself awake, though she was becoming so tired.
Getting to the side of the road everything next happened so fast, the sound oh the explosion, the smell from the burning car, the man leaning over her. But once his sits up again and puts the pressure on her head wound the woman finds the strength to look up into Phil's eyes. Just looking into them almost trying to convey a thank you through there sparkle. But finally, the stress, the pain, was to much and the the sleep takes over the womans eyes closing as her breathing becomes shallow.
Continuing to drive Misty listens to Dani not saying anything just letting her talk and taking everything in. Misty's heart broke for Dani, Carson had told her once about his dad so she new a little and she hated hearing him talk about it than, now she hated hearing her sister in law having a hard time with it now. She never understood how people could hurt another person like that let alone family.
"Oh Dani, I'm so sorry that you've now had to deal with that. Sometimes memories stay locked away for so long that we forget about than. Than when they are triggered and come out, its a whole big mess."
Coming to a stop sigh Misty leans over to the glove box and pulls out a pack of tissues handing it to Dani seeing she needed them.
"I don't think its anything to be ashamed of though and dealing with it now is a good thing so you can put it back into the past. Its hard, and hurts a lot but thats why we have loved ones ya know? To help us through these times."
Driving only a little while longer Misty finally pulls into the area of the park. Shutting the car off she sits there with Dani for a long moment not sure if she still wanted to get out or not, but not making any movement right away herself wanted her to think she had to.
"We are here for you Dani, Me, Carson, Dalton no matter how silly you think something is its not and we are behind to comfort you, protect you, talk to you no matter what you need and what time. And never feel that your feelings are silly because there not. Something like that, that happed to you as a kid is traumatizing and not easy to shake."
Phil to the rescue!
Dani looks down as she feels the tears welling in her eyes again. Trying to laugh it off, her cheeks grow warm. "I'm sorry... I just can't seem to stop. I'm just blubbering all over the place." Pulling a tissue out of her pocket, she dabs her eyes.
"I don't know what Dalton told Carson or what he told you or if he even figured it out. Knowing him, he probably did and... and I do need to talk to him about it sometime."
She pauses and takes a deep breath. She knew Misty wouldn't pressure her, but maybe it would be good to talk about it and get some of this off her chest. She knew Misty wouldn't mind, and it was different talking to a woman rather than a man.
"Yesterday... I went to see Dalton and... and he'd gotten mad and threw a stapler at the wall or something. And... when I saw the pieces, it was like, all these memories wanted to surface but I didn't want them to." She talks with her hands, trying to keep her nerves calm. "Bothered me all day and Dalton knew something was wrong, but I didn't even realize it until later. I fell asleep on his couch and I had this horrible dream but... but when I woke up, I..."
The tears threatened to start again and she has to pause and compose herself, her voice wavering. "When I woke up, I realized that it wasn't just a dream. That parts of it were true... that I wasn't just imagining things, but I was remembering things."
Swallowing hard, Dani fiddles with her tissue. "I... I remembered things about my father. Carson had told me that he was a drinker by the time I was born and that he slapped Mum around... but... but I didn't remember any of it. And Carson... he got me out of the house most of the time when Dad would come home. That much I remember. I never really knew why though... I was just spending time with my hero... my big brother."
Pausing again, Dani watches the passing scenery. "Then... then last night... all these memories started to surface. I... I realized that... the stapler... the one in Dalton's office... seeing those pieces there reminded me of a lamp that had shattered and that's what triggered those memories." She swallows again and blows her nose. "I remember I tried to kick him away but... but it didn't work. I ended up knocking my lamp off the stand beside my bed. And then... I was on my stomach staring down at the floor. And I just concentrated on those pieces of broken glass..." Her voice cracks again as she tries to make it through.
And she does eventually. After several more breakdowns, the truth comes out of the abuse she had endured as a child, locked away for so many years.
"And now..." Dani shakes her head, trying to force through a sorry sort of laugh. "Now I feel stupid. 'Cause it's nothing new... it was years ago and... and it doesn't change anything. I've been living like this all this time and I just didn't know it, so really... nothing has changed, and it feels silly, ya know?"
By now, her tissues is in shreds from all her fidgeting. "I'm just... I don't... I... I don't quite know what to do with what I feel or what I remember. It's all just... I don't know... messed me up inside."
Phil had grumbled about the detour on the back road. Of all the places the city needed to work - they should be downtown where the worst of it was, not the quiet road he usually traveled on. As it was, he was tired from being at a friend's house after work, he was hungry and just wanted to get home.
The radio blaring, he keeps his eyes on the road, stifling a yawn. As his eyes scan the dim road though, something up ahead catches his attention. Were those lights off on the shoulder? Nearing the scene, he soon realizes that it's a car and it had hit a tree... hard... and not all that long ago.
Applying the brakes, Phil slows and looks out the window, squinting to see if this was indeed a fresh accident or if he should just move on. Catching sight of the smoke, he knows that this couldn't have happened more than a few minutes prior.
Quickly pulling off onto the shoulder, he throws his truck in park and gets out, jogging to the wrecked car. Putting an arm to his mouth, he coughs as the smoke billows from the car's engine. "Hey," he calls. "Anybody in there?"
Daring to get closer, he now sees a figure slumped over the steering wheel. "Hey!" he calls louder, tapping on the passenger window. With no response, his pulse starts to race. His eye catches sight of flames, licking out from under the hood. There wasn't much time.
Opening up the right hand door, he crawls halfway in, now realizing that it was a young woman driver. Reaching over to her neck, he quickly checks for a pulse and finds a weak one, but it was there - she was still alive. "Come on, we gotta get you out of here," he encourages.
Seeing her move a little, he's glad that she's not completely unconscious. He knew it was dangerous to move her if she had any spine or internal injuries, but if he left her here, she'd die from smoke inhalation or worse before the paramedics could arrive.
Coughing again from the smoke, he's quick to unbuckle her seatbelt and untangle it from her arms. His hand feels the wet, warm blood from her head, and he grits his teeth, not knowing how badly she was hurt. "It's gonna be okay," he soothes, his voice not in any way reflecting the panic he felt inside. "I'm gonna move you around just a little, okay? That's it, nice and slow."
Turning the young woman just enough that he can get a gentle grip on her, he slips his arms under her own, holding her securely and slowly, slowly pulling her out from behind the wheel. Trying not to jolt her too much, he backs out of the car, still with his arms around her. Getting her into fresher air, he shifts so he can lift her up into his arms, and quickly carries her a safe distance from the car.
Kneeling by his truck, he lays the woman out on her back and cradles her head in his lap to stabilize her, should she have any spine or neck injuries. "It's okay," he continues to soothe. "You're okay. Help is on the way."
Reaching into his pocket, Phil fishes for his phone, fumbling with it a moment before he can dial 911. "Yes, I'm out on route-"
His words are suddenly cut off by the thunderous explosion behind them. He instinctively bends over the young woman to shield her from any debris, cringing as he feels the shockwave and heat from what was now left of the car. "We need an ambulance," he manages to finish.
Once he's confident the paramedics are on their way, he brushes away some of the woman's blonde hair from her face, and applies pressure to the wound on her forehead that was still bleeding. The fire of her car blazed behind them and he looks down at her with worry.
"I don't know what Dalton told Carson or what he told you or if he even figured it out. Knowing him, he probably did and... and I do need to talk to him about it sometime."
She pauses and takes a deep breath. She knew Misty wouldn't pressure her, but maybe it would be good to talk about it and get some of this off her chest. She knew Misty wouldn't mind, and it was different talking to a woman rather than a man.
"Yesterday... I went to see Dalton and... and he'd gotten mad and threw a stapler at the wall or something. And... when I saw the pieces, it was like, all these memories wanted to surface but I didn't want them to." She talks with her hands, trying to keep her nerves calm. "Bothered me all day and Dalton knew something was wrong, but I didn't even realize it until later. I fell asleep on his couch and I had this horrible dream but... but when I woke up, I..."
The tears threatened to start again and she has to pause and compose herself, her voice wavering. "When I woke up, I realized that it wasn't just a dream. That parts of it were true... that I wasn't just imagining things, but I was remembering things."
Swallowing hard, Dani fiddles with her tissue. "I... I remembered things about my father. Carson had told me that he was a drinker by the time I was born and that he slapped Mum around... but... but I didn't remember any of it. And Carson... he got me out of the house most of the time when Dad would come home. That much I remember. I never really knew why though... I was just spending time with my hero... my big brother."
Pausing again, Dani watches the passing scenery. "Then... then last night... all these memories started to surface. I... I realized that... the stapler... the one in Dalton's office... seeing those pieces there reminded me of a lamp that had shattered and that's what triggered those memories." She swallows again and blows her nose. "I remember I tried to kick him away but... but it didn't work. I ended up knocking my lamp off the stand beside my bed. And then... I was on my stomach staring down at the floor. And I just concentrated on those pieces of broken glass..." Her voice cracks again as she tries to make it through.
And she does eventually. After several more breakdowns, the truth comes out of the abuse she had endured as a child, locked away for so many years.
"And now..." Dani shakes her head, trying to force through a sorry sort of laugh. "Now I feel stupid. 'Cause it's nothing new... it was years ago and... and it doesn't change anything. I've been living like this all this time and I just didn't know it, so really... nothing has changed, and it feels silly, ya know?"
By now, her tissues is in shreds from all her fidgeting. "I'm just... I don't... I... I don't quite know what to do with what I feel or what I remember. It's all just... I don't know... messed me up inside."
Phil had grumbled about the detour on the back road. Of all the places the city needed to work - they should be downtown where the worst of it was, not the quiet road he usually traveled on. As it was, he was tired from being at a friend's house after work, he was hungry and just wanted to get home.
The radio blaring, he keeps his eyes on the road, stifling a yawn. As his eyes scan the dim road though, something up ahead catches his attention. Were those lights off on the shoulder? Nearing the scene, he soon realizes that it's a car and it had hit a tree... hard... and not all that long ago.
Applying the brakes, Phil slows and looks out the window, squinting to see if this was indeed a fresh accident or if he should just move on. Catching sight of the smoke, he knows that this couldn't have happened more than a few minutes prior.
Quickly pulling off onto the shoulder, he throws his truck in park and gets out, jogging to the wrecked car. Putting an arm to his mouth, he coughs as the smoke billows from the car's engine. "Hey," he calls. "Anybody in there?"
Daring to get closer, he now sees a figure slumped over the steering wheel. "Hey!" he calls louder, tapping on the passenger window. With no response, his pulse starts to race. His eye catches sight of flames, licking out from under the hood. There wasn't much time.
Opening up the right hand door, he crawls halfway in, now realizing that it was a young woman driver. Reaching over to her neck, he quickly checks for a pulse and finds a weak one, but it was there - she was still alive. "Come on, we gotta get you out of here," he encourages.
Seeing her move a little, he's glad that she's not completely unconscious. He knew it was dangerous to move her if she had any spine or internal injuries, but if he left her here, she'd die from smoke inhalation or worse before the paramedics could arrive.
Coughing again from the smoke, he's quick to unbuckle her seatbelt and untangle it from her arms. His hand feels the wet, warm blood from her head, and he grits his teeth, not knowing how badly she was hurt. "It's gonna be okay," he soothes, his voice not in any way reflecting the panic he felt inside. "I'm gonna move you around just a little, okay? That's it, nice and slow."
Turning the young woman just enough that he can get a gentle grip on her, he slips his arms under her own, holding her securely and slowly, slowly pulling her out from behind the wheel. Trying not to jolt her too much, he backs out of the car, still with his arms around her. Getting her into fresher air, he shifts so he can lift her up into his arms, and quickly carries her a safe distance from the car.
Kneeling by his truck, he lays the woman out on her back and cradles her head in his lap to stabilize her, should she have any spine or neck injuries. "It's okay," he continues to soothe. "You're okay. Help is on the way."
Reaching into his pocket, Phil fishes for his phone, fumbling with it a moment before he can dial 911. "Yes, I'm out on route-"
His words are suddenly cut off by the thunderous explosion behind them. He instinctively bends over the young woman to shield her from any debris, cringing as he feels the shockwave and heat from what was now left of the car. "We need an ambulance," he manages to finish.
Once he's confident the paramedics are on their way, he brushes away some of the woman's blonde hair from her face, and applies pressure to the wound on her forehead that was still bleeding. The fire of her car blazed behind them and he looks down at her with worry.
Night, Day...O.o
Keeping her arms around Gage Sapphire leans her head against his looking into his eyes. Things were looking up and it was a great feeling. How could she not want to celebrate with him?
"Lemonade ice cream shakes huh? They sound good, I'd love to have one with you for our good news."
Letting go of Gage and backing up a little Sapphire makes her way into the kitchen knowing Gage would follow. Opening the freezer and pulling out the treat Sapphire grins looking down at it.
"Did you use fresh lemons? It sure smells like it, and thats a good thing."
Seeing Dani come out quicker than she exspected Misty puts the magazine away she had been looking at. Smiling as Dani gets in Misty starts the car up once again rolling the window up and letting the AC kick on to cool it down a little.
"Carson didn't tell me much other than you were having a bad day and it might have something to do with your past."
Putting the car into gear Misty pulls out of the parking lot and heads in the way of the park. It was a nice day out to walk or just sit. Glancing over at Dani Misty can tell nervous or jittery.
"Listen Dani, you don't need to be nervous. I'm not going to ask you to talk about it unless you want to. I worry because your my sister in law, but that doesn't mean I am going to force you to talk. Thats completely up to you when your ready."
Misty meant it too, she didn't want Dani to feel strange around her. It wasn't her style to force someone to talk if they didn't want that. She just wanted to be a friend to her, and know she wasn't alone.
On the loan dark road right outside of town a lost car travels. The was not it's normal rout but dew to road work the deture took it this was. Unfamiliar territory, Hardly any light to illuminate the street warning of danger.
Than in the split second a coyote runs out in the middle of the road causing the car to swerve, the tire hitting a rather large pot hold in turn making the car spin out of control till it comes to a deadly stop slamming driver side into a tree.
Air bags going off, cell phone's, pens and other items inside be thrown this way and that, the windshield giving a sicking shatter. Smoke started billowing from under the hood of the car a sign that a fire might have started, a death trap to anyone inside.
"Lemonade ice cream shakes huh? They sound good, I'd love to have one with you for our good news."
Letting go of Gage and backing up a little Sapphire makes her way into the kitchen knowing Gage would follow. Opening the freezer and pulling out the treat Sapphire grins looking down at it.
"Did you use fresh lemons? It sure smells like it, and thats a good thing."
Seeing Dani come out quicker than she exspected Misty puts the magazine away she had been looking at. Smiling as Dani gets in Misty starts the car up once again rolling the window up and letting the AC kick on to cool it down a little.
"Carson didn't tell me much other than you were having a bad day and it might have something to do with your past."
Putting the car into gear Misty pulls out of the parking lot and heads in the way of the park. It was a nice day out to walk or just sit. Glancing over at Dani Misty can tell nervous or jittery.
"Listen Dani, you don't need to be nervous. I'm not going to ask you to talk about it unless you want to. I worry because your my sister in law, but that doesn't mean I am going to force you to talk. Thats completely up to you when your ready."
Misty meant it too, she didn't want Dani to feel strange around her. It wasn't her style to force someone to talk if they didn't want that. She just wanted to be a friend to her, and know she wasn't alone.
On the loan dark road right outside of town a lost car travels. The was not it's normal rout but dew to road work the deture took it this was. Unfamiliar territory, Hardly any light to illuminate the street warning of danger.
Than in the split second a coyote runs out in the middle of the road causing the car to swerve, the tire hitting a rather large pot hold in turn making the car spin out of control till it comes to a deadly stop slamming driver side into a tree.
Air bags going off, cell phone's, pens and other items inside be thrown this way and that, the windshield giving a sicking shatter. Smoke started billowing from under the hood of the car a sign that a fire might have started, a death trap to anyone inside.
Another ten minutes
Receiving Sapphire's kiss, Gage offers a quite murmur of pleasure, returning the offer of affection. Pulling back, he listens about Scott, another small smile forming.
"Yeah... yeah that does mean something."
Reaching out, he brushes her cheek gently with the back of his hand, never tiring of the feeling of her soft skin. "Maybe things are finally turning around, huh?" For the first time in his life, he felt like things really were. He had his own apartment, he was starting his own job tomorrow, he had a girl... what more could he want?
"I concocted some lemonade and ice cream shakes... they're in the freezer... wanna try one to celebrate our good day?" He knew they had lunch plans but... sometimes dessert would do just as well.
Even though Misty said no hurry, Dani did anyway. She might be a mess and an emotional basket case, but she wouldn't make Misty suffer for it.
Washing up a little and tidying her hair, it was the best she could do without any of her own things at Dalton's. Not really satisfied but knowing it would have to do, she leaves a note for Dalton in case he came back before she did, then heads out the door, locking it behind her.
Seeing Misty waiting, she doesn't lollygag, and is soon slipping into the passenger seat. Looking over to Misty, she manages a smile, even though her eyes were still red and a bit swollen. Makeup would have covered it, had she had any here. "Hi... thanks for coming."
Buckling herself in, she puts her hands in her lap, seeming a little more timid than usual. "What, um... how... how much did Carson tell you?"
Justin chuckles and waves Beth off. "If I die from this, I'm not near as tough as I thought I was."
He nods, finally seeing the bleeding in his lip slowing. "I'll be alright. Thanks though." Getting up the gumption to stand, he makes the effort to prove he really was alright. "I'll see ya around, Beth. Take care of yourself."
Giving her a last smile, he slings his backpack over his shoulder and continues his route to the parking lot, still a bit slower than usual...
...Half an hour later, he's lying in the bed of his truck, still in the parking lot, one leg propped up, the other dangling over the edge of the open tailgate. He was glad he'd parked in the shade. After getting to his pickup and wanting to leave, the dizziness had gotten worse. He had somewhere else he needed to go, but it wasn't for a while yet, so he had enough time to just hang out here for a bit. So hoping to get over his dizziness and headache, he'd opted to use the bed of his truck. After thirty minutes though, his head still throbbed. He must have whacked it harder than he thought he had, that was for sure. Another ten minutes... that's all he'd need.
"Yeah... yeah that does mean something."
Reaching out, he brushes her cheek gently with the back of his hand, never tiring of the feeling of her soft skin. "Maybe things are finally turning around, huh?" For the first time in his life, he felt like things really were. He had his own apartment, he was starting his own job tomorrow, he had a girl... what more could he want?
"I concocted some lemonade and ice cream shakes... they're in the freezer... wanna try one to celebrate our good day?" He knew they had lunch plans but... sometimes dessert would do just as well.
Even though Misty said no hurry, Dani did anyway. She might be a mess and an emotional basket case, but she wouldn't make Misty suffer for it.
Washing up a little and tidying her hair, it was the best she could do without any of her own things at Dalton's. Not really satisfied but knowing it would have to do, she leaves a note for Dalton in case he came back before she did, then heads out the door, locking it behind her.
Seeing Misty waiting, she doesn't lollygag, and is soon slipping into the passenger seat. Looking over to Misty, she manages a smile, even though her eyes were still red and a bit swollen. Makeup would have covered it, had she had any here. "Hi... thanks for coming."
Buckling herself in, she puts her hands in her lap, seeming a little more timid than usual. "What, um... how... how much did Carson tell you?"
Justin chuckles and waves Beth off. "If I die from this, I'm not near as tough as I thought I was."
He nods, finally seeing the bleeding in his lip slowing. "I'll be alright. Thanks though." Getting up the gumption to stand, he makes the effort to prove he really was alright. "I'll see ya around, Beth. Take care of yourself."
Giving her a last smile, he slings his backpack over his shoulder and continues his route to the parking lot, still a bit slower than usual...
...Half an hour later, he's lying in the bed of his truck, still in the parking lot, one leg propped up, the other dangling over the edge of the open tailgate. He was glad he'd parked in the shade. After getting to his pickup and wanting to leave, the dizziness had gotten worse. He had somewhere else he needed to go, but it wasn't for a while yet, so he had enough time to just hang out here for a bit. So hoping to get over his dizziness and headache, he'd opted to use the bed of his truck. After thirty minutes though, his head still throbbed. He must have whacked it harder than he thought he had, that was for sure. Another ten minutes... that's all he'd need.
Five mintues
Sapphire smile grows even more on its own at Gage's news about the job. She saw the look in his eye and it made her feel so good inside knowing it had to make Gage feel even better. He had been waiting for this and it pleased her.
"I'm so happy and proud of you Gage. That is such great news."
Leaning into him and pressing her lips to his Sapphire lets her feelings show even more though her kiss before pulling away again. Giving a slight nod to Gage about her day.
"My morning was good. I sat and talked with Scott a little, and that went well. Its not prefect yet but its a small step in the right direction. Told him that I would stop by to see him again and he didn't say no. So that has to mean something right?"
"Sounds like a great idea."
Stopping at the stop light Misty waits for it to turn green before moving forward again. It wouldn't take long to get to Dalton's but Misty didn't mind waiting for Dani to be ready.
"I should be there in about five minutes. You don't need to hurry I will be waiting outside for you."
Hanging up the phone for now Misty continues to drive taking a few turns to get to Dalton's. Finally getting there Misty pulls into the parking lot to wait. Rolling the window down and turning the car off Misty pulls a magazine from her bag to read.
Seeing the little twinkle in Justin's eye Beth gives a small grin and a nod to him. His sence of humor was always refreshing. Hearing his last statment though Beth cocks her head. Justin might not come bad? It really must have been a rough day.
"I hope you come back tomorrow, its kind of become to norm to see you. And the though of a football helmet does have its appeal."
Shifting a little a again Beth puts her arm across herself and holds her other are as she continues to study him for a moment.
"If you sure your gonna make it I better head in. If I come out though to leave and your still here I'm taking you to the hosp. I don't need to dieing on the bench you know."
"I'm so happy and proud of you Gage. That is such great news."
Leaning into him and pressing her lips to his Sapphire lets her feelings show even more though her kiss before pulling away again. Giving a slight nod to Gage about her day.
"My morning was good. I sat and talked with Scott a little, and that went well. Its not prefect yet but its a small step in the right direction. Told him that I would stop by to see him again and he didn't say no. So that has to mean something right?"
"Sounds like a great idea."
Stopping at the stop light Misty waits for it to turn green before moving forward again. It wouldn't take long to get to Dalton's but Misty didn't mind waiting for Dani to be ready.
"I should be there in about five minutes. You don't need to hurry I will be waiting outside for you."
Hanging up the phone for now Misty continues to drive taking a few turns to get to Dalton's. Finally getting there Misty pulls into the parking lot to wait. Rolling the window down and turning the car off Misty pulls a magazine from her bag to read.
Seeing the little twinkle in Justin's eye Beth gives a small grin and a nod to him. His sence of humor was always refreshing. Hearing his last statment though Beth cocks her head. Justin might not come bad? It really must have been a rough day.
"I hope you come back tomorrow, its kind of become to norm to see you. And the though of a football helmet does have its appeal."
Shifting a little a again Beth puts her arm across herself and holds her other are as she continues to study him for a moment.
"If you sure your gonna make it I better head in. If I come out though to leave and your still here I'm taking you to the hosp. I don't need to dieing on the bench you know."
If I come
Gage hears Sapphire enter his apartment, and a little smile appears on his face. Taking in her hug and giving her a squeeze, he gets a kiss in to her forehead before she pulls away.
His smile widens just slightly and his eyes spark. "Mm-hmm... you are looking at the newest employee of Maxwell Lumber Mill." Backing up a step, his hands slide down to hers as he gets a little more excited. "Night crew... eleven-hour shift, four days a week. And... it's close enough that it will only take me half an hour to walk."
Excitement rises in his voice, though he doesn't want to overdo it and overshadow any news that Sapphire might have of her own morning. So suppressing a little of his energy, he nods, biting his lip. "And you had a good morning?"
Dani draws in a shaky breath. "Okay. I, um... guess I could use somebody to talk to, too. I... it'll be nice to get out for a little while. Thank you, Misty."
Sniffing again she stands up, holding the phone as she wanders to the window. "I'll be waiting at Dalton's. You can just drive up - I'll come out. I just... I gotta clean myself up a little bit, but it should just take me a couple minutes."
Glancing up at Beth, Justin accepts the wipe, listening to her wish for his day. "Well... this helps." He grins again, even though it just splits his lip some more. "Thank you."
Dabbing his lip, he rubs his head a little again. "I think I better sit here a while before I drive. I'm liable to go right off the road without even knowing it. Dang." He rolls his eyes a little. "Is it just me, or are clients getting more dangerous nowadays?"
Giving Beth a little sidelong glance, humor twinkles in his eyes, despite his pain. "You might see me in a football helmet the next time." He nods a little. "If I come a next time, that is."
His smile widens just slightly and his eyes spark. "Mm-hmm... you are looking at the newest employee of Maxwell Lumber Mill." Backing up a step, his hands slide down to hers as he gets a little more excited. "Night crew... eleven-hour shift, four days a week. And... it's close enough that it will only take me half an hour to walk."
Excitement rises in his voice, though he doesn't want to overdo it and overshadow any news that Sapphire might have of her own morning. So suppressing a little of his energy, he nods, biting his lip. "And you had a good morning?"
Dani draws in a shaky breath. "Okay. I, um... guess I could use somebody to talk to, too. I... it'll be nice to get out for a little while. Thank you, Misty."
Sniffing again she stands up, holding the phone as she wanders to the window. "I'll be waiting at Dalton's. You can just drive up - I'll come out. I just... I gotta clean myself up a little bit, but it should just take me a couple minutes."
Glancing up at Beth, Justin accepts the wipe, listening to her wish for his day. "Well... this helps." He grins again, even though it just splits his lip some more. "Thank you."
Dabbing his lip, he rubs his head a little again. "I think I better sit here a while before I drive. I'm liable to go right off the road without even knowing it. Dang." He rolls his eyes a little. "Is it just me, or are clients getting more dangerous nowadays?"
Giving Beth a little sidelong glance, humor twinkles in his eyes, despite his pain. "You might see me in a football helmet the next time." He nods a little. "If I come a next time, that is."
Better Not
Ryan gives a chuckle, she didn't know why he would want to give that up and she surly didn't. Not thinking about it she realized how silly of a question it really was.
"Forget I even asked because I have no idea."
Letting out small content sigh Ryan realizes she is way to comfortable to move again. So she would sleep in her clothing it wasn't that big of a deal. She had brushed off the dust off her before coming inside already so that wasn't getting every where.
Turning her head into Alec's chest a little more Ryan mumbles as her eyes fall shut.
"Jason or Reese better not show up to early because I won't answer the door. Its to comfortable here."
Giving a nod Beth understood what Justin was talking about. Some days where just bad for anyone even him who seemed always to be in a decent mood. Shifting her own weight for a moment Beth thinks. She felt better from yesterday but no more chipper than the norm.
"I guess I am as chipper as I get. Than again I am sure anything is better than the bad mood I was in yesterday."
Seeing Justin's lip was bleeding still a little Beth goes into her bag rummaging around for a moment before pulling out an antiseptic whip and holding it out to him.
"I know the lip is not much but you should keep it clean just the same. Sorry your having a hard day. I hope it turns out better for you later."
Putting in her blue tooth and pushing the little button Misty starts the car up and pulls out of the parking lot talking to Dani till. Thinking for a moment as she makes her way in the way of Dalton's house she gives a little nod of her head.
"Carson told me you had a rough last night, and didn't say to much on what happened."
She didn't want to beat around the bush with Dani or tell her a fib. Though she did have double motive she just layed it all out.
"So I call because I though maybe you'd like some girl time, not to mention Carson is work and I am off for the first time in forever and I'm bored. So I thought we could keep each other company."
Pulling into Gage's parking lot Sapphire sits for a moment a small smile still placed on her lips. She'd made a small step today and with that she was happy and couldn't wait to tell Gage. Getting out of the car finally Sapphire makes her way up to the door and unlocks it letting herself in.
"Gage, I'm back. I had a pretty good morning."
Coming into the little room where he was standing Sapphire gives him a smile stepping forward and giving him a hug. Morning with her brother, now spending time with Gage, it felt so nice.
Pulling away a little bit Sapphire searches Gage's face. Seeing something new in his eyes she trys to figure out what it was. Not being able to though she shakes her head a little.
"Somethings different...but I can't put my finger on it."
"Forget I even asked because I have no idea."
Letting out small content sigh Ryan realizes she is way to comfortable to move again. So she would sleep in her clothing it wasn't that big of a deal. She had brushed off the dust off her before coming inside already so that wasn't getting every where.
Turning her head into Alec's chest a little more Ryan mumbles as her eyes fall shut.
"Jason or Reese better not show up to early because I won't answer the door. Its to comfortable here."
Giving a nod Beth understood what Justin was talking about. Some days where just bad for anyone even him who seemed always to be in a decent mood. Shifting her own weight for a moment Beth thinks. She felt better from yesterday but no more chipper than the norm.
"I guess I am as chipper as I get. Than again I am sure anything is better than the bad mood I was in yesterday."
Seeing Justin's lip was bleeding still a little Beth goes into her bag rummaging around for a moment before pulling out an antiseptic whip and holding it out to him.
"I know the lip is not much but you should keep it clean just the same. Sorry your having a hard day. I hope it turns out better for you later."
Putting in her blue tooth and pushing the little button Misty starts the car up and pulls out of the parking lot talking to Dani till. Thinking for a moment as she makes her way in the way of Dalton's house she gives a little nod of her head.
"Carson told me you had a rough last night, and didn't say to much on what happened."
She didn't want to beat around the bush with Dani or tell her a fib. Though she did have double motive she just layed it all out.
"So I call because I though maybe you'd like some girl time, not to mention Carson is work and I am off for the first time in forever and I'm bored. So I thought we could keep each other company."
Pulling into Gage's parking lot Sapphire sits for a moment a small smile still placed on her lips. She'd made a small step today and with that she was happy and couldn't wait to tell Gage. Getting out of the car finally Sapphire makes her way up to the door and unlocks it letting herself in.
"Gage, I'm back. I had a pretty good morning."
Coming into the little room where he was standing Sapphire gives him a smile stepping forward and giving him a hug. Morning with her brother, now spending time with Gage, it felt so nice.
Pulling away a little bit Sapphire searches Gage's face. Seeing something new in his eyes she trys to figure out what it was. Not being able to though she shakes her head a little.
"Somethings different...but I can't put my finger on it."
Not my day
Alec scoffs and pulls Ryan tighter to him. "You kidding? You're better than an electric blanket. Why would I want to give that up?"
Sighing deeply, he closes his eyes, realizing just how tired he was. He could stay up 'til all hours if he wanted to, but once settling down, if he was comfortable, it was easy for him to fall asleep.
"Kick me if I snore," he mumbles.
Justin looks up quickly, not having seen Beth approach. "Wha- oh. Yeah..." He scrounges in his backpack some more, unable to find anything suitable. Sighing, he sits down on the bench and finally finds the napkin he was looking for and holds it to his lip.
"Yeah, I'm, no... yeah." He rolls his eyes as his tangled speech. Checking the bleeding, he runs his tongue over his lip, feeling the sting. "Nothing incurable." He touches his head gingerly where a welt was forming. "Not that I know of anyway." He had a pounding headache from his fall and was still a bit dizzy.
Blotting his lip again, he glances up at Beth. "Sorry... Hi. Not my day. You look rather chipper though." He tries to smile, but winds up wincing as all it does is make his lip bleed more.
Dani's phone ringing makes her jump and she fishes around on the coffee table to find it. Seeing it was Misty, she was willing to answer it.
Once hearing what she wanted, Dani sniffs again, trying not to sound too bummed out. "Um..." Did she really want to get out and about? Much of her didn't feel like it at all. Yet it might be a good distraction for her. "Yeah... yeah, okay. As long as I'm back by lunch... I'm supposed to eat with Dalton."
Pausing a moment, she found it just a little coincidental that Misty would be calling her now... today. It wasn't all that unusual that they would do something together, but Dani had an inkling that somehow Misty knew it wasn't just a normal day. "I'm, um... over at Dalton's if you wanna swing by and pick me up." She pauses again. "Did... did Carson talk to you about... um..." Her voice quivers as she swallows the urge to cry again. "...about me?"
Gage scribbles on the backside of a store receipt, scratching harder to try and get his pen to write. Keeping his phone to his ear, he nods to no one watching. "Uh-huh... okay, yeah. Thank you... yes. I'll be there."
Ending the call, he stares down at his scribbles. Nine o'clock tomorrow night.
Standing from his mattress, he paces his living room, straightening a picture on the wall and stacking up his books on the table, lining up their spines in order. He knew it took two hours to get back into town from Brookshire, and he had no idea how long Sapphire would be visiting Scott, but now he wanted her back all the more. If she was finished early enough, they would do lunch. If not, she would come by for supper. He didn't want to wait that long to talk to her though. Not only was he anxious about her meeting with Scott, but he now wanted to tell her the news he had. It wasn't the greatest in the world, but it was better than nothing and he would finally be able to say he had a job.
Sighing deeply, he closes his eyes, realizing just how tired he was. He could stay up 'til all hours if he wanted to, but once settling down, if he was comfortable, it was easy for him to fall asleep.
"Kick me if I snore," he mumbles.
Justin looks up quickly, not having seen Beth approach. "Wha- oh. Yeah..." He scrounges in his backpack some more, unable to find anything suitable. Sighing, he sits down on the bench and finally finds the napkin he was looking for and holds it to his lip.
"Yeah, I'm, no... yeah." He rolls his eyes as his tangled speech. Checking the bleeding, he runs his tongue over his lip, feeling the sting. "Nothing incurable." He touches his head gingerly where a welt was forming. "Not that I know of anyway." He had a pounding headache from his fall and was still a bit dizzy.
Blotting his lip again, he glances up at Beth. "Sorry... Hi. Not my day. You look rather chipper though." He tries to smile, but winds up wincing as all it does is make his lip bleed more.
Dani's phone ringing makes her jump and she fishes around on the coffee table to find it. Seeing it was Misty, she was willing to answer it.
Once hearing what she wanted, Dani sniffs again, trying not to sound too bummed out. "Um..." Did she really want to get out and about? Much of her didn't feel like it at all. Yet it might be a good distraction for her. "Yeah... yeah, okay. As long as I'm back by lunch... I'm supposed to eat with Dalton."
Pausing a moment, she found it just a little coincidental that Misty would be calling her now... today. It wasn't all that unusual that they would do something together, but Dani had an inkling that somehow Misty knew it wasn't just a normal day. "I'm, um... over at Dalton's if you wanna swing by and pick me up." She pauses again. "Did... did Carson talk to you about... um..." Her voice quivers as she swallows the urge to cry again. "...about me?"
Gage scribbles on the backside of a store receipt, scratching harder to try and get his pen to write. Keeping his phone to his ear, he nods to no one watching. "Uh-huh... okay, yeah. Thank you... yes. I'll be there."
Ending the call, he stares down at his scribbles. Nine o'clock tomorrow night.
Standing from his mattress, he paces his living room, straightening a picture on the wall and stacking up his books on the table, lining up their spines in order. He knew it took two hours to get back into town from Brookshire, and he had no idea how long Sapphire would be visiting Scott, but now he wanted her back all the more. If she was finished early enough, they would do lunch. If not, she would come by for supper. He didn't want to wait that long to talk to her though. Not only was he anxious about her meeting with Scott, but he now wanted to tell her the news he had. It wasn't the greatest in the world, but it was better than nothing and he would finally be able to say he had a job.
5/31/10
Smother
Exiting the store and heading to her car Misty carry's her package fishing for her keys to open the door and sticking the packages in the back. Once getting situated and into the car Misty pulls her phone from her pocket. Dialing Dani's number Misty waits for the familiar voice to answer.
"Hey Dani, its Misty. I happened t be in the area and I was wondering if many you wanted come company? I bought some ice cream and though maybe we could go to the park and enjoy the nice weather."
Misty wasn't sure if Dani would come or not but it was worth a shot not to mention being off of work, and Carson working she was kind of bored. Spending some time with Dani would be nice for herself and maybe Dani as well if she needed a friend.
Coming up the walk way Beth's step was a little lighter today. Her day seemed slightly better, as last night she had gotten more sleep than the day before. Though her eyes still held the slight tired look, it wasn't as bad only the normal.
Getting to the bench were she often seemed to find Justin Beth stops cocking her head and looks at him for a long moment.
"Every day is a new surprise with you huh? Today it looked like you were hit by a mac truck. You ok?"
Beth offers a slight smile to Justin hoping he was ok though he looked a little sore. She was worry for him anyways and the condition he was in. Even though she saw him once a day and not for very long, she considered him and aquatint and would hate to see him sitting there in to much pain.
Returning Alec's kiss Ryan moves with him and snuggled down into the couch making herself comfortable. She new she was still in her normal clothing but she didn't want to move right away again.
Draping her arm over top of Alec and resting her other under her head and on her chest she looks up at him for a moment grinning.
"You don't mind if I sleep out here with you again tonight do you? If ya do I can give ya space."
Ryan new Alec probley didn't mind but she wanted to ask anyways to make sure he new she want trying to smother him. That was the last thing she wanted to do.
"Hey Dani, its Misty. I happened t be in the area and I was wondering if many you wanted come company? I bought some ice cream and though maybe we could go to the park and enjoy the nice weather."
Misty wasn't sure if Dani would come or not but it was worth a shot not to mention being off of work, and Carson working she was kind of bored. Spending some time with Dani would be nice for herself and maybe Dani as well if she needed a friend.
Coming up the walk way Beth's step was a little lighter today. Her day seemed slightly better, as last night she had gotten more sleep than the day before. Though her eyes still held the slight tired look, it wasn't as bad only the normal.
Getting to the bench were she often seemed to find Justin Beth stops cocking her head and looks at him for a long moment.
"Every day is a new surprise with you huh? Today it looked like you were hit by a mac truck. You ok?"
Beth offers a slight smile to Justin hoping he was ok though he looked a little sore. She was worry for him anyways and the condition he was in. Even though she saw him once a day and not for very long, she considered him and aquatint and would hate to see him sitting there in to much pain.
Returning Alec's kiss Ryan moves with him and snuggled down into the couch making herself comfortable. She new she was still in her normal clothing but she didn't want to move right away again.
Draping her arm over top of Alec and resting her other under her head and on her chest she looks up at him for a moment grinning.
"You don't mind if I sleep out here with you again tonight do you? If ya do I can give ya space."
Ryan new Alec probley didn't mind but she wanted to ask anyways to make sure he new she want trying to smother him. That was the last thing she wanted to do.
No warning
Alec's lips curl up into a grin and he leans down to give Ryan a kiss on the lips. "Thank you. You're nicer than your brother is."
Eli rolls his eyes. "Well I'd hate for you to show your gratitude like that to me, rather than her." He smirks and shakes his head. "I'm going to bed. The Elite come knocking, don't wake me up."
Alec waves him off before looking back down at Ryan. "Thanks. This couch is more comfy than that cot over at TJY. Not to mention I don't have any hot bricks to keep me warm down there."
Grinning again, he kicks off his shoes and scoots down further into the couch, moving Ryan right along with him. He knew she would need to get up before getting ready for bed and she might not even curl up with him for the night at all, but for now, he'd get comfy anyway.
Scott doesn't return the hug, though he doesn't pull away. It wouldn't be hard to put an arm around his sister, but he would blame the awkward position of sitting next to her on the bench. He gives a nod at her mention of next week. "Okay..." Looking up, he watches as she leaves, feeling his own emotions churning as he sees her wipe away her tears. This was all wrong. How had they gotten to this horrid point?
Putting things away in the bag she'd brought him, he folds over the top and stands up, ready to go back to his room. He didn't feel like fooling around outside today. It had been bad enough that Justin had had the nerve to bring Sapphire here - he wasn't in the mood to put up with anything more.
Watching as Sapphire disappears from sight, Scott starts forward but is stopped by Justin's hand to his shoulder.
"Hey... stick around," Justin prompts gently. "Thought we'd work off some energy."
Without any warning, Scott spins around. Fire blazes in his eyes with an intention that had been there since he'd seen Justin had brought Sapphire. Being asked to stay was the last straw, and there was no hesitation. His fist meets Justin's mouth with enough force to send him sprawling on the ground.
Justin didn't even have time to react. One moment he was standing beside Scott, and the next, he was reeling backward, his world flipping upside down. His head bounces off the corner of the bench, adding to the pain already shooting through his mouth. Instincts cause him to shield his face and head with his arms in case the attack wasn't over. It was though.
Scott stands back, already feeling guilty, but ignoring it. "How dare you bring my sister here," he hisses. He wasn't mad at Sapphire and he wasn't mad that she'd seen him. He was mad at Justin for initiating the visit without telling him first. "You ever pull a stunt like that again, so help me, you'll pay."
Justin winces, catching his breath and cringing at his new headache. Anybody with brains would have let Scott walk away. But not Justin. Seeing Scott leave, he calls after him. "It's not my fault that all you want to do is hide from the world. Your fear of seeing your sister just proves you're scared of the truth."
Scott whirls around with a fresh glare. "I am not!"
Justin slowly picks himself up, wiping his bloody lip and steadying himself on the bench. "Then why do you keep running? You're too scared to face the shadows and you're too selfish to even let your sister in. The Agency data isn't holding you back. You are."
Gritting his teeth, Scott turns and walks away without another word. If Justin wanted to come drag him back outside, so be it. But this visit was over.
Justin scoffs and eases down on the bench, feeling dizzy. Scott had surprised him. He'd been so calm around Sapphire - apparently it truly was Justin he was mad at and not his sister, but he was also a good actor, which made Justin's job all the harder now.
Wiping his lip again, Justin grabs his backpack and stands, wincing again at the pain in his head. His walk to his pickup was slower today, his body language down and out. What was he trying to do here anyway? Any other person would write up this incident in a report and have Scott put on meds to calm him down. Was Justin just too stupid to not do the same? Maybe he'd bit off more than he could chew after all.
Realizing his lip was still bleeding, he stops and fishes in his backpack for some random napkin or tissue.
Dani curls up at the end of the couch, pulling her knees up and sniffing as more tears come. She was glad she was at Dalton's instead of her own place, but it was still quiet and lonely. Blowing her nose again, she looks to the television, but she knew she wouldn't find anything she wanted to watch.
Her mind was battling back and forth with pictures from her dreams and pictures from the new memories that had come to light. She felt miserable and... small. It was the only way she could describe it. She felt small and insignificant. Helpless to stop this barrage of emotions connected with memories no one should have. It was no wonder she had locked them away. She'd always considered herself strong and able to handle herself. But apparently there was more to her childhood than she'd ever known. Apparently she hadn't always been so strong.
Another tear rolls down her cheek and she picks up the phone, then puts it down again. No, her brother was at work. She'd talk to him tonight. She had to. She had to find out the truth.
Eli rolls his eyes. "Well I'd hate for you to show your gratitude like that to me, rather than her." He smirks and shakes his head. "I'm going to bed. The Elite come knocking, don't wake me up."
Alec waves him off before looking back down at Ryan. "Thanks. This couch is more comfy than that cot over at TJY. Not to mention I don't have any hot bricks to keep me warm down there."
Grinning again, he kicks off his shoes and scoots down further into the couch, moving Ryan right along with him. He knew she would need to get up before getting ready for bed and she might not even curl up with him for the night at all, but for now, he'd get comfy anyway.
Scott doesn't return the hug, though he doesn't pull away. It wouldn't be hard to put an arm around his sister, but he would blame the awkward position of sitting next to her on the bench. He gives a nod at her mention of next week. "Okay..." Looking up, he watches as she leaves, feeling his own emotions churning as he sees her wipe away her tears. This was all wrong. How had they gotten to this horrid point?
Putting things away in the bag she'd brought him, he folds over the top and stands up, ready to go back to his room. He didn't feel like fooling around outside today. It had been bad enough that Justin had had the nerve to bring Sapphire here - he wasn't in the mood to put up with anything more.
Watching as Sapphire disappears from sight, Scott starts forward but is stopped by Justin's hand to his shoulder.
"Hey... stick around," Justin prompts gently. "Thought we'd work off some energy."
Without any warning, Scott spins around. Fire blazes in his eyes with an intention that had been there since he'd seen Justin had brought Sapphire. Being asked to stay was the last straw, and there was no hesitation. His fist meets Justin's mouth with enough force to send him sprawling on the ground.
Justin didn't even have time to react. One moment he was standing beside Scott, and the next, he was reeling backward, his world flipping upside down. His head bounces off the corner of the bench, adding to the pain already shooting through his mouth. Instincts cause him to shield his face and head with his arms in case the attack wasn't over. It was though.
Scott stands back, already feeling guilty, but ignoring it. "How dare you bring my sister here," he hisses. He wasn't mad at Sapphire and he wasn't mad that she'd seen him. He was mad at Justin for initiating the visit without telling him first. "You ever pull a stunt like that again, so help me, you'll pay."
Justin winces, catching his breath and cringing at his new headache. Anybody with brains would have let Scott walk away. But not Justin. Seeing Scott leave, he calls after him. "It's not my fault that all you want to do is hide from the world. Your fear of seeing your sister just proves you're scared of the truth."
Scott whirls around with a fresh glare. "I am not!"
Justin slowly picks himself up, wiping his bloody lip and steadying himself on the bench. "Then why do you keep running? You're too scared to face the shadows and you're too selfish to even let your sister in. The Agency data isn't holding you back. You are."
Gritting his teeth, Scott turns and walks away without another word. If Justin wanted to come drag him back outside, so be it. But this visit was over.
Justin scoffs and eases down on the bench, feeling dizzy. Scott had surprised him. He'd been so calm around Sapphire - apparently it truly was Justin he was mad at and not his sister, but he was also a good actor, which made Justin's job all the harder now.
Wiping his lip again, Justin grabs his backpack and stands, wincing again at the pain in his head. His walk to his pickup was slower today, his body language down and out. What was he trying to do here anyway? Any other person would write up this incident in a report and have Scott put on meds to calm him down. Was Justin just too stupid to not do the same? Maybe he'd bit off more than he could chew after all.
Realizing his lip was still bleeding, he stops and fishes in his backpack for some random napkin or tissue.
Dani curls up at the end of the couch, pulling her knees up and sniffing as more tears come. She was glad she was at Dalton's instead of her own place, but it was still quiet and lonely. Blowing her nose again, she looks to the television, but she knew she wouldn't find anything she wanted to watch.
Her mind was battling back and forth with pictures from her dreams and pictures from the new memories that had come to light. She felt miserable and... small. It was the only way she could describe it. She felt small and insignificant. Helpless to stop this barrage of emotions connected with memories no one should have. It was no wonder she had locked them away. She'd always considered herself strong and able to handle herself. But apparently there was more to her childhood than she'd ever known. Apparently she hadn't always been so strong.
Another tear rolls down her cheek and she picks up the phone, then puts it down again. No, her brother was at work. She'd talk to him tonight. She had to. She had to find out the truth.
That feeling
Feeling Justin's hand on her shoulder Sapphire didn't turn to look at him. Her eyes were still on her brother. They had started to get some where with each other she didn't want to leave now. There was so much more for her to talk about, so much more she wanted to say and just not enough time.
But bundling it all up into one lump Sapphire moves twords Scott slowly not to startle him wrapping her arms around her brother and holding him for a long moment. Even if he didn't hug her back that was ok.
"I love you Scott very much, and I'm sorry for all the things I said too. I'll be back to see my maybe one day next week. So its not bye, only see you later."
Giving a sniff Sapphire retreats for the hug and stands wiping the tears from her eyes. She missed her brother, she wanted to be friends again and she hoped this was the first step.
Motioning a half wave Sapphire turns giving a nod to Justin before heading down the sidewalk to where he car was parked. All in all it had been a good visit and she was pleased.
Watching Eli and Alec as they break into hysteria again Ryan just blinks. It was her turn to now think they were completely off there rocker. If it hadnt been for the lack of beer in the house she might had thought they were drunk,
Leaning into Alec a little Ryan gives a laugh too finally. It was late, they were all tired and silly so this was probably normal. Hearing Eli was ready to take Alec back to TJY though she lets out a sigh followed by an aw. Almost like a little kid who was told to come inside.
Hearing him ask to stay again Ryan perks up a little bit. Looking to Eli she waits for his answer before looking back to Alec and than Eli again till he says it was up to her. Grinning again and looking to Alec and giving a nod.
"You can stay the night again. I don't care if Reese and Jason come looking for you. Least your staying out of trouble for them."
Truth be told she really didn't care if Jason and Reese did come, she enjoyed Alec's company to much to care. Not to mention there was something about falling asleep in his arms that was nice. It was some of the best sleep Ryan had ever gotten. Just being close to him with nothing else involved felt nice.
But bundling it all up into one lump Sapphire moves twords Scott slowly not to startle him wrapping her arms around her brother and holding him for a long moment. Even if he didn't hug her back that was ok.
"I love you Scott very much, and I'm sorry for all the things I said too. I'll be back to see my maybe one day next week. So its not bye, only see you later."
Giving a sniff Sapphire retreats for the hug and stands wiping the tears from her eyes. She missed her brother, she wanted to be friends again and she hoped this was the first step.
Motioning a half wave Sapphire turns giving a nod to Justin before heading down the sidewalk to where he car was parked. All in all it had been a good visit and she was pleased.
Watching Eli and Alec as they break into hysteria again Ryan just blinks. It was her turn to now think they were completely off there rocker. If it hadnt been for the lack of beer in the house she might had thought they were drunk,
Leaning into Alec a little Ryan gives a laugh too finally. It was late, they were all tired and silly so this was probably normal. Hearing Eli was ready to take Alec back to TJY though she lets out a sigh followed by an aw. Almost like a little kid who was told to come inside.
Hearing him ask to stay again Ryan perks up a little bit. Looking to Eli she waits for his answer before looking back to Alec and than Eli again till he says it was up to her. Grinning again and looking to Alec and giving a nod.
"You can stay the night again. I don't care if Reese and Jason come looking for you. Least your staying out of trouble for them."
Truth be told she really didn't care if Jason and Reese did come, she enjoyed Alec's company to much to care. Not to mention there was something about falling asleep in his arms that was nice. It was some of the best sleep Ryan had ever gotten. Just being close to him with nothing else involved felt nice.
Killjoy
"Yeah... goodnight, Ryan." Leo gets out of her car and stands back, watching her leave and the taillights disappear down the street and around the corner, a little faster than maybe should be. He grins a little and shakes his head.
Wandering to his own car, he gets in and just sits for several minutes. Bring Cassy to the shop? He probably wouldn't. It would feel too much like he was showing off a girlfriend. Maybe if the gang was getting together for something else, or happened to meet somewhere... that would be different. No, he may have started down the road to getting over Ryan tonight, but he was far from implying to anybody that Cassy was his girl. They were still very much just friends.
Perking up as Ryan comes into the apartment, both men are still a bit flushed in their faces from their silly laughing. Eli nods vigorously. "Oh, yes. Yes you did call me a genius but it never hurts to hear it again. Lay it on, sister."
Alec snickers. It was way too late and everything seemed funny. Swinging his head over to Ryan, he grins, laughter pooling in his eyes. "Glad you made it back, babe."
Sliding his arm around her, he pulls her top half down into his lap, his fingers tickling her ribs. "I didn't wanna have to come looking for you, ya know."
"He means your chocolate cake," Eli adds.
That's all it takes, and once again, both guys start laughing. Eli covers his face with his hands and tries to stop, his shoulders shaking. Finally he stands up and staggers into the kitchen, wiping his eyes as he goes and trying to compose himself. "Come on, Alec," he calls. "Kiss your woman goodnight. I gotta get you back to TJY."
"Awww." Alec's laughing and tickling both stop. "Killjoy. They won't even know I'm gone and besides, half the night is already over."
"It's only two-thirty and I am not gonna get woken up at five by Reese or Jason come pounding on the door looking for you."
Alec sighs, not even realizing his one hand is running softly through Ryan's hair. "If I promise to leave right away in the morning, can I stay?"
Eli wanders back into the living room, his hands on his hips. Looking at Alec, one would think he was some lost puppy. More than likely, this ruffian didn't even realize that his eyes were begging them to let him stay. Was it loneliness? Eli sighs. "Ask Ryan, it's her apartment."
Alec looks down at Ryan pleadingly. "Can I?" All it was was a lonely dark room awaiting him. He might never admit that he was lonely at TJY, but spending so much time with Ryan and Eli the last few days had become quite addictive. TJY held nothing anymore but work and emptiness.
Feeling Sapphire's hand, Scott looks down at it, just quietly listening to her speak. A few weeks ago, he would have turned her away, snapped at her, maybe even yelled at her. But today he was ready to hear and accept her words calmly without arguing.
Was Hope really not mad at him? He still didn't feel like seeing her yet. It was a strange combination of missing her terribly and not wanting to see her that made his insides churn. Was it just pride that was getting in the way or more? Were they really meant to be together? Or would he have to really say goodbye to another love lost?
His mind shifts with Sapphire's voice. He had been her hero? Still was? That surprised Scott a little bit. From what he remembered of school was him failing at taking down the bullies and getting beat up himself. But maybe it was just the effort she remembered. How could she still view him that way now though? He was weak... he was in a mental facility. How could anyone look up to someone like that?
Finally Scott turns to see Sapphire's face and dares to look in her eyes. Could they really get along again? Could they really work around this issue with Gage? Scott didn't know how. He loved his sister, and he was sorry for the things he'd said to her. But that didn't change the fact that she was dating someone he hated - literally.
Looking back down again, he lays his other hand on top of hers. "I'm sorry," he whispers. His voice wavers as he tries to hold back his own tears. "For... for the things I said to you. I... I just... I don't know how to... to work it out with... with everything." What he said seemed to make no sense at all and it frustrated him to not be able to put into words what he was feeling. He loved her. But he was still hurt and confused. He wanted to be around his sister again and get along with her again. But he couldn't ignore the things that angered him so.
Giving her hand a little pat, he backs off and goes for another piece of beef jerky. "Thank you for coming," he mentions softly. "I... I appreciate it."
Justin's hand comes up from behind to lay on Sapphire's shoulder. It was time for her to go.
Wandering to his own car, he gets in and just sits for several minutes. Bring Cassy to the shop? He probably wouldn't. It would feel too much like he was showing off a girlfriend. Maybe if the gang was getting together for something else, or happened to meet somewhere... that would be different. No, he may have started down the road to getting over Ryan tonight, but he was far from implying to anybody that Cassy was his girl. They were still very much just friends.
Perking up as Ryan comes into the apartment, both men are still a bit flushed in their faces from their silly laughing. Eli nods vigorously. "Oh, yes. Yes you did call me a genius but it never hurts to hear it again. Lay it on, sister."
Alec snickers. It was way too late and everything seemed funny. Swinging his head over to Ryan, he grins, laughter pooling in his eyes. "Glad you made it back, babe."
Sliding his arm around her, he pulls her top half down into his lap, his fingers tickling her ribs. "I didn't wanna have to come looking for you, ya know."
"He means your chocolate cake," Eli adds.
That's all it takes, and once again, both guys start laughing. Eli covers his face with his hands and tries to stop, his shoulders shaking. Finally he stands up and staggers into the kitchen, wiping his eyes as he goes and trying to compose himself. "Come on, Alec," he calls. "Kiss your woman goodnight. I gotta get you back to TJY."
"Awww." Alec's laughing and tickling both stop. "Killjoy. They won't even know I'm gone and besides, half the night is already over."
"It's only two-thirty and I am not gonna get woken up at five by Reese or Jason come pounding on the door looking for you."
Alec sighs, not even realizing his one hand is running softly through Ryan's hair. "If I promise to leave right away in the morning, can I stay?"
Eli wanders back into the living room, his hands on his hips. Looking at Alec, one would think he was some lost puppy. More than likely, this ruffian didn't even realize that his eyes were begging them to let him stay. Was it loneliness? Eli sighs. "Ask Ryan, it's her apartment."
Alec looks down at Ryan pleadingly. "Can I?" All it was was a lonely dark room awaiting him. He might never admit that he was lonely at TJY, but spending so much time with Ryan and Eli the last few days had become quite addictive. TJY held nothing anymore but work and emptiness.
Feeling Sapphire's hand, Scott looks down at it, just quietly listening to her speak. A few weeks ago, he would have turned her away, snapped at her, maybe even yelled at her. But today he was ready to hear and accept her words calmly without arguing.
Was Hope really not mad at him? He still didn't feel like seeing her yet. It was a strange combination of missing her terribly and not wanting to see her that made his insides churn. Was it just pride that was getting in the way or more? Were they really meant to be together? Or would he have to really say goodbye to another love lost?
His mind shifts with Sapphire's voice. He had been her hero? Still was? That surprised Scott a little bit. From what he remembered of school was him failing at taking down the bullies and getting beat up himself. But maybe it was just the effort she remembered. How could she still view him that way now though? He was weak... he was in a mental facility. How could anyone look up to someone like that?
Finally Scott turns to see Sapphire's face and dares to look in her eyes. Could they really get along again? Could they really work around this issue with Gage? Scott didn't know how. He loved his sister, and he was sorry for the things he'd said to her. But that didn't change the fact that she was dating someone he hated - literally.
Looking back down again, he lays his other hand on top of hers. "I'm sorry," he whispers. His voice wavers as he tries to hold back his own tears. "For... for the things I said to you. I... I just... I don't know how to... to work it out with... with everything." What he said seemed to make no sense at all and it frustrated him to not be able to put into words what he was feeling. He loved her. But he was still hurt and confused. He wanted to be around his sister again and get along with her again. But he couldn't ignore the things that angered him so.
Giving her hand a little pat, he backs off and goes for another piece of beef jerky. "Thank you for coming," he mentions softly. "I... I appreciate it."
Justin's hand comes up from behind to lay on Sapphire's shoulder. It was time for her to go.
5/30/10
Just wanted you to know...
Thinking about what Scott said for a moment Sapphire could hear the pain in her brother's voice with out even looking at him. There bond as strong as when they were younger but there was still a bond there, and for Sapphire it gave her hope that things could work out with them.
Reaching out slowly Sapphire puts her hand softly on top of her brothers. If nothing more to simply let him know she was there for him and she wasn't scared that he was in this place or thought any different. He was her brother, her twin, her best friend.
"It's not pointless, You got something to words twords. Getting better for Mom, Dad, Me, Hope and most of all for yourself. I can't say I know how you feel because well I don't, but I do know we are all rooting for you and love you no matter what. Even Hope, and I can garinte she is not mad at you."
Just sitting there for a long moment Sapphire draws silent just letting the quiet surround them for the longest moment. She remembered what felt like forever go her and Scott could just sitting in one spot for the longest time and not say anything at all but feel like they had the best conversation when walking away.
"Your strong Scott, you always have been no matter what, remember in school when you use to fend the bully's off for me. You were my hero, and your still my hero now. That will never change no matter how many fights we have. I just...I wanted you to know that."
Looking to Scott Sapphire smiles her eyes glisting a little as some tears wanted to come but she willed them not to. For her brothers sake she wanted not to let the tears come.
Giving a smile and noding a little hearing about Cassy Ryan was please she was nice and someone Leo once new that had reformed a friendship. Seeing him smile as he talked about her too was nice. Leo deserved to be happy thats was deffintly for sure. He was to nice of a guy not to be happy.
"Hey ya never know, if your helping her with dancing you might end up seeing her more often still. She sounds real nice and I'm happy for that."
Pulling over to the side of the road where Leo's car was Ryan puts the car into park before turning to Leo a little.
"Thanks Leo, for coming tonight it was nice to have you there and share a laugh with you.I hope we can do it again. Oh yeah bring Cassy around the shop sometime too I'd like to meet her."
Giving a smile to Leo Ryan bids him goodnight leaving there conversation for now. It defiantly had been good to talk with Leo again. Giving a wave Ryan pulls out from where she was parked taking the back roads home. Going a little faster than probably should should Ryan keeps her eye out for cops and in no time she was home.
"I'm back, I didn't run away some where...hope you guys didn't miss me to much."
Coming into the living room Ryan flops down on the couch next to Alec giving him a little elbow before she grins at him and than looks over at her brother.
"Dear Eli did I tell you, that I think your a genius?"
Reaching out slowly Sapphire puts her hand softly on top of her brothers. If nothing more to simply let him know she was there for him and she wasn't scared that he was in this place or thought any different. He was her brother, her twin, her best friend.
"It's not pointless, You got something to words twords. Getting better for Mom, Dad, Me, Hope and most of all for yourself. I can't say I know how you feel because well I don't, but I do know we are all rooting for you and love you no matter what. Even Hope, and I can garinte she is not mad at you."
Just sitting there for a long moment Sapphire draws silent just letting the quiet surround them for the longest moment. She remembered what felt like forever go her and Scott could just sitting in one spot for the longest time and not say anything at all but feel like they had the best conversation when walking away.
"Your strong Scott, you always have been no matter what, remember in school when you use to fend the bully's off for me. You were my hero, and your still my hero now. That will never change no matter how many fights we have. I just...I wanted you to know that."
Looking to Scott Sapphire smiles her eyes glisting a little as some tears wanted to come but she willed them not to. For her brothers sake she wanted not to let the tears come.
Giving a smile and noding a little hearing about Cassy Ryan was please she was nice and someone Leo once new that had reformed a friendship. Seeing him smile as he talked about her too was nice. Leo deserved to be happy thats was deffintly for sure. He was to nice of a guy not to be happy.
"Hey ya never know, if your helping her with dancing you might end up seeing her more often still. She sounds real nice and I'm happy for that."
Pulling over to the side of the road where Leo's car was Ryan puts the car into park before turning to Leo a little.
"Thanks Leo, for coming tonight it was nice to have you there and share a laugh with you.I hope we can do it again. Oh yeah bring Cassy around the shop sometime too I'd like to meet her."
Giving a smile to Leo Ryan bids him goodnight leaving there conversation for now. It defiantly had been good to talk with Leo again. Giving a wave Ryan pulls out from where she was parked taking the back roads home. Going a little faster than probably should should Ryan keeps her eye out for cops and in no time she was home.
"I'm back, I didn't run away some where...hope you guys didn't miss me to much."
Coming into the living room Ryan flops down on the couch next to Alec giving him a little elbow before she grins at him and than looks over at her brother.
"Dear Eli did I tell you, that I think your a genius?"
Oh
Scott's eyes lower to the ground as Sapphire mentions them as kids. Yeah, she'd been the picky one. Sometimes she'd sneak him the food she didn't like and he would eat it so she wouldn't get into trouble. There had been a bond there when they'd been kids. What had happened?
Scott can feel emotions rising within him and he swallows the lump in his throat. Taking another sip of pop, he listens as she mentions Hope. She was under the weather? Having trips to the infirmary? That wasn't like her. She needed to not be working at all and taking care of herself, and... His thoughts drift off. Who was he to tell her what to do now?
His shoulders slouch a little. "Yeah." His voice had grown quiet again. "She and I... I mean, I..." He shakes his head and takes another bite of jerky. "I haven't seen her in a while," he admits. "I... told her not to come... anymore."
He shrugs lamely. "I was mad at her, ya know? For bringing me here and... and I guess I got tired of her seeing me like this and... I don't know. I just... wound up telling her to stay away. I don't even know if we're even... together... anymore."
Sighing, Scott sets aside his pop and bag of goodies, his nervousness returning. "I...I don't know what to do anymore. It all feels... pointless."
Hearing an apology from Ryan too, Leo lifts an eyebrow a little bit. His wounds were still sore but... having her say she was sorry too, helped them heal just a little more.
The questions about Cassy make him grin and he shakes his head. "Yeah... yeah, she's nice. I've just been fixing up the place for her is all. We knew each other a few years back, see. But... most of the work is done so I probably won't see her as much. Though I've been helping her dance a little bit too."
Seeing that they were nearing the spot where his car is, he's glad and sad at the same time that the ride would be over soon.
"Well I'm sorry!" Alec throws up his arms as he paces the living room. "He started it."
Eli rolls his eyes and takes off his jacket and gloves. "That's what they all say. You really gotta learn to keep your mouth shut, you know that?"
"What, you think I'm happy about Leo taking off with her?"
"No one took off with anybody," Eli chides. "She gave him a ride. Settle down. You already got her so what's the problem?"
"I don't... I don't know." Alec glances out the window for the tenth time.
A grin spreads on Eli's face. "You're jealous."
"I am not."
"Are too. You're jealous and you think that Leo is suddenly going to have everything you do and Ryan will miraculously be taken by him and is gonna ride off into the sunset... er... sunrise with him and you'll never see her, or her chocolate cakes again."
Alec whirls around, a glare on his face. But as he goes for a retort, he suddenly realizes just how ridiculous it all sounded and his mouth hangs open for several moments. He really was being stupid. "Oh."
It really wasn't funny, but such a short response makes Eli laugh. In turn, Alec starts to laugh too and they both sink down in chairs in the living room, their laughter starting up all over again.
Scott can feel emotions rising within him and he swallows the lump in his throat. Taking another sip of pop, he listens as she mentions Hope. She was under the weather? Having trips to the infirmary? That wasn't like her. She needed to not be working at all and taking care of herself, and... His thoughts drift off. Who was he to tell her what to do now?
His shoulders slouch a little. "Yeah." His voice had grown quiet again. "She and I... I mean, I..." He shakes his head and takes another bite of jerky. "I haven't seen her in a while," he admits. "I... told her not to come... anymore."
He shrugs lamely. "I was mad at her, ya know? For bringing me here and... and I guess I got tired of her seeing me like this and... I don't know. I just... wound up telling her to stay away. I don't even know if we're even... together... anymore."
Sighing, Scott sets aside his pop and bag of goodies, his nervousness returning. "I...I don't know what to do anymore. It all feels... pointless."
Hearing an apology from Ryan too, Leo lifts an eyebrow a little bit. His wounds were still sore but... having her say she was sorry too, helped them heal just a little more.
The questions about Cassy make him grin and he shakes his head. "Yeah... yeah, she's nice. I've just been fixing up the place for her is all. We knew each other a few years back, see. But... most of the work is done so I probably won't see her as much. Though I've been helping her dance a little bit too."
Seeing that they were nearing the spot where his car is, he's glad and sad at the same time that the ride would be over soon.
"Well I'm sorry!" Alec throws up his arms as he paces the living room. "He started it."
Eli rolls his eyes and takes off his jacket and gloves. "That's what they all say. You really gotta learn to keep your mouth shut, you know that?"
"What, you think I'm happy about Leo taking off with her?"
"No one took off with anybody," Eli chides. "She gave him a ride. Settle down. You already got her so what's the problem?"
"I don't... I don't know." Alec glances out the window for the tenth time.
A grin spreads on Eli's face. "You're jealous."
"I am not."
"Are too. You're jealous and you think that Leo is suddenly going to have everything you do and Ryan will miraculously be taken by him and is gonna ride off into the sunset... er... sunrise with him and you'll never see her, or her chocolate cakes again."
Alec whirls around, a glare on his face. But as he goes for a retort, he suddenly realizes just how ridiculous it all sounded and his mouth hangs open for several moments. He really was being stupid. "Oh."
It really wasn't funny, but such a short response makes Eli laugh. In turn, Alec starts to laugh too and they both sink down in chairs in the living room, their laughter starting up all over again.
Picky one
Seeing the look in Alec's eye Ryan new he wasn't happy but there was nothing she could do to change that. Leo was her friend and he'd asked for a ride. If he was trying to be friendly than she wasn't going to turn that down. She wanted to be friends with Leo like she had long ago.
Finally finshed up and on there way Ryan drives silently for a long while. It was a nice night out and with the windows cracked open the breeze felt nice on the back roads. Hearing Leo start talking and his comment on talking to her while Alec was around Ryan gave a slightly nod of her head.
"It's ok I understand about talking to me with Alec around."
She did understand too, giving Leo credit for wanting to try and be friends with her was enough. If he didn't feel comfortable around Alec still it was completely understand able. If it were her she might be the same way.
"I'd like to become friends again and I'm ok with taking the small steps to get there. So, appoligy accepted."
Drawing silent again for a moment Ryan taps her fingers absentmindedly on the searing wheel as her own mind process a few different things. Shifting a little bit in the car seat Ryan turns down another street coming to a stop sign she glaces over at Leo again for a moment before her eyes go back on the road again too.
"I guess...I'm sorry too about how everything turned out. I could have handled things differently than I did. So if anyone is saying sorry here its me."
There was so much more Ryan wanted to say but weather it was right or wrong she didn't know so for now keeping her mouth quiet was best. Maybe some day she would tell Leo what else was on her mind but maybe when there friendship was strong again.
"So...the guys tell me in you free time you've been helping this woman...Cassy I think they said her name was. She's opening a dance studio, I thought that was pretty cool. Is she nice?"
A smile was still formed on Ryan's face to show she really was interested in this part of Leo's life as a friend. She did in fact think it was cool he had been helping her out. It defiantly seemed like someone right up Leo's ally and she was happy for him.
Taking the can of mountain dew from her brother she takes a sip before handing it back to him just letting the liquid slid down her throat till she looked at him again and gave a small grin.
"I always liked the taste of mountain dew, but never the jerky to much. Twins through and though but when it came to tasting something you always did like more than me. I drove mom crazy being the picky one."
Giving a small laugh and shaking her head Sapphire leans back on the bench some of her nerves were starting to pass. Though she was still unsure on everything she wanted to say it seemed a little easier now. Almost like Scott had accepted her being there and it was ok.
Hearing the question about Hope Sapphire had to stop and think for a moment. She normaly didnt see Hope much and she'd been pretty busy the last weeks but she'd seen even less of her at that.
"I've seen her a few times coming in and out at odd hours. It's been pretty busy at work but I asked Reese about her the one day because it seemed like I saw her less than normal. He said she'd been feeling a little under the weather so she had been doing some work from home. I catch sight of her now and than as she is heading to the infirmary."
Thinking for a moment she searches Scott's eyes. There was something in them that she could see. Had it been a while since Scott had seen her too? His eyes almost longed to be told more about this person he cared for. Sapphire only felt sad she couldn't tell him more.
"I bet she'd like to hear from you. She probably miss you a lot as well."
Finally finshed up and on there way Ryan drives silently for a long while. It was a nice night out and with the windows cracked open the breeze felt nice on the back roads. Hearing Leo start talking and his comment on talking to her while Alec was around Ryan gave a slightly nod of her head.
"It's ok I understand about talking to me with Alec around."
She did understand too, giving Leo credit for wanting to try and be friends with her was enough. If he didn't feel comfortable around Alec still it was completely understand able. If it were her she might be the same way.
"I'd like to become friends again and I'm ok with taking the small steps to get there. So, appoligy accepted."
Drawing silent again for a moment Ryan taps her fingers absentmindedly on the searing wheel as her own mind process a few different things. Shifting a little bit in the car seat Ryan turns down another street coming to a stop sign she glaces over at Leo again for a moment before her eyes go back on the road again too.
"I guess...I'm sorry too about how everything turned out. I could have handled things differently than I did. So if anyone is saying sorry here its me."
There was so much more Ryan wanted to say but weather it was right or wrong she didn't know so for now keeping her mouth quiet was best. Maybe some day she would tell Leo what else was on her mind but maybe when there friendship was strong again.
"So...the guys tell me in you free time you've been helping this woman...Cassy I think they said her name was. She's opening a dance studio, I thought that was pretty cool. Is she nice?"
A smile was still formed on Ryan's face to show she really was interested in this part of Leo's life as a friend. She did in fact think it was cool he had been helping her out. It defiantly seemed like someone right up Leo's ally and she was happy for him.
Taking the can of mountain dew from her brother she takes a sip before handing it back to him just letting the liquid slid down her throat till she looked at him again and gave a small grin.
"I always liked the taste of mountain dew, but never the jerky to much. Twins through and though but when it came to tasting something you always did like more than me. I drove mom crazy being the picky one."
Giving a small laugh and shaking her head Sapphire leans back on the bench some of her nerves were starting to pass. Though she was still unsure on everything she wanted to say it seemed a little easier now. Almost like Scott had accepted her being there and it was ok.
Hearing the question about Hope Sapphire had to stop and think for a moment. She normaly didnt see Hope much and she'd been pretty busy the last weeks but she'd seen even less of her at that.
"I've seen her a few times coming in and out at odd hours. It's been pretty busy at work but I asked Reese about her the one day because it seemed like I saw her less than normal. He said she'd been feeling a little under the weather so she had been doing some work from home. I catch sight of her now and than as she is heading to the infirmary."
Thinking for a moment she searches Scott's eyes. There was something in them that she could see. Had it been a while since Scott had seen her too? His eyes almost longed to be told more about this person he cared for. Sapphire only felt sad she couldn't tell him more.
"I bet she'd like to hear from you. She probably miss you a lot as well."
Apology
Scott manages something close to a laugh... almost. The corners of his mouth turn up just a little. "Yeah... I'm not quite fast enough but I can hit a target."
Justin gives an encouraging nod to Sapphire, letting her know that she was doing a good job. Backing away a few steps, he stays within earshot, but out of the line of sight to offer at least the feeling of them being alone so they could speak freely. He wanted to remain close though, not only to observe Scott, but be there if anything went wrong.
Scott chews a little more on his jerky and gives Sapphire a sidelong glance. "You don't have to finish it." He grins a little. "I just wanted to see if you'd eat it. Here." He hands her the open can of Mountain Dew. "This helps."
Withdrawing again, he keeps busy with his piece of beef jerky. "You, um... seen Hope lately?"
Alec isn't happy, but he knows he shouldn't go up against both Eli and Ryan. It didn't feel right though. He was used to being able to fight his way through and get his way. He wasn't used to giving in because he cared about who the other people were. It was a confusing sensation and one he didn't like. He'd like to take a swing at Leo's mouth, but knowing that it would upset Ryan held him at bay. It still didn't feel good though.
Backing off a step he looks to Eli, then Ryan before spinning on his heel and going back to the car to clean up.
Eli relaxes and lets out the breath he'd been holding. Turning to Leo, he gives him a warning look. "I know you mean well, but you might wanna watch your step there, bro. You know better."
"Yeah, well..." Leo bites his tongue from saying what he really wanted to. "Thanks."
"Uh-huh." Eli throws a glance in Ryan's direction before going back over closer to Alec to keep an eye on things.
Fifteen minutes later, Leo was seated beside Ryan in her car. Eli and Alec had been left to close up the garage then walk the few blocks to where Eli had his bike stashed after he'd met a friend for the replacement car. They'd done a good enough job that nobody would notice anything strange going on or be able to say they'd seen the group.
Leo picks at some dried paint on his jeans, quiet for a few minutes as they head down the quiet street. "Look, Ryan, I..." He stops and shakes his head, a little laugh coming out. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fire up Alec's temper like that. It's just... I couldn't talk to you with him around because..."
He stops again, watching the passing lights and trying to gather his thoughts. Another awkward laugh surfaces. "I knew exactly what I wanted to say and it has now completely flown out the window." He shakes his head again. "Oh well... I guess all I wanted to say anyway was that I'm gonna try from now on to be a little more, um... friendly at work and stuff. It's time I owned up to the fact that you've moved on with Alec, and... all I've been doing lately is making a complete butt of myself." He shrugs lamely. "I guess that's an apology."
Justin gives an encouraging nod to Sapphire, letting her know that she was doing a good job. Backing away a few steps, he stays within earshot, but out of the line of sight to offer at least the feeling of them being alone so they could speak freely. He wanted to remain close though, not only to observe Scott, but be there if anything went wrong.
Scott chews a little more on his jerky and gives Sapphire a sidelong glance. "You don't have to finish it." He grins a little. "I just wanted to see if you'd eat it. Here." He hands her the open can of Mountain Dew. "This helps."
Withdrawing again, he keeps busy with his piece of beef jerky. "You, um... seen Hope lately?"
Alec isn't happy, but he knows he shouldn't go up against both Eli and Ryan. It didn't feel right though. He was used to being able to fight his way through and get his way. He wasn't used to giving in because he cared about who the other people were. It was a confusing sensation and one he didn't like. He'd like to take a swing at Leo's mouth, but knowing that it would upset Ryan held him at bay. It still didn't feel good though.
Backing off a step he looks to Eli, then Ryan before spinning on his heel and going back to the car to clean up.
Eli relaxes and lets out the breath he'd been holding. Turning to Leo, he gives him a warning look. "I know you mean well, but you might wanna watch your step there, bro. You know better."
"Yeah, well..." Leo bites his tongue from saying what he really wanted to. "Thanks."
"Uh-huh." Eli throws a glance in Ryan's direction before going back over closer to Alec to keep an eye on things.
Fifteen minutes later, Leo was seated beside Ryan in her car. Eli and Alec had been left to close up the garage then walk the few blocks to where Eli had his bike stashed after he'd met a friend for the replacement car. They'd done a good enough job that nobody would notice anything strange going on or be able to say they'd seen the group.
Leo picks at some dried paint on his jeans, quiet for a few minutes as they head down the quiet street. "Look, Ryan, I..." He stops and shakes his head, a little laugh coming out. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fire up Alec's temper like that. It's just... I couldn't talk to you with him around because..."
He stops again, watching the passing lights and trying to gather his thoughts. Another awkward laugh surfaces. "I knew exactly what I wanted to say and it has now completely flown out the window." He shakes his head again. "Oh well... I guess all I wanted to say anyway was that I'm gonna try from now on to be a little more, um... friendly at work and stuff. It's time I owned up to the fact that you've moved on with Alec, and... all I've been doing lately is making a complete butt of myself." He shrugs lamely. "I guess that's an apology."
Ghetto, sounds like fun
Thinking for a moment Dalton trys to play through his head all the work he had to do. His morning should be quiet but his afternoon would more likely be busy.
"Yeah I should be home for lunch if your still gonna be here, but its gonna be an early one probley at about eleven."
Giving a little squeeze to her again Dalton finally moves again knowing if he didn't start to get ready no for work than he never would.
"Well I need to shower and get dressed. Help yourself to anything in the fridge and pantry. My home is your home. Do you think you could throw some coffee on for me?"
Dalton gives Dani a smile as he stands. He kind of liked the feeling of waking up to someone. He often found his house lonely so having someone here like this was nice.
Once starting to clean up and put everything away Ryan nodded her head to herself. Tonight had gone smoothly and everyone had gotten along pretty well.
Hearing Leo's question Ryan turns around a small smile on her face. It made her feel good Leo has asked for a ride. Maybe there friendship was starting to build its way back up with little baby steps.
About to answer him Ryan stops as Alec jumps in with his own answer meant for her question. Looking at Alec and than back to Leo as they go back and forth a moment Ryan feels a ping in her head at Leo's comment of her never wanting him. She had at one point in time, but maybe for Leo it was easier to not admit it at all so she said nothing but if anyone looked they would still see the hurt in her eyes.
Once her brother steps in though Ryan straightens a little. Looking at Eli, than Leo than back to Alec Ryan lets out a sigh being caught in the middle before looking back at Alec.
"It wont take me long to bring Leo back to his car. You can ride with Eli Alec to the house and I will be back there when I'm done. I don't see any harm in taking Leo to his car. He is my friend after all."
Ryan looks back to Leo and gives a small smile before looking to Alec and giving a nod that it would be ok. Turning back to the tool box Ryan puts a few more things in it before shutting it and waits for the others to be ready to go.
Taking the offered peace of jerky Sapphire takes a bit. She never really liked jerky much but for her brother she'd eat some. Giving a smile at his offer of love Sapphire was happy. She didn't think her brother hated it but it was nice to hear it as a conformation anyways.
"Your welcome Scott."
Just letting the quiet take over for a long moment Sapphire sits with her brother. The quiet was kind of nice, not as good as talking but it was better than him sending her away too.
"You look good too Scott considering everything. It's nice to see you not giving up too. I'd be pretty sad if you did."
Continuing to talk Sapphire trys to keep the conversation up looking up at Justin for a moment maybe for conformation before looking to Scott again. Giving his leg a gentile pat.
"Justin told me you pretty good at ghetto paintball. I'd like to see that sometime, it sounds like fun."
"Yeah I should be home for lunch if your still gonna be here, but its gonna be an early one probley at about eleven."
Giving a little squeeze to her again Dalton finally moves again knowing if he didn't start to get ready no for work than he never would.
"Well I need to shower and get dressed. Help yourself to anything in the fridge and pantry. My home is your home. Do you think you could throw some coffee on for me?"
Dalton gives Dani a smile as he stands. He kind of liked the feeling of waking up to someone. He often found his house lonely so having someone here like this was nice.
Once starting to clean up and put everything away Ryan nodded her head to herself. Tonight had gone smoothly and everyone had gotten along pretty well.
Hearing Leo's question Ryan turns around a small smile on her face. It made her feel good Leo has asked for a ride. Maybe there friendship was starting to build its way back up with little baby steps.
About to answer him Ryan stops as Alec jumps in with his own answer meant for her question. Looking at Alec and than back to Leo as they go back and forth a moment Ryan feels a ping in her head at Leo's comment of her never wanting him. She had at one point in time, but maybe for Leo it was easier to not admit it at all so she said nothing but if anyone looked they would still see the hurt in her eyes.
Once her brother steps in though Ryan straightens a little. Looking at Eli, than Leo than back to Alec Ryan lets out a sigh being caught in the middle before looking back at Alec.
"It wont take me long to bring Leo back to his car. You can ride with Eli Alec to the house and I will be back there when I'm done. I don't see any harm in taking Leo to his car. He is my friend after all."
Ryan looks back to Leo and gives a small smile before looking to Alec and giving a nod that it would be ok. Turning back to the tool box Ryan puts a few more things in it before shutting it and waits for the others to be ready to go.
Taking the offered peace of jerky Sapphire takes a bit. She never really liked jerky much but for her brother she'd eat some. Giving a smile at his offer of love Sapphire was happy. She didn't think her brother hated it but it was nice to hear it as a conformation anyways.
"Your welcome Scott."
Just letting the quiet take over for a long moment Sapphire sits with her brother. The quiet was kind of nice, not as good as talking but it was better than him sending her away too.
"You look good too Scott considering everything. It's nice to see you not giving up too. I'd be pretty sad if you did."
Continuing to talk Sapphire trys to keep the conversation up looking up at Justin for a moment maybe for conformation before looking to Scott again. Giving his leg a gentile pat.
"Justin told me you pretty good at ghetto paintball. I'd like to see that sometime, it sounds like fun."
Make up your mind
"No... I don't mind. Thank you." Dani rests her hand on Dalton's leg. "I wouldn't have known what to tell him anyway. I still don't... though I need to talk to him sometime... sometime when I have the right questions to ask."
Sighing a little, Dani nods. "Thank you, Dalton. I think I will stay here at least for a while. Will you come back for lunch?"
Eli grins and rolls up the poster again, setting it aside. He wouldn't need it until tomorrow anyway. "Okay, guys... back to work. We're burnin' moonlight, and I, for one, am planning on getting at least a few hours worth of sleep tonight."
Though they all would like to just keep hanging out and laughing, they obeyed and got back to work on sanding the car. Two hours later, enough had been done that they'd be able to come back the next day and start painting.
As they were cleaning things up and putting things to the side in case Mark needed the space, Leo wipes his hands on a rag and wanders over closer to Ryan. "Hey... give me a ride back to my car? I parked it about a block from Roth's place."
Alec is close behind and bristles. "She and I rode together. Eli can take you back."
Leo turns a little. "I... wanted to ride with Ryan."
"And I said no."
Leo sets his hands on his hips and looks Alec straight on. "Well I didn't ask you, now did I?"
Alec is already on the defense, not wanting to budge. "No, but I answered you."
"What are you afraid of, huh?" Leo laughs. "That I might lay hands on your property?" He shakes his head. "Ryan doesn't want me. She never did. So if you don't mind, butt out and let me ride back through town with my friend. Or at the very least, let her decide instead of you acting like you own the place."
Alec glares at Leo and starts for him, but Eli scoots in between them, creating a barrier. "Cut it out you two," he growls. His eyes move to Ryan. "Make up your mind, Speedy, before these two meat-hungry dogs tear themselves to shreds."
Scott's eyes stay glued to the ground, and though he couldn't see Sapphire sit to his left, he felt the bench move just a little and knew she was there. She'd missed him something awful? He still had the note she'd written, but still... maybe it was a little hard for him to believe just yet. They hadn't shared a nice word with each other since their argument over Gage. Oh, they'd seen each other at work and nodded across the room but this was the first time they'd actually sat and talked at all. How ironic.
Seeing the bag being presented to him, Scott takes it, though somewhat awkwardly. Hearing what was inside, his fingers curl around it a little, tempted to open it now but unsure if he should or not. The contents sounded good, and his mouth waters just a little.
Sapphire's next words cause his head to snap up and he finally turns to see her. His good eye roams her face, searching for the sincerity behind her words. And it was there... it was there in her voice and in her eyes. She'd said in her note she loved him, and now she was saying it to his face.
Confusion lingered in his own gaze though. He trusted his sister did love him, yet at the same time, he wondered how it could be, when she was still with someone who was a part of the place that had ultimately brought Scott here, on the verge of insanity. If she loved him, how could she take part in that form of betrayal? He'd questioned that, even after he'd received her note. He knew deep down that it was not a fair question, but he couldn't deny that it was still there in the back of his mind.
Scott was upset Sapphire was here... seeing him like this... witnessing his weakened mental and physical state. But with her gift and her words, he would not lash out at her. He couldn't. He never had wanted to hurt her in the first place, and he couldn't bring himself to do it now either.
Looking back down at he bag, his thin fingers slowly open it and he reaches inside for one of the cans of Mountain Dew. Its coolness felt good on his palm as he draws it out. Setting the bag aside, he fidgets with the can for a few moments before popping the top and hearing the familiar fizz. Sighing, he just stares at it. "I love you too," he finally responds quietly. Taking a sip of the pop, Scott enjoys the smooth burn of carbonation and the zing the sugar held.
Setting the pop can down beside him, he opens the bag again to pull out the package of jerky. Fumbling a little with the plastic, he manages to get that open too and pulls out a couple pieces. Without saying anything, he offers one to Sapphire. Taking a bite of his own, he chews it slowly, enjoying the flavor. He'd had a little bit when Susanne and Dalton had brought their basket, but he didn't get it nearly as often as he used to. It was a nice treat.
"Thank you." His words were soft, almost hard to hear. He really didn't know what to say... Things had been so severely damaged between him and Sapphire that he really didn't know if they could even carry on a normal conversation. And did he even want to?
His eyes shift back to his sister. "You look good."
Sighing a little, Dani nods. "Thank you, Dalton. I think I will stay here at least for a while. Will you come back for lunch?"
Eli grins and rolls up the poster again, setting it aside. He wouldn't need it until tomorrow anyway. "Okay, guys... back to work. We're burnin' moonlight, and I, for one, am planning on getting at least a few hours worth of sleep tonight."
Though they all would like to just keep hanging out and laughing, they obeyed and got back to work on sanding the car. Two hours later, enough had been done that they'd be able to come back the next day and start painting.
As they were cleaning things up and putting things to the side in case Mark needed the space, Leo wipes his hands on a rag and wanders over closer to Ryan. "Hey... give me a ride back to my car? I parked it about a block from Roth's place."
Alec is close behind and bristles. "She and I rode together. Eli can take you back."
Leo turns a little. "I... wanted to ride with Ryan."
"And I said no."
Leo sets his hands on his hips and looks Alec straight on. "Well I didn't ask you, now did I?"
Alec is already on the defense, not wanting to budge. "No, but I answered you."
"What are you afraid of, huh?" Leo laughs. "That I might lay hands on your property?" He shakes his head. "Ryan doesn't want me. She never did. So if you don't mind, butt out and let me ride back through town with my friend. Or at the very least, let her decide instead of you acting like you own the place."
Alec glares at Leo and starts for him, but Eli scoots in between them, creating a barrier. "Cut it out you two," he growls. His eyes move to Ryan. "Make up your mind, Speedy, before these two meat-hungry dogs tear themselves to shreds."
Scott's eyes stay glued to the ground, and though he couldn't see Sapphire sit to his left, he felt the bench move just a little and knew she was there. She'd missed him something awful? He still had the note she'd written, but still... maybe it was a little hard for him to believe just yet. They hadn't shared a nice word with each other since their argument over Gage. Oh, they'd seen each other at work and nodded across the room but this was the first time they'd actually sat and talked at all. How ironic.
Seeing the bag being presented to him, Scott takes it, though somewhat awkwardly. Hearing what was inside, his fingers curl around it a little, tempted to open it now but unsure if he should or not. The contents sounded good, and his mouth waters just a little.
Sapphire's next words cause his head to snap up and he finally turns to see her. His good eye roams her face, searching for the sincerity behind her words. And it was there... it was there in her voice and in her eyes. She'd said in her note she loved him, and now she was saying it to his face.
Confusion lingered in his own gaze though. He trusted his sister did love him, yet at the same time, he wondered how it could be, when she was still with someone who was a part of the place that had ultimately brought Scott here, on the verge of insanity. If she loved him, how could she take part in that form of betrayal? He'd questioned that, even after he'd received her note. He knew deep down that it was not a fair question, but he couldn't deny that it was still there in the back of his mind.
Scott was upset Sapphire was here... seeing him like this... witnessing his weakened mental and physical state. But with her gift and her words, he would not lash out at her. He couldn't. He never had wanted to hurt her in the first place, and he couldn't bring himself to do it now either.
Looking back down at he bag, his thin fingers slowly open it and he reaches inside for one of the cans of Mountain Dew. Its coolness felt good on his palm as he draws it out. Setting the bag aside, he fidgets with the can for a few moments before popping the top and hearing the familiar fizz. Sighing, he just stares at it. "I love you too," he finally responds quietly. Taking a sip of the pop, Scott enjoys the smooth burn of carbonation and the zing the sugar held.
Setting the pop can down beside him, he opens the bag again to pull out the package of jerky. Fumbling a little with the plastic, he manages to get that open too and pulls out a couple pieces. Without saying anything, he offers one to Sapphire. Taking a bite of his own, he chews it slowly, enjoying the flavor. He'd had a little bit when Susanne and Dalton had brought their basket, but he didn't get it nearly as often as he used to. It was a nice treat.
"Thank you." His words were soft, almost hard to hear. He really didn't know what to say... Things had been so severely damaged between him and Sapphire that he really didn't know if they could even carry on a normal conversation. And did he even want to?
His eyes shift back to his sister. "You look good."
Something awful
Now having everyone laughing Ryan can't stop as she still trys to control it. But finally as her sides hurt, and her throat is dry the laughing stops as she still gasps for air. Just laying on her back Ryan look up at the roof until Alec comes into view.
Taking his hand with her own Ryan stands throwing him a smile and shaking her head wiping he tears from her eyes.
"Oh man....I'm ok....I think. But nothing saying a I wont break out in hysteria when Roth sees his car. Oh Man...sorry about that we can all get back to work now I..."
Ryan chuckles a little again before shaking her head and looking at her brother.
"...I'm ok now. I think..but put the picture away before I lose it again."
Slipping his arm around Dani's shoulder Dalton lets her rest on him. He understood what she said about it just not feeling empty here. It was something different out of her norm and would help her.
"You don't need to call you brother. I...I called him last night to let him know you might not be in today. He said it was no problem."
Cocking his head a little to look Dani in the eyes Dalton smiles hopping she wouldn't be mad.
"I hope you don't mind I did that. I figured you might not get a lot of sleep and I wasn't sure when we would wake. So I though I better call him than."
Taking a deep breath at her brother short greeting Sapphire steps closer and sits down next to him.
"Good Morning Scott. I missed ya something awful so I though I might come and see you."
Fidding for a moment Sapphire wasnt sure what to say. How are you didn't seem right. How is it here well she probably already new what he would say. How was the weather she new. She just wasn't sure the words to use.
Holding the bag out to Scott Sapphire smiles. She was proud of what she had brought for her brother. She only hopped he still liked it.
"I brought you a few cans of Mountain Dew, some beef jerky, and Dalton gave me some of his classical music along with a little cd player for you."
Thinking again for a long moment if nothing else happened, if Scott wanted to talk no more there was one thing she wanted him to know. She wanted to make sure he new how much she still cared.
"I love you Scott...very much!"
Taking his hand with her own Ryan stands throwing him a smile and shaking her head wiping he tears from her eyes.
"Oh man....I'm ok....I think. But nothing saying a I wont break out in hysteria when Roth sees his car. Oh Man...sorry about that we can all get back to work now I..."
Ryan chuckles a little again before shaking her head and looking at her brother.
"...I'm ok now. I think..but put the picture away before I lose it again."
Slipping his arm around Dani's shoulder Dalton lets her rest on him. He understood what she said about it just not feeling empty here. It was something different out of her norm and would help her.
"You don't need to call you brother. I...I called him last night to let him know you might not be in today. He said it was no problem."
Cocking his head a little to look Dani in the eyes Dalton smiles hopping she wouldn't be mad.
"I hope you don't mind I did that. I figured you might not get a lot of sleep and I wasn't sure when we would wake. So I though I better call him than."
Taking a deep breath at her brother short greeting Sapphire steps closer and sits down next to him.
"Good Morning Scott. I missed ya something awful so I though I might come and see you."
Fidding for a moment Sapphire wasnt sure what to say. How are you didn't seem right. How is it here well she probably already new what he would say. How was the weather she new. She just wasn't sure the words to use.
Holding the bag out to Scott Sapphire smiles. She was proud of what she had brought for her brother. She only hopped he still liked it.
"I brought you a few cans of Mountain Dew, some beef jerky, and Dalton gave me some of his classical music along with a little cd player for you."
Thinking again for a long moment if nothing else happened, if Scott wanted to talk no more there was one thing she wanted him to know. She wanted to make sure he new how much she still cared.
"I love you Scott...very much!"
Go on
Justin looks up and smiles at Sapphire, picking himself up off the ground. "Hey there, Sapphire. Good morning."
Studying her nervous eyes for a moment, he instinctively sets a hand on her shoulder for just a moment to try and get her to relax. "Come on. Scott's outside. He's had a good morning so far."
Leading the way, a prayer runs through Justin's mind as he walks. He almost always followed his instincts, as he was doing today. But when logic and instincts didn't match, it always made him question himself no matter how many times his gut proved right.
Reaching the bench on the edge of the grassy yard, Justin realized they were approaching Scott's blind side. Rather than risk startling him too badly, he speaks before they've arrived. "Hey, Scott. Jenny said you were up and at 'em. Almost didn't believe her." He sees Scott turning his head, but knows Sapphire is still just out of his line of vision. "I brought a visitor with me this morning."
Scott had just been ready to answer Justin's greeting, when the news of a visitor puts him on edge. Quickly turning his head all the way around, he sees Sapphire. And his heart almost stops.
Justin closes the distance, making sure Sapphire didn't hang behind. "Figured we could take a break from games today."
Scott swallows hard and looks up at Sapphire before dropping his gaze back to the ground. Heat crawls up his neck and into his face. Why had Justin brought her here? Had Sapphire asked to come or had Justin asked her? What was the reason? What was the motive? Scott wanted to run. He wanted to hide. But he knew that this time he couldn't. He was trapped. Eventually, he quietly greets both of them. "Hi."
Justin nods Sapphire to the space beside Scott on the bench, his eyes seeming to say, "Go on."
Having Dalton take her hand, Dani looks up at him, her eyes dark and lacking the light they usually held. She gives his hand a squeeze back though, mustering up a little smile. "I might stay here for a while," she agrees softly. "Even though I'll be alone, it doesn't feel as empty here."
She sighs deeply and leans her head over to rest on his shoulder. "I need to call Carson... I was supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes."
Alec and Leo both laugh as they see the poster Eli presents, both agreeing it was absolutely perfect. Not only were the colors feminine but the design was something a little girl would get excited over. The whole thing was one big slap to Roth's masculinity.
As Ryan bursts into laughter and falls to the ground, the other guys all exchange glances, and stare at her blankly at first. It wasn't rare to see Ryan laugh, but to have her laughing uncontrollably was something fairly new. No matter how bizarre though, the laughter is contagious. First it's Eli who starts to laugh more, just because Ryan is. Then Alec starts to snicker, followed by Leo.
Soon all of them are so shook up that no one can work and all they can do is hold their aching sides and wipe the tears from their eyes. Eventually, it's Alec that wanders over to Ryan, the humor still glistening in his eyes. Reaching a hand down, he offers to help her up. "You alright there?"
Studying her nervous eyes for a moment, he instinctively sets a hand on her shoulder for just a moment to try and get her to relax. "Come on. Scott's outside. He's had a good morning so far."
Leading the way, a prayer runs through Justin's mind as he walks. He almost always followed his instincts, as he was doing today. But when logic and instincts didn't match, it always made him question himself no matter how many times his gut proved right.
Reaching the bench on the edge of the grassy yard, Justin realized they were approaching Scott's blind side. Rather than risk startling him too badly, he speaks before they've arrived. "Hey, Scott. Jenny said you were up and at 'em. Almost didn't believe her." He sees Scott turning his head, but knows Sapphire is still just out of his line of vision. "I brought a visitor with me this morning."
Scott had just been ready to answer Justin's greeting, when the news of a visitor puts him on edge. Quickly turning his head all the way around, he sees Sapphire. And his heart almost stops.
Justin closes the distance, making sure Sapphire didn't hang behind. "Figured we could take a break from games today."
Scott swallows hard and looks up at Sapphire before dropping his gaze back to the ground. Heat crawls up his neck and into his face. Why had Justin brought her here? Had Sapphire asked to come or had Justin asked her? What was the reason? What was the motive? Scott wanted to run. He wanted to hide. But he knew that this time he couldn't. He was trapped. Eventually, he quietly greets both of them. "Hi."
Justin nods Sapphire to the space beside Scott on the bench, his eyes seeming to say, "Go on."
Having Dalton take her hand, Dani looks up at him, her eyes dark and lacking the light they usually held. She gives his hand a squeeze back though, mustering up a little smile. "I might stay here for a while," she agrees softly. "Even though I'll be alone, it doesn't feel as empty here."
She sighs deeply and leans her head over to rest on his shoulder. "I need to call Carson... I was supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes."
Alec and Leo both laugh as they see the poster Eli presents, both agreeing it was absolutely perfect. Not only were the colors feminine but the design was something a little girl would get excited over. The whole thing was one big slap to Roth's masculinity.
As Ryan bursts into laughter and falls to the ground, the other guys all exchange glances, and stare at her blankly at first. It wasn't rare to see Ryan laugh, but to have her laughing uncontrollably was something fairly new. No matter how bizarre though, the laughter is contagious. First it's Eli who starts to laugh more, just because Ryan is. Then Alec starts to snicker, followed by Leo.
Soon all of them are so shook up that no one can work and all they can do is hold their aching sides and wipe the tears from their eyes. Eventually, it's Alec that wanders over to Ryan, the humor still glistening in his eyes. Reaching a hand down, he offers to help her up. "You alright there?"
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