Jade sighs and nods. She had a feeling that there was a whole lot to her brother's story that she wouldn't want to hear - but she would love him no matter what. "I'm glad he called you - from what I can see, you're one of the few people he trusts. He probably figured I would have told Dad... and maybe he would have been right."
Glancing again towards the bunkhouses, her fingers absentmindedly toy with Dan's shirt. "I just wanna run over and hug him and tell him I missed him and I'm glad he's back but..." She looks back up at Dan. "He probably wouldn't want that right now, huh?"
Hearing Beth answer her phone, Justin was just a little bit relieved. He wasn't sure why, but he wasn't going to try and figure it out. "Hey there. Glad you had a good day. Mine was... okay." He'd tell her later about his visit to see Jared.
"Had a good time with Zach, I assume?"
Ariel smiles and nods. "Yeah, well, sometimes the parties are too loud."
Accepting the invitation to come in, she eases down in a free chair. Folding her hands, she takes a deep breath. "I just... wanted to talk to you about something."
Looking down at the table for a moment she finally lifts her gaze again to study Trey's face. She' grown serious, though still held a soft smile. "Remember when Pete introduced us that night at the lake? It... wasn't a coincidence. I knew you were going to be there that night - Pete had told me."
Cocking her head, she tries to remember everything she'd wanted to say. "I like you, Trey... a lot, actually." A bit of color comes to her cheeks. "You're a nice guy and I've really enjoyed hanging out with you. And... because that's true, I need to be completely honest with you."
Ariel pauses again, doing her very best to be serious yet not scare him away. "I was... supposed to ensure you weren't a threat to the Elite. Pete and I have been friends for a long time, I've been aware of his position here, so he came to me when Reese wanted him to keep an eye on you." She sighs. "I did it for Pete. Whenever we hung out, I would tell him that nothing you'd done or said had roused any suspicions. The only problem was... I actually did grow fond of you. I discovered you weren't a threat at all, and I told Pete so. I... told him today that I'm not going to report to him anymore. I want to be your friend just to be your friend... not for any other reasons... if you'll still have me."
She wasn't sure if he would or not. She knew she was risking him being very upset with her for not being completely honest. She was also risking him being mad at Pete... though even if Trey figured out from this that Pete hadn't told him everything, there was a lot he still didn't know - and that was left for Pete to tell him himself. That part wasn't Ariel's job - this was.
Her eyes remain steadily on Trey, watching him carefully and waiting for his response.
3/10/12
Invade
Looking down at Jade Dan continues to smile. Seeing all the questions in her eyes Dan dosn't stop the questions and was happy to answer them all. He new Jade would want to know about Dylan because she lover her bother.
Returning the kiss Dan pulls away looking twords the bunk where Dylan was walking. He was home, here were they could help him and he would be safe again but was he ok that seemed to be a loaded question.
"I didn't make him come back it was his own choose. I just lent an ear when he needed it. He called me this morning asking me if I could pick him up. He was in a town two hours away and.....he will be ok now that he's home."
Looking down into Jade's eyes Dan smiles again. He really did believe Dylan would be ok now. He had people here who loved him and he new they would help. It would be one step at a time again but he wouldn't be alone.
Pulling into her drive way Beth fishes for her phone hopping whoever it was wouldn't hang up yet. She didn't want to answer while she was driving. Seeing Justin's number on the caller ID Beth gives a smile. She'd been waiting for his call.
"Hey Justin. Sorry about that I just pulling into the driveway when you called."
Grabbing her purse and her half of sub Beth juggles everything making her way to the door and unlocking it and going inside to set everything down. Going to the house phone and looking if there was any messages she than makes her way to the kitchen.
"I had a pretty great day. How was yours?"
Looking from the magazine that seemed to have been left behind from someone else Trey just eyes the door for a moment before seeing Ariel. Putting it down and sitting up he found it a bit odd she had come here, she never had before and tonight they were going to meet for another party. So she was here now...why?
"Hey, I guess its fine. You would of seen me tonight at the party though!"
Just watching Ariel for a long moment he waves her in farther. Going out tonight was going to be he highlight of the night. Not to mention he needed the distraction. For the last few days Cindy kept invading his mind. Why he wasn't sure but he just couldn't shake it.
"So, whats up?"
Returning the kiss Dan pulls away looking twords the bunk where Dylan was walking. He was home, here were they could help him and he would be safe again but was he ok that seemed to be a loaded question.
"I didn't make him come back it was his own choose. I just lent an ear when he needed it. He called me this morning asking me if I could pick him up. He was in a town two hours away and.....he will be ok now that he's home."
Looking down into Jade's eyes Dan smiles again. He really did believe Dylan would be ok now. He had people here who loved him and he new they would help. It would be one step at a time again but he wouldn't be alone.
Pulling into her drive way Beth fishes for her phone hopping whoever it was wouldn't hang up yet. She didn't want to answer while she was driving. Seeing Justin's number on the caller ID Beth gives a smile. She'd been waiting for his call.
"Hey Justin. Sorry about that I just pulling into the driveway when you called."
Grabbing her purse and her half of sub Beth juggles everything making her way to the door and unlocking it and going inside to set everything down. Going to the house phone and looking if there was any messages she than makes her way to the kitchen.
"I had a pretty great day. How was yours?"
Looking from the magazine that seemed to have been left behind from someone else Trey just eyes the door for a moment before seeing Ariel. Putting it down and sitting up he found it a bit odd she had come here, she never had before and tonight they were going to meet for another party. So she was here now...why?
"Hey, I guess its fine. You would of seen me tonight at the party though!"
Just watching Ariel for a long moment he waves her in farther. Going out tonight was going to be he highlight of the night. Not to mention he needed the distraction. For the last few days Cindy kept invading his mind. Why he wasn't sure but he just couldn't shake it.
"So, whats up?"
Out
Future Mrs. Palmer. It made Jade's spine tingle and she giggles. "Hi there, handsome."
Drawn into a hug, she wraps her arms around Dan's waist and leans her head against his chest, murmuring softly at his warmth. She could stay in his arms forever.
Once he pulls away though, she stands on her tiptoes to give his lips a quick little kiss. "It's spaghetti tonight with garlic bread." Food was far from her mind though and she searches Dan's eyes, her arms still lightly around him. Her gaze was full of questions. "Is Dylan okay? Where did you find him and how on earth did you get him to come back?"
Dylan trudges into his bunkhouse, closing and locking the door behind him. Wandering to the bed, he drags his backpack on the floor before letting it go. Not even taking his shoes off, he falls onto the soft mattress, the pillow catching his head. It was a far cry from a cement block under a bridge. He needed to shower. Change clothes. Empty his backpack. But his body simply won't cooperate.
Unable to keep his eyes open, he falls asleep within seconds after lying down. It wouldn't be until morning that he would wake again.
Justin felt drained. Curled up on the couch as the tv droned, he didn't really feel like getting up and making himself supper. His visit with Jared had been fine. Short. Nothing traumatic. And yet it had sapped all his energy. He yawns. This was stupid. He was fine. The whole thing was fine. He just needed to move on and not think about it.
He still doesn't want to move from the couch though.
Glancing at the wall clock, he wonders if Beth would be home by now. He usually talked to her in the evenings on the phone if they weren't getting together. But she was hanging out with Zach today and he didn't know when their day would end.
Shrugging off doubts, he reaches over his head to feel around for the cordless phone. Dialing Beth, he readjusts his weight on the couch, letting his head stay in the throw pillows. One ring. Two. Maybe her day with Zach had been such a good one that they were spending a night out too.
"I don't want to do it anymore."
"But why? You're doing so well."
"Because it's not real. I don't like it."
"But, Ariel..." Pete throws up his hands. "I don't understand."
Ariel paces on the sidewalk near TJY where they'd met. "It's not fair to him."
"Who said anything about fair? It was a plan, it worked, and now you want to jump ship? I don't get it."
Ariel sighs and finally stops pacing to look Pete in the eye. "Look, you don't have to get it. I'm out. Period."
"You at least owe me an explanation!" Pete shakes his head, frustrated. "If you didn't like it, you didn't have to agree in the first place."
Ariel grits her teeth. "I'm sorry, okay? Just... I don't like arguing with you."
"Well, I don't either." Pete sighs, calming down. "I just don't understand." Studying Ariel's flushed face, the answer suddenly hits him. His eyes widen. "You... care... about him?"
Ariel shifts her weight and breaks eye contact. "I just don't think hiding the truth has been fair, that's all."
"You like him."
Ariel raises a glare. "So what if I do? You had me play the part well enough. I can't help it if I feel compassion."
"It's more than that." Pete shakes his head. "Okay. I give up. You don't have to spend any more time with him."
"If I do, it'll be because I want to, not because I'm supposed to be gaining information." Her expression twists a little. "I didn't think you'd do something like this."
"Like what?"
"When I said yes in the first place, I thought this was some hardened criminal that held important information, vital to TJY. But all I find is a lonely young man, lost and confused. Not a threat to society."
Pete's shoulders drop and he gives her a wry little grin. "I was just doing my job, ya know. We weren't sure if he was an Agency threat or not. He wouldn't talk to any of us, so... we thought perhaps someone like you would do the trick. I..." He stops and shrugs. "I'm sorry if you got attached. I didn't realize it was getting to you."
Ariel bites her lip. "Me too. But you might want to apologize to Trey too."
"I know. Reese has been working with Angelica to find him a place besides TJY to live since the danger seems to have passed. I just, um..."
"What?"
"I don't know how to tell him that I was playing a role but wound up considering him a friend anyway."
"And now you know my own position."
"Yeah." Pete glances back to TJY then to Ariel again. "You gonna tell him?"
"I feel it's only right. And... all I can hope for is that he will still be my friend."
Pete nods. "I didn't like it... acting. I never was good at it."
Ariel scoffs. "As if. You've obviously done a good job. Looks to me like somebody just forgot to call an end to the mission when it was time."
Pete grins. "You ever thought about being an agent?"
Ariel laughs. "What, and do this all the time? No way." She shakes her head and turns towards TJY...
..."Knock knock." Ariel pokes her head just a little around the corner to see into Trey's room in the lower level of TJY. She'd never been here before - she'd always just met Trey somewhere else or at lakeside parties.
A smile creases her lips. "Hope you don't mind me intruding. I just wanted to come see you."
Drawn into a hug, she wraps her arms around Dan's waist and leans her head against his chest, murmuring softly at his warmth. She could stay in his arms forever.
Once he pulls away though, she stands on her tiptoes to give his lips a quick little kiss. "It's spaghetti tonight with garlic bread." Food was far from her mind though and she searches Dan's eyes, her arms still lightly around him. Her gaze was full of questions. "Is Dylan okay? Where did you find him and how on earth did you get him to come back?"
Dylan trudges into his bunkhouse, closing and locking the door behind him. Wandering to the bed, he drags his backpack on the floor before letting it go. Not even taking his shoes off, he falls onto the soft mattress, the pillow catching his head. It was a far cry from a cement block under a bridge. He needed to shower. Change clothes. Empty his backpack. But his body simply won't cooperate.
Unable to keep his eyes open, he falls asleep within seconds after lying down. It wouldn't be until morning that he would wake again.
Justin felt drained. Curled up on the couch as the tv droned, he didn't really feel like getting up and making himself supper. His visit with Jared had been fine. Short. Nothing traumatic. And yet it had sapped all his energy. He yawns. This was stupid. He was fine. The whole thing was fine. He just needed to move on and not think about it.
He still doesn't want to move from the couch though.
Glancing at the wall clock, he wonders if Beth would be home by now. He usually talked to her in the evenings on the phone if they weren't getting together. But she was hanging out with Zach today and he didn't know when their day would end.
Shrugging off doubts, he reaches over his head to feel around for the cordless phone. Dialing Beth, he readjusts his weight on the couch, letting his head stay in the throw pillows. One ring. Two. Maybe her day with Zach had been such a good one that they were spending a night out too.
"I don't want to do it anymore."
"But why? You're doing so well."
"Because it's not real. I don't like it."
"But, Ariel..." Pete throws up his hands. "I don't understand."
Ariel paces on the sidewalk near TJY where they'd met. "It's not fair to him."
"Who said anything about fair? It was a plan, it worked, and now you want to jump ship? I don't get it."
Ariel sighs and finally stops pacing to look Pete in the eye. "Look, you don't have to get it. I'm out. Period."
"You at least owe me an explanation!" Pete shakes his head, frustrated. "If you didn't like it, you didn't have to agree in the first place."
Ariel grits her teeth. "I'm sorry, okay? Just... I don't like arguing with you."
"Well, I don't either." Pete sighs, calming down. "I just don't understand." Studying Ariel's flushed face, the answer suddenly hits him. His eyes widen. "You... care... about him?"
Ariel shifts her weight and breaks eye contact. "I just don't think hiding the truth has been fair, that's all."
"You like him."
Ariel raises a glare. "So what if I do? You had me play the part well enough. I can't help it if I feel compassion."
"It's more than that." Pete shakes his head. "Okay. I give up. You don't have to spend any more time with him."
"If I do, it'll be because I want to, not because I'm supposed to be gaining information." Her expression twists a little. "I didn't think you'd do something like this."
"Like what?"
"When I said yes in the first place, I thought this was some hardened criminal that held important information, vital to TJY. But all I find is a lonely young man, lost and confused. Not a threat to society."
Pete's shoulders drop and he gives her a wry little grin. "I was just doing my job, ya know. We weren't sure if he was an Agency threat or not. He wouldn't talk to any of us, so... we thought perhaps someone like you would do the trick. I..." He stops and shrugs. "I'm sorry if you got attached. I didn't realize it was getting to you."
Ariel bites her lip. "Me too. But you might want to apologize to Trey too."
"I know. Reese has been working with Angelica to find him a place besides TJY to live since the danger seems to have passed. I just, um..."
"What?"
"I don't know how to tell him that I was playing a role but wound up considering him a friend anyway."
"And now you know my own position."
"Yeah." Pete glances back to TJY then to Ariel again. "You gonna tell him?"
"I feel it's only right. And... all I can hope for is that he will still be my friend."
Pete nods. "I didn't like it... acting. I never was good at it."
Ariel scoffs. "As if. You've obviously done a good job. Looks to me like somebody just forgot to call an end to the mission when it was time."
Pete grins. "You ever thought about being an agent?"
Ariel laughs. "What, and do this all the time? No way." She shakes her head and turns towards TJY...
..."Knock knock." Ariel pokes her head just a little around the corner to see into Trey's room in the lower level of TJY. She'd never been here before - she'd always just met Trey somewhere else or at lakeside parties.
A smile creases her lips. "Hope you don't mind me intruding. I just wanted to come see you."
3/9/12
Vice Versa
Watching as Dylan walks into the barn Dan smiles to himself. Things would be rough for sure still but this was the fist and most important step. It was by Dylan's own free will he was here and that in itself meant so much.
Looking twords the dinning hall Dan can't help but let a smile spread across his face as he see Jade waiting on the porch for him. It felt nice knowing there was someone who cared enough to wait, Jade was Dan's hope and even if she didn't know it She'd helped save him.
Sticking his hands in his pockets Dan slowly walks across the yard and to the bottom porch step smile up at her. It was dusk now but the lights from inside seemed to give just enough to light Jade's face and always catch the ring she wore on her finger and it gave Dan even more warmth.
"Good Evening future Miss Palmer..."
Those words made Dan's heart sing as he steps up a few steps and took Jade's hand in his own bringing his other arm around her and drawing her close in a hug. Burying his head into her hair for a long moment just letting the moment linger before pulling away.
"Are they having anything good for supper tonight?"
Walking around the park though it was not long but it was very much enjoyable. The weather seemed to hold out, it wasn't to busy and the birds seemed to sing such a nice song. The day had been very enjoyable and there was no second guessing that.
"I really enjoyed today as well. Whoever would of thought I'd find such a good friend in a bar. I definitely would like to do this again."
Beth bids Zach to have a good rest of his night promising that she would call him or vice verse before going to her car. Not being able to help the smile she just sits there for a moment before starting it. Finally doing so she couldn't wait for Justin to call so she could tell him about the rest of her day.
Looking twords the dinning hall Dan can't help but let a smile spread across his face as he see Jade waiting on the porch for him. It felt nice knowing there was someone who cared enough to wait, Jade was Dan's hope and even if she didn't know it She'd helped save him.
Sticking his hands in his pockets Dan slowly walks across the yard and to the bottom porch step smile up at her. It was dusk now but the lights from inside seemed to give just enough to light Jade's face and always catch the ring she wore on her finger and it gave Dan even more warmth.
"Good Evening future Miss Palmer..."
Those words made Dan's heart sing as he steps up a few steps and took Jade's hand in his own bringing his other arm around her and drawing her close in a hug. Burying his head into her hair for a long moment just letting the moment linger before pulling away.
"Are they having anything good for supper tonight?"
Walking around the park though it was not long but it was very much enjoyable. The weather seemed to hold out, it wasn't to busy and the birds seemed to sing such a nice song. The day had been very enjoyable and there was no second guessing that.
"I really enjoyed today as well. Whoever would of thought I'd find such a good friend in a bar. I definitely would like to do this again."
Beth bids Zach to have a good rest of his night promising that she would call him or vice verse before going to her car. Not being able to help the smile she just sits there for a moment before starting it. Finally doing so she couldn't wait for Justin to call so she could tell him about the rest of her day.
Miracle
Mick wanders the barn, finishing up a few last-minute things. Supper would be on very soon and he wanted an evening at home with Rosetta and BJ so he was trying to get everything done he needed to. The sun had just slipped below the horizon and the sky was growing dim.
Taking one final look around, Mick decides he'd have to be satisfied with that, and he heads outside. He's barely cleared the door though, when his cell phone rings. Taking it off his belt, he glances at screen. Jill. He sighs. It had been two weeks since he'd talked to her last and he'd been ripped up one side and down the other for "losing" Dylan. He'd somehow convinced her to just sit tight for a while, telling her he thought Dylan would be back... even though, at the time, he'd had pretty strong doubts... which had just grown stronger with each day that passed.
Still staring at his phone, he knows he needs to answer it. Taking a deep breath, he finally flips open the phone. "Hello..."
Dan's voice and the slight shake to the shoulder rouses Dylan from his sleep. Opening his eyes, he looks around groggily for a moment. He'd fallen asleep almost as soon as they'd started driving and had not woken up once. It was as if his body had finally forced him to rest.
Shifting around he sits up and unbuckles the seatbelt. Blinking a few times and yawning, he finally gets his bearings. Rubbing his eyes with his palm he finally looks over at Dan. "Thanks," he manages hoarsely. He owed Dan... a lot. Somehow he'd figure that one out later. For now, he needed to face reality.
Sighing deeply, he looks out the window and sees Mick nearby in what light was left of the evening. "Here goes nothing," he mumbles. Grabbing his backpack, he exits the pickup.
"Look, I'm sorry!" Mick raises his voice as his free hand flies into the air, the other one busy holding his cell phone to his ear. Pacing in front of the barn, he growls in frustration. "No, I didn't.... Would you... Jill, there was nothing I could do! How many times do I have to tell you that?!"
Leaning his forearm on the barn door, he stares at the ground, listening to his ex-wife yell at him. Finding out Dylan was still missing, Jill was hysterical. "I know he's in danger - did you think I'd forgotten?! ... Of course I love him! How could you ask me something like that?? He's my son! But you... you don't... Listen to me!" By now, he didn't care who heard him shouting. Thankfully, most everyone had already gathered in the dining hall for supper. "Dylan made a choice. I cannot keep him here under lock and key. If he gets in trouble or gets hurt, it was because he made that decision, not me. I have done all I can. ... No, I will not... No!"
His fist meets the barn wall. "If you think you need to call the police, then that's between you and Ben. I will not." He pauses again, and shakes his head at Jill's argument. "I'm sorry you don't understand. How dare you accuse me of not caring! I would give my life for Dylan in an instant." Mick was ready to hang up on the call, whether Jill was still speaking or not. "Alright, fine. If you want to blame me, go right ahead. I guess I don't care. But the truth of the matter is, I did all I could do. I may be a lousy father but I did the best I knew how. And if that's not good enough for you, I'm sorry. Maybe you should have kept a closer eye on Dylan while you had him."
The last sentence hadn't been needed. It was downright mean, and Mick bit his tongue as soon as he'd said it. But he was tired of taking the entire blame. Sighing, he tips his hat back to rub his forehead wearily. Whether he was still married to Jill or not, hearing her cry didn't feel good. "I'm sorry. But you gotta understand there are things that have happened that were out of our control. This is one of them... Whether we like it or not, our son is no longer a little boy." His tone was firm. "Dylan is a man in more ways than either of us have cared to admit and it's about time we recognized it. I won't treat him like a child."
Nearby movement finally catches his eye and he glances over his shoulder. A bolt of shock shoots through his veins. Without even thinking, he instantly flips shut his phone, hanging up on Jill. He blinks, making sure he wasn't imagining things. Too stunned yet to decide how to react, he simply stares. His eyes flit over to Dan's nearby truck then back to his son. "Dylan..."
Dylan shifts his backpack on his shoulder and shrugs.
Mick could feel his emotions building and his pulse races. Then he remembers his phone call. "How... long have you been standing there?"
Dylan's eyes narrow slightly as he studies Mick's face. "Long enough." In truth, he'd been there since Mick's 'Of course I love him!' which had made him stay put without announcing his arrival.
Mick's eyes glisten. His son looked like he'd been through the wringer - pale and weary with dark circles under his eyes. Where had he been? Slipping his phone back onto his belt, he takes a step to close the gap between him and Dylan. Reaching out he sets his hands on Dylan's shoulders and stares him in the eye. "Are you okay?" That was his one greatest concern.
Dylan swallows hard. While he stood tall and defiant, deep down there was a little boy who wanted to crawl onto his daddy's lap and cry. And there was also the knowledge that no, he was not okay and it was going to get worse before better. "Yeah. I'm fine." His father would find out soon enough for himself.
A pause follows. Mick had no idea what to say. He had no idea why Dylan was back. He had no idea what had transpired while he'd been gone. But one thing was certain: he was relieved beyond words to see his son standing here again. Pulling him close, he wraps his arms around him and just hugs him tightly.
Dylan was a bit surprised by the embrace, but doesn't pull away. It was confusing. Awkward. It felt wrong. It felt right. He didn't know.
Finally drawing back, Mick gives his son some space. "Why? Why did you come back?"
Another shrug. "I guess you can thank Dan for that."
Mick furrows his brow, confused. Dan had gone after Dylan that day and come back without him. How could he be responsible?
Dylan reads his confusion. "Just 'cause I didn't let him bring me back when I left doesn't mean I wasn't listening." He pauses. "And it... doesn't mean he didn't keep trying to finally get through to me."
What was it Dan had said that was more convincing than anything Mick had said? It hurt...in a humbling sort of way. But he was too relieved to dwell on that. "Where have you been?"
"Around." That was very far from the whole story but Dylan wasn't ready yet to share details. The truth would come out in its own time.
Mick treads lightly. "Are you planning on sticking around?" It was a question asked - not a requirement. It was Dylan's choice and he would respect it. And his tone said as much.
"I suppose." Dylan wasn't sure how to act with his dad - after hearing the phone conversation, and now being allowed to go or stay. "If... that's okay with you."
Mick cocks his head, resisting the urge for another hug. "I would like nothing more."
"Still got my stuff in the bunk?"
"Yeah... yeah nothing's been touched."
"Okay. Well... I'll, um... I guess I'll go put my stuff away. I'm... I'm pretty tired."
"Oh...okay." Mick watches numbly as Dylan heads towards the bunkhouses. Maybe he'd get a chance to talk to his son more later on. He could hope. Covering his face with his hands for a moment, he takes a deep breath. Then gazing towards the sky, he thanks God for bringing back his son. To him, it was a miracle. And he would not take his son's presence for granted again.
In the dining hall where everyone else was starting to eat, Jade stands on the porch at the door, having seen Dan drive up. She'd planned to go ahead with supper since she didn't know when he'd be back, but once she'd seen him, she'd opted to wait.
But it wasn't just Dan she saw exit the truck. Seeing her brother as well sent a chill down her spine and her hands go to her mouth in shock. All she wanted to do was run over to him and hug him and make sure he was okay. But as the tears glisten in her eyes, she knows she mustn't. She saw him head for the barn where Mick was and she knows that she would have to wait.
Swallowing her urge to respond to her emotions, she remains on the porch, continuing to wait for Dan - now with a thousand questions.
"Psh. Calories don't count in meals that are fun," Zach retorts playfully.
Falling into step beside Beth, he walks with her at a leisurely pace. The funny thing was that the quiet wasn't awkward. There was no need to fill the silence. It was just... nice.
The trail wasn't too long - it just wound around the park and back again. When they reach the cars though, Zach was just a little disappointed. He knew they needed to part, though. He didn't want to wear out his welcome, and he knew the good time had to end for now.
Pulling out his keys, he sighs with content and stops, turning to Beth. "Well... I don't know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my day, thanks to you. I'm... hoping we can get together again sometime?"
Taking one final look around, Mick decides he'd have to be satisfied with that, and he heads outside. He's barely cleared the door though, when his cell phone rings. Taking it off his belt, he glances at screen. Jill. He sighs. It had been two weeks since he'd talked to her last and he'd been ripped up one side and down the other for "losing" Dylan. He'd somehow convinced her to just sit tight for a while, telling her he thought Dylan would be back... even though, at the time, he'd had pretty strong doubts... which had just grown stronger with each day that passed.
Still staring at his phone, he knows he needs to answer it. Taking a deep breath, he finally flips open the phone. "Hello..."
Dan's voice and the slight shake to the shoulder rouses Dylan from his sleep. Opening his eyes, he looks around groggily for a moment. He'd fallen asleep almost as soon as they'd started driving and had not woken up once. It was as if his body had finally forced him to rest.
Shifting around he sits up and unbuckles the seatbelt. Blinking a few times and yawning, he finally gets his bearings. Rubbing his eyes with his palm he finally looks over at Dan. "Thanks," he manages hoarsely. He owed Dan... a lot. Somehow he'd figure that one out later. For now, he needed to face reality.
Sighing deeply, he looks out the window and sees Mick nearby in what light was left of the evening. "Here goes nothing," he mumbles. Grabbing his backpack, he exits the pickup.
"Look, I'm sorry!" Mick raises his voice as his free hand flies into the air, the other one busy holding his cell phone to his ear. Pacing in front of the barn, he growls in frustration. "No, I didn't.... Would you... Jill, there was nothing I could do! How many times do I have to tell you that?!"
Leaning his forearm on the barn door, he stares at the ground, listening to his ex-wife yell at him. Finding out Dylan was still missing, Jill was hysterical. "I know he's in danger - did you think I'd forgotten?! ... Of course I love him! How could you ask me something like that?? He's my son! But you... you don't... Listen to me!" By now, he didn't care who heard him shouting. Thankfully, most everyone had already gathered in the dining hall for supper. "Dylan made a choice. I cannot keep him here under lock and key. If he gets in trouble or gets hurt, it was because he made that decision, not me. I have done all I can. ... No, I will not... No!"
His fist meets the barn wall. "If you think you need to call the police, then that's between you and Ben. I will not." He pauses again, and shakes his head at Jill's argument. "I'm sorry you don't understand. How dare you accuse me of not caring! I would give my life for Dylan in an instant." Mick was ready to hang up on the call, whether Jill was still speaking or not. "Alright, fine. If you want to blame me, go right ahead. I guess I don't care. But the truth of the matter is, I did all I could do. I may be a lousy father but I did the best I knew how. And if that's not good enough for you, I'm sorry. Maybe you should have kept a closer eye on Dylan while you had him."
The last sentence hadn't been needed. It was downright mean, and Mick bit his tongue as soon as he'd said it. But he was tired of taking the entire blame. Sighing, he tips his hat back to rub his forehead wearily. Whether he was still married to Jill or not, hearing her cry didn't feel good. "I'm sorry. But you gotta understand there are things that have happened that were out of our control. This is one of them... Whether we like it or not, our son is no longer a little boy." His tone was firm. "Dylan is a man in more ways than either of us have cared to admit and it's about time we recognized it. I won't treat him like a child."
Nearby movement finally catches his eye and he glances over his shoulder. A bolt of shock shoots through his veins. Without even thinking, he instantly flips shut his phone, hanging up on Jill. He blinks, making sure he wasn't imagining things. Too stunned yet to decide how to react, he simply stares. His eyes flit over to Dan's nearby truck then back to his son. "Dylan..."
Dylan shifts his backpack on his shoulder and shrugs.
Mick could feel his emotions building and his pulse races. Then he remembers his phone call. "How... long have you been standing there?"
Dylan's eyes narrow slightly as he studies Mick's face. "Long enough." In truth, he'd been there since Mick's 'Of course I love him!' which had made him stay put without announcing his arrival.
Mick's eyes glisten. His son looked like he'd been through the wringer - pale and weary with dark circles under his eyes. Where had he been? Slipping his phone back onto his belt, he takes a step to close the gap between him and Dylan. Reaching out he sets his hands on Dylan's shoulders and stares him in the eye. "Are you okay?" That was his one greatest concern.
Dylan swallows hard. While he stood tall and defiant, deep down there was a little boy who wanted to crawl onto his daddy's lap and cry. And there was also the knowledge that no, he was not okay and it was going to get worse before better. "Yeah. I'm fine." His father would find out soon enough for himself.
A pause follows. Mick had no idea what to say. He had no idea why Dylan was back. He had no idea what had transpired while he'd been gone. But one thing was certain: he was relieved beyond words to see his son standing here again. Pulling him close, he wraps his arms around him and just hugs him tightly.
Dylan was a bit surprised by the embrace, but doesn't pull away. It was confusing. Awkward. It felt wrong. It felt right. He didn't know.
Finally drawing back, Mick gives his son some space. "Why? Why did you come back?"
Another shrug. "I guess you can thank Dan for that."
Mick furrows his brow, confused. Dan had gone after Dylan that day and come back without him. How could he be responsible?
Dylan reads his confusion. "Just 'cause I didn't let him bring me back when I left doesn't mean I wasn't listening." He pauses. "And it... doesn't mean he didn't keep trying to finally get through to me."
What was it Dan had said that was more convincing than anything Mick had said? It hurt...in a humbling sort of way. But he was too relieved to dwell on that. "Where have you been?"
"Around." That was very far from the whole story but Dylan wasn't ready yet to share details. The truth would come out in its own time.
Mick treads lightly. "Are you planning on sticking around?" It was a question asked - not a requirement. It was Dylan's choice and he would respect it. And his tone said as much.
"I suppose." Dylan wasn't sure how to act with his dad - after hearing the phone conversation, and now being allowed to go or stay. "If... that's okay with you."
Mick cocks his head, resisting the urge for another hug. "I would like nothing more."
"Still got my stuff in the bunk?"
"Yeah... yeah nothing's been touched."
"Okay. Well... I'll, um... I guess I'll go put my stuff away. I'm... I'm pretty tired."
"Oh...okay." Mick watches numbly as Dylan heads towards the bunkhouses. Maybe he'd get a chance to talk to his son more later on. He could hope. Covering his face with his hands for a moment, he takes a deep breath. Then gazing towards the sky, he thanks God for bringing back his son. To him, it was a miracle. And he would not take his son's presence for granted again.
In the dining hall where everyone else was starting to eat, Jade stands on the porch at the door, having seen Dan drive up. She'd planned to go ahead with supper since she didn't know when he'd be back, but once she'd seen him, she'd opted to wait.
But it wasn't just Dan she saw exit the truck. Seeing her brother as well sent a chill down her spine and her hands go to her mouth in shock. All she wanted to do was run over to him and hug him and make sure he was okay. But as the tears glisten in her eyes, she knows she mustn't. She saw him head for the barn where Mick was and she knows that she would have to wait.
Swallowing her urge to respond to her emotions, she remains on the porch, continuing to wait for Dan - now with a thousand questions.
"Psh. Calories don't count in meals that are fun," Zach retorts playfully.
Falling into step beside Beth, he walks with her at a leisurely pace. The funny thing was that the quiet wasn't awkward. There was no need to fill the silence. It was just... nice.
The trail wasn't too long - it just wound around the park and back again. When they reach the cars though, Zach was just a little disappointed. He knew they needed to part, though. He didn't want to wear out his welcome, and he knew the good time had to end for now.
Pulling out his keys, he sighs with content and stops, turning to Beth. "Well... I don't know about you, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my day, thanks to you. I'm... hoping we can get together again sometime?"
Back
Letting out a small sigh Dan takes the last bit of his burger before positioning his frys between his legs. He'd much on them on his way home. Something told him it was going to be a quiet ride. Glancing over at Dylan one last time he wondered if he'd fall asleep or not. If he did Dan didn't mind maybe he needed the sleep like he had needed the food.
"Alright lets get this show on the road."
Putting his own seat belt on Dan starts the car up and pulls off once again. He only hopped now that the welcome Dylan got when he got home was at least without yelling. Right now Dylan needed to be shown he was welcome and loved.
...The two hours pass and finally Dan pulls into the ranch drive way. Pulling up to the barn he parks the truck and just sits for a long moment. Finally he reaches over and gives Dylan's arm a little shake not wanting to startle him.
"Dylan...Dylan we are back at the ranch."
Giving a smile and a nod Beth starts out down the little dirt path. She didn't know where it lead but that was part of the fun in this case. The weather was on the warm side today too so it just made it that much more enjoyable.
"I don't need to just walk off the ice cream I need to walk off the whole meal. I feel like I put on thirty pounds just today."
Giving a laugh and continuing to walk Beth becomes silent but not minding it much. It didn't feel strange to be quiet right now. Just walking with her new friend and listing to the sounds around them satisfied her.
"Alright lets get this show on the road."
Putting his own seat belt on Dan starts the car up and pulls off once again. He only hopped now that the welcome Dylan got when he got home was at least without yelling. Right now Dylan needed to be shown he was welcome and loved.
...The two hours pass and finally Dan pulls into the ranch drive way. Pulling up to the barn he parks the truck and just sits for a long moment. Finally he reaches over and gives Dylan's arm a little shake not wanting to startle him.
"Dylan...Dylan we are back at the ranch."
Giving a smile and a nod Beth starts out down the little dirt path. She didn't know where it lead but that was part of the fun in this case. The weather was on the warm side today too so it just made it that much more enjoyable.
"I don't need to just walk off the ice cream I need to walk off the whole meal. I feel like I put on thirty pounds just today."
Giving a laugh and continuing to walk Beth becomes silent but not minding it much. It didn't feel strange to be quiet right now. Just walking with her new friend and listing to the sounds around them satisfied her.
Angry eyes
"One person isn't enough to rely on over the multitude." Dylan's eyes drift downward again. He eats the rest of the burger in silence, ending with a few fries and a little more of his coke but he doesn't touch the remaining fries or the last hamburger.
Sliding down a little in his seat, he puts his seatbelt back on but remains sideways, his face towards Dan, though his eyes don't look up anymore. He had walked so far... been given rides with countless people... gone without food... slept under bridges... and it was entirely his own fault. And he knew it.
Drawing up one of his legs, he tries to curl up as much as he can in the seat and closes his eyes. He had two hours to shut out the world before facing the angry eyes of his father.
Zach follows Beth's gaze at the sun, taking note that the afternoon was wearing on. He didn't know if she had other things to do, but he certainly didn't. Not on his day off. He needed to get home eventually to take care of Button, but otherwise...
Beth's invitation perks him up again and he pats his stomach. "I'd love a walk. Maybe I'll work off some of that ice cream."
Sliding down a little in his seat, he puts his seatbelt back on but remains sideways, his face towards Dan, though his eyes don't look up anymore. He had walked so far... been given rides with countless people... gone without food... slept under bridges... and it was entirely his own fault. And he knew it.
Drawing up one of his legs, he tries to curl up as much as he can in the seat and closes his eyes. He had two hours to shut out the world before facing the angry eyes of his father.
Zach follows Beth's gaze at the sun, taking note that the afternoon was wearing on. He didn't know if she had other things to do, but he certainly didn't. Not on his day off. He needed to get home eventually to take care of Button, but otherwise...
Beth's invitation perks him up again and he pats his stomach. "I'd love a walk. Maybe I'll work off some of that ice cream."
Hope
Taking another sip of the soda Dan lets the bubbly liqued just fiz in his mouth for a moment before swallowing it. Studying Dylan for a long moment he wondered how long it was take the young man this time to get back to where he was before or if things would ever be the same.
"Oh trust me, I've screwed up enough in my life. You're dad's not to fond of me for one reason or another and there are still people out there who think I should be in jail."
Looking down at his burger for a moment he takes the top off and adds a few frys before replacing the top and taking a bite. He savers the flavor for a long moment not really knowing when he will have fast food again. The food at the ranch was so good he didn't know the point in going out to get fast food. Not to mention eating a little slower would give him more time to chat with Dylan.
"I've learned though I've got to push who the haters think and focus on the ones who believe in me. Because as long as you have one person who will believe in you there is hope for anything."
Finally standing up from the slide and brushing herself off Beth turns to Zach the smile on her face not leaving. She felt good maybe her mom was right along time ago when she told Beth laughter was the best medicine.
"Well than I guess we are both thanking each other."
Giving another look at the sky and than her watch Beth wasn't sure how long Zach wanted to hang out. She didn't want to say goodbye yet but she had no idea if he had anything else through out the day he needed to do.
"Want to go for a quick walk?"
"Oh trust me, I've screwed up enough in my life. You're dad's not to fond of me for one reason or another and there are still people out there who think I should be in jail."
Looking down at his burger for a moment he takes the top off and adds a few frys before replacing the top and taking a bite. He savers the flavor for a long moment not really knowing when he will have fast food again. The food at the ranch was so good he didn't know the point in going out to get fast food. Not to mention eating a little slower would give him more time to chat with Dylan.
"I've learned though I've got to push who the haters think and focus on the ones who believe in me. Because as long as you have one person who will believe in you there is hope for anything."
Finally standing up from the slide and brushing herself off Beth turns to Zach the smile on her face not leaving. She felt good maybe her mom was right along time ago when she told Beth laughter was the best medicine.
"Well than I guess we are both thanking each other."
Giving another look at the sky and than her watch Beth wasn't sure how long Zach wanted to hang out. She didn't want to say goodbye yet but she had no idea if he had anything else through out the day he needed to do.
"Want to go for a quick walk?"
Don't know why
Dylan wasn't sure if he believed Dan or not. It was the same story as the text messages though... people wanted him. Was it really true? He wondered.
Nibbling a little more at his hamburger, he manages a couple more bites. Now being fed, his stomach pains were beginning to feel more like genuine hunger.
He scoffs at Dan's last comment. "Everybody wants you. You're not the one who screws up all the time, runs off and-" He stops short. "...and other stuff." He falls silent again, the battle inside waging self-pity against shame, hurt against anger and pride against loneliness.
"I don't even know why I'm coming back," he mumbles.
Zach lets the swing's momentum slow to a stop, his bright smile widening. He didn't know what Beth was normally like, but just the way she thanked him... he had a feeling that she didn't get out and laugh very often. To think he'd helped her accomplish that today... well... it was a nice warm feeling.
"You can only thank me if I can thank you too," he responds. Stepping down off the swing, he wanders nearer to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "This has been the most fun I've had since moving here."
Nibbling a little more at his hamburger, he manages a couple more bites. Now being fed, his stomach pains were beginning to feel more like genuine hunger.
He scoffs at Dan's last comment. "Everybody wants you. You're not the one who screws up all the time, runs off and-" He stops short. "...and other stuff." He falls silent again, the battle inside waging self-pity against shame, hurt against anger and pride against loneliness.
"I don't even know why I'm coming back," he mumbles.
Zach lets the swing's momentum slow to a stop, his bright smile widening. He didn't know what Beth was normally like, but just the way she thanked him... he had a feeling that she didn't get out and laugh very often. To think he'd helped her accomplish that today... well... it was a nice warm feeling.
"You can only thank me if I can thank you too," he responds. Stepping down off the swing, he wanders nearer to her, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "This has been the most fun I've had since moving here."
3/8/12
Laughing
Taking a french fry and popping it into his mouth Dan can see Dylan out of the corner of his eye eating and he was glad though he didn't draw attachen to it or make it a big deal. Its not till Dylan starts talking that Dan shifts a little to look at him. Still eating his good he just listens, process the words in his head and thinks about a reply. Having food was a good detraction for thinking.
"Well, I know your dad missed having you around. It was just one of those silent things you would tell. And Ash I am pretty sure is going to be happy to see you back. I often see her looking down the drive way almost lost in throught. I sometimes wondered if she was looking for you. And me I missed having someone to talk to while I worked."
Becoming quiet again Dan takes the moment for another bit of his burger. He's move on from that topic for now not pushing to hard. Dylan would see in time how many people really did miss him. He was part of the family at the ranch and to have him gone hurt even for those who went blood.
Finishing the first burger Dan crumpled up the paper and throws it in the back. He'd have to remember to clean out the truck when he got back. The last thing he needed was an unwanted infestation. Starting in on the next burger Dan finishs the bit and puts it down giving a nod to Dylan. He'd rather picked him up than have him get a ride. There were to many creeps out there.
"It's not a problem at all Dylan. I was happy to do it. Kinda made me feel wanted when I heard your call."
Still laying backwards on the slide a loud long laugh emerges from Beth as she holds her stomach. The mental image along was enough to throw her into a fit of laughter. It was something silly, senseless, and just down right funny.
"All I can see is you in the dog door like this...."
Beth puts her legs up in the air and kicks them wildly and she makes shorts for help between the laughing. Finally putting her legs down again and quieting the laughter she sits up and turn to look at Zach her legs hanging over the slide. She had, had a great time today.
"Thank you Zach, for finally getting the guys to say hit to me in the bar. A day like today is what I needed. I've had a wonderful time."
"Well, I know your dad missed having you around. It was just one of those silent things you would tell. And Ash I am pretty sure is going to be happy to see you back. I often see her looking down the drive way almost lost in throught. I sometimes wondered if she was looking for you. And me I missed having someone to talk to while I worked."
Becoming quiet again Dan takes the moment for another bit of his burger. He's move on from that topic for now not pushing to hard. Dylan would see in time how many people really did miss him. He was part of the family at the ranch and to have him gone hurt even for those who went blood.
Finishing the first burger Dan crumpled up the paper and throws it in the back. He'd have to remember to clean out the truck when he got back. The last thing he needed was an unwanted infestation. Starting in on the next burger Dan finishs the bit and puts it down giving a nod to Dylan. He'd rather picked him up than have him get a ride. There were to many creeps out there.
"It's not a problem at all Dylan. I was happy to do it. Kinda made me feel wanted when I heard your call."
Still laying backwards on the slide a loud long laugh emerges from Beth as she holds her stomach. The mental image along was enough to throw her into a fit of laughter. It was something silly, senseless, and just down right funny.
"All I can see is you in the dog door like this...."
Beth puts her legs up in the air and kicks them wildly and she makes shorts for help between the laughing. Finally putting her legs down again and quieting the laughter she sits up and turn to look at Zach her legs hanging over the slide. She had, had a great time today.
"Thank you Zach, for finally getting the guys to say hit to me in the bar. A day like today is what I needed. I've had a wonderful time."
Doggy Door
Retreating to her bedroom, Cindy closes the door just enough that she'd feel alone yet still be able to hear Kaylee if need be. Wandering to the bed, she looks at it for several moments before easing down on the side where Wes always slept. She runs a hand over his pillow - the pillow she'd cried into night after night, praying until there were no more words that he would come home soon.
She swallows the lump in her throat and stares down into her hands at the dog tags. This was what she had left. That was it. A name and some numbers. Her husband had been stolen right out from under her, despite how tightly she had clutched. Her efforts to stay strong - to wait - to have faith... it all seemed in vain now.
Reaching over, she lets the tags slide from her palm and onto Wes' pillow. It would always be his pillow. Not hers. His. This bed. This room. This house. Every coat of paint, every board, everything... it all had Wes' sweat, blood, tears and love in it.
And Cindy hated it.
...She didn't know how long she'd sat on the edge of the bed, not moving. Her mind felt blank. Her heart felt empty. Her body felt like dead weight being dragged around by sheer will of muscle without a spirit. She knew God was here somewhere. She knew He loved her. She knew that He would bring good out of this no matter what she felt right now. But in her heart...it was all hard to believe and hang onto that faith.
Hearing Kaylee wandering down the hall, Cindy knows she must rise. She must go on. She must. She would rather stay here and shut out the world, but she had a little girl that needed her, and it was her responsibility as her mother.
Out in the hallway, she scoops Kaylee up in her arms and takes her to the kitchen where they would finish the dishes together. It would be a quiet evening. Too quiet. Cindy knew she must tell the rest of the family about Wes as well, but she would do it in the morning. Tonight...tonight she wouldn't put herself through that.
And though the anguish felt too much to bear, hear eyes remain dry.
Dylan remains quiet, staring dully out the window as Dan drives. He wonders about all the food that was ordered, but has a hunch all four burgers weren't just for Dan. Once parked and being handed half the food, he finally turns and eyes the bag. His stomach hurt so badly, he wasn't sure if it was hunger or not. He did feel very thirsty though.
Accepting the second coke, he doesn't respond to the humor about Jade. It was probably true. Dylan knew she was protective even if they didn't interact much. Taking a long sip of the drink, the carbonation sliding down his throat felt good - better than he'd thought it would feel.
His eyes drift back to the bag again and his mouth waters. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he shifts sideways to lean his head to the side, resting against the seat. His gaze finally wanders to Dan, staring at him for a long moment. He was glad no one else knew about this. He'd rather show up and have an explanation be on his own terms rather than people having time to wonder and think up stories on their own.
"Good." His voice was raspy and he clears his throat. "I'm not convinced about how many people will be glad though."
His hand wanders to the bag of food and he retrieves a french fry. He nibbles on it slowly, but just that is enough to make his stomach crave more. He finishes the fry and reaches for another one.
"All my dad cares about is the work I do, and anybody else couldn't probably care less."
He takes another sip of his coke, and this time he reaches in the bag, it's a burger he pulls out. Unwrapping it carefully, he disassembles the sandwich to remove the pickles then puts it back together again. The first bite goes down easily, although he just hopes it will stay down. It takes him a moment to swallow and he leans his head to the side again, waiting for it to settle before trying another bite.
"Thanks... for coming and getting me though."
Though still swinging, Zach was listening carefully to Beth, a small smile remaining on his face. A light laugh slips out though at the thought of a young Beth stuck in a swing. "At least it was just a swing. I got stuck in a doggy door once."
His eyes widen a little. "Imagine me trying to explain that one when Dad got home from work. All he saw was my bottom half sticking out the door."
Justin pauses at the partially open door. He could see Jared inside, sitting up and eating lunch. It was a good time to visit. His mother had come and gone. There was nothing else going on today since he'd left Brookshire. He was man enough to go in there. It was only right. He'd thought about bringing Beth, but she was busy today and he knew he couldn't keep avoiding this. He could bypass his emotions to make this visit. He wasn't a child. And yet...
He sighs and finally taps a knuckle on the door before entering.
Jared looks up quickly and lifts an eyebrow with question. "Hi."
"Hi." Justin approaches cautiously before grabbing a chair and turning it around to sit backwards and lean on the backrest. His eyes study Jared for several long moments. The bandage was off his head, and he looked good for someone who'd been hit by a bus.
Jared fingers his spoonful of pudding, sensing an odd tension in the air. "Let me guess... you're somebody I'm supposed to know."
A small grin is the best Justin can do. "I'm your brother."
Jared's eyebrows rise even further. He'd talked to his mother about many things... but family was something they hadn't covered. Since she'd said nothing, he'd assumed she was it. "Wow... I have a brother? Really?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what's... what's your name?"
"Justin."
"Older or younger?"
"Younger."
"Mom, she... never said anything about family."
"Yeah. I, um... I asked her not to talk about me," Justin admits. "I didn't want to have too much thrown at you all at once." That was a good enough reason for now. If he couldn't throw a punch at Jared's face, then staying away was all he could do.
Jared nods a little and eats more of his pudding. He didn't really understand, but if his family had wanted it that way, then maybe it was best. "I... guess I don't know what to say."
"That's alright." Justin shrugs. "I know it's probably awkward. Feeling the pressure of everyone expecting you to recognize people you don't remember... maybe a little embarrassed, even though you shouldn't be. It's gotta be weird having someone you don't know say they're your family. Understandable though, and perfectly normal."
Jared blinks before his eyes narrow inquisitively. "You a shrink?"
"Counselor."
"Ah."
Justin sees his brother aiming for his bowl of fruit, but shakes his head. "I wouldn't, if I were you."
"Wouldn't what?"
"Pineapple. Your face will swell up like a balloon... won't be able to breathe... hives... pretty nasty."
Jared's eyes were wide again. "Okay then. Allergic to pineapple. I'll have to remember that, um... thank you."
"Yeah." Justin didn't ever think he'd be warning his brother about food allergies. There were definitely times he wouldn't have minded watching Jared suffer. But seeing him now... with that blank stare that said he was clueless about everything... watching him suffer didn't seem so fun.
Jared clear his throat, breaking an awkward silence. "So... any other sibling hiding out?"
"No. Just us."
"Oh. What about a dad?"
"Uh... he died... when we were kids."
"Oh." Jared was sorry to hear that. "How... how did he die?"
"Car accident. On his way home from work. Early. To pick me up for a fishing trip."
Though the whole conversation was ultra matter-of-fact, Jared senses the suppressed emotions in Justin's voice. "Wow... that's... that's tough. I hope you didn't blame yourself."
Justin just stares at his brother. He had wanted to hear that for how many years? And it took Jared losing his memory to actually say it... to not blame him outright for their father's death. And Justin couldn't even be mad at him. Standing up, he puts the chair back in its place. "I gotta go."
"Oh." Jared is a bit disappointed. The rest of the day would be awfully quiet. "Okay well... nice seeing, um... meeting you."
Justin looks at him for a moment and just nods. "Later."
Left alone, Jared stares down at his pudding. Why couldn't he remember?
She swallows the lump in her throat and stares down into her hands at the dog tags. This was what she had left. That was it. A name and some numbers. Her husband had been stolen right out from under her, despite how tightly she had clutched. Her efforts to stay strong - to wait - to have faith... it all seemed in vain now.
Reaching over, she lets the tags slide from her palm and onto Wes' pillow. It would always be his pillow. Not hers. His. This bed. This room. This house. Every coat of paint, every board, everything... it all had Wes' sweat, blood, tears and love in it.
And Cindy hated it.
...She didn't know how long she'd sat on the edge of the bed, not moving. Her mind felt blank. Her heart felt empty. Her body felt like dead weight being dragged around by sheer will of muscle without a spirit. She knew God was here somewhere. She knew He loved her. She knew that He would bring good out of this no matter what she felt right now. But in her heart...it was all hard to believe and hang onto that faith.
Hearing Kaylee wandering down the hall, Cindy knows she must rise. She must go on. She must. She would rather stay here and shut out the world, but she had a little girl that needed her, and it was her responsibility as her mother.
Out in the hallway, she scoops Kaylee up in her arms and takes her to the kitchen where they would finish the dishes together. It would be a quiet evening. Too quiet. Cindy knew she must tell the rest of the family about Wes as well, but she would do it in the morning. Tonight...tonight she wouldn't put herself through that.
And though the anguish felt too much to bear, hear eyes remain dry.
Dylan remains quiet, staring dully out the window as Dan drives. He wonders about all the food that was ordered, but has a hunch all four burgers weren't just for Dan. Once parked and being handed half the food, he finally turns and eyes the bag. His stomach hurt so badly, he wasn't sure if it was hunger or not. He did feel very thirsty though.
Accepting the second coke, he doesn't respond to the humor about Jade. It was probably true. Dylan knew she was protective even if they didn't interact much. Taking a long sip of the drink, the carbonation sliding down his throat felt good - better than he'd thought it would feel.
His eyes drift back to the bag again and his mouth waters. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he shifts sideways to lean his head to the side, resting against the seat. His gaze finally wanders to Dan, staring at him for a long moment. He was glad no one else knew about this. He'd rather show up and have an explanation be on his own terms rather than people having time to wonder and think up stories on their own.
"Good." His voice was raspy and he clears his throat. "I'm not convinced about how many people will be glad though."
His hand wanders to the bag of food and he retrieves a french fry. He nibbles on it slowly, but just that is enough to make his stomach crave more. He finishes the fry and reaches for another one.
"All my dad cares about is the work I do, and anybody else couldn't probably care less."
He takes another sip of his coke, and this time he reaches in the bag, it's a burger he pulls out. Unwrapping it carefully, he disassembles the sandwich to remove the pickles then puts it back together again. The first bite goes down easily, although he just hopes it will stay down. It takes him a moment to swallow and he leans his head to the side again, waiting for it to settle before trying another bite.
"Thanks... for coming and getting me though."
Though still swinging, Zach was listening carefully to Beth, a small smile remaining on his face. A light laugh slips out though at the thought of a young Beth stuck in a swing. "At least it was just a swing. I got stuck in a doggy door once."
His eyes widen a little. "Imagine me trying to explain that one when Dad got home from work. All he saw was my bottom half sticking out the door."
Justin pauses at the partially open door. He could see Jared inside, sitting up and eating lunch. It was a good time to visit. His mother had come and gone. There was nothing else going on today since he'd left Brookshire. He was man enough to go in there. It was only right. He'd thought about bringing Beth, but she was busy today and he knew he couldn't keep avoiding this. He could bypass his emotions to make this visit. He wasn't a child. And yet...
He sighs and finally taps a knuckle on the door before entering.
Jared looks up quickly and lifts an eyebrow with question. "Hi."
"Hi." Justin approaches cautiously before grabbing a chair and turning it around to sit backwards and lean on the backrest. His eyes study Jared for several long moments. The bandage was off his head, and he looked good for someone who'd been hit by a bus.
Jared fingers his spoonful of pudding, sensing an odd tension in the air. "Let me guess... you're somebody I'm supposed to know."
A small grin is the best Justin can do. "I'm your brother."
Jared's eyebrows rise even further. He'd talked to his mother about many things... but family was something they hadn't covered. Since she'd said nothing, he'd assumed she was it. "Wow... I have a brother? Really?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what's... what's your name?"
"Justin."
"Older or younger?"
"Younger."
"Mom, she... never said anything about family."
"Yeah. I, um... I asked her not to talk about me," Justin admits. "I didn't want to have too much thrown at you all at once." That was a good enough reason for now. If he couldn't throw a punch at Jared's face, then staying away was all he could do.
Jared nods a little and eats more of his pudding. He didn't really understand, but if his family had wanted it that way, then maybe it was best. "I... guess I don't know what to say."
"That's alright." Justin shrugs. "I know it's probably awkward. Feeling the pressure of everyone expecting you to recognize people you don't remember... maybe a little embarrassed, even though you shouldn't be. It's gotta be weird having someone you don't know say they're your family. Understandable though, and perfectly normal."
Jared blinks before his eyes narrow inquisitively. "You a shrink?"
"Counselor."
"Ah."
Justin sees his brother aiming for his bowl of fruit, but shakes his head. "I wouldn't, if I were you."
"Wouldn't what?"
"Pineapple. Your face will swell up like a balloon... won't be able to breathe... hives... pretty nasty."
Jared's eyes were wide again. "Okay then. Allergic to pineapple. I'll have to remember that, um... thank you."
"Yeah." Justin didn't ever think he'd be warning his brother about food allergies. There were definitely times he wouldn't have minded watching Jared suffer. But seeing him now... with that blank stare that said he was clueless about everything... watching him suffer didn't seem so fun.
Jared clear his throat, breaking an awkward silence. "So... any other sibling hiding out?"
"No. Just us."
"Oh. What about a dad?"
"Uh... he died... when we were kids."
"Oh." Jared was sorry to hear that. "How... how did he die?"
"Car accident. On his way home from work. Early. To pick me up for a fishing trip."
Though the whole conversation was ultra matter-of-fact, Jared senses the suppressed emotions in Justin's voice. "Wow... that's... that's tough. I hope you didn't blame yourself."
Justin just stares at his brother. He had wanted to hear that for how many years? And it took Jared losing his memory to actually say it... to not blame him outright for their father's death. And Justin couldn't even be mad at him. Standing up, he puts the chair back in its place. "I gotta go."
"Oh." Jared is a bit disappointed. The rest of the day would be awfully quiet. "Okay well... nice seeing, um... meeting you."
Justin looks at him for a moment and just nods. "Later."
Left alone, Jared stares down at his pudding. Why couldn't he remember?
Mr Doe
Officer Charles never breaks his eye contact with Cindy. He could see the pain, the anger that was deep inside her. His own heart ached for her, he wish there was something more he could do. He wanted to be there if she needed anyone, but there was not way to say it. Hearing her words and feeling there coldness was like a sting that could not compare and for a moment he wished he wasn't the one who had come.
Once Cindy steps back inside and closes the door he just stands there for a long moment looking at the closed door. Finally letting out the breath he had held in. Why couldn't he have said more, there was no training for this. This was a pain even the military couldn't train them to block out.
Finally backing up himself he sets the bag down by the door. He new Cindy would find it when she was ready. Inside were some clothing, letters from Cindy that had been printed and saved. A picture of her and Kaylee and a few other things as well.
Turning he heads back down the steps and to the jeep. Just sitting there for a long moment he prayed Cindy would be ok. He's spend a little time in town before heading back home. Home, his apartment was all he had to go home to. Empty, and alone...maybe he's hang around in town for a little while here.
Getting to his truck he takes one more look at the house. It hurt losing a friend, he could only imagine how it much feel for Cindy. He'd keep hope though that Wes would be ok and after his own wounds healed he would continue to look for him too.
Laying in a bed still, silently very very far away was a man wrapped in bandages. The Dr enters his room reads his chars, checks the mesheans in the room and lets out a long sigh. Just looking at the pashent without moving he wonders if this man will ever wake from the darkness that held him.
In a way he wished he would because he new he must have a family out there somewhere, a family who would want to hear about how much of a hero he was, and how he saved a young boys life. But on that same hand he was happy he was still in the coma so his wounds could heal.
"Dr?"
Dr Armstrong gives a jump and turns around looking at the nurse that had just come into the room.
"Yes nurse?"
"Is there any change Sir with Mr. Doe?"
"I'm afraid not yet. He's more stable now than he was yesterday but he's still in the coma."
The nurse gives a nod before leaving the Dr following soon after leaving the man to continue sleeping in peace. Would he wake at all? One could up. Would he remember anything, it was doubtful but one step at a time was that was thought of.
Once the brain freeze was gone Beth slowly opens her eyes to look at Zach again. A stilly look crossed her lips as she took another bit of ice cream completely forgetting about the brain freeze. The ice cream was just to good.
"A picnic sure does sound nice!"
Finishing off her ice cream Beth licks her fingers one at a time making sure she got everything. Watching Zach swing back and forth Beth gives a laugh at his comment about knocking himself out. She couldn't help the silly mental image she got in her head of him on the swing.
Moving up on the slide a little bit Beth lets her feet up and than slides back down. Giving a little laugh it tickled her stomach a little bit. It had been a long time she she had done that.
"When Sarah was really little my mom took us to a part once. I remember she put Sarah in once of those baby swings. I wanted to try so I got in one too. Getting in was the easy part but I got stuck on the way out. She had to call dad at work to come and help me. Sarah sat and laughed and laughed having no idea what was going on but thinking it funny anyways."
Leaning back on the slide and looking up at the sky Beth folds her hands over her stomach a smile on her face as she remembered the good memorie. It had one that seemed to be lost in the pain but today Zach had helped her remember and it felt good.
Letting out a sigh and just watching Dylan as he got into the truck Dan studied him for a long moment. It was like it was before all over again, and it made Dan sad. The only good thing was at least Dylan didn't have to do it alone and this time he was choosing to come back to the ranch.
Finally getting into the truck himself he starts it up and heads back out of town. Coming across the burger joint he pulls up to the drive through. He wouldn't force Dylan in they could sit in the truck instead.
"I'd like 4 four double cheese burgers, two large fries and two cokes."
"Would you like....apple pies...that?"
"No thank you."
"Thirteen Fifty please drive around."
Driving around, paying and getting the food the smell seemed to invade the truck. It smelled so good to Dan he could feel his stomach crunch once again. Finding a nice parking spot tucked away a little bit he take out two of the burgers, and one of the frys before handing the bag to Dylan. Even if he eat one of the cheese burgers and a few frys he would be happy. Dylan looks to sickly to him.
"If you don't eat anything Jade will smack me over the head for starving you. So I at least had to get you something. Not to mention the stuff did look really good."
Taking a bit of the burger after he unwrapped the paper Dan makes a soft moan in his throat. It really did tast good. He liked the ranch food it was some of the best but there was just something about a fast food burger that was just as good sometimes. Taking a sip of the soda Dan finally looks to Dylan again giving a small smile. He wanted to ask how he was doing but one look could answer that so Dan tried to come up with something else.
"I really am happy you called Dylan. I know a few other people who are gonna be happy your back too. I didn't tell anyone before i left through. I wasn't sure how public you wanted to make it right away."
Once Cindy steps back inside and closes the door he just stands there for a long moment looking at the closed door. Finally letting out the breath he had held in. Why couldn't he have said more, there was no training for this. This was a pain even the military couldn't train them to block out.
Finally backing up himself he sets the bag down by the door. He new Cindy would find it when she was ready. Inside were some clothing, letters from Cindy that had been printed and saved. A picture of her and Kaylee and a few other things as well.
Turning he heads back down the steps and to the jeep. Just sitting there for a long moment he prayed Cindy would be ok. He's spend a little time in town before heading back home. Home, his apartment was all he had to go home to. Empty, and alone...maybe he's hang around in town for a little while here.
Getting to his truck he takes one more look at the house. It hurt losing a friend, he could only imagine how it much feel for Cindy. He'd keep hope though that Wes would be ok and after his own wounds healed he would continue to look for him too.
Laying in a bed still, silently very very far away was a man wrapped in bandages. The Dr enters his room reads his chars, checks the mesheans in the room and lets out a long sigh. Just looking at the pashent without moving he wonders if this man will ever wake from the darkness that held him.
In a way he wished he would because he new he must have a family out there somewhere, a family who would want to hear about how much of a hero he was, and how he saved a young boys life. But on that same hand he was happy he was still in the coma so his wounds could heal.
"Dr?"
Dr Armstrong gives a jump and turns around looking at the nurse that had just come into the room.
"Yes nurse?"
"Is there any change Sir with Mr. Doe?"
"I'm afraid not yet. He's more stable now than he was yesterday but he's still in the coma."
The nurse gives a nod before leaving the Dr following soon after leaving the man to continue sleeping in peace. Would he wake at all? One could up. Would he remember anything, it was doubtful but one step at a time was that was thought of.
Once the brain freeze was gone Beth slowly opens her eyes to look at Zach again. A stilly look crossed her lips as she took another bit of ice cream completely forgetting about the brain freeze. The ice cream was just to good.
"A picnic sure does sound nice!"
Finishing off her ice cream Beth licks her fingers one at a time making sure she got everything. Watching Zach swing back and forth Beth gives a laugh at his comment about knocking himself out. She couldn't help the silly mental image she got in her head of him on the swing.
Moving up on the slide a little bit Beth lets her feet up and than slides back down. Giving a little laugh it tickled her stomach a little bit. It had been a long time she she had done that.
"When Sarah was really little my mom took us to a part once. I remember she put Sarah in once of those baby swings. I wanted to try so I got in one too. Getting in was the easy part but I got stuck on the way out. She had to call dad at work to come and help me. Sarah sat and laughed and laughed having no idea what was going on but thinking it funny anyways."
Leaning back on the slide and looking up at the sky Beth folds her hands over her stomach a smile on her face as she remembered the good memorie. It had one that seemed to be lost in the pain but today Zach had helped her remember and it felt good.
Letting out a sigh and just watching Dylan as he got into the truck Dan studied him for a long moment. It was like it was before all over again, and it made Dan sad. The only good thing was at least Dylan didn't have to do it alone and this time he was choosing to come back to the ranch.
Finally getting into the truck himself he starts it up and heads back out of town. Coming across the burger joint he pulls up to the drive through. He wouldn't force Dylan in they could sit in the truck instead.
"I'd like 4 four double cheese burgers, two large fries and two cokes."
"Would you like....apple pies...that?"
"No thank you."
"Thirteen Fifty please drive around."
Driving around, paying and getting the food the smell seemed to invade the truck. It smelled so good to Dan he could feel his stomach crunch once again. Finding a nice parking spot tucked away a little bit he take out two of the burgers, and one of the frys before handing the bag to Dylan. Even if he eat one of the cheese burgers and a few frys he would be happy. Dylan looks to sickly to him.
"If you don't eat anything Jade will smack me over the head for starving you. So I at least had to get you something. Not to mention the stuff did look really good."
Taking a bit of the burger after he unwrapped the paper Dan makes a soft moan in his throat. It really did tast good. He liked the ranch food it was some of the best but there was just something about a fast food burger that was just as good sometimes. Taking a sip of the soda Dan finally looks to Dylan again giving a small smile. He wanted to ask how he was doing but one look could answer that so Dan tried to come up with something else.
"I really am happy you called Dylan. I know a few other people who are gonna be happy your back too. I didn't tell anyone before i left through. I wasn't sure how public you wanted to make it right away."
3/7/12
Shock
As the man begins to speak, Cindy instantly catches the past-tense words and chest tightens. Hearing about an explosion, her hands cease their fidgeting with the towel, and she blinks, unable to even think of what the coming news might be. It was too horrible to believe.
But that horror was exactly what she heard. She didn't hear the hope in his voice. She didn't see the hope in the situation. Wes... her husband... her world... was missing in action, and that meant he was as good as dead - it didn't mean hope. The military would only waste so much time searching for a man who they were sure died in an explosion. And even if they did find him, it would only be to bury what was left.
Cindy's eyes lower to the dog tags and she swallows hard. Her whole body felt rigid, in a strange form of shock. But deep down below the stun, below the grief, below the anguish... there was a boiling anger.
Reaching out slowly, she accepts the tags and looks at them, running her thumb over the words. She felt as if she had just been shot through the heart - a fate that seemed much more preferable than this. Tears pooled in her eyes, but they did not yet flow.
Looking up, she stares the officer in the eye, her jaw clenched. She could see his own sorrow. She could see the pity. "Thank you," she manages hoarsely. "I'm sure this was difficult for you. I see you care - but you needn't worry about me." Her tone grew more cold with each word. "I've been abandoned once before to raise a child on my own. I can do it again."
Closing her fist over the dog tags, she retreats a step, dismissing the officer with her body language. "If you'll excuse me, I was right in the middle of work."
Zach's eyes widen as he looks over at Beth, then he laughs. "An ice cream's true revenge."
Still grinning, he keeps working - slowly - on his own ice cream while his eyes wander the little park. "I like it here. Might be a nice spot for a picnic sometime," he hints.
Taking the last bite of his cone, he stands up and brushes off his hands. After chewing, he studies the swing for a moment before stepping into the flexible seat. A silly grin emerges. "This is the way my sister and I used to swing." Using his body to gain some movement, eventually he's swinging back and forth, still standing on the swing. "Of course..." he speaks as he moves back and forth beside Beth, catching her with his eyes at each pass. "...I used to do this little upside down thing too, that I would never dare try now. I'd be too scared of cracking open my noggin."
Spying a familiar pickup truck approaching, Dylan's pulse quickens. He doesn't get up yet though, first wanting to make sure it really was a ranch truck, and then make sure it was Dan and not somebody else.
Relieved that it is indeed Dan, he swallows hard but remains seated. His eyes drift to the ground, unwilling to look his older friend in the eye. He doesn't even look up when his backpack is lifted. The joke about Dan smelling good doesn't manage to crack even a smile.
After hesitating another moment, Dylan finally gets to his feet. In just a month, he'd dropped weight, he was pale, and his eyes had gained back their dark, hollow look... and he knew it. There was no hiding it - not this time. His gaze remains glued to the ground, his hands tucked safely in his hoodie pocket.
The offer for supper reminds him of the painful ache in his gut. He thought maybe he'd rather throw up than eat, but since he hadn't had a meal in two days, there probably wasn't anything to throw up at this point. He shakes his head though. He was starving... yet he wasn't hungry.
"Whatever you want to do," he finally responds. He wouldn't keep Dan from doing whatever he wanted. After all... Dylan was at his mercy.
Heading for the truck, he slides in the passenger seat and waits for Dan. Buckling up, he hunches over slightly to try and ease his stomach pain, leaning his head against the window. He didn't know what to say or do now that he was here.
But that horror was exactly what she heard. She didn't hear the hope in his voice. She didn't see the hope in the situation. Wes... her husband... her world... was missing in action, and that meant he was as good as dead - it didn't mean hope. The military would only waste so much time searching for a man who they were sure died in an explosion. And even if they did find him, it would only be to bury what was left.
Cindy's eyes lower to the dog tags and she swallows hard. Her whole body felt rigid, in a strange form of shock. But deep down below the stun, below the grief, below the anguish... there was a boiling anger.
Reaching out slowly, she accepts the tags and looks at them, running her thumb over the words. She felt as if she had just been shot through the heart - a fate that seemed much more preferable than this. Tears pooled in her eyes, but they did not yet flow.
Looking up, she stares the officer in the eye, her jaw clenched. She could see his own sorrow. She could see the pity. "Thank you," she manages hoarsely. "I'm sure this was difficult for you. I see you care - but you needn't worry about me." Her tone grew more cold with each word. "I've been abandoned once before to raise a child on my own. I can do it again."
Closing her fist over the dog tags, she retreats a step, dismissing the officer with her body language. "If you'll excuse me, I was right in the middle of work."
Zach's eyes widen as he looks over at Beth, then he laughs. "An ice cream's true revenge."
Still grinning, he keeps working - slowly - on his own ice cream while his eyes wander the little park. "I like it here. Might be a nice spot for a picnic sometime," he hints.
Taking the last bite of his cone, he stands up and brushes off his hands. After chewing, he studies the swing for a moment before stepping into the flexible seat. A silly grin emerges. "This is the way my sister and I used to swing." Using his body to gain some movement, eventually he's swinging back and forth, still standing on the swing. "Of course..." he speaks as he moves back and forth beside Beth, catching her with his eyes at each pass. "...I used to do this little upside down thing too, that I would never dare try now. I'd be too scared of cracking open my noggin."
Spying a familiar pickup truck approaching, Dylan's pulse quickens. He doesn't get up yet though, first wanting to make sure it really was a ranch truck, and then make sure it was Dan and not somebody else.
Relieved that it is indeed Dan, he swallows hard but remains seated. His eyes drift to the ground, unwilling to look his older friend in the eye. He doesn't even look up when his backpack is lifted. The joke about Dan smelling good doesn't manage to crack even a smile.
After hesitating another moment, Dylan finally gets to his feet. In just a month, he'd dropped weight, he was pale, and his eyes had gained back their dark, hollow look... and he knew it. There was no hiding it - not this time. His gaze remains glued to the ground, his hands tucked safely in his hoodie pocket.
The offer for supper reminds him of the painful ache in his gut. He thought maybe he'd rather throw up than eat, but since he hadn't had a meal in two days, there probably wasn't anything to throw up at this point. He shakes his head though. He was starving... yet he wasn't hungry.
"Whatever you want to do," he finally responds. He wouldn't keep Dan from doing whatever he wanted. After all... Dylan was at his mercy.
Heading for the truck, he slides in the passenger seat and waits for Dan. Buckling up, he hunches over slightly to try and ease his stomach pain, leaning his head against the window. He didn't know what to say or do now that he was here.
M.I.A
Letting out a long sigh the officer finally looks up at Cindy. His face was thin and the hole one side was burned, though his blue eyes still pierced though. Just looking at Cindy a small part of him wondered if without knowing it she new him.
"Cindy Henson...My name is Officer Shawn Charles. I was one of your husbands closest friends and trusted soldiers. Miss Henson there was an accident at the last town we went too. An explosion. Some of us barely escaped with out lives and some of us did not."
Officer Charles pauses for a moment still standing tall but taking a moment to collect his own thoughts. This was hard for him but he new it would be worse for Cindy he only wished he could soften the blow.
"Mam, Lieutenant Wes Henson is Missing in Action. We combed the area and for many dead but his body was not found. So we still have hope he is alive...."
And that hoped the extent of his wounds were not bad so that if it took a few more days he would still be alive.
"Amongst the rubble we found his dog tags and it was only right that I brought them to you and informed you of what has happened and that we are doing everything in our power to find your husband. You were Wes world and for that I believe in my heart he is still out there alive and fighting his way to come back to you."
The officer draws silent again holding out the tags to Cindy also ready incise she needed arms to keep her up, to hold or comfort her. It was his duty, and more important than that this was his best friends wife he wanted to be there for her.
"Cindy Henson...My name is Officer Shawn Charles. I was one of your husbands closest friends and trusted soldiers. Miss Henson there was an accident at the last town we went too. An explosion. Some of us barely escaped with out lives and some of us did not."
Officer Charles pauses for a moment still standing tall but taking a moment to collect his own thoughts. This was hard for him but he new it would be worse for Cindy he only wished he could soften the blow.
"Mam, Lieutenant Wes Henson is Missing in Action. We combed the area and for many dead but his body was not found. So we still have hope he is alive...."
And that hoped the extent of his wounds were not bad so that if it took a few more days he would still be alive.
"Amongst the rubble we found his dog tags and it was only right that I brought them to you and informed you of what has happened and that we are doing everything in our power to find your husband. You were Wes world and for that I believe in my heart he is still out there alive and fighting his way to come back to you."
The officer draws silent again holding out the tags to Cindy also ready incise she needed arms to keep her up, to hold or comfort her. It was his duty, and more important than that this was his best friends wife he wanted to be there for her.
Pain
Hearing a knock at the door, Cindy ceases her work at the kitchen sink. Grabbing a dishtowel, she wipes her hands as she walks. She glances in the living room to make sure Kaylee was still playing peacefully then makes it to the door.
Opening it up just a crack at first, she's confused to see the uniformed man. Widening the door more, her confusion shifts to a dreadful worry. What was going on? Why was this man here? Did this have anything to do with Wes? Why hadn't someone just called or written a letter like they usually did?
Trying to shove aside all her worries, she forces a smile, still drying her hands on the towel. "Hi... can I help you?"
Opening it up just a crack at first, she's confused to see the uniformed man. Widening the door more, her confusion shifts to a dreadful worry. What was going on? Why was this man here? Did this have anything to do with Wes? Why hadn't someone just called or written a letter like they usually did?
Trying to shove aside all her worries, she forces a smile, still drying her hands on the towel. "Hi... can I help you?"
Dog Tags
Taking a lick of her own ice cream Beth gives a smile as she follows Zach. Today she had chosen strawberry swirl ice cream with nerds on top. It had been a good choose and she really was enjoying it.
"This definitely is better than the ice cream in my freezer. I'm happy we picked this more than the movie."
Seeing Zach sit down on the swing Beth can't help but chuckle. Zach's sense of humor was great and just seeing him not worried about what he did was refreshing. In a way it showed her too that it was ok to just have fun with life.
Taking her own seat on the slide Beth turns to see Zach and she licks the cone again. Getting a sharp pain in her head though she brings her free hand up to it and squints her eyes.
"Gah, Brain freeze!"
Getting back from morning chores Dan sheds his shirt and sits down on his bed to take his books off. It had been a long morning and he was ready for the long needed shower. Hearing his phone beep though Dan picks it up from the night stand. Not knowing what the number was he hits the voice mail button and listens.
Hearing Dylan's voice on the other end Dan doesn't even have to think twice on what the answer to that was. Getting in the shower he makes it quick before heading to find Jade and let her know he would be back soon so she didn't worry. The drive there and back would be long but it was well worth it.
...Three hours later Dan was pulling into the little gas station in Charlesburg. It was starting to get a little dark out but the lights that kicked on helped light everything back up. Letting his eyes scan the area finally he makes out a figure and he parts.
Walking over to Dylan Dan gives a small smile looking down at his friend. He looked thin, his eye's sunken in, it made Dan's heart clench.
"Hey, Sorry it took so long. I figured if you were going to be stuck in a car with me for two hours you might want me to smell good."
Dan gives a little chuckle at his own joke before bending and picking up Dylan's bag to help him. His stomach grumbles at the same time and he relized he hadn't had any lunch and it would be past dinner when they got back.
"Are you hungry? I forgot to grab something for lunch and it will be well past dinner when we get back. I think I saw a burger joint on my way in."
The crunching of gravel can be herd as the dirty jeep moved up the driveway to the little house. The driver dressed in full army uniform sat in the driver seat. Quiet, solom the jeep seemed to moan with air that was inside. Parking the driver gets out carrying a bag on his arm. In his other hand was a set of dog tags. Without looking closely it was hard to make out what they said.
Walking up the sidewalk with a limp it was easy to tell something had happened preventing him to pull all his weight on it. Getting to the porch His head lowered the man wasn't sure how to break the news. Hesitating for a moment he finally knocks on the door. Standing tall, proud, and honored like the army taught him his head till hung slightly his own face covered waiting for the answer.
"This definitely is better than the ice cream in my freezer. I'm happy we picked this more than the movie."
Seeing Zach sit down on the swing Beth can't help but chuckle. Zach's sense of humor was great and just seeing him not worried about what he did was refreshing. In a way it showed her too that it was ok to just have fun with life.
Taking her own seat on the slide Beth turns to see Zach and she licks the cone again. Getting a sharp pain in her head though she brings her free hand up to it and squints her eyes.
"Gah, Brain freeze!"
Getting back from morning chores Dan sheds his shirt and sits down on his bed to take his books off. It had been a long morning and he was ready for the long needed shower. Hearing his phone beep though Dan picks it up from the night stand. Not knowing what the number was he hits the voice mail button and listens.
Hearing Dylan's voice on the other end Dan doesn't even have to think twice on what the answer to that was. Getting in the shower he makes it quick before heading to find Jade and let her know he would be back soon so she didn't worry. The drive there and back would be long but it was well worth it.
...Three hours later Dan was pulling into the little gas station in Charlesburg. It was starting to get a little dark out but the lights that kicked on helped light everything back up. Letting his eyes scan the area finally he makes out a figure and he parts.
Walking over to Dylan Dan gives a small smile looking down at his friend. He looked thin, his eye's sunken in, it made Dan's heart clench.
"Hey, Sorry it took so long. I figured if you were going to be stuck in a car with me for two hours you might want me to smell good."
Dan gives a little chuckle at his own joke before bending and picking up Dylan's bag to help him. His stomach grumbles at the same time and he relized he hadn't had any lunch and it would be past dinner when they got back.
"Are you hungry? I forgot to grab something for lunch and it will be well past dinner when we get back. I think I saw a burger joint on my way in."
The crunching of gravel can be herd as the dirty jeep moved up the driveway to the little house. The driver dressed in full army uniform sat in the driver seat. Quiet, solom the jeep seemed to moan with air that was inside. Parking the driver gets out carrying a bag on his arm. In his other hand was a set of dog tags. Without looking closely it was hard to make out what they said.
Walking up the sidewalk with a limp it was easy to tell something had happened preventing him to pull all his weight on it. Getting to the porch His head lowered the man wasn't sure how to break the news. Hesitating for a moment he finally knocks on the door. Standing tall, proud, and honored like the army taught him his head till hung slightly his own face covered waiting for the answer.
Dead End
"Alright then." Zach stands up from the table, taking the lead with a smile. "Then how about we head on over to the mall and see what's playing and if we don't like anything, we'll figure something else out..."
..."Mmm." Zach licks his ice cream cone with satisfaction. There hadn't been any good movies playing, so he and Beth had wound up walking around the mall for a while and finally getting ice cream to eat at the little park.
"Yep. Good ice cream. Glad we tried it out - now I know where to go when I get a craving for mint chip." He wanders across the grass, passing the picnic table where most would sit and, instead, aims for the swing set.
Easing into one of the swings, he hangs onto his ice cream cone with one hand while holding the swing's chain with the other, lest he lose his balance and his cold treat right along with it. Glancing down and seeing the swing was just a little bit too low for his longer legs, he grins. "I'll pretend I'm short," he muses.
Eric finally lets his laugh come out, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Well, I guess they all gotta have something to talk about - otherwise it might get too boring around here."
Getting to the dining hall, he holds the door open for Stacy then follows her inside. It was going to be a good day.
All alone in a darkened world,
This road leads on forever.
Shackles taunt an aching soul,
Doors stay locked without a key.
Cinderblocks inside the blood,
Weigh down every move.
Nothing left but hollowness,
Nothing left but pain.
Dylan readjusts his backpack on his shoulder, his sneakers crunching on the gravel shoulder of the road. Hearing a car coming up behind him, he turns to show his thumb.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets pierce the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
The rumble of truck engines and the smell of fuel invade Dylan's senses. Trudging away from the truck stop, he walks under the lights until they are no more and only the stars guide his steps along the highway.
Up against the raging storm,
Thunder rolls forever.
Sharpened knives cut the soul,
Locked inside the emptiness.
Wounds torn open bleeding still,
Stain each step in vain.
Nothing left but loneliness,
Nothing left but hate.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets piece the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
A clap of thunder shakes Dylan from his sleep. Curled up under the bridge, he can hear the rain start to pour and he pulls his hoodie in a little tighter around himself. It would be light soon. He'd try to catch another ride and maybe he'd make the state line this time.
Do or die in a heartless world,
Brutality reigns supreme.
Dead ends live where others stopped,
Just try to stop my flight.
Do or die in a heartless world,
Black and white now crimson red.
Dead ends birthed where cowards stopped,
Just try to break my will.
Just try.
It had been four days since Dylan's last contact with Dan. Standing outside the gas station, he stares at the road. The ranch was so much closer. But no one he'd asked was headed in that direction. And chances were less than slim that he'd be able to thumb a ride anywhere from here on out - there simply wasn't enough traffic out in the middle of nowhere like this.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets piece the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
"Dan? I... it's Dylan." He chews on his lip, fidgeting with the payphone as he leaves a message on Dan's voicemail. "I... I'm in Charlesburg and I... um... can you... can you come get me? I'm at the gas station on the edge of town. Um... yeah. It doesn't matter what time. Don't call - I'm on a payphone. So, um... I hope you get this. If not, I'll hitchhike. Thanks."
Hanging up the phone, Dylan wanders around the side of the gas station building and slides down against the brick to sit on the curb and wait. This was the only gas station in this tiny town so he wasn't worried about Dan finding him. The question was when. Even if Dan got the message and left immediately, it was a two hour drive from the ranch.
Dylan glances at his watch. It was only noon. He might have a long wait. But his legs were too tired to try and walk any further. If Dan didn't show up by dark, he'd find somewhere to sleep and set out in the morning.
..."Mmm." Zach licks his ice cream cone with satisfaction. There hadn't been any good movies playing, so he and Beth had wound up walking around the mall for a while and finally getting ice cream to eat at the little park.
"Yep. Good ice cream. Glad we tried it out - now I know where to go when I get a craving for mint chip." He wanders across the grass, passing the picnic table where most would sit and, instead, aims for the swing set.
Easing into one of the swings, he hangs onto his ice cream cone with one hand while holding the swing's chain with the other, lest he lose his balance and his cold treat right along with it. Glancing down and seeing the swing was just a little bit too low for his longer legs, he grins. "I'll pretend I'm short," he muses.
Eric finally lets his laugh come out, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Well, I guess they all gotta have something to talk about - otherwise it might get too boring around here."
Getting to the dining hall, he holds the door open for Stacy then follows her inside. It was going to be a good day.
All alone in a darkened world,
This road leads on forever.
Shackles taunt an aching soul,
Doors stay locked without a key.
Cinderblocks inside the blood,
Weigh down every move.
Nothing left but hollowness,
Nothing left but pain.
Dylan readjusts his backpack on his shoulder, his sneakers crunching on the gravel shoulder of the road. Hearing a car coming up behind him, he turns to show his thumb.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets pierce the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
The rumble of truck engines and the smell of fuel invade Dylan's senses. Trudging away from the truck stop, he walks under the lights until they are no more and only the stars guide his steps along the highway.
Up against the raging storm,
Thunder rolls forever.
Sharpened knives cut the soul,
Locked inside the emptiness.
Wounds torn open bleeding still,
Stain each step in vain.
Nothing left but loneliness,
Nothing left but hate.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets piece the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
A clap of thunder shakes Dylan from his sleep. Curled up under the bridge, he can hear the rain start to pour and he pulls his hoodie in a little tighter around himself. It would be light soon. He'd try to catch another ride and maybe he'd make the state line this time.
Do or die in a heartless world,
Brutality reigns supreme.
Dead ends live where others stopped,
Just try to stop my flight.
Do or die in a heartless world,
Black and white now crimson red.
Dead ends birthed where cowards stopped,
Just try to break my will.
Just try.
It had been four days since Dylan's last contact with Dan. Standing outside the gas station, he stares at the road. The ranch was so much closer. But no one he'd asked was headed in that direction. And chances were less than slim that he'd be able to thumb a ride anywhere from here on out - there simply wasn't enough traffic out in the middle of nowhere like this.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Blindly thrash through crumbling walls.
Gotta make this dead end work,
It’s jump the fence or off the ledge.
Sweating bullets piece the heart,
Nothing left to live.
Gotta make this dead end work,
Gotta break the mold.
"Dan? I... it's Dylan." He chews on his lip, fidgeting with the payphone as he leaves a message on Dan's voicemail. "I... I'm in Charlesburg and I... um... can you... can you come get me? I'm at the gas station on the edge of town. Um... yeah. It doesn't matter what time. Don't call - I'm on a payphone. So, um... I hope you get this. If not, I'll hitchhike. Thanks."
Hanging up the phone, Dylan wanders around the side of the gas station building and slides down against the brick to sit on the curb and wait. This was the only gas station in this tiny town so he wasn't worried about Dan finding him. The question was when. Even if Dan got the message and left immediately, it was a two hour drive from the ranch.
Dylan glances at his watch. It was only noon. He might have a long wait. But his legs were too tired to try and walk any further. If Dan didn't show up by dark, he'd find somewhere to sleep and set out in the morning.
By Noon
Following Eric out of the hayloft Stacy does her best to keep up with Eric and brush herself off at the same time. She wasn't that dirty but she did the best she could to look half way decent. Stopping in her tracks though as Sparky catches her attachen Stacy can't help but have her cheeks feel red.
"Morning!"
Turning with Eric and walking out of the barn Stacy couldn't help but laugh at his comment. She almost felt like a young girl again who was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. In a way it kind of felt refreshing to feel that young again for a moment and she couldn't help but live it up.
"By noon its going to be all over the ranch I bet. Simply horrifying."
Beth gives a smile at Zach. She was thankful for his willingness to help. It mean a lot to her and knowing someone else there to help introduce her would make the whole thing a little bit easier. She still hadn't gotten the hang of how to introduce herself yet, but she had to start somewhere.
"I'm not sure what movies are out right now but I'll be willing to go check it out if you like."
Giving a smile Beth was having a fun day and she wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was nice doing something different and having someone to do it with. This was definitely was a good time.
"Morning!"
Turning with Eric and walking out of the barn Stacy couldn't help but laugh at his comment. She almost felt like a young girl again who was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. In a way it kind of felt refreshing to feel that young again for a moment and she couldn't help but live it up.
"By noon its going to be all over the ranch I bet. Simply horrifying."
Beth gives a smile at Zach. She was thankful for his willingness to help. It mean a lot to her and knowing someone else there to help introduce her would make the whole thing a little bit easier. She still hadn't gotten the hang of how to introduce herself yet, but she had to start somewhere.
"I'm not sure what movies are out right now but I'll be willing to go check it out if you like."
Giving a smile Beth was having a fun day and she wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was nice doing something different and having someone to do it with. This was definitely was a good time.
Scandalous
Invited to join Stacy for coffee, Eric thinks for a moment that he'd better just go clean himself up and get started on chores. But... He cocks his head and looks up at her. If he passed up the offer, then perhaps he really hadn't retained what he'd learned here, sitting and watching the sunrise. Life was short.
He smiles as he stands and brushes some hay off himself. "I'd like that," he accepts. "And I'm gonna need plenty coffee today." He chuckles and leads the way to the ladder.
As they both descend on the barn floor, Eric spies someone looking around the corner at them with raised eyebrows. His cheeks flush slightly and he clears his throat. "Morning."
Sparky wanders into full view, the curiosity evident on his face as he looks between both Eric and Stacy. "Yeah... good morning."
Eric deliberately offers no explanation as to why he'd been up in the hayloft with Stacy, and simply turns for the door, leaving Sparky to continue chores. Once outside as they walk, Eric throws Stacy a sidelong glance that accompanies a stifled laugh. "Scandalous," he mutters teasingly. "Simply scandalous."
Dylan reads Dan's text message... over... and over... and one more time. Inner walls were crumbling one by one, leaving him feeling vulnerable and wanting only one thing - safety. From this life. From himself.
His thumbs hover above the mini keyboard on the phone.
Bang, bang, bang. "Dylan!"
He jumps and looks to the locked door.
"C'mon - let us in - I forgot the key!"
Dylan glances back at the phone. Searching the text messages he quickly erases the conversation he'd just had before stuffing the phone in his pocket and rising to get the door. Dan's last message would go unanswered.
Zach grins and nods. "I think that would be great. If you'd like, sometime you can come down on a day I'm there and I can introduce you and show you around."
Sighing deeply with a full stomach, he glances at his watch then back at Beth. "You still... wanna go see a movie or something? I have no idea what's playing or what you even like."
He smiles as he stands and brushes some hay off himself. "I'd like that," he accepts. "And I'm gonna need plenty coffee today." He chuckles and leads the way to the ladder.
As they both descend on the barn floor, Eric spies someone looking around the corner at them with raised eyebrows. His cheeks flush slightly and he clears his throat. "Morning."
Sparky wanders into full view, the curiosity evident on his face as he looks between both Eric and Stacy. "Yeah... good morning."
Eric deliberately offers no explanation as to why he'd been up in the hayloft with Stacy, and simply turns for the door, leaving Sparky to continue chores. Once outside as they walk, Eric throws Stacy a sidelong glance that accompanies a stifled laugh. "Scandalous," he mutters teasingly. "Simply scandalous."
Dylan reads Dan's text message... over... and over... and one more time. Inner walls were crumbling one by one, leaving him feeling vulnerable and wanting only one thing - safety. From this life. From himself.
His thumbs hover above the mini keyboard on the phone.
Bang, bang, bang. "Dylan!"
He jumps and looks to the locked door.
"C'mon - let us in - I forgot the key!"
Dylan glances back at the phone. Searching the text messages he quickly erases the conversation he'd just had before stuffing the phone in his pocket and rising to get the door. Dan's last message would go unanswered.
Zach grins and nods. "I think that would be great. If you'd like, sometime you can come down on a day I'm there and I can introduce you and show you around."
Sighing deeply with a full stomach, he glances at his watch then back at Beth. "You still... wanna go see a movie or something? I have no idea what's playing or what you even like."
Whole Life
Shifting just a little Stacy sits up a little straighter her eyes just roaming the sky as the sun started to change the sky. The warmth of the colors just seeming to warm she skin, and put a joy in her heart she would carry with her the rest of the day. On this morning It was one that would last for ever with her.
"I think I like your corner. Thanks for sharing it with me. I think...I needed this."
Looking to Eric Stacy cocks her head for just a moment watching as the colors from the sky dance across his face making there patterns and just accenting his features. Finally breaking her gaze though come color comes to her cheeks and she watches the sun rise.
Just sitting a little while longer Stacy stands and walks closer to the barn opening leaning on the frame before turning and giving a satisfied nod. She new soon the sun would be completely up and the start would need to be started.
"Well I better get snag some coffee while there is some left before I am in big trouble. Care to join me?"
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Ashlee trusts you or she wouldn't have befriended you.
I trust you Dylan,and so does Jade. Even if you can't
see it we all trust and love you very much. You have
got to keep moving ahead because I know you can,
You are so much stronger than you think Dylan. You're
an amazing young man who has a whole life ahead of
him as long as you take ahold of it and make you
own. There are lots of people cheering you on and
backing you up on that one!
Dan
"I think I like your corner. Thanks for sharing it with me. I think...I needed this."
Looking to Eric Stacy cocks her head for just a moment watching as the colors from the sky dance across his face making there patterns and just accenting his features. Finally breaking her gaze though come color comes to her cheeks and she watches the sun rise.
Just sitting a little while longer Stacy stands and walks closer to the barn opening leaning on the frame before turning and giving a satisfied nod. She new soon the sun would be completely up and the start would need to be started.
"Well I better get snag some coffee while there is some left before I am in big trouble. Care to join me?"
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Ashlee trusts you or she wouldn't have befriended you.
I trust you Dylan,and so does Jade. Even if you can't
see it we all trust and love you very much. You have
got to keep moving ahead because I know you can,
You are so much stronger than you think Dylan. You're
an amazing young man who has a whole life ahead of
him as long as you take ahold of it and make you
own. There are lots of people cheering you on and
backing you up on that one!
Dan
3/6/12
Little Corner
There was a new sense of peace in this particular morning. Eric really couldn't put his finger on it but he couldn't deny it was there. Back in the depths of his heart there was a strange fear - as if there were places he would not allow his thoughts to travel. But at the same time, the peace overcame any of that. Perhaps for the first time, he truly was seeing Stacy as a friend. Not just someone at the ranch. Not just a watchman. Not just somebody they hired. But someone he was slowly gaining more and more respect for, and someone who, whether she knew it or not, was gaining his trust.
Eric's eyes remain on the horizon as the sky slowly, slowly begins to change colors. "There ain't nothing to thank me for," he responds softly. He swallows hard, feeling a sudden surge of emotions for reasons he didn't know. Maybe it was because all at once he realized that in this single moment... he wasn't hiding alone in the shadows.
Turning slightly, he sees a woman who had just woken up - her hair a bit askew... her eyes somewhat sleepy but bright and attentive... a face that could use a good splash of water to wake up. But with the rising sun, a warm, pink glow caresses that face, bringing to it a shine that upturns Eric's mouth into a little smile. He wasn't sure, but he couldn't remember seeing Stacy like this before. Something was different. This wasn't a fellow worker, a policeman or even a mother. This was a woman. And she was beautiful.
"Welcome to a little corner of my world." He speaks quietly as if afraid the dawn would cease if he spoke too loudly. "I don't... share this with many people," he admits. "Or... anyone." Come to think of it... there had never even been a moment like this with Dana - a moment of pure peace. "So maybe I'm the one that should thank you."
Re: Text Message
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
Nobody trusts me. I dont fit.
No matter what, i screw up.
Dylan
Unwanted tears roll down Dylan's cheeks as he buries his face against the bed mattress. A quiet sob is choked out. His text was words he truly felt. But all he wanted was reassurance. All he wanted was help. All he wanted was someone to keep telling him not to end it - to keep going - that he was loved. And he didn't know how to ask.
Eric's eyes remain on the horizon as the sky slowly, slowly begins to change colors. "There ain't nothing to thank me for," he responds softly. He swallows hard, feeling a sudden surge of emotions for reasons he didn't know. Maybe it was because all at once he realized that in this single moment... he wasn't hiding alone in the shadows.
Turning slightly, he sees a woman who had just woken up - her hair a bit askew... her eyes somewhat sleepy but bright and attentive... a face that could use a good splash of water to wake up. But with the rising sun, a warm, pink glow caresses that face, bringing to it a shine that upturns Eric's mouth into a little smile. He wasn't sure, but he couldn't remember seeing Stacy like this before. Something was different. This wasn't a fellow worker, a policeman or even a mother. This was a woman. And she was beautiful.
"Welcome to a little corner of my world." He speaks quietly as if afraid the dawn would cease if he spoke too loudly. "I don't... share this with many people," he admits. "Or... anyone." Come to think of it... there had never even been a moment like this with Dana - a moment of pure peace. "So maybe I'm the one that should thank you."
Re: Text Message
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
Nobody trusts me. I dont fit.
No matter what, i screw up.
Dylan
Unwanted tears roll down Dylan's cheeks as he buries his face against the bed mattress. A quiet sob is choked out. His text was words he truly felt. But all he wanted was reassurance. All he wanted was help. All he wanted was someone to keep telling him not to end it - to keep going - that he was loved. And he didn't know how to ask.
Peace
Falling into a peaceful sleep Stacy has no dreams, no nightmares, her mind rested. For the first time in a long time she was in a sleep that even if not for long would leave her refreshed. How it had been so long since she had gotten this comfortable, had someone by she side while she drifted off....that is what let her fall into the sleep she so desperately needed.
Feeling her hair shift slightly, and hearing Eric's soft voice that followed it takes a moment for Stacy to remember where she was. Finally her eyes flutter open as the sky was starting to turn colors. A smile immediately spreads across her face she sits up and looking to Eric than back at the colored lights.
"I love watching God paint, he's so good at it. Thank you Eric...so much."
There was something different about this...Stacy couldn't put her finger on it but there was something different, something she had enjoyed. Now a new question lingered would this be the last time? Would they share a moment like this once more or would this be the only time. Stacy couldn't help but wonder. But for now if this was the last moment she would enjoy it the most.
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Home could be the end you seek. Try and remember
there was some peace for you here.
Dan
Feeling her hair shift slightly, and hearing Eric's soft voice that followed it takes a moment for Stacy to remember where she was. Finally her eyes flutter open as the sky was starting to turn colors. A smile immediately spreads across her face she sits up and looking to Eric than back at the colored lights.
"I love watching God paint, he's so good at it. Thank you Eric...so much."
There was something different about this...Stacy couldn't put her finger on it but there was something different, something she had enjoyed. Now a new question lingered would this be the last time? Would they share a moment like this once more or would this be the only time. Stacy couldn't help but wonder. But for now if this was the last moment she would enjoy it the most.
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Home could be the end you seek. Try and remember
there was some peace for you here.
Dan
Dawn
Re: Text Message
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
I dont know what to do
I just wanna end it
Dylan
Eric can't help a little laugh. Him? Comfortable? Like this? It had taken more than that for Dana to say he was comfortable. His thoughts suddenly leave him for a moment before he brings his attention back around again. Leaning his head over, it rests on Stacy's. "You can fall asleep. I'll wake you up."
Though his hands stayed in his pockets, the strange temptation to put his arm around her presented itself. It was strange enough that it almost scared him. Straightening a little, he falls quiet, the quiet sounds of the breeze and crickets lulling the night...
Though dozing off shortly later, true to his word, Eric was wide awake as the first gray light of dawn began to form on the horizon. Glancing to his side where Stacy was still leaning on him, he smiles a little. Reaching over, he gently removes a piece of hay from her hair.
"Hey," he whispers. His finger brushes her cheek softly. "You wanna see the dawn?"
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
I dont know what to do
I just wanna end it
Dylan
Eric can't help a little laugh. Him? Comfortable? Like this? It had taken more than that for Dana to say he was comfortable. His thoughts suddenly leave him for a moment before he brings his attention back around again. Leaning his head over, it rests on Stacy's. "You can fall asleep. I'll wake you up."
Though his hands stayed in his pockets, the strange temptation to put his arm around her presented itself. It was strange enough that it almost scared him. Straightening a little, he falls quiet, the quiet sounds of the breeze and crickets lulling the night...
Though dozing off shortly later, true to his word, Eric was wide awake as the first gray light of dawn began to form on the horizon. Glancing to his side where Stacy was still leaning on him, he smiles a little. Reaching over, he gently removes a piece of hay from her hair.
"Hey," he whispers. His finger brushes her cheek softly. "You wanna see the dawn?"
Comfortable
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
You might not think so but your stuck with it.
That's one thing you can't change.
Dan
Stacy gives a laugh finding Eric's joke a little funny. He was so different from when she first met him. It was hard to believe he was the same guy. It was amazing how different people could be.
"A pillow huh? I have a boney head you know!"
Shafting just a little bit Stacy moves in closer to Eric and leans her head on his shoulder. He felt pretty comfortable to her.
"Now I gotta try not to fall asleep its hard though when your so comfortable."
To: Dylan
From: Dan
You might not think so but your stuck with it.
That's one thing you can't change.
Dan
Stacy gives a laugh finding Eric's joke a little funny. He was so different from when she first met him. It was hard to believe he was the same guy. It was amazing how different people could be.
"A pillow huh? I have a boney head you know!"
Shafting just a little bit Stacy moves in closer to Eric and leans her head on his shoulder. He felt pretty comfortable to her.
"Now I gotta try not to fall asleep its hard though when your so comfortable."
Welcome to it
Re: Text Message
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
I dont deserve it...
Dylan
Eric chuckles softly. A pop in the head might not be bad once in a while. Goodness knows he could have used that many a time. "Yeah... you know what a pain those speeding people are..." He throws her a teasing sidelong glance, hinting at his speeding ticket.
Pulling his jacket around him just a little more, he stifles his own yawn. Fifteen minutes ago, he'd been unable to even think about sleep. At the moment... he was apparently relaxed.
"We got a while yet," he mentions quietly. His eyes return to the sky then drift back to Stacy. She looked a little sleepy herself. "I don't make a very good pillow but you're welcome to it if you wanna nod off."
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498
I dont deserve it...
Dylan
Eric chuckles softly. A pop in the head might not be bad once in a while. Goodness knows he could have used that many a time. "Yeah... you know what a pain those speeding people are..." He throws her a teasing sidelong glance, hinting at his speeding ticket.
Pulling his jacket around him just a little more, he stifles his own yawn. Fifteen minutes ago, he'd been unable to even think about sleep. At the moment... he was apparently relaxed.
"We got a while yet," he mentions quietly. His eyes return to the sky then drift back to Stacy. She looked a little sleepy herself. "I don't make a very good pillow but you're welcome to it if you wanna nod off."
Warmth
Re: Text Message
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Because its call unconditional love!
Dan
Giving a slight knowing nod to Eric's comment about moving to fast Stacy did understand. She spend her life for the longest time in the fast lane. She fought the bad guys, drove fast, shot a gun before she new it so much time had now pasted.
"I understand what your saying. I spose that kinds of why I like it here. I still can do what I love but its not as fast pasted as I am use too. So much time has gone by already..."
For a moment Stacy becomes a little pensive. Thinking about how Ashlee had grown and she had missed most of her life. But now she got to be a part of it. It wasn't to late she had to enjoy it while she could before soon she was gone.
"Sometimes I think God should just pop us in the head to tell us to slow down and just live."
Stacy gives a yawn but tries to hide it. She wasn't ready for bed even if her body was. This was to nice, she wanted to be here with Eric still watching for the sun. She'd force herself to stay awake if she had too. But it was warm up in the loft and feeling Eric's warmth next to her was comforting.
To: Dylan
From: Dan
Because its call unconditional love!
Dan
Giving a slight knowing nod to Eric's comment about moving to fast Stacy did understand. She spend her life for the longest time in the fast lane. She fought the bad guys, drove fast, shot a gun before she new it so much time had now pasted.
"I understand what your saying. I spose that kinds of why I like it here. I still can do what I love but its not as fast pasted as I am use too. So much time has gone by already..."
For a moment Stacy becomes a little pensive. Thinking about how Ashlee had grown and she had missed most of her life. But now she got to be a part of it. It wasn't to late she had to enjoy it while she could before soon she was gone.
"Sometimes I think God should just pop us in the head to tell us to slow down and just live."
Stacy gives a yawn but tries to hide it. She wasn't ready for bed even if her body was. This was to nice, she wanted to be here with Eric still watching for the sun. She'd force herself to stay awake if she had too. But it was warm up in the loft and feeling Eric's warmth next to her was comforting.
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