Walking with Kip, Karla enjoyed it. Even if they didn't talk much, it was ok with her. They didn't need words to speak. Much could be said through the unsaid with them.
Hearing the soft sound of music, Karla's eyes follow Kip's. Seeing the man with the guitar, a small smile spreads across her face. He had guts to be out there in the open, and good.
Feeling Kip's hand in hers, Karla stands and follows close behind him. Drawing close, the music sounded even better. As the man greets them, Karla smiles and gives a nod, her cheeks growing a little rosy. She still had yet to get over being shy to new people.
As the man gives Kip his guitar to play, she can't help but be a little surprised. She never knew Kip could play anything else, but now she was more than willing to listen.
The music playing, Kip's soft words - Karla couldn't help but sway a little. The free style was amazing. Once it stopped, Karla's smile was large as she clapped softly. Giving another nod to the man, she knew she could keep this promise. She would do all she could to not let Kip quit. Who knows - maybe tonight's encouragement did him some good.
Leaving with Kip, Karla pulls herself closer to him. The comment of ice cream sounded good to her. "That sounds great. And you sounded wonderful, by the way. I had no idea you could do that."
Closing the shop doors and locking them, Anastasia couldn't help but smile as the soft sound of music hit her ears from down the road. Quinn was really waiting for her.
Looking to her car for a second, she slips the keys in her pocket. It was too nice to drive - walking would be better. Nodding to a couple as they passed her, Anastasia kept her hands in her pockets of her leather jacket.
"Hey, Mister, you play pretty good. Care to get some coffee? That is, if you're not already waiting for someone."
Anastasia cocked her head a little, the humor dancing in her eyes, a soft smile on her lips.
Sitting in the dining room and enjoying the conversation with the others, Stacy felt content but on guard with the event of today.
Giving a sweep of the room, making sure all was well still, Stacy stops for a moment as her eyes meet Eric's. This was the second time she found him watching her. Not that she minded - he was good to look at too. Giving a little smile, she looks away but lets her peripheral vision continue to watch Eric and the room. He was pretty interesting.
Excusing herself from the table, Ashlee heads outside and takes in a deep breath. The fresh air here was amazing and she never tired of it.
Stepping off the steps she puts her hands into her pockets. Just walking across the yard and enjoying the night, her mind wandered. She noticed tonight Eric watching her mom. Did he like her? It would be cute if he did, but she knew her mom and she would come up with some reason why she couldn't. Ashlee just wanted her mom to be happy, and Eric was a nice guy. She couldn't help but think about what could be done.
Hearing her phone ring, Katie can't help but smile, seeing it was Jason. She always liked hearing from him. Now that their connection was broken, the phone was the next best thing.
"Hey, Sweety. I was just thinking about you."
Hearing Cindy had come to see Jason, she was happy but sad at the same time. She was happy she had come though.
"Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy the time with your mom. I'll be over after work to say hi."
5/16/11
5/4/11
Musician
Skyline? Kip had heard of them. They weren't huge, but opening for them was nothing to sneeze at. And yet... was that what Kip's future really would be? He'd been so sure of everything... then those very things - his world - had fallen to pieces. Was a past dream still a dream worth hanging on to?
Kip's thumb rubs Karla's palm without him even realizing it. Walking with her was always nice. She always seemed to be able to calm his nerves just by being there. He lets the silence be, as the streetlights give them a clear path along the sidewalk. In no time, they'd gone several blocks and Kip moves to one of several benches lit by softer lights. Watching cars and passerbys, it really was amazing how many people were out and about after dark.
Sitting quietly for a few minutes, it wasn't long before Kip's ears picked up the sound of singing and an acoustic guitar. Glancing around, he spies the lone musician on a nearby street corner. His mellow song and strong voice was drawing a few curious people, along with a few dollars in his open guitar case. It wasn't too unusual to see musicians around the square, but there was something different about this one.
Glancing at Karla, Kip gives a short nod before standing and taking her hand again to come with. Wandering closer to the main square, he stops just a short distance from the musician. The man seemed to be very skilled as his fingers pluck the guitar strings or strum in rhythm. His voice really was strong, yet almost gentle. The song was just an older, popular pick that was just fast enough to get listeners to sway, but not so much to keep anyone from listening. There was something almost... magical - if Kip dared think that - about the scene.
As the song ends, the man looks over to Kip and Karla and he smiles. "Evenin'."
Kip hods. "Hey . Sounds good."
"Well, thanks." The musician grins. "Glad, since right after I got here, my pick broke and I haven't a clue why I didn't bring any extras. My fingers will be glad when I decide to call it a night."
Kip gives a soft laugh. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulls out a pick and tosses it to the guy. "Try this one on for size."
Laughing, the man catches it. "Not too many people walk around with picks in their pockets - unless they play."
Kip's face grows a little warm and he shrugs. "I do a bit."
The man holds out his guitar. "Take her for a spin?"
"Seriously?" Kip's eyebrows rise. No one in their right mind would let a total stranger handle their instrument. "You'd let me play your Taylor?"
The musician grins and pushes off the brick wall on which he'd been leaning. "Call me crazy." He felt like he was, but there was something about this young stranger that made him compelled to share. "Let's see what you got."
Kip gives Karla a sidelong glance. She knew he wasn't comfortable in the spotlight, but this felt... different. Letting go of her hand, he reaches out to accept the fine instrument, slipping the strap over his head. He didn't even think about the fact that Karla had never heard him play anything but his bass, let alone even know he could.
The man offers him back the pick, but he shakes his head. Strumming gently, he closes his eyes. "Looking in the rearview mirror,
The past is quickly fading.
Winding roads, worn out signs,
Lights blurred by the speed.
I don't know how I began,
I don't know where it started.
I don't know where this journey ends,
Or how I got so far.
Remind me of my origins,
Remind me why I'm here.
Remind me how I've come to know
This love. This love.
Remind me."
Kip's voice was soft but projected in a way of someone who sang often. As he continues to sing, the other man reaches in his case to retrieve a small egg shaker to provide a quiet percussion rhythm. He didn't know the song, though he's able to pick up on the melody enough to hum along in harmony. A few people stop to listen, but Kip keeps his eyes closed until the last notes die away.
The musician smiles broadly, his eyes twinkling. "You got talent."
Kip's cheeks grow warm again and he shrugs before returning the guitar. His eyes glance to Karla "Some people think so."
The man catches the glance and he nods. "She's right."
Kip would rather turn the tables - he'd been in the spotlight too long already. He didn't even know what had possessed him to play and sing. "So you sound great. Always a solo?"
The musician shrugs. "Usually. I just go where the wind blows and think maybe someday God's gonna give me a stage other than a street corner. What about you?"
Kip shakes his head. "The wind seems to be blowing me in circles."
The man points a finger at Karla. "Don't let him quit. He's too good to let all that go to waste." Leaning back against the wall once more, he begins another song to continue his night.
Kip listens for a few more minutes before taking Karla's hand again. He felt as though he should thank this guy for letting him play, but it was obvious that no thanks was needed. This musician loved music - no doubt. Otherwise, he wouldn't be out here tonight with such a feeling of peace. Without asking, Kip knew that's why the man played and sang - for the simple love.
Finally pulling himself from the scene to continue their walk, Kip sighs deeply. His fingers give Karla's hand a squeeze. "I feel like late-night ice cream. What do you think?"
Quinn continues to play on the street corner a while longer, waiting to be met by Anastasia who had promised him a late coffee. It had turned into an interesting evening, and he couldn't wait to tell her.
Mick sighs, but nods. Even if it felt hopeless, he did appreciate Stacy's words. "Thanks. I guess at this point, even if Dylan hates me, as long as he's safe, that's the main thing. Seeing those guys today..." He lets the sentence slide and just shakes his head. He hadn't been that scared since BJ got hurt. "We'll keep talking about it. For now, just keep a close eye on things."
Dylan glares at the four walls of his bunkhouse. His eyes burned and itched, but he'd tell no one about the tears or the terror that had coursed through his veins earlier today. Was this his lot? Was this how he would live from now on? Always looking over his shoulder? And it wasn't even his fault.
Growling, he tries to concentrate on his schoolwork, but isn't very successful. Chores are done in silence, and come suppertime, Dylan had reverted back to old habits. Having sneaked in to get his food from the dining room, he'd slipped back to his bunk to eat alone on the porch. Part of him wanted nothing to do with anyone else tonight. And part of him was so lonely. How different things would be, had he never been pulled down the wrong path. And now he was afraid of his own shadow.
Eric sits at one end of the dining room tables during supper, finding himself sitting alone. No one was avoiding him, but he'd come in late and had found a quiet spot near the window. He watches everyone around him as he eats slowly. He really did appreciate the home-cooked meals after so much time on the road. Even if the food was good and even if his family didn't hate him though, he was still feeling rather out of place.
Sipping his glass of water, his eyes eventually land on the table where Stacy and Ashlee sat. It seemed Sparky and Faith were keeping them company tonight. The two seemed to be settling into the ranch nicely - even Ashlee at her age seemed to be adjusting well. Perhaps Eric didn't realize how long his eyes remain at their table, or how long he studies Stacy from this safe distance.
A knock at the door, followed by Trooper's low growl and bark startles Jason from his lethargic state on the couch. He'd just finally gotten to sleep after an afternoon of battling against throwing up every time he tried to eat, a splitting headache and exhaustion that was countered by insomnia. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to see who was here. If it was Katie, she had a key, and anybody else, he didn't want here.
Another couple persistent knocks finally gets him up and he slowly limps to the front door. He felt too sick to be cautious, so he opens the door groggily. Who he saw though, woke him up immediately. "Mom?"
Cindy smiles, though her eyes were filled with worry - and no less worry after seeing her son's pale face. "Can I come in?"
Jason hesitates, but only from surprise and he finally backs up, trying to shake the cobwebs from his mind. "Yeah. What... what are you doing here?"
"I... came to see you." Cindy jumps as a cold nose brushes her arm and she looks down before giving Trooper a pat on the head. "Hey, big fella. You're looking mighty fine."
Trooper wags his tail and sniffs her over before he's satisfied it really is her, then he goes back to the living room to lie down.
Cindy looks back to Jason and just stares at him for several long moments. He looked even worse than she'd imagined. "Oh, Jason." The tears wanted to come, but she bravely holds them back. Stepping forward, she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.
Jason returns the hug and rests his head on top of hers. He knew without asking why she was really here. Maybe part of him could be upset if he thought about it long enough, but he knew she was only here because she loved him - not to make things harder. Finally backing away, he does his best to look well, though if he knew how poor he really looked, he wouldn't even try. "Where's Kaylee?"
"I left her in very capable hands back at the ranch." Cindy chuckles, remembering Clint and Wendy's willingness to take care of Kaylee... and Angel and Luke... Jim and Becky... Jade... the list went on. "Many capable hands, actually."
Jason nods slowly. "First time you've left her, isn't it?"
"Mm-hmm." Cindy shrugs. "I already miss her something awful but... I knew that this trip was probably best taken alone. And I know she's well taken care of so I don't have anything to worry about."
Jason manages a wry grin. "Yeah, but you do anyway."
Cindy grins too. "Just a little."
A pause follows, and Jason knows he really needs to go lie back down or at least sit before he collapsed right here. "Um... you wanna sit?"
"Sure. Yes. I'm sorry - did I wake you?"
"I was just... resting." Making it back to the couch, he eases down gingerly, propping his leg back up again and leaning into the corner to try and get comfortable... a near-impossible task.
Cindy takes a chair. "I... brought stuff to stay a little while. I wasn't sure where I'd be staying. I was told I could use the guest room at TJY if I wanted, but I'll probably find a hotel instead."
Jason shakes his head. "You think I wouldn't let you stay here?"
"I don't want to invade..." Cindy bites her lower lip. "But I guess I just did, didn't I?"
Jason gives her a soft smile. "Yeah but that's kinda what moms are for, right?"
Cindy chuckles, still holding her tears at bay. Jason's voice sounded so weak compared to the last time they'd spoken. "I guess I'll always want to run and put a bandaid on your scraped knees."
Jason's grin remains, and he leans his head back tiredly. "It's okay. But I don't think a bandaid is gonna fix this one."
"I know, I just..." Cindy sighs, as it grows harder to hold back the tears. "I wanted to see you and... and just, um... spend some time with you, because when-"
"Mom, don't." Jason stops her gently. "You wanna bring your stuff in?"
"Yeah... it's just two bags. I can get them. Are... I mean... I was hoping I might be able to cook you a few meals or... or something."
Jason hadn't been eating much lately, but he wouldn't be able to turn down his mother... not and that look on her face. "Katie's been staying over here to help me out but... I might be able to keep down some of your homemade vegetable soup."
Cindy's smile returns. "Okay. If you can't, I won't be offended, but at least it will keep my hands busy."
Once she's out of the room to go get her bags, Jason slides down a little farther into the couch, reaching over his head for his cell phone. He hits the speed dial for Katie, hoping she wasn't in the middle of anything important at work. "Hey, Hero..." He pauses as new pain hits like a wave, starting from his skull all the way down to his toes. Gritting his teeth, he manages to finish. "Didn't want to bother you. Mom showed up at my door a few minutes ago. Guess she wanted to see me. I still want you to come over after work though - I just wanted to give you a heads-up."
Tal's smile lingers as Ryan pulls away. he gives her cheek one last brush with his hand before finally turning to his car. The ride home seemed a little longer than usual tonight. And when he gets home, he finds himself, instead of in bed, on the living room floor in front of his couch, watching stupid late night television. His hand absentmindedly strokes Holly's head that was in his lap. "What am I doing, huh?" he questions her quietly. "Am I crazy?"
Kip's thumb rubs Karla's palm without him even realizing it. Walking with her was always nice. She always seemed to be able to calm his nerves just by being there. He lets the silence be, as the streetlights give them a clear path along the sidewalk. In no time, they'd gone several blocks and Kip moves to one of several benches lit by softer lights. Watching cars and passerbys, it really was amazing how many people were out and about after dark.
Sitting quietly for a few minutes, it wasn't long before Kip's ears picked up the sound of singing and an acoustic guitar. Glancing around, he spies the lone musician on a nearby street corner. His mellow song and strong voice was drawing a few curious people, along with a few dollars in his open guitar case. It wasn't too unusual to see musicians around the square, but there was something different about this one.
Glancing at Karla, Kip gives a short nod before standing and taking her hand again to come with. Wandering closer to the main square, he stops just a short distance from the musician. The man seemed to be very skilled as his fingers pluck the guitar strings or strum in rhythm. His voice really was strong, yet almost gentle. The song was just an older, popular pick that was just fast enough to get listeners to sway, but not so much to keep anyone from listening. There was something almost... magical - if Kip dared think that - about the scene.
As the song ends, the man looks over to Kip and Karla and he smiles. "Evenin'."
Kip hods. "Hey . Sounds good."
"Well, thanks." The musician grins. "Glad, since right after I got here, my pick broke and I haven't a clue why I didn't bring any extras. My fingers will be glad when I decide to call it a night."
Kip gives a soft laugh. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulls out a pick and tosses it to the guy. "Try this one on for size."
Laughing, the man catches it. "Not too many people walk around with picks in their pockets - unless they play."
Kip's face grows a little warm and he shrugs. "I do a bit."
The man holds out his guitar. "Take her for a spin?"
"Seriously?" Kip's eyebrows rise. No one in their right mind would let a total stranger handle their instrument. "You'd let me play your Taylor?"
The musician grins and pushes off the brick wall on which he'd been leaning. "Call me crazy." He felt like he was, but there was something about this young stranger that made him compelled to share. "Let's see what you got."
Kip gives Karla a sidelong glance. She knew he wasn't comfortable in the spotlight, but this felt... different. Letting go of her hand, he reaches out to accept the fine instrument, slipping the strap over his head. He didn't even think about the fact that Karla had never heard him play anything but his bass, let alone even know he could.
The man offers him back the pick, but he shakes his head. Strumming gently, he closes his eyes. "Looking in the rearview mirror,
The past is quickly fading.
Winding roads, worn out signs,
Lights blurred by the speed.
I don't know how I began,
I don't know where it started.
I don't know where this journey ends,
Or how I got so far.
Remind me of my origins,
Remind me why I'm here.
Remind me how I've come to know
This love. This love.
Remind me."
Kip's voice was soft but projected in a way of someone who sang often. As he continues to sing, the other man reaches in his case to retrieve a small egg shaker to provide a quiet percussion rhythm. He didn't know the song, though he's able to pick up on the melody enough to hum along in harmony. A few people stop to listen, but Kip keeps his eyes closed until the last notes die away.
The musician smiles broadly, his eyes twinkling. "You got talent."
Kip's cheeks grow warm again and he shrugs before returning the guitar. His eyes glance to Karla "Some people think so."
The man catches the glance and he nods. "She's right."
Kip would rather turn the tables - he'd been in the spotlight too long already. He didn't even know what had possessed him to play and sing. "So you sound great. Always a solo?"
The musician shrugs. "Usually. I just go where the wind blows and think maybe someday God's gonna give me a stage other than a street corner. What about you?"
Kip shakes his head. "The wind seems to be blowing me in circles."
The man points a finger at Karla. "Don't let him quit. He's too good to let all that go to waste." Leaning back against the wall once more, he begins another song to continue his night.
Kip listens for a few more minutes before taking Karla's hand again. He felt as though he should thank this guy for letting him play, but it was obvious that no thanks was needed. This musician loved music - no doubt. Otherwise, he wouldn't be out here tonight with such a feeling of peace. Without asking, Kip knew that's why the man played and sang - for the simple love.
Finally pulling himself from the scene to continue their walk, Kip sighs deeply. His fingers give Karla's hand a squeeze. "I feel like late-night ice cream. What do you think?"
Quinn continues to play on the street corner a while longer, waiting to be met by Anastasia who had promised him a late coffee. It had turned into an interesting evening, and he couldn't wait to tell her.
Mick sighs, but nods. Even if it felt hopeless, he did appreciate Stacy's words. "Thanks. I guess at this point, even if Dylan hates me, as long as he's safe, that's the main thing. Seeing those guys today..." He lets the sentence slide and just shakes his head. He hadn't been that scared since BJ got hurt. "We'll keep talking about it. For now, just keep a close eye on things."
Dylan glares at the four walls of his bunkhouse. His eyes burned and itched, but he'd tell no one about the tears or the terror that had coursed through his veins earlier today. Was this his lot? Was this how he would live from now on? Always looking over his shoulder? And it wasn't even his fault.
Growling, he tries to concentrate on his schoolwork, but isn't very successful. Chores are done in silence, and come suppertime, Dylan had reverted back to old habits. Having sneaked in to get his food from the dining room, he'd slipped back to his bunk to eat alone on the porch. Part of him wanted nothing to do with anyone else tonight. And part of him was so lonely. How different things would be, had he never been pulled down the wrong path. And now he was afraid of his own shadow.
Eric sits at one end of the dining room tables during supper, finding himself sitting alone. No one was avoiding him, but he'd come in late and had found a quiet spot near the window. He watches everyone around him as he eats slowly. He really did appreciate the home-cooked meals after so much time on the road. Even if the food was good and even if his family didn't hate him though, he was still feeling rather out of place.
Sipping his glass of water, his eyes eventually land on the table where Stacy and Ashlee sat. It seemed Sparky and Faith were keeping them company tonight. The two seemed to be settling into the ranch nicely - even Ashlee at her age seemed to be adjusting well. Perhaps Eric didn't realize how long his eyes remain at their table, or how long he studies Stacy from this safe distance.
A knock at the door, followed by Trooper's low growl and bark startles Jason from his lethargic state on the couch. He'd just finally gotten to sleep after an afternoon of battling against throwing up every time he tried to eat, a splitting headache and exhaustion that was countered by insomnia. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to see who was here. If it was Katie, she had a key, and anybody else, he didn't want here.
Another couple persistent knocks finally gets him up and he slowly limps to the front door. He felt too sick to be cautious, so he opens the door groggily. Who he saw though, woke him up immediately. "Mom?"
Cindy smiles, though her eyes were filled with worry - and no less worry after seeing her son's pale face. "Can I come in?"
Jason hesitates, but only from surprise and he finally backs up, trying to shake the cobwebs from his mind. "Yeah. What... what are you doing here?"
"I... came to see you." Cindy jumps as a cold nose brushes her arm and she looks down before giving Trooper a pat on the head. "Hey, big fella. You're looking mighty fine."
Trooper wags his tail and sniffs her over before he's satisfied it really is her, then he goes back to the living room to lie down.
Cindy looks back to Jason and just stares at him for several long moments. He looked even worse than she'd imagined. "Oh, Jason." The tears wanted to come, but she bravely holds them back. Stepping forward, she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.
Jason returns the hug and rests his head on top of hers. He knew without asking why she was really here. Maybe part of him could be upset if he thought about it long enough, but he knew she was only here because she loved him - not to make things harder. Finally backing away, he does his best to look well, though if he knew how poor he really looked, he wouldn't even try. "Where's Kaylee?"
"I left her in very capable hands back at the ranch." Cindy chuckles, remembering Clint and Wendy's willingness to take care of Kaylee... and Angel and Luke... Jim and Becky... Jade... the list went on. "Many capable hands, actually."
Jason nods slowly. "First time you've left her, isn't it?"
"Mm-hmm." Cindy shrugs. "I already miss her something awful but... I knew that this trip was probably best taken alone. And I know she's well taken care of so I don't have anything to worry about."
Jason manages a wry grin. "Yeah, but you do anyway."
Cindy grins too. "Just a little."
A pause follows, and Jason knows he really needs to go lie back down or at least sit before he collapsed right here. "Um... you wanna sit?"
"Sure. Yes. I'm sorry - did I wake you?"
"I was just... resting." Making it back to the couch, he eases down gingerly, propping his leg back up again and leaning into the corner to try and get comfortable... a near-impossible task.
Cindy takes a chair. "I... brought stuff to stay a little while. I wasn't sure where I'd be staying. I was told I could use the guest room at TJY if I wanted, but I'll probably find a hotel instead."
Jason shakes his head. "You think I wouldn't let you stay here?"
"I don't want to invade..." Cindy bites her lower lip. "But I guess I just did, didn't I?"
Jason gives her a soft smile. "Yeah but that's kinda what moms are for, right?"
Cindy chuckles, still holding her tears at bay. Jason's voice sounded so weak compared to the last time they'd spoken. "I guess I'll always want to run and put a bandaid on your scraped knees."
Jason's grin remains, and he leans his head back tiredly. "It's okay. But I don't think a bandaid is gonna fix this one."
"I know, I just..." Cindy sighs, as it grows harder to hold back the tears. "I wanted to see you and... and just, um... spend some time with you, because when-"
"Mom, don't." Jason stops her gently. "You wanna bring your stuff in?"
"Yeah... it's just two bags. I can get them. Are... I mean... I was hoping I might be able to cook you a few meals or... or something."
Jason hadn't been eating much lately, but he wouldn't be able to turn down his mother... not and that look on her face. "Katie's been staying over here to help me out but... I might be able to keep down some of your homemade vegetable soup."
Cindy's smile returns. "Okay. If you can't, I won't be offended, but at least it will keep my hands busy."
Once she's out of the room to go get her bags, Jason slides down a little farther into the couch, reaching over his head for his cell phone. He hits the speed dial for Katie, hoping she wasn't in the middle of anything important at work. "Hey, Hero..." He pauses as new pain hits like a wave, starting from his skull all the way down to his toes. Gritting his teeth, he manages to finish. "Didn't want to bother you. Mom showed up at my door a few minutes ago. Guess she wanted to see me. I still want you to come over after work though - I just wanted to give you a heads-up."
Tal's smile lingers as Ryan pulls away. he gives her cheek one last brush with his hand before finally turning to his car. The ride home seemed a little longer than usual tonight. And when he gets home, he finds himself, instead of in bed, on the living room floor in front of his couch, watching stupid late night television. His hand absentmindedly strokes Holly's head that was in his lap. "What am I doing, huh?" he questions her quietly. "Am I crazy?"
Kind of like it
Feeling Tal's hand on her face, Ryan can't help the smile that spread across her lips. It felt really nice to just feel the calm nature from Tal. Different for sure, but nice. Kind of a reminder she was a woman still and needed something calm and stable once in a while too.
"Tomorrow for sure. I like having you around. It's kind of become normal now and..." Ryan pauses for a moment before starting again. "...I kind of like it."
Leaning in and giving Tal another soft kiss, Ryan takes a step away, knowing if she didn't then she would never let him leave.
Karla could see a bit of interest flash in Kip's eyes and it made her own heart jump. Was the spark a good thing? Would this be what Kip needed?
Looking down and seeing the empty MD bottle, Karla grins and stands, following Kip. "Yeah, Kyle said to give him a call. You guys would be opening for Skyline. We all would really like you there too. Just not the same without you."
Taking Kip's hand in her own as they walked, Karla just enjoyed this time with him. Even if they didn't talk much, Karla liked knowing he was there close to her.
Getting Cindy's letter again brings a smile to Wes' lips. He knew all of this was hard on her even if she didn't say it. But seeing she was trying to keep her head up was a start.
"Yo, Captain, we need you out here."
"Alright, I'll be right there." Giving a sigh, Wes knows work calls and for now, another letter home would have to wait. He hated it at times, but he could only hope it wouldn't last too long.
Stopping behind Dylan as he and Mick continued their conversation, Stacy remained quiet. She didn't want to butt into what was going on, but she did need to talk to Mick.
Hearing what Dylan had to say, it really didn't surprise Stacy. Believe it or not, having a reaction like this was normal. Not to mention, it seemed like there was a lot of other things in the mix as well.
As Dylan turns and glares at her, Stacy remains quiet, but watches as he walks away. Turning back to Mick, she gives a smile. "It's to be expected he would act this way, really though. If I was in his position I might feel the same. But maybe we can work something out so he won't even know I am around."
Stacy puts her hands in her pockets and draws silent for a moment. There had to be a way to accommodate everyone. The situation was bad - she didn't want to make it worse. Studying Mick for a long moment, she could see the look in his eye that he longed to be close to his son.
"Don't give up on the father son time yet. It will come. God will see to that. Keep working on it slowly."
"Tomorrow for sure. I like having you around. It's kind of become normal now and..." Ryan pauses for a moment before starting again. "...I kind of like it."
Leaning in and giving Tal another soft kiss, Ryan takes a step away, knowing if she didn't then she would never let him leave.
Karla could see a bit of interest flash in Kip's eyes and it made her own heart jump. Was the spark a good thing? Would this be what Kip needed?
Looking down and seeing the empty MD bottle, Karla grins and stands, following Kip. "Yeah, Kyle said to give him a call. You guys would be opening for Skyline. We all would really like you there too. Just not the same without you."
Taking Kip's hand in her own as they walked, Karla just enjoyed this time with him. Even if they didn't talk much, Karla liked knowing he was there close to her.
Getting Cindy's letter again brings a smile to Wes' lips. He knew all of this was hard on her even if she didn't say it. But seeing she was trying to keep her head up was a start.
"Yo, Captain, we need you out here."
"Alright, I'll be right there." Giving a sigh, Wes knows work calls and for now, another letter home would have to wait. He hated it at times, but he could only hope it wouldn't last too long.
Stopping behind Dylan as he and Mick continued their conversation, Stacy remained quiet. She didn't want to butt into what was going on, but she did need to talk to Mick.
Hearing what Dylan had to say, it really didn't surprise Stacy. Believe it or not, having a reaction like this was normal. Not to mention, it seemed like there was a lot of other things in the mix as well.
As Dylan turns and glares at her, Stacy remains quiet, but watches as he walks away. Turning back to Mick, she gives a smile. "It's to be expected he would act this way, really though. If I was in his position I might feel the same. But maybe we can work something out so he won't even know I am around."
Stacy puts her hands in her pockets and draws silent for a moment. There had to be a way to accommodate everyone. The situation was bad - she didn't want to make it worse. Studying Mick for a long moment, she could see the look in his eye that he longed to be close to his son.
"Don't give up on the father son time yet. It will come. God will see to that. Keep working on it slowly."
4/22/11
Upsets and Insults
Tal's eyes widen, not having meant to get such a reaction from Ryan. He starts to respond, but only gets out a mumble before her lips are on his. Grinning as she pulls away, he shakes his head. "I guess I am being just a little paranoid."
Sighing, he reaches up and runs a finger through her soft hair, watching it reflect the night's natural light. A peaceful smile remains on his lips. "I was wrong about you, Ryan McKade. You're even more amazing than I imagined."
His hand stops near her face so it can rest against her cheek. His eyes hold a million unopened stories, locked deep inside, never shared. "See you tomorrow?"
A gig? What kind of gig? With who? Where? When? All those questions flash in Kip's eyes as he sits a little straighter. So many words wanted to come out. So many words sat a the very tip of his tongue, wanting so badly to leap forward and be spoken. But something held them back. Something still kept them at bay.
Without comment, he takes another bite of pizza, now realizing he was basically scarfing it down... maybe he'd been hungrier than he'd thought.
Karla's suggestion of a walk makes him quirk an eyebrow. "On a full stomach?" he mumbles with his mouth full. He shrugs. Leaning down, he reveals an empty Mountain Dew bottle. "I guess walking this off would probably be good if I want to sleep tonight." A wry grin emerges, despite his weary eyes.
Finishing off his pizza in just a few more bites, he stands up and brushes his hands on his jeans. He nods into the back yard where they could walk around the house and go back out to the sidewalk. It was dark, but she was right - it was nice out. Ambling through the grass, he uses his fingernail as a toothpick, keeping his eyes down. "So I'm supposed to call Kyle, huh?"
Cindy returns to her desk after putting in a load of laundry and checking on Kaylee. Fiddling online for a moment, she then checks her email again. She often did. Too much, in fact. But the hope was always there that she'd hear from Wes. And today, that wish was granted.
Her heart skips a beat as she sees his email and she opens it quickly. The emotions were always the same... She was thrilled to hear from him... relieved he was alive... sad he wasn't here... warm from his words of love. But each time she finished reading his messages, the tears stung her eyes and she felt the same anger burning deep down that she tried to snuff out. It wasn't Wes she was angry with, and she would never tell him she felt this way at all. She loved her country and knew that her husband was working hard to fight for it... but they still had taken him from her. Why had they needed him? Why now? And if God could work it out so they could read each other's emails the same day, why couldn't He work it out for Wes to come home?
Just letting the few hot tears run down her cheeks, Cindy doesn't bother wiping them away. Instead, she just blinks a few times, squares her shoulders and types her reply.
Wes,
So happy to get your message so quickly. It was a nice little blessing.
Don't worry - not "everything" is going wrong.
Just her life. She sighs.
Things at the ranch are great and I'm so glad this is where I live. The only thing missing is you. Otherwise, it would be perfect. Kaylee is happy and healthy, the weather has been gorgeous, and we even have a new set of eyes, sent from the Elite, to help keep watch over the ranch.
Her typed words seemed so much more positive than the way she felt. But that's what she wanted. She wanted Wes to know about Jason and Trey and that she wasn't having the easiest of times... but she didn't want him to worry about her either. He had a job to focus on, and as much as she wanted him back, she didn't want him to feel guilty for being away.
I'll tell Jase you say hi - I'm sure he'll appreciate that. I know even though you two weren't close, he was beginning to look up to you. I will let you know how things progress. Thank you for your encouraging words. I love you with all my heart.
Cindy
At some point, Dylan decides the ice has done just about as much as it was going to, and he abandons the living room area. Dumping the ice in the kitchen sink, he heads outside, planning to go to his bunk without running into anyone, and therefore avoiding any questions.
What made him think that today would be any different, he didn't know. Halfway to his bunk, he's joined by Mick who had just come from the house.
"Hey, Dylan. How you doing?"
Dylan keeps walking. "I'm fine."
"You sure? We could-"
"Just stop!" Dylan stops and whirls around to glare at his father. "You're as bad as Jade!" His yelling just makes his face hurt, but he ignores it. "Just... just cut it out! I'm fine. It's over. I just wanna go do my school for the day so I can give you your beloved 'A' you're always after."
Mick isn't sure whether he feels more hurt or angry, but he holds his tongue as his hands go to his hips. "Alright, fine," he answers calmly. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Dylan starts to turn, but he stops him. "And... to come get you so we could go talk to Stacy." He saw Stacy approaching, but Dylan's back was to her, so Mick says nothing yet about her presence.
"Stacy? What for?"
"So we can discuss what's going to change around here."
Dylan's eyes narrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Well apparently the Agency is watching you more closely than I thought. Taking you away from the ranch today without someone else was my fault. I didn't think they were going to pounce that quickly." Mick rocks a little on his heels. "So, I think from now on, we just make it a habit that where you go, Stacy goes. We need the eyes."
"What?!" Dylan shakes his head. "No way. I was gonna-" He cuts himself off short.
"You were gonna what?"
Dylan rolls his eyes. "Go into town on the weekend with Sparky."
Mick's eyebrows rise. "What for?"
"It's none of your business!"
"It is too!"
"To get a saddle, alright? You know - one of those things you put on a horse to ride?"
"You've got enough money for your own saddle?"
"Sparky's gonna let me work with his horses to earn..." Dylan stops and shakes his head again. "What's it to you?"
Mick sighs. Sparky did have a few of his own horses that he cared for alone. If he'd worked out a deal with Dylan, that was between them. Mick guessed he didn't care. But what he did care about was his son's safety. "Can we try to have a conversation where one of us isn't yelling for once?"
Dylan quiets his tone, but he was no less upset. "I'm not gonna walk around with some shadow all the time. It's bad enough I got her watching my every move while you're still breathing down my neck. Agency or not, some stupid know-it-all Elite agent isn't gonna tag along like a mommy watching her toddler. I'd rather be a prisoner in my bunk." He pauses with a smirk. "Oh wait... I already am."
Spinning on his heel to aim for his bunkhouse again, he almost runs right into Stacy. Surprise is quickly replaced by embarrassment, which is quickly replaced with ire. Red-faced, he glares at her before shouldering past.
Mick sighs and runs a hand over his face, only now starting to feel the sore spots. He looks at Stacy with weary apology. "I'm sorry. He's, um... upset. He almost got nabbed today at the auction. I guess 'father-son' time just isn't gonna happen."
Sighing, he reaches up and runs a finger through her soft hair, watching it reflect the night's natural light. A peaceful smile remains on his lips. "I was wrong about you, Ryan McKade. You're even more amazing than I imagined."
His hand stops near her face so it can rest against her cheek. His eyes hold a million unopened stories, locked deep inside, never shared. "See you tomorrow?"
A gig? What kind of gig? With who? Where? When? All those questions flash in Kip's eyes as he sits a little straighter. So many words wanted to come out. So many words sat a the very tip of his tongue, wanting so badly to leap forward and be spoken. But something held them back. Something still kept them at bay.
Without comment, he takes another bite of pizza, now realizing he was basically scarfing it down... maybe he'd been hungrier than he'd thought.
Karla's suggestion of a walk makes him quirk an eyebrow. "On a full stomach?" he mumbles with his mouth full. He shrugs. Leaning down, he reveals an empty Mountain Dew bottle. "I guess walking this off would probably be good if I want to sleep tonight." A wry grin emerges, despite his weary eyes.
Finishing off his pizza in just a few more bites, he stands up and brushes his hands on his jeans. He nods into the back yard where they could walk around the house and go back out to the sidewalk. It was dark, but she was right - it was nice out. Ambling through the grass, he uses his fingernail as a toothpick, keeping his eyes down. "So I'm supposed to call Kyle, huh?"
Cindy returns to her desk after putting in a load of laundry and checking on Kaylee. Fiddling online for a moment, she then checks her email again. She often did. Too much, in fact. But the hope was always there that she'd hear from Wes. And today, that wish was granted.
Her heart skips a beat as she sees his email and she opens it quickly. The emotions were always the same... She was thrilled to hear from him... relieved he was alive... sad he wasn't here... warm from his words of love. But each time she finished reading his messages, the tears stung her eyes and she felt the same anger burning deep down that she tried to snuff out. It wasn't Wes she was angry with, and she would never tell him she felt this way at all. She loved her country and knew that her husband was working hard to fight for it... but they still had taken him from her. Why had they needed him? Why now? And if God could work it out so they could read each other's emails the same day, why couldn't He work it out for Wes to come home?
Just letting the few hot tears run down her cheeks, Cindy doesn't bother wiping them away. Instead, she just blinks a few times, squares her shoulders and types her reply.
Wes,
So happy to get your message so quickly. It was a nice little blessing.
Don't worry - not "everything" is going wrong.
Just her life. She sighs.
Things at the ranch are great and I'm so glad this is where I live. The only thing missing is you. Otherwise, it would be perfect. Kaylee is happy and healthy, the weather has been gorgeous, and we even have a new set of eyes, sent from the Elite, to help keep watch over the ranch.
Her typed words seemed so much more positive than the way she felt. But that's what she wanted. She wanted Wes to know about Jason and Trey and that she wasn't having the easiest of times... but she didn't want him to worry about her either. He had a job to focus on, and as much as she wanted him back, she didn't want him to feel guilty for being away.
I'll tell Jase you say hi - I'm sure he'll appreciate that. I know even though you two weren't close, he was beginning to look up to you. I will let you know how things progress. Thank you for your encouraging words. I love you with all my heart.
Cindy
At some point, Dylan decides the ice has done just about as much as it was going to, and he abandons the living room area. Dumping the ice in the kitchen sink, he heads outside, planning to go to his bunk without running into anyone, and therefore avoiding any questions.
What made him think that today would be any different, he didn't know. Halfway to his bunk, he's joined by Mick who had just come from the house.
"Hey, Dylan. How you doing?"
Dylan keeps walking. "I'm fine."
"You sure? We could-"
"Just stop!" Dylan stops and whirls around to glare at his father. "You're as bad as Jade!" His yelling just makes his face hurt, but he ignores it. "Just... just cut it out! I'm fine. It's over. I just wanna go do my school for the day so I can give you your beloved 'A' you're always after."
Mick isn't sure whether he feels more hurt or angry, but he holds his tongue as his hands go to his hips. "Alright, fine," he answers calmly. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Dylan starts to turn, but he stops him. "And... to come get you so we could go talk to Stacy." He saw Stacy approaching, but Dylan's back was to her, so Mick says nothing yet about her presence.
"Stacy? What for?"
"So we can discuss what's going to change around here."
Dylan's eyes narrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Well apparently the Agency is watching you more closely than I thought. Taking you away from the ranch today without someone else was my fault. I didn't think they were going to pounce that quickly." Mick rocks a little on his heels. "So, I think from now on, we just make it a habit that where you go, Stacy goes. We need the eyes."
"What?!" Dylan shakes his head. "No way. I was gonna-" He cuts himself off short.
"You were gonna what?"
Dylan rolls his eyes. "Go into town on the weekend with Sparky."
Mick's eyebrows rise. "What for?"
"It's none of your business!"
"It is too!"
"To get a saddle, alright? You know - one of those things you put on a horse to ride?"
"You've got enough money for your own saddle?"
"Sparky's gonna let me work with his horses to earn..." Dylan stops and shakes his head again. "What's it to you?"
Mick sighs. Sparky did have a few of his own horses that he cared for alone. If he'd worked out a deal with Dylan, that was between them. Mick guessed he didn't care. But what he did care about was his son's safety. "Can we try to have a conversation where one of us isn't yelling for once?"
Dylan quiets his tone, but he was no less upset. "I'm not gonna walk around with some shadow all the time. It's bad enough I got her watching my every move while you're still breathing down my neck. Agency or not, some stupid know-it-all Elite agent isn't gonna tag along like a mommy watching her toddler. I'd rather be a prisoner in my bunk." He pauses with a smirk. "Oh wait... I already am."
Spinning on his heel to aim for his bunkhouse again, he almost runs right into Stacy. Surprise is quickly replaced by embarrassment, which is quickly replaced with ire. Red-faced, he glares at her before shouldering past.
Mick sighs and runs a hand over his face, only now starting to feel the sore spots. He looks at Stacy with weary apology. "I'm sorry. He's, um... upset. He almost got nabbed today at the auction. I guess 'father-son' time just isn't gonna happen."
4/21/11
Letter
Squinting at the top of the TV than at Tal, than the TV again Ryan shakes her head a little bit before looking back at Tal squinting still. Her nose all scrunched up too made it that much cuter.
"My eyes...my eyes...I can't see anymore...my ey..."
Ryan stops talking for a moment and gives a blink of her eyes before opening them a little more to see better.
"Oh there we go I guess it helps when I open my eyes huh?"
Chuckling again Ryan moves a little so Tal can get up and put the movie in before leaning against him when he sits again. Drifting off to sleep here and there on Tal when he gets up to leave Ryan knows its probably a good idea. Tomorrow would come to early again and sleep really was a must.
Following him outside to his car Ryan stuffs her hands in her pockets as she walks down the sidewalk. It was a little chilly out, but really not to bad. The warm weather would be here soon on a non stop bases and she really couldn't wait.
Stopping at his car and just listing to Tal for a moment Ryan raises one of her eyebrows at him. He's said it before to her, and now he was saying it again didn't he get the point if it bothered her any she would of probably told him already?
"I swear to goodness Tal, if you say that one more time I am going to sock you."
Ryan gives a chuckle and a shake of her head.
"If it bothered me I would of told you like I said before, so stop saying it ok? I got the point, you got the point across lets move on and just be happy now ok?"
Moving a little closer Ryan places a kiss on Tal's lips before pulling away but not to far and just smile up at him. In the moonlight his eyes seemed to shine more than normal.
Finding a twig on the pouch Karla picks it up and toss it at Kip so it lands in his hair softly to get his attachen as she tilted her head and looked at him sternly.
"You know darn well that will never happen Kip. In fact the guys wanted me to let you know they have a gig lined up and they would really like there bass player to be there. So I think you should call Kyle and talk to him. Everyone does miss you Kip, even me."
Continuing to look at him Karla's heart went out to him, though she was at her wits end on what to do. Kip wasn't recovering and it was getting more frustrating. She would abandon him in the least, but she just missed the real Kip.
"So, its nice out today. We should take a walk."
Walking the grounds Stacy looks up hearing a car coming up the path. Seeing it was just Mick's truck she continues to walk for now. They had made it back ok thats good. Stacy had been worried about them leaving without her but she was not going to stand in Mick's way if he didn't want it. She was just happy seeing them return.
Going around on of the barns she figured later she would get a hold of Mick and talk to him about a few things. He was probably tired now and wanting to get any horses he go inside and ready for tomorrow. He'd find her or she would talk to him a little later.
Dearest Cindy,
What perfect timing. I just happened to be able to sit down to the computer and I got your email. Gotta love how amazing God is like that. I'm sorry to hear things with Jason arnt getting any better, and everything else is going wrong. It pains me to know I am not there for you. Your a strong woman my love I know you can get thought this. Please let Jason know I said I was rooting for him. I will pray for you even more my dear love, and not a moment goes by I don't think of you and Kali as well. I miss you guys to death and hope to be home soon. I love you Cindy.
Love Always,
Wes
"My eyes...my eyes...I can't see anymore...my ey..."
Ryan stops talking for a moment and gives a blink of her eyes before opening them a little more to see better.
"Oh there we go I guess it helps when I open my eyes huh?"
Chuckling again Ryan moves a little so Tal can get up and put the movie in before leaning against him when he sits again. Drifting off to sleep here and there on Tal when he gets up to leave Ryan knows its probably a good idea. Tomorrow would come to early again and sleep really was a must.
Following him outside to his car Ryan stuffs her hands in her pockets as she walks down the sidewalk. It was a little chilly out, but really not to bad. The warm weather would be here soon on a non stop bases and she really couldn't wait.
Stopping at his car and just listing to Tal for a moment Ryan raises one of her eyebrows at him. He's said it before to her, and now he was saying it again didn't he get the point if it bothered her any she would of probably told him already?
"I swear to goodness Tal, if you say that one more time I am going to sock you."
Ryan gives a chuckle and a shake of her head.
"If it bothered me I would of told you like I said before, so stop saying it ok? I got the point, you got the point across lets move on and just be happy now ok?"
Moving a little closer Ryan places a kiss on Tal's lips before pulling away but not to far and just smile up at him. In the moonlight his eyes seemed to shine more than normal.
Finding a twig on the pouch Karla picks it up and toss it at Kip so it lands in his hair softly to get his attachen as she tilted her head and looked at him sternly.
"You know darn well that will never happen Kip. In fact the guys wanted me to let you know they have a gig lined up and they would really like there bass player to be there. So I think you should call Kyle and talk to him. Everyone does miss you Kip, even me."
Continuing to look at him Karla's heart went out to him, though she was at her wits end on what to do. Kip wasn't recovering and it was getting more frustrating. She would abandon him in the least, but she just missed the real Kip.
"So, its nice out today. We should take a walk."
Walking the grounds Stacy looks up hearing a car coming up the path. Seeing it was just Mick's truck she continues to walk for now. They had made it back ok thats good. Stacy had been worried about them leaving without her but she was not going to stand in Mick's way if he didn't want it. She was just happy seeing them return.
Going around on of the barns she figured later she would get a hold of Mick and talk to him about a few things. He was probably tired now and wanting to get any horses he go inside and ready for tomorrow. He'd find her or she would talk to him a little later.
Dearest Cindy,
What perfect timing. I just happened to be able to sit down to the computer and I got your email. Gotta love how amazing God is like that. I'm sorry to hear things with Jason arnt getting any better, and everything else is going wrong. It pains me to know I am not there for you. Your a strong woman my love I know you can get thought this. Please let Jason know I said I was rooting for him. I will pray for you even more my dear love, and not a moment goes by I don't think of you and Kali as well. I miss you guys to death and hope to be home soon. I love you Cindy.
Love Always,
Wes
4/20/11
Nabbed
Eli quirks an eyebrow at Ryan's response about Alec, but he doesn't comment. He wasn't too sure how she felt about all this - he just thought she should know about the court hearing. Even if Alec was her ex, it only seemed right that she know what happened to him.
Throwing her a smirk he gestures to the television where a DVD sat. "It's right there. Or have you gone blind?"
Tal grins and shakes his head. He could tell Ryan would rather move on from the subject of Alec right now, and he respected that. "Your brother is just lazy," he comments. Getting up from the couch, he puts the DVD in then comes back to his spot, flopping down a little harder than necessary, just to make Ryan bounce into him so he could "help" steady her by putting his arm around her. His grin remains as he retrieves his bowl of ice cream again and settles back with Ryan under his arm. "Ahh, now this is the life."
It was an enjoyable, peaceful evening. The movie was good and so was the company. Tal doesn't really want to leave when it's over - though that feeling wasn't new. He really did like hanging out over here. He liked Eli and he liked Ryan, and he never wanted to take their friendship for granted.
A little while later, he's ambling slowly to his car with Ryan walking him out. As he nears the parking lot, he gradually comes to a stop and slips his arm around her shoulders. "Ya know... I'm kinda growing fond of you."
He smiles down at her as they stand near the parking lot light. "Thanks for allowing me into your life. Getting to know you and Eli, it's... well, it's been a real blessing." Having started out with the intention of helping Ryan, he'd wound up with some unexpected benefits too.
He turns and lets his hand slide down her arm until his fingers reach hers. "I, um... I don't want you to ever feel pressured or that I want more out of this than you do..." He really meant it. He honestly didn't know where their relationship was going at this point, but he didn't want to seem like someone who had pounced as soon as Alec was out of the way. On the contrary, he just really wanted someone to treat Ryan right, so he'd decided to be that someone. "I mean, I know you and Alec are over, but I know it's not just as easy as saying that either." He shrugs. "I guess I just wanted to say that."
Kip glances up at Karla and eyes the pizza as his stomach rumbles. He'd skipped supper... it looked like she knew him too well.
Sitting up a little straighter, he accepts the slices and gives her a half a smile. "Thanks." Hearing everyone missed him, he shrugs and takes a bite of pizza. "I figure one of these days I won't show up and nobody'll notice."
He thumbs inside the house, moving on quickly since he knew Karla would chide him for that comment. "Looking at the paper today. Grocery store down a few blocks from here is hiring. Thought I might go check it out."
It didn't seem possible, how fast time went by. But without warning, a week was gone. The ranch was peaceful. There were ups and downs and daily trials, but nothing anyone could really complain about.
"Hey, Dylan?"
Dylan finishes tossing a shovelful of manure into the wheelbarrow before turning to see Mick in the stall doorway. They hadn't spoken much lately... Dylan really hadn't spoken much to anybody this last week or so. He'd been bored out of his mind while trying to recover from his fall, and finally yesterday Sparky let him back in the saddle - it had been a good ride without incident. That seemed to help his spirits some, and even if he said he hated cleaning stalls, he really didn't mind the job so much anymore, and he'd come to realize that it was better than sitting in his bunkhouse all day like he had been. He'd talked a little with Ashlee the last few days but it was mostly "hi" and "see you later" at mealtimes or in between. Now having Mick address him, Dylan's first thought was that he'd done something wrong. "Yeah?"
"I'm gonna go to a horse auction this afternoon." Mick leans on the doorway and shrugs. Though he was trying to be casual, he really wanted to find some kind of an open door to spend more time with his son. He wanted so badly to fix things between them, and apparently one or two family meals hadn't helped much. Or if they had, Dylan wasn't letting it show. "I... thought maybe since you were getting a little more interested in horses, you might like to tag along."
Dylan's eyebrows rise. His dad was inviting him to go with? Because of an interest in horses? Even after Mick found out he was riding, he'd made Sparky promise not to let Mick watch - he just liked it better that way. And yet Mick was still trying to spend time with him? Knowing his son didn't want him around hadn't thwarted him? Dylan finally shrugs. Actually, since he wasn't so scared anymore, going and seeing a whole bunch of horses was rather appealing. What would have terrified him a few months ago, now was something he thought he might actually like. "Maybe."
Mick gives him a little grin. "There's always a bunch of cute cowgirls," he prompts. "And besides, it'll get you out of here and out of work for half a day."
The first bribe was amusing and had definite appeal, but it was the second one that pushed Dylan over the edge. He hadn't been away from this place in how long? Yes, it would be nice to get away, even if it was with Mick and even if it was only for a few hours. "Okay." He turns back to cleaning the stall. "When are you going?"
"In about..." Mick looks at his watch. "Half an hour..."
...Dylan leans against the rail, watching another horse being brought into the ring and bid on. He and Mick had arrived about an hour ago and since then, Dylan had seen more horses than he had in his entire life. People were everywhere, horses were everywhere and the atmosphere was noisy and chaotic, yet almost exciting at the same time. He hadn't said a whole lot, but had simply tagged behind Mick, looking at horses and shrugging when asked his opinion. He had spotted a couple good looking horses, but hadn't said so - he'd rather just stand back and watch. Now looking around the milling crowd, he elbows Mick. "I'm gonna go get something to drink."
"Yeah, sure." Mick's eyes take a quick sweep of the indoor arena. "I'll either be here or up in that second row."
Dylan nods and heads through the mass of people towards the food stand he'd seen outside earlier. Once there, it seems to take forever to get through the line but he finally gets the Pepsi he really wanted. Taking a short swig, he aims back to the crowded entrance. Without warning, a big man seems to appear out of nowhere and Dylan runs right into him. His newly bought drink goes flying and spills out onto the ground.
Quickly getting over his surprise, he looks up with a glare, irritated that he'd wasted all that time and money and now he'd have to go right back again. But instead of just one man now, there are two. He's about to ask them what their problem is but is cut short as one of the men takes him by the shoulder.
"It's your dad," the man directs gruffly and steers Dylan towards the corner of the large barn. "He told us to come get you."
"Dad? But..." Dylan realizes now he's been pushed by both of them. Who were they? What was the hurry? Why would his dad send them anyway? He'd only been gone ten minutes. "He's inside," he argues. He tries to plant his feet, but continues to be pushed.
"No, no, he came out back. Something about a horse," the second man explains. "Just around this corner here."
Turning the corner of the barn, it's much quieter as there was no auction activity at this end right now. One could think no event was happening at all if it weren't for the grassy lot full of parked pickups and horse trailers. But it wasn't the trailers that Dylan saw. It was a van parked up by the road with the side door wide open. And immediately, fear courses through his veins.
Spinning around, he tries to bolt, but the men are too fast and grab him harder, becoming rougher with him. "Let me go!" he yells. Dragging his feet, he tries to kick or hit, but they are far stronger than he. A big hand is clamped over his mouth as he starts to scream and he winds up being dragged backward towards the road. In one last effort, he manages to rip himself loose, only to be tripped and wind up on the ground with a heavy boot pinning him down. Still fighting as he's yanked to his feet, the knuckles that slam into his face are enough to disorient him and the taste of blood enters his mouth. A blow to his eye would have sent him to the ground again had he not been caught and pulled again towards the van.
Back inside the barn, Mick takes his eyes off the arena to glance at his watch. He knew there'd been a line outside, but shouldn't Dylan have been back by now? If he left to look for him and Dylan came back, they could miss each other in this crowd. But then... Mick had a funny feeling that leaving his post would be the best option. He didn't think Dylan would run off from here but... maybe it would be better to be safe than sorry. Stacy hadn't wanted him to come with Dylan without anyone else, but he'd insisted on some alone time with his son. That didn't mean he wouldn't be cautions now though.
Making his way outside, he looks at the line to the food stand but doesn't find Dylan. Had he gone to the truck for something? Wandering around the corner of the barn to head for the pickup, Mick glances down the rows of vehicles, planning on going to the far side of the barn and then through the back to return to the arena. But halfway there, he stops dead in his tracks. Black van. Open door. Two thugs. And Dylan. Without even thinking, Mick breaks into a sprint. "Dylan!"
The two men look over their shoulders and pause, almost at the van. "Crap. It's Henson."
"What do we do?"
"Get the kid in the van. Finish the job."
Though they try to close the gap between them and the van, Dylan knew Mick was coming and he tries all the harder to break loose. Giving all he has, he kicks and yells and tries to rip his arms loose. Suddenly he's let go and he stumbles to his knees, realizing that Mick had just plowed into the larger of the two men. He really isn't sure what happens next, but looking up and squinting, he sees Mick giving the thugs a run for their money. Too weak to assist, all he can do is wait for the opportunity to trip one of the men and send him to the ground. It was enough to convince the men that this wasn't worth it anymore - they were creating a scene to which there were now many witnesses.
"Let's get out of here, come on!"
Holding himself on his hands and knees and trying just to breathe, Dylan sees the men make it to the van and speed off down the road.
Adrenaline still races through Mick's veins. He didn't even notice his cuts and bruises that he'd feel later. Heart pounding, he kneels next to Dylan, putting a hand on his back. "Dylan... Dylan, are you okay?"
Dylan isn't even sure. Turning so he could sit on the ground, it's only now that he realizes his hands are shaking. "I... I don't know. Who were those guys?"
Mick grits his teeth. Though he had no proof, he knew that this wasn't just some random kidnapping attempt. He could feel it to his very core. "Agency."
A chill runs down Dylan's spine and all of a sudden he starts to feel pain in his face and knees from where he'd been hit and had fallen. "I guess I'm an easy target," he mutters.
"Come on." Mick helps him to his feet. "Lets get out of here before anybody comes back and tries anything more stupid." There was no point in calling the police - not this time.
Dylan obeys and follows Mick closely until they reach the ranch truck. They'd be pulling home an empty trailer today and amongst everything else he was feeling, Dylan felt guilty. Sliding in the passenger side and buckling up, his eyes are downcast. "I'm sorry," he mumbles.
Mick lifts an eyebrow and starts the engine. "For what?"
"Ruining the day."
"Well it certainly wasn't your fault." Mick shakes his head in disgust. "It's the almighty, arrogant-" He bites his tongue from the names he was about to call the thugs. "You have nothing to be sorry for."
"You didn't get any horses."
"So?" Mick cocks his head and gives Dylan a once-over, noticing the grass-stained jeans, the bruises that were quickly forming on his face, and the split lip that was still bleeding. His tone softens a little. "Dylan..."
Dylan swallows hard but finally glances up. "What?"
"It's not. Your. Fault." Mick nods with emphasis. He wasn't really sure why Dylan was blaming himself for anything - it didn't seem to make much sense, but he didn't want his son to feel that way, no matter how silly it seemed to him. "I'm just glad I came when I did." He pulls a bandanna from his back pocket and gestures to Dylan's lip.
Dylan hadn't realized his lip was still bleeding until now when he licks it and tastes the blood. Accepting the bandanna, he puts it to his mouth before leaning his head against the window and turning his gaze away from Mick. Maybe it wasn't his fault. But there were far worse feelings than that... and he was feeling them now.
The lapse into silence makes Mick sigh but he pulls the pickup from their parking spot. Flexing his fingers, he knows they're going to be sore later, as would the rest of his body, probably. It used to be he could get in three brawls a day and hardly feel it. Not so anymore...
...Getting back to the ranch, Dylan insists he's fine and puts up such an argument that Mick doesn't make him go to Angel. The tension in the air was getting thicker and he really didn't want to make things worse. So he leaves Dylan to himself while he goes to the office to find Rosetta and let her know what happened, then to find Stacy.
Dylan trudges to the dining hall in search of some ice, not intending on seeing anyone, but it looked as though his bad luck was staying around.
"Dylan? Oh my goodness, what happened?" Jade had just come from cleaning one of the back rooms, and her eyes widen ad Dylan's appearance. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Dylan shoulders past her. "It was nothing."
"Nothing? You've got a huge black eye and your lip is all swollen... what happened?"
"What does it look like?"
"It looks like you've been in a fight."
Dylan keeps walking towards the kitchen and he waves a hand in the air. "Three points for the genius sister."
Jade's eyes narrow. "Very funny." She follows him, not yet giving up. "So how did it happen? Are you sure you're okay?"
Dylan stops in his tracks and spins around to glare his sister in the eye. "I said I was fine," he hisses. "Some guys thought they'd use me as a punching bag, alright? It doesn't matter how it happened - just leave me alone!"
Jade blinks as she watches Dylan go to the freezer and find some ice to put in a bag. She hadn't meant to nag... she only asked him questions because she cared. She bites her lip and turns to leave. She'd find out later, she guessed.
Dylan presses the cold pack to his eye and sighs deeply. Wandering into the living room area, he flops down on the couch and leans back, keeping the ice on his eye. He should go to his bunk, but he didn't feel like walking there right now.
A tear trickles down Cindy's face and she brushes it away angrily before setting her hands back on her keyboard. She hated this. She hated all of it.
My dearest Wes,
I'll soon be going to Nevada for a short while. I've received word from Rick at TJY that Jason is not improving - instead, it seems, he is growing worse. Rick and Misty are doing all they can, but it's not looking good. Unless they find a cure, Rick doesn't give Jason much more time to live. That is why I am going... to see my son for perhaps the last time. I will leave Kaylee at the ranch. I don't want to be separated from her, but I think it best for this trip. If you get this, please pray for me. I love you and think of you every moment of every day.
Love, Cindy
Throwing her a smirk he gestures to the television where a DVD sat. "It's right there. Or have you gone blind?"
Tal grins and shakes his head. He could tell Ryan would rather move on from the subject of Alec right now, and he respected that. "Your brother is just lazy," he comments. Getting up from the couch, he puts the DVD in then comes back to his spot, flopping down a little harder than necessary, just to make Ryan bounce into him so he could "help" steady her by putting his arm around her. His grin remains as he retrieves his bowl of ice cream again and settles back with Ryan under his arm. "Ahh, now this is the life."
It was an enjoyable, peaceful evening. The movie was good and so was the company. Tal doesn't really want to leave when it's over - though that feeling wasn't new. He really did like hanging out over here. He liked Eli and he liked Ryan, and he never wanted to take their friendship for granted.
A little while later, he's ambling slowly to his car with Ryan walking him out. As he nears the parking lot, he gradually comes to a stop and slips his arm around her shoulders. "Ya know... I'm kinda growing fond of you."
He smiles down at her as they stand near the parking lot light. "Thanks for allowing me into your life. Getting to know you and Eli, it's... well, it's been a real blessing." Having started out with the intention of helping Ryan, he'd wound up with some unexpected benefits too.
He turns and lets his hand slide down her arm until his fingers reach hers. "I, um... I don't want you to ever feel pressured or that I want more out of this than you do..." He really meant it. He honestly didn't know where their relationship was going at this point, but he didn't want to seem like someone who had pounced as soon as Alec was out of the way. On the contrary, he just really wanted someone to treat Ryan right, so he'd decided to be that someone. "I mean, I know you and Alec are over, but I know it's not just as easy as saying that either." He shrugs. "I guess I just wanted to say that."
Kip glances up at Karla and eyes the pizza as his stomach rumbles. He'd skipped supper... it looked like she knew him too well.
Sitting up a little straighter, he accepts the slices and gives her a half a smile. "Thanks." Hearing everyone missed him, he shrugs and takes a bite of pizza. "I figure one of these days I won't show up and nobody'll notice."
He thumbs inside the house, moving on quickly since he knew Karla would chide him for that comment. "Looking at the paper today. Grocery store down a few blocks from here is hiring. Thought I might go check it out."
It didn't seem possible, how fast time went by. But without warning, a week was gone. The ranch was peaceful. There were ups and downs and daily trials, but nothing anyone could really complain about.
"Hey, Dylan?"
Dylan finishes tossing a shovelful of manure into the wheelbarrow before turning to see Mick in the stall doorway. They hadn't spoken much lately... Dylan really hadn't spoken much to anybody this last week or so. He'd been bored out of his mind while trying to recover from his fall, and finally yesterday Sparky let him back in the saddle - it had been a good ride without incident. That seemed to help his spirits some, and even if he said he hated cleaning stalls, he really didn't mind the job so much anymore, and he'd come to realize that it was better than sitting in his bunkhouse all day like he had been. He'd talked a little with Ashlee the last few days but it was mostly "hi" and "see you later" at mealtimes or in between. Now having Mick address him, Dylan's first thought was that he'd done something wrong. "Yeah?"
"I'm gonna go to a horse auction this afternoon." Mick leans on the doorway and shrugs. Though he was trying to be casual, he really wanted to find some kind of an open door to spend more time with his son. He wanted so badly to fix things between them, and apparently one or two family meals hadn't helped much. Or if they had, Dylan wasn't letting it show. "I... thought maybe since you were getting a little more interested in horses, you might like to tag along."
Dylan's eyebrows rise. His dad was inviting him to go with? Because of an interest in horses? Even after Mick found out he was riding, he'd made Sparky promise not to let Mick watch - he just liked it better that way. And yet Mick was still trying to spend time with him? Knowing his son didn't want him around hadn't thwarted him? Dylan finally shrugs. Actually, since he wasn't so scared anymore, going and seeing a whole bunch of horses was rather appealing. What would have terrified him a few months ago, now was something he thought he might actually like. "Maybe."
Mick gives him a little grin. "There's always a bunch of cute cowgirls," he prompts. "And besides, it'll get you out of here and out of work for half a day."
The first bribe was amusing and had definite appeal, but it was the second one that pushed Dylan over the edge. He hadn't been away from this place in how long? Yes, it would be nice to get away, even if it was with Mick and even if it was only for a few hours. "Okay." He turns back to cleaning the stall. "When are you going?"
"In about..." Mick looks at his watch. "Half an hour..."
...Dylan leans against the rail, watching another horse being brought into the ring and bid on. He and Mick had arrived about an hour ago and since then, Dylan had seen more horses than he had in his entire life. People were everywhere, horses were everywhere and the atmosphere was noisy and chaotic, yet almost exciting at the same time. He hadn't said a whole lot, but had simply tagged behind Mick, looking at horses and shrugging when asked his opinion. He had spotted a couple good looking horses, but hadn't said so - he'd rather just stand back and watch. Now looking around the milling crowd, he elbows Mick. "I'm gonna go get something to drink."
"Yeah, sure." Mick's eyes take a quick sweep of the indoor arena. "I'll either be here or up in that second row."
Dylan nods and heads through the mass of people towards the food stand he'd seen outside earlier. Once there, it seems to take forever to get through the line but he finally gets the Pepsi he really wanted. Taking a short swig, he aims back to the crowded entrance. Without warning, a big man seems to appear out of nowhere and Dylan runs right into him. His newly bought drink goes flying and spills out onto the ground.
Quickly getting over his surprise, he looks up with a glare, irritated that he'd wasted all that time and money and now he'd have to go right back again. But instead of just one man now, there are two. He's about to ask them what their problem is but is cut short as one of the men takes him by the shoulder.
"It's your dad," the man directs gruffly and steers Dylan towards the corner of the large barn. "He told us to come get you."
"Dad? But..." Dylan realizes now he's been pushed by both of them. Who were they? What was the hurry? Why would his dad send them anyway? He'd only been gone ten minutes. "He's inside," he argues. He tries to plant his feet, but continues to be pushed.
"No, no, he came out back. Something about a horse," the second man explains. "Just around this corner here."
Turning the corner of the barn, it's much quieter as there was no auction activity at this end right now. One could think no event was happening at all if it weren't for the grassy lot full of parked pickups and horse trailers. But it wasn't the trailers that Dylan saw. It was a van parked up by the road with the side door wide open. And immediately, fear courses through his veins.
Spinning around, he tries to bolt, but the men are too fast and grab him harder, becoming rougher with him. "Let me go!" he yells. Dragging his feet, he tries to kick or hit, but they are far stronger than he. A big hand is clamped over his mouth as he starts to scream and he winds up being dragged backward towards the road. In one last effort, he manages to rip himself loose, only to be tripped and wind up on the ground with a heavy boot pinning him down. Still fighting as he's yanked to his feet, the knuckles that slam into his face are enough to disorient him and the taste of blood enters his mouth. A blow to his eye would have sent him to the ground again had he not been caught and pulled again towards the van.
Back inside the barn, Mick takes his eyes off the arena to glance at his watch. He knew there'd been a line outside, but shouldn't Dylan have been back by now? If he left to look for him and Dylan came back, they could miss each other in this crowd. But then... Mick had a funny feeling that leaving his post would be the best option. He didn't think Dylan would run off from here but... maybe it would be better to be safe than sorry. Stacy hadn't wanted him to come with Dylan without anyone else, but he'd insisted on some alone time with his son. That didn't mean he wouldn't be cautions now though.
Making his way outside, he looks at the line to the food stand but doesn't find Dylan. Had he gone to the truck for something? Wandering around the corner of the barn to head for the pickup, Mick glances down the rows of vehicles, planning on going to the far side of the barn and then through the back to return to the arena. But halfway there, he stops dead in his tracks. Black van. Open door. Two thugs. And Dylan. Without even thinking, Mick breaks into a sprint. "Dylan!"
The two men look over their shoulders and pause, almost at the van. "Crap. It's Henson."
"What do we do?"
"Get the kid in the van. Finish the job."
Though they try to close the gap between them and the van, Dylan knew Mick was coming and he tries all the harder to break loose. Giving all he has, he kicks and yells and tries to rip his arms loose. Suddenly he's let go and he stumbles to his knees, realizing that Mick had just plowed into the larger of the two men. He really isn't sure what happens next, but looking up and squinting, he sees Mick giving the thugs a run for their money. Too weak to assist, all he can do is wait for the opportunity to trip one of the men and send him to the ground. It was enough to convince the men that this wasn't worth it anymore - they were creating a scene to which there were now many witnesses.
"Let's get out of here, come on!"
Holding himself on his hands and knees and trying just to breathe, Dylan sees the men make it to the van and speed off down the road.
Adrenaline still races through Mick's veins. He didn't even notice his cuts and bruises that he'd feel later. Heart pounding, he kneels next to Dylan, putting a hand on his back. "Dylan... Dylan, are you okay?"
Dylan isn't even sure. Turning so he could sit on the ground, it's only now that he realizes his hands are shaking. "I... I don't know. Who were those guys?"
Mick grits his teeth. Though he had no proof, he knew that this wasn't just some random kidnapping attempt. He could feel it to his very core. "Agency."
A chill runs down Dylan's spine and all of a sudden he starts to feel pain in his face and knees from where he'd been hit and had fallen. "I guess I'm an easy target," he mutters.
"Come on." Mick helps him to his feet. "Lets get out of here before anybody comes back and tries anything more stupid." There was no point in calling the police - not this time.
Dylan obeys and follows Mick closely until they reach the ranch truck. They'd be pulling home an empty trailer today and amongst everything else he was feeling, Dylan felt guilty. Sliding in the passenger side and buckling up, his eyes are downcast. "I'm sorry," he mumbles.
Mick lifts an eyebrow and starts the engine. "For what?"
"Ruining the day."
"Well it certainly wasn't your fault." Mick shakes his head in disgust. "It's the almighty, arrogant-" He bites his tongue from the names he was about to call the thugs. "You have nothing to be sorry for."
"You didn't get any horses."
"So?" Mick cocks his head and gives Dylan a once-over, noticing the grass-stained jeans, the bruises that were quickly forming on his face, and the split lip that was still bleeding. His tone softens a little. "Dylan..."
Dylan swallows hard but finally glances up. "What?"
"It's not. Your. Fault." Mick nods with emphasis. He wasn't really sure why Dylan was blaming himself for anything - it didn't seem to make much sense, but he didn't want his son to feel that way, no matter how silly it seemed to him. "I'm just glad I came when I did." He pulls a bandanna from his back pocket and gestures to Dylan's lip.
Dylan hadn't realized his lip was still bleeding until now when he licks it and tastes the blood. Accepting the bandanna, he puts it to his mouth before leaning his head against the window and turning his gaze away from Mick. Maybe it wasn't his fault. But there were far worse feelings than that... and he was feeling them now.
The lapse into silence makes Mick sigh but he pulls the pickup from their parking spot. Flexing his fingers, he knows they're going to be sore later, as would the rest of his body, probably. It used to be he could get in three brawls a day and hardly feel it. Not so anymore...
...Getting back to the ranch, Dylan insists he's fine and puts up such an argument that Mick doesn't make him go to Angel. The tension in the air was getting thicker and he really didn't want to make things worse. So he leaves Dylan to himself while he goes to the office to find Rosetta and let her know what happened, then to find Stacy.
Dylan trudges to the dining hall in search of some ice, not intending on seeing anyone, but it looked as though his bad luck was staying around.
"Dylan? Oh my goodness, what happened?" Jade had just come from cleaning one of the back rooms, and her eyes widen ad Dylan's appearance. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Dylan shoulders past her. "It was nothing."
"Nothing? You've got a huge black eye and your lip is all swollen... what happened?"
"What does it look like?"
"It looks like you've been in a fight."
Dylan keeps walking towards the kitchen and he waves a hand in the air. "Three points for the genius sister."
Jade's eyes narrow. "Very funny." She follows him, not yet giving up. "So how did it happen? Are you sure you're okay?"
Dylan stops in his tracks and spins around to glare his sister in the eye. "I said I was fine," he hisses. "Some guys thought they'd use me as a punching bag, alright? It doesn't matter how it happened - just leave me alone!"
Jade blinks as she watches Dylan go to the freezer and find some ice to put in a bag. She hadn't meant to nag... she only asked him questions because she cared. She bites her lip and turns to leave. She'd find out later, she guessed.
Dylan presses the cold pack to his eye and sighs deeply. Wandering into the living room area, he flops down on the couch and leans back, keeping the ice on his eye. He should go to his bunk, but he didn't feel like walking there right now.
A tear trickles down Cindy's face and she brushes it away angrily before setting her hands back on her keyboard. She hated this. She hated all of it.
My dearest Wes,
I'll soon be going to Nevada for a short while. I've received word from Rick at TJY that Jason is not improving - instead, it seems, he is growing worse. Rick and Misty are doing all they can, but it's not looking good. Unless they find a cure, Rick doesn't give Jason much more time to live. That is why I am going... to see my son for perhaps the last time. I will leave Kaylee at the ranch. I don't want to be separated from her, but I think it best for this trip. If you get this, please pray for me. I love you and think of you every moment of every day.
Love, Cindy
4/19/11
Count on it
Letting out a long sigh Karla looks down at the paper for a long moment. She understood why the band would be moving forward with or without Kip. It wasn't like the band was trying to leave him in the dust, they were giving him a choose and he was just hanging in limbo. It made Karla sad because she new this was something Kip love. She could only hope telling him about the gig would get him motivated.
...Getting to Gram and Gramp's Karla enters without even knocking. She has learned quickly there was no need to knock anymore. Passing the living room she smiles and gives a little wave before heading up the steps a few slices of pizza from the brand practice in her hand.
Giving a knockComing to Kip's door Karla lets out a small sigh seeing it closed. It really didn't surprise her that it was. That was the normal now, the door wasn't locked but it was still closed to the world. on the door and than opening it Karla steps in.
"Hey Kip it's just me."
Entering and seeing Kip wasn't there Karla was a bit surprised but she new where else to look for him. Going back down the steps and heading out to the back porch Karla smile seeing him. Coming out and sitting on the top steps next to him she holds out the pizza.
"Figured I would bring you a few slices since there there was some extra. Everyone missed you today."
Taking the bowl of ice cream from Eli Ryan moves a little closer to Tal again folding her legs Indian style and leaning on him slightly. Hearing what Eli said about Alec she found it strange that Reese would call him, but Ryan figured it might be the only way a message about Alec would get to her.
"With any luck he wont be stupid that people are trying to help him and let them, but I wouldn't count on it."
Putting a spoon full of ice cream in her own mouth Ryan looks ahead at the TV. Nothing really good was on but it was something to focus on for the moment. She put up a good act of not caring to much what happened to Alec but deep down she really did wish he would smarten up. Not for her, but for himself. He really did have a lot to offer the world.
Finally looking to Eli and than to Tal she rolls her eyes a little bit. Maybe the conversation should move on? She wasn't sure if Tal and herself were more than friends but they have been spending lots of time together so talking about an ex was kind of strange.
"So, did you guys remember to pick up the movie or am I stuck watching one I've seen a million times?"
...Getting to Gram and Gramp's Karla enters without even knocking. She has learned quickly there was no need to knock anymore. Passing the living room she smiles and gives a little wave before heading up the steps a few slices of pizza from the brand practice in her hand.
Giving a knockComing to Kip's door Karla lets out a small sigh seeing it closed. It really didn't surprise her that it was. That was the normal now, the door wasn't locked but it was still closed to the world. on the door and than opening it Karla steps in.
"Hey Kip it's just me."
Entering and seeing Kip wasn't there Karla was a bit surprised but she new where else to look for him. Going back down the steps and heading out to the back porch Karla smile seeing him. Coming out and sitting on the top steps next to him she holds out the pizza.
"Figured I would bring you a few slices since there there was some extra. Everyone missed you today."
Taking the bowl of ice cream from Eli Ryan moves a little closer to Tal again folding her legs Indian style and leaning on him slightly. Hearing what Eli said about Alec she found it strange that Reese would call him, but Ryan figured it might be the only way a message about Alec would get to her.
"With any luck he wont be stupid that people are trying to help him and let them, but I wouldn't count on it."
Putting a spoon full of ice cream in her own mouth Ryan looks ahead at the TV. Nothing really good was on but it was something to focus on for the moment. She put up a good act of not caring to much what happened to Alec but deep down she really did wish he would smarten up. Not for her, but for himself. He really did have a lot to offer the world.
Finally looking to Eli and than to Tal she rolls her eyes a little bit. Maybe the conversation should move on? She wasn't sure if Tal and herself were more than friends but they have been spending lots of time together so talking about an ex was kind of strange.
"So, did you guys remember to pick up the movie or am I stuck watching one I've seen a million times?"
4/17/11
A right
Kyle sighs deeply, but he did respect Karla's response. "Yeah... I know it. It's just kinda hard when it's always a one-sided conversation." He purses his lips and shrugs. "I can try again though."
"And if he still doesn't give you an answer?" It was Erik who spoke this time.
Kyle looks his way, then back to Karla for a long moment, then back to Erik. "Then we continue with the forward momentum we've been provided."
Russ frowns. "I thought we weren't going to leave him behind."
"There's a difference between leaving a man behind when he's down, and moving on when a man refuses to make a choice." Kyle didn't want to be harsh, but to him, it was the truth. He was staring at a group of people whose futures were riding on this band's survival, and they were looking to him as their leader. If he held back because of Kip, he would potentially be holding back the futures of the entire band, and he couldn't do that.
"But if he doesn't come and we leave him in the dust, where's that leave us?" Russ shakes his head. "Where's the bass player then?"
"Well, it could be you, Erik or Twila, really. Or we find someone else. None of us want that, but Wayne and Jackie aren't gonna take "no" for an answer. If we back out of the gigs they line up because we don't have it together, they're gonna drop us. And if they drop us, then we all better start looking for jobs."
The final note is a grim one. Band meetings usually ended with laughter, so tonight, it felt strange. But as the gang splits up until the next day, not much more is said. Perhaps Kyle's own words didn't set right with him, but nobody argued or accused him of being too harsh. Tonight, they had begun to face reality.
Kip sits out on the back porch at Gram and Gramp's - his usual perch on the middle step with his legs stretched out across it. Leaning his head back against the railing, he could make out a few stars, and the moon shone brightly tonight. Things seemed a little dimmer than that in his soul though. If asked to describe the days lately, he might have said it was like wading through mud. It was slow... hard... and he seemed to be getting nowhere.
Readjusting his weight so his leg didn't fall asleep, he keeps his hands in his hoodie pocket and his hood up around his head to thwart the chilly night air. He didn't know what time it was, but he didn't really care. Time didn't seem to matter much lately.
An old man... Jason hadn't thought much about that until now when Katie mentioned it. He'd never had much use for looking that far into the future. Now though... it seemed ironic that he would want to become old.
Sighing, he lets his arms wrap around Katie and just hold her close. It was strange - it was almost as if he felt her tears more now than he could have when they were connected. Perhaps without feeling so many emotions all the time, his instincts had room to breathe again.
It was only a few more moments until Jason had drifted to sleep.
"Got a call from Reese today..." Eli hands a bowl of ice cream to Ryan and one to Tal on the couch. He picks up his own and settles into his chair before turning the movie back on. Scarlet was busy tonight, so it was the threesome again, which was growing more and more normal.
Eli eyes his sister but remains casual. "I guess Alec's got a hearing this week that'll probably help determine whether he'll walk or be put in the slammer for life."
Tal sucks on a spoonful of ice cream, remaining outside of the conversation, even though the corner of his eye kept watch on Ryan. Even if she and Alec weren't an item anymore, it probably didn't feel very good to her to hear about all this. Not that he blamed Eli - Ryan had a right to know.
"And if he still doesn't give you an answer?" It was Erik who spoke this time.
Kyle looks his way, then back to Karla for a long moment, then back to Erik. "Then we continue with the forward momentum we've been provided."
Russ frowns. "I thought we weren't going to leave him behind."
"There's a difference between leaving a man behind when he's down, and moving on when a man refuses to make a choice." Kyle didn't want to be harsh, but to him, it was the truth. He was staring at a group of people whose futures were riding on this band's survival, and they were looking to him as their leader. If he held back because of Kip, he would potentially be holding back the futures of the entire band, and he couldn't do that.
"But if he doesn't come and we leave him in the dust, where's that leave us?" Russ shakes his head. "Where's the bass player then?"
"Well, it could be you, Erik or Twila, really. Or we find someone else. None of us want that, but Wayne and Jackie aren't gonna take "no" for an answer. If we back out of the gigs they line up because we don't have it together, they're gonna drop us. And if they drop us, then we all better start looking for jobs."
The final note is a grim one. Band meetings usually ended with laughter, so tonight, it felt strange. But as the gang splits up until the next day, not much more is said. Perhaps Kyle's own words didn't set right with him, but nobody argued or accused him of being too harsh. Tonight, they had begun to face reality.
Kip sits out on the back porch at Gram and Gramp's - his usual perch on the middle step with his legs stretched out across it. Leaning his head back against the railing, he could make out a few stars, and the moon shone brightly tonight. Things seemed a little dimmer than that in his soul though. If asked to describe the days lately, he might have said it was like wading through mud. It was slow... hard... and he seemed to be getting nowhere.
Readjusting his weight so his leg didn't fall asleep, he keeps his hands in his hoodie pocket and his hood up around his head to thwart the chilly night air. He didn't know what time it was, but he didn't really care. Time didn't seem to matter much lately.
An old man... Jason hadn't thought much about that until now when Katie mentioned it. He'd never had much use for looking that far into the future. Now though... it seemed ironic that he would want to become old.
Sighing, he lets his arms wrap around Katie and just hold her close. It was strange - it was almost as if he felt her tears more now than he could have when they were connected. Perhaps without feeling so many emotions all the time, his instincts had room to breathe again.
It was only a few more moments until Jason had drifted to sleep.
"Got a call from Reese today..." Eli hands a bowl of ice cream to Ryan and one to Tal on the couch. He picks up his own and settles into his chair before turning the movie back on. Scarlet was busy tonight, so it was the threesome again, which was growing more and more normal.
Eli eyes his sister but remains casual. "I guess Alec's got a hearing this week that'll probably help determine whether he'll walk or be put in the slammer for life."
Tal sucks on a spoonful of ice cream, remaining outside of the conversation, even though the corner of his eye kept watch on Ryan. Even if she and Alec weren't an item anymore, it probably didn't feel very good to her to hear about all this. Not that he blamed Eli - Ryan had a right to know.
Tears
Hearing that the band would be opening for another made Karla's heart race as she penciled them in one the little calendar they had to keep tract of practice, events, going to the recording studio. She felt excited for the band and couldn't wait. But as the attachen was reverted to her at the mention of Kip She could feel her cheeks turn a little warm. He was missing out on a lot, and no matter how hard she tried. She felt bad, and wished she could do more, but all she could do was just comfort him and be there.
"I'll let him know about the gig, and see if he is up for it, but really Kyle any more information than that you need to ask Kip yourself and not avoid it. He needs to tell you, not me and than have me relay it. I'd tell him the same thing too."
Karla really felt it was important for Kyle to go to Kip, or Kip to come to the band. To many lines could be crossed if there was a middle person and thats something she really didn't want out of respect for both of them. She just hope Kip would be ok, and he'd find his place again. There was so much talent there just waiting to burst forward it hurt to see him holding it all back.
Leaning her head into Jason's hand Katie just lets his skin drift over hers. The feeling of his soft finger tips brush over her skin. She loved the way his hands felt on her, the way let sent tingles all over her body. Looking deep into his eyes as his hands just seemed to sooth her Katie gave the best smile she could.
As Jason starts to talk again she could feel the tears automatically welling in her eyes a little. She tried to hold them at bay as much as she could. She didn't like thinking about life without Jason, and she wished he wasn't even talking like this right now.
"Well, you wont have to worry about it because Rick will find a cure, and you will be ok and go on to be an old man."
She new there was a chance Rick might now but Katie believed that he would, he had too. Rick couldn't let Jason give up, and couldn't give up on him either. There just had to be a cure...God couldn't let this be Jason's end.
Burying her head into Jason a little more so he couldn't see the tears that wanted to escape her eyes Katie held him close to her. They were right next to each other and she felt like she wasn't close enough to him. Time was to short and it just wasn't fair.
"I'll let him know about the gig, and see if he is up for it, but really Kyle any more information than that you need to ask Kip yourself and not avoid it. He needs to tell you, not me and than have me relay it. I'd tell him the same thing too."
Karla really felt it was important for Kyle to go to Kip, or Kip to come to the band. To many lines could be crossed if there was a middle person and thats something she really didn't want out of respect for both of them. She just hope Kip would be ok, and he'd find his place again. There was so much talent there just waiting to burst forward it hurt to see him holding it all back.
Leaning her head into Jason's hand Katie just lets his skin drift over hers. The feeling of his soft finger tips brush over her skin. She loved the way his hands felt on her, the way let sent tingles all over her body. Looking deep into his eyes as his hands just seemed to sooth her Katie gave the best smile she could.
As Jason starts to talk again she could feel the tears automatically welling in her eyes a little. She tried to hold them at bay as much as she could. She didn't like thinking about life without Jason, and she wished he wasn't even talking like this right now.
"Well, you wont have to worry about it because Rick will find a cure, and you will be ok and go on to be an old man."
She new there was a chance Rick might now but Katie believed that he would, he had too. Rick couldn't let Jason give up, and couldn't give up on him either. There just had to be a cure...God couldn't let this be Jason's end.
Burying her head into Jason a little more so he couldn't see the tears that wanted to escape her eyes Katie held him close to her. They were right next to each other and she felt like she wasn't close enough to him. Time was to short and it just wasn't fair.
4/16/11
Please
Kyle grins and gives Alice's hand a squeeze. He'd just brought her back to drop her off, but an impromptu trip for ice cream seemed to be a very good idea. "That sounds great."
He leans over and gives her lips a long, tender kiss. "You always have the great ideas... especially those involving sugar."
Laughing, he turns the engine back on again and pulls out once more. On the way, maybe he'd swing by the little park where he'd spent hours as a little kid, and where he'd received his first skinned knee after falling off a swing...
...It would be much later when the band would gather at Erik and Theo's apartment. On nights they couldn't actually practice because of the other tenants, they always wound up talking about new songs, what they would change about such-and-such song, how they'd arrange things onstage... the list went on. They couldn't help it - the band was their love... their lives.
"Oooh, we get to open for Skyline?" Theo's eyes widen. "That's awesome! I mean, we've had fun at these few little parties and charities, but this will be an actual concert!"
"Way cool." Russ nods his approval. "All we gotta do is impress the right person sometime and wham! We'll be outta here!"
Kyle grins and leans back in the corner of the couch with Alice. "Yeah, I thought it sounded pretty good myself. Wayne seemed pleased. Might not be huge to him, but it is for us."
Twila claps her hands. "Getting onstage is gonna feel great."
Kyle's fingers absentmindedly toy with Alice's on his lap. "There's just... one problem."
Erik was the first to know what he was talking about, and his shoulders drop a little. "Kip."
All eyes seem to automatically turn in Karla's direction. Kyle gives her the best kind of smile he can. He'd called her specifically tonight to come. He usually didn't... Wayne and Jackie were handling any engagements and business deals until they got a fuller schedule, and Karla didn't have a whole lot to do with managing, per say. Technically, it was Wayne and Jackie's job right now, though the whole band knew that once they started having an actual schedule, they'd be relying on Karla to keep them all straight and going in the right direction. So tonight, Kyle's reason for wanting her there was two-fold. First, he respected her and wanted her in on anything happening. And second, she was the open door to Kip.
"I... didn't bother calling Kip yet," Kyle admits to her. "He's been avoiding band meetings and I was pretty sure he'd turn down this one too. I... we... need to find out what Kip's plans really are. We all want him here, as you well know. But he won't talk to the rest of us about anything but the weather, it seems." He sighs, but retains his smile. "Would you mind letting him know we've got this gig coming up and... find out if he's on board or not?"
"I'm okay." Jason really was... he wasn't good, but he'd had worse days too. His eyes study Katie's, remembering what it felt like to see them, fall into them, and feel her little tugs on his emotions to make him laugh.
Lifting a hand, he brushes her hair aside and cradles her face tenderly. "Rick was here to check on me and make sure everything was alright." He was so tired right now... his body wanted to sleep so badly, but his mind fought against it.
"Katie..." His tone was soft, but serious. "If... if Rick can't find a cure in time..." He knew she wouldn't want him talking like this, but he had to. They had to face reality, and he needed to say things in case he didn't get another chance. "...I couldn't bear the thought of you giving up."
The back of his hand strokes her cheek softly. "I might be new to God's family... but if there's one thing I've learned... it's that we're here for more than just the people we meet along the way. I know you love me and I know you don't want me gone. But God didn't make you just so you could love me then lose out and quit. He made you for more than that."
Jason pauses as wave of pain spiders through his body and he tries not to let it show. "We're here for God's purpose, not ours. Joy can be found in any situation - even this one." His voice starts to crack and he swallows hard, trying to maintain control. "Please... promise me you won't give up... promise me that when I'm gone you won't stop living. The world needs you... God has a bigger plan for you. Please... don't give up."
Susanne nods thoughtfully. "Yeah. I know he did some bad things, but... I still thinks he deserves another chance. If he would just... let someone in." She sighs. "I guess we've given him a choice though, and if he chooses not to accept the help, then we just have to know we did everything we could."
She shrugs and turns to leave, knowing she had a lot of work to catch up on before she left at five. And she was leaving at five, for sure, since she had a date with Chuck tonight, and he was picking her up at her house at six. There was no way she was going to let Reese make her work late tonight.
He leans over and gives her lips a long, tender kiss. "You always have the great ideas... especially those involving sugar."
Laughing, he turns the engine back on again and pulls out once more. On the way, maybe he'd swing by the little park where he'd spent hours as a little kid, and where he'd received his first skinned knee after falling off a swing...
...It would be much later when the band would gather at Erik and Theo's apartment. On nights they couldn't actually practice because of the other tenants, they always wound up talking about new songs, what they would change about such-and-such song, how they'd arrange things onstage... the list went on. They couldn't help it - the band was their love... their lives.
"Oooh, we get to open for Skyline?" Theo's eyes widen. "That's awesome! I mean, we've had fun at these few little parties and charities, but this will be an actual concert!"
"Way cool." Russ nods his approval. "All we gotta do is impress the right person sometime and wham! We'll be outta here!"
Kyle grins and leans back in the corner of the couch with Alice. "Yeah, I thought it sounded pretty good myself. Wayne seemed pleased. Might not be huge to him, but it is for us."
Twila claps her hands. "Getting onstage is gonna feel great."
Kyle's fingers absentmindedly toy with Alice's on his lap. "There's just... one problem."
Erik was the first to know what he was talking about, and his shoulders drop a little. "Kip."
All eyes seem to automatically turn in Karla's direction. Kyle gives her the best kind of smile he can. He'd called her specifically tonight to come. He usually didn't... Wayne and Jackie were handling any engagements and business deals until they got a fuller schedule, and Karla didn't have a whole lot to do with managing, per say. Technically, it was Wayne and Jackie's job right now, though the whole band knew that once they started having an actual schedule, they'd be relying on Karla to keep them all straight and going in the right direction. So tonight, Kyle's reason for wanting her there was two-fold. First, he respected her and wanted her in on anything happening. And second, she was the open door to Kip.
"I... didn't bother calling Kip yet," Kyle admits to her. "He's been avoiding band meetings and I was pretty sure he'd turn down this one too. I... we... need to find out what Kip's plans really are. We all want him here, as you well know. But he won't talk to the rest of us about anything but the weather, it seems." He sighs, but retains his smile. "Would you mind letting him know we've got this gig coming up and... find out if he's on board or not?"
"I'm okay." Jason really was... he wasn't good, but he'd had worse days too. His eyes study Katie's, remembering what it felt like to see them, fall into them, and feel her little tugs on his emotions to make him laugh.
Lifting a hand, he brushes her hair aside and cradles her face tenderly. "Rick was here to check on me and make sure everything was alright." He was so tired right now... his body wanted to sleep so badly, but his mind fought against it.
"Katie..." His tone was soft, but serious. "If... if Rick can't find a cure in time..." He knew she wouldn't want him talking like this, but he had to. They had to face reality, and he needed to say things in case he didn't get another chance. "...I couldn't bear the thought of you giving up."
The back of his hand strokes her cheek softly. "I might be new to God's family... but if there's one thing I've learned... it's that we're here for more than just the people we meet along the way. I know you love me and I know you don't want me gone. But God didn't make you just so you could love me then lose out and quit. He made you for more than that."
Jason pauses as wave of pain spiders through his body and he tries not to let it show. "We're here for God's purpose, not ours. Joy can be found in any situation - even this one." His voice starts to crack and he swallows hard, trying to maintain control. "Please... promise me you won't give up... promise me that when I'm gone you won't stop living. The world needs you... God has a bigger plan for you. Please... don't give up."
Susanne nods thoughtfully. "Yeah. I know he did some bad things, but... I still thinks he deserves another chance. If he would just... let someone in." She sighs. "I guess we've given him a choice though, and if he chooses not to accept the help, then we just have to know we did everything we could."
She shrugs and turns to leave, knowing she had a lot of work to catch up on before she left at five. And she was leaving at five, for sure, since she had a date with Chuck tonight, and he was picking her up at her house at six. There was no way she was going to let Reese make her work late tonight.
4/15/11
Path
Looking to Kyle Alice felt so bad for him. His heart was so big, and he worried about Kip she could just see it in his eyes when he talked about him. They were all worried but there was only so much they could do. Alice wished there was more, but what?
"Part of the adventure is not always seeing how clear the path is. But the comforting part is that God is hour tour guide as long as we let him be."
Reaching over and taking Kyle's hand in her own Alice just smiles looking over at him. Things were rough and the path was unclear, but it was one they would face together and things would work out.
"How about we grab some ice cream an than take it from there? The sugar might help."
Just cuddling even close to Jason soaking in his warmth trying to chase the small chill from her bones Katie gives a small smile to Jason as she runs one of her hands through his hair, the other still wrapped around him.
"Con and I went out to lunch this afternoon and I was missing you so I asked him to drop me off here. I just wanted to spend some time with you. "
Nuzzling her head into Jason a little Katie lifts her head and gives Jason a soft kiss on the lips before leaning her head down on the pillow again. Her own eyes felt so heavy but she forced them to stay open so she could continue to see Jason, and just study his face.
"So how are you feeling today?"
Looking up from her desk as Susanna enters again Misty's can't help he sly smile that spread across her face. She new she broke the rules, but it wouldn't be the first time she had done that and she was sure it wouldn't be the last.
"If all that came out of this was Alec being happy for a moment having those cookies and knowing we cared than I would say its a mission complete."
Misty leans her chin on her hands and looks at Susanne again before giving a laugh on her comment about the brothers. It was kind of funny to think how alike Alec and Carson really were.
"I hope they can keep him out of prison too. He really does deserve more than that."
"Part of the adventure is not always seeing how clear the path is. But the comforting part is that God is hour tour guide as long as we let him be."
Reaching over and taking Kyle's hand in her own Alice just smiles looking over at him. Things were rough and the path was unclear, but it was one they would face together and things would work out.
"How about we grab some ice cream an than take it from there? The sugar might help."
Just cuddling even close to Jason soaking in his warmth trying to chase the small chill from her bones Katie gives a small smile to Jason as she runs one of her hands through his hair, the other still wrapped around him.
"Con and I went out to lunch this afternoon and I was missing you so I asked him to drop me off here. I just wanted to spend some time with you. "
Nuzzling her head into Jason a little Katie lifts her head and gives Jason a soft kiss on the lips before leaning her head down on the pillow again. Her own eyes felt so heavy but she forced them to stay open so she could continue to see Jason, and just study his face.
"So how are you feeling today?"
Looking up from her desk as Susanna enters again Misty's can't help he sly smile that spread across her face. She new she broke the rules, but it wouldn't be the first time she had done that and she was sure it wouldn't be the last.
"If all that came out of this was Alec being happy for a moment having those cookies and knowing we cared than I would say its a mission complete."
Misty leans her chin on her hands and looks at Susanne again before giving a laugh on her comment about the brothers. It was kind of funny to think how alike Alec and Carson really were.
"I hope they can keep him out of prison too. He really does deserve more than that."
Quite something
"Yeah... goodnight, Stacy." Eric gives her a little nod and even a little tip of his hat.
Left alone, he looks back up at the moon again, just standing there for several minutes. Finally though, he heads for his bunkhouse. The encounter with Stacy had been unexpected, but now that the ice was broken, maybe he had one less thing to be stressed about. And her daughter... well... Ashlee had done a good job at being a bright spot in his day, and he had to admit that.
Seeing Misty intentionally knock her coffee over, Susanne's eyes widen. Then she realizes what's going on and a scheming smile curls her lips. Following Misty out into the hall, she nonchalantly slips by as Misty stops to talk with Hal. Getting to the stairwell, she waits until she knows the coast is clear before going the rest of the way down.
Hal gives Misty a look that clearly states, "You've got to be kidding me," but he simply sighs. Rising from his chair, he shakes his head. "You know... one of these days nobody's gonna be allowed to have coffee at their desks and it will all be your fault." He shakes a finger at her. "The third time, I'm gonna say you gotta go clean that thing up yourself."
He smirks and heads for the infirmary. Though his tone was stern, it was obvious that he wasn't all that upset, and Misty had him wrapped around her little finger anyway.
Downstairs, Susanne makes her way quickly to he holding cell where Alec was still kept. Since he'd been put in there, he hadn't been out once that she knew of. Knowing the code to get in, she punches the numbers and waits for the door to unlock. When she slips inside, she finds Alec sitting back in the corner of his cot with his knees tucked up to his chest. The look in his eye would be one Susanne would interpret as forlorn... but he'd never admit to that. "Hi, Alec."
Alec's eyebrows rise. "Did they change tactics or what? Sending the woman to break the prisoner now?"
Susanne rolls her eyes. "Can you really see me interrogating someone?"
"Yes."
She gives him a wry grin, then approaches him slowly. "I, um... made some cookies. I thought you might like some." She holds out the bag.
Alec stares at it but doesn't take it yet. "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Just thought you might enjoy them. I know you probably still can't taste an awful lot, but they have quite a bit of chocolate in them so I think you'll be able to taste them. If not, you'll at least get a sugar high."
Alec blinks. Cookies? From Susanne? With no catch? "Nobody but Hal, Reese and Justin are allowed in here. If it wasn't their idea for some sort of bribe, how'd you get down here under the radar?"
Susanne chuckles. "Misty's providing Hal with a nice distraction."
"Misty is a distraction."
"Oh is that a fact?" Susanne bites her lip, trying not to laugh. "Is it her looks or the fact that she doesn't take crap from anybody?"
The corner of Alec's mouth twitches. "Yes." Sitting up a little straighter, he takes the bag of cookies and looks inside. There were way more than any one man needed to eat. Not that he was going to complain.
Susanne lets the quiet linger for a moment before clasping her hands and sighing. "She said to tell you she'd been thinking about you, too."
Alec's eyes shoot back up. His mouth opens for a smart remark, but for some reason, any comment failed to reach the surface. Maybe it was because knowing that meant too much to him for him to make a joke or disrespect it. "Oh."
Susanne smiles. "I gotta get out of here before Hal gets back to his post. Who knows... more goodies might come your way again sometime."
Only after she leaves does Alec try one of the cookies. He couldn't taste it in full, but the soft texture and gooey chocolate was enough to make him eat slowly, savoring the rare treat. Susanne and Misty, huh? Susanne always had a soft spot, and Misty... she was one of the few who had been kind to him. Surely none of that could ever be regained though, no matter if he tried to avoid prison or not... right?
Making it back upstairs without having been caught, Susanne goes back to her office until she knows Hal is back at his post. Then she returns to the infirmary. Going back over to Misty's desk, she gives her a thumbs up. "Thanks. I think Alec appreciated the cookies. Didn't get much out of him, other than he thinks you're quite something."
She grins. "Apparently brothers share tastes. At least we know now he's still human. I just hope Angelica and Reese can keep him out of prison."
Realizing it was Katie who was here, Jason tries to pry his eyes open all the way and at least look halfway alert for her. He didn't need to though... as she lies on the bed with him, he knows he's not expected to get up yet.
Shifting so he can put his arms around her too, he pulls her even closer and kisses the top of her head. "I missed you too. What are you doing back so early?"
"Maybe." Kyle wasn't convinced about any incentive for Kip. He really didn't know what to do with their younger friend. He was so good at what he did, but had had so many setbacks. Even so, the rest of the band really had expected him to bounce back by now... but he hadn't.
Kyle could understand the problems with concentrating - he could certainly relate. He knew it had been a bit embarrassing for Kip, but he also thought that problem had been solved - or at least under control. It would always plague Kip but it had really seemed he'd figured out how to get by and find what he needed to do in order to stick with the band. Kyle still believed that under the surface, Kip had a streak of musical genius, but it just hadn't blossomed yet.
Of course, then there was the whole thing with Kip's dad that really seemed to be the last straw. It was something that still sent pangs to Kyle's heart. Did Kip need some real help? Did he need someone to really talk to and help him through? Was the band enough? Was Karla enough? Or was he crying out for help but no one knew? Or did Kip just need a kick in the seat of his pants to snap out of it? It was hard to tell. Even Erik seemed at a loss for ideas.
Kyle sets his gaze back on Alice and forces a smile to the surface. "Thanks. I know it'll work out. I just wish I knew what that looked like. Having it work out might mean something completely different... not having this band make it at all. Or having it work out might mean we make it big." He shrugs. "I just wish I knew what God had in mind."
He gives a light laugh. "Though I guess knowing that would take the adventure out of it, huh?"
Left alone, he looks back up at the moon again, just standing there for several minutes. Finally though, he heads for his bunkhouse. The encounter with Stacy had been unexpected, but now that the ice was broken, maybe he had one less thing to be stressed about. And her daughter... well... Ashlee had done a good job at being a bright spot in his day, and he had to admit that.
Seeing Misty intentionally knock her coffee over, Susanne's eyes widen. Then she realizes what's going on and a scheming smile curls her lips. Following Misty out into the hall, she nonchalantly slips by as Misty stops to talk with Hal. Getting to the stairwell, she waits until she knows the coast is clear before going the rest of the way down.
Hal gives Misty a look that clearly states, "You've got to be kidding me," but he simply sighs. Rising from his chair, he shakes his head. "You know... one of these days nobody's gonna be allowed to have coffee at their desks and it will all be your fault." He shakes a finger at her. "The third time, I'm gonna say you gotta go clean that thing up yourself."
He smirks and heads for the infirmary. Though his tone was stern, it was obvious that he wasn't all that upset, and Misty had him wrapped around her little finger anyway.
Downstairs, Susanne makes her way quickly to he holding cell where Alec was still kept. Since he'd been put in there, he hadn't been out once that she knew of. Knowing the code to get in, she punches the numbers and waits for the door to unlock. When she slips inside, she finds Alec sitting back in the corner of his cot with his knees tucked up to his chest. The look in his eye would be one Susanne would interpret as forlorn... but he'd never admit to that. "Hi, Alec."
Alec's eyebrows rise. "Did they change tactics or what? Sending the woman to break the prisoner now?"
Susanne rolls her eyes. "Can you really see me interrogating someone?"
"Yes."
She gives him a wry grin, then approaches him slowly. "I, um... made some cookies. I thought you might like some." She holds out the bag.
Alec stares at it but doesn't take it yet. "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Just thought you might enjoy them. I know you probably still can't taste an awful lot, but they have quite a bit of chocolate in them so I think you'll be able to taste them. If not, you'll at least get a sugar high."
Alec blinks. Cookies? From Susanne? With no catch? "Nobody but Hal, Reese and Justin are allowed in here. If it wasn't their idea for some sort of bribe, how'd you get down here under the radar?"
Susanne chuckles. "Misty's providing Hal with a nice distraction."
"Misty is a distraction."
"Oh is that a fact?" Susanne bites her lip, trying not to laugh. "Is it her looks or the fact that she doesn't take crap from anybody?"
The corner of Alec's mouth twitches. "Yes." Sitting up a little straighter, he takes the bag of cookies and looks inside. There were way more than any one man needed to eat. Not that he was going to complain.
Susanne lets the quiet linger for a moment before clasping her hands and sighing. "She said to tell you she'd been thinking about you, too."
Alec's eyes shoot back up. His mouth opens for a smart remark, but for some reason, any comment failed to reach the surface. Maybe it was because knowing that meant too much to him for him to make a joke or disrespect it. "Oh."
Susanne smiles. "I gotta get out of here before Hal gets back to his post. Who knows... more goodies might come your way again sometime."
Only after she leaves does Alec try one of the cookies. He couldn't taste it in full, but the soft texture and gooey chocolate was enough to make him eat slowly, savoring the rare treat. Susanne and Misty, huh? Susanne always had a soft spot, and Misty... she was one of the few who had been kind to him. Surely none of that could ever be regained though, no matter if he tried to avoid prison or not... right?
Making it back upstairs without having been caught, Susanne goes back to her office until she knows Hal is back at his post. Then she returns to the infirmary. Going back over to Misty's desk, she gives her a thumbs up. "Thanks. I think Alec appreciated the cookies. Didn't get much out of him, other than he thinks you're quite something."
She grins. "Apparently brothers share tastes. At least we know now he's still human. I just hope Angelica and Reese can keep him out of prison."
Realizing it was Katie who was here, Jason tries to pry his eyes open all the way and at least look halfway alert for her. He didn't need to though... as she lies on the bed with him, he knows he's not expected to get up yet.
Shifting so he can put his arms around her too, he pulls her even closer and kisses the top of her head. "I missed you too. What are you doing back so early?"
"Maybe." Kyle wasn't convinced about any incentive for Kip. He really didn't know what to do with their younger friend. He was so good at what he did, but had had so many setbacks. Even so, the rest of the band really had expected him to bounce back by now... but he hadn't.
Kyle could understand the problems with concentrating - he could certainly relate. He knew it had been a bit embarrassing for Kip, but he also thought that problem had been solved - or at least under control. It would always plague Kip but it had really seemed he'd figured out how to get by and find what he needed to do in order to stick with the band. Kyle still believed that under the surface, Kip had a streak of musical genius, but it just hadn't blossomed yet.
Of course, then there was the whole thing with Kip's dad that really seemed to be the last straw. It was something that still sent pangs to Kyle's heart. Did Kip need some real help? Did he need someone to really talk to and help him through? Was the band enough? Was Karla enough? Or was he crying out for help but no one knew? Or did Kip just need a kick in the seat of his pants to snap out of it? It was hard to tell. Even Erik seemed at a loss for ideas.
Kyle sets his gaze back on Alice and forces a smile to the surface. "Thanks. I know it'll work out. I just wish I knew what that looked like. Having it work out might mean something completely different... not having this band make it at all. Or having it work out might mean we make it big." He shrugs. "I just wish I knew what God had in mind."
He gives a light laugh. "Though I guess knowing that would take the adventure out of it, huh?"
4/14/11
Keep Believing
Continuing to look at the sky Stacy lets out a small sigh. It was peaceful here and even more so at night. Though dangers did lurk, it was just like a simple soft blanket covered the ranch to keep it protected from the dangers outside.
Looking to Eric again Stacy just study's him for a long moment. There was a sadness about him, maybe it was a loneliness she noticed and it made her wonder. The words he spoke seemed to prove it even more, and listen even closer maybe to her they seemed to hit home as well.
" You didn't interrupt my rounds, you'er just keeping me on my toes. I want everyone to keep up what they normally do so don't think you need to stay out of my way. The last thing I want to do is change things around here. I am just over seeing and being another set of eyes when others are busy."
Straightening a little and letting out a long sigh Stacy give Eric one more glace and smiles to herself still thinking he was rather handsome. Turning a little she gives a nod before departing for the night.
"Thank you for the chat, it was nice. Hope to see you again soon Eric. Goodnight."
As they pull up to Jason's Katie looks to Con and does her best to smile. Things were hard, being on the antidote sucked but she did her best to just accept that it could be worse. So right now she really had no right to complain.
"Thanks Con, I will remember. Tell Jamie I said Hi and tomorrow I'll finish my work."
Reaching over and giving Con a hug Katie gives a nod before leaving the car and making her way up the sidewalk to Jason's. Getting to the door and finding it locked Katie pulls her keys out and unlocks it before stepping inside. Knowing Trooper was inside Kaite moves slow not watching to startle him.
"J, it's Katie. Hey Trooper where is Jason huh boy?"
Looking in the living room and not seeing him there Katie makes her way through the house looking for him before heading to his room. Entering and seeing Jason laying on the bed Katie just watchs him for a moment.
"Hey Babe."
Entering a little more and coming to the bed Katie sinks down on it without saying anything more. Crawling onto the bed and wrapping her arms around Jason Katie burys her head into his neck and gives it a soft kiss just holding him for a long moment.
"I missed you J."
Looking up as Susanne as she places the package on her desk Misty gives a small grin hearing what it was. She loved how big Susanne's heart was and that she cared so much. Misty had wanted to go see Alec herself but she new alone it just wouldn't work. But maybe even if she could get Susanne down there it would be enough to feel like she did something too.
"Mmm...I think I could help you out. But you'd have to move quick and not stay to long. Tell Alec said I've been thinking about him too."
Setting her coffee on the edge of her desk Misty bumps it with her arm to send it over the edge and onto her old printer. If she was frantic enough one might believe her story. Giving a wink to Susanne Misty stands and heads out of the infirmary.
"Crap, crap...this is not good. Hal...Hal."
Getting to the security room Misty knocks on the door and than opens it. Seeing Hal she enters a little ways before bringing her hands up a little.
"Hal I spilled Coffee on my printer and its all over the place. Can you come and dry it off, and take it apart to dry it off for me like you did the last time?"
Misty new this would keep Hal busy at least for a half hour so, so Susanne could go down chat, give Alec the cookies and come back up in good time.
Alice can't help but laugh as she hears Kyle's story about the ice cream. It was great being shown the places Kyle went as a kid and hearing story's about his past. It was something Alice really did enjoy it.
As Kyle's phone rang Alice just continued to look out the windows and enjoy the view. Though her ears perked up a little bit when hearing it was Wayne on the other end. The band had been practicing and everyone was being very pashent with Kip, now she wondered though how long would they wait for him. She new the band would wait, but the record company she wondered about.
Once Kyle hands up the phone Alice says nothing right away. She new in his time he would tell her she wasn't going to rush him..but the look on his face did say it was something important. As Kyle first speaks Alice can't help the little bit of her own joy well inside of her. Having there first gig was a good thing.
"Oh Kyle thats great."
Than hearing Kyle's worry about the bass Alice did understand some of his own fear. He was right, it had been a while since Kip had joined them and no one really heard from him either. It was sad, and it was hard to know there friend was slipping away from them. Alice was happy Karla was there for Kip. At least he had someone who could get through to him but still it made Alice sad.
"Maybe we could stop and see Kip and tell him about the gig. It would be a maybe an intensive for him, or at least something to motivate him. Maybe thats all he really needs?"
Letting out a sigh Alice turns to Kyle a little bit. She felt bad, and wish she had the answers, but all they could really do was pray about it. Kyle had the biggest heart of anyone she new so this had to be even harder on him.
"Its gonna work out Kyle. Some how its going to work out. We just have to keep believe it will."
Looking to Eric again Stacy just study's him for a long moment. There was a sadness about him, maybe it was a loneliness she noticed and it made her wonder. The words he spoke seemed to prove it even more, and listen even closer maybe to her they seemed to hit home as well.
" You didn't interrupt my rounds, you'er just keeping me on my toes. I want everyone to keep up what they normally do so don't think you need to stay out of my way. The last thing I want to do is change things around here. I am just over seeing and being another set of eyes when others are busy."
Straightening a little and letting out a long sigh Stacy give Eric one more glace and smiles to herself still thinking he was rather handsome. Turning a little she gives a nod before departing for the night.
"Thank you for the chat, it was nice. Hope to see you again soon Eric. Goodnight."
As they pull up to Jason's Katie looks to Con and does her best to smile. Things were hard, being on the antidote sucked but she did her best to just accept that it could be worse. So right now she really had no right to complain.
"Thanks Con, I will remember. Tell Jamie I said Hi and tomorrow I'll finish my work."
Reaching over and giving Con a hug Katie gives a nod before leaving the car and making her way up the sidewalk to Jason's. Getting to the door and finding it locked Katie pulls her keys out and unlocks it before stepping inside. Knowing Trooper was inside Kaite moves slow not watching to startle him.
"J, it's Katie. Hey Trooper where is Jason huh boy?"
Looking in the living room and not seeing him there Katie makes her way through the house looking for him before heading to his room. Entering and seeing Jason laying on the bed Katie just watchs him for a moment.
"Hey Babe."
Entering a little more and coming to the bed Katie sinks down on it without saying anything more. Crawling onto the bed and wrapping her arms around Jason Katie burys her head into his neck and gives it a soft kiss just holding him for a long moment.
"I missed you J."
Looking up as Susanne as she places the package on her desk Misty gives a small grin hearing what it was. She loved how big Susanne's heart was and that she cared so much. Misty had wanted to go see Alec herself but she new alone it just wouldn't work. But maybe even if she could get Susanne down there it would be enough to feel like she did something too.
"Mmm...I think I could help you out. But you'd have to move quick and not stay to long. Tell Alec said I've been thinking about him too."
Setting her coffee on the edge of her desk Misty bumps it with her arm to send it over the edge and onto her old printer. If she was frantic enough one might believe her story. Giving a wink to Susanne Misty stands and heads out of the infirmary.
"Crap, crap...this is not good. Hal...Hal."
Getting to the security room Misty knocks on the door and than opens it. Seeing Hal she enters a little ways before bringing her hands up a little.
"Hal I spilled Coffee on my printer and its all over the place. Can you come and dry it off, and take it apart to dry it off for me like you did the last time?"
Misty new this would keep Hal busy at least for a half hour so, so Susanne could go down chat, give Alec the cookies and come back up in good time.
Alice can't help but laugh as she hears Kyle's story about the ice cream. It was great being shown the places Kyle went as a kid and hearing story's about his past. It was something Alice really did enjoy it.
As Kyle's phone rang Alice just continued to look out the windows and enjoy the view. Though her ears perked up a little bit when hearing it was Wayne on the other end. The band had been practicing and everyone was being very pashent with Kip, now she wondered though how long would they wait for him. She new the band would wait, but the record company she wondered about.
Once Kyle hands up the phone Alice says nothing right away. She new in his time he would tell her she wasn't going to rush him..but the look on his face did say it was something important. As Kyle first speaks Alice can't help the little bit of her own joy well inside of her. Having there first gig was a good thing.
"Oh Kyle thats great."
Than hearing Kyle's worry about the bass Alice did understand some of his own fear. He was right, it had been a while since Kip had joined them and no one really heard from him either. It was sad, and it was hard to know there friend was slipping away from them. Alice was happy Karla was there for Kip. At least he had someone who could get through to him but still it made Alice sad.
"Maybe we could stop and see Kip and tell him about the gig. It would be a maybe an intensive for him, or at least something to motivate him. Maybe thats all he really needs?"
Letting out a sigh Alice turns to Kyle a little bit. She felt bad, and wish she had the answers, but all they could really do was pray about it. Kyle had the biggest heart of anyone she new so this had to be even harder on him.
"Its gonna work out Kyle. Some how its going to work out. We just have to keep believe it will."
More chances
"Mm." Eric nods thoughtfully, his eyes finally shifting towards the ground. "Yeah... having a good place to grow up... most people take things like that for granted."
Lifting his face, he looks up at the bright moon. "I guess we take a lot of things in this life for granted," he muses thoughtfully. His tone is quieter. "Maybe we get more chances at things than we even realize... if we just open our eyes to see them."
On a usual day, perhaps he would have found his words too deep. He would have laughed them off, and maybe even would have been embarrassed. But tonight... the still of the dark night and the melancholy he was feeling were enough to thwart his normal reaction. Tonight, his words rang with too much truth for his own heart that was seeking answers. A shooting star rockets across the sky and Eric sighs deeply.
Bringing his train of thought back on track, his eyes lower to Stacy again. "Sorry I disrupted your nightly rounds. I should be out of your way for the rest of the night."
Con refrains from another sigh, and he nods. He reaches over and brushes some of Katie's tears from her face. "Yeah, I can drop you off so you can be with him. I'll make sure your car gets to his place after work, too."
Moving back over to his side of the table, he picks at his food for a little while longer, trying to come up with some more cheerful things to talk about - church, the nice weather, the suspicion that Susanne had a boyfriend and the other day when Hope brought Domino who escaped and ran all over TJY just for the fun of it. The chitchat was a good time filler too, and only when Con is confident that Jason would be alone back at the house, does he get ready to leave.
Getting to Jason's house, Con pulls up to the curb and offers Katie a warm smile. "Hang in there, Kat. Don't hesitate to call me or Jamie if you need anything."
Inside, Jason was still in bed, still stuck between awake and asleep. He thinks he hears a familiar vehicle, and Trooper goes out of the room to investigate, but Jason doesn't bother getting up. He could act strong in front of people, but when he was alone... it seemed any strength he had left just fell apart. It just felt like fighting wasn't worth it anymore.
Rolling over onto his side, his hand lies open and he looks at his scarred palm. Is that all that would be left when this thing was over? Scars to remember the nightmares? Is that all Katie would have left? Just a mark that would forever be a reminder of the pain? He hates the Agency even more.
Susanne slips into the infirmary, making sure no one had seen her, or what she was carrying. Quietly going over to Misty's desk, she reveals a little paper bag. "I made some cookies... and I want to give some to Alec," she whispers. "How do I get past Hal? I know they said we can't see Alec or anything but..." The look in her eye was one of pity. "I just think if he knew someone still cared, he might..." She shrugs. "Maybe it's silly, but I want to do it anyway. I just don't know how without Hal confiscating these."
"So that... is the ice cream shop where I dropped my cone and screamed my fool head off." Kyle grins at Alice as he drives across town after having shown her two more placed he'd frequented when younger. "From what they tell me," he concludes. "I don't have any memory of the event and thankfully, I was only three at the time."
Turning right after stopping at an intersection, his grin widens. "Not that I wouldn't scream my fool head off now if the same thing happened today. I might just-" He's interrupted by his ringing cell phone and he fishes it from his pocket, glancing at the number while still watching the road. "Yeah, this is Kyle. Oh, hi, Wayne." He gives Alice a sidelong glance. "Really?" His eyebrows rise. "Well yeah, of course." He chuckles. "Yes, Karla holds the official calendar, but last I looked, it was empty."
Steering towards Alice's place, he continues to listen. "Mm-hmm. Um, well..." He taps the steering wheel as he thinks. "No, no, we'll do it. I'm sure he'll be on board. He just, um... it's..." Kyle sighs. "Yes, I understand. We all do. One way or another, we'll make it happen.... Yeah, thanks, Wayne. See you soon."
Flipping his phone shut and tucking it back in his pocket, he doesn't tell Alice what it was about just yet. Instead, he remains quiet until he's pulled into the parking lot at Alice's apartment. Cutting the engine, he doesn't get out right away but just plays with his keys. He gives a short laugh and shakes his head. "You'd think I'd be more excited to hear the band has its first gig."
He turns his gaze to Alice and lets his eyes join hers. "Wayne said we get to open for a band in two weeks - sounds like it'll be a good entrance for us... big enough to get some attention but small enough we can handle it. But..." He sighs again. "Without a bass player, we're not gonna get very far."
Kip hadn't been to a practice in weeks, and as far as anyone knew, he rarely got out of the Gram and Gramps, except a couple times with Karla - she was the only one he let close to him lately.
Kyle bites his lip. "What are we gonna do, Pepper? We all agreed we wouldn't move on without Kip, but... if we start saying no to gigs before we even have a lineup... we'll have wasted a lot of people's time... including all ours."
Lifting his face, he looks up at the bright moon. "I guess we take a lot of things in this life for granted," he muses thoughtfully. His tone is quieter. "Maybe we get more chances at things than we even realize... if we just open our eyes to see them."
On a usual day, perhaps he would have found his words too deep. He would have laughed them off, and maybe even would have been embarrassed. But tonight... the still of the dark night and the melancholy he was feeling were enough to thwart his normal reaction. Tonight, his words rang with too much truth for his own heart that was seeking answers. A shooting star rockets across the sky and Eric sighs deeply.
Bringing his train of thought back on track, his eyes lower to Stacy again. "Sorry I disrupted your nightly rounds. I should be out of your way for the rest of the night."
Con refrains from another sigh, and he nods. He reaches over and brushes some of Katie's tears from her face. "Yeah, I can drop you off so you can be with him. I'll make sure your car gets to his place after work, too."
Moving back over to his side of the table, he picks at his food for a little while longer, trying to come up with some more cheerful things to talk about - church, the nice weather, the suspicion that Susanne had a boyfriend and the other day when Hope brought Domino who escaped and ran all over TJY just for the fun of it. The chitchat was a good time filler too, and only when Con is confident that Jason would be alone back at the house, does he get ready to leave.
Getting to Jason's house, Con pulls up to the curb and offers Katie a warm smile. "Hang in there, Kat. Don't hesitate to call me or Jamie if you need anything."
Inside, Jason was still in bed, still stuck between awake and asleep. He thinks he hears a familiar vehicle, and Trooper goes out of the room to investigate, but Jason doesn't bother getting up. He could act strong in front of people, but when he was alone... it seemed any strength he had left just fell apart. It just felt like fighting wasn't worth it anymore.
Rolling over onto his side, his hand lies open and he looks at his scarred palm. Is that all that would be left when this thing was over? Scars to remember the nightmares? Is that all Katie would have left? Just a mark that would forever be a reminder of the pain? He hates the Agency even more.
Susanne slips into the infirmary, making sure no one had seen her, or what she was carrying. Quietly going over to Misty's desk, she reveals a little paper bag. "I made some cookies... and I want to give some to Alec," she whispers. "How do I get past Hal? I know they said we can't see Alec or anything but..." The look in her eye was one of pity. "I just think if he knew someone still cared, he might..." She shrugs. "Maybe it's silly, but I want to do it anyway. I just don't know how without Hal confiscating these."
"So that... is the ice cream shop where I dropped my cone and screamed my fool head off." Kyle grins at Alice as he drives across town after having shown her two more placed he'd frequented when younger. "From what they tell me," he concludes. "I don't have any memory of the event and thankfully, I was only three at the time."
Turning right after stopping at an intersection, his grin widens. "Not that I wouldn't scream my fool head off now if the same thing happened today. I might just-" He's interrupted by his ringing cell phone and he fishes it from his pocket, glancing at the number while still watching the road. "Yeah, this is Kyle. Oh, hi, Wayne." He gives Alice a sidelong glance. "Really?" His eyebrows rise. "Well yeah, of course." He chuckles. "Yes, Karla holds the official calendar, but last I looked, it was empty."
Steering towards Alice's place, he continues to listen. "Mm-hmm. Um, well..." He taps the steering wheel as he thinks. "No, no, we'll do it. I'm sure he'll be on board. He just, um... it's..." Kyle sighs. "Yes, I understand. We all do. One way or another, we'll make it happen.... Yeah, thanks, Wayne. See you soon."
Flipping his phone shut and tucking it back in his pocket, he doesn't tell Alice what it was about just yet. Instead, he remains quiet until he's pulled into the parking lot at Alice's apartment. Cutting the engine, he doesn't get out right away but just plays with his keys. He gives a short laugh and shakes his head. "You'd think I'd be more excited to hear the band has its first gig."
He turns his gaze to Alice and lets his eyes join hers. "Wayne said we get to open for a band in two weeks - sounds like it'll be a good entrance for us... big enough to get some attention but small enough we can handle it. But..." He sighs again. "Without a bass player, we're not gonna get very far."
Kip hadn't been to a practice in weeks, and as far as anyone knew, he rarely got out of the Gram and Gramps, except a couple times with Karla - she was the only one he let close to him lately.
Kyle bites his lip. "What are we gonna do, Pepper? We all agreed we wouldn't move on without Kip, but... if we start saying no to gigs before we even have a lineup... we'll have wasted a lot of people's time... including all ours."
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