Putting her arms around Alec's neck Ryan smile was one that said she was happy, she was even maybe...falling than one would think for Alec. Just letting his passion wash over her and returning her own. Feeling his hand come to her face and gently brush the water from her eyes Ryan leans her head into his hand her eyes connecting with his. Hearing his comment Ryan opens her eyes again and gives a small chuckle.
About to say something else Ryan stops as Alec returns for another kiss and pulls her closer to him. Tightening her own grip to keep herself close to him and he to her Ryan lets her passion run free again just returning to Alec what he had given to her.
Breath a little heavy as Alec pulls away Ryan rests her forehead against his. The smile still bright on her face, and the fire still strong in her eyes. Today was a day like no other. No one new where they were, they were really free for today.
Letting her hands creep up Alec's neck Ryan lets her fingers run through his hair. Her own eyes not leaving his again even with the sounds of others around them her attchen was not moved for him.
"They can stair at the steam all they want wont bother me any. Anyways if they stair its only because they are jealous I've got someone as hott as you to boil the water with me and create steam."
Looking up from his desk as Justin knows on the door than enters Dalton gives him a short nod to at least be semi nice to him. Hearing his comment Dalton wants to make a come back but holds his toung. It really wasn't worth it and if he want Reese on his case again it was just better than way.
"Morning you too!"
Glancing down at the nameplates Justin layed on the desk Dalton could feel his heart start to pick up a few beats. Did this mean Scott really would be back? Dalton didn't want to hope to much he just wanted what was best for his little friend. Reaching out and taking the plates he puts them over on Scott's desk before looking to Justin again and giving a nod.
"I will probably go see him the day after tomorrow, so that sounds good to me. Thanks for returning these to there home."
It was the first time Dalton had ever thanked Justin but it just seemed right. Even if his tone was little rough he was being honest with his thanks to Justin and maybe there was a small hidden meaning behind it too.
Sitting quietly on the bench in the park Angelica sipped her own coffee. Some people would think she was crazy for drinking hot liquid on a hot day, but she was happy Reese was doing it with her. Coffee was just something she liked no matter the temperature.
Tightening her fingers around Reese Angelica turns her head to him and gives a smile. It was nice to be away from the cramped office, and out in the fresh air with Reese. Even if no words were spoken it was still nice and she felt comfortable.
"Its nice to get out, and just be free of everything. I'm happy you there to make the offers too or I probably never would do it on my own."
Burying her head deeper into Chance's chest Destiny continues to sob, her hands clenching his shirt. His warm arms around her sheltered her and made her feel safe. She was thankful Chance was there for her and was helping her through this time.
Hearing him reassure her in a few days they would go to her parents graves Destiny gave a little nod of her head. He went out of his way to make sure she was comfortable and to help her in this time, it just made her care for him that much more.
"I'd like it....if we could do it just you and me....I...I just want it to be over and life to start again."
Continuing to just let her tears fall Destiny had to let it out. It had been a long time coming and this just proved to be an open door for more than just what had happened at the funeral.
After a few long moments Destiny's tears start to slow till they stop. Tears streak her face but she felt a little better than she had a little while before this crying episode. Pulling away from Chance a little and looking up at him Desinty gives a small smile. She felt a little embarrassed but new if Chance had minded he would of said something.
"Sorry about that...I guess...I just needed it. I'm going to go wash my face up and than...I'll come make the tea."
Bringing her good hand down to his hand Destiny gives it a squeeze before letting it go and going to wash up before lunch.
7/11/10
Steam
Hearing he had seaweed on his head, Alec looks up almost cross-eyed. He starts to laugh again too and reaches up to pull it off, flicking it out into the water. Still laughing, he nears Ryan, grabbing her waist and treading water for both of them. "You're not boiling yet," he mentions coyly.
Leaning closer, he kisses her lips, finding it a little difficult to stay afloat at the same time, though he manages. Letting the passion linger for several moments, he draws back, raising his hand to wipe away water droplets from her face, his thumb running over her eye and down her cheek.
"It's getting warmer." He nods with satisfaction before returning for another even longer kiss while he pulls her closer to him underwater.
Pulling away just enough he can still lean his forehead against hers, he looks into her eyes, studying them both. His heart thumps hard in his chest from both the exercise of swimming and from a rush of adrenaline. Whenever he was with Ryan, he seemed to lose himself, forgetting about his past and the way he used to be. Used to be... it was strange to think he'd been someone else before. At the time, he'd wanted to stay in that place. But now... he wouldn't want to go back. He wouldn't want to return to a heart of stone or a mind that could do anything without remorse. He was just beginning to feel again and deep down he craved more.
His hands rub Ryan's back gently as they float together, his eyes never leaving hers. "We better be careful," he muses. "We might create steam and draw too much attention to ourselves."
Being hung up on, Justin sighs and shuts his phone. He didn't know what he ever did to Dalton to always receive such a brushoff, but he wasn't going to try and fix it. It wasn't worth his time if the big man wanted to be enemies.
Heading into the office, Justin taps his knuckles on the half-open door, even though he'd already been allowed in. "Hey. I'll make this brief to minimize the torture of my presence."
Approaching the desk, he lays down both of Scott's nameplates. Looking Dalton in the eye, Just gives a little nod. "Thank you." He pauses, opting to say one more thing. "I believe you'll be needing those again. And if you ever want to visit Scott, just get word to me and I won't get in your way."
Reese returns Angelica's light kiss and smiles. Pulling her close, he gives her a warn hug before releasing her. "Let's go."
It didn't take long to get out of the building and soon Reese is driving downtown. making a quick stop for some coffee, it's the park next where there was an empty bench right near the pond. Reese leans back and sips his coffee, glad to get away from work for a while, and hoping Angelica was too. His free hand slips down and takes hers, while he just remains quiet.
Chance tightens his grip around Destiny, realizing now that she was crying. He closes his eyes and just lets her vent a little before he gently turns her around. Holding her closely, he lets her head rest against his chest, his arms wrapped around her in a protective hold.
"Shh... it's okay." He kisses the top of her head. "I don't know why. But you're safe now and we're going to put an end to it, you'll see."
Rocking her a little, he forgets about lunch or tea for now. Standing here with Destiny in the kitchen seemed much more important than a noon meal. "In a couple days, we'll go visit the graves, okay? Just you and me, and you can close that chapter however you need to without anybody ruining it."
Leaning closer, he kisses her lips, finding it a little difficult to stay afloat at the same time, though he manages. Letting the passion linger for several moments, he draws back, raising his hand to wipe away water droplets from her face, his thumb running over her eye and down her cheek.
"It's getting warmer." He nods with satisfaction before returning for another even longer kiss while he pulls her closer to him underwater.
Pulling away just enough he can still lean his forehead against hers, he looks into her eyes, studying them both. His heart thumps hard in his chest from both the exercise of swimming and from a rush of adrenaline. Whenever he was with Ryan, he seemed to lose himself, forgetting about his past and the way he used to be. Used to be... it was strange to think he'd been someone else before. At the time, he'd wanted to stay in that place. But now... he wouldn't want to go back. He wouldn't want to return to a heart of stone or a mind that could do anything without remorse. He was just beginning to feel again and deep down he craved more.
His hands rub Ryan's back gently as they float together, his eyes never leaving hers. "We better be careful," he muses. "We might create steam and draw too much attention to ourselves."
Being hung up on, Justin sighs and shuts his phone. He didn't know what he ever did to Dalton to always receive such a brushoff, but he wasn't going to try and fix it. It wasn't worth his time if the big man wanted to be enemies.
Heading into the office, Justin taps his knuckles on the half-open door, even though he'd already been allowed in. "Hey. I'll make this brief to minimize the torture of my presence."
Approaching the desk, he lays down both of Scott's nameplates. Looking Dalton in the eye, Just gives a little nod. "Thank you." He pauses, opting to say one more thing. "I believe you'll be needing those again. And if you ever want to visit Scott, just get word to me and I won't get in your way."
Reese returns Angelica's light kiss and smiles. Pulling her close, he gives her a warn hug before releasing her. "Let's go."
It didn't take long to get out of the building and soon Reese is driving downtown. making a quick stop for some coffee, it's the park next where there was an empty bench right near the pond. Reese leans back and sips his coffee, glad to get away from work for a while, and hoping Angelica was too. His free hand slips down and takes hers, while he just remains quiet.
Chance tightens his grip around Destiny, realizing now that she was crying. He closes his eyes and just lets her vent a little before he gently turns her around. Holding her closely, he lets her head rest against his chest, his arms wrapped around her in a protective hold.
"Shh... it's okay." He kisses the top of her head. "I don't know why. But you're safe now and we're going to put an end to it, you'll see."
Rocking her a little, he forgets about lunch or tea for now. Standing here with Destiny in the kitchen seemed much more important than a noon meal. "In a couple days, we'll go visit the graves, okay? Just you and me, and you can close that chapter however you need to without anybody ruining it."
Make it quick
Hearing the phone ring Dalton picks it up. Today had been a pretty good day and his spirits were up though he kept to himself in his office not really wanting to interact lately with anyone unless they needed something. He liked the quiet it was always nice, and it made his time with Dani even nicer.
Hearing the voice on the other end and the Echo from out in the hall Dalton lets out a log sigh as his tone turned a little irritated. Why couldn't Justin just leave him alone? Maybe this was about Scott, and he wanted to help his friend but there was just something about Justin that rubbed him the wrong way.
"Your already outside my office you might as well come in. Just make it quick I've got stuff to do."
Hanging up the phone Dalton minimizes the program he was working on and folds his hands on his desk waiting for Justin to enter.
Looking up at Reese a smile forms on Angelica's face. He always seemed to have perfect timing and made her feel better when she needed it the most. He was truly a special man and she was happy to have him around.
"I think that sounds like a good plan."
Closing the folder on her desk Angelica's eyes grew soft as she looked at Reese. Standing from her desk and taking her purse Angelica comes over close to Reese. She new, he new she was worried and she was thankful anyways he would give the detraction she needed for a little bit.
Leaning into him a little and giving him a soft kiss on the lips she pulls away running her hand down his arm.
"Thank you!"
As Chance wraps his arms around her Destiny leans back a little just letting his comfort wash over her. His arms, his warmth so inviting it just felt nice to be held in his strong arms. Bringing her good hand to his she locks her fingers with his before leaning her head on his arm. Not being able to hold how she felt in the tears fall from her eyes.
"I couldn't even give my parents a good barrel. Killed by the Agency, and there furnarel runed by them too. It just feels so unfinished Chance."
Falling silent again for a moment Destiny sucks in a few breaths of air as she sobs quietly. Its hurt so much inside even if she thought she was doing ok and getting over everything now it just seemed to be ripped open again once more.
"The stole my parents from me. They ruined there late rest, they were two good people and deserved better than this. Why Chance...why?! They already stole two very important people from my life...why can't they just leave me alone!"
Just feeling Alec lean on her Ryan felt so comfortable even if they were in the water. It was peaceful and nice just letting the water surrounded them.
Though the moment was broken quickly as Ryan is thrown from Alec's back landing with a splash in the water. Standing up quickly and whipping the water from her eyes. Looking at him again and hearing his comment she shakes her her, her mouth turning into a crooked grin. Giving a little jump and doing a shallow dive into the water Ryan swims out farther where Alec was coming up again and tredding the water.
"I'll boil you if ya don't watch it."
Going under the water again Ryan swims twords Alec and gives a little tug on his feet before coming up behind him and giving a big splash in his direction. It was fun just being care free and acting for the moment not thinking about what they were doing but just doing it.
"I think..."
Ryan gives a little chuckle that starts to grow even if she tryed to hide it.
"...you have a little seaweed on your head."
Hearing the voice on the other end and the Echo from out in the hall Dalton lets out a log sigh as his tone turned a little irritated. Why couldn't Justin just leave him alone? Maybe this was about Scott, and he wanted to help his friend but there was just something about Justin that rubbed him the wrong way.
"Your already outside my office you might as well come in. Just make it quick I've got stuff to do."
Hanging up the phone Dalton minimizes the program he was working on and folds his hands on his desk waiting for Justin to enter.
Looking up at Reese a smile forms on Angelica's face. He always seemed to have perfect timing and made her feel better when she needed it the most. He was truly a special man and she was happy to have him around.
"I think that sounds like a good plan."
Closing the folder on her desk Angelica's eyes grew soft as she looked at Reese. Standing from her desk and taking her purse Angelica comes over close to Reese. She new, he new she was worried and she was thankful anyways he would give the detraction she needed for a little bit.
Leaning into him a little and giving him a soft kiss on the lips she pulls away running her hand down his arm.
"Thank you!"
As Chance wraps his arms around her Destiny leans back a little just letting his comfort wash over her. His arms, his warmth so inviting it just felt nice to be held in his strong arms. Bringing her good hand to his she locks her fingers with his before leaning her head on his arm. Not being able to hold how she felt in the tears fall from her eyes.
"I couldn't even give my parents a good barrel. Killed by the Agency, and there furnarel runed by them too. It just feels so unfinished Chance."
Falling silent again for a moment Destiny sucks in a few breaths of air as she sobs quietly. Its hurt so much inside even if she thought she was doing ok and getting over everything now it just seemed to be ripped open again once more.
"The stole my parents from me. They ruined there late rest, they were two good people and deserved better than this. Why Chance...why?! They already stole two very important people from my life...why can't they just leave me alone!"
Just feeling Alec lean on her Ryan felt so comfortable even if they were in the water. It was peaceful and nice just letting the water surrounded them.
Though the moment was broken quickly as Ryan is thrown from Alec's back landing with a splash in the water. Standing up quickly and whipping the water from her eyes. Looking at him again and hearing his comment she shakes her her, her mouth turning into a crooked grin. Giving a little jump and doing a shallow dive into the water Ryan swims out farther where Alec was coming up again and tredding the water.
"I'll boil you if ya don't watch it."
Going under the water again Ryan swims twords Alec and gives a little tug on his feet before coming up behind him and giving a big splash in his direction. It was fun just being care free and acting for the moment not thinking about what they were doing but just doing it.
"I think..."
Ryan gives a little chuckle that starts to grow even if she tryed to hide it.
"...you have a little seaweed on your head."
7/10/10
Enticing
Justin waves back to Beth, then settles back to wait for Jenny's call.
He was almost dozing when his cell phone buzzes and he's summoned inside. Scott seemed to be in fair spirits today and Justin was pleased to find out that he'd not only seen his sister but had eaten a little bit of breakfast too. Keeping that in mind, Justin doesn't want to push things too much today - not when it was starting out to be a good day. Unfortunately, he knew they couldn't stop their progress.
And so, almost an hour was spent simply playing frisbee and exchanging some small talk. Though Scott said little, Justin was able to gently advise as always while at the same time, helping Scott get some physical activity.
Once they're back at the same table beside the grassy lot, Scott is staring at the overturned cards. It was the memory game again, and again his stomach gave a little lurch. "I don't want to do this today," he mentions quietly, his eyes down.
Justin sighs and formulates an answer. "Why not?"
"This morning was so good and..." Scott picks at some chipped paint on the table. "...and I don't want to ruin the rest of the day with all this garbage."
Justin purses his lips. "This garbage is the only way to gain control."
"Well, maybe I don't want to," Scott defies. He really didn't want to do this today. He really did want to end on a good note and he didn't want to stretch himself to do this.
"So you're going to what? Just give up for no good reason? You were doing great yesterday and you just want to throw that away and pretend we weren't making progress?"
"No, I just... I'm tired."
"And you're going to be more tired. But what would you prefer? Being tired of this, or being stuck in a dark hole the rest of your life because the Agency data took over your mind?"
Scott swallows hard and keeps his eyes down. He didn't know why he felt defeated today. Maybe it was just being tired after seeing Sapphire. His time with her had been good, but it still wore him out emotionally, and after playing frisbee, he was physically tired as well. "I may never leave here anyway, so what does it matter?"
Justin shakes his head. Scott was just being stubborn, but it wasn't good. Justin had one tactic left. He'd saved it for what might be a more major time, but he might as well use it now. Reaching into his backpack, he withdraws the two nameplates from TJY and tosses them over to Scott.
Scott jumps a little and stares at them before looking back up to Justin. "What are these for? They're not mine anymore."
"Well who else's would they be? They're not TJY's anymore, remember? You walked away. If you're going to go bury yourself in misery now, just take those right along with you and bury everything."
Scott looks back down again. He knew he'd resigned from TJY before coming here. He knew he'd walked away without the intention of going back. Yet he also knew that a part of him deep down had always hung onto the hope that he might return. Having his nameplates thrown at him now though, sealed his fate of never going back. "They don't belong to me," he reiterates. "Take them back."
"What if they were given to me?"
Had Reese given them to Justin? Scott wonders. "Then throw them away."
"Why?"
"I don't want them!" Scott raises his voice.
"Why not? Because they remind you of what you're letting go?"
Scott falls silent again before shoving the nameplates back over to Justin. Still quiet, he flips over the first card...
...Justin ambles through TJY's hall, stopping a ways before the office door that was his destination. Thinking a moment, he takes his cell phone out of his pocket and dials, leaning against the wall out of anyone else's way. "Hi, Dalton, this is Justin Hawks. I wondered if you had just a quick moment to see me."
Reese pauses in Angelica's doorway, seeing her deep in thought. Her worry was evident on her face and Reese knew it must be about more than one thing.
He finally knocks softly. "Hey." He wanders in a few feet, not wanting to invade her space, but knowing also that he was welcome. "Thought maybe you'd like to drive around a bit before heading to the airport."
Chance chuckles and nods. "I'd like some tea whether it's one-handed or two-handed. Thanks."
Moving to the refrigerator, he looks inside, scanning the contents to figure out what would go well on sandwiches. Straightening again to glance back to Destiny and ask her what she thought sounded good, he stops midway to speaking. Watching her for a moment, he gives a little sigh then gives up on the sandwich idea for now.
Walking back over to her from behind, he gently wraps his arms around her. "You okay?" he asks quietly.
Having Ryan come up behind him, Alec laughs again. "Mmm... you know I live for danger. I think you just want to entice me."
Feeling her hands on his chest, he leans his head back a little, just enjoying the moment here with her as the water lapped around them. Reaching up, he takes her hands in his and just holds them, running his fingers up and down her arms.
Quite suddenly and without warning, he takes hold of her arms and stands up, throwing Ryan off his back. Skirting around the splash, he falls back into the water again to swim out far enough that he has to tread to stay afloat. His laughter echos off the surface as he shakes his head, spraying water in all directions. "Don't sit there too long," he hollers. "You might boil the water."
He was almost dozing when his cell phone buzzes and he's summoned inside. Scott seemed to be in fair spirits today and Justin was pleased to find out that he'd not only seen his sister but had eaten a little bit of breakfast too. Keeping that in mind, Justin doesn't want to push things too much today - not when it was starting out to be a good day. Unfortunately, he knew they couldn't stop their progress.
And so, almost an hour was spent simply playing frisbee and exchanging some small talk. Though Scott said little, Justin was able to gently advise as always while at the same time, helping Scott get some physical activity.
Once they're back at the same table beside the grassy lot, Scott is staring at the overturned cards. It was the memory game again, and again his stomach gave a little lurch. "I don't want to do this today," he mentions quietly, his eyes down.
Justin sighs and formulates an answer. "Why not?"
"This morning was so good and..." Scott picks at some chipped paint on the table. "...and I don't want to ruin the rest of the day with all this garbage."
Justin purses his lips. "This garbage is the only way to gain control."
"Well, maybe I don't want to," Scott defies. He really didn't want to do this today. He really did want to end on a good note and he didn't want to stretch himself to do this.
"So you're going to what? Just give up for no good reason? You were doing great yesterday and you just want to throw that away and pretend we weren't making progress?"
"No, I just... I'm tired."
"And you're going to be more tired. But what would you prefer? Being tired of this, or being stuck in a dark hole the rest of your life because the Agency data took over your mind?"
Scott swallows hard and keeps his eyes down. He didn't know why he felt defeated today. Maybe it was just being tired after seeing Sapphire. His time with her had been good, but it still wore him out emotionally, and after playing frisbee, he was physically tired as well. "I may never leave here anyway, so what does it matter?"
Justin shakes his head. Scott was just being stubborn, but it wasn't good. Justin had one tactic left. He'd saved it for what might be a more major time, but he might as well use it now. Reaching into his backpack, he withdraws the two nameplates from TJY and tosses them over to Scott.
Scott jumps a little and stares at them before looking back up to Justin. "What are these for? They're not mine anymore."
"Well who else's would they be? They're not TJY's anymore, remember? You walked away. If you're going to go bury yourself in misery now, just take those right along with you and bury everything."
Scott looks back down again. He knew he'd resigned from TJY before coming here. He knew he'd walked away without the intention of going back. Yet he also knew that a part of him deep down had always hung onto the hope that he might return. Having his nameplates thrown at him now though, sealed his fate of never going back. "They don't belong to me," he reiterates. "Take them back."
"What if they were given to me?"
Had Reese given them to Justin? Scott wonders. "Then throw them away."
"Why?"
"I don't want them!" Scott raises his voice.
"Why not? Because they remind you of what you're letting go?"
Scott falls silent again before shoving the nameplates back over to Justin. Still quiet, he flips over the first card...
...Justin ambles through TJY's hall, stopping a ways before the office door that was his destination. Thinking a moment, he takes his cell phone out of his pocket and dials, leaning against the wall out of anyone else's way. "Hi, Dalton, this is Justin Hawks. I wondered if you had just a quick moment to see me."
Reese pauses in Angelica's doorway, seeing her deep in thought. Her worry was evident on her face and Reese knew it must be about more than one thing.
He finally knocks softly. "Hey." He wanders in a few feet, not wanting to invade her space, but knowing also that he was welcome. "Thought maybe you'd like to drive around a bit before heading to the airport."
Chance chuckles and nods. "I'd like some tea whether it's one-handed or two-handed. Thanks."
Moving to the refrigerator, he looks inside, scanning the contents to figure out what would go well on sandwiches. Straightening again to glance back to Destiny and ask her what she thought sounded good, he stops midway to speaking. Watching her for a moment, he gives a little sigh then gives up on the sandwich idea for now.
Walking back over to her from behind, he gently wraps his arms around her. "You okay?" he asks quietly.
Having Ryan come up behind him, Alec laughs again. "Mmm... you know I live for danger. I think you just want to entice me."
Feeling her hands on his chest, he leans his head back a little, just enjoying the moment here with her as the water lapped around them. Reaching up, he takes her hands in his and just holds them, running his fingers up and down her arms.
Quite suddenly and without warning, he takes hold of her arms and stands up, throwing Ryan off his back. Skirting around the splash, he falls back into the water again to swim out far enough that he has to tread to stay afloat. His laughter echos off the surface as he shakes his head, spraying water in all directions. "Don't sit there too long," he hollers. "You might boil the water."
Play with fire
Stepping into the house her arm wrapped and in a sling for a few weeks Destiny does her best to give a smile to Chance. She wasn't that hungry and everything still seemed so fresh in her mind, not having time to continue the grieving of her parents there just didn't seem like closure there yet. But if she didn't eat something Chance might worry and she didn't want to worry him with anything else right now.
"Yeah, sandwiches sounds good."
Giving a small smile Destiny ambles over to the table and puts her purse down before making her way into the kitchen. Taking down two cups from the cabinet she turns to Chance. She might not be able to do a lot with her arm up like this but she had to do something or she would do mad.
"Would you like some one handed tea?"
Continuing to watch Alec Ryan gives a laugh. Seeing him strip his shirt Ryan's eyes widen a little but than turns into a soft look as he splashes in the water. Letting out her own laugh it just seemed Alec's was contagious but it felt good.
Jumping out of the way as Alec sends a splash her way Ryan throws a playful look at him before dropping her sandles next to his shows and the shirt.
"Your in for it now mister."
Taking a running start Ryan lets the water splash on her legs before she jumps in and goes under water. Staying under Ryan turns around and comes back twords Alec before coming up up behind him and bringing her arms around his neck laying her hands on his chest.
"Mmmm...playing with fire can be dangerous you know, even if your in water."
Giving Alec a big kiss on the cheek Ryan laughs again as the soft waves lap against them both. Her hands gentily running over his chest.
Standing and giving a small smile to Justin again Beth gives a nod. Tomorrow...a new ruteen had been added to her days now and that was seeing Justin. Thought the time was always different it was nice.
"See you tomorrow Justin."
Turning and heading inside Beth turns once to give a little wave and than goes in the building to spend a little time with her sister before heading to work.
Sitting at her desk and staring at an open folder Angelica just continues to look not really reading anything as her mind was far away. In about an hour Reese and herself would be off to the airport to pick up Trey. Though Reese was going to be with her Angelica couldn't help but worry anyways about this whole thing. If this didn't work out, if Trey got into trouble and made thing worse around here she would feel like it was her fault even if Reese told her different. Angelica could only hope she was over reacting and everything would be ok.
On top of dealing with the whole Trey thing Angelica was worried about Charlotte too. She was still in labor and having to head to the airport today what if something happened? The Dr. said Charlotte was ok and sometimes being in labor for a while was normal but still there was that feeling in her stomach that was worry.
Leaning back in her chair Angelica lets out a long sigh just trying to relax. She never use to over react this much but things had changed now. Things were different and the only cold heart she had was not filled with warmth and that thought alone put a smile on her face.
She just needed to relax, everything would be ok. There was nothing to worry about and if something didn't work out than she could deal with it than. Taking another deep breath again Angelica sits up at her desk looking down at her paper work again. She had to get something done before they left.
"Yeah, sandwiches sounds good."
Giving a small smile Destiny ambles over to the table and puts her purse down before making her way into the kitchen. Taking down two cups from the cabinet she turns to Chance. She might not be able to do a lot with her arm up like this but she had to do something or she would do mad.
"Would you like some one handed tea?"
Continuing to watch Alec Ryan gives a laugh. Seeing him strip his shirt Ryan's eyes widen a little but than turns into a soft look as he splashes in the water. Letting out her own laugh it just seemed Alec's was contagious but it felt good.
Jumping out of the way as Alec sends a splash her way Ryan throws a playful look at him before dropping her sandles next to his shows and the shirt.
"Your in for it now mister."
Taking a running start Ryan lets the water splash on her legs before she jumps in and goes under water. Staying under Ryan turns around and comes back twords Alec before coming up up behind him and bringing her arms around his neck laying her hands on his chest.
"Mmmm...playing with fire can be dangerous you know, even if your in water."
Giving Alec a big kiss on the cheek Ryan laughs again as the soft waves lap against them both. Her hands gentily running over his chest.
Standing and giving a small smile to Justin again Beth gives a nod. Tomorrow...a new ruteen had been added to her days now and that was seeing Justin. Thought the time was always different it was nice.
"See you tomorrow Justin."
Turning and heading inside Beth turns once to give a little wave and than goes in the building to spend a little time with her sister before heading to work.
Sitting at her desk and staring at an open folder Angelica just continues to look not really reading anything as her mind was far away. In about an hour Reese and herself would be off to the airport to pick up Trey. Though Reese was going to be with her Angelica couldn't help but worry anyways about this whole thing. If this didn't work out, if Trey got into trouble and made thing worse around here she would feel like it was her fault even if Reese told her different. Angelica could only hope she was over reacting and everything would be ok.
On top of dealing with the whole Trey thing Angelica was worried about Charlotte too. She was still in labor and having to head to the airport today what if something happened? The Dr. said Charlotte was ok and sometimes being in labor for a while was normal but still there was that feeling in her stomach that was worry.
Leaning back in her chair Angelica lets out a long sigh just trying to relax. She never use to over react this much but things had changed now. Things were different and the only cold heart she had was not filled with warmth and that thought alone put a smile on her face.
She just needed to relax, everything would be ok. There was nothing to worry about and if something didn't work out than she could deal with it than. Taking another deep breath again Angelica sits up at her desk looking down at her paper work again. She had to get something done before they left.
Playful
Justin gives a little nod. He wasn't completely sure Beth wasn't just avoiding interaction with him, but by her slightly disheveled appearance, which was unusual, and the fact that she'd already said she was late, he was going to believe that yes, she simply didn't have time for frisbee right now.
"Okay. I'll bring it a long tomorrow. I'm a mean player though," he warns, followed by another warm smile. His eyes search hers once more. Every day she came. She had to be tired. Yet she still came. In a way, he pitied her. In a way, he admired her.
"Take Care, Beth. I'll see you tomorrow." He didn't say "if" this time... it just didn't seem necessary.
Alec bites his lip as a smile seeps out. He looks down at the sand again and wriggles his toes as a child would their first time allowed to play outside with bare feet. Alec was a rough, tough ex-Agency man. But there were still things that he had in common with Gage, even if he didn't want to admit it. He hadn't been sheltered from life - but he'd been sheltered from living.
Looking back up at Ryan, his smile grows. The morning sun catches his eye and bounces off with a sparkling glint. Glancing to the water again, then back at Ryan, the glint increases, now with more mischief.
Taking hold of his borrowed t-shirt, he pulls it up over his head and tosses it a few feet away on dry sand. Then backing into the water, he falls backward with a glorious splash, enveloped in the cool summer water, jeans and all.
A fresh laughter rings out. A laughter quite possibly never heard from Alec's lips since he was just a boy. Curling up his legs so he could sink up to his chin in the water, Alec shoots a splash at Ryan, his eyes shining with playfulness.
"Next few days..." Kyle glances over the papers Jackie had passed around the table. "That's pretty quick. Not sure we can do it that soon."
All eyes widen and look in Kyle's direction, a dreadful silence taking over for several long moments.
Kyle looks up as a grin forms. "What? I'm kidding."
Russ whacks him in the arm. "Behave yourself."
As several start to laugh, Wayne chuckles. It was good to see that this group got along so well and could joke amongst themselves. It was obvious they weren't just out for the money. They were doing this because they loved it. "Fill out the paperwork here, or if you want more time to read it over, take it home - you can bring it back in or fax it to us. Soon as Jackie and I take a second look at our schedule, we'll be in touch."
"Home sweet home." Chance closes the door behind him and Destiny after he'd already given the safe house a once-over. Setting the keys down, he goes to the computers and switches the monitors back on to keep watch.
Turning around, he cocks his head at Destiny. "Want some lunch? I could make us some sandwiches."
"Okay. I'll bring it a long tomorrow. I'm a mean player though," he warns, followed by another warm smile. His eyes search hers once more. Every day she came. She had to be tired. Yet she still came. In a way, he pitied her. In a way, he admired her.
"Take Care, Beth. I'll see you tomorrow." He didn't say "if" this time... it just didn't seem necessary.
Alec bites his lip as a smile seeps out. He looks down at the sand again and wriggles his toes as a child would their first time allowed to play outside with bare feet. Alec was a rough, tough ex-Agency man. But there were still things that he had in common with Gage, even if he didn't want to admit it. He hadn't been sheltered from life - but he'd been sheltered from living.
Looking back up at Ryan, his smile grows. The morning sun catches his eye and bounces off with a sparkling glint. Glancing to the water again, then back at Ryan, the glint increases, now with more mischief.
Taking hold of his borrowed t-shirt, he pulls it up over his head and tosses it a few feet away on dry sand. Then backing into the water, he falls backward with a glorious splash, enveloped in the cool summer water, jeans and all.
A fresh laughter rings out. A laughter quite possibly never heard from Alec's lips since he was just a boy. Curling up his legs so he could sink up to his chin in the water, Alec shoots a splash at Ryan, his eyes shining with playfulness.
"Next few days..." Kyle glances over the papers Jackie had passed around the table. "That's pretty quick. Not sure we can do it that soon."
All eyes widen and look in Kyle's direction, a dreadful silence taking over for several long moments.
Kyle looks up as a grin forms. "What? I'm kidding."
Russ whacks him in the arm. "Behave yourself."
As several start to laugh, Wayne chuckles. It was good to see that this group got along so well and could joke amongst themselves. It was obvious they weren't just out for the money. They were doing this because they loved it. "Fill out the paperwork here, or if you want more time to read it over, take it home - you can bring it back in or fax it to us. Soon as Jackie and I take a second look at our schedule, we'll be in touch."
"Home sweet home." Chance closes the door behind him and Destiny after he'd already given the safe house a once-over. Setting the keys down, he goes to the computers and switches the monitors back on to keep watch.
Turning around, he cocks his head at Destiny. "Want some lunch? I could make us some sandwiches."
Pressed for time
Returning the small smile at Justin Beth looks down at her watch for a moment. She was running late, and her time with Sarah was going to be cut short as it was already so she could make to work on time.
"Oh...I'm running late as it is and I probably should have stopped to talk but I couldn't just walk past you and say nothing. Maybe tomorrow....if you bring it again we could throw it around for a little bit."
Beth hopped Justin wouldn't think this time it was to much of an excuse she wouldn't mind playing but she really didn't have much time today. But with no work tomorrow she would have more time and wouldn't have to rush even if she was running late.
Watching Alec it makes Ryan's smile grow even more. It was great to see how he was acting and how much he was enjoying it. It made Ryan thingy inside on its own.
Following behind Alec Ryan stands back for a moment just enjoying watching him. To see a smile on his face that he was enjoying something new was nice. How Ryan wished she had a camera right now but these memories would stay locked in her own mind to remember.
Coming up to the edge of the water were the soft water was rolling in Ryan looks out at the water before looking back at Alec. Hearing his searous tone she gives him a little nudge.
"You don't have to be so serous. Its ok to laugh and have fun. I promise I won't tell anyone and it wont make you a softy."
"Oh...I'm running late as it is and I probably should have stopped to talk but I couldn't just walk past you and say nothing. Maybe tomorrow....if you bring it again we could throw it around for a little bit."
Beth hopped Justin wouldn't think this time it was to much of an excuse she wouldn't mind playing but she really didn't have much time today. But with no work tomorrow she would have more time and wouldn't have to rush even if she was running late.
Watching Alec it makes Ryan's smile grow even more. It was great to see how he was acting and how much he was enjoying it. It made Ryan thingy inside on its own.
Following behind Alec Ryan stands back for a moment just enjoying watching him. To see a smile on his face that he was enjoying something new was nice. How Ryan wished she had a camera right now but these memories would stay locked in her own mind to remember.
Coming up to the edge of the water were the soft water was rolling in Ryan looks out at the water before looking back at Alec. Hearing his searous tone she gives him a little nudge.
"You don't have to be so serous. Its ok to laugh and have fun. I promise I won't tell anyone and it wont make you a softy."
Hidden child
Justin smiles. "I like the rain too. I like fishing in the rain once in a while. Tonight it's over to Ma's for supper though. If I skip on account of fishing, she'll whack me upside the head so hard I'll probably still be black and blue come tomorrow."
His eyes sparkle teasingly. "So I guess the thing to do is let it rain while I go over there for supper."
Reaching into his bag, he pulls out the blue frisbee, running his finger over the few dings and notches in it that had been made by dogs' teeth. Glancing back over to Beth, he lifts one eyebrow. He knew she probably didn't have time, but he might as well ask. "Wanna have a round before you head in?"
Having his leg sprayed with sand, Alec grins, his eyes narrowing playfully. He kicks back, sending a wave of sand onto Ryan's legs. Glancing towards the water, he shrugs. "Okay." He picks up his socks and shoes to carry with him and wanders ahead next to Ryan, still getting used to the feeling of the sand.
Once they reach the water's edge, he ventures close enough that the quiet lapping of the water brushes over his toes. His feet sink into the wet sand leaving footprints that slowly disappear as the water takes them away. He doesn't realize he's smiling.
Eyes down, he wanders along the edge of the water, making footprints and stepping into the shallow water just enough to cover his feet. Then turning around, his face wears a sheepish look as he glances to Ryan. Surely he must look funny, like a little kid on his first day out. "You were right," he agrees, trying to maintain seriousness. "It does feel good."
His eyes sparkle teasingly. "So I guess the thing to do is let it rain while I go over there for supper."
Reaching into his bag, he pulls out the blue frisbee, running his finger over the few dings and notches in it that had been made by dogs' teeth. Glancing back over to Beth, he lifts one eyebrow. He knew she probably didn't have time, but he might as well ask. "Wanna have a round before you head in?"
Having his leg sprayed with sand, Alec grins, his eyes narrowing playfully. He kicks back, sending a wave of sand onto Ryan's legs. Glancing towards the water, he shrugs. "Okay." He picks up his socks and shoes to carry with him and wanders ahead next to Ryan, still getting used to the feeling of the sand.
Once they reach the water's edge, he ventures close enough that the quiet lapping of the water brushes over his toes. His feet sink into the wet sand leaving footprints that slowly disappear as the water takes them away. He doesn't realize he's smiling.
Eyes down, he wanders along the edge of the water, making footprints and stepping into the shallow water just enough to cover his feet. Then turning around, his face wears a sheepish look as he glances to Ryan. Surely he must look funny, like a little kid on his first day out. "You were right," he agrees, trying to maintain seriousness. "It does feel good."
Better than Flour
Beth lets a chuckle slip from her lips at the mention to her pie being better than his moms. It just seemed to hit a funny bone. Beth was happy though that he liked it. It made her feel good.
"I don't bake often and I am use to my own cooking so its nice to hear someone else say it was good so I really know it was."
Taking the small container from Justin Beth looks down at it for a long moment before looking up at Justin again. She felt a little more comfortable today than she had in past of seeing him. Maybe going out to the fishing spot with Justin had helped more than Beth admitted and that was where the comfort came from now.
"I hope your friend will like playing frisbee with you. Its a nice day out for it, for sure. I think it might rain a little later though, not that I'll complain. I like the rain."
Watching Alec for a long moment Ryan just watches him as he stands there wondering if everything was ok. Seeing the look in his eyes though she knows all is ok, and than seeing him take his shoes and socks off she gives a little grin.
Reaching down Ryan takes her own sandles off and holds them. Coming over to Alec Ryan gives a small laugh as the warm sand moves over her own feet. The warmth was nice, and the tingling sensation that ran through her foot made her smile grow a little more.
"This might be more fun than playing in flour. It's warm, and thingly."
Using her foot Ryan playful kicks a little sand at Alec hitting him in the leg. Giving a laugh she did it again the playful look just sparkling in her eye. This was new and seeing Alec hadn't done it before made Ryan feel good she got to be the first one to expectancy it.
"If we go down to the water the sand is even softer and feels mushy. Its an ok feeling as long as no seaweed is there."
Sitting next to Kyle Alice gives thoughtful nods as she listens to everything being said. She new a little bit about business and deals working with the paper she had gone through it alot. Most of what was being said sounded good to her. She was so excited for everyone and was happy she would be the one reporting on it all.
Giving a glance at Kyle and catching his eyes she gives a smile and a nod "I love you." Was her silent whisper. Her own excitement so clean in her eyes.
Being added in everything and having Wayne look to her and talk about her being the manager made Karla feel good. She felt useful and not just dead weight. It was nice to be wanted, and included into something so important.
Looking to Kip she beams brightly. She felt so good right now, almost on top of the world and she didn't even play that magor of a part she could only imagen how the others must be feeling.
Turning her attachen to Wayne as he talks Jackie just lets him take over for a moment. They had been teamed up for quite some time now and they worked well together. Both had there strong points, and when work needed to be done it was. Jackie liked working with Wayne even if he goofed off sometimes. It was a nice partnership and she couldn't have asked for anything better.
As Wayne continues to talk Jackie pass out some paper work that each person would have to fill out. It was normal work stuff, along with a few others things that were added in like not selling music to another company unless through them and so on. They didn't want to be the only ones for the band but they wanted to make sure other people didn't try to take advantage of them ether.
Once Wayne was done talking Jackie took a sip from her water bottle before starting to talk again herself not going to fast, or jumping from one thing to the next.
"We will probably want to start recording a CD in a day or two just to get things moving. It will only be a soft copy for now just to get the feel for it and what not, but than when you guys feel comfortable we can do the real deal. This can go as slow or as fast as you guys want as long as your comfortable."
Looking around the table again continuing to smile Jackie's air was professional, yet the twinkle that lit her eyes really showed she enjoyed what she did her and her excitement for her work. It was something she liked from the start and seeing other rise to the top was an accomplishment she loved.
"I don't bake often and I am use to my own cooking so its nice to hear someone else say it was good so I really know it was."
Taking the small container from Justin Beth looks down at it for a long moment before looking up at Justin again. She felt a little more comfortable today than she had in past of seeing him. Maybe going out to the fishing spot with Justin had helped more than Beth admitted and that was where the comfort came from now.
"I hope your friend will like playing frisbee with you. Its a nice day out for it, for sure. I think it might rain a little later though, not that I'll complain. I like the rain."
Watching Alec for a long moment Ryan just watches him as he stands there wondering if everything was ok. Seeing the look in his eyes though she knows all is ok, and than seeing him take his shoes and socks off she gives a little grin.
Reaching down Ryan takes her own sandles off and holds them. Coming over to Alec Ryan gives a small laugh as the warm sand moves over her own feet. The warmth was nice, and the tingling sensation that ran through her foot made her smile grow a little more.
"This might be more fun than playing in flour. It's warm, and thingly."
Using her foot Ryan playful kicks a little sand at Alec hitting him in the leg. Giving a laugh she did it again the playful look just sparkling in her eye. This was new and seeing Alec hadn't done it before made Ryan feel good she got to be the first one to expectancy it.
"If we go down to the water the sand is even softer and feels mushy. Its an ok feeling as long as no seaweed is there."
Sitting next to Kyle Alice gives thoughtful nods as she listens to everything being said. She new a little bit about business and deals working with the paper she had gone through it alot. Most of what was being said sounded good to her. She was so excited for everyone and was happy she would be the one reporting on it all.
Giving a glance at Kyle and catching his eyes she gives a smile and a nod "I love you." Was her silent whisper. Her own excitement so clean in her eyes.
Being added in everything and having Wayne look to her and talk about her being the manager made Karla feel good. She felt useful and not just dead weight. It was nice to be wanted, and included into something so important.
Looking to Kip she beams brightly. She felt so good right now, almost on top of the world and she didn't even play that magor of a part she could only imagen how the others must be feeling.
Turning her attachen to Wayne as he talks Jackie just lets him take over for a moment. They had been teamed up for quite some time now and they worked well together. Both had there strong points, and when work needed to be done it was. Jackie liked working with Wayne even if he goofed off sometimes. It was a nice partnership and she couldn't have asked for anything better.
As Wayne continues to talk Jackie pass out some paper work that each person would have to fill out. It was normal work stuff, along with a few others things that were added in like not selling music to another company unless through them and so on. They didn't want to be the only ones for the band but they wanted to make sure other people didn't try to take advantage of them ether.
Once Wayne was done talking Jackie took a sip from her water bottle before starting to talk again herself not going to fast, or jumping from one thing to the next.
"We will probably want to start recording a CD in a day or two just to get things moving. It will only be a soft copy for now just to get the feel for it and what not, but than when you guys feel comfortable we can do the real deal. This can go as slow or as fast as you guys want as long as your comfortable."
Looking around the table again continuing to smile Jackie's air was professional, yet the twinkle that lit her eyes really showed she enjoyed what she did her and her excitement for her work. It was something she liked from the start and seeing other rise to the top was an accomplishment she loved.
Sandy Sensation
The band listens intently to Jackie. Each one knew a little bit about how things would work, but it was still a new experience. And, as Wayne had pointed out, their situation was different from others, so most likely, the process would be a bit different for them as well. This wasn't a huge big-name corporation that could make them stars overnight. But they were reputable, they did have known labels out there and they had the capabilities to make a name go far.
Kyle lets Jackie's words sink in, still hardly able to believe they were actually here. God truly was amazing. From the beginning of this adventure, things had been terribly impossible and even backwards. But how much greater was God shown then?
Erik leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Jackie's face. He remained rather expressionless, though was taking in everything and paying close attention. As her eyes meet his, he lets them, not dropping his gaze but just staring into her own eyes as if trying to see if she really was who she said she was.
Wayne nods at Jackie's statement and joins in. "She's right. We may advise you and help you tweak some things, but overall, we like uniqueness. We're not going to try to get you to sound like so-and-so down the block who's sold millions. Now... there are no guarantees here, as I'm sure you're aware. Just because you're here doesn't mean that you'll sell more than ten CDs when we're through. Hopefully, you will. Our goal is to get your music out there so that you make enough money to support yourselves and we make enough money to keep our jobs."
He smiles. "You guys have already been approved, so here on out, it's no more trials - it's just trying to get the best sound the best way we can. We're going to have contracts for you guys to sign to make sure that we're both in this together."
Pausing again, he glances around the faces, taking note of Karla too and what Kyle had said about her. "Jackie and are are going to be more like your agents than anything. We're going to find good spots for you to go and we're going to set up the deals and tell you where the best places for you to show up are at. Now you've said Karla's your manager, so we'll respect that and filter things through her if you like. If she keeps track of your schedule, that's one less thing we have to worry about."
Kyle raises his hand. "So what happens first? I mean... concerts or...?"
Wayne shakes his head. "First thing we want to do with you is produce at least two CDs. That way we can start getting your name out there more places and quicker than pushing you off to a bunch of concerts where only ten people show up because they've never heard of you. With CDs, we can get them into music stores and we'll also be trying to get at least one song on the radio - and I'm not talking your little local station here that plays local bands - I'm talking a bigger station and more than one station. Then come the concerts."
"Where will they be?"
"Local at first but not for long. We'll go statewide, feel out the attendees and see what they like. We'll have you open for other bands until you've established your name, then the roles will be reversed and someone else will open for you."
Kyle grins at the thought. "Sounds almost too big."
Wayne chuckles. "Not as long as your head doesn't get that big too." His eyes roam around the table again. "I'm sure you all know that there are days when this business is not so glamorous. This is going to be hard work on all our parts and there are going to be long hours and probably disagreements happening. You're going to get frustrated and at some point, each of you will consider quitting. There's also a chance that this will be as far as you go - there's a lot of new bands out there now to compete with. But... If you stick with it and are patient and are willing to make sacrifices... then I'm confident we can make this work. Especially seeing how you've been led this far already."
Alec looks down as Ryan takes his hand, and he lets her lock her fingers with his, giving them a squeeze. The cutsie little affection wasn't something he did often... it wasn't something he used to do at all. But with Ryan... he'd grown to like it. Someone cared about him for real, and he cared about her too. It was different than anything else he'd had and deserving of holding hands or whispering sweet nothings, unlike other "relationships" he'd had.
Sitting back, Alec grows quiet, just enjoying the ride to the lake. He liked being on the road - both being the wheel or a passenger. There was just something about watching the scenery go by and feeling the road beneath the wheels. Maybe that's one reason he'd fallen into the Agency trap - they'd had him travel and he'd liked it.
Finally reaching the lake and parking, it's decided that ice cream would come later. So they head for the little beach instead where thankfully, there were only a few people scattered about. Reaching the sand, Alec looks down at it for a moment. Glancing at Ryan, he looks at the sand again where his sneakers had sunk in.
Reaching down, he takes off his socks and shoes and lets his barefeet slide into the warm sand. Moving his toes around a little, his feet were enveloped by the soft feel of the grains as they rolled over his skin.
Just standing there in the sand for several long moments, one might think something was wrong. But as he looks at Ryan, a strange twinkle laid behind his eyes - almost like a little boy discovering some fun new adventure. He'd never walked barefoot in the sand before and the feeling almost wanted to make him laugh.
As Beth joins him, a smile creases Justin's lips. Letting her study him, he doesn't say anything until it's his turn to respond. A chuckle slips out. "I'm feeling alright - a frisbee fits in my backpack so I can hide my clown-ness for a day."
Still grinning, he shakes his head. "No dogs today. If they saw me playing frisbee without them, they'd have a fit. So we're going to try it without them today and see how it goes. But most likely they'll be back tomorrow."
Taking the empty container he'd remembered, he passes it to her. "I'm glad you liked the fish and... I thoroughly enjoyed the pie. Don't tell my mother, but I think yours was probably the best I've ever had."
Kyle lets Jackie's words sink in, still hardly able to believe they were actually here. God truly was amazing. From the beginning of this adventure, things had been terribly impossible and even backwards. But how much greater was God shown then?
Erik leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Jackie's face. He remained rather expressionless, though was taking in everything and paying close attention. As her eyes meet his, he lets them, not dropping his gaze but just staring into her own eyes as if trying to see if she really was who she said she was.
Wayne nods at Jackie's statement and joins in. "She's right. We may advise you and help you tweak some things, but overall, we like uniqueness. We're not going to try to get you to sound like so-and-so down the block who's sold millions. Now... there are no guarantees here, as I'm sure you're aware. Just because you're here doesn't mean that you'll sell more than ten CDs when we're through. Hopefully, you will. Our goal is to get your music out there so that you make enough money to support yourselves and we make enough money to keep our jobs."
He smiles. "You guys have already been approved, so here on out, it's no more trials - it's just trying to get the best sound the best way we can. We're going to have contracts for you guys to sign to make sure that we're both in this together."
Pausing again, he glances around the faces, taking note of Karla too and what Kyle had said about her. "Jackie and are are going to be more like your agents than anything. We're going to find good spots for you to go and we're going to set up the deals and tell you where the best places for you to show up are at. Now you've said Karla's your manager, so we'll respect that and filter things through her if you like. If she keeps track of your schedule, that's one less thing we have to worry about."
Kyle raises his hand. "So what happens first? I mean... concerts or...?"
Wayne shakes his head. "First thing we want to do with you is produce at least two CDs. That way we can start getting your name out there more places and quicker than pushing you off to a bunch of concerts where only ten people show up because they've never heard of you. With CDs, we can get them into music stores and we'll also be trying to get at least one song on the radio - and I'm not talking your little local station here that plays local bands - I'm talking a bigger station and more than one station. Then come the concerts."
"Where will they be?"
"Local at first but not for long. We'll go statewide, feel out the attendees and see what they like. We'll have you open for other bands until you've established your name, then the roles will be reversed and someone else will open for you."
Kyle grins at the thought. "Sounds almost too big."
Wayne chuckles. "Not as long as your head doesn't get that big too." His eyes roam around the table again. "I'm sure you all know that there are days when this business is not so glamorous. This is going to be hard work on all our parts and there are going to be long hours and probably disagreements happening. You're going to get frustrated and at some point, each of you will consider quitting. There's also a chance that this will be as far as you go - there's a lot of new bands out there now to compete with. But... If you stick with it and are patient and are willing to make sacrifices... then I'm confident we can make this work. Especially seeing how you've been led this far already."
Alec looks down as Ryan takes his hand, and he lets her lock her fingers with his, giving them a squeeze. The cutsie little affection wasn't something he did often... it wasn't something he used to do at all. But with Ryan... he'd grown to like it. Someone cared about him for real, and he cared about her too. It was different than anything else he'd had and deserving of holding hands or whispering sweet nothings, unlike other "relationships" he'd had.
Sitting back, Alec grows quiet, just enjoying the ride to the lake. He liked being on the road - both being the wheel or a passenger. There was just something about watching the scenery go by and feeling the road beneath the wheels. Maybe that's one reason he'd fallen into the Agency trap - they'd had him travel and he'd liked it.
Finally reaching the lake and parking, it's decided that ice cream would come later. So they head for the little beach instead where thankfully, there were only a few people scattered about. Reaching the sand, Alec looks down at it for a moment. Glancing at Ryan, he looks at the sand again where his sneakers had sunk in.
Reaching down, he takes off his socks and shoes and lets his barefeet slide into the warm sand. Moving his toes around a little, his feet were enveloped by the soft feel of the grains as they rolled over his skin.
Just standing there in the sand for several long moments, one might think something was wrong. But as he looks at Ryan, a strange twinkle laid behind his eyes - almost like a little boy discovering some fun new adventure. He'd never walked barefoot in the sand before and the feeling almost wanted to make him laugh.
As Beth joins him, a smile creases Justin's lips. Letting her study him, he doesn't say anything until it's his turn to respond. A chuckle slips out. "I'm feeling alright - a frisbee fits in my backpack so I can hide my clown-ness for a day."
Still grinning, he shakes his head. "No dogs today. If they saw me playing frisbee without them, they'd have a fit. So we're going to try it without them today and see how it goes. But most likely they'll be back tomorrow."
Taking the empty container he'd remembered, he passes it to her. "I'm glad you liked the fish and... I thoroughly enjoyed the pie. Don't tell my mother, but I think yours was probably the best I've ever had."
7/9/10
For one day...
As the hussle starts Jackie takes a step back letting Wayne take control for a moment as she just sized the band up. Just taking them in and gaining a lot from just observing, and watching. She always liked to do that before she said anymore more to bands. Getting a feel for them by not saying anything at all was something that helped Jackie a lot in her work.
Following Wayn to the table Jackie holds the smile on her face. As Erik bumps into on mistake Jackie looks to him and gives a little nod.
"Its quite alright. It's a small room and this is a big group. The bigger the better though, just...don't do it again."
Jackie gives a little wink to Erik before remembering her paper work and going into the other room only to return once again and take her seat. Opening the folder she looks over her notes for a moment before looking up at the group again, not speaking to just one of them but letting her eyes move over them all and not singling anyone out.
"First I want to start out meeting out by saying we are thrilled to have you guys here again and get to know each of you. Our studio is small and sometimes it might feel like things are not moving, but I assure you it is moving. Wayne and I both will be walking through this with you guys each step of the way."
Giving a nod a nod and a smile Jackie's eyes fall to Erik for a moment seeming to linger longer than they had on anyone else. She had seen a lot of good looking guys come in and out of this place, but something about Erik was different to her. Relizing maybe she was looking at him a little longer than she should Jackie clears her throat and looks back to Kyle than the others too.
"We want you guy to be yourself and not try to change what makes you guys you. A lot of other places out there try and change music make it better, change the sound but we want to take what you guys already have and just bring it to life. It's important to us than you be true to the music in your hearts."
Hearing Alec was ready Ryan leaves the house with him quietly closing the door behind her. Eli was still sleeping and the last thing she wanted to do was wake him as she was heading out.
Getting to the car and getting in Alec's question did not go unheard as she put the keys in the ignition and starts up the car heading down the road and in the direction of the beach. She had been to that ice cream shop a few times and she liked it. It was a tiny place, but sometimes that was better than the big fancy ones.
"I've been there a few times and I liked it a lot. All there ice cream is home made so its tasts a lot better than the stuff you buy from the store because its fresh."
Giving a glance over at Alec at a stop light Ryan reaches over with her free hand and takes his inter locking there fingers together. Though Ryan was rough and tumble, walking in and out of danger, deep down she still had those soft moments when she just liked things to be as they were.
"So for one day we get to run away. The world is ours, and the time will mostly likely tick to fast so I think we should make the best of it while we can."
Revving her engine a little bit Ryan takes off down the street heading out of town and going a little faster than normally in town she did. Though this was outside of town it really didn't matter. The sooner they got to the lake the sooner the fun started. On the way back though the drive would be slower as she new already she wouldn't want the day to end.
Morning had come way to early for Beth and it seemed like it was just going to be one of those days. Couldn't sleep, than got up late, her hair wouldn't not work with her today so left down and slightly damp was how it would stay. At least she made it here in one peace, and it would be just her luck maybe she had missed Justin seeing Scott already.
Coming up the walkway and seeing Justin a small smile forms on her lips before it was gone again. She hadn't missed him, at least that was a good thing.
"I was running late today. I thought for sure you would be in with your friend already. Happy your not though."
Sitting down for a moment on the bench next to Justin Beth gives a small sigh before turning a little to look at him better. Just studying him for a long moment she finally looks away studying the people who walks to and fro on the nice day.
"I made the fish last night the same way you said you liked doing it. It tasted pretty good, I liked it. No dogs today or any other crazy get up? You sure your feelin alright?"
Following Wayn to the table Jackie holds the smile on her face. As Erik bumps into on mistake Jackie looks to him and gives a little nod.
"Its quite alright. It's a small room and this is a big group. The bigger the better though, just...don't do it again."
Jackie gives a little wink to Erik before remembering her paper work and going into the other room only to return once again and take her seat. Opening the folder she looks over her notes for a moment before looking up at the group again, not speaking to just one of them but letting her eyes move over them all and not singling anyone out.
"First I want to start out meeting out by saying we are thrilled to have you guys here again and get to know each of you. Our studio is small and sometimes it might feel like things are not moving, but I assure you it is moving. Wayne and I both will be walking through this with you guys each step of the way."
Giving a nod a nod and a smile Jackie's eyes fall to Erik for a moment seeming to linger longer than they had on anyone else. She had seen a lot of good looking guys come in and out of this place, but something about Erik was different to her. Relizing maybe she was looking at him a little longer than she should Jackie clears her throat and looks back to Kyle than the others too.
"We want you guy to be yourself and not try to change what makes you guys you. A lot of other places out there try and change music make it better, change the sound but we want to take what you guys already have and just bring it to life. It's important to us than you be true to the music in your hearts."
Hearing Alec was ready Ryan leaves the house with him quietly closing the door behind her. Eli was still sleeping and the last thing she wanted to do was wake him as she was heading out.
Getting to the car and getting in Alec's question did not go unheard as she put the keys in the ignition and starts up the car heading down the road and in the direction of the beach. She had been to that ice cream shop a few times and she liked it. It was a tiny place, but sometimes that was better than the big fancy ones.
"I've been there a few times and I liked it a lot. All there ice cream is home made so its tasts a lot better than the stuff you buy from the store because its fresh."
Giving a glance over at Alec at a stop light Ryan reaches over with her free hand and takes his inter locking there fingers together. Though Ryan was rough and tumble, walking in and out of danger, deep down she still had those soft moments when she just liked things to be as they were.
"So for one day we get to run away. The world is ours, and the time will mostly likely tick to fast so I think we should make the best of it while we can."
Revving her engine a little bit Ryan takes off down the street heading out of town and going a little faster than normally in town she did. Though this was outside of town it really didn't matter. The sooner they got to the lake the sooner the fun started. On the way back though the drive would be slower as she new already she wouldn't want the day to end.
Morning had come way to early for Beth and it seemed like it was just going to be one of those days. Couldn't sleep, than got up late, her hair wouldn't not work with her today so left down and slightly damp was how it would stay. At least she made it here in one peace, and it would be just her luck maybe she had missed Justin seeing Scott already.
Coming up the walkway and seeing Justin a small smile forms on her lips before it was gone again. She hadn't missed him, at least that was a good thing.
"I was running late today. I thought for sure you would be in with your friend already. Happy your not though."
Sitting down for a moment on the bench next to Justin Beth gives a small sigh before turning a little to look at him better. Just studying him for a long moment she finally looks away studying the people who walks to and fro on the nice day.
"I made the fish last night the same way you said you liked doing it. It tasted pretty good, I liked it. No dogs today or any other crazy get up? You sure your feelin alright?"
True?
Trying to find comfort in Sapphire's words, Scott nods a little. He knew the goal was to get out of here so he could go back to his own home and not be tormented all the time. But would he really? Maybe she was right... maybe that shouldn't even be an option.
Her question of breakfast makes him glance over to the nightstand where his portion sat cold. He wouldn't eat it now anyway. But he hadn't eaten it because he hadn't wanted to. "I'm... I'm not really hungry."
He swings his gaze back to his sister, searching her eyes for a moment. He had Dr. Hawks after him to eat. Jenny too, and Justin. If Hope were around, she'd be after him to eat more too. Would it help get him out of here sooner?
"But... maybe I'll just have some toast or something." Standing up, he sets aside the bag Sapphire had brought for him, then goes to put on his socks and shoes. "Okay... I'll show you where it is."
Fifteen minutes later they were in the lunch room. There weren't many people around at this time of the morning so it was nice and quiet. Scott did get a piece of toast with some jelly and was trying to drink a little more orange juice too.
"Oh, really?" Justin's eyebrows rise slightly as Jenny informs him where Scott is. "Well good. I won't interrupt them. Just call my cell phone after Sapphire leaves, okay? Then I'll be in to see him."
Wandering back outside, Justin finds himself back at the familiar bench beside the sidewalk. Easing down, he sets his backpack down too and makes sure he has the empty container with him. He'd been sure to wash it after he'd had the cherry pie and figured he'd see Beth today to give it back. If not, he'd leave it with a note.
"I am so ready." Alec grins and gives Ryan another kiss before aiming for the door. Once they're out, it doesn't take long to get on the road towards the lake. Though Alec probably wouldn't say so, this was something new to him. He'd hung out with friends a bit before and done a few fun things, but having a day's excursion with no real plans... it was what maybe he'd always wanted but never had. It was just something else Ryan had given him, that he tucked away in his heart that was still softening around the edges.
Watching the scenery pass, Alec's mind flits from one thing to another. "Hey, I heard there was a good ice cream place by the lake. True?"
As the group sees the woman and man, they stop, half relieved that someone was there to greet them, and half so nervous they could barely move. As Jackie approaches Kyle, he immediately returns her handshake with a smile. "The one and only."
Wayne wanders up behind Jackie and smiles at the group, offering his handshake as well to the several who were near. "Hey guys, good to see you. Jackie's right, we're glad you're here." Setting his hands on his hips, he studies all the eyes looking back at him. "I hope you realized that you're an odd case."
Kyle laughs and nods. "Yeah, it usually doesn't work quite like this, does it?"
"Nope." Wayne chuckles, shaking his head. "You're a no-name band, greener than grass with family sponsorship carrying you through. You being here means you must have quite a bit of pull with someone."
Kyle's grin widens. "We sure do. And He's been doing some pretty peculiar stuff ever since I joined this group."
"Yeah, I heard you didn't even start this thing."
"Nope. They nominated me." Kyle exchanges a quick look with Erik. "As long as they're happy, I'm happy."
"Well, as long as you all are happy, we're happy too." Wayne nods to the others. "So who have we got? Who's who?"
Kyle goes through quick introductions, explaining names and what they did. "And... then we have Karla... she's along to help us with our bookwork and help us manage what's happening. And this is Alice - she's a writer for What's Up and also my shadow whom I love."
Wayne grins. "Very good. Alright, well lets just have a seat over here and talk about what the plans are. No pressure today - just talk and sorting through some logistics."
The group trails in to a nearby table with chairs, each finding their own seat. As they're getting seated, Erik accidentally bumps into Jackie. "Oh, sorry." He grins sheepishly as he teasingly shoves Theo and his chair closer to the table. "Theo likes to take up too much room."
Her question of breakfast makes him glance over to the nightstand where his portion sat cold. He wouldn't eat it now anyway. But he hadn't eaten it because he hadn't wanted to. "I'm... I'm not really hungry."
He swings his gaze back to his sister, searching her eyes for a moment. He had Dr. Hawks after him to eat. Jenny too, and Justin. If Hope were around, she'd be after him to eat more too. Would it help get him out of here sooner?
"But... maybe I'll just have some toast or something." Standing up, he sets aside the bag Sapphire had brought for him, then goes to put on his socks and shoes. "Okay... I'll show you where it is."
Fifteen minutes later they were in the lunch room. There weren't many people around at this time of the morning so it was nice and quiet. Scott did get a piece of toast with some jelly and was trying to drink a little more orange juice too.
"Oh, really?" Justin's eyebrows rise slightly as Jenny informs him where Scott is. "Well good. I won't interrupt them. Just call my cell phone after Sapphire leaves, okay? Then I'll be in to see him."
Wandering back outside, Justin finds himself back at the familiar bench beside the sidewalk. Easing down, he sets his backpack down too and makes sure he has the empty container with him. He'd been sure to wash it after he'd had the cherry pie and figured he'd see Beth today to give it back. If not, he'd leave it with a note.
"I am so ready." Alec grins and gives Ryan another kiss before aiming for the door. Once they're out, it doesn't take long to get on the road towards the lake. Though Alec probably wouldn't say so, this was something new to him. He'd hung out with friends a bit before and done a few fun things, but having a day's excursion with no real plans... it was what maybe he'd always wanted but never had. It was just something else Ryan had given him, that he tucked away in his heart that was still softening around the edges.
Watching the scenery pass, Alec's mind flits from one thing to another. "Hey, I heard there was a good ice cream place by the lake. True?"
As the group sees the woman and man, they stop, half relieved that someone was there to greet them, and half so nervous they could barely move. As Jackie approaches Kyle, he immediately returns her handshake with a smile. "The one and only."
Wayne wanders up behind Jackie and smiles at the group, offering his handshake as well to the several who were near. "Hey guys, good to see you. Jackie's right, we're glad you're here." Setting his hands on his hips, he studies all the eyes looking back at him. "I hope you realized that you're an odd case."
Kyle laughs and nods. "Yeah, it usually doesn't work quite like this, does it?"
"Nope." Wayne chuckles, shaking his head. "You're a no-name band, greener than grass with family sponsorship carrying you through. You being here means you must have quite a bit of pull with someone."
Kyle's grin widens. "We sure do. And He's been doing some pretty peculiar stuff ever since I joined this group."
"Yeah, I heard you didn't even start this thing."
"Nope. They nominated me." Kyle exchanges a quick look with Erik. "As long as they're happy, I'm happy."
"Well, as long as you all are happy, we're happy too." Wayne nods to the others. "So who have we got? Who's who?"
Kyle goes through quick introductions, explaining names and what they did. "And... then we have Karla... she's along to help us with our bookwork and help us manage what's happening. And this is Alice - she's a writer for What's Up and also my shadow whom I love."
Wayne grins. "Very good. Alright, well lets just have a seat over here and talk about what the plans are. No pressure today - just talk and sorting through some logistics."
The group trails in to a nearby table with chairs, each finding their own seat. As they're getting seated, Erik accidentally bumps into Jackie. "Oh, sorry." He grins sheepishly as he teasingly shoves Theo and his chair closer to the table. "Theo likes to take up too much room."
One of these days
Sapphire hated seeing her brother sad. From as far back as she could remember it always broke her heart and she was the one who would come to his aid and dry his tears. Now, it still hurt just as much to see her brother hurt and knowing this time she couldn't make it better.
"You will get out of here Scott, I know you will, and I can feel that you will. If for some reason you don't yes I will come see you still. But right now thats not even a factor in my mind and shouldn't be in yours. Keep working twords getting better and I know you will."
Continuing to smile at her brother she new it was hard for him but she wanted him to know she was behind him. No matter what she would always be there, and never would she leave him. He was part of her life and always would be.
"Would you like to go for a walk or maybe head to the lunch room and get some breakfast together?"
Once Alec was gone to the shower Ryan pulls out her phone to call into work quick coming with a reason while waiting. Once done with that Ryan goes back to her room and pulls out a tank top and a pare of jeans with holes in the knees. Returning to the living room again to wait for Alec she sits on the edge of the couch knowing he wouldn't take long.
Having Alec come up behind her and lay a kiss on her neck Ryan gives a small giggle as it tickled a little from being unprepared for it. Leaning back into him a little and bringing her hands up and behind her to run them through his hair and keep him close Ryan turns her head to give his lips a kiss.
Pulling away a little bit the sassy grin plays on her lips as she just looks up into Alec eyes just staying silent for a moment before finally talking.
"I think leaving before Reese's dogs come out to catch you is a good idea. I won't be to long in the shower."
As promised Ryan is in the shower and out again in only a few moments. Her hair tired back in a nice pony tail to keep it off her neck with the heat outside right now. Slipping her wallet into her pocket Ryan puts an extra hair tie around her wrist as she slips her sandles on.
"I'm ready to hit the road, beach, and enjoy playing hookie if you are."
"Maybe if you weren't busy playing Oreo bowling and paying attachen to the clock a little more you wouldn't have a scramble now."
Sitting down a little ways from Wayne Jackie had a headset on and was listing to a few different new sounds they had been working on. A teasing tone played in his voice as she picked on Wayne. It was just so easy to do sometimes why would she bother passing up the opportunity?
Finishing with what she was listing to Jackie takes the headset off and turns her chair to look at Wayne for a moment as he franticly cleaned up his area.
"You know your not suppose have food in here right? One of these days your uncle is going to catch you and ream you a new one."
Shaking her head and standing she new Wayne would be right behind her as she went to the door and stepped out into the other room where the band was.
"Hey Guys, you must be the new band we have been waiting for."
Eying everyone for a moment her eyes fall on Kyle. She didn't know for sure if that was the leader or not but his description seemed to match really well so she would go for it. Extending her hand she gives a small nod.
"You must be Kyle Mitts himself. I'm Jackie, and this..."
Jackie turns around a little bit to see if Wayne was behind her right as he was coming through the door.
"...this is Wayne. We are so happy to have you guys here, and can't wait to get started."
"You will get out of here Scott, I know you will, and I can feel that you will. If for some reason you don't yes I will come see you still. But right now thats not even a factor in my mind and shouldn't be in yours. Keep working twords getting better and I know you will."
Continuing to smile at her brother she new it was hard for him but she wanted him to know she was behind him. No matter what she would always be there, and never would she leave him. He was part of her life and always would be.
"Would you like to go for a walk or maybe head to the lunch room and get some breakfast together?"
Once Alec was gone to the shower Ryan pulls out her phone to call into work quick coming with a reason while waiting. Once done with that Ryan goes back to her room and pulls out a tank top and a pare of jeans with holes in the knees. Returning to the living room again to wait for Alec she sits on the edge of the couch knowing he wouldn't take long.
Having Alec come up behind her and lay a kiss on her neck Ryan gives a small giggle as it tickled a little from being unprepared for it. Leaning back into him a little and bringing her hands up and behind her to run them through his hair and keep him close Ryan turns her head to give his lips a kiss.
Pulling away a little bit the sassy grin plays on her lips as she just looks up into Alec eyes just staying silent for a moment before finally talking.
"I think leaving before Reese's dogs come out to catch you is a good idea. I won't be to long in the shower."
As promised Ryan is in the shower and out again in only a few moments. Her hair tired back in a nice pony tail to keep it off her neck with the heat outside right now. Slipping her wallet into her pocket Ryan puts an extra hair tie around her wrist as she slips her sandles on.
"I'm ready to hit the road, beach, and enjoy playing hookie if you are."
"Maybe if you weren't busy playing Oreo bowling and paying attachen to the clock a little more you wouldn't have a scramble now."
Sitting down a little ways from Wayne Jackie had a headset on and was listing to a few different new sounds they had been working on. A teasing tone played in his voice as she picked on Wayne. It was just so easy to do sometimes why would she bother passing up the opportunity?
Finishing with what she was listing to Jackie takes the headset off and turns her chair to look at Wayne for a moment as he franticly cleaned up his area.
"You know your not suppose have food in here right? One of these days your uncle is going to catch you and ream you a new one."
Shaking her head and standing she new Wayne would be right behind her as she went to the door and stepped out into the other room where the band was.
"Hey Guys, you must be the new band we have been waiting for."
Eying everyone for a moment her eyes fall on Kyle. She didn't know for sure if that was the leader or not but his description seemed to match really well so she would go for it. Extending her hand she gives a small nod.
"You must be Kyle Mitts himself. I'm Jackie, and this..."
Jackie turns around a little bit to see if Wayne was behind her right as he was coming through the door.
"...this is Wayne. We are so happy to have you guys here, and can't wait to get started."
Surprise Attack
Having Sapphire take his hand, Scott doesn't pull away. It almost felt strange... almost new. He and his sister had had their ups and downs, no doubt, and their recent hurdle wasn't an easy one. It had been a long time since much affection was shown, even if they had always loved each other as siblings.
Just remaining quiet, Scott sees the treats she brought him, and his faint little smile returns to his lips. "Thank you..."
Feeling her squeeze his hand, it takes him a moment, but he returns it. He didn't know what the future held for them with Gage still in the picture. But for now at least, this was okay with him.
"Thanks for waiting," he whispers. "Some days... some days I don't know if I'll ever get out of here."
He looks down at the floor, burrowing a toe into the carpet. "Some days I really do feel like I'm going mad... like I have no control over what's happening inside my head."
Glancing to Sapphire, his eyes are so very tired, sunken in with dark circles tracing the bottom edges. His lifeless eye seemed even less so, if it were possible. "If I... if I can't ever leave, will you... still come see me sometimes?"
With Ryan actually agreeing to get out for the day, Alec grins. He manages to get up off the couch in time for her to return with the shirt that he accepts. His eyes are full of a sly mischief this morning - almost a playfulness like a little boy planning to skip school. He may have been in control of his own direction in the Agency... but only to a certain degree. He might never admit it, but there had been boundaries there too, and if rules were broken, he could have ended up dead. Feeling as though he could just take off for a day and not worry about being shot or taken down gave him just a little piece of that freedom he was looking for. Reese might not be too thrilled, but that was the least of his worries.
"I won't take long."
As promised, it doesn't take him over ten minutes to get himself cleaned up for the day and back in the living room. Coming up behind Ryan, he slips his arms around her and kisses her neck teasingly. "Shower's empty. If we get out of here in time, anybody Reese sends out here to get me will have to go back empty-handed."
Wayne leans back in the desk chair, taking careful aim with his rubberband. Letting it go, it snaps from his fingers, shooting through the air and smacking into his stack of oreo cookies, making them scatter. "Yes!" He throws his hands up in victory. "Score one against the oreos! I take no survivors." Stuffing one of the fallen into his mouth, he swivels his chair around. After mixing music all morning long, it wasn't unusual for him to goof off for a few minutes and regain some sanity.
His eyes fall to the clock on the wall in the sound booth and he quirks an eyebrow. "Hey, Jackie we got that new band coming in this morning, right?"
As if on cue, the door in the other room opens. Wayne looks up quickly through the glass to see the band just entering. "Ohhhhh crap." Moving quickly, he grabs the waste basket and attempts to clean off the desk of all remnants of oreos while he tried to clean his teeth with his tongue at the same time. "Why didn't Chet tell us he was letting anybody in?" It was his own fault, but it was also easy to blame someone else for lack of warning.
The band enters the open room that could be set up for many different things. At one end was a booth for recording, and at the other was another room set up for mixing the recordings. It was not a large studio at all, but it was a studio nonetheless and the excitement still hung in the air.
Erik looks around, taking it all in. "That guy said someone would be in here, right?"
"Mm-hmm..." Kyle glances around too, not sure what to do now.
Kip points up and over to the recording booth behind the glass. "There's someone up there... must be them I guess."
Twila smirks a little. The guy that had shown them in had seemed too busy to get them where they were going or make introductions. She hoped whoever they worked with would be nicer than that.
Just remaining quiet, Scott sees the treats she brought him, and his faint little smile returns to his lips. "Thank you..."
Feeling her squeeze his hand, it takes him a moment, but he returns it. He didn't know what the future held for them with Gage still in the picture. But for now at least, this was okay with him.
"Thanks for waiting," he whispers. "Some days... some days I don't know if I'll ever get out of here."
He looks down at the floor, burrowing a toe into the carpet. "Some days I really do feel like I'm going mad... like I have no control over what's happening inside my head."
Glancing to Sapphire, his eyes are so very tired, sunken in with dark circles tracing the bottom edges. His lifeless eye seemed even less so, if it were possible. "If I... if I can't ever leave, will you... still come see me sometimes?"
With Ryan actually agreeing to get out for the day, Alec grins. He manages to get up off the couch in time for her to return with the shirt that he accepts. His eyes are full of a sly mischief this morning - almost a playfulness like a little boy planning to skip school. He may have been in control of his own direction in the Agency... but only to a certain degree. He might never admit it, but there had been boundaries there too, and if rules were broken, he could have ended up dead. Feeling as though he could just take off for a day and not worry about being shot or taken down gave him just a little piece of that freedom he was looking for. Reese might not be too thrilled, but that was the least of his worries.
"I won't take long."
As promised, it doesn't take him over ten minutes to get himself cleaned up for the day and back in the living room. Coming up behind Ryan, he slips his arms around her and kisses her neck teasingly. "Shower's empty. If we get out of here in time, anybody Reese sends out here to get me will have to go back empty-handed."
Wayne leans back in the desk chair, taking careful aim with his rubberband. Letting it go, it snaps from his fingers, shooting through the air and smacking into his stack of oreo cookies, making them scatter. "Yes!" He throws his hands up in victory. "Score one against the oreos! I take no survivors." Stuffing one of the fallen into his mouth, he swivels his chair around. After mixing music all morning long, it wasn't unusual for him to goof off for a few minutes and regain some sanity.
His eyes fall to the clock on the wall in the sound booth and he quirks an eyebrow. "Hey, Jackie we got that new band coming in this morning, right?"
As if on cue, the door in the other room opens. Wayne looks up quickly through the glass to see the band just entering. "Ohhhhh crap." Moving quickly, he grabs the waste basket and attempts to clean off the desk of all remnants of oreos while he tried to clean his teeth with his tongue at the same time. "Why didn't Chet tell us he was letting anybody in?" It was his own fault, but it was also easy to blame someone else for lack of warning.
The band enters the open room that could be set up for many different things. At one end was a booth for recording, and at the other was another room set up for mixing the recordings. It was not a large studio at all, but it was a studio nonetheless and the excitement still hung in the air.
Erik looks around, taking it all in. "That guy said someone would be in here, right?"
"Mm-hmm..." Kyle glances around too, not sure what to do now.
Kip points up and over to the recording booth behind the glass. "There's someone up there... must be them I guess."
Twila smirks a little. The guy that had shown them in had seemed too busy to get them where they were going or make introductions. She hoped whoever they worked with would be nicer than that.
7/8/10
Missing
Alice looks to Kyle with a slight grin on her face. Though on the inside she was bursting herself with a lot of excitement on the inside. Doing her best to contain it though as the bands reporter she manages it. She had to look perfectionist herself, armed with Kyle in one hand and her paper and pen in the other she was ready.
Giving His hand a squeeze and a small nod she lets him know she was ready too. She was proud of Kyle, and the band this was big for them all and it had been a long time coming.
Bringing her hand up to hold Kip's as he slung his arm over her shoulder Karla leans into him a little bit. She was excited about being here and happy she was not the only one. Just having the title as manager made her even more excited for her, and knowing she would help with paper work it made her feel good. Though she was a little quieter than the others if someone looked close at her eyes they could see the twinkle that showed she was excited and happy.
Coming in and sitting down on the bed with Scott Sapphire could see the look in his eyes about how real the dream really had been to him. Reaching out and taking his hand Sapphire holds it for a moment before bringing it to her face, than her arm, and than her leg before just holding it in her own again.
"See, I'm real, I'm ok and they did nothing to me and I don't mind you called me."
Taking the bag she had sent on the bed for a second she gives it to Scott with a smile. Inside was some Mountain Dew, Jerky, and some music he liked along with a cd player. It wasn't much but she would at least bring her brother a little comfort.
"I'll always love you, and I'll always want you part of my life. I was just waiting for you to be ready because I didn't want to keep pulling while you were pulling because sooner or later our tie would of broke and than we would of been left with nothing and thats not what I wanted. I love you to much to let that happen Scott, so I gave in and was waiting for you."
Sapphire gives a smile and a small squeeze to Scott hand. Her eyes twinkled a little showing she really meant what she said. Scott would always be important to her no matter what happened.
Giving a grin Ryan keeps her head close to Alec's returning his kiss as he talked, and giving a small one to his cheek, and than his nose before his lips again.
"I still have the laundry I did for him in the basket in my room. I'll grab you a shirt and your more than welcome to use the shower here. We have enough water to go around."
Letting her lips pretty to his again with a little more passion this time Ryan lets it linger for a long moment before pulling away again and rolling off the couch.
"I'll be right back."
Going to her room and grabbing one of Eli's shirts from her basket of clean cloths and a fresh towel for Alec before returning to the living room again.
"Here you go. I doubt Eli will even notice I let you use it. You take your shower and I'll call into work than we can high tail it out of here."
Giving His hand a squeeze and a small nod she lets him know she was ready too. She was proud of Kyle, and the band this was big for them all and it had been a long time coming.
Bringing her hand up to hold Kip's as he slung his arm over her shoulder Karla leans into him a little bit. She was excited about being here and happy she was not the only one. Just having the title as manager made her even more excited for her, and knowing she would help with paper work it made her feel good. Though she was a little quieter than the others if someone looked close at her eyes they could see the twinkle that showed she was excited and happy.
Coming in and sitting down on the bed with Scott Sapphire could see the look in his eyes about how real the dream really had been to him. Reaching out and taking his hand Sapphire holds it for a moment before bringing it to her face, than her arm, and than her leg before just holding it in her own again.
"See, I'm real, I'm ok and they did nothing to me and I don't mind you called me."
Taking the bag she had sent on the bed for a second she gives it to Scott with a smile. Inside was some Mountain Dew, Jerky, and some music he liked along with a cd player. It wasn't much but she would at least bring her brother a little comfort.
"I'll always love you, and I'll always want you part of my life. I was just waiting for you to be ready because I didn't want to keep pulling while you were pulling because sooner or later our tie would of broke and than we would of been left with nothing and thats not what I wanted. I love you to much to let that happen Scott, so I gave in and was waiting for you."
Sapphire gives a smile and a small squeeze to Scott hand. Her eyes twinkled a little showing she really meant what she said. Scott would always be important to her no matter what happened.
Giving a grin Ryan keeps her head close to Alec's returning his kiss as he talked, and giving a small one to his cheek, and than his nose before his lips again.
"I still have the laundry I did for him in the basket in my room. I'll grab you a shirt and your more than welcome to use the shower here. We have enough water to go around."
Letting her lips pretty to his again with a little more passion this time Ryan lets it linger for a long moment before pulling away again and rolling off the couch.
"I'll be right back."
Going to her room and grabbing one of Eli's shirts from her basket of clean cloths and a fresh towel for Alec before returning to the living room again.
"Here you go. I doubt Eli will even notice I let you use it. You take your shower and I'll call into work than we can high tail it out of here."
Never calmly
Alec sighs deeply, wishing Ryan hadn't woken up yet. It just meant that the day had to start whether he wanted it to or not. As she turns around to face him, he keeps his arm draped around her. It was a little tight fitting them both on the couch like this, but he didn't mind. He rather liked it that way.
Grinning at her suggestion of playing hooky, he shrugs. "Sure." Kissing her lips lightly, his eyes twinkle. "If your brother can loan me a clean shirt and I can beg a shower off you guys."
Searching Ryan's eyes, it's evident that he really is serious. "Reese is gonna be busy with Angelica picking up some refugee or something from the airport so he won't even notice I'm gone. Not to mention I haven't been to the lake before..."
His grin returns. "What good is a playground if you can't go and play on it?"
Looking up from his spot on the floor, Scott sees Sapphire and he manages something close to a small smile. "Hi... no... you're not too early. I've been up a while." He knew she had to have been up for a while too, in order to drive the two hours up here. Truth be known, he'd been up several hours as well, not having been able to sleep much after his nightmare.
Pulling himself up, he eases over to the bed to sit down again, his thin frame barely moving the mattress. He glances to Sapphire again, his eyes seeming to roam her face as if making sure it was really her and she really was okay.
Putting his hands in his lap, he looks down again, feeling as though he should at least try to explain a little more. "When they... um... the Agency... after a while they... they told me everyone was dead. They said that..." He swallows hard. "That they did some... bad things to you before they murdered you and... and I thought it was true."
Keeping his head down, he tries not to let the images return to his mind. "So um... when I dream and... and those nightmares... they... when I wake up... sometimes I... I don't know what's been real or not and so..." He shrugs. "I just wanted to make sure I knew what was real."
He bites his lip and looks back up at her. "Thanks for coming. I thought... I don't know... thought maybe you wouldn't want much to do with me anymore."
"Yeehaw!"
"Oh, did you lock the car?"
"Hey, did we need that extra set of-"
"Anybody know where I put my other keys?"
"I'm hungry - am I the only one?"
"That's what you get for not eating break-"
"Alright, alright!" Kyle stops at the double glass doors, turning around to look at the excited bunch. Over the course of time, the lead role had slowly shifted from Erik to Kyle and now he was trying to maintain a little bit of professionalism here, despite all the excitement. They were at the small studio and needed to make a good impression. His fingers tighten around Alice's. "Are we ready to go in there calmly or what?"
Kip drapes his arms over Karla's shoulders from behind, resting his chin atop her head. "Nope. Never."
Kyle smirks at him. "I'll sic Twila on you."
"You wouldn't dare."
Twila throws Kip a glance. "I would."
After a bit more laughter, Kyle nods to the door. "Okay... deep breath, one, two, three..."
Grinning at her suggestion of playing hooky, he shrugs. "Sure." Kissing her lips lightly, his eyes twinkle. "If your brother can loan me a clean shirt and I can beg a shower off you guys."
Searching Ryan's eyes, it's evident that he really is serious. "Reese is gonna be busy with Angelica picking up some refugee or something from the airport so he won't even notice I'm gone. Not to mention I haven't been to the lake before..."
His grin returns. "What good is a playground if you can't go and play on it?"
Looking up from his spot on the floor, Scott sees Sapphire and he manages something close to a small smile. "Hi... no... you're not too early. I've been up a while." He knew she had to have been up for a while too, in order to drive the two hours up here. Truth be known, he'd been up several hours as well, not having been able to sleep much after his nightmare.
Pulling himself up, he eases over to the bed to sit down again, his thin frame barely moving the mattress. He glances to Sapphire again, his eyes seeming to roam her face as if making sure it was really her and she really was okay.
Putting his hands in his lap, he looks down again, feeling as though he should at least try to explain a little more. "When they... um... the Agency... after a while they... they told me everyone was dead. They said that..." He swallows hard. "That they did some... bad things to you before they murdered you and... and I thought it was true."
Keeping his head down, he tries not to let the images return to his mind. "So um... when I dream and... and those nightmares... they... when I wake up... sometimes I... I don't know what's been real or not and so..." He shrugs. "I just wanted to make sure I knew what was real."
He bites his lip and looks back up at her. "Thanks for coming. I thought... I don't know... thought maybe you wouldn't want much to do with me anymore."
"Yeehaw!"
"Oh, did you lock the car?"
"Hey, did we need that extra set of-"
"Anybody know where I put my other keys?"
"I'm hungry - am I the only one?"
"That's what you get for not eating break-"
"Alright, alright!" Kyle stops at the double glass doors, turning around to look at the excited bunch. Over the course of time, the lead role had slowly shifted from Erik to Kyle and now he was trying to maintain a little bit of professionalism here, despite all the excitement. They were at the small studio and needed to make a good impression. His fingers tighten around Alice's. "Are we ready to go in there calmly or what?"
Kip drapes his arms over Karla's shoulders from behind, resting his chin atop her head. "Nope. Never."
Kyle smirks at him. "I'll sic Twila on you."
"You wouldn't dare."
Twila throws Kip a glance. "I would."
After a bit more laughter, Kyle nods to the door. "Okay... deep breath, one, two, three..."
Hookie
Looking up at Bret Charlotte gives a small smile. She didn't know how she would keep them both in line but someway she new she'd manage. This was a new experience, a new chapter in there life they had built on luck and the flip of a coin. Though some things might change Charlotte would guess not much and everyone would be in for a ride of there life.
And so the long night movies on, filled with joy, comfort and misery for some but the night moves on no matter how long or something one wanted to be. Time waited for no one.
Shifting slightly on the couch Ryan's eyes open slightly to let the light adjust to it. She felt so comfortable laying there with Alec's arm draped over her. It was always like this when they fell asleep together in the morning she never wanted to get up and move.
"Mmm...why does morning have to come so soon all the time?"
Shifting on the couch a little Ryan rolls over to face Alec a smile on her lips as she brings her nose to his a smile on her lips. She new she didn't look the greatest when she just woke up but if he could stand her like this than any other time sound be no problem.
"Can't I play hookie today and we can stole away to the beach or something? I don't feel like going to work in a hot gradge."
Pulling into the parking lot Sapphire was there bright and early like Scott had requested. Going into work later was fine with Reese when she told him why. He new this was important to her, and important to Scott as well to have said she could come.
Grabbing the little bag of refill goodies for Scott Sapphire gets out of the car and makes her way up the front walk way. Once inside and being directied on where Scott's room was Sapphire gets there. A smile on her face as she knocked on the door and than creaked it open.
"Hey there Bro. I'm not to early am I?"
And so the long night movies on, filled with joy, comfort and misery for some but the night moves on no matter how long or something one wanted to be. Time waited for no one.
Shifting slightly on the couch Ryan's eyes open slightly to let the light adjust to it. She felt so comfortable laying there with Alec's arm draped over her. It was always like this when they fell asleep together in the morning she never wanted to get up and move.
"Mmm...why does morning have to come so soon all the time?"
Shifting on the couch a little Ryan rolls over to face Alec a smile on her lips as she brings her nose to his a smile on her lips. She new she didn't look the greatest when she just woke up but if he could stand her like this than any other time sound be no problem.
"Can't I play hookie today and we can stole away to the beach or something? I don't feel like going to work in a hot gradge."
Pulling into the parking lot Sapphire was there bright and early like Scott had requested. Going into work later was fine with Reese when she told him why. He new this was important to her, and important to Scott as well to have said she could come.
Grabbing the little bag of refill goodies for Scott Sapphire gets out of the car and makes her way up the front walk way. Once inside and being directied on where Scott's room was Sapphire gets there. A smile on her face as she knocked on the door and than creaked it open.
"Hey there Bro. I'm not to early am I?"
7/7/10
Morning dawns bright and... too bright
Bret grins as Angelica joins him and Charlotte, not minding that she was there too. Her words make his eyes twinkle. "I'm glad you think so," he teases. It wasn't all that long ago that she wouldn't have trusted him as far as she could throw him. But it was funny how things could change.
He gives Charlotte's hand a little squeeze, looking into her eyes again. "How you gonna keep me and a kid out of trouble, hmm?"
Grinning as Ryan flops down on the couch, Alec returns her kiss. "Mmm... of course I missed you." Shifting on the couch, he stretches out, lying Ryan on her back and leaning half on her and half on the rest of the cushions. With his arm tucked around her, he kisses her again before resting his head against hers. "I have no idea what's happening in the movie," he admits. "I think we're gonna have to start over."
A sly smile comes to his lips. "Or... we could start over here." He kisses her neck lightly. "Or here." He moves his lips up to her cheek. "Or here..." Kissing her lips again, he lets it linger before pulling away as the sound of a motorcycle revs outside and he laughs. "Or we can just finish the movie so I don't die..."
...Sun filtered through the living room window, making Alec squint before closing his eyes again and rolling a little to the side, his arm slipping back down around Ryan. He nuzzles his face into the back of her neck and gives it a kiss, letting his head sink into the pillow again. He knew she'd have to get up and go to work and he'd have to get to TJY too. But he'd stay here as long as he could. Last night he'd fallen asleep before the movie had even finished, and like other times, he'd been allowed to stay on the couch with Ryan.
"No, I should um... I should be okay now." Scott hoped it were true. He didn't want to have another nightmare and he knew that it was going to take him a while for him to get to sleep again at all. But he would try.
"Thanks... Sapphire. For um..." He pauses. "...for answering the phone. I'll... see you tomorrow."
Finishing the call, Scott hangs up and sinks down into his pillow, pulling his blanket up close. It offered little comfort, but any was better than none. He'd been assured his sister was okay and that's all he'd really wanted to know. His eyes drift shut, and he rolls over, a constant prayer on his mind that the nightmare would not come back...
...Scott sits on the floor of his room. For some reason, he found more comfort on the floor than in his chair or bed. The morning light streamed in behind him through the window and he rests his chin on his knees as they were pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his legs. He was in baggy jeans and a t-shirt today, his feet still bare after a shower. Breakfast lay cold on his nightstand where Jenny had set it for him. He'd drank half the orange juice but that's all he'd wanted. He wasn't sure what time it was, or what time Sapphire would come, but it really didn't matter... he would sit here all day anyway.
Leo cracks open one eye, then the other. Everything looked a bit blurry this morning. Where was he, anyway? He wasn't in his bedroom... Starting to sit up, he groans and lies back down as his head spun. It felt like someone had a jackhammer on his brain, the pain pounding his skull. That was a good enough reminder of where he'd been last night.
Managing to open his eyes again, he sees he's in his living room instead of the bedroom. How had he ended up there? He had a vague recollection of Eli... had Eli brought him back from the bar? Leo wasn't even sure.
Fumbling for the phone, he manages to dial the right number, but cringes as someone answers. They didn't have to shout. Calling in sick to the shop, he hangs up again. He felt royally miserable - there was no way he was going to work like this.
Eventually, he finally pries himself from the couch and staggers down the hall, dizzy and his head still throbbing. Getting up and moving though upsets his stomach and he's glad he's already made it to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he's back on the couch again, not even changed out of his clothes. He'd tried - enough trying. He'd just lie here in a miserable heap until this passed or he passed out again, one or the other. He could only hope that Cassy wouldn't get the bright idea to see what he was up to today being on the inside start of the weekend. He wasn't sure if he could face her or not.
He gives Charlotte's hand a little squeeze, looking into her eyes again. "How you gonna keep me and a kid out of trouble, hmm?"
Grinning as Ryan flops down on the couch, Alec returns her kiss. "Mmm... of course I missed you." Shifting on the couch, he stretches out, lying Ryan on her back and leaning half on her and half on the rest of the cushions. With his arm tucked around her, he kisses her again before resting his head against hers. "I have no idea what's happening in the movie," he admits. "I think we're gonna have to start over."
A sly smile comes to his lips. "Or... we could start over here." He kisses her neck lightly. "Or here." He moves his lips up to her cheek. "Or here..." Kissing her lips again, he lets it linger before pulling away as the sound of a motorcycle revs outside and he laughs. "Or we can just finish the movie so I don't die..."
...Sun filtered through the living room window, making Alec squint before closing his eyes again and rolling a little to the side, his arm slipping back down around Ryan. He nuzzles his face into the back of her neck and gives it a kiss, letting his head sink into the pillow again. He knew she'd have to get up and go to work and he'd have to get to TJY too. But he'd stay here as long as he could. Last night he'd fallen asleep before the movie had even finished, and like other times, he'd been allowed to stay on the couch with Ryan.
"No, I should um... I should be okay now." Scott hoped it were true. He didn't want to have another nightmare and he knew that it was going to take him a while for him to get to sleep again at all. But he would try.
"Thanks... Sapphire. For um..." He pauses. "...for answering the phone. I'll... see you tomorrow."
Finishing the call, Scott hangs up and sinks down into his pillow, pulling his blanket up close. It offered little comfort, but any was better than none. He'd been assured his sister was okay and that's all he'd really wanted to know. His eyes drift shut, and he rolls over, a constant prayer on his mind that the nightmare would not come back...
...Scott sits on the floor of his room. For some reason, he found more comfort on the floor than in his chair or bed. The morning light streamed in behind him through the window and he rests his chin on his knees as they were pulled up to his chest, his arms wrapped around his legs. He was in baggy jeans and a t-shirt today, his feet still bare after a shower. Breakfast lay cold on his nightstand where Jenny had set it for him. He'd drank half the orange juice but that's all he'd wanted. He wasn't sure what time it was, or what time Sapphire would come, but it really didn't matter... he would sit here all day anyway.
Leo cracks open one eye, then the other. Everything looked a bit blurry this morning. Where was he, anyway? He wasn't in his bedroom... Starting to sit up, he groans and lies back down as his head spun. It felt like someone had a jackhammer on his brain, the pain pounding his skull. That was a good enough reminder of where he'd been last night.
Managing to open his eyes again, he sees he's in his living room instead of the bedroom. How had he ended up there? He had a vague recollection of Eli... had Eli brought him back from the bar? Leo wasn't even sure.
Fumbling for the phone, he manages to dial the right number, but cringes as someone answers. They didn't have to shout. Calling in sick to the shop, he hangs up again. He felt royally miserable - there was no way he was going to work like this.
Eventually, he finally pries himself from the couch and staggers down the hall, dizzy and his head still throbbing. Getting up and moving though upsets his stomach and he's glad he's already made it to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he's back on the couch again, not even changed out of his clothes. He'd tried - enough trying. He'd just lie here in a miserable heap until this passed or he passed out again, one or the other. He could only hope that Cassy wouldn't get the bright idea to see what he was up to today being on the inside start of the weekend. He wasn't sure if he could face her or not.
Hunny
Just giving a little smile to her brother as he gets out Ryan gives a nod. She understood why he might not want a beer now and couldn't blame him.
"Ok, I'll see you at home."
Pulling away from the curb and heading for home Ryan lets out a long sigh. She new it wasn't her fault Leo was keeping himself down but she still felt a little bad about it. She though for sure Leo would bounce back quicker than he was. There was nothing she could do though other than continue to hope he wouldn't give up.
Finish the drive home after putting some music on her keep her mind busy it dosnt take Ryan long. Looking forward to just getting back into the house and snuggle on the couch with Alec again. He had been a long day filled with its up and downs. Finishing her movie and her quiet time with Alec was something she was looking forward too.
Getting inside and taking she shoes off Ryan wonders into the living room knowing Eli would be in shortly having putting his bike away.
"Hunny...I'm home."
Leaning back and flopping over Alec's lap Ryan looks up at him with a large smile. Leaning up a little bit to put a small kiss on his lips.
"Miss me?"
Hearing Scott say it was ok she came to see him again made Sapphire feel good. This was another step maybe and it did feel good inside. Not to mention Scott being able to make the desition himself was good too.
"Yeah I have no problem with coming in the morning. I'll just call and let Reese know and I will just work a little later."
She really didn't mind doing that at all. Tomorrow nothing important was going on so it wouldn't be interrupting anything and even if it had Sapphire would of put it off till a little later to be able to see her brother because it was important.
"Are you going to be ok to go back to bed or would you like to chat a little more? I don't mind ether way."
Getting to the hospital in a good amount of time Angelica had called who she needed too along with Reese on the way to let him know she might be late to work tomorrow, or not even in depending on what happened.
Once inside her own heart raced with excitement for her sister and Bret. Behind directed where to go, and getting sanitized clothing on Angelica is show to the room where Bret and Charlotte were. Entering she gives a big smile to both of them.
"Madre said she wished you both the best and Abuela is looking down on you both smiling as she great grandchild is brought into this world."
Coming over to the side of the bed Angelica gives a nod to Bret as she takes Charlotte's other hand in her own. Looking down at her sister an seeing the glow it braught such a warmth to her heart.
"I am so proud of both of you. Your going to make great parents!"
"Ok, I'll see you at home."
Pulling away from the curb and heading for home Ryan lets out a long sigh. She new it wasn't her fault Leo was keeping himself down but she still felt a little bad about it. She though for sure Leo would bounce back quicker than he was. There was nothing she could do though other than continue to hope he wouldn't give up.
Finish the drive home after putting some music on her keep her mind busy it dosnt take Ryan long. Looking forward to just getting back into the house and snuggle on the couch with Alec again. He had been a long day filled with its up and downs. Finishing her movie and her quiet time with Alec was something she was looking forward too.
Getting inside and taking she shoes off Ryan wonders into the living room knowing Eli would be in shortly having putting his bike away.
"Hunny...I'm home."
Leaning back and flopping over Alec's lap Ryan looks up at him with a large smile. Leaning up a little bit to put a small kiss on his lips.
"Miss me?"
Hearing Scott say it was ok she came to see him again made Sapphire feel good. This was another step maybe and it did feel good inside. Not to mention Scott being able to make the desition himself was good too.
"Yeah I have no problem with coming in the morning. I'll just call and let Reese know and I will just work a little later."
She really didn't mind doing that at all. Tomorrow nothing important was going on so it wouldn't be interrupting anything and even if it had Sapphire would of put it off till a little later to be able to see her brother because it was important.
"Are you going to be ok to go back to bed or would you like to chat a little more? I don't mind ether way."
Getting to the hospital in a good amount of time Angelica had called who she needed too along with Reese on the way to let him know she might be late to work tomorrow, or not even in depending on what happened.
Once inside her own heart raced with excitement for her sister and Bret. Behind directed where to go, and getting sanitized clothing on Angelica is show to the room where Bret and Charlotte were. Entering she gives a big smile to both of them.
"Madre said she wished you both the best and Abuela is looking down on you both smiling as she great grandchild is brought into this world."
Coming over to the side of the bed Angelica gives a nod to Bret as she takes Charlotte's other hand in her own. Looking down at her sister an seeing the glow it braught such a warmth to her heart.
"I am so proud of both of you. Your going to make great parents!"
Um
Eli looks over to Ryan and studies her for a moment before giving her shoulder a pat. "You can't do anything more than you already have. It's just... one of those things. Just don't blame yourself. You might have been in the middle of it but Leo being in the dulldrums is his own fault, not yours."
Getting out of the car, he leans back in the open door. "Thanks for the lift. I'll be right behind ya... kinda lost my appetite for that beer."
Scott closes his eyes, trying to convince himself that everything now... talking to Sapphire... that it was real, not the dream he'd just had. Her asking if she could come see him divides his train of thought and he hesitates. "Um..."
Did he want to see her again? He did miss her. And it was good to see her the other day. It was still kind of awkward though. There were still things that were unresolved, that seemed to create a rift still. But... but she wanted to come so... so it wouldn't be bad, right? And this time it was her asking, not Justin having her come without informing him about it. It was his own choice... it was up to him. He had the power now and it felt better than having things decided for him.
"Okay... I mean.... yeah... yeah, you can come." He sniffs again, his tears having ceased. "Just um... morning... maybe? Justin's coming sometime too."
Getting out of the car, he leans back in the open door. "Thanks for the lift. I'll be right behind ya... kinda lost my appetite for that beer."
Scott closes his eyes, trying to convince himself that everything now... talking to Sapphire... that it was real, not the dream he'd just had. Her asking if she could come see him divides his train of thought and he hesitates. "Um..."
Did he want to see her again? He did miss her. And it was good to see her the other day. It was still kind of awkward though. There were still things that were unresolved, that seemed to create a rift still. But... but she wanted to come so... so it wouldn't be bad, right? And this time it was her asking, not Justin having her come without informing him about it. It was his own choice... it was up to him. He had the power now and it felt better than having things decided for him.
"Okay... I mean.... yeah... yeah, you can come." He sniffs again, his tears having ceased. "Just um... morning... maybe? Justin's coming sometime too."
Respect
Sinking down onto the couch Sapphire was wide awake now from her adrenaline rushing. She was happy her brother called though it made her feel good on the inside.
"Don't be sorry. You can call me any time it doesn't matter and I will answer your call. Here, or my cell."
Sapphire meant it to. Her and Scott might have hit a rough patch but if he ever needed anything even if it was only to just talk she would be there for him. She'd never leave him to fend on his own or face something without her.
"It was a dream, and we are ok Scott. Your safe, everything is ok. Can I come see you tomorrow? Than you can give me a look over to make sure I'm alright."
Whatever it would take for Scott to be comfortable she would do it, and getting to see him again would be nice on top of it. Though if he said no she'd understand and respect him for that too.
Ryan just gives a shake of her head. Inside feeling badly for making Leo like this and for hurting him like she did. Maybe if things had been different this wouldn't have been so hard for him. Now he had a chance to be happy again and he was letting it slip away.
"I'd say I would talk to him in he morning but I don't think it would do any good."
Letting out another sigh and turning down another street the lights from the bullseye come into view and Ryan pulls off to the side of the road behind Eli's motorcycle.
"I hope he bounces back. He's told me about his friend Cassy and she should like a really nice girl. I just want him to be happy again ya know? I still care he's my friend, and I feel bad I hurt him. I don't know what I can do though."
"Don't be sorry. You can call me any time it doesn't matter and I will answer your call. Here, or my cell."
Sapphire meant it to. Her and Scott might have hit a rough patch but if he ever needed anything even if it was only to just talk she would be there for him. She'd never leave him to fend on his own or face something without her.
"It was a dream, and we are ok Scott. Your safe, everything is ok. Can I come see you tomorrow? Than you can give me a look over to make sure I'm alright."
Whatever it would take for Scott to be comfortable she would do it, and getting to see him again would be nice on top of it. Though if he said no she'd understand and respect him for that too.
Ryan just gives a shake of her head. Inside feeling badly for making Leo like this and for hurting him like she did. Maybe if things had been different this wouldn't have been so hard for him. Now he had a chance to be happy again and he was letting it slip away.
"I'd say I would talk to him in he morning but I don't think it would do any good."
Letting out another sigh and turning down another street the lights from the bullseye come into view and Ryan pulls off to the side of the road behind Eli's motorcycle.
"I hope he bounces back. He's told me about his friend Cassy and she should like a really nice girl. I just want him to be happy again ya know? I still care he's my friend, and I feel bad I hurt him. I don't know what I can do though."
Moving on
Hearing his sister finally pick up the phone, Scott now really doesn't know what to say. He tries to stay as composed as he can in his state, taking a deep, shaky breath. "Yeah, I'm... I.... I'm okay... I think... I mean... I don't know."
A tear escapes to roll off the side of his face onto his pillow. "It's always so real," he whispers. "It's like I'm there again and... and I can't wake up and... and it just happens all... all over again."
He sniffs and swipes at his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry... for calling you so late. I just, um..." He clears his throat, trying so hard to not fall to pieces. "Just wanted to make sure it was... um... that it was just a... a dream."
Eli shakes his head. "Naw, I think he'll be okay." He smirks a little. "He threw up enough on the way home I don't think he'll have much left."
Sighing, he leans back, trying to figure it all out as well. "Yeah... I thought he was stronger than this too. Figured he'd gotten mad enough to keep his head up, not take a nosedive."
Still thinking, he recalls some of the things Leo had said. "He mentioned you, then some other new friend or something. A woman. Said she wanted to be his girlfriend or something but when I pursued it, he laughed at me and said she'd just get stolen from him anyway."
Eli shrugs lamely. "Sounds to me like he's just having a hard time moving on at all, or trusting someone else again."
A tear escapes to roll off the side of his face onto his pillow. "It's always so real," he whispers. "It's like I'm there again and... and I can't wake up and... and it just happens all... all over again."
He sniffs and swipes at his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm sorry... for calling you so late. I just, um..." He clears his throat, trying so hard to not fall to pieces. "Just wanted to make sure it was... um... that it was just a... a dream."
Eli shakes his head. "Naw, I think he'll be okay." He smirks a little. "He threw up enough on the way home I don't think he'll have much left."
Sighing, he leans back, trying to figure it all out as well. "Yeah... I thought he was stronger than this too. Figured he'd gotten mad enough to keep his head up, not take a nosedive."
Still thinking, he recalls some of the things Leo had said. "He mentioned you, then some other new friend or something. A woman. Said she wanted to be his girlfriend or something but when I pursued it, he laughed at me and said she'd just get stolen from him anyway."
Eli shrugs lamely. "Sounds to me like he's just having a hard time moving on at all, or trusting someone else again."
7/6/10
Worried
In her dull sleep Sapphire hears the phone ring but just lets it. She was exhausted and her bed felt so nice the answering mashean could pick it up for now. But once it does kick on and Sapphire hears her brother voice she shoots up in bed not missing another beat. Taking a few quick steps across the room Sapphire reachs the phone hopping she was not to late.
"Scott....Scott? Are you there still its me Sapphire. I'm ok...are you ok?
Sapphire couldn't help but be worried. It had been a long time since her brother had called her and it made her heart race not knowing if he was ok or not.
Once Eli is in the car Ryan pulls away from the house. Hearing his reason for being at Leo's Ryan can't help but look in the rear view mirror. It was odd to hear Leo had been drunk and she could help but worry about him now.
"Well was he at least ok before you left him? I mean, he's not going to throw up and choak on it or anything?"
Stopping at a stop light and hearing his babbles Ryan couldn't help but feel a little irritated at Leo and a little sad for him too. She though for sure he would of move on by now. How could be stupid enough to let himself wallow and get drunk off his butt like that. She was the one who didn't think not him. Letting out a sigh and making a left Ryan shakes her head a little.
"He was babbling about me huh? I guess I kinda feel bad for him thats he's stuck in a rut like this. I guess I thought he was stronger than that."
"Scott....Scott? Are you there still its me Sapphire. I'm ok...are you ok?
Sapphire couldn't help but be worried. It had been a long time since her brother had called her and it made her heart race not knowing if he was ok or not.
Once Eli is in the car Ryan pulls away from the house. Hearing his reason for being at Leo's Ryan can't help but look in the rear view mirror. It was odd to hear Leo had been drunk and she could help but worry about him now.
"Well was he at least ok before you left him? I mean, he's not going to throw up and choak on it or anything?"
Stopping at a stop light and hearing his babbles Ryan couldn't help but feel a little irritated at Leo and a little sad for him too. She though for sure he would of move on by now. How could be stupid enough to let himself wallow and get drunk off his butt like that. She was the one who didn't think not him. Letting out a sigh and making a left Ryan shakes her head a little.
"He was babbling about me huh? I guess I kinda feel bad for him thats he's stuck in a rut like this. I guess I thought he was stronger than that."
Still okay
Bret tries not to let his worry show - the worry he felt every time he saw Charlotte in pain. He grins a little. "Luck? Us? I think that all belongs to you. All I have to do is pace and worry while you do all the work."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Informed
Returning the kiss Ryan really didn't want to leave. Stay and smooching with Alec a little while longer sounded good, but she new she had to go. She wouldnt be long and than she could come back to her spot with Eli.
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
Getting back up
"Yeah, fine... I'm cool... got it." Bret finishes getting his pants and shirt on and slips on his sneakers, ready to bolt from the room, but skids to a stop, waiting for Charlotte.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
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