Walk

Coming around to the other side of the couch, Stacy eases down, resting against the arm and turning slightly to look at Eric. Watching the firelight flicker in his eyes, she could make out a deeper pain that was there.

Hearing his apology, she goes to tell him it was okay but falls silent again, seeing there was more he wanted to say. Just continuing to listen, Stacy was surprised to hear about Eric being married, but doesn't let it show. Now knowing a little bit about his background, she understood why he had jumped at Jeff and she couldn't blame him.

"Well, I guess we can be damaged goods together." She tries to give at least half a smile even if the comment even stung her a little bit. "I'm really sorry that happened to you, Eric. I know it can't feel good. At least you found out now though, rather than of years down the road, right?"

Coming across as a question, it was more of a matter of fact statement. Personal experience had taught her that one. "Don't worry too much about earlier. It's already forgotten because I understand where you're coming from." Shifting a little to get comfortable and taking a sip of her coffee, Stacy is quiet for a moment, just staring into the fire.

"I was married once, too. Longer than you by four years. We were pretty happy, young and in love. He was pretty avid about not wanting kids. And though it made me sad, I respected it." Letting her words drift off, Stacy is quiet again. She had never told anyone this before and why she was telling a stranger, she didn't know, but it felt right. "But God had other plans and I ended up getting pregnant. As soon as Rich found out, he was gone. Ash has never seen him, talked to him. Nothing. She was the best thing to happen to me though. I'd never wanna go back and change it. Ash is my world now."

Looking to Eric, she gives a soft smile. Everything happened for a reason, and tonight she had found her reason for the company. "Good will somehow, somewhere come from your situation, even if you can't see it now."


Taking a step back and looking at Tal, Ryan's eyes give a twinkle. She really was amazed by him and how sweet he was. His thoughtfulness and how much of a gentleman he was just made her feel good.

"All right, here comes some pancakes."

Moving around the kitchen, it takes Ryan no time to get comfortable and find everything. Twenty minutes later, she puts the last pancake onto a plate before handing it to Tal. "Alright, eat up. I promise they do taste good."

She plops down next to Tal, crossing her legs. Using her fork to cut off a piece and pop it into her mouth, she savors the taste.


Trying her best to mind her own business, Aerith can't help but take note to the woman who walked in and now was talking to Carson. Something seemed a little off about the whole situation. It was none of her nevermind though, just something she observed.


Getting out of the car and making sure Amanda was close behind, Bree gives a stretch before walking over to Gunner. Hearing his comment, she can't help but giggle as she leans up to give him a lingering kiss.

"Mmmmm...I guess we can save the blood sucking for another time. We at least have to let them enjoy themselves a little. Come on, Vamp, help me with the tents."

Turning, she heads back to the car to grab the tents, giving her uncle a wink as she passes.

Still stunned by the whole thing, Amanda slowly walks over to JT and stands there for a long moment before saying anything. "So do we consider this a kidnapping or a vacation?"

Amanda can't help the smile that spreads across her lips. This might have been a crazy way to get them together, but in a way, it was a little exciting, too. "I guess we should get changed. Not together, of course."


Stepping out of the elevator and seeing Justin, Beth gives a smile. It felt like a long time since the last time she had seen him, but now having him in front of her was nice. "Hey."

Walking with Justin to the waiting room, Beth eases down in the chair next to him. Listening to what happened, she shakes her head. She might not have cared for Jared, but she never would have wanted anything bad to happen.

"I really hope Jared will be okay. Even if he was a ding dong." Letting out a sigh, Beth siths back for a moment. She was happy she was here and Justin had called. It gave her a chance to say what she wanted, too.

"Justin...I'm really sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect to you. I was just trying to help and I guess I just went about it the wrong way. So for that, I am sorry."


Not even hearing Rick at first, Trey stands unmoved. He really had nothing else to say, but he stood there anyway. Finally seeing the movement out of the corner of his eye, he turns his head quickly. Met with Rick's words, he takes a step back from Jason, the look in his eye short-lived as now it was gone.

"No, I don't need to stay a while." Shifting his weight a little, he felt strange. The crinkle of paper in his pocket reminds him why he had come. "Here. Some guy told me to give this to you. I've had it for a few days now and I guessed I better give it to you before I get pegged for murder."

Trey holds the paper out to Rick, waiting for him to take it. He just wanted to be done with this whole thing. What would happen next he didn't know. But he didn't really know if he cared either. Or maybe somewhere tucked away deep in side, he did.


Nate looks across the table at Chance for a long moment. Letting Chance go with the Underground just did not seem right. It just did not set right with him. Looking over at Wyatt, he could see he felt the same, even if it was for a different reason.

Standing, he looks around the table again before looking back at Wyatt. "Wyatt, can you come with me to my office for a moment? I wanted to talk to you about something." Leaving the room, he knew Wyatt would follow. Getting to his office, he shuts the door behind him before going to his desk and sitting down. "It doesn't feel right, Wyatt, letting him go to the Underground. I didn't want to bother arguing with your dad, though."

Nate is silent for a moment as he brings his folded hands to his mouth - something he often did when he was deep in thought. "We can't walk away not even trying to get him out again. I can see you feel the same. Maybe for a different reason, but the same outcome. So, I think we should fill Dalton in and take it into our own hands. Make it a surprise so no one can argue."

Nate just looks at Wyatt, wondering what he was thinking and even if he would go along with the whole thing.


Getting out of her car, Hope scans the parking lot before landing on the lone man at one of the tables. That must be Kip. Giving a friendly smile, she makes her way over to him, taking in his body language but not giving off a threatening air.

She had to admit, having Kip want to meet at the park was a Godsend. Since she had been back to work, most of her time was spent in her office doing paperwork. Getting out and enjoying the fresh air was nice.

"Hello, you must be Kip, I'm Hope Garrison. Would you like to walk while we get to know each other better? I'll even go first if you want."


Working hard on a closed case she had finished, Sapphire didn't even notice anyone walk up. But hearing that voice, her head snaps up and her heart pounds like a drum in her chest.

"Scott!!"

Her words held much surprise as she could feel the hot tears form in her eyes. Not wasting a moment, she gets up and wraps her arms around Scott. She was so very happy to see him. It had been a long time... too long.

"It's so good to see you. I've missed you so much." Sapphire really meant that, too. From the moment he said not to come, it had been too long.

Surprise arrival

Stacy's voice makes Eric jump. He hadn't heard her come in, and his head now snaps up. Depression? Kidding or not, maybe she was right. It had been a long time since he'd felt this low. He gives her something close to half a smile and turns his attention back to his coffee, figuring she'd leave. He guessed she was just making her rounds.

When she approaches instead though, his eyes crawl back up to watch her. The firelight had a gentle touch as it caressed her facial features and glowed within her gaze. He feels his guard being lowered. Maybe the fire really did have a calming effect. But was it really the flames at all? As Stacy looks at him, his eyes meet hers. What did she want? Why hadn't she turned and left? Surely after the fiasco today in town she didn't want anything to do with him. But.. she looked far from perturbed tonight. Her eyes were... deep... almost soothing in a strange sort of way.

He still hadn't spoken when she breaks the silence once more. Anyone could have asked if he was okay. It was a polite enough question. Nothing odd about it, really. And yet... when Eric cocks his head and squints slightly to see deeper into her eyes, it's a genuine concern he sees. It wasn't fake. For some reason, she really did care.

"Not really." His own response surprises himself. He could just as easily say yes he was fine and leave it at that. But after today's events, he just didn't have the energy to pretend anymore. His gaze finally drops and he takes another sip of his coffee. Maybe one more apology needed to be made tonight. And maybe... he needed to explain a few things. Now was as good a time as any - maybe better since they were alone. He gestures to the empty seat across from him. "Have a seat." If she was brave enough to talk to him, he could be brave enough to do the same.

"I, um..." He fidgets with his fingers around his coffee mug. "I guess I want to apologize. I think Jeff's right that I've... been kinda cranky ever since I got back to the ranch and... I ain't got an excuse." He shrugs lamely. "Just kinda hard for a guy in my position to keep his head up I guess, and it got the best of me."

A wry sort of grin creases his lips and he shakes his head before looking up at Stacy again. "I... don't know what you've heard around here, but the truth is I was married recently for... about three days before she left, never to be seen again." Even though the grin remains, the pain is still in his eyes... pain from losing love and pain from feeling so stupid. "But I guess that's what I get for falling for a con-artist."

He sighs deeply. "Took everything. My life's savings completely gone, and with it, my reputation." And his heart. "I should've seen it coming - apparently it was pretty obvious, but... I was blind. Now I'm dealing with trying to get the whole thing annulled." He gives a sorry kind of laugh. "After that, I don't know what that makes me. Not married, not divorced... just damaged goods I guess - as if my own stupidity didn't make me undesirable enough." He smirks and taps his temple. "That came from an accident years ago that took a nice chunk of sense out of my brain."

Shaking his head again, Eric takes another sip of his coffee. His eyes fall back to Stacy, knowing that surely he must look like the biggest loser in the world. "At any rate... none of that's a very good excuse and... I'm sorry if I haven't been myself. I'm... sorry about today especially. I shouldn't have acted like I did."


Tal's eyes widen for a moment, his cheeks reddening slightly, but his grin spreads. "Careful," he warns. "You wouldn't want me to get a big head." His laughter finally bubbles over and he pulls Ryan close for a tight hug. "Mmm... you spoil me, you know that?"

Finally letting her go, he gestures to the array of utensils and ingredients on the counter. "Alright, Miss Sexy. Time to put your money where your mouth is. You said pancakes. Have at it. Me - I'm gonna give my dog some of her own breakfast. Oh, and I called into both our works already to let 'em know we wouldn't be in today."


Running back to the house with Alice, Kyle couldn't remember when he'd been this happy. This was bliss. This was joy. This was a gift God had given him that he would never take for granted.

The house itself was a blessing. Never would he have had the money for such a purchase, but when his aunt and uncle had gotten wind of his future plans, they wouldn't let him say no. He'd pay them as he could and they insisted on blessing others with a house with which God had blessed them and their family so much. The only stipulation was to take good care of it, to fill the rooms and halls with joy, and to use the house in any way God might lead - including the Christ-filled band. Kyle had wanted to say no - he'd said that he couldn't accept such a thing, but they had insisted. Finally, Kyle had given in, as long as he could continue to pay them what he could, when he could, until everything was paid off. And they'd agreed.

And now that Alice loved the place too... it made it perfect. And Kyle knew he'd made the right choice. Some might hold it against him - that others had to work for what they had or that some didn't have families like that to just hand things to them. But Kyle knew that it wasn't a gift from family - it was a gift from God, and whether through the band or through raising a family, he would honor God with these walls. And he knew that Alice would do the same.


Watching the door at Mom and Pop's close, Carson sighs. He stands in the kitchen, looking out through the serving window for a few moments, dishtowel in hand. Mackenzie and her family had just left after coming in for lunch. It wasn't the first time. Since they'd moved here, they had gotten together several times, whether for a lunch, an evening of board games, or once they had met at the lake for a picnic. The little get-togethers never lasted too long - just long enough for Mackenzie to get her wish to see her dad, and for Carson to slowly get used to socializing with his young daughter. It was a good arrangement. It was a safe one. But each time, Mackenzie was a little less willing to leave... a little less willing to say goodbye.

Ken and Jeanette were doing all they could. They were trying to compromise, and though it was obvious that Mackenzie loved visiting Carson, she was starting to push the limits again. The family had moved not too long after they had visited Nevada. Now in Lewis City, Ken had settled in with his insurance job and they were all getting used to their new home. Mackenzie had told Carson it was a nice house - a big one out on the edge of town with a big yard and a swimming pool. She seemed to love it, but preferred talking about her time with Carson rather than her adopted family.

Settling into school was another matter. A Christian school was a godsend, and Tina was integrating well. Mackenzie, on the other hand, was not. With low grades and getting lippy with teachers, she had spent more than one day staying late after winding up at the principal's office. The teachers had been informed of Mackenzie's background and they were willing to work with her, but it wasn't going well.

Carson's eyes watch as the family car drives away from the restaurant. Ken had admitted some of their struggles to him today. Carson wished he could help, but he wasn't sure what he could do. They could stop all communication and force Mackenzie to move on, but they all knew she'd just run away and come here anyway. It was good to see her smile... to see her laugh. She had more color in her face now and her eyes were a bit brighter. But there was so much going on in her young mind and heart. It would take time for such deep wounds to heal. And Carson had yet to figure out exactly where he fit in to things. It was still awkward to give his child a hug.

He sighs again and finally turns back to the kitchen. He couldn't let the day get to him. Seeing Mackenzie was only one thing in a very busy day.

"Carson?"

He whirls around at the female voice and stares at the woman who stood in the kitchen doorway. He hadn't even seen her enter the restaurant. The rest of his worries vanish and he blinks. "Jaz?"


Spotting Bree emerging from the hospital with Amanda, Gunner grins and waves, heading to the driver's side of his car. It looked like they were going to pull this off after all. He could only imagine which tactic Bree had decided to use on Amanda to get her out here. "Are you ladies ready to roll or what?" he hollers.

Inside the car, with the windows down, JT glances in the rearview mirror in time to see Amanda and his niece. What kind of scheme had been cooked up here anyway? He didn't know whether to be happy or mad at this point.

As Bree's voice carries to the car, her comment about him and Amanda being in love reaches JT's ears. Even though no one could see him, his face goes red and he sinks lower in his seat. If this was some forced romantic getaway, Gunner was dead meat. Putting a hand to his forehead, he just waits. Apparently they were just going to have to ride this one out to see what shenanigans Gunner and Bree would come up with.

Gunner catches Bree's wink and returns one. They'd deal with any resistance as they went. As far as the two doctors wanting to return to work... well, they'd just be out of luck. "Ready to go, Captain?"

The car rocks slightly as Gunner gets in but JT doesn't move, keeping a hand over his eyes. "Just you wait, Gunner... just you wait."

Gunner only grins and looks out the window to Bree, who was, by now, in her car. He waves her to go ahead and he'd follow.

Just as planned, the foursome stops at Amanda's, but only briefly and Gunner forces JT to remain in the car while they wait. A comment is made about not letting the fish get away and it only serves to make JT sink even lower in his seat, folding his arms in defiance. By now, he wouldn't even look out the window... he couldn't face Amanda yet. This was his niece and friend kidnapping them... what would she think? He was on the verge of mortified.

Being mortified, however, has a way of diminishing with the miles. And miles were what the two vehicles put between them and town. Out of town, off the main highway and into the foothills. It was a gorgeous day - sunshine and a light breeze the whole way. JT gave up asking where they were going - Gunner would only engage in small talk and wouldn't reveal their destination.

Soon, they turned off the highway onto a main road, then off of that onto a back road, and eventually off of that onto a narrow, wooded lane that wound up into the foothills. Ruts made for a bumpy ride and the two cars had to take it slowly. Finally though, they emerged into a clearing of grass that waved gently in the breeze. Surrounded by trees and adjoining a large pond, it was the perfect spot for camping. Cattails danced near the calm water's edge and the sun glistened off the tiny ripples. A dock stretched out a short ways into the water, though there wasn't much need for a boat - one could easily swim to the other side and back, and the pond was just big enough for fishing. A tall, old oak tree provided an ideal spot for tents, and a worn place in the ground proved others had camped here, though the location was little-known.

Gunner parks a ways from the pond and kills the engine. He glances over to JT, who was still in his hospital garb. "You'll prolly wanna change," he suggests with a grin and a teasing punch to JT's shoulder. "Come on. The fun is just starting."

Though impressed with the little campsite's atmosphere, JT gives Gunner a dry look in return. "I can hardly wait," he retorts. Getting out of the car, he goes to the trunk to rummage through the things his niece had packed.

Gunner wanders over to Bree's car and waits for her to get out before giving her a quick kiss to the lips. "Well... we got 'em here... when do I get to suck their blood?"

"I heard that!"

Gunner stifles a laugh as he looks over to his car where JT had his back turned. "He's even more of a stick in the mud than I thought." Finding Amanda, he tosses her a wink. "Welcome to the hideaway. You might wanna go get that stick in the mud out of the mud before he gives himself a hernia. Bree and I will start on the tents. Oh, and..." He raises his voice so JT could hear, too. "Don't bother using your cell phones - no service up here. And don't even think about pagers - there's a pond for those."

JT rolls his eyes but doesn't respond. He finally finds a t-shirt and pair of jeans, along with his old tennis shoes. Shutting the trunk, he glances around, finding only trees.


Hanging up the phone, Justin really wasn't sure what to feel. Part of him was a little tense about seeing Beth - though she said talking could wait, it didn't mean that it erased what had happened. But part of him was relieved. He hadn't know how she'd react to his call, and seeing now that she would come... it made him respect her and her growth all the more. He knew that he was asking a lot of her. He knew that this was probably another step out of her comfort zone. But she'd said yes. And somewhere, Justin was proud of her, once again.

Taking a deep breath, he finally gets up to finish gathering his mother's items. Then he left the house and headed to North Springs...

...Walking up and down the halls, Justin grew weary. They were still working on Jared. His mother was faring okay. With her friends to help, it had eased his burden a little, and at least they were keeping her distracted by walking, sitting in the cafeteria or visiting the little gift shop. Now she had fallen asleep in the waiting room. Justin had let her be, but couldn't sit still any more.

He glances at his watch. Not that it mattered. Time really didn't seem to exist anymore. It was as if this was all a dream. Or a nightmare, rather.

Just ready to turn and go back, he stops as he hears the elevator ding. Glancing in that direction, he stops as Beth comes into view. And for just a split second, he feels how much he's missed her. Approaching her slowly, he realizes she's juggling the coffee, so he offers to take two of the cups. Catching her eye, he offers a sorry sort of smile. "Hi." He nods in the direction of the waiting room. Walking, he's silent, trying to figure out his own jumbled thoughts. Reaching the little room, he pauses, then opts for a couple chairs in the wide hall instead. Maybe it was selfish, but he'd rather have Beth to himself for at least a few minutes.

Easing down, he takes one of the coffees as his own, nodding his thanks to Beth - he really was grateful for something to keep him awake. "Still no news," he explains. "I guess that's good at this point." He sighs heavily, knowing he should at least explain what had happened. "Idiot was in the middle of the street and there was a car wreck and he got mangled in the middle of it." He scoffs. "Leaving a woman's house, no less. A woman who we'll probably not see again, nor will she pay her respects or visit Jared if he lives, because her live-in boyfriend might find out she was cheating on him." He shakes his head. "My brother never changes, you know that? Just when I think he couldn't get any lower, he proves me wrong, yet again."

Justin wanted to say that Jared deserved this, but he holds his tongue. It was difficult, dealing with hating Jared's lifestyle, yet deep down still knowing he had a love for his brother, simply because he was, in fact, his brother.

Leaning back and staring up at the ceiling, Justin's mind bounces from one thing to the next, never staying for long... until he again thinks of Beth and their last parting. He sighs once more. Giving her a sidelong glance, he finally turns his head and just studies her for several moments. Even though he'd given her the silent treatment, she'd come when he needed, and there was a lot to be said for that. Maybe she'd made a mistake... maybe there should have been better communication... but she was here now, and Justin was glad to have her company again.

"I know you said not to worry about this for now, but... I'm sorry," he apologizes, "for giving you a cold shoulder." He rests his head against the wall, still looking at her. "I guess I wasn't sure how to deal with everything so I retreated into my own little world. Funny thing was... I found out that my own little world wasn't very hospitable anymore." He pauses, searching her eyes. "I know you didn't mean to upset me. I guess I wish you would have handled things differently, but I still shouldn't have reacted like I did. I know you were only trying to help and for that, I'm grateful." He purses his lips in a weak smile. "I guess in light of everything happening today, my little lapse in behavioral judgment seems kinda trivial. I..."

He stops, unsure if voicing those particular thoughts was what he really wanted, and rephrases. "Thanks for coming, Beth. It means a lot."


Cindy was glad to see Katie leave with Jamie. It was hard watching the young woman so sad... digressing so as she watched the man she loved slowly die. While Cindy's own pain was great, she knew Katie was suffering so much as well.

Seeing the two women leave, she wanders slowly back down the hallway, her arms folded. She was tired... weary... and in a way, she just wanted all of this to be over. Sighing, she aims for the infirmary. She would see Jason... talk to him... then she would go back to her room.

As she nears the open door though, she hears a man's voice, and she stops. Curious, she looks cautiously around the corner. She puts a hand to her mouth, shocked to see Trey. Her motherly instinct screamed at her to enter and try to talk with him - try to embrace him. But her good sense warned her not to. After their last encounter, she didn't want to risk hurting her heart again.

She's almost ready to simply move on, but then it's Trey's words that stop her. Did he... actually care? As she listens, tears sting her eyes. So badly did she want to embrace this son she didn't know. It wasn't true that it would be better if she never knew him. She did want to know him. She did want to call him her son. She did, so much. Especially now. She was losing Jason... would she be forever without a son, now?

Unable to hold her composure any longer, Cindy slips past the door and to the next room where she closes herself in and lies on the bed.


Rick rubs his tired eyes and throws away his paper cup, empty of coffee. Exiting the break room, he goes back to the infirmary for another check on Jason... and more work. He knew it was hopeless now, but nothing could stop him from continuing to try and find the cure.

Entering the infirmary, he stops short, very surprised to see Trey. The young man hardly ever showed himself on the main level, let alone near Jason. Was the young man... showing emotion? Not wanting to startle or make Trey feel unwanted, Rick simply heads to the counter. Sifting through some paperwork, he clears his throat. "There's a chair there if you want to stay a while," he offers.


Chance looks to Nate, his eyes still holding a dull stare. "She won't put up a fight. I... hurt her too badly. She'll probably be glad to see me go to the Underground."

Reese nods. "I'm sure, Destiny will go with you willingly. But if not, Nate, you mostly likely have more muscle. Don't hurt her, of course, but be sure she gets to the car. Wyatt, you're to stay in the car unless you are absolutely needed. We don't want to jeopardize the exchange or anyone's safety and the Underground was pretty specific about the number of men allowed."

He takes a deep breath and looks around at everyone again. "If that's all... you're dismissed to go about your duties. We will reconvene here tomorrow night before you have to leave. Chance - after a short break, please come to my office."

After he leaves, Chance simply stares at the table, figuring that, within moments, he'd be left alone. Wyatt fidgets a little and glances between Nate and Dalton. He didn't like this. Something about it just seemed... wrong. And he didn't understand his father's perspective on the trade. "Well... I guess that's that."


Kip sits alone at the picnic table, scraping some chipped paint with his thumbnail. The park was quiet today - of that, he was glad. He'd almost left... twice. But something had kept him here. Maybe it was his promise to Kyle that he'd at least try this once. Apparently Kyle had talked to this woman, Hope, and she'd agreed to meet Kip here. Kip had refused to meet her in an office... the thought alone made him squirm. This was better. He could see and move and leave if he wanted. He wasn't so sure that this would help though. He supposed Kyle had given Hope background information about his family... about his abuse. He wasn't sure he was ready yet to even admit it had been abuse but that seemed irrelevant. Kip really didn't know what this would help at all. Talking about his problems? How would that solve anything?

He sighs as his knees start to bounce. He'd had a can of pop earlier and that was only serving to amplify his already-hyper state. Maybe he should go for a walk. Maybe he should just leave. Maybe this Hope counselor woman wouldn't even show-

His thoughts come to a halt as he sees a woman emerge from a car that had just pulled into the park's lot. From Kyle's description, Kip knew that this was Hope. She was younger than he'd thought - not that it really mattered. For a moment, he doesn't know if he should get up or stay where he was, so he just decides to remain seated. Though part of him would rather take off for the other end of the park, he forces himself to make eye contact so she'd know it was him.

He draws in a shaky breath, not even sure why he felt nervous. But he did. And this was way outside of his comfort zone.


Hal's eyes catch movement and he turns to look more closely at the screen that monitored the back door into that went through the garage and lower level. No one ever used it other than an occasional exit, but whoever had just arrived was using it as an entrance, and they had a key card. Put on edge, Hal hits a few keys on the keyboard to focus the indoor cameras on the garage and lower level halls. He's about ready to call Con when the visitor stops and looks directly up at one of the cameras, putting a finger to his lips.

Hal breaks into a smile, even though he's confused. In the back of his mind, he wonders if letting this go was wise. He didn't think he'd ever see this man around here again, and there had been questions as to his loyalty to the Elite. But... something told him that this was safe. Leaning back in his chair, he lets it go.

It was a quiet day at TJY, and the unexpected visitor was glad - it made his walk through the lower level then up the stairs to the hall much easier, while unsuspecting eyes were busy elsewhere. He hoped that Hal had not notified anyone... if Hal was even still in charge of the cameras. It had come to mind that there could be many things different now. A year's time had a way of changing things.

A baseball cap hid most of his face and shadowed his blind eye, and an open flannel shirt hung from his thin shoulders over a white t-shirt. The closer he comes to his destination, the more hesitant his steps grow until he's barely moving. Out of the main walkway, no one seems to notice him, and he likes it that way. This was going to be hard enough without a bunch of unnecessary attention, let alone the questions. It seemed something was going on in the infirmary, but he doesn't stop to investigate.

Finally arriving at the open office door, he stops then hesitates for what seemed an eternity. Eventually, he looks inside, but finds it empty. His stomach gives a little flipflop. The light was off. And the thought occurs to him that Hope might not even be here anymore. But a quick glance up to the nameplate on the door proves otherwise. Maybe she was just not working today.

Mustering up what gumption he has left, Scott slowly heads towards the main floor. His hands tremble slightly and he hopes that no one notices him yet. Peering out into the couple rows of cubicles, he sees it really is a quiet day. He spots a few heads bent over computers and is just as glad for their concentration. But there is one cubicle his eyes remain glued to.

Swallowing hard, Scott moves again. His fingers fiddle with the corner hem of his flannel shirt and his steps are short and quiet. Finally coming to the cubicle, he stands in the narrow doorway and just watches for several moments. Fear of rejection was running rampant through his veins today and it almost made him sick to his stomach.

Eventually, he clears his throat. "Hi, Sapphire," he greets softly.

Don't be a loser

Dinner had been enjoyable and it was nice to get to know another member of the ranch just a little bit more. It made her feel more welcome, and know just where the people here were coming from with their day-to-day life.

Asking if Jeff needed any help cleaning up and getting clear he was okay, Stacy gives a smile, a thanks, and a small wave before she heads out of the kitchen and into the night air. It looked like it was going to be a good night, and the sky was so clean and so the night moved on...

"...You know, sitting alone is a sign of depression. Or so Ash tells me when I do the same thing." Stacy gives a warm smile as she walks up to where Eric was sitting. Just watching the dance of the fire, she hoped Eric didn't mind too much she had interrupted him. She had seen the dim light on her last round of the ranch and just wanted to stop, making sure everything was okay. Normally, she would have checked, seen Eric and slipped out again without being noticed. But after what had happened on the way back from town and then just seeing him sitting here, something told her to just... talk to him.

"It's funny, most people think when it's hot out a fire would be silly, but they forget at night there sometimes is a cold chill in the air, and a simple fire can be calming."

Taking a sip from her own warm coffee she had been bringing back to the bunk with her, Stacy glances over at Eric for a long moment, just studying him. He was a hard one to read, yet so easy all at the same time. A longing, a hurt, a yearning to get back lost time, but a fear to even try. Stacy had seen that all in her own eyes once many years ago and it made her wonder about Eric even more.

"You doing okay tonight, Eric?"


Entering into the lounge, Amanda pours herself a cup of coffee and takes a sip before turning to leave again. Taking a step forward, she runs head first into Bree, who was panting like she had just been running. Amanda's coffee goes all over her. "Oh come on... this once, it had to land on me. Bree...are you okay?"

Leaning on the wall a little bit, trying to catch her breath, Bree finally straightens, taking Amanda's hand in her own and literally pulling her from the room. "Come on, Dr. Fuller, I need your help. There is no time to waste. Hurry, hurry."

Hearing the urgent tone in Bree's voice, Amanda doesn't think twice before tossing her cup into the garbage. The coffee that was down her front was forgotten as Bree drags her around. Passing where she thought a patient might be, Amanda becomes a little confused, but very concerned at the same time. "Bree, where are we going? What's going on?"

"Please hurry outside. We have to go...we need you!"

Still confused, Amanda squints as she bursts out into the hospital parking lot with Bree. Looking around for a moment, she spots JT getting into the car with Gunner. Her confusion grew even more as she still didn't understand what was going on. "Bree, is this a joke? Because it's not very funny. I thought someone was really hurt. I have too much work for games."

Looking over to Gunner and giving a nod with a sly smile on her face, Bree turns back to Amanda. "Dr. Fuller, this is not a joke. We really do need you. You see, a vampire and his mate are going on a camping trip and they need to doctors along who are in love but won't admit it, in case anything happens."

"In... lo... me... and... J...JT... wait a second, who said we were in love?"

"Okay, not in love, but close. It's easy to see it in both your eyes. Now, get into my car and I'll take you to your place to get what you need."

Amanda crosses her arms over her chest as her cheeks were still red from embarrassment. She really didn't have time for this. She had patients, and she couldn't take a vacation now, even if it did sound nice. Going to speak, she's cut off by Bree.

"They are already being taken care of by another doctor, and your vacation time is being applied. Now please, get into my car because the last thing I need is to force you into it."

Taken by surprise, Amanda looks past Bree at JT, who was almost just as helpless, sitting in Gunner's car. What could she do but simply go with them? "Alright, I'll get in."

"Thank you, Dr. Fuller. I wasn't looking forward to forcing you, but I would have. I had the chloroform and t he towel ready."

"Chloroform...towel...I think you've watched one too many movies. Oh, and call me Amanda if you insist on kidnapping me."

"Okay, Amanda, I can do that." Shutting the door and going around to the driver's side, Bree looks over at Gunner and gives a nod, followed by a wink. Their plan had worked, and they would be on their way. Now the next hard thing was to get the cell phone and pagers away from the doctors.


As the day grew longer and the nights seemed just as long, Katie never left Jason's side. Not now, not like this, even if they were at her work one moment away, it could be the last, and she couldn't take the risk.

Many people came and went, bringing coffee or trying to get her to sleep but it seemed her dreams were only filled with nightmares, so what was the point? Somewhere in the back of her mind, Katie couldn't help but wonder if she hadn't fought the antidote, Jason would have lived longer, or would this still be what was to happen?

Hearing the door of the infirmary open, Katie opens her eyes, trying to clear the fog. Seeing Jamie poke her head in, she tries to give her best smile, though she knows it's a weak one.

"Hey, Katie." Jamie steps in a little more. She hadn't seen much of Katie outside of this room since Jason got here, and it worried her just a little. She knew and understood that she wanted to be close with the man she loved in his final hours, but it was so unhealthy for her not to see the light of day herself either. "I wanted to know if you'd like to go get some coffee with me."

"I think I should stay with J and just...make sure he doesn't need anything. Thanks though, Jamie."

Jamie's look was sad. She had expected Katie to say no, but now that she really had, it made her feel even worse. Things had gotten so complicated and everyone knew why. Jamie just didn't want Katie to give up, and slowly...slowly that's what was happening. "I know you want to stay with Jason but it's nice out and only a short walk so it won't take us long. We will just get it to go and then come back. The fresh air will be good for you and the coffee will wake you up a little more."

Looking up at Jamie, Katie's eyes show she was so tired and bloodshot from crying. Jamie was only trying to help and Katie knew that and she had little energy to try and fight with her to leave her be. Cindy was right down the hall, and it would only be a few moments and they would be back. "Alright, I'll come, but we can't take long." Leaning over Jason, she gives him a kiss to the forehead and runs sa hand down his cheek. It was so hard to face another day while Jason was still lying here. How unfair was it she was living and he was lying there? It was something so hard for Katie to cope with. "I'll be right back, J. Don't get into any trouble while I am gone...okay?"


Watching the two women leave, Trey steps from the shadows and makes his way to the infirmary. Why he was going, he wasn't sure. Stepping inside, it was quiet and held a creepy feeling. And seeing Jason lying there, motionless, sent a strange feeling inside of him.

"So out of anyone, my brother had to be you, huh? Everyone thinks you're perfect, you got a mother's love, and you got a hottie for a girlfriend. Now you're trying to leave that all behind? What I wouldn't give to be in your shoes and have everything you have."

Trey scoffs before taking a few steps closer to Jason, being almost close enough to touch his brother. Just looking down at his still form, he can feel a pain in his heart for this person he didn't even know. "You can't leave her, you know. She'd be so sad and she's had enough of that. Me...she never knew me so it's better she never does. But she's been a mother to you your whole life. You can't go getting out of that now. So don't be a loser and quit. Not yet."

He draws quiet as a small tear forms in his eye. How was he to explain to anyone how he felt over this? Losing a brother he once wished he had, but hated all at the same time. There was love somewhere though, and the twinge of pain in his heart proved that, even if he was unwilling to accept it. And so for the longest moment, he just stood there.


Dalton looks to Reese, around the room and then back to Wyatt. He didn't feel comfortable with just leaving Chance in there, but who was he to say anything else? It just felt wrong, almost like they were leaving a man behind. "I've already got the hardware set up for each of you to wear. It's almost invisible so you won't have to worry about anyone seeing it on mistake. I do have to say this is my best work yet."

"Don't get to big of a head, Hulk. You already have a problem getting through doors as it is." Nate gives a grin to Dalton before looking back between Reese and Chance. Dalton wasn't the only one who felt uneasy about leaving Chance behind. Nate had never had to do that before and though it was chance who made this mess, he was still one of the good guys and it just didn't seem right. But they had no choice - that's how it was going to be. And even if Nate argued, they would just find someone else for the operation.

"So, what if Destiny sees you and puts up a fight because you're not coming with us? That won't cause issues with the Underground changing their mind or anything, will it? Because something tells me she is not going to be happy when she herself sees the exchange." Nate probably already knew the answer to the question he had asked, but it was something that had been on his mind anyway. He'd rather ask it and let it go instead of letting it weigh heavy and become a distraction.


Ryan can't help but give a small laugh at Tal's joke. She'd never be able to describe how this experience had been or how amazing it was to be able to help, but Tal knew already, so it was something they could always share together.

Returning the kiss, she just soaks in the moment. Feeling Tal's hand through her hair and the gentle expression was nice. letting her own hands creep up his back, she returns the emotions she was feeling. How perfect this felt.

Drawing away and hearing his comment, Ryan gives a small laugh again as her own eyes twinkle and a grin forms on her lips. "Nah, I don't think you're cute. I think you're downright sexy."


Alice can't help the laughter that just seemed to bubble over. The excitement, Kyle's reaction - it was all just perfect. Kyle had made her so happy, something she thought would never be possible again, but he had found his way into her heart and now life was grand.

Looking at the ring after Kyle put it on her finger, Alice's smile grew even more. The ring was simple but perfect and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen and it was hers. Kyle was hers forever. "Ohhh...let's go. Come on, come on. Let's look at the house again."

Alice couldn't help it. Kyle's excitement was feeding her own and already her mind was running wild with ideas that could be done. Oh how wonderful this would be and how excited she was. They would have their own house, together...forever!


Answering the phone, Beth was a little surprised to hear Justin's voice on the other end. It had been a little over a week since they last talked and she had started to lose hope that he ever wanted to anymore. But now, now he was calling her and she couldn't help but smile. She'd missed his voice, the way he talked - the small things most people wouldn't notice but she did.

"Hey, Justin, it's good to hear from you." Continuing to just listen, Beth could sense something was wrong in Justin's voice. Hearing about his brother, her heart raced. He might lose him. Even if he didn't like him, still it was his brother and who knows what would happen?

Staying silent for a moment, Beth thinks, but not about what Justin was asking from her. Her mind drifted to the last time she was in a hospital and how much she hated them. Just thinking about going made her sick. But her friend needed her. How could she leave him high and dry when he needed her? If it was the other way around, he would have been there in a second for her, right?

"I'll leave now and be there shortly. Don't you worry about what we need to talk about right now. Just worry about yourself, your brother and your mom. I'll be there as soon as I can. Let someone know I am coming so when I ask, they will let me up. I'll see you soon, Justin."

Hanging up the phone and going into the kitchen to grab her purse, Beth looks around the room before heading out. Starting the journey, she makes a quick stop, grabbing three cups of coffee and then making her way again. It would take a little bit to get there, but if she took some of the back roads, it would cut a little time.

Would you come?

The next couple days at TJY were a nightmare. Chance sat behind a desk all day, filling out paperwork, writing reports and hacking into systems to glean information from the Underground. He was working for the other side now, and breaking in wasn't easy. But with some help from Dalton, Chance was able to get enough information to get the ball rolling with Reese... and prove he meant business.

Names, dates, locations, plans... Chance knew much of it. He'd been a top double-agent for the Underground, giving him access and knowledge that not everyone had. And now, it was vital to remember. But pouring over paperwork and being boxed in by four walls wasn't the worst part... the worst part was the torture of knowing that Destiny was somewhere, being held. Was she hurt? Was she okay? Did she think it was something he'd done? Did she know the truth? How long would the Underground wait? Without any calls from them, Chance knew they were simply waiting for him to contact them. They were, most likely, still betting on him calling them... and they'd be right. But negotiations had been delayed. Though he and Reese were going to call the Underground immediately, they had decided to wait. If the Underground wanted to meet right away, Chance wouldn't have the opportunity to share the information he had, and right now, he was being held to his promises...

…Reese leans back in his desk chair, reading over reports Chance had put together. Lots of names... the Underground was bigger than he'd imagined. Lots of past dates and events... crimes that the Elite had investigated and either blamed on the Agency or never found the culprits. Lots of plans - though few had names and all seemed to have one purpose: to eliminate anyone connected to the Agency. They preyed on those who were straddling the fence or who had begun to turn on the Agency... those who were weak and made vulnerable away from the rest of the Agency team. While Reese agreed with ridding the world of the Agency, the Underground's methods were not pleasant...

"...and why don't you know more about future plans?"

"Hardly anyone knows what comes next." Chance keeps a steady gaze on Reese in the interrogation room. His eyes were bloodshot and tired, his posture slouched. He hadn't slept in days and it was beginning to wear on him. "The only ones not flying by the seat of their pants are the top dogs. But they don't share intel easily, just because things change and they keep a pretty tight rein on the system so there aren't any leaks."

"What about you? How did they trust you?"

"They just gave me one job at a time and I got paid. They knew I was benefiting from both sides, but they also knew they paid me more than the Elite, so they knew I wouldn't turn on them. That, and they knew I knew they'd kill me if I tried to cross them."

"And you believed in their cause."

"I did." Chance's eyes fall for a moment as he hesitates. "Until Destiny."

Reese studies him carefully. "Why did that change anything?"

"Because before her, I never saw the aftermath. I didn't kill her parents, but I knew about it, and I helped find them. Before knowing Destiny, all those other people - they were just things to be rid of. I never saw the feelings... or the families that were hurt. I was doing a job... getting paid... and it was easy to turn a blind eye."

Reese shakes his head, unable to imagine living such a heartless life. "Yet you were also a very good Elite agent."

Chance shrugs. "I knew how to do my job. I could get out of scrapes no one else could and it got me in on the action. Playing both sides kept me busy and... gave me a comfortable lifestyle."

"You've never said yet who the leader is."

"That's because I don't have a name."

"You were near the top, you were with them for several years... you killed for them.. and you don't have a name?"

"No. All I know is it's a man and he goes by Shadow."

Reese quirks an eyebrow. "Shadow."

Chance nods in total seriousness. "Yes."

Reese sighs deeply and fingers some papers on the table. "You've given us a lot, Chance, and I'm grateful. I had Dalton do some checking and it looks like your intel is good. With what you gave us, we can start investigating new leads and try to stop unnecessary murders from happening."

Chance senses there's more. "But...?"

"Something came up." Reese purses his lips, unsure how to say it. "I've been discussing the current situation with Chief Brown and overseers of the Elite are also aware. However, I have been... given direct orders not to work with you."

"What?" Chance's eyes widen. "Why? I don't understand."

"They view you as a risk. You were set free because we wanted to trace you and see if you'd lead us to the Underground or Agency. When you didn't, we figured you had gone into hiding. And what happens the minute you show up? We have another victim on our hands. Another bad situation as soon as you surfaced. The Elite board doesn't run on personal feelings or a person's intentions - they look at the evidence and cold hard facts. And what they see right now is someone who should be behind bars so that no one else gets hurt."

Chance swallows hard. Behind bars? After all this time? After letting him go in the first place? He finds himself getting to his feet. "No. You can't let them do that to me. I came to help someone, not get thrown into prison!"

Reese remains calmly seated. "I know this must be difficult for you. You've given us a lot of information, and for that, everyone is grateful. But as long as you're free, the Underground will want you. And as long as they want you, they'll find more ways to get to you, and more innocent lives might be lost."

"Fine." Chance's anger boiled in his veins. He leans on the table, glaring into Reese's eyes. "Throw me in prison. Go ahead. But if you do, Destiny's blood is on your hands, not mine. I came here knowing the risks. But I did it because there's a woman out there behind held by the Underground and the only way in is through me. You want to play games, go right ahead. But if I'm not going to have your help, I will leave... I will find a way out... and you will never see me again."

Reese's eyes don't wave from Chance's, nor does he express any heightened emotions. "Please sit down, Chance."

Unsure why Reese wasn't yelling back at him, Chance slides back down into his chair.

Reese takes a deep breath. "I said I'd been given orders... I didn't say I would follow them..."


"...So, they've agreed to meet out at the old abandoned mill. The exchange will take place in the north parking lot at eleven PM tomorrow night. One of their men will bring out Destiny and meet Chance and our escort halfway. Nate, I'd like you to be the escort." Reese looks across the conference table at Nate, Wyatt, Chance and Dalton as he explained how everything would work.

Wyatt rocks back in his chair, quirking a slight grin. "I think someone over there has been watching too much television."

Reese smirks. "Unfortunately, as corny as it may seem, they have the upper hand and there's not much we can do about that. We've been informed that if we try anything from scouting out the area beforehand to having more than two agents there, that Destiny will be immediately executed. And Chance believes they mean it."

Chance's eyes study the table instead of the men's eyes. This was all his fault. First to have gotten involved with Destiny in the first place, then to have come back here to seek her out. All it had done was make her vulnerable and make her a prime target.

After a pause, Reese resumes. "Wyatt, I'd like you as the second man behind the wheel. You're to park and wait for Nate to get back to the car with Destiny. I want you in contact with Dalton at all times so we know what's happening. As soon as Nate and Destiny are in the car, you're to drive away and come straight here. With any luck, we'll pull off the exchange without anyone getting hurt."

Wyatt exchanges a glance with Dalton before looking back to Reese. "So who do you have on standby to get Chance back out before they take him anywhere?" Not receiving a response, he blinks. "We do have a plan for that, right?"

Chance finally looks up. "We don't. The Underground means business and this entire thing wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been for me. The only purpose of this is to get Destiny back."

"And you?"

"I'll see if I can cause some damage when they take me back. I won't be working for them like they think I might, so you won't have to worry about me turning on the Elite and giving up information."

"But they'll kill you."

Chance's eyes fall again. "Destiny's life is worth more than mine." He had been a little surprised that Reese had agreed to all of this... but it really was what he deserved. It wasn't like the Elite to trade lives or not have a plan to rescue everyone. But Chance had made far too many mistakes to be begging for protection. This was the way it should be. This was his payment.

Reese eyes the men once more. "May I remind you that information about this operation is to be kept within the walls of the Elite. If this leaks out, we might get into a lot of trouble for going against orders. Does anyone have any questions?"


Jason slips his arm around Katie the best he can, and holds her close as she buries her face into his chest. Kissing the top of her head, he just lets her cry, his hand gently rubbing her back. Though his own eyes remain dry, his heart was breaking - not because he knew he was going to die, but from seeing Katie in such anguish.

"Shhh," he tries to soothe in a whisper. "It's gonna be okay." He kisses her head again. "You don't have anything to be sorry about so don't take the blame for anything, ya hear?"

It takes effort to stay alert, but he tries, for Katie's sake. He didn't want to leave her... he hated seeing her like this. And though he knew it was wrong, a part of him wished they hadn't been so close so she wouldn't have such a hard time now. "You're gonna be okay," he whispers. "Shhh."

In the other room, the three at the table had grown quiet. They could hear Katie crying and all knew that it was breaking the young woman's heart. Cindy feels a tear of her own trickle down her cheek. Everything hurt so badly... why did someone like Katie have to suffer on top of it all?

Suddenly feeling a warm hand on top of hers, her gaze snaps up to Derek. At first, she wants to draw away - she didn't trust this man. Yet as she lets his hand linger, she feels that he means no harm. He only means comfort. And right now, she had no one else. Taking in a ragged breath, she nods to him, another few tears escaping.

He gives her hand a squeeze. "How about letting Liz and I go get some food to bring back in for supper? I don't think Katie will want to cook, and I think you could use a break, too."

Cindy forces a smile and sniffs, composing herself. "Okay. Thank you, Derek... for coming."

He nods and lets her go, standing up and looking to his daughter. "How about we go do that, huh?"

"Yeah. " Liz isn't going to argue. While part of her wanted to stay near her brother, she knew that getting out for a little while would be good....


"...Jason... Jason, Hon... want to wake up for a while?" Cindy sits on the edge of Jason's bed and runs her fingers through his hair. It was late morning and he still hadn't stirred. He'd been awake for part of the evening before, but had drifted in and out, carrying on only bits and pieces of conversation until Derek had helped him get into his own bed. "Come on... I'll fix you a little breakfast if you want." He still didn't move. "Jason?" Cindy's voice turns scared and hopeful. She rubs his shoulder gently. "Jase?"

Biting her lip so she didn't cry, she tries a few more times to rouse her son, but fails. Making sure he still had a pulse, she finally picks up his bedside phone and dials. "Rick?" She sniffs and takes a deep breath. "Yeah, it's me. I can't wake up Jason. He seems to be sleeping peacefully but he just won't wake up... Okay... yeah, I'll be ready... Thank you."

The inevitable was finally happening. And even though they'd all known it, it didn't make it any easier. Rick and Con come to transport Jason back to the TJY infirmary, and he's made as comfortable as possible, in bed and with medications to help with any pain. But his eyes remain closed. Cindy comes to stay with Jason and a conversation with Rick lets her know that he believes Jason had a few days left at the most.

Others come and go... Derek and Liz... Phil... Mike... the church pastor... even Carson stops by for a brief time. It was quiet in the infirmary, despite Rick and Misty's continual work to find a cure, even though time was almost up. Cindy meets new faces and sees many old ones from TJY but later it would all be a blur. She takes up residence in the spare room, lying down part of the time, but unable to rest. Even with all the visitors, she still felt so very alone. Her thoughts continuously bounced between Jason, Derek, Trey, Wes and Kaylee... what she would do when Jason was gone... how she would cope... if she'd ever get to know Trey... what Wes might say if he were here... what she'd tell Kaylee about her brothers when she was older. As the day drags on, her tears fade as her emotions simply grow numb.

Derek and Liz opt to spend most of the day out to visit a few of their own friends from Cryptic, knowing they would be called if anything happened. Cindy had had a long conversation with Derek the night before and he now knew about Trey. Though incredibly shocked and wanting to meet the son he didn't even know he had, he refrains from staying around TJY... This was a time for Jason, not a time to stir up anything else, and Cindy had told him how negatively Trey had responded to her - who knew how he'd respond to meeting his real father? Leaving and trying not to think about Trey for the day, though, was very difficult.


Left alone for a few minutes, Tal starts making some coffee then goes to at least throw on a clean shirt. Back in the kitchen in his bare feet, he makes a couple phone calls, checks on the puppies - thrilled to see the runt of the litter was doing as well as the other pups - then stands at the counter, collecting a few things for pancakes.

As Ryan comes up behind him and slips her arms around him, a grin surfaces, her kiss to his cheek only making the grin wider. He takes a deep breath, smelling the sweet scent of shampoo in her hair. Setting a few more things closer to the stove, one hand moves to hold hers on his waist. "You don't need to thank me," he responds. "I liked having you here."

Turning his head to look over his shoulder, he looks at her with one eye for several moments. "I still like having you here." Smiling, he turns around so he can face her and drape his arms over her shoulders. "You make one awfully pretty midwife," he muses. Laughing a little, he bends down, giving her lips a tender, slow kiss. Drawing back, he rests his forehead on hers. "I'll never know what I did to deserve having you in my life..." Goodness knows he hadn't ever thought he'd be able to do more for her than just help her get over Alec. Even then, it had been hard to accept his own actions weren't wrong, then to believe she actually had return feelings for him. Now though... looking in her eyes... he knew he'd done no wrong. She was his, and he couldn't be happier. "...but I'll never take it for granted." Cocking his head, he gives her another kiss, one hand crawling up to the back of her head, his fingers combing through her damp hair.

Pulling back only slightly, humor dances in his eyes as the laughter threatened to bubble over. "You really think I'm cute?"


"Yes... Yes? Really?" Kyle's eyes had turned wide, full of hope, wonder and relief. Flopping onto his back, he puts a hand to his forehead. "Oh man, that's a relief." Though lying perfectly still for a moment, he suddenly springs back to life, rolling onto his side again and putting his forehead against Alice's staring her right in the eye, his wide again. "Do you have any idea how long I've been planning to ask you? I have been going completely insane!"

Forming a smile from ear to ear, he sits up quickly, bits of grass going every whichway. Digging in his pocket, he pulls out the little velvet box and makes Alice sit up too, facing him. Taking out the elegantly simple diamond ring, he holds her hand and slips it onto her finger. Staring at it for a long while and turning her hand so the stone sparkles in the sun, Kyle's face starts to hurt from the smile he couldn't wipe away.

Turning his gaze back up to Alice's eyes, he gives a little laugh. "Thank you, Alice... for making me absolutely, positively, without a doubt the happiest, hyperest, man alive." Leaning in, he gives her an enthusiastic kiss, drawing back only to stand and pull her up with him. Grabbing her hand, he starts back across the yard at a run. "Now let's go look at the house again since it's gonna be ours!"


Sitting alone in his living room, Justin stares at a blank television. He hadn't been in the mood for any movie tonight. And supper had been a mere salad. But he wasn't hungry anyway. Things were just... blah. That's about the only way he could describe it. The last time he'd seen Beth was several days ago, and he'd avoided her since then. He didn't want to talk about the other night. He didn't want to talk about his family or how she'd overstepped her bounds. He didn't want to admit it had upset him. He knew Beth hadn't meant any harm... he knew she had innocently been trying to help. But he was still having a hard time getting over it. He felt betrayed and wasn't sure how to trust her again - if he even wanted to. And yet...

He sets aside his water glass and pulls his legs up on the couch to sit in a nearly impossible position. His mind wanders to all the time he'd spent with Beth as of late. He'd gotten pretty used to her being around. After she came out of her shell, doing so many things with her was just... nice. He didn't hang out with anyone else. She never judged him. She was fun, quiet, thoughtful, kind. Though only a few days had passed, those days just didn't seem right without seeing her. Something was just... missing.

His mind continues to wander until he again thinks on the things Beth had said about his mom. Was it true? Did his mom really not blame him for what had happened with him and Jared? Did she really still love him? Want to talk to him?

His eyes roam to the telephone by the couch. He sighs. His good sense told him that it was time he swallowed some of his pride and just see what would happen. After all, it couldn't get much worse than this, right? He finally picks up the phone and dials. Hearing his mom answer gave him a reassurance that he hadn't even known he needed - that his mom was still well. "Hey, Ma."

"Justin?"

Her voice sounded hopeful. Was it really? "Yeah. Can you talk?"

"Yes, yes, of course... I'm so glad to hear from you. Are you okay? How are you doing? Are you eating right?"

Justin can't help his wry grin. "I'm fine, Ma. Yes, I'm eating right."

"I've been so worried about you."

"Yeah that's... what I heard."

"You... talked to Beth?"

"I did. I thought you were still scared of me though. I mean, the last time we talked..." Justin pauses. He usually didn't feel this awkward talking to his own mother.

"I am sorry, Justin. I was not thinking. I was convinced you were violent but I still knew you were not. I doubted you and I am sorry. But it was soon I knew it was not your fault. Your brother, he is not like you. I had forgotten. But it did not take long. I did not mean to upset you. Jared has a hard heart and I hoped I could change him. But I could not, if you were here. So... I let him stay and prayed for you that you would be okay and forgive me."

Justin leans his head back, closing his eyes. While he did feel badly that his mother had chosen to cater to Jared while he sat here thinking she hated him, he did understand her reasoning. He didn't agree with how she handled it, but she didn't deserve to be yelled at. She was doing the best she could. "Of course I forgive you. This whole thing wouldn't have started if I hadn't belted Jared to begin with. For that, I'm sorry."

"It is okay. I still love you and so does God - He understands. And I have a feeling Jared would have found another way to make you look bad anyway."

"Why? I just don't understand."

"I don't either. I have nothing - you know that. I do not know what he wants. But he does not want you here - that much I know. I wonder if he is jealous or.. or... something. I don't know. But please, Justin... I love you. You are still my son and if it's your fault or my fault or whoever's fault... I want to forget about what happened and just move on."

Justin bites his lip. "Kinda hard to do that when Jared's still living with you."

"I am not sure what to do about that, yet. I was hoping I could help him somehow but it seems I cannot. Maybe I just need a little more time."

"Why not tell him to find his own place?"

"Would I do that to you?"

Another sigh comes from Justin. He didn't know what it was like to love a wayward son. "No. But it's stupid that he's dictating you. I bet he's not even there right now, is he? And that's why you can talk about all this?"

"Well I..." Lydia sighs now. "Yes, you are right. He will not hurt me. And he will not hurt you. I believe that. It will just make him more mad if you come and I do not like seeing you fight. I just need a little more time. I want to see what he really wants, then see if I can help. If I cannot, I will tell him to leave."

Justin didn't know if that was the best solution or not, but it was all they had at this point. "Is he helping take care of you? Are you getting along okay?"

"Oh yes. You do not have to worry about anything. He makes sure I have groceries - otherwise how would I cook for him?"

Hearing his mother chuckle makes Justin laugh, too. At least she could find some humor in it all. "Alright. I'll try not to worry. I know I just happened to catch you at a good time... Next time, you call me, okay? When he's gone again and you can talk freely. I won't call again in case he's there - I don't want him getting mad at you."

"That will be fine... oh... I think... yes, he just got back. I should go. Thank you for calling me, Justin. I love you. I will talk to you soon."

"Love you, too, Ma. Talk to you later." Hanging up, Justin just holds the phone for several moments. A part of him felt as though a great burden had just been lifted... while a part of him remained angry that his brother had such a hold over them. Though Jared hadn't "done" anything, their mother was still afraid of him - afraid to make him mad. Was she fearful that he would do something to her, or just fearful that she'd lose him as a son altogether? Probably the latter, but still, Justin wished she could just stand up for herself and give Jared a piece of her mind. But... she was the mother, not him.

Continuing to sit alone, Justin wondered if that bridge would have been mended, had it not been for Beth. He still didn't agree with her method but... it still had brought him and his mother back together again. At least a start anyway. But... Beth had still spoken to his family without his knowledge... involved herself in something very personal... it still didn't set right with him.

During the next few days, nothing much changes...



"So you gonna come back over tonight or what?" The blonde woman gives Jared a devilish sort of look as she leans on the open doorway, her skimpy nightgown blowing in the afternoon breeze.

Jared pauses on the porch, cocking his head and giving her a once-over. "Maybe. When did you say your boyfriend gets back?"

She shrugs. "In a day or two. He always calls when he gets close to town though."

"So I come tonight and then what? Goodbye Jared once your man is back or what?"

The woman steps closer and slings an arm over his shoulder, leaning in to give his lips a kiss, then his cheek and on down his neck. "You wouldn't have it any other way, would you?" she whispers in his ear.

Jared grins and pulls her closer, forcing his lips to find hers in a strong kiss. "You know me way too well to just be a stranger," he muses.

She laughs and lets him go. "Call it womanly intuition. I have to admit though... I think I'm gonna miss you when this is over, Mr. Hawks."

He studies her with a sly glint in his eyes. "Then we better make tonight worth remembering." Backing away, he finally leaves after having spent the last two hours here rather than the "trip to the mall for a business meeting" like he'd told his mother. Now to pick up his mother some trinket somewhere to make her happy and so she'd believe where he'd been.

Walking out into the street where his car was parked, he goes around to the driver's side and pulls his eyes from his pocket. As he does, loose change goes everywhere. Hearing the woman's voice, he looks up to the house to find her laughing at him. He grins and throws his arms in the air before wandering into the middle of the street to pick up the runaway coins.

The nearby public bus had not been seen. Nor had the impatient car, taking the risk of speeding around the slower vehicle. And as they travel, another car turns from a driveway, creating oncoming traffic that the hurried driver had not anticipated. Witnesses would later give testimony that all three vehicles had swerved to avoid a collision. The innocent car spins out into someone else's driveway, taking with them two trash cans. The speeding car bounces up onto the opposite curb then overcompensates to nick the front corner of the bus. Like a domino affect, the bus takes its turn to swerve. But as the bus driver battles with the car at fault, his eyes are taken off the road in front of him. And when his sights return to his lane, all he can do is slam on his brakes.

Oblivious to what was happening around him, Jared picks up the last quarter and straightens. The corner of his eye catches movement, but there's simply no time. The last thing he sees is the front of the bus coming towards him…



"…Whoa, whoa, Ma, slow down." Jared had almost not answered his phone as he drove from Brookshire back to his place. It had been a crappy morning, but not because of his session with Scott. That had gone very well. Everything else had gone to pot. His morning had started out badly when he hadn't heard his alarm. Finding he was out of dog food hadn't helped, nor had slipping in the shower and whacking his shin on the faucet. And leaving Brookshire without having seen Beth... again... just seemed to add to his irritation. It was stupid since it was his choice. It had now been a week since the night she'd left his place. And even though he'd called his mom and started working things out with her, the whole thing with Beth still bothered him and now it had been long enough that he wasn't quite sure how to approach her again even if he wanted to. One thing was for certain though... as much as he didn't want to feel it... as much as he didn't want to admit it... he was getting lonely, and he did miss her company.

Now hearing his mother's frantic voice on the other end of the phone, he tenses. "Start over. What about Jared?"


...It was several hours later. The medics from the hospital in Truman had just taken Jared, who was in critical condition, to the Franklin Hospital in North Springs for more extensive surgeries. It wasn't looking good. Lydia was trying to stay strong, but it wasn't easy - with the help of a couple ladies from church though, her tears had lessened. They would take her to North Springs while Justin went to the house to get a few things for her then meet her there and stay with her until they knew what was happening.

But now, as Justin sits on his mother's bed, back at the house to pack a few things in her little travel bag, it's the first time since getting the call that he took the time to just sit. His mind had been going a hundred miles and hour, and now, in the quiet of the house, his emotions had a chance to surface.

His brother was close to death... and part of him didn't care, while the other part was stunned and not wanting it to happen. He was trying to take care of his mother the best he could but he knew this was even more a nightmare for her than him. After today... after her friends left... would he be able to do enough for her? Could he give her the support she needed? On his own? What if Jared did die? What did that mean? He felt guilty for not feeling worse about the whole thing. Would he feel a hole? Could they have worked things out? Would he always wonder what could have happened, had they had more time together? Would his mother come out of this well? Would she be able to move on, with only one son left as she mourned the loss of her other son and still lived with the loss of her husband?

Justin puts his head in his hands and continues to just sit. Fifteen minutes... that's all he needed. But he needed to regroup before heading to the hospital. He needed to think. He needed... a shoulder. He didn't know how to feel. He was frustrated, upset, angry for some reason, scared... he didn't know what to do with all of it. His mother had friends she'd been talking to all afternoon. He had... himself. But sometimes he hated his own analytical mind and just wanted someone else to carry the burden. Not all the time. Not even often. Just... once in a while. He just needed... someone. This was bigger than he could handle and he knew it. This was more than he could think through with logic.

Taking a deep breath, he straightens and pulls his phone from his pocket. Thinking for a few minutes, he finally dials. Hearing Beth's voice answer the other end was like the breath of fresh air he'd been missing. And yet... what to say?

"Hi, Beth. It's me." He sighs deeply, closing his eyes. He didn't even know where to start. "Um..." Here he was, calling her out of the blue after a week's silence. And it was because he wanted something from her. How must that look? How would that make her feel to think he only called her when he needed something, rather than to try and fix whatever had happened between them?

Trying to push aside the doubts, he swallows hard. "Something... something happened today. My brother was in an accident and... he might not make it. I'm in Truman - at Ma's house, but I gotta go to North Springs where they took Jared. Ma's there already with some of her friends. I just... um... I know it's about a two hour drive for you but..."

But what? He was asking an awful lot of her. Yet he had no one else. He didn't want any of his other friends right now. None of them would understand, if they even came at all. In the back of his mind, he remembered waking up when he'd been so sick, and finding that Beth had cared for him. The comfort she'd offered... the peace she'd shared... Perhaps that's what he was seeking now, and just didn't know how to ask.

"...would you come? To the hospital? I... I know there's things we should talk about, but right now, I just..." His voice grows a little quieter, his shoulders dropping. "I'd like your company."


JT wanders into the doctor's lounge and pours a cup of water from the cooler, sipping it slowly. Pacing the room, he rubs a tired hand over his face. It had been a long day full of one emergency after the other. He was supposed to have had the day off... but again, he'd been called in. Though he cared a great deal for his patients, he knew that several other doctors took advantage of his willingness and often shoved their work off onto him. But who else would do it if JT didn't? He sighs and downs the rest of his water. He'd take a short walk down the halls to loosen up then get back to the patients he needed to check.

Just as he's tossing his paper cup into the trashcan though, someone grabs him from behind. He goes to cry out but a strong hand is clamped over his mouth while both of his own hands were held tightly behind his back. His eyes widen and he struggles against his captor, fear racing through his veins. Backing up, he slams his assailant into the wall in an attempt to get him off, but it does no good.

"Cut it out," a whisper is hissed into his ear. "You wanna alert the whole flippin' floor?"

JT stops struggling for a moment. Who was this? Whose voice was that? He tries to speak but it only comes out as a muffled mumble. All at once, he's being dragged through the rear door in the room and into a back hall. Turned around and pushed forward, he stumbles the long trek to the stairwell, down one flight, then to the back parking lot of the hospital. Finally released, he whirls around, hands up in defense only to find Gunner standing right behind him. "Gunner!" He throws his arms in the air. "What do you think you're doing?! Are you nuts?!"

"Yes." Gunner gives him a shove towards his car. "But you're coming with me."

"Now hang on just one minute." JT stops in his tracks and straightens. "I don't know what you're trying to do but-"

"I'm kidnapping you."

"What?!"

"Kidnapping you. It's the only way."

"Only way for what?!"

Gunner sets his hands on his hips. "It's the only way to get a vacation while you're still young enough to go on one. So come on." He takes JT's arm, pulling him towards the car. "We're all packed."

"Whoa whoa whoa! Vacation? We? Who is we?"

Gunner sighs. "A vampire and a lovely maiden who only want to spend a little time with the people we care about. Is that too much to ask?"

JT blinks. "You are a very talented man to be able to lose me within two sentences." He grabs Gunner's shirt collar and yanks him closer. "You just scared the wits out of me in there! For a vacation?! What are you talking about?!"

"Look, just because we're at a hospital doesn't give you the right to have a heart attack." Gunner pries loose JT's fingers form his shirt. "And I'm sorry I scared you but if you need a clean pair of shorts, Bree made sure to pack those for you."

"Bree. You and Bree. Vacation. Kidnapping. This is great. Just great. I have a job, Gunner! Patients! You can't just come in here and drag me away!"

Gunner grins. "I just did. And..." He looks at his watch. "That fine niece of yours will be coming out any moment with your lovely girlfriend."

"Girlfr... what?"

"Oh come on now... don't pretend we haven't noticed. It's time you two had a date. And a vacation."

"Dr. Fuller? Bree is bringing Dr. Fuller?"

"I think that's Amanda to you. And yes. Yes she is. And yes, we're going on vacation. The four of us. Today. Right now."

"But-"

"We've taken care of everything. Your patients are fine, Amanda's patients are fine and your work will be done for you while you're gone. Now come on... please? Get in the car, will you?"

JT's mouth hangs open and he just stares at the car. "Well what-"

"Bree's got her car too. We have everything we need. We'll just need to stop by Amanda's to get her stuff and then we'll take off."

"But-"

"Get in the car!" Gunner yells, yanking open the passenger side door.

JT blinks and numbly goes to sit in the car.

"Thank you!" Gunner lets the door fall shut and looks to the hospital's back door again, waiting for the other two to complete the foursome in this surprise camping trip.


Jeff smiles and takes a sip of his water, too. "You're welcome. While the idea of supper with Stacy had been a bit haphazard, Jeff really does enjoy the time with her. It had been so long since he'd really socialized apart from the others at the ranch, that her company was a breath of fresh air. Most everything was small talk, but he didn't mind. Cracking jokes and talking about the ranch was what he was good at, and he even talked a little bit about his own past and what had transpired with Katie being his daughter. When the meal is over, something inside of him wishes it wouldn't end, but he knew that Stacy needed to make her rounds before bed and he didn't want to hold her up. There were no promises to have dinner again, but Jeff left it open in case she ever did want the company another time. Tonight, instead of card games, he spent time in the kitchen cleaning up, then heading to his bunk, leaving the night life to the younger group...


Eric sits on the edge of his bed, cell phone in hand. He sighs. Again. Today had been a long day. The whole thing in town still bothered him a bit, though the embarrassment had subsided, as had his anger with Jeff. He hadn't meant to get so upset. It had just... happened. He'd been uptight all through his evening meal, but maybe Kaylee's little outburst had had a purpose after all. Sitting with her in the living room and calming her down had somehow calmed him down as well. Maybe because he'd been thinking about someone other than himself.

When he'd walked through the dining room later, he'd seen Jeff and Stacy eating together. It had taken him a little by surprise. He hadn't known of his brother's plans, and he couldn't help but wonder if there was anything more to it than just a meal. After all of Jeff's teasing during the day, he hadn't thought Jeff would be interested in Stacy but... maybe he was. Eric didn't know and though his curiosity wanted to ask, he knew it was none of his business. He did wonder though if Jeff spent more time with Stacy if that would ever mean Ashlee wouldn't be spending quite as much time with him in the barn. It was a silly notion, he knew, and he quickly pushed it aside, but somewhere deep down, that thought was still there.

And now... late evening... sitting on his bed... he felt the letdown after the day was done. He really did feel miserable. Was Jeff right? Had he been moping around? Was he a burden to the others? Was he just making everyone else miserable too? He looks down at his phone. He'd comforted one little girl tonight and it had helped him see a little more clearly. Perhaps telling another two little girls what he should would be an additional step.

Dialing, Eric hears an answering machine with Katie's voice. He wasn't sure if he was glad no one had answered or not. Should he even leave a message or call back later? He finally decides to speak. "Hi, Katie and Thirteen. It's your uncle Eric. Listen, um..." He knew he was talking to the whole household by speaking to the answering machine, but it would have to do. He was past the point of embarrassment now. "I just wanted to call and see how you both were doing. I, um... I also wanted to say I'm sorry. I know it's been a little while since I visited and I probably should have called sooner, but... well, I guess I was too proud. I'm sorry about what happened when Dana and I were there. You've probably heard that she left me right after we got married, so I guess I got what I deserved. I still don't know exactly what happened but I do know that I said things I shouldn't have and I should have listened more to my family. So... I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I love you both and I'd like to see you again soon. ...Bye."

Flipping his phone shut, he feels a little silly but a little bit better, too. He hoped both girls got his message. If not, maybe repeating himself would be easier. At the very least, he'd said he was sorry... as he was. There were so many things that never should have happened... and now he was reaping the consequences.

Knowing that others were probably still up in the dining room, Eric opts not to socialize tonight. He'd rather be alone and just think. But rest didn't come easy. After lying in bed for several hours watching stupid television, he still hadn't fallen asleep. By now it was well after dark and the ranch was quiet. Probably everyone else was in bed. They were probably sleeping. Why couldn't he just get his brain to shut off for a while?

Eventually, he's had enough. If his mind wanted to keep him awake, he might as well help it along. Still dressed, he pulls on is boots and heads out into the night air, forgetting that Stacy might still be up and about. Taking a deep breath, the coolness felt good. It was a little chilly but he didn't care about putting a jacket over his t-shirt. He'd rather feel the air. Walking towards the dining hall, he stops halfway and just stares up at the night sky. Stars... millions of them. The sky was so vast and he was so small. Who was he that his life mattered? Who was he that in such a huge universe anything he would do would matter? He knew God loved him and had a purpose for him but... where? Why? When?

A cool gust of wind pushes ahead of a breeze. Keeping his head back, he closes his eyes and slowly stretches out his arms to feel the full force, drinking in the refreshing air. The chill caressed his fingers, swept around his arms and combed through his hair, giving him goosebumps. And then... stillness again. Letting his arms flop back down, his shoulders drop. And he continues his route to the main building.

Getting inside, there were no lights on. He turns one on in the corner, giving the dining room a soft glow. Then heading for the kitchen, he prepares a pot of coffee. It doesn't take long before he's seated at the little corner couch near the fireplace... alone... thinking while sipping the warm drink.