Busy at work amongst the teasing, chatter and clanging of tools in car engines, Axel barely hears his cell phone ringing on the work bench. Recognizing Jess' ringtone, he goes to answer it. They were supposed to do supper tonight, but if she was calling him during the day, it might mean a change of plans.
Putting one hand over his other ear to muffle the garage sounds, he answers. "Hey, Jess, what's up?"
As Jess speaks, Axel becomes on edge. Her tone wasn't right. Something was wrong. Still trying to hear her clearly, her words of what had happened hit him like a cannon shot to the gut. Leaning back against the wall, his face pales as his heart skips a beat. Quinn? Quinn was in town? Looking for him? That couldn't be good.
Axel's mind reels and he feels dizzy and sick to his stomach at the same time. He'd figured he would never see his brother again. It hadn't been meant to be. They'd parted ways. Quinn had abandoned him, not even believing he was innocent.
The fear, anger and hurt come rushing back like a wave.
Axel suddenly realizes Jess had paused, and he'd been holding his breath. Sucking in air, everything seems to spin and he tries to focus for Jess' sake. It probably hadn't been easy for her to call and he had to make sure that she didn't think she'd done anything wrong.
"Thank you, Jess. I..." He what? What now? She had a number?
"I don't have a pen... um... a pen handy so... um tonight..." Were they still going out? "Call me... after work, okay? I'll... talk to you more then. Thanks for letting me know."
Ending the call, he doesn't leave room for any more conversation about it. He didn't know what to say, and even if he did, now was not the time or place. Setting his phone aside again, he stares at the car he'd been working on. All of a sudden, he had no idea what he'd been doing or what he needed to do next.
Fooling around with the others and almost done with his car, Leo catches sight of Axel nearby, and he stops, concerned. It looked like Axel had seen a ghost. Leo turns and catches Ryan's eye, then nods to Axel, wondering if he was the only one who thought something strange was up.
Quinn drives to the end of the street, coming to a halt at a stop sign. Without any other cars behind him, he just sits for a moment, his hands flexing on the steering wheel. His heart was still beating fast, and a bit of sweat runs down the back of his neck. His stomach did an odd flipflop and for a moment, he thought he might be sick.
Axel... after all these years... stumbling across him completely by accident. What was he thinking, trying to even contact him? Quinn felt as if he'd panicked. He should have just walked away. Why had he given the girl his phone number? For those few minutes he'd just felt... shocked. Pure and simple. All the anger he'd felt those years before was now surfacing, but moments ago, all he'd felt was shock. Axel probably wouldn't want to contact him any more than he'd wanted to contact Axel these past years. So he should just move on and forget about it... right? Axel wouldn't call him and... he shouldn't go looking for him either. It was a crazy idea that would only end in more heartache anyway.
Getting a grip on himself, Quinn starts out across the intersection, trying to just calm his nerves. He'd seen signs for a hotel somewhere around here, but after stopping for something to drink at the little pizza place, he'd now forgotten which way he needed to go.
Heading down one street then another, he finds himself in a district of shops that looked a bit intriguing. His emotions had been jarred and his mood was not the best... he needed something to unwind... he needed a distraction before the barrage of memories took over. He was just passing through... just passing through.
Seeing a sign that read Disc O Round, Quinn's interest was piqued. Records, instruments and CDs adorned the window display. A music shop. Vintage? That was the kind of distraction he could handle.
Pulling to the curb, he kills the engine and plays with the keys for a moment.
Keep going, Quinn... keep on going. You thought about Axel just the other day - this is no different. You could have been in the same town with him a bazillion times and just never realized it.
Yeah, but I didn't even know he was out of prison.
So? Everybody gets out eventually, even the guilty ones.
Right... so this is no different than any other day... I just gotta ignore the fact that I'm within miles of a brother I haven't seen in years.
But you're angry with him, remember? He betrayed your trust. Look at what he did.
He said he was innocent.
With what proof? You warned him about hanging out with the wrong crowd. You knew he would be influenced and he finally took things too far. It's obvious.
So now what? He's going to have my number.
And? If he's the kind of man you remember, he won't call. He's a criminal and besides, you turned your back on him.
I abandoned him... when he needed me the most, or so Jess says.
One side of the story, Quinn... just one side of the story. Don't forget yours. You got pain too.
Why didn't I just walk away? Why did I tell them that I wanted to see Axel?
Maybe deep down, you do.
You just reminded me of his betrayal and my pain! Why would I want to see him?
You're the one messed up, not me.
"Oh, shut up." Quinn grumbles and gets out of the car, tired of the inner discussion with his conscience. Locking the doors, he heads to the entrance of the store, pausing to look in the window for a moment.
Getting into the shop, the little bell dings and he takes a cursory glance around, seeing new music along one wall, while the older things seemed a little farther towards the back. That's where he heads, clipping his keys to his beltloop and running his fingers along a shelf of classic rock CDs.
Making it nearer the back, Quinn spies the racks of old record albums. The quite rock n' roll music playing in the store seemed soothing today. It had just enough edge to match his mood, but it was quiet enough to not rile him.
Sifting through the record albums, some were new, some were used and most had at least a thin layer of dust. "Mmmm." His finger touches on one in particular. "Hello, Ricky Nelson... you would do quite nicely in my collection, wouldn't you?"
"Hey, that sounds good too." Justin nods as he continues to eat his pie. "They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach... I'm no exception." He chuckles, his eyes twinkling a little in the living room light. In reality, he usually ate very little, but did frequently enjoy a good meal at his mother's or at friends.
Falling quiet again, Justin lets Beth take her own pace. When his pie was done and nothing else was to be conversed, he would make his leave. But if she continued to talk, he would stay.
8/17/10
8/16/10
Axel, I'm sorry!
Jess takes the napkin and watches as Quinn leaves. Watching as well and making sure he got into his car. Sitting back and looking down at the napkin for a long moment just studying it. Carson words break through her thoughts as she turns and looks at him. Giving a nod she new she had to call Axel because if anything bad happened and she hadn't Jess would feel she was the one to blame.
"Yeah I was just about to call him now. Thanks Carson for helping me out there, I just kind...froze."
"Yeah I was just about to call him now. Thanks Carson for helping me out there, I just kind...froze."
Giving a smile to Carson Jess pulls out her phone and dials Axel's number. She had no idea what she was going to say to him but she had to do it. Hearing his voice on the other end of the cell a smile coming across her lips.
"Hey there Hun. I'm sorry to bother you at work but there....was something that happened today I needed to tell you about even if I didn't want to. There...was a guy who came in today and saw the dog tags you gave me. He was quite interested in them, and he had a set just like them. He said he said his name was Quinn, your brother Axel."
Jess lets the silence linger for a moment clearing her own throat and looking down at the napkin.
"He gave me his number for you but I thought I should tell you so in case he was gonna start trouble you new he was here."
Taking a bit of the pie herself Beth gives a smile just enjoying the taste. It did tastes different this time around but it was nice, and it really did feel good having someone over to enjoy it with her.
"I have a hole book full of different recipes my mom had wrote down. She always said it was so one day when we had our own family's we could share a little of our childhood with them."
Beth picks at her pie for a moment for scooping another peace and eating it before looking at Justin again a small little flicker of light in her eye.
"I'm happy she did write them down. I always liked her cooking. Maybe you can come over again another time and I can make something else from it for you. I bet you'd like her chicken parm."
"Hey there Hun. I'm sorry to bother you at work but there....was something that happened today I needed to tell you about even if I didn't want to. There...was a guy who came in today and saw the dog tags you gave me. He was quite interested in them, and he had a set just like them. He said he said his name was Quinn, your brother Axel."
Jess lets the silence linger for a moment clearing her own throat and looking down at the napkin.
"He gave me his number for you but I thought I should tell you so in case he was gonna start trouble you new he was here."
Taking a bit of the pie herself Beth gives a smile just enjoying the taste. It did tastes different this time around but it was nice, and it really did feel good having someone over to enjoy it with her.
"I have a hole book full of different recipes my mom had wrote down. She always said it was so one day when we had our own family's we could share a little of our childhood with them."
Beth picks at her pie for a moment for scooping another peace and eating it before looking at Justin again a small little flicker of light in her eye.
"I'm happy she did write them down. I always liked her cooking. Maybe you can come over again another time and I can make something else from it for you. I bet you'd like her chicken parm."
Too late
Hearing Jess' words, Quinn's shoulders drop a little, tension showing in his eyes. For the longest moment, he just studies her eyes as if searching for something deeper... something more. His gaze was much like that of his brother's - luring and cryptic. "Well, I guess there's always two sides to a story, aren't there?"
Carson clears his throat, reinserting himself in the conversation. "It's apparent that you realize we do know Axel. But as Jess just pointed out, we see no reason to give you direction as to where he is. Neither of us would feel comfortable with that."
Thinking for another moment, Quinn shrugs lamely. "I guess I can't blame you. I'd probably be the same way if I were in your spot. Axel's obviously made some loyal friends. I just wonder why he needs such strong protection."
"It's not protection. It's respect."
Quinn nods. "Alright... fine. I'll look elsewhere. In the meantime though..." He finds a pen and grabs a napkin, scribbling out a phone number, then sliding the napkin to Jess. "If you see him... at least give him this number. I'm only passing through though so if he wants a chance to talk, he's got just a couple days. If I don't hear from him, I'll assume that I'm as dead to him as he's been to me these past years."
Giving Jess a last glance, he straightens and nods to Carson. "I'm sorry to have bothered both of you. Thanks for the coke."
Carson doesn't move, but watches as Quinn leaves, making sure he does get into his car and drives away. Glancing to Jess, he's quiet for only a moment. "You need to tell Axel about this right away - I wouldn't wait. If Quinn has other ideas, Axel needs to know, and tonight might be too late."
"Well... it's delicious." Justin takes another bite of pie and chews slowly so he can savor the taste. "Funny how recipes can be a way in which to remember someone by. Stuff like that can't ever be erased - it just keeps getting passed down and there is always love attached."
Now sitting sideways in the corner of the couch, he leans his head on the back cushion and watches Beth for several seconds. "And now it's your recipe too. We get dealt things all the time and everything is handed down to us one way or another... but in the end, we're the ones adding this or that to make it ours." Was he still talking about food, or life?
He smiles and takes another bite. "You're going to spoil me."
Carson clears his throat, reinserting himself in the conversation. "It's apparent that you realize we do know Axel. But as Jess just pointed out, we see no reason to give you direction as to where he is. Neither of us would feel comfortable with that."
Thinking for another moment, Quinn shrugs lamely. "I guess I can't blame you. I'd probably be the same way if I were in your spot. Axel's obviously made some loyal friends. I just wonder why he needs such strong protection."
"It's not protection. It's respect."
Quinn nods. "Alright... fine. I'll look elsewhere. In the meantime though..." He finds a pen and grabs a napkin, scribbling out a phone number, then sliding the napkin to Jess. "If you see him... at least give him this number. I'm only passing through though so if he wants a chance to talk, he's got just a couple days. If I don't hear from him, I'll assume that I'm as dead to him as he's been to me these past years."
Giving Jess a last glance, he straightens and nods to Carson. "I'm sorry to have bothered both of you. Thanks for the coke."
Carson doesn't move, but watches as Quinn leaves, making sure he does get into his car and drives away. Glancing to Jess, he's quiet for only a moment. "You need to tell Axel about this right away - I wouldn't wait. If Quinn has other ideas, Axel needs to know, and tonight might be too late."
"Well... it's delicious." Justin takes another bite of pie and chews slowly so he can savor the taste. "Funny how recipes can be a way in which to remember someone by. Stuff like that can't ever be erased - it just keeps getting passed down and there is always love attached."
Now sitting sideways in the corner of the couch, he leans his head on the back cushion and watches Beth for several seconds. "And now it's your recipe too. We get dealt things all the time and everything is handed down to us one way or another... but in the end, we're the ones adding this or that to make it ours." Was he still talking about food, or life?
He smiles and takes another bite. "You're going to spoil me."
Hesatation
Dalton gives a little sigh. He wanted so bad to be able to wave a magic wand and make his friend better but its just want possible. All he could do was sit, wait, and continue to be a friend that Scott needed.
"I'll let them both know for you."
Though he didn't like the subject change Dalton new Scott could only take so much and Dalton didn't want to give him an over drive. Leaning back in the chair again his eyes roam around the room coming to the applesauce and cheese again.
"So you think I should clean that up or leave it there for Mary?"
As the movie comes to a close Beth sits up a little and gives a stretch. It had been a long while since she sat through a whole movie without moving so her body was a little stiff. Taking her plat and Justin's Beth stands starting to clear some stuff up.
"Alright...it's pie time."
Bringing the items to the kitchen Beth gets two more plates and cuts the pie dishing it out. The pie had turned out better than the first time and she was pleased. Coming back to the living room and sitting down again Beth hands Justin his plate. Giving a smile.
Taking a bite Beth closes her eyes for a moment just enjoying the pie. It tasted so good, and was a very nice treat.
"My mom used to make pie too all the time. She'd let me help her, thats how I learned how to make it. This is her recipe I use."
As Carson comes closer Jess relaxed a little bit. He was one of her close friends and she new with him around no harm would come to her. He was good like that. Looking between Carson and this other man as they talked Jess kept quiet as she took everything in.
Hearing that he new Axel her heart raced a little bit. For all she new it could be someone who was trying to hurt him for the past and Jess didn't want that to happen. So could they trust this man or not she really didn't know.
But when hearing his own name Jess can't help the little bit of shock on her face as she looked to Carson and than back to Quinn. Axel talked little of his brother and from what he had said she new it was painful for him to talk about so she never pushed it. There was a bit of hesatation in Jess voice but she spoke anyways.
"Axel hardly ever talks about you because it's to hard. All I know is you abandoned your brother when he needed you the most. Why could you possibly want to talk to him now?"
No she's wouldn't tell Quinn to find Axel brother or not. Not without asking Axel himself first and getting his thoughts on it. It wasn't for her to decied...it was for Axel.
"I'll let them both know for you."
Though he didn't like the subject change Dalton new Scott could only take so much and Dalton didn't want to give him an over drive. Leaning back in the chair again his eyes roam around the room coming to the applesauce and cheese again.
"So you think I should clean that up or leave it there for Mary?"
As the movie comes to a close Beth sits up a little and gives a stretch. It had been a long while since she sat through a whole movie without moving so her body was a little stiff. Taking her plat and Justin's Beth stands starting to clear some stuff up.
"Alright...it's pie time."
Bringing the items to the kitchen Beth gets two more plates and cuts the pie dishing it out. The pie had turned out better than the first time and she was pleased. Coming back to the living room and sitting down again Beth hands Justin his plate. Giving a smile.
Taking a bite Beth closes her eyes for a moment just enjoying the pie. It tasted so good, and was a very nice treat.
"My mom used to make pie too all the time. She'd let me help her, thats how I learned how to make it. This is her recipe I use."
As Carson comes closer Jess relaxed a little bit. He was one of her close friends and she new with him around no harm would come to her. He was good like that. Looking between Carson and this other man as they talked Jess kept quiet as she took everything in.
Hearing that he new Axel her heart raced a little bit. For all she new it could be someone who was trying to hurt him for the past and Jess didn't want that to happen. So could they trust this man or not she really didn't know.
But when hearing his own name Jess can't help the little bit of shock on her face as she looked to Carson and than back to Quinn. Axel talked little of his brother and from what he had said she new it was painful for him to talk about so she never pushed it. There was a bit of hesatation in Jess voice but she spoke anyways.
"Axel hardly ever talks about you because it's to hard. All I know is you abandoned your brother when he needed you the most. Why could you possibly want to talk to him now?"
No she's wouldn't tell Quinn to find Axel brother or not. Not without asking Axel himself first and getting his thoughts on it. It wasn't for her to decied...it was for Axel.
Quinn
Scott fiddles with the hem of his blanket, his eyes down as Dalton speaks. Part of him wanted so badly to embrace those thoughts.... the thoughts that there really was hope... that he wasn't alone... that here was a friend who understood at least for the most part. Yet part of him continued to wage war, trying to convince him that the fight wasn't worth it.
He'd felt like he belonged once... it seemed so long ago. He could still recall the most perfect time in his life. He'd had a stable position at TJY... he'd been happy... he'd been engaged... he'd known what he wanted and the world didn't seem so scary anymore. He'd gone from a nerd to being himself and it had felt wonderful. Then everything had fallen apart and it never had been quite right anymore. Could those feelings really ever be regained? Was Dalton right?
A silent tear rolls down his cheek and he quickly swipes it away. "Tell Sapphire hi from me when you go back, okay?" It was an obvious topic change, but he did it anyway. There were too many things to think about... too much crowding his mind... he couldn't keep talking about it all now.
Reaching out, he takes another small sip of Mountain Dew. His nausea was returning and so was a headache. "And... and tell Hope I say to get better too."
Enjoying the meal and the movie, Justin remains relaxed, eventually setting aside his empty plate and leaning back, still cross-legged. Laughing at the humor in the movie, he notices Beth's quiet laughter too, and he's glad to hear it.
As the credits finally roll, Justin knows that Beth still has the pie waiting, and he wonders if the dessert will end the evening, or if she would open up to him any more. Either way, he would go with the flow. He had all night, or could go home too, if that's what she wanted.
"Your boyfriend?" The man's eyes widen just a little bit more, seeming to be more from awe than plain surprise. "Were they his?"
"Excuse me." Carson steps closer, his arms folded over his chest. He look to Jess and gives her a little nod to let her know it was okay. "Can I help you?"
The man rises and turns to see Carson, noting the uneasy look in his eye. "I'm sorry - I was just inquiring about this woman's dogtags and where she got them."
"Why?"
"Well..." The stranger backs off a little, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What's it to you?"
Carson doesn't budge, but simply lifts one eyebrow. "This is my restaurant. Anybody causes trouble, I ask them to leave." He wasn't threatening, and his tone was not angry. This guy could be perfectly innocent, but around here, Carson didn't take any chances.
"Hey, I wasn't trying to cause any trouble." The man holds up his hands. "I just noticed the dogtags and wondered where they were from."
"What's it to you?"
The man looks between Carson and Jess for a moment. "Are you... are you her boyfriend?"
Carson can't suppress the slight laugh that surfaces. Yes, a while back he had been. But anyone who didn't know them wouldn't see the humor. "No, I'm not. But I am her friend and as such, I tend to look out for her wellbeing. See... a strange man approaching a pretty young woman like this..." He purses his lips. "Innocent or not, you're not doing yourself any favors."
"Look, I'm sorry." The man looks to Jess, apology in his eyes. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... I needed to know about the tags."
By now, Carson was more concerned for Axel than he was Jess. There were still crazies out there, after him for his past, and if someone had found him here, Carson wasn't willing to take a backseat. Axel was probably his best friend and he wouldn't want to find out later that this guy had bad motives. "How about you tell us why you wanted to know about them? Then maybe we can trust you."
"Carson!" Dani calls from the kitchen. "Your-"
Carson holds up a hand but doesn't turn around, and hollers over his shoulder. "Busy! Take care of it." His eyes remain on the stranger. "So... who do you think those dogtags belong to?"
"Well, I don't know who this girl's boyfriend is, but those tags originally belonged to Axel Thornton."
Carson looks to Jess, then back to the man again. "Are you looking for him?"
"No. Well..." The man hesitates, a confused mixture of emotions in his eyes. "I wasn't. But... that's only because I thought he was in prison."
Carson thinks for a moment, then nods towards the door. "I think you better leave."
"No, wait... please. I'll just find out somewhere else, but I can tell that both of you know Axel, and apparently you're trying to protect him. It's commendable, but I have no ill intent. Believe me. Please... I don't want to spend my time digging when I could just hear it from you."
Carson's eyes narrow as he studies this stranger. There was something familiar about him... He looks to Jess again, wondering how she felt about all of this, then back to the man. "Who are you?"
The stranger hesitates. "My name is Quinn." Reaching into his t-shirt, he pulls out a set of dogtags that matched the ones Jess was wearing. "Quinn Thornton. Axel's my brother."
Carson can't stop the surprise that passes over his face. He knew very little about Axel's brother... only that they'd been best friends up until Axel's conviction. Carson had never even known a name, but that was always a very private part of Axel's life that he didn't talk about and Carson had respected that. But as little as he did know, he wasn't convinced that there was no ill intent here. Quinn had abandoned his brother years ago... what good could he possibly want now? Carson's gaze drifts back to Jess with question... did she want to tell this man more? She knew Axel's story too. Did she trust Quinn? Or should Carson send him away?
He'd felt like he belonged once... it seemed so long ago. He could still recall the most perfect time in his life. He'd had a stable position at TJY... he'd been happy... he'd been engaged... he'd known what he wanted and the world didn't seem so scary anymore. He'd gone from a nerd to being himself and it had felt wonderful. Then everything had fallen apart and it never had been quite right anymore. Could those feelings really ever be regained? Was Dalton right?
A silent tear rolls down his cheek and he quickly swipes it away. "Tell Sapphire hi from me when you go back, okay?" It was an obvious topic change, but he did it anyway. There were too many things to think about... too much crowding his mind... he couldn't keep talking about it all now.
Reaching out, he takes another small sip of Mountain Dew. His nausea was returning and so was a headache. "And... and tell Hope I say to get better too."
Enjoying the meal and the movie, Justin remains relaxed, eventually setting aside his empty plate and leaning back, still cross-legged. Laughing at the humor in the movie, he notices Beth's quiet laughter too, and he's glad to hear it.
As the credits finally roll, Justin knows that Beth still has the pie waiting, and he wonders if the dessert will end the evening, or if she would open up to him any more. Either way, he would go with the flow. He had all night, or could go home too, if that's what she wanted.
"Your boyfriend?" The man's eyes widen just a little bit more, seeming to be more from awe than plain surprise. "Were they his?"
"Excuse me." Carson steps closer, his arms folded over his chest. He look to Jess and gives her a little nod to let her know it was okay. "Can I help you?"
The man rises and turns to see Carson, noting the uneasy look in his eye. "I'm sorry - I was just inquiring about this woman's dogtags and where she got them."
"Why?"
"Well..." The stranger backs off a little, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What's it to you?"
Carson doesn't budge, but simply lifts one eyebrow. "This is my restaurant. Anybody causes trouble, I ask them to leave." He wasn't threatening, and his tone was not angry. This guy could be perfectly innocent, but around here, Carson didn't take any chances.
"Hey, I wasn't trying to cause any trouble." The man holds up his hands. "I just noticed the dogtags and wondered where they were from."
"What's it to you?"
The man looks between Carson and Jess for a moment. "Are you... are you her boyfriend?"
Carson can't suppress the slight laugh that surfaces. Yes, a while back he had been. But anyone who didn't know them wouldn't see the humor. "No, I'm not. But I am her friend and as such, I tend to look out for her wellbeing. See... a strange man approaching a pretty young woman like this..." He purses his lips. "Innocent or not, you're not doing yourself any favors."
"Look, I'm sorry." The man looks to Jess, apology in his eyes. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... I needed to know about the tags."
By now, Carson was more concerned for Axel than he was Jess. There were still crazies out there, after him for his past, and if someone had found him here, Carson wasn't willing to take a backseat. Axel was probably his best friend and he wouldn't want to find out later that this guy had bad motives. "How about you tell us why you wanted to know about them? Then maybe we can trust you."
"Carson!" Dani calls from the kitchen. "Your-"
Carson holds up a hand but doesn't turn around, and hollers over his shoulder. "Busy! Take care of it." His eyes remain on the stranger. "So... who do you think those dogtags belong to?"
"Well, I don't know who this girl's boyfriend is, but those tags originally belonged to Axel Thornton."
Carson looks to Jess, then back to the man again. "Are you looking for him?"
"No. Well..." The man hesitates, a confused mixture of emotions in his eyes. "I wasn't. But... that's only because I thought he was in prison."
Carson thinks for a moment, then nods towards the door. "I think you better leave."
"No, wait... please. I'll just find out somewhere else, but I can tell that both of you know Axel, and apparently you're trying to protect him. It's commendable, but I have no ill intent. Believe me. Please... I don't want to spend my time digging when I could just hear it from you."
Carson's eyes narrow as he studies this stranger. There was something familiar about him... He looks to Jess again, wondering how she felt about all of this, then back to the man. "Who are you?"
The stranger hesitates. "My name is Quinn." Reaching into his t-shirt, he pulls out a set of dogtags that matched the ones Jess was wearing. "Quinn Thornton. Axel's my brother."
Carson can't stop the surprise that passes over his face. He knew very little about Axel's brother... only that they'd been best friends up until Axel's conviction. Carson had never even known a name, but that was always a very private part of Axel's life that he didn't talk about and Carson had respected that. But as little as he did know, he wasn't convinced that there was no ill intent here. Quinn had abandoned his brother years ago... what good could he possibly want now? Carson's gaze drifts back to Jess with question... did she want to tell this man more? She knew Axel's story too. Did she trust Quinn? Or should Carson send him away?
If I can, You can!
Dalton sits in the chair unmoving continuing to watch Scott, and listen to his words. His expression didn't change much other than to show he was listen and new what Scott said. But he did not hold a look of anger or irritation for Scott in the least bit.
Watching as Scott took a bit of his toast inside Dalton was nodding to himself. It was a start if anything that Scott took that bit, its was the most food Dalton had seen him eat in a long time.
"You do have a place Scott. Your place is at home with your friends, and if you ever wanted to go back TJY, and if you don't want to go back there than you could get a job else where. You do fit in with you friends family, and with Hope. Its a continues road we walk down finding new things."
Thinking for a second again Dalton finally looks away and down at his large hands for a moment. In a way he new how Scott felt with not fitting in. Maybe thats why they seemed to get along so well. Both of them were different, outcast maybe some would say, but accepted.
"It's not easy for me to fit in either Scott. I have a hard time with my size and my scars. People see me and they want to run the other way because of how I look. Finding the right place, finding the right place is never easy Scott, but when you find them in the end it's an amazing feeling and you've felt it before. All hope Scott is not lost, and if a big Hulk of a guy like me can do it. So can you!"
Giving a chuckle at the dogs Beth brings her feel up onto the couch folding them under her, her plate resting on the arm rest. Taking a fry and dragging it through some ketchup Beth gievs a smile happy to know Justin liked it.
"Thanks!"
Standing the movie Beth continues the meal as the movie starts to play. At the funny parts she smiled, and laughed a little but a little was better than nothing.
Sitting quietly at one of the tables at Mom and Pop's Jess was content with her sandwich as she was already reading a book. Today was a slow day no work for her, but Axel was working so to pass the time she deiced to come here and grab something to eat and just hang out.
Not paying much attachen to what was going on around her Jess doesn't notice the man who had squatted down in front of her until he'd been there for a little bit. Lowing the book and giving a little jump Jess hands automatically go to the dog tages she was wearing. She's never left without them knowing how important they were to Axel and now how important they were to her.
Moving back just a little bit Jess couldn't help but be a little nervous at the man's presence. She didn't know who he was and his behavior was just a little strange to her. Was he someone she new once? Someone she'd ripped off? Jess wracked her brain coming up with nothing. Maybe if she just told him he'd go away.
"My boyfriend gave them to me."
Looking over the mans shoulder for a moment Jess saw Carson coming over. She new this guy was not threatening but he still made her nervous being so close to her anyways. What did he want from her? She couldn't help the little bit of cerousity.
Watching as Scott took a bit of his toast inside Dalton was nodding to himself. It was a start if anything that Scott took that bit, its was the most food Dalton had seen him eat in a long time.
"You do have a place Scott. Your place is at home with your friends, and if you ever wanted to go back TJY, and if you don't want to go back there than you could get a job else where. You do fit in with you friends family, and with Hope. Its a continues road we walk down finding new things."
Thinking for a second again Dalton finally looks away and down at his large hands for a moment. In a way he new how Scott felt with not fitting in. Maybe thats why they seemed to get along so well. Both of them were different, outcast maybe some would say, but accepted.
"It's not easy for me to fit in either Scott. I have a hard time with my size and my scars. People see me and they want to run the other way because of how I look. Finding the right place, finding the right place is never easy Scott, but when you find them in the end it's an amazing feeling and you've felt it before. All hope Scott is not lost, and if a big Hulk of a guy like me can do it. So can you!"
Giving a chuckle at the dogs Beth brings her feel up onto the couch folding them under her, her plate resting on the arm rest. Taking a fry and dragging it through some ketchup Beth gievs a smile happy to know Justin liked it.
"Thanks!"
Standing the movie Beth continues the meal as the movie starts to play. At the funny parts she smiled, and laughed a little but a little was better than nothing.
Sitting quietly at one of the tables at Mom and Pop's Jess was content with her sandwich as she was already reading a book. Today was a slow day no work for her, but Axel was working so to pass the time she deiced to come here and grab something to eat and just hang out.
Not paying much attachen to what was going on around her Jess doesn't notice the man who had squatted down in front of her until he'd been there for a little bit. Lowing the book and giving a little jump Jess hands automatically go to the dog tages she was wearing. She's never left without them knowing how important they were to Axel and now how important they were to her.
Moving back just a little bit Jess couldn't help but be a little nervous at the man's presence. She didn't know who he was and his behavior was just a little strange to her. Was he someone she new once? Someone she'd ripped off? Jess wracked her brain coming up with nothing. Maybe if she just told him he'd go away.
"My boyfriend gave them to me."
Looking over the mans shoulder for a moment Jess saw Carson coming over. She new this guy was not threatening but he still made her nervous being so close to her anyways. What did he want from her? She couldn't help the little bit of cerousity.
Stranger
Settling into the living room, Justin sits down on the couch next to Beth, but makes sure she has plenty of space. Hearing her quiet prayer, a little smile comes to his lips and he bows his head, murmuring a soft "amen" as she ends.
At her cue to dig in, he rubs his hands together in anticipation. "Say no more."
Danitza's head rises up from the floor and she looks at Justin with a little bit of drool running from her mouth. He shakes a finger at her. "If you think I'm going to give up this food to you, you are sorely mistaken."
Old habits die hard, and they also take over any precautions of being proper. With his shoes slipped off, Justin pulls his legs up to sit cross-legged on the couch and sets his plate in his lap. Going for his hamburger first, he takes a bite and chews slowly, enjoying it. "Mm-mm..." He gives Beth a thumbs up before he can speak again. "Ya done good... tastes great."
Scott usually looked Dalton in the eye, but today, he had a hard time. Staring at his food tray, he listens, even if it doesn't seem like it. Not his time? God's reason? Scott had admitted to no one that lately he'd begun to question God. He'd been abducted by the Agency, beaten, starved, tortured and worse, then once he was brought back to the living, he'd undergone more mental anguish, just to think he'd recovered then backslide into an even deeper pit, sending him to a mental hospital where he'd gone half mad from a nervous breakdown and brain overload, and all to wind up in this point in time where the data still was controlling him, and even his brain was trying to kill him with an eating disorder. Yeah, it felt like a reason to stay alive, alright.
Without realizing it, Scott's hand had balled into a fist, clenching his blanket tightly. There was anger inside of him that had not been allowed to surface. Complaints he wanted to hurl at the wind. He wanted to hit someone or something and wanted to kick and scream his way out of this miserable place.
Dalton's words do sink in though... the ones about the people who cared. He missed his friends... he missed his family. Part of him though, was unsure if he'd even be able to face them after this. He knew that being at Brookshire wasn't his fault, but having been in a mental hospital, it... to him, it was embarrassing. What would people think of him after this? Would they treat him the same? Or differently? Where would he go, anyway? He was out of a job... his photography had gone into the trash the day he'd thrown his camera away. His camera.... he missed it.
"But what's my purpose, Dalton?" His voice comes out quiet... strained... weak. "Even if I ever get out of here... what's the point? I... I have nowhere to belong now. It's all just... meaningless."
Despite that thought, he takes hold of a slice of toast and takes a good-sized bite out of the corner, gagging just to make it go down. A sip of Mountain Dew helps.
A tall man, appearing to be nearing thirty, leans on the counter at Mom and Pop's and enjoys a cold coke. Turning, he scans the peaceful restaurant and the faces. A family in the corner... a couple of guys - probably on their lunch break from work and... a single young woman near the window. She was a pretty blonde - looked quiet.
A closely trimmed beard kept his appearance rugged, his hair with a reddish tint just a little long. His olive cargo pants and gray t-shirt gave him a look of someone who might enjoy the outdoors, while his eyes had a somewhat tired glint to them.
Finishing off his coke, he leaves the money on a counter, along with a nice tip for the cute redhead that had helped him. Heading for the door, he throws another glance in the female customer's direction. But this time, his eyes linger, and his feet stop. His gaze zooms in on the chain hanging around her neck, and the dogtags that were attached. Even from this distance, he could see what the lettering was on one of them and his for a moment, he stands in shock.
Shaking it off, he takes the couple steps to the woman's table and squats down lower than her eye level. His gaze lingers on the dogtags until he looks up at her face, his eyes full of wonder and urgency. "Where did you get those dogtags?"
Back in the kitchen, Carson dries a pan as he looks out onto the floor. Seeing the strange man lower himself by Jess' table, his guard goes up. This man wasn't familiar, and the car outside had out-of-state plates. Carson would bet that Jess did not know him. So who was he and what did he want?
Feeling a bit of protectiveness, Carson sets down the pan and slings the towel over his shoulder, ambling out towards the table. If he was concerned for nothing, he'd just ask Jess if she needed anything else for lunch.
At her cue to dig in, he rubs his hands together in anticipation. "Say no more."
Danitza's head rises up from the floor and she looks at Justin with a little bit of drool running from her mouth. He shakes a finger at her. "If you think I'm going to give up this food to you, you are sorely mistaken."
Old habits die hard, and they also take over any precautions of being proper. With his shoes slipped off, Justin pulls his legs up to sit cross-legged on the couch and sets his plate in his lap. Going for his hamburger first, he takes a bite and chews slowly, enjoying it. "Mm-mm..." He gives Beth a thumbs up before he can speak again. "Ya done good... tastes great."
Scott usually looked Dalton in the eye, but today, he had a hard time. Staring at his food tray, he listens, even if it doesn't seem like it. Not his time? God's reason? Scott had admitted to no one that lately he'd begun to question God. He'd been abducted by the Agency, beaten, starved, tortured and worse, then once he was brought back to the living, he'd undergone more mental anguish, just to think he'd recovered then backslide into an even deeper pit, sending him to a mental hospital where he'd gone half mad from a nervous breakdown and brain overload, and all to wind up in this point in time where the data still was controlling him, and even his brain was trying to kill him with an eating disorder. Yeah, it felt like a reason to stay alive, alright.
Without realizing it, Scott's hand had balled into a fist, clenching his blanket tightly. There was anger inside of him that had not been allowed to surface. Complaints he wanted to hurl at the wind. He wanted to hit someone or something and wanted to kick and scream his way out of this miserable place.
Dalton's words do sink in though... the ones about the people who cared. He missed his friends... he missed his family. Part of him though, was unsure if he'd even be able to face them after this. He knew that being at Brookshire wasn't his fault, but having been in a mental hospital, it... to him, it was embarrassing. What would people think of him after this? Would they treat him the same? Or differently? Where would he go, anyway? He was out of a job... his photography had gone into the trash the day he'd thrown his camera away. His camera.... he missed it.
"But what's my purpose, Dalton?" His voice comes out quiet... strained... weak. "Even if I ever get out of here... what's the point? I... I have nowhere to belong now. It's all just... meaningless."
Despite that thought, he takes hold of a slice of toast and takes a good-sized bite out of the corner, gagging just to make it go down. A sip of Mountain Dew helps.
A tall man, appearing to be nearing thirty, leans on the counter at Mom and Pop's and enjoys a cold coke. Turning, he scans the peaceful restaurant and the faces. A family in the corner... a couple of guys - probably on their lunch break from work and... a single young woman near the window. She was a pretty blonde - looked quiet.
A closely trimmed beard kept his appearance rugged, his hair with a reddish tint just a little long. His olive cargo pants and gray t-shirt gave him a look of someone who might enjoy the outdoors, while his eyes had a somewhat tired glint to them.
Finishing off his coke, he leaves the money on a counter, along with a nice tip for the cute redhead that had helped him. Heading for the door, he throws another glance in the female customer's direction. But this time, his eyes linger, and his feet stop. His gaze zooms in on the chain hanging around her neck, and the dogtags that were attached. Even from this distance, he could see what the lettering was on one of them and his for a moment, he stands in shock.
Shaking it off, he takes the couple steps to the woman's table and squats down lower than her eye level. His gaze lingers on the dogtags until he looks up at her face, his eyes full of wonder and urgency. "Where did you get those dogtags?"
Back in the kitchen, Carson dries a pan as he looks out onto the floor. Seeing the strange man lower himself by Jess' table, his guard goes up. This man wasn't familiar, and the car outside had out-of-state plates. Carson would bet that Jess did not know him. So who was he and what did he want?
Feeling a bit of protectiveness, Carson sets down the pan and slings the towel over his shoulder, ambling out towards the table. If he was concerned for nothing, he'd just ask Jess if she needed anything else for lunch.
8/15/10
Not a lecture!
Looking back to his own food Dalton takes the last bit before taking the napkin and dabbing his mouth. Listing to Scott's short explanation.
"Yeah I get what your saying. You know you like it but your body doesn't want it. Its so use to going without that, thats normal to it and food is odd to it now. "
Leaning back in the chair again Dalton is quiet for a moment thinking before turning in the chair to look at Scott. Searching his friends thin face he tryed not to be like everyone else, to go around it and not push but was that really the right thing to do?
"I know everyone keeps telling you the same thing, and I know how tired you are of hearing it but you can't give up buddy. God had a reason for you to still be alive, its just not your time. There are people who still need you even if you don't think so. Your parents, Sapphire, Hope. You have come such a long way and to give up now would be a shame."
Letting out a little sigh Dalton's keeps his tone friendly so it didn't feel like he was lecturing Scott at all. He was just a friend who wanted to put some hope back in his friend.
"A lot of people would be sad Scott if you gave up, Me, Hope, Sapphire, Katie Jason, your mom and dad, Domino...we all need you in our life still. Don't give up ok...not yet."
"It's a funny movie. I though it would be suitable for tonight."
Letting Justin take the plate and silverware Beth gives a small smile going back to the stuff on the stove so it wouldn't burn. Turning it off she takes the burgers out of the pan and puts them on a separate plate.
"We can eat at the tale there or it might be a little more comfortable to eat in the living room and start the movie. Either is ok with me so you can pick whole I get the rest of the stuff ready."
A few moments later once the pie is out of the oven and the frys and burgers are on plates Beth brings them into the livingroom setting them on the little table. Going back to the kitchen she grabs the others fixings and refills both there drinks. Before sitting down on the couch and giving a little smile to Justin. This was...differnt but nice at the same time.
Bowing her head Beth gives a little prayer not sure if Justin did the same or not but not wanting to impose and make him think he had to she say the prayer softly before looking up.
"Alright...ding in, save room for pie, and I'll get the movie started when we are ready."
"Yeah I get what your saying. You know you like it but your body doesn't want it. Its so use to going without that, thats normal to it and food is odd to it now. "
Leaning back in the chair again Dalton is quiet for a moment thinking before turning in the chair to look at Scott. Searching his friends thin face he tryed not to be like everyone else, to go around it and not push but was that really the right thing to do?
"I know everyone keeps telling you the same thing, and I know how tired you are of hearing it but you can't give up buddy. God had a reason for you to still be alive, its just not your time. There are people who still need you even if you don't think so. Your parents, Sapphire, Hope. You have come such a long way and to give up now would be a shame."
Letting out a little sigh Dalton's keeps his tone friendly so it didn't feel like he was lecturing Scott at all. He was just a friend who wanted to put some hope back in his friend.
"A lot of people would be sad Scott if you gave up, Me, Hope, Sapphire, Katie Jason, your mom and dad, Domino...we all need you in our life still. Don't give up ok...not yet."
"It's a funny movie. I though it would be suitable for tonight."
Letting Justin take the plate and silverware Beth gives a small smile going back to the stuff on the stove so it wouldn't burn. Turning it off she takes the burgers out of the pan and puts them on a separate plate.
"We can eat at the tale there or it might be a little more comfortable to eat in the living room and start the movie. Either is ok with me so you can pick whole I get the rest of the stuff ready."
A few moments later once the pie is out of the oven and the frys and burgers are on plates Beth brings them into the livingroom setting them on the little table. Going back to the kitchen she grabs the others fixings and refills both there drinks. Before sitting down on the couch and giving a little smile to Justin. This was...differnt but nice at the same time.
Bowing her head Beth gives a little prayer not sure if Justin did the same or not but not wanting to impose and make him think he had to she say the prayer softly before looking up.
"Alright...ding in, save room for pie, and I'll get the movie started when we are ready."
Frustration
Scott grins a little at the joke about the artwork and nods. It would be worth it just to see what Mary said.
Having the Mountain Dew and jerky handed to him, he looks at it for a moment, then gives Dalton a sidelong glance. "So what do we tell Mary about this? It's an artist's lunch?"
Reaching out, his thin fingers spin the can for a moment before taking it and popping the tab. Taking a small sip, he lets the carbonated liquid slide down his throat. The last time he'd had Mountain Dew was when Sapphire had brought him a can. Since then, this eating habit of his, or lack thereof had gone sharply downhill.
Setting the can aside, he reaches for a piece of jerky and just holds it for a moment before nibbling at it. "It tastes good," he admits. "I think... I mean..."
He glances at Dalton again, feeling just a little bit of heat in his face. He felt stupid. "It's hard to explain." His eyes lower and he tries at another nibble. "I think it tastes good but it's like... like my brain doesn't want me to eat it or... or something."
Feeling another churn in his stomach, he sets the jerky aside - probably the first time he hadn't finished a piece. "I don't know if I... if I can do this, Dalton." His finger picks at the edge of his food tray. "With everything with... with trying to control all the other stuff in my brain, it's just... like... crowded and... and..." He stops as he feels the frustration rising. "I just don't know if I can do it."
"Yeah, Ma loves me." Justin grins and accepts the water, taking a sip. "Oooh, french fries too? You have a knack for finding my weaknesses. You'll have to slap my hands so I don't eat too many then run out of room for pie."
Setting down his glass, he moves closer and offers his hands to help with setting the plates and silverware. "Clue, huh? I haven't seen it, so that will be a treat."
Having the Mountain Dew and jerky handed to him, he looks at it for a moment, then gives Dalton a sidelong glance. "So what do we tell Mary about this? It's an artist's lunch?"
Reaching out, his thin fingers spin the can for a moment before taking it and popping the tab. Taking a small sip, he lets the carbonated liquid slide down his throat. The last time he'd had Mountain Dew was when Sapphire had brought him a can. Since then, this eating habit of his, or lack thereof had gone sharply downhill.
Setting the can aside, he reaches for a piece of jerky and just holds it for a moment before nibbling at it. "It tastes good," he admits. "I think... I mean..."
He glances at Dalton again, feeling just a little bit of heat in his face. He felt stupid. "It's hard to explain." His eyes lower and he tries at another nibble. "I think it tastes good but it's like... like my brain doesn't want me to eat it or... or something."
Feeling another churn in his stomach, he sets the jerky aside - probably the first time he hadn't finished a piece. "I don't know if I... if I can do this, Dalton." His finger picks at the edge of his food tray. "With everything with... with trying to control all the other stuff in my brain, it's just... like... crowded and... and..." He stops as he feels the frustration rising. "I just don't know if I can do it."
"Yeah, Ma loves me." Justin grins and accepts the water, taking a sip. "Oooh, french fries too? You have a knack for finding my weaknesses. You'll have to slap my hands so I don't eat too many then run out of room for pie."
Setting down his glass, he moves closer and offers his hands to help with setting the plates and silverware. "Clue, huh? I haven't seen it, so that will be a treat."
De Vinchi
Dalton gives another chuckle as he takes a bit of his food but keeping an eye on Scott as well seeing it really was that hard for him to eat. Dalton couldn't help but wonder if he didn't like eating because the food just didn't taste good anymore, or if it was because his brain told him not to.
"Ya know...it does kinda look like art. Hulk Johnson De Vinchi, thats who made it. They could feature it up there with the Mona Lisa!"
Dalton gives a nod before reaching down into his pocket and pulling out a can of mountain dew and a little bag of Jerky. Leaning forward a little and leaning Scott's way as if looking to see if someone was coming into the room Dalton finally sits up and looks to Scott. Setting the open can on the try, along with the open bag of jerky.
"Thats not healthy for you but it sure it a lot more appealing than applesauce and toast. Don't eat it to fast though or you will get sick."
Dalton gives a smile knowing that one was probably different to Scott now. Someone telling him not to eat fast. Hey at least it was a change up.
As Justin follows Beth into the kitchen she takes a glass and gets some water along with a little ice. Hanging it to Justin and giving a small smile. It felt odd to have someone in her home for the first time, but at the same time it was kind of nice being able to cook for someone else too. It was a new feeling but it was a good one.
Hearing Justin think her place wasn't to mess made her relax a tiny bit. To her it wasn't very clean but than thinking about his house a laugh escapes her lips as she shakes her head a little bit.
"You should wasn't....that....bad? Your poor mom, she just wants you happy."
Turning back to the stove Beth flips the burgers. Her back to Justin she talks a little louder so he could hear her.
"I figured everyone likes burgers and frys so it was the safest thing to make. They are home made too so they should taste a little better as well."
Putting the top back on the pan so the burgers could continue to cook Beth opens the oven to check on the pie and french frys. Closing it again Beth comes over to the counter across from where Justin was standing and grabs some plates along with forks and knives.
"I picked Clue for us to watch. It's a funny movie and one I haven't seen in a while. I hope thats ok with you."
"Ya know...it does kinda look like art. Hulk Johnson De Vinchi, thats who made it. They could feature it up there with the Mona Lisa!"
Dalton gives a nod before reaching down into his pocket and pulling out a can of mountain dew and a little bag of Jerky. Leaning forward a little and leaning Scott's way as if looking to see if someone was coming into the room Dalton finally sits up and looks to Scott. Setting the open can on the try, along with the open bag of jerky.
"Thats not healthy for you but it sure it a lot more appealing than applesauce and toast. Don't eat it to fast though or you will get sick."
Dalton gives a smile knowing that one was probably different to Scott now. Someone telling him not to eat fast. Hey at least it was a change up.
As Justin follows Beth into the kitchen she takes a glass and gets some water along with a little ice. Hanging it to Justin and giving a small smile. It felt odd to have someone in her home for the first time, but at the same time it was kind of nice being able to cook for someone else too. It was a new feeling but it was a good one.
Hearing Justin think her place wasn't to mess made her relax a tiny bit. To her it wasn't very clean but than thinking about his house a laugh escapes her lips as she shakes her head a little bit.
"You should wasn't....that....bad? Your poor mom, she just wants you happy."
Turning back to the stove Beth flips the burgers. Her back to Justin she talks a little louder so he could hear her.
"I figured everyone likes burgers and frys so it was the safest thing to make. They are home made too so they should taste a little better as well."
Putting the top back on the pan so the burgers could continue to cook Beth opens the oven to check on the pie and french frys. Closing it again Beth comes over to the counter across from where Justin was standing and grabs some plates along with forks and knives.
"I picked Clue for us to watch. It's a funny movie and one I haven't seen in a while. I hope thats ok with you."
Woman's touch
Receiving the half-teasing chide from Dalton, Scott's face reddens a little as he gives him a sheepish look. "I didn't mean..." His words trail off as he sees the slice of cheese go flying and smack on the wall. Blinking, he turns to look at Dalton, amazed and bewildered. "I knew you didn't like swiss cheese but..."
A new grin curls the corner of his mouth. "At least mine was an accident. Mary's gonna kill both of us now." Smirking, he looks back at his food that was still waiting for him. Impaling his toast with the shovel-end of his spoon, he holds it up and looks at it for a moment before having another tiny nibble from a corner.
Giving up, he lets the slice of bread fall back onto his plate and he sighs. Going back to the applesauce, he finally takes a spoonful but looks at it as if the task of just getting it into his mouth was the hardest thing he'd ever done. It takes several minutes just to gradually eat the one spoonful until he gives up on that too.
Setting down his spoon, he leans back in his pillows, his stomach churning in an odd way. Looking to where the sauce and cheese were still stuck to the wall, he cocks his head. "Art. Definitely art. That's what we'll tell Mary."
Greeted at the door, Justin smiles, sensing Beth was a bit nervous, but he was proud of her for following through with plans. "Mmm... something sure does smell good," he compliments. "Dogs are fine, but I'll take a glass of water, if you've got one."
Passing through the living room, his eyes take in everything, noting the things that matched her personality, and those that perhaps didn't seem to. maybe it was good he came - a person's home could be quite revealing.
"I'll come to the kitchen," he decides. "I wanna see what's cooking." He gives Beth a wink, then directs Danitza and Zora to lie down and stay in the living room. They obey and settle down, knowing that this was not play time.
Following Beth to the kitchen, Justin sees she is hard at work, preparing their meal. It was obvious that she was trying her best to make things nice, and he wonders just how long it's been since she's ever had anyone over...or if she ever had. He didn't know if they were going out to a movie after supper or if they were staying in, but either way, he knew he'd find out.
"Mmm... hamburgers. Good choice." Leaning back against the counter, his gaze roams the kitchen while observing Beth as well. "And by the way, this is as nice place - not messy. You've seen my place." He chuckles. "Ma thinks I need a woman's touch. I say she just needs to close her eyes so she doesn't notice my clutter."
A new grin curls the corner of his mouth. "At least mine was an accident. Mary's gonna kill both of us now." Smirking, he looks back at his food that was still waiting for him. Impaling his toast with the shovel-end of his spoon, he holds it up and looks at it for a moment before having another tiny nibble from a corner.
Giving up, he lets the slice of bread fall back onto his plate and he sighs. Going back to the applesauce, he finally takes a spoonful but looks at it as if the task of just getting it into his mouth was the hardest thing he'd ever done. It takes several minutes just to gradually eat the one spoonful until he gives up on that too.
Setting down his spoon, he leans back in his pillows, his stomach churning in an odd way. Looking to where the sauce and cheese were still stuck to the wall, he cocks his head. "Art. Definitely art. That's what we'll tell Mary."
Greeted at the door, Justin smiles, sensing Beth was a bit nervous, but he was proud of her for following through with plans. "Mmm... something sure does smell good," he compliments. "Dogs are fine, but I'll take a glass of water, if you've got one."
Passing through the living room, his eyes take in everything, noting the things that matched her personality, and those that perhaps didn't seem to. maybe it was good he came - a person's home could be quite revealing.
"I'll come to the kitchen," he decides. "I wanna see what's cooking." He gives Beth a wink, then directs Danitza and Zora to lie down and stay in the living room. They obey and settle down, knowing that this was not play time.
Following Beth to the kitchen, Justin sees she is hard at work, preparing their meal. It was obvious that she was trying her best to make things nice, and he wonders just how long it's been since she's ever had anyone over...or if she ever had. He didn't know if they were going out to a movie after supper or if they were staying in, but either way, he knew he'd find out.
"Mmm... hamburgers. Good choice." Leaning back against the counter, his gaze roams the kitchen while observing Beth as well. "And by the way, this is as nice place - not messy. You've seen my place." He chuckles. "Ma thinks I need a woman's touch. I say she just needs to close her eyes so she doesn't notice my clutter."
8/14/10
Swiss Cheese
Thanking Mary for his own food Dalton looks down at the sandwich and scrunches his nose for a moment at the swiss cheese he does say anything but simply pick it off and lays it to the side. Giving a side long glance to Scott playing with his food Dalton doesn't say anything right away as he leans over to take a bit of his own meal.
Looking up as Mary comes into the room again Dalton looks at her and than look at Scott again raising his eyebrow. The look of irritation was clear on his face and in a way he did feel bad. Once she was gone and Scott vents his frustration Dalton cleans his throat keeping a calm and cool voice.
"Yeah, getting food shoved down your throat is bad, but not eating at all so you body wont even move anymore is bad too."
Taking another bit of his food Dalton looks up quickly again as Scott slams his fists down onto the tray with a loud bang. Not even able to say anything as the applesauce shoots across the room Dalton's eyes go wide. Turning to Scott and than looking to the wall than Scott again Dalton blinks.
"Hey man watch it...whatever that applesauce ever do to you?"
Feeling his lips start to turn into a grin and being a little silly himself Dalton doesn't break his eyes from Scott but his hand slowly goes to his plate where he had put the swiss cheese. Picking it up and giving it a toss the swiss cheese flys across the room and hits the wall with a splat sticking where the applesauce was.
Once finished at the hospital Beth had time to run to the store and pick something up for dinner alone with a few things for the pie. Beth didn't know what to make but finally settled on something easy. Home made burgers on toasted rolls with all the fixings, and season fry. It was simple, not fancy and who didn't like burgers.
Getting home and having time to clean a little before taking her own shower Beth changed into a nice pare of faded jeans and red shirt. Nothing to dressy but nothing to scrubby either. Finally starting the pie Beth waits still a little close to five to start the burgers.
Keeping an eye on the clock Beth doesn't worry that it was now five. Dinner wasn't ready yet and she figured Justin might be a little later trying to find her place. Finally hearing the door bell though Beth can feel her heart start to beat faster a little worry sets in only because this was the first time someone was at her place.
Trying to push it aside Beth goes to the door and opens it giving a little smile to Justin and the dog.
"Hey guys. I hope you find...it...ok. Please...come on in. You can keep you shoes on if you want and no worry about having the dogs walk on the carpet."
Opening the door a little more to let them in and than shutting it behind them the house is filled with the smell of the baking pie and the food cooking on the stove. The inside of the apartment was was small but just the right size for one or two people. The walls were a soft cream color and a few knickknacks and other things hung on the wall. A couch and TV along with a few racks on movie lined the walls. Another shelf with books.
Walking down a hallway lead the way to the kitchen where a tiny table sat with two chairs. and than the kitchen was off of that. Another hallways breaking off where the bathroom and the bed room where.
"I am going to be in the kitchen cooking. You can sit out here or come in the...kitchen with me. Sorry it's a little messy. Would you like something to drink or...something...for...the dogs?"
Turning and seeing Bret Charlotte gives a smile as she leans into him still holding the tiny baby in her arms. Leaning into him a little bit she feels his long along with there new addition and it fills her with joy.
Letting Bret take the bag Charlotte walks along side with with the baby. Hearing his comment about speeding Charlotte looks up at him and with her free hand gives his arm a wack.
"You better not. Not yet anyways."
Giving a smile and a giggle Charlotte looks down at the little once again bringing her finger to his little hand.
"Your going to have an interesting life thats for sure little one."
Sitting on her bed quietly Destiny just pulls her legs close to her and rests her head onto them. Quiet, alone....though the soft sound of music breaks through her thoughts. Lifting her head just a little bit the melody was soft, nice but in a way it kind of sounded sad too.
Standing and going to her door Destiny opens it a little bit to listen more. Hearing Jason's voice it was so lulling but the words he said...they seems to hit home for Destiny. If she closed her eyes she could see her parents...and...Chance. Letting her hand find the necklace she had around her neck Destiny just held it as she leaned against the wall and just listened. Memories passing through her eyes of the short time she had spend with him and how they laughed, how he cared, why...why did it have to get so messed up.
Moving away from the wall Destiny goes back to the bed and opens the small draw on the nightstand pulling out her digital camera. Flipping through the pictures she comes across the one she had taken of Chance standing on the back porch leaning on the railing the sun setting in the background while he had his head cocked looking at her. That smile...his smile...why Chance...why did you have to be involved with all this.
Putting the camera down again and laying on the bed Destiny continues to just listen to the music as it was so soft, so smooth. She'd have to tell Jason when he was done playing how nice it sounded.
Looking up as Mary comes into the room again Dalton looks at her and than look at Scott again raising his eyebrow. The look of irritation was clear on his face and in a way he did feel bad. Once she was gone and Scott vents his frustration Dalton cleans his throat keeping a calm and cool voice.
"Yeah, getting food shoved down your throat is bad, but not eating at all so you body wont even move anymore is bad too."
Taking another bit of his food Dalton looks up quickly again as Scott slams his fists down onto the tray with a loud bang. Not even able to say anything as the applesauce shoots across the room Dalton's eyes go wide. Turning to Scott and than looking to the wall than Scott again Dalton blinks.
"Hey man watch it...whatever that applesauce ever do to you?"
Feeling his lips start to turn into a grin and being a little silly himself Dalton doesn't break his eyes from Scott but his hand slowly goes to his plate where he had put the swiss cheese. Picking it up and giving it a toss the swiss cheese flys across the room and hits the wall with a splat sticking where the applesauce was.
Once finished at the hospital Beth had time to run to the store and pick something up for dinner alone with a few things for the pie. Beth didn't know what to make but finally settled on something easy. Home made burgers on toasted rolls with all the fixings, and season fry. It was simple, not fancy and who didn't like burgers.
Getting home and having time to clean a little before taking her own shower Beth changed into a nice pare of faded jeans and red shirt. Nothing to dressy but nothing to scrubby either. Finally starting the pie Beth waits still a little close to five to start the burgers.
Keeping an eye on the clock Beth doesn't worry that it was now five. Dinner wasn't ready yet and she figured Justin might be a little later trying to find her place. Finally hearing the door bell though Beth can feel her heart start to beat faster a little worry sets in only because this was the first time someone was at her place.
Trying to push it aside Beth goes to the door and opens it giving a little smile to Justin and the dog.
"Hey guys. I hope you find...it...ok. Please...come on in. You can keep you shoes on if you want and no worry about having the dogs walk on the carpet."
Opening the door a little more to let them in and than shutting it behind them the house is filled with the smell of the baking pie and the food cooking on the stove. The inside of the apartment was was small but just the right size for one or two people. The walls were a soft cream color and a few knickknacks and other things hung on the wall. A couch and TV along with a few racks on movie lined the walls. Another shelf with books.
Walking down a hallway lead the way to the kitchen where a tiny table sat with two chairs. and than the kitchen was off of that. Another hallways breaking off where the bathroom and the bed room where.
"I am going to be in the kitchen cooking. You can sit out here or come in the...kitchen with me. Sorry it's a little messy. Would you like something to drink or...something...for...the dogs?"
Turning and seeing Bret Charlotte gives a smile as she leans into him still holding the tiny baby in her arms. Leaning into him a little bit she feels his long along with there new addition and it fills her with joy.
Letting Bret take the bag Charlotte walks along side with with the baby. Hearing his comment about speeding Charlotte looks up at him and with her free hand gives his arm a wack.
"You better not. Not yet anyways."
Giving a smile and a giggle Charlotte looks down at the little once again bringing her finger to his little hand.
"Your going to have an interesting life thats for sure little one."
Sitting on her bed quietly Destiny just pulls her legs close to her and rests her head onto them. Quiet, alone....though the soft sound of music breaks through her thoughts. Lifting her head just a little bit the melody was soft, nice but in a way it kind of sounded sad too.
Standing and going to her door Destiny opens it a little bit to listen more. Hearing Jason's voice it was so lulling but the words he said...they seems to hit home for Destiny. If she closed her eyes she could see her parents...and...Chance. Letting her hand find the necklace she had around her neck Destiny just held it as she leaned against the wall and just listened. Memories passing through her eyes of the short time she had spend with him and how they laughed, how he cared, why...why did it have to get so messed up.
Moving away from the wall Destiny goes back to the bed and opens the small draw on the nightstand pulling out her digital camera. Flipping through the pictures she comes across the one she had taken of Chance standing on the back porch leaning on the railing the sun setting in the background while he had his head cocked looking at her. That smile...his smile...why Chance...why did you have to be involved with all this.
Putting the camera down again and laying on the bed Destiny continues to just listen to the music as it was so soft, so smooth. She'd have to tell Jason when he was done playing how nice it sounded.
Oops
Scott hears just the tail end of Dalton's comment about the chair, and a little grin pulls his mouth. He doesn't respond though, his energy having been completely spent. Exhausted and malnourished, he just didn't have any energy left to give, even if he wanted to stay awake.
It's a few minutes before Justin appears in the door again, seeing that everything was now quiet and Scott was sleeping. There would be no session today - not any day until Scott was back into his own room again. The mental exercises would simply be too much of a strain right now.
Looking to Dalton, Justin gives him a slight nod. "Thank you... Dalton. For coming. You're a good friend."
Later on, after Scott had slept a while and Justin had left, Mary, one of the nurses comes to rouse Scott and see about lunch. It doesn't take her long to return with a hearty luncheon of a sandwich and sides for Dalton, and a simpler lunch for Scott. Now sitting up in bed, he sighs as he looks at the bowl of applesauce and the lightly buttered toast. One might think he was jealous of Dalton's lunch, but he wasn't. He didn't want anything - sandwich or applesauce.
Picking up his plastic spoon, he toys with the sauce, swishing it around in different patterns in the bowl.
Without warning, Mary appears in the doorway again, throwing him a glance. "It belongs in your mouth, Scott. Don't make me come feed you like a baby."
Scott throws her a smirk. "Yes, Mary."
"I mean it."
Scott turns his spoon around and threatens to catapult it in her direction.
Mary shakes her head. "I'll be back in half an hour to see if you've eaten anything. And don't think spreading it around will fool me."
Scott smirks as she leaves, then returns to playing with the applesauce. Giving up, he tears a tiny piece of his toast off with his fingers and nibbles at it without much enthusiasm. "They're calling it an eating disorder," he comments dryly to Dalton. "Someone should try cramming food down their throats so they can see what it feels like. Then let's see if they like applesauce and toast."
Frustrated, his hand comes down hard on the tray, accidentally hitting the spoon handle. A spoonful of applesauce is launched skyward, flying through the air as a sloppy projectile before it splatters against the far wall, pieces dripping down onto the floor.
Scott's eyes widen. He'd been mad, but not that mad. Mary would kill him. "Oops."
Justin greets his enthusiastic dogs as they bark and whine, wanting his attention as he arrives home. Letting them loose from their chains, he heads inside his house to do some housework, make some calls, probably grab a bite to eat, then eventually head back out to Beth's. It would take him an hour to get there, so he would have to leave by four and... probably not get everything done beforehand. But, he said he'd go, so he would.
The day progresses as Justin thought, and though he'd had to postpone a few tasks, most were done by the time he had to leave. At least he'd gotten the dogs brushed so they were halfway decent. Ambling to his truck, he calls them and they come running, knowing that they were going to get a ride. All three pile into the pickup and Justin starts the engine, looking at his palm where most of the ink had smeared but he could still recall what he'd written there earlier.
Able to find his way with little trouble, Justin manages to get to Beth's apartment only five minutes late. Acceptable, he figures.
Dressed in his sneakers, black jeans an olive green t-shirt, he gets out of his pickup and make sure both the dogs have their leashes on before approaching the front door. Ringing the bell, he waits, quietly informing his "girls" to be on their best behavior and making them sit beside him.
"Waiting for someone?" Bret had come up behind Charlotte and was grinning by the time she turned around.
Crouching a little to see Nicholas' eyes, his grin widens. "Are you ready to come home, little man?" No response, but he nods anyway. "That's what I thought. So am I. And I think..." He straightens and looks to Charlotte, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "...Mommy's ready too."
Reaching for the bag, he relieves her of it. "Here, let me take that. I'll let you bring our precious cargo and I promise not to speed on the way home." He gives Charlotte a sidelong glance. "That's for later when he's old enough to enjoy it."
Ryder turns the last few pages of the boring magazine, then tosses it aside, missing the table and watching as it falls to the floor. He didn't care. Sighing with disgust, he lies back into his pillows and stares at his leg that was propped up and bandaged. Apparently it wasn't cooperating with JT's wishes. It still wasn't healing correctly, and after two more surgeries, JT hoped now that it would start to show improvement. Unfortunately, because of the extended procedures, Ryder's stay had been prolonged, and he'd been told that his recovery time would be doubled. Once JT was convinced that it was healing well, Ryder would still have to stay off that leg for at least a month, and only after the doctor's approval would he then be allowed to walk on it again.
A sidelong glance proves that Thirteen was still with him. She'd been a little trooper, but now what were they supposed to do? He was supposed to take care of her, not the other way around. Four weeks bumbling around on one foot was going to be murder. Not to mention, he was already bored out of his mind and wanted to get back to work so badly he could taste it.
Jason watches Destiny leave to go to her room and he sighs. There just wasn't anything else he could do. Period.
Finishing his breakfast, he takes his time cleaning up and putting away the dishes. Wandering to the living room, he checks on the cameras, fiddles on the computer for a short while, but then fell into boredom. Or perhaps more not knowing what to do than actually being bored.
Eventually though, he finds his way to his guitar, that he was no glad he'd brought. Settling down on the living room floor with the wall as his backrest, he strums around for a little while, playing nothing in particular. Soon a melody does come to mind though and a consistent tune is played.
His fingers slowly strum his acoustic guitar, the gentle notes flowing through the house. His fingertips expertly pick out a soft melody, even with his eyes closed. Humming for a few minutes, he eventually starts to sing... quietly... softly.
"Twenty minutes felt like forever,
In your arms.
I wanted it to last a lifetime,
But now you’re gone.
All I have are these feelings inside.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Thirty minutes felt like forever,
Holding you.
I wanted to be yours for always,
But now it’s all gone.
All I have is a heart in scattered pieces.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
I can take my heart to places,
I could only dream.
So if I choose to see you once more,
Nothing’s gonna stop me.
‘Cause all I have to do…
Is close my eyes.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Mmmm... close my eyes.
Yeah, all I have to do.
Close my eyes."
It's a few minutes before Justin appears in the door again, seeing that everything was now quiet and Scott was sleeping. There would be no session today - not any day until Scott was back into his own room again. The mental exercises would simply be too much of a strain right now.
Looking to Dalton, Justin gives him a slight nod. "Thank you... Dalton. For coming. You're a good friend."
Later on, after Scott had slept a while and Justin had left, Mary, one of the nurses comes to rouse Scott and see about lunch. It doesn't take her long to return with a hearty luncheon of a sandwich and sides for Dalton, and a simpler lunch for Scott. Now sitting up in bed, he sighs as he looks at the bowl of applesauce and the lightly buttered toast. One might think he was jealous of Dalton's lunch, but he wasn't. He didn't want anything - sandwich or applesauce.
Picking up his plastic spoon, he toys with the sauce, swishing it around in different patterns in the bowl.
Without warning, Mary appears in the doorway again, throwing him a glance. "It belongs in your mouth, Scott. Don't make me come feed you like a baby."
Scott throws her a smirk. "Yes, Mary."
"I mean it."
Scott turns his spoon around and threatens to catapult it in her direction.
Mary shakes her head. "I'll be back in half an hour to see if you've eaten anything. And don't think spreading it around will fool me."
Scott smirks as she leaves, then returns to playing with the applesauce. Giving up, he tears a tiny piece of his toast off with his fingers and nibbles at it without much enthusiasm. "They're calling it an eating disorder," he comments dryly to Dalton. "Someone should try cramming food down their throats so they can see what it feels like. Then let's see if they like applesauce and toast."
Frustrated, his hand comes down hard on the tray, accidentally hitting the spoon handle. A spoonful of applesauce is launched skyward, flying through the air as a sloppy projectile before it splatters against the far wall, pieces dripping down onto the floor.
Scott's eyes widen. He'd been mad, but not that mad. Mary would kill him. "Oops."
Justin greets his enthusiastic dogs as they bark and whine, wanting his attention as he arrives home. Letting them loose from their chains, he heads inside his house to do some housework, make some calls, probably grab a bite to eat, then eventually head back out to Beth's. It would take him an hour to get there, so he would have to leave by four and... probably not get everything done beforehand. But, he said he'd go, so he would.
The day progresses as Justin thought, and though he'd had to postpone a few tasks, most were done by the time he had to leave. At least he'd gotten the dogs brushed so they were halfway decent. Ambling to his truck, he calls them and they come running, knowing that they were going to get a ride. All three pile into the pickup and Justin starts the engine, looking at his palm where most of the ink had smeared but he could still recall what he'd written there earlier.
Able to find his way with little trouble, Justin manages to get to Beth's apartment only five minutes late. Acceptable, he figures.
Dressed in his sneakers, black jeans an olive green t-shirt, he gets out of his pickup and make sure both the dogs have their leashes on before approaching the front door. Ringing the bell, he waits, quietly informing his "girls" to be on their best behavior and making them sit beside him.
"Waiting for someone?" Bret had come up behind Charlotte and was grinning by the time she turned around.
Crouching a little to see Nicholas' eyes, his grin widens. "Are you ready to come home, little man?" No response, but he nods anyway. "That's what I thought. So am I. And I think..." He straightens and looks to Charlotte, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "...Mommy's ready too."
Reaching for the bag, he relieves her of it. "Here, let me take that. I'll let you bring our precious cargo and I promise not to speed on the way home." He gives Charlotte a sidelong glance. "That's for later when he's old enough to enjoy it."
Ryder turns the last few pages of the boring magazine, then tosses it aside, missing the table and watching as it falls to the floor. He didn't care. Sighing with disgust, he lies back into his pillows and stares at his leg that was propped up and bandaged. Apparently it wasn't cooperating with JT's wishes. It still wasn't healing correctly, and after two more surgeries, JT hoped now that it would start to show improvement. Unfortunately, because of the extended procedures, Ryder's stay had been prolonged, and he'd been told that his recovery time would be doubled. Once JT was convinced that it was healing well, Ryder would still have to stay off that leg for at least a month, and only after the doctor's approval would he then be allowed to walk on it again.
A sidelong glance proves that Thirteen was still with him. She'd been a little trooper, but now what were they supposed to do? He was supposed to take care of her, not the other way around. Four weeks bumbling around on one foot was going to be murder. Not to mention, he was already bored out of his mind and wanted to get back to work so badly he could taste it.
Jason watches Destiny leave to go to her room and he sighs. There just wasn't anything else he could do. Period.
Finishing his breakfast, he takes his time cleaning up and putting away the dishes. Wandering to the living room, he checks on the cameras, fiddles on the computer for a short while, but then fell into boredom. Or perhaps more not knowing what to do than actually being bored.
Eventually though, he finds his way to his guitar, that he was no glad he'd brought. Settling down on the living room floor with the wall as his backrest, he strums around for a little while, playing nothing in particular. Soon a melody does come to mind though and a consistent tune is played.
His fingers slowly strum his acoustic guitar, the gentle notes flowing through the house. His fingertips expertly pick out a soft melody, even with his eyes closed. Humming for a few minutes, he eventually starts to sing... quietly... softly.
"Twenty minutes felt like forever,
In your arms.
I wanted it to last a lifetime,
But now you’re gone.
All I have are these feelings inside.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Thirty minutes felt like forever,
Holding you.
I wanted to be yours for always,
But now it’s all gone.
All I have is a heart in scattered pieces.
All I have are the memories of you.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
I can take my heart to places,
I could only dream.
So if I choose to see you once more,
Nothing’s gonna stop me.
‘Cause all I have to do…
Is close my eyes.
I see you.
When I look inside my heart.
I see you.
When no one thinks I’m looking for you.
All I have to do,
Is close my eyes.
Mmmm... close my eyes.
Yeah, all I have to do.
Close my eyes."
Bright Eyes
Seeing Scott was going to fall asleep again Dalton didn't mind his friend needed some rest, and he was sure just the little bit of interaction today had been a lot on his body. Having Scott invite him to stay for lunch Dalton give a nod even if Scott couldn't see him.
"I'll stay through lunch with you. Its kind of peaceful just sitting and listening to the music. If Reese needs me he knows my number."
Leaning back in the chair again and shifting a little bit to get comfortable he closes his own eyes letting the music wash over him. Speaking even if Scott was already asleep.
"I do need to talk to them about there chairs though. Don't they know not everything is skinny as a stick."
Dalton couldn't help but feel like he was going to bust the chair. It was a tight squeeze to get into it but he managed and was some what comfortable now.
Destiny gives a nod pushing off the sink and taking a few steps forward. Maybe later she would watch tv or something but right now she just wanted to lay down again.
"I don't need to go anywhere but I'll let you know if I change my mind. Thanks."
Continuing through the kitchen and down the hall Destiny slips into her room again and closes the door. Going to her bed she sits down laying her head on the pillow sinking into it and letting the softness just wrap around her head.
Putting the little booties on Nicholas Charlotte opts out on putting the hat on as well. It was warm outside and he would be ok without it. Looking down at her son the smile spreads on her face again as she picks him up in her arms and holds him gently. His little camo jump suit making him look even cutter.
Nicholas' bright eyes look back at his mom as he rests his head on her shoulder his little fist coming up to her mouth so he could suck on it.
Grabbing the dipper bag along with a few other things Charlotte looks down the hall to see if Bret was in sight yet. They were able to go home today and Charlotte couldn't be happier. She was tired of staying in the hospital and wanted to get settled at home with the baby.
"Where's Daddy huh? Running late...he's probably still trying to fight with the car seat huh?"
Charlotte gives a small little laugh at the tiny bundle she held in her arms. It was hard to believe she was a mom but it was a good feeling too that Bert and her family had grown.
"I'll stay through lunch with you. Its kind of peaceful just sitting and listening to the music. If Reese needs me he knows my number."
Leaning back in the chair again and shifting a little bit to get comfortable he closes his own eyes letting the music wash over him. Speaking even if Scott was already asleep.
"I do need to talk to them about there chairs though. Don't they know not everything is skinny as a stick."
Dalton couldn't help but feel like he was going to bust the chair. It was a tight squeeze to get into it but he managed and was some what comfortable now.
Destiny gives a nod pushing off the sink and taking a few steps forward. Maybe later she would watch tv or something but right now she just wanted to lay down again.
"I don't need to go anywhere but I'll let you know if I change my mind. Thanks."
Continuing through the kitchen and down the hall Destiny slips into her room again and closes the door. Going to her bed she sits down laying her head on the pillow sinking into it and letting the softness just wrap around her head.
Putting the little booties on Nicholas Charlotte opts out on putting the hat on as well. It was warm outside and he would be ok without it. Looking down at her son the smile spreads on her face again as she picks him up in her arms and holds him gently. His little camo jump suit making him look even cutter.
Nicholas' bright eyes look back at his mom as he rests his head on her shoulder his little fist coming up to her mouth so he could suck on it.
Grabbing the dipper bag along with a few other things Charlotte looks down the hall to see if Bret was in sight yet. They were able to go home today and Charlotte couldn't be happier. She was tired of staying in the hospital and wanted to get settled at home with the baby.
"Where's Daddy huh? Running late...he's probably still trying to fight with the car seat huh?"
Charlotte gives a small little laugh at the tiny bundle she held in her arms. It was hard to believe she was a mom but it was a good feeling too that Bert and her family had grown.
Wake of sorrow
Scott's bad eye starts to ache and he rubs it without even realizing it had become a habit when he started to grow uneasy. Hope had been sick? He didn't like that. Nobody was there to take care of her. Not that she couldn't on her own, but she deserved something better than that... something better than a lifeless man imprisoned in a mental hospital. There was a part of him that was happy to hear she was still waiting for him. Being loved was one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. But he also felt undeserving. Hope needed more than he could give, and all he was doing now was failing her miserably. He wished her to be happy, even if it was with someone else because right now, they were at an unbearable stalemate.
Sighing a little, his head sinks further into his pillow making him seem all the more frail. "Thanks, Dalton..." He really did appreciate the visit today. But even though the laughing was good, his body was still exhausted. "If you want..." His eyes drift shut then open again. "...to stay for lunch, you can. Or if Reese needs you back to TJY too, you can go. I'll... I'll be okay."
"Five it is." Justin would really have to hustle in order to get to Beth's by five, but at this point, he was not going to provide any hindrances. It was all her and she could pick and choose the when and where so she was the most comfortable.
"I will be there... and if I get lost, I'll call you." He chuckles. "I'll bring the dogs too so they won't get jealous."
Spotting his uncle walking towards him, he knows he needed to go. "Got someone I need to talk to, Beth. I'll see you tonight."
Watching Destiny, Jason's heart sank a little more. It was growing more obvious that yes, there had been something between her and Chance. Jason hoped it was nothing that couldn't be mended... nothing that had gone too far, though he was pretty sure Destiny was smarter than that. Unfortunately, her heart was still hurting.
Going back to his food, Jason's mind runs through his choices and he opts to switch the subject back again. "Well, I'll call Wyatt and have him bring Trooper over. In the meantime, I'll be hanging out in the living room unless you end up needing to go someplace. Don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
Chance sits in the shower, the water pelting down on him as he leaned his head into the corner of the slick wall. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting here, but the water was the only thing that felt good right now. His face stung under the cool droplets as they hit his still-fresh wounds. But it was a pain that he liked. It was a punishment to himself that he allowed.
His phone had been ringing off the hook, but he had yet to answer it. He knew it was the Underground. They didn't dare come to his place for risk of being seen, so he knew he was safe to ignore them for now. He never used to ignore them though. It had always been an adventure... and one that made him money to boot.
He thinks back to when he'd first been approached. Fresh into the Elite, he was trying to work his way up. A man had shown up, offering him a new kind of venture. They'd been watching him and liked how he worked. They liked his skills and knew he was a risk-taker. The man told Chance that the Underground was like a broom that swept along behind the Elite, cleaning up messes left behind or things that had been left undone. And they would pay good money.
Chance had never been a hundred percent convinced about what the Underground stood for, but he hadn't thought it all that bad either. They were still taking out the bad guys, so what could be so wrong, right? The risk was thrilling, he could pit one against the other and gain even more money, and he'd be paid up enough to live a high life.
And so it was. Chance had been riding the fence ever since, feeding information and working from both sides, cleverly disguising his schemes with "undercover" work, just like he'd done with Destiny.
Chance blinks away some water and stares ahead at the lower faucet as the shower continued to wash over him. Destiny. For the first time, he'd seen a very real consequence of what the Underground was doing. Up until this point, Chance really hadn't cared. He was never that closely connected with anyone he pointed out to kill or anyone he ensnared. It had all been a game to him. But getting to know Destiny... living day-to-day with the knowledge that the Underground had crushed her world and seeing that pain in her eyes... Chance's mind had begun to question what he was really involved with. Though he had not been the one to call in her father, he still knew all about it and was still working for the Underground, which made him a part of it. And he had even been willing to drag Destiny into the middle and use her as bait, all in the name of trapping the Agency. Destiny had trusted him with her life... with her heart, no less... and he had done the despicable.
Still sitting in the bottom of the shower, Chance doesn't even feel like moving. He had, in essence, helped destroy Destiny's world, and he wasn't sure how to live with that thought. The Underground might have good intentions, but their methods were leaving a wake of sorrow and hurting families behind. And Chance had not seen that until now. Who was he really working for? Was all this money really worth it?
Sighing a little, his head sinks further into his pillow making him seem all the more frail. "Thanks, Dalton..." He really did appreciate the visit today. But even though the laughing was good, his body was still exhausted. "If you want..." His eyes drift shut then open again. "...to stay for lunch, you can. Or if Reese needs you back to TJY too, you can go. I'll... I'll be okay."
"Five it is." Justin would really have to hustle in order to get to Beth's by five, but at this point, he was not going to provide any hindrances. It was all her and she could pick and choose the when and where so she was the most comfortable.
"I will be there... and if I get lost, I'll call you." He chuckles. "I'll bring the dogs too so they won't get jealous."
Spotting his uncle walking towards him, he knows he needed to go. "Got someone I need to talk to, Beth. I'll see you tonight."
Watching Destiny, Jason's heart sank a little more. It was growing more obvious that yes, there had been something between her and Chance. Jason hoped it was nothing that couldn't be mended... nothing that had gone too far, though he was pretty sure Destiny was smarter than that. Unfortunately, her heart was still hurting.
Going back to his food, Jason's mind runs through his choices and he opts to switch the subject back again. "Well, I'll call Wyatt and have him bring Trooper over. In the meantime, I'll be hanging out in the living room unless you end up needing to go someplace. Don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
Chance sits in the shower, the water pelting down on him as he leaned his head into the corner of the slick wall. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting here, but the water was the only thing that felt good right now. His face stung under the cool droplets as they hit his still-fresh wounds. But it was a pain that he liked. It was a punishment to himself that he allowed.
His phone had been ringing off the hook, but he had yet to answer it. He knew it was the Underground. They didn't dare come to his place for risk of being seen, so he knew he was safe to ignore them for now. He never used to ignore them though. It had always been an adventure... and one that made him money to boot.
He thinks back to when he'd first been approached. Fresh into the Elite, he was trying to work his way up. A man had shown up, offering him a new kind of venture. They'd been watching him and liked how he worked. They liked his skills and knew he was a risk-taker. The man told Chance that the Underground was like a broom that swept along behind the Elite, cleaning up messes left behind or things that had been left undone. And they would pay good money.
Chance had never been a hundred percent convinced about what the Underground stood for, but he hadn't thought it all that bad either. They were still taking out the bad guys, so what could be so wrong, right? The risk was thrilling, he could pit one against the other and gain even more money, and he'd be paid up enough to live a high life.
And so it was. Chance had been riding the fence ever since, feeding information and working from both sides, cleverly disguising his schemes with "undercover" work, just like he'd done with Destiny.
Chance blinks away some water and stares ahead at the lower faucet as the shower continued to wash over him. Destiny. For the first time, he'd seen a very real consequence of what the Underground was doing. Up until this point, Chance really hadn't cared. He was never that closely connected with anyone he pointed out to kill or anyone he ensnared. It had all been a game to him. But getting to know Destiny... living day-to-day with the knowledge that the Underground had crushed her world and seeing that pain in her eyes... Chance's mind had begun to question what he was really involved with. Though he had not been the one to call in her father, he still knew all about it and was still working for the Underground, which made him a part of it. And he had even been willing to drag Destiny into the middle and use her as bait, all in the name of trapping the Agency. Destiny had trusted him with her life... with her heart, no less... and he had done the despicable.
Still sitting in the bottom of the shower, Chance doesn't even feel like moving. He had, in essence, helped destroy Destiny's world, and he wasn't sure how to live with that thought. The Underground might have good intentions, but their methods were leaving a wake of sorrow and hurting families behind. And Chance had not seen that until now. Who was he really working for? Was all this money really worth it?
Surviving
Continuing to watch Jason and listen to what he said Destiny's heart hurt a little more. She new from how Chance had talked about the Elite he liked working there, and this group he was working for...why had he done that? He though it was right? He didn't realize how bad they were? Destiny didn't know the answer to that but she new her heart was still ripped apart both emotions clashing with each other.
"Yeah, I...guess we did."
So Chance was back in Arizona now far away. Destiny might never see him again even if she wasn't sure if she wanted to anyways or not. Everything just felt so wrong and now it just felt like Destiny was wasting everyone times.
Looking down at her plat again Destiny just couldn't eat anything more. Moving her chair out and taking her plate Destiny takes it to the trash and throws the rest of the food out and putting the plate into the sink.
Ryan laughs and shakes her head again before going back to work on her car. She'd have to make up for some lost time now but it wouldn't be to bad and it wouldn't take to long for her to start with the next car.
Sitting up a light straighter at Scott's question of Hope Dalton takes it as another good sign that he was showing some interest. It meant at least he cared enough to ask and all was not lost. Choose his words wisely as not to lie to his friend, but not break it privacy of Hope either Dalton searches for the words to say.
"She is doing the best she can be. Working from home a little because she's been sick, but she is surviving. As far as I know she's not seeing anyone either. She still loves ya and that just doesn't go away."
Dalton give a smile and a pat to his friends arm. He was happy Scott still cared, and knowing Hope still cared about him should make him feel good. She wasn't going to leave him for this one little bump.
"I'll make sure to tell Susanne hi back too."
Beth trys to think about the movie. Maybe she would pick something funny since Justin liked anyways. Nothing mushy that would just be...not the right idea. This was defiantly not a date and she didn't want to preseve it as that. Just the though made her a little nervous. It was only a friendship thing.
"Ummm...I guess five would be ok. Give me time with Sarah and than go home to start dinner. You can bring the dogs too if you want."
"Yeah, I...guess we did."
So Chance was back in Arizona now far away. Destiny might never see him again even if she wasn't sure if she wanted to anyways or not. Everything just felt so wrong and now it just felt like Destiny was wasting everyone times.
Looking down at her plat again Destiny just couldn't eat anything more. Moving her chair out and taking her plate Destiny takes it to the trash and throws the rest of the food out and putting the plate into the sink.
Ryan laughs and shakes her head again before going back to work on her car. She'd have to make up for some lost time now but it wouldn't be to bad and it wouldn't take to long for her to start with the next car.
Sitting up a light straighter at Scott's question of Hope Dalton takes it as another good sign that he was showing some interest. It meant at least he cared enough to ask and all was not lost. Choose his words wisely as not to lie to his friend, but not break it privacy of Hope either Dalton searches for the words to say.
"She is doing the best she can be. Working from home a little because she's been sick, but she is surviving. As far as I know she's not seeing anyone either. She still loves ya and that just doesn't go away."
Dalton give a smile and a pat to his friends arm. He was happy Scott still cared, and knowing Hope still cared about him should make him feel good. She wasn't going to leave him for this one little bump.
"I'll make sure to tell Susanne hi back too."
Beth trys to think about the movie. Maybe she would pick something funny since Justin liked anyways. Nothing mushy that would just be...not the right idea. This was defiantly not a date and she didn't want to preseve it as that. Just the though made her a little nervous. It was only a friendship thing.
"Ummm...I guess five would be ok. Give me time with Sarah and than go home to start dinner. You can bring the dogs too if you want."
Found someone else
Justin fishes for a pen and quickly jots down the address on his other palm. The movie question throws him of. "Uh..." He didn't really watch movies that often. "Anything really... I guess." He knew well enough how to sit through something he didn't enjoy so it really didn't matter to him. If it was something he liked, great. If not, it was fine.
"I don't know if I'll catch you here today or not - what time you want me there tonight? Anything is fine with me."
Scott listens intently to Dalton about TJY, finding the news interesting. Even if he never said it... and even if he'd resigned... there were days when he missed it. Sounded like things were going well though. He'd always known they could survive quite well without him and he knew Dalton was very capable of handling anything that came his way.
"Tell Susanne I say hi back," he responds. She always was one of the sweetest people he knew.
So tired, Scott struggles to keep his eyes open. There was another question he wanted to ask, yet was afraid to. Why he was afraid, he didn't even know. But this was Dalton... he could talk to him about anything, right?
"How... how's Hope?" His eyes lower as his finger traces a pattern in the blanket. "I..I mean... is she like... seeing... anyone?" While he didn't feel ready to see her, he did wonder if it really was over between them. Surely she had moved on. Surely she had found someone else by now.
Leo smiles and bows. "Of course! No one gets through me."
Grinning, he tosses Ryan a wink. He'd seen her and Alec and it was quite obvious that things were working out. Leo was happy for her and hoped that things would go smoothly for her.
Jason sighs and sets his fork down, folding his hands. He couldn't blame Destiny for asking about Chance. He just knew that anything he said would bring no comfort. But he wouldn't lie. Everything had happened very quickly because of Reese's decisions, so it was hard to think that Chance was gone already. But it was true.
"He was interrogated," Jason responds. "We still don't have everything we wanted, but he wasn't going to give away information on the Underground. He... is no longer a part of the Elite... has been stripped of all his rankings and connections."
He searches Destiny's eyes for a moment. "And he was flown back to Arizona to be released. The Elite is watching him in case he goes back to the Underground. If he doesn't, then he's clean. If he does, then we catch him and... there will be consequences."
Pausing, Jason just continues to watch Destiny. "I'm sorry. You two got close... didn't you?"
"I don't know if I'll catch you here today or not - what time you want me there tonight? Anything is fine with me."
Scott listens intently to Dalton about TJY, finding the news interesting. Even if he never said it... and even if he'd resigned... there were days when he missed it. Sounded like things were going well though. He'd always known they could survive quite well without him and he knew Dalton was very capable of handling anything that came his way.
"Tell Susanne I say hi back," he responds. She always was one of the sweetest people he knew.
So tired, Scott struggles to keep his eyes open. There was another question he wanted to ask, yet was afraid to. Why he was afraid, he didn't even know. But this was Dalton... he could talk to him about anything, right?
"How... how's Hope?" His eyes lower as his finger traces a pattern in the blanket. "I..I mean... is she like... seeing... anyone?" While he didn't feel ready to see her, he did wonder if it really was over between them. Surely she had moved on. Surely she had found someone else by now.
Leo smiles and bows. "Of course! No one gets through me."
Grinning, he tosses Ryan a wink. He'd seen her and Alec and it was quite obvious that things were working out. Leo was happy for her and hoped that things would go smoothly for her.
Jason sighs and sets his fork down, folding his hands. He couldn't blame Destiny for asking about Chance. He just knew that anything he said would bring no comfort. But he wouldn't lie. Everything had happened very quickly because of Reese's decisions, so it was hard to think that Chance was gone already. But it was true.
"He was interrogated," Jason responds. "We still don't have everything we wanted, but he wasn't going to give away information on the Underground. He... is no longer a part of the Elite... has been stripped of all his rankings and connections."
He searches Destiny's eyes for a moment. "And he was flown back to Arizona to be released. The Elite is watching him in case he goes back to the Underground. If he doesn't, then he's clean. If he does, then we catch him and... there will be consequences."
Pausing, Jason just continues to watch Destiny. "I'm sorry. You two got close... didn't you?"
Your Good Like That
Thinking for a moment Destiny gives a tiny nod. She didn't mind dog and if Jason wanted to bring his dog over she wouldn't say no.
"Yeah, thats fine if you have someone bring him here."
Looking down at the food again and taking another bit Destiny new her stomach wouldn't be able to handle anymore food as it bubble and churned. Thinking a moment before looking up at Jason again Destiny just study's him for a moment before saying anything again, when she did speak she wasnt even sure why she asked what she did.
"What happened to Chance?"
Being turned around to go inside, but than back around once again to receive Alec's kiss that was a little bit more his style Ryan's own arms go around him taking in the kiss and returning whole heartedly. Her one hand on his back holding him close to her and the other finding his hair.
As Alec pulls away Ryan's own first had been reignited in her eyes as the grin spread on her lips. Everything was looking alright again, she had her kindred spirit as Leo called it, she had her friend, her brother everything seemed perfect or pretty close to it.
"I'll see you tonight, and will call before hand."
Being turned around for one last time and receiving the wack to her bottom Ryan looks over her shoulder with a laugh before heading back into the shop. The smile on her face a little bigger, and the fire in her eyes bring once again.
Getting to her car Ryan takes a look before turning around slowly to look at the other guys before starting before her eyes fall on Leo.
"You made sure they didn't sabotage my car...right Leo because your good like that? Thanks."
Giving a grin and a nod Ryan goes back to her car moving a little faster than before now having a reason to get done with work.
Seeing Scott continue to laugh makes Dalton feel that much better and gives hope. It was really good to see Scott laugh and the tears in his eyes from doing so. Finally gaining a little control himself Dalton sits back in the chair the smile staying on his face.
"It would have made a good blackmail picture thats for sure. Once you get out of here I'll try and reenact it for ya."
And he would too just for Scott. As Scott asks about TJY Dalton thinks for a moment before finally answering.
"Things are going ok. Kinda lonely still with out you around but I am managing. I don't know how you ever did it a lone. They are all so needed with there computers."
Dalton gives a small chuckle.
"..But I've started showing some of them how to do things so when it break they can try to fix it. A lot of new changes have been happing too. Nate's been out because Laura had her baby, Alec isn't staying at TJY anymore, We got a new guy in there now. I think he's Angelica's cousin and his parents sent him up here for protection from Mexico. Other than that its been pretty same old same old. Oh yeah Susanne told me to tell you hi too."
Dalton tried to fill Scott in on everything he could with out over whelming him to much. It had to be a good thing Scott was asking how things back at TJY were, at least he still cared.
About to hear inside Beth hears her phone ring. Stopping and looking down at the number seeing it was Justin Beth turns and goes back down a few steps away from the building answering the phone.
"Hello!"
Hearing Justin's voice on the other end Beth gives a very tiny smile. So thats why she had not seen him this morning he was in a completely different area. Walking down a few more steps Beth takes a seat on one of them out of the way a little bit. Hearing Justin would come over tonight Beth could feel a tiny bit of excitement. Nothing to big but a little rush. It had been a long time since anyone had been to her apartment if ever so having a friend there would be nice.
"Oh yeah, I guess that would help. The address is 367 Cherry Wood Street. I's only twenty minutes from here off of main road exit 5. If you get lost you can just call me. Are there any cretin kinds of movies you like?"
"Yeah, thats fine if you have someone bring him here."
Looking down at the food again and taking another bit Destiny new her stomach wouldn't be able to handle anymore food as it bubble and churned. Thinking a moment before looking up at Jason again Destiny just study's him for a moment before saying anything again, when she did speak she wasnt even sure why she asked what she did.
"What happened to Chance?"
Being turned around to go inside, but than back around once again to receive Alec's kiss that was a little bit more his style Ryan's own arms go around him taking in the kiss and returning whole heartedly. Her one hand on his back holding him close to her and the other finding his hair.
As Alec pulls away Ryan's own first had been reignited in her eyes as the grin spread on her lips. Everything was looking alright again, she had her kindred spirit as Leo called it, she had her friend, her brother everything seemed perfect or pretty close to it.
"I'll see you tonight, and will call before hand."
Being turned around for one last time and receiving the wack to her bottom Ryan looks over her shoulder with a laugh before heading back into the shop. The smile on her face a little bigger, and the fire in her eyes bring once again.
Getting to her car Ryan takes a look before turning around slowly to look at the other guys before starting before her eyes fall on Leo.
"You made sure they didn't sabotage my car...right Leo because your good like that? Thanks."
Giving a grin and a nod Ryan goes back to her car moving a little faster than before now having a reason to get done with work.
Seeing Scott continue to laugh makes Dalton feel that much better and gives hope. It was really good to see Scott laugh and the tears in his eyes from doing so. Finally gaining a little control himself Dalton sits back in the chair the smile staying on his face.
"It would have made a good blackmail picture thats for sure. Once you get out of here I'll try and reenact it for ya."
And he would too just for Scott. As Scott asks about TJY Dalton thinks for a moment before finally answering.
"Things are going ok. Kinda lonely still with out you around but I am managing. I don't know how you ever did it a lone. They are all so needed with there computers."
Dalton gives a small chuckle.
"..But I've started showing some of them how to do things so when it break they can try to fix it. A lot of new changes have been happing too. Nate's been out because Laura had her baby, Alec isn't staying at TJY anymore, We got a new guy in there now. I think he's Angelica's cousin and his parents sent him up here for protection from Mexico. Other than that its been pretty same old same old. Oh yeah Susanne told me to tell you hi too."
Dalton tried to fill Scott in on everything he could with out over whelming him to much. It had to be a good thing Scott was asking how things back at TJY were, at least he still cared.
About to hear inside Beth hears her phone ring. Stopping and looking down at the number seeing it was Justin Beth turns and goes back down a few steps away from the building answering the phone.
"Hello!"
Hearing Justin's voice on the other end Beth gives a very tiny smile. So thats why she had not seen him this morning he was in a completely different area. Walking down a few more steps Beth takes a seat on one of them out of the way a little bit. Hearing Justin would come over tonight Beth could feel a tiny bit of excitement. Nothing to big but a little rush. It had been a long time since anyone had been to her apartment if ever so having a friend there would be nice.
"Oh yeah, I guess that would help. The address is 367 Cherry Wood Street. I's only twenty minutes from here off of main road exit 5. If you get lost you can just call me. Are there any cretin kinds of movies you like?"
8/13/10
Bare minimum
Getting off the phone with Rebecca, Justin realizes he'd missed a separate call. Seeing it was Beth, he wonders for a moment if anything was wrong. Listening to her message though, he understands.
Flipping his phone shut, he leans his head back and thinks for several moments. Dinner and a movie... and she was making his favorite pie. While he was thrilled that she was busying herself with an activity and actually trying to do something different, it felt an awful lot like a date. Going fishing was one thing... but dinner and a movie? Was that such a good idea? He didn't want to hold her back... didn't want to make her feel like he didn't care... but he didn't want to give the wrong impression either. He could go and just be casual though, right? If he assumed there was nothing more here than the usual, and he acted as such, then there should be no misunderstandings, right? And if anything else came up, he'd just have to be honest. But he could at least go ahead and see what would happen.
Figuring she'd answer since she just called, Justin dials her back. "Hey, Beth - I was on another call, sorry. I'm actually here - just in a different wing today."
He pauses, still hesitant, but he forces his tone not to show it. "Tonight sounds just fine. All I'll need are directions to your place."
Having Dalton try to take the part of the cheerleader sends Scott further into his fit of laughter, winding up making him cough and need a glass of water, but he didn't care.
Once finally under control again, his head sinks back in his pillow once more, his eyes watering from laughing. It had been a very long time since he'd laughed that much, and it did feel good.
"Thank you." He grins. "I really wish I would have had a camera though."
Still curled on his side, he calms down, the classical music still playing softly. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, feeling very tired, but trying stay alert.
"Hey, Dalton..." His eyes drift downward as he fingers his blanket again. "How's... how's things at TJY?"
"Yeah... yeah, I do." Justin grins. "Trooper's a big brute, but he's a good dog. Had him on duty for a while, but he got in trouble with the boss." He chuckles.
"I thought if you were ok with dogs, I might have Wyatt bring him over and introduce you. Having him around makes it even easier to get out and about too since his ears and nose are better than electronic radar any day."
"Mmm..." Alec shakes his head and gives Ryan a wry grin to her question about Reese. "Long story. It's been an interesting last couple days though."
His grin widens. "Pizza and wings sound great... you may want to bring a pillow to sit on or something though... we're talking the bare minimum here right now. But I gotta walk to the store anyway, so I'll pick up a few things too and we should be set."
Giving her hands another squeeze, he knew she needed to go. "Call me before you come."
Backing away, he turns to go, then stops. "Aw, why not."
Spinning back around, he grabs Ryan and pulls her into a rough, passionate kiss before pulling away, his eyes twinkling. "I just wanted to make sure it would last you until later."
Pointing her back to the garage, he gives her bottom a swift but light kick to send her on her way before he turns too, to amble across the parking lot and back towards the street.
Flipping his phone shut, he leans his head back and thinks for several moments. Dinner and a movie... and she was making his favorite pie. While he was thrilled that she was busying herself with an activity and actually trying to do something different, it felt an awful lot like a date. Going fishing was one thing... but dinner and a movie? Was that such a good idea? He didn't want to hold her back... didn't want to make her feel like he didn't care... but he didn't want to give the wrong impression either. He could go and just be casual though, right? If he assumed there was nothing more here than the usual, and he acted as such, then there should be no misunderstandings, right? And if anything else came up, he'd just have to be honest. But he could at least go ahead and see what would happen.
Figuring she'd answer since she just called, Justin dials her back. "Hey, Beth - I was on another call, sorry. I'm actually here - just in a different wing today."
He pauses, still hesitant, but he forces his tone not to show it. "Tonight sounds just fine. All I'll need are directions to your place."
Having Dalton try to take the part of the cheerleader sends Scott further into his fit of laughter, winding up making him cough and need a glass of water, but he didn't care.
Once finally under control again, his head sinks back in his pillow once more, his eyes watering from laughing. It had been a very long time since he'd laughed that much, and it did feel good.
"Thank you." He grins. "I really wish I would have had a camera though."
Still curled on his side, he calms down, the classical music still playing softly. Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, feeling very tired, but trying stay alert.
"Hey, Dalton..." His eyes drift downward as he fingers his blanket again. "How's... how's things at TJY?"
"Yeah... yeah, I do." Justin grins. "Trooper's a big brute, but he's a good dog. Had him on duty for a while, but he got in trouble with the boss." He chuckles.
"I thought if you were ok with dogs, I might have Wyatt bring him over and introduce you. Having him around makes it even easier to get out and about too since his ears and nose are better than electronic radar any day."
"Mmm..." Alec shakes his head and gives Ryan a wry grin to her question about Reese. "Long story. It's been an interesting last couple days though."
His grin widens. "Pizza and wings sound great... you may want to bring a pillow to sit on or something though... we're talking the bare minimum here right now. But I gotta walk to the store anyway, so I'll pick up a few things too and we should be set."
Giving her hands another squeeze, he knew she needed to go. "Call me before you come."
Backing away, he turns to go, then stops. "Aw, why not."
Spinning back around, he grabs Ryan and pulls her into a rough, passionate kiss before pulling away, his eyes twinkling. "I just wanted to make sure it would last you until later."
Pointing her back to the garage, he gives her bottom a swift but light kick to send her on her way before he turns too, to amble across the parking lot and back towards the street.
Grace
Walking up the walkway like to many times before Beth stops at the little bench that had become her's and Justin. Looking around and not seeing him in sight at all she can't help but hope everything was ok. She wanted to talk to him and ask him to dinner, and maybe a movie tonight if he'd like. She was ready to take the next step...it was hard, she was scared, but she was ready.
Not knowing if he had missed Justin or not Beth figures at least a phone call would be sure to get through to him. Dialing his number and getting his voice mail Beth almost guessed thats what she would get.
"Hey Justin, its Beth. I was wondering if you didn't have anything to do tonight if you would...like to come over for dinner and maybe a movie. I...was making you favorite pie again too. Let me know, thanks."
Hanging up the phone Beth makes her way into the hospital to see Sarah like she had many times before. Maybe today she would take her out to the gardens or make had a picnic. It was a nice day out and Beth would hate it if Sarah was cooped inside for it.
Sitting continuing to listen to the music and hear Scott's works Dalton new he must be awfully tired of hearing everyone tell him it was ok, and that he had to get better. Right after his own parents death He'd hated when people told him that all the time too.
Hearing about Scott's vision of him as a cheerleader all Dalton can do it look at his friend and blink for a few moments. Seeing the smile that forms on Scott's lips and hearing the chuckles that start to come out of him Dalton perks up a little bit as a smile comes to his own lips and a chuckle comes out as he jumps up. Lifting his arms in the air.
"Give me an S....give me a C....give me a O....give me a T...give me another T...whats that spell? My little Buddy."
Sinking down in the chair for a moment Dalton has a look of confusion on his face as his spelling and what it ment.
"Ok, so I am not as graceful as I would like to think. but I can try again if you want!"
Dalton starts to laugh again happy to see Scott smiling. If nothing else that alone made him feel like his mission was accomplished.
Hearing Jason's question Destiny gives a little sigh not really wanting to talk but not really having that option. She might as well attempt to maybe it would help her feel a little better but she doubted it.
"Yeah Dogs are ok. You have a dog?"
As Alec leans in and kiss her lips softly Ryan returns the kiss. It was softer than she was use to but filled with just as much passion and for once Ryan didn't mind it. The light tenderness of his embrace was nice and seemed to fit the moment. Not something Ryan would always want but it was a nice change, and a good feeling to see this lighter side of Alec.
As Alec pulls away a little Ryan keeps her arms around him. She had to get going back to work even if she didn't want to. Maybe they could meet up later though. Feeling his hands slide down her and lock with her own Ryan give them a little squeeze as she looks up into Alec's eyes.
Hearing about Alec's apartment a bigger smile spreads on Ryan's face as her eyes dance, and sparkle. Squeeze Alec's hands a little tighter it was easy to see how excited she was for him.
"You finally got your own apartment? Oh Alec....I am so excited for you...wow. What made Reese decide that one? Yes I will totally come over tonight, I'll even bring some pizza and wings too."
Sitting in the hospetil waiting room Hope sits quiet keeping her eyes down. They were tired and sunken in today had been a bad day on top of being worried. She hadn't been feeling worse over the last few months but she hadn't been feeling better either, The cancer seemed to be growing still at a very slow rate and the Dr's were worried they would have to do surgery after all.
Today she was here to talk over options and get a white blood cell transplant, but her mind was not on that today. Today she was thinking about Scott and how much she missed him. She hoped he was doing ok, and still getting better. Mostly her days were filled with working a few hours, coming home and playing with Domino before getting to tired and going to bed for an hour or so, but not a day passed she didn't think of Scott and miss just a little more.
Not knowing if he had missed Justin or not Beth figures at least a phone call would be sure to get through to him. Dialing his number and getting his voice mail Beth almost guessed thats what she would get.
"Hey Justin, its Beth. I was wondering if you didn't have anything to do tonight if you would...like to come over for dinner and maybe a movie. I...was making you favorite pie again too. Let me know, thanks."
Hanging up the phone Beth makes her way into the hospital to see Sarah like she had many times before. Maybe today she would take her out to the gardens or make had a picnic. It was a nice day out and Beth would hate it if Sarah was cooped inside for it.
Sitting continuing to listen to the music and hear Scott's works Dalton new he must be awfully tired of hearing everyone tell him it was ok, and that he had to get better. Right after his own parents death He'd hated when people told him that all the time too.
Hearing about Scott's vision of him as a cheerleader all Dalton can do it look at his friend and blink for a few moments. Seeing the smile that forms on Scott's lips and hearing the chuckles that start to come out of him Dalton perks up a little bit as a smile comes to his own lips and a chuckle comes out as he jumps up. Lifting his arms in the air.
"Give me an S....give me a C....give me a O....give me a T...give me another T...whats that spell? My little Buddy."
Sinking down in the chair for a moment Dalton has a look of confusion on his face as his spelling and what it ment.
"Ok, so I am not as graceful as I would like to think. but I can try again if you want!"
Dalton starts to laugh again happy to see Scott smiling. If nothing else that alone made him feel like his mission was accomplished.
Hearing Jason's question Destiny gives a little sigh not really wanting to talk but not really having that option. She might as well attempt to maybe it would help her feel a little better but she doubted it.
"Yeah Dogs are ok. You have a dog?"
As Alec leans in and kiss her lips softly Ryan returns the kiss. It was softer than she was use to but filled with just as much passion and for once Ryan didn't mind it. The light tenderness of his embrace was nice and seemed to fit the moment. Not something Ryan would always want but it was a nice change, and a good feeling to see this lighter side of Alec.
As Alec pulls away a little Ryan keeps her arms around him. She had to get going back to work even if she didn't want to. Maybe they could meet up later though. Feeling his hands slide down her and lock with her own Ryan give them a little squeeze as she looks up into Alec's eyes.
Hearing about Alec's apartment a bigger smile spreads on Ryan's face as her eyes dance, and sparkle. Squeeze Alec's hands a little tighter it was easy to see how excited she was for him.
"You finally got your own apartment? Oh Alec....I am so excited for you...wow. What made Reese decide that one? Yes I will totally come over tonight, I'll even bring some pizza and wings too."
Sitting in the hospetil waiting room Hope sits quiet keeping her eyes down. They were tired and sunken in today had been a bad day on top of being worried. She hadn't been feeling worse over the last few months but she hadn't been feeling better either, The cancer seemed to be growing still at a very slow rate and the Dr's were worried they would have to do surgery after all.
Today she was here to talk over options and get a white blood cell transplant, but her mind was not on that today. Today she was thinking about Scott and how much she missed him. She hoped he was doing ok, and still getting better. Mostly her days were filled with working a few hours, coming home and playing with Domino before getting to tired and going to bed for an hour or so, but not a day passed she didn't think of Scott and miss just a little more.
Dalton in a skirt
Returning Ryan's gaze, Alec's expression turns to one of sheepishness. "I haven't felt this stupid in a long time, ya know." He smirks along with a little sigh. Living outside of the Agency... it was harder than it looked sometimes.
Alec's thumb runs along Ryan's cheek, his eyes softening into a gaze gentle and warm. Leaning down, he kisses her lips softly, then returns with more passion, though it was still softer than normal. Pulling back, his eyes return to hers. "Yeah, I missed you," he confirms quietly.
Letting his hands wander down from her face, they slide down her arms until they've found her hands to hold. "I know you gotta get back to work, and I gotta walk to the store but... after work..." He shrugs. "My little housewarming party last night was pretty lame since it was just me." He hoped that not only would she come over tonight, but that she would be excited too, that he had his apartment now.
Jason wasn't surprised by Destiny's response, but he still felt badly anyway. Continuing to eat, the wheels in his mind turn.
"Hey, Destiny... do you like dogs?"
Another little grin quirks Scott's mouth in a wry manner, his eyes, though clouded, showed his mind was still sharp. "Anybody but you, Dalton, and I'd tell 'em off. Between you and everybody else, I'm gonna have to start a collection of phrases." He sighs wearily as his strength lacks. "Thanks though... I know you're just trying to cheer me up here."
His eyes drift shut again, then open wide as if a thought has just struck him. "I just envisioned you as a cheerleader."
Blinking, he looks to Dalton, a new smile starting at the very corner of his mouth and slowly, slowly spreading across his lips. Something rises from the depths that was maybe, perhaps something close to a chuckle. His eyes brighten past the haze and that same tiny chuckle evolves into a laugh that is caught behind a closed mouth. The whole mental image though is too much for any soul, no matter how depressed, and soon that trapped laugh had been released, followed by another and another.
Out in the hall, Justin leans back against the wall and grins, shaking his head. Dalton probably wouldn't have any problem beating him up. Why the giant didn't like him was yet to be proven, though Justin still hoped maybe someday they could at least come to a mutual understanding.
Continuing to listen, he smiles as he hears Scott laughing. If nothing else good happened all day, this one moment was worth it. He was a firm believer in laughter being the best medicine and hearing it from Scott provided hope... a hope that he would not let this man down.
Sighing, Justin turns and heads down the hall to a bench to sit for a while, leaving the room be. This whole ordeal was getting to him. It always did. He knew he needed to separate his cases from his personal life, but sometimes it was hard.
He glances at his watch. Beth would be around any time now. If he didn't find her at their bench, he'd hunt around and see if he could find her. But right now, he was too weary to get up and look. He was tired too, but he knew Scott was so much more tired than he.
After a few moments of inner debate, Justin retrieves his cell phone and searches for the right number before dialing and waiting to hear the answer. "Hi, Rebecca... this is Justin. What are you doing tonight? I could use someone to talk to."
Alec's thumb runs along Ryan's cheek, his eyes softening into a gaze gentle and warm. Leaning down, he kisses her lips softly, then returns with more passion, though it was still softer than normal. Pulling back, his eyes return to hers. "Yeah, I missed you," he confirms quietly.
Letting his hands wander down from her face, they slide down her arms until they've found her hands to hold. "I know you gotta get back to work, and I gotta walk to the store but... after work..." He shrugs. "My little housewarming party last night was pretty lame since it was just me." He hoped that not only would she come over tonight, but that she would be excited too, that he had his apartment now.
Jason wasn't surprised by Destiny's response, but he still felt badly anyway. Continuing to eat, the wheels in his mind turn.
"Hey, Destiny... do you like dogs?"
Another little grin quirks Scott's mouth in a wry manner, his eyes, though clouded, showed his mind was still sharp. "Anybody but you, Dalton, and I'd tell 'em off. Between you and everybody else, I'm gonna have to start a collection of phrases." He sighs wearily as his strength lacks. "Thanks though... I know you're just trying to cheer me up here."
His eyes drift shut again, then open wide as if a thought has just struck him. "I just envisioned you as a cheerleader."
Blinking, he looks to Dalton, a new smile starting at the very corner of his mouth and slowly, slowly spreading across his lips. Something rises from the depths that was maybe, perhaps something close to a chuckle. His eyes brighten past the haze and that same tiny chuckle evolves into a laugh that is caught behind a closed mouth. The whole mental image though is too much for any soul, no matter how depressed, and soon that trapped laugh had been released, followed by another and another.
Out in the hall, Justin leans back against the wall and grins, shaking his head. Dalton probably wouldn't have any problem beating him up. Why the giant didn't like him was yet to be proven, though Justin still hoped maybe someday they could at least come to a mutual understanding.
Continuing to listen, he smiles as he hears Scott laughing. If nothing else good happened all day, this one moment was worth it. He was a firm believer in laughter being the best medicine and hearing it from Scott provided hope... a hope that he would not let this man down.
Sighing, Justin turns and heads down the hall to a bench to sit for a while, leaving the room be. This whole ordeal was getting to him. It always did. He knew he needed to separate his cases from his personal life, but sometimes it was hard.
He glances at his watch. Beth would be around any time now. If he didn't find her at their bench, he'd hunt around and see if he could find her. But right now, he was too weary to get up and look. He was tired too, but he knew Scott was so much more tired than he.
After a few moments of inner debate, Justin retrieves his cell phone and searches for the right number before dialing and waiting to hear the answer. "Hi, Rebecca... this is Justin. What are you doing tonight? I could use someone to talk to."
Willing to Try
Listing to the music Dalton's closes his own eyes for a moment letting the soft melody of the music just flow. Opening them again and looking down at his friend slowly. He was responding well to him and that was important to Dalton.
Hearing Scott's words Dalton think so for a moment before speaking again. He wanted to choose his words wisely, and be a friend to Scott without a lecture.
"I know you are little buddy, I know you are. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come so far. Every little step counts and over the last few months you have take some big steps."
Giving his friends arm a pat and just letting him know he was there Dalton takes note to how thin Scott was and it made his heart break even more. It was so hard to see anyone like this let alone his friend.
"Don't give up though Scott, you have come so far to give up when your so close would be a horrible thing. We all miss you very much, and we are all rooting for you. Not to mention if you did than I'd have to come back and put you into a headlock and I think your friend Justin out there might not like it, and I'd end up hurting him too."
Dalton gives a little laugh trying his best to keep the mood a little light. Not saying the words Scott can't because he was sure he had heard that way to much. So he twisted his words into a better way, a friendly way and kept the mood light.
Looking down at her plate again Destiny takes a tiny bit of her eggs her tummy giving a growl that she was hungry but at the same time she wasn't. Destiny hated this feeling she felt inside but she just didn't have what it took to pull herself out right now.
"No, I don't need to go anywhere today. I'll just stay inside."
Taking another bit of her eggs Destiny puts her fork down and just sits there for a moment before picking up her drink and taking a sip, only to look down at her food again.
Feeling Alec return the hug Ryan just bury herself into his chest more. Just to feel his arms wrap around her felt so nice. Ryan really had missed it a great deal. Hearing he never stopped caring sent her heart into a race as well. He really did care about her? The confirmation felt good though Ryan felt a little silly thinking it.
"I wasnt trying to keep you on a leash Alec, you can do whatever you want anytime you want. But I was tired of the fighting, and having to listen to you both go back and forth because that does affect me. I care about you a great deal, and Leo is one of my friend I dont want to have to worry about keeping you two apart all the time because thats no fun for me. It makes me feel like more of a babysitter than anything else."
Feeling Alec's hand on the side of her face Ryan leans her head into it the warm on her skin. Continuing to look into his eyes and search them Ryan took them in and let them warm her soul again. Her own pride, and thick hardheadedness needing to put aside.
"I'm no sorry for what I said that night because I meant it. But I'm sorry that I yelled. I should of found a better way to express what I was feeling. So for that I am sorry too."
Just continuing to look up in Alec's eyes Ryan could get lost in them. Leo had been right, she missed him, and last would of been willing to go back and be happy, but now having Alec standing here still knowing he care she felt willing to at least try again.
Hearing Scott's words Dalton think so for a moment before speaking again. He wanted to choose his words wisely, and be a friend to Scott without a lecture.
"I know you are little buddy, I know you are. I'm so proud of you for how far you've come so far. Every little step counts and over the last few months you have take some big steps."
Giving his friends arm a pat and just letting him know he was there Dalton takes note to how thin Scott was and it made his heart break even more. It was so hard to see anyone like this let alone his friend.
"Don't give up though Scott, you have come so far to give up when your so close would be a horrible thing. We all miss you very much, and we are all rooting for you. Not to mention if you did than I'd have to come back and put you into a headlock and I think your friend Justin out there might not like it, and I'd end up hurting him too."
Dalton gives a little laugh trying his best to keep the mood a little light. Not saying the words Scott can't because he was sure he had heard that way to much. So he twisted his words into a better way, a friendly way and kept the mood light.
Looking down at her plate again Destiny takes a tiny bit of her eggs her tummy giving a growl that she was hungry but at the same time she wasn't. Destiny hated this feeling she felt inside but she just didn't have what it took to pull herself out right now.
"No, I don't need to go anywhere today. I'll just stay inside."
Taking another bit of her eggs Destiny puts her fork down and just sits there for a moment before picking up her drink and taking a sip, only to look down at her food again.
Feeling Alec return the hug Ryan just bury herself into his chest more. Just to feel his arms wrap around her felt so nice. Ryan really had missed it a great deal. Hearing he never stopped caring sent her heart into a race as well. He really did care about her? The confirmation felt good though Ryan felt a little silly thinking it.
"I wasnt trying to keep you on a leash Alec, you can do whatever you want anytime you want. But I was tired of the fighting, and having to listen to you both go back and forth because that does affect me. I care about you a great deal, and Leo is one of my friend I dont want to have to worry about keeping you two apart all the time because thats no fun for me. It makes me feel like more of a babysitter than anything else."
Feeling Alec's hand on the side of her face Ryan leans her head into it the warm on her skin. Continuing to look into his eyes and search them Ryan took them in and let them warm her soul again. Her own pride, and thick hardheadedness needing to put aside.
"I'm no sorry for what I said that night because I meant it. But I'm sorry that I yelled. I should of found a better way to express what I was feeling. So for that I am sorry too."
Just continuing to look up in Alec's eyes Ryan could get lost in them. Leo had been right, she missed him, and last would of been willing to go back and be happy, but now having Alec standing here still knowing he care she felt willing to at least try again.
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