Looking across the table at Scott Hope gives a smile. She felt bad now for making him feeling bad.
"No no...we will stay in Scott. Its ok I understand. Today we stand in, I'll cook and we can watch a movie. Maybe some time later this week we can go out ok."
Hope continues to smile at Scott she didnt mean to make him feel bad at all and she was sorry. Giving his hand a squeeze she keeps running her finger over his.
"I am sorry Scott. Being with you is good enough for me and I should be happy for that."
As Alec draws away again Ryan gives a laugh at his comment shaking her head a little. They were never getting lunch in this way. Intently watching him go for the whip cream again Ryan waits read to start up the sharing once again.
Continuing to grin and watch Ryan goes completely silent as Alec miss his mouth, finally though her grin turns into a smile and a laugh escapes her lips, rolling into even more laughter. Still laughing and hearing Alec's question Ryan nods.
"Yes...yes I am."
Seeing Alec's movement and that he had the can pointed at her Ryan gives a streak.
"Alec...dont you even think about it...Alec...no NOOOOooooo..."
Getting whip cream in the face Ryan can't help laugh again not being able to move because Alec was infront of her she just brings her hand to her eyes and whipes the cream out of them staring back at him.
Giving a big smile and locking her legs around Alec once more mischief played with the fire in her eyes. Not missing a beat she moves fast reaching for some of the cake pushing it right into Alec's face.
"I told you think to think about it."
Ryan's voice was laced with laughter. Turning her head a little so her cheek stuck out to Alec she laughs again.
"If you want some more whip cream with that you can have a lick."
Rosetta's eyes twinkle as she looks up at her husband. What a great idea that was as she listened. Sparky and Faith could have there own place, and he would still be able to be here to help out.
"I am sure we could use some extra hands in the kitchen, or cleaning for Faith as well so she has something to do."
Standing Rosetta goes over to her husband. This was fun thinking up all this stuff even if Sparky said no it would still be great. The land out there wasn't doing much of anything now, and if they built a house, they would have a big yard incase they wanted to make the family grow and room for them to do whatever they wanted. Trails intertwined back there, but Rosetta new that as long as they respected the area they would have no problem still using them.
"I think offering that land to them, if things keep going on the up and up with them would be great. They are family, and I love having the family here. We are building out own little community here, this Ranch...."
Rosetta wraps her arms around Mick's neck giving a kiss to his nose.
"...Our ranch has turned into something better than I ever expected. I think that would be a wonderful idea Mick."
3/10/10
Refill
Feeling Ryan deepen her kiss with him, Alec knows she's enjoying it as much as he, making him like it all the more. Once she pulls away, he's ready to move on, but being drawn back in again, he doesn't resist. The invisible force was too strong. Feeling her hand on him that moves down and around to his back, he reaches back without breaking the kiss to bring her hand forward again and lock fingers with her, his palm against hers.
After a few moments, Alec draws away, needing to catch his own breath this time. "I think I need a refill," he teases.
Going for the whipped cream again, he gives it a shake and aims for his mouth. This time though, his eyes are on Ryan and he sprays too soon. Catching the side of his mouth instead of the center, half the cream goes in his mouth and half misses to spray across his cheek. His eyes go a little wide and he almost chokes on what he's got in his mouth.
Hearing a laugh escape from Ryan, his eyes narrow slightly with an evil glint. "You laughing at me?"
Not even taking the time to clean off his own face, he takes aim once more, but this time it isn't towards himself. Whipped cream goes flying onto Ryan's face.
Scott's shoulders sink a little. He'd thought Hope wanted to spend time with him, so he didn't think it mattered, being out or in. But apparently all he was doing lately was disappointing her. He was here though, wasn't he? Right now? First time in about two weeks and it wasn't even going well. What was happening to them?
His eyes were tired as he looks back up at Hope, seeing the emotions pooled in her gaze. "Okay... we can go out tonight," he relents quietly. "Just, um... pick something lighthearted, okay?"
Mick sinks into a little deeper into thought for a moment before nodding. "I... don't think I've been fair with him, ya know? He's been more than great when I've been gone... when I'm around he pulls more than his share." He sighs. "I know he's considered leaving before. There are some ranch hands we could pretty easily do without, but him... I really don't want to lose him. Now with him and Faith... it's only natural that he'd want his own place if that thing progresses with them."
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he gives his wife a sidelong glance. "You know that couple acres in the clearing out back of the west pasture? We really don't use it all that much..."
His implication hangs in the air. They'd purchased more land the last couple years, expanding the ranch property even farther. It was great to have for when they needed it for the horses but... they had more than plenty of land now. "What do you think?"
After a few moments, Alec draws away, needing to catch his own breath this time. "I think I need a refill," he teases.
Going for the whipped cream again, he gives it a shake and aims for his mouth. This time though, his eyes are on Ryan and he sprays too soon. Catching the side of his mouth instead of the center, half the cream goes in his mouth and half misses to spray across his cheek. His eyes go a little wide and he almost chokes on what he's got in his mouth.
Hearing a laugh escape from Ryan, his eyes narrow slightly with an evil glint. "You laughing at me?"
Not even taking the time to clean off his own face, he takes aim once more, but this time it isn't towards himself. Whipped cream goes flying onto Ryan's face.
Scott's shoulders sink a little. He'd thought Hope wanted to spend time with him, so he didn't think it mattered, being out or in. But apparently all he was doing lately was disappointing her. He was here though, wasn't he? Right now? First time in about two weeks and it wasn't even going well. What was happening to them?
His eyes were tired as he looks back up at Hope, seeing the emotions pooled in her gaze. "Okay... we can go out tonight," he relents quietly. "Just, um... pick something lighthearted, okay?"
Mick sinks into a little deeper into thought for a moment before nodding. "I... don't think I've been fair with him, ya know? He's been more than great when I've been gone... when I'm around he pulls more than his share." He sighs. "I know he's considered leaving before. There are some ranch hands we could pretty easily do without, but him... I really don't want to lose him. Now with him and Faith... it's only natural that he'd want his own place if that thing progresses with them."
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he gives his wife a sidelong glance. "You know that couple acres in the clearing out back of the west pasture? We really don't use it all that much..."
His implication hangs in the air. They'd purchased more land the last couple years, expanding the ranch property even farther. It was great to have for when they needed it for the horses but... they had more than plenty of land now. "What do you think?"
O.O O.O O.O O O.O O.O
A bit of disappointment and hurt flash in Hope's eyes at Scott refusal to go, and his words that felt like the cold sting of a whip. Hope new the words had not been meant to hurt so bad, but they did none the less.
"I guess I don't much feel like staying inside today..."
Hope is quiet for a moment looking down at there hands. How could she say no when he was offering time with her. Even if she didn't want to be inside sacrificial a little couldn't hurt right?
"...but to spend time with you...I...I guess it would be better than nothing."
As Alec pulls away to retrieve the items from the fridge Ryan's just watchs him. Leaning her head on the cuboid behind her and catching her breath the best she can.
Watching his take the whip cream can Ryan just watches him for a long moment wondering what he was going, his comment made her curious even more.
Seeing him coming to her thought with the whip cream in his mouth Ryan gives a grin before pushing herself off the cabinet to need Alex. Her lips wrapping around his in the exchange of the whip cream. Tasting the sweetness with the cool, and the warmth of Alec's mouth Ryan kiss him a little harder, her passion behind the kiss a little deeper the sweetness making it that much greater.
Pulling away a little to catch her breath and swallow Ryan brings her hands to Alec's chest Gripping his shirt for a second Ryan comes back for more this time taking his lip in her mouth and sucking the whip cream off of it as her hands slip down his chest to his stomach lingering for a moment before moving to his back, bring herself into a kiss with him one more.
"I guess I don't much feel like staying inside today..."
Hope is quiet for a moment looking down at there hands. How could she say no when he was offering time with her. Even if she didn't want to be inside sacrificial a little couldn't hurt right?
"...but to spend time with you...I...I guess it would be better than nothing."
As Alec pulls away to retrieve the items from the fridge Ryan's just watchs him. Leaning her head on the cuboid behind her and catching her breath the best she can.
Watching his take the whip cream can Ryan just watches him for a long moment wondering what he was going, his comment made her curious even more.
Seeing him coming to her thought with the whip cream in his mouth Ryan gives a grin before pushing herself off the cabinet to need Alex. Her lips wrapping around his in the exchange of the whip cream. Tasting the sweetness with the cool, and the warmth of Alec's mouth Ryan kiss him a little harder, her passion behind the kiss a little deeper the sweetness making it that much greater.
Pulling away a little to catch her breath and swallow Ryan brings her hands to Alec's chest Gripping his shirt for a second Ryan comes back for more this time taking his lip in her mouth and sucking the whip cream off of it as her hands slip down his chest to his stomach lingering for a moment before moving to his back, bring herself into a kiss with him one more.
Sharing
Drawn in so closely by Ryan's legs, Alec puts a hand up on the cupboards behind her to steady himself as his other continues to rub her back or creep up to her neck and shoulders.
"Top shelf..."
He kisses her neck again, then her lips.
"...got it."
Prying himself away, he only has to take one step to the side to open the refrigerator door, leaving Ryan where she was. Spotting the cake, his eyes find the can of whipped cream as well. Retrieving both, he sets them on the counter beside Ryan, going for the whipped cream first. "Mama always taught me to share." Giving it a shake, he sprays a good amount into his mouth, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Returning to Ryan, he grins a little, his mouth still full as he returns for a kiss, sharing the whipped cream with her.
Scott's hand relaxes under Hope's touch, but his eyes remain on the table. "I....I don't feel much like going out in public tonight," he responds quietly.
Her words made him feel bad. He hadn't meant to push her away... he hadn't meant to worry her or upset her. He'd just needed his own space, that's all.
"You can come watch a movie with me at my house though," he offers. "Be more comfortable anyway. And I guess that way you can keep an eye on me like you want to."
He hadn't meant for his last words to be chilled, but once they were out, the iciness was obvious enough that he even cringes a little. Sliding his other hand across the table to cup her fingers between his palms, he rubs his thumbs over her knuckles. "I didn't mean that how it sounded," he backtracks softly.
"Top shelf..."
He kisses her neck again, then her lips.
"...got it."
Prying himself away, he only has to take one step to the side to open the refrigerator door, leaving Ryan where she was. Spotting the cake, his eyes find the can of whipped cream as well. Retrieving both, he sets them on the counter beside Ryan, going for the whipped cream first. "Mama always taught me to share." Giving it a shake, he sprays a good amount into his mouth, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Returning to Ryan, he grins a little, his mouth still full as he returns for a kiss, sharing the whipped cream with her.
Scott's hand relaxes under Hope's touch, but his eyes remain on the table. "I....I don't feel much like going out in public tonight," he responds quietly.
Her words made him feel bad. He hadn't meant to push her away... he hadn't meant to worry her or upset her. He'd just needed his own space, that's all.
"You can come watch a movie with me at my house though," he offers. "Be more comfortable anyway. And I guess that way you can keep an eye on me like you want to."
He hadn't meant for his last words to be chilled, but once they were out, the iciness was obvious enough that he even cringes a little. Sliding his other hand across the table to cup her fingers between his palms, he rubs his thumbs over her knuckles. "I didn't mean that how it sounded," he backtracks softly.
Hunger
"Mmmm...."
Ryan continues the kiss her lips taking in Alec's kiss. This was what was different, the way he kissed her, the way he touched her it sent chill over her whole body. In between her own gasps for air Ryan is able to talk.
"Sweet and Spicy the...."
Ryan's hands fingers continue to run along Alec's arm, and his neck, to his back on more her other hand on his head keeping him close to her still.
"...hunger continues to taunt."
Feeling Alec's hand run down her leg Ryan wraps her legs around his wast even though she was still sitting on the counter.
"The cake is in the fridge top shelf."
Ryan losens her grip a little bit so if Alec wanted to get it her could but her legs stay wrapped around him, and her lips continue to meet his, not being able to break free of her addiction for them.
Ryan continues the kiss her lips taking in Alec's kiss. This was what was different, the way he kissed her, the way he touched her it sent chill over her whole body. In between her own gasps for air Ryan is able to talk.
"Sweet and Spicy the...."
Ryan's hands fingers continue to run along Alec's arm, and his neck, to his back on more her other hand on his head keeping him close to her still.
"...hunger continues to taunt."
Feeling Alec's hand run down her leg Ryan wraps her legs around his wast even though she was still sitting on the counter.
"The cake is in the fridge top shelf."
Ryan losens her grip a little bit so if Alec wanted to get it her could but her legs stay wrapped around him, and her lips continue to meet his, not being able to break free of her addiction for them.
Sweet
Totally forgetting about anything else for the moment, Alec gives a low murmur, allowing himself to enjoy this mutual attention from Ryan. Her fingers sent chills down his spine like no other woman had. Something about her touch... her kiss... it was an enticing danger.
Continuing the kiss, Alec manages to speak quietly in between as he catches his breath, turning his head the other way, or moving to kiss her cheeks again. "You're sweet," he confirms. "Problem with sugar though... I always want... more." His grip around her tightens as his hand wanders down to her knee then returns to her back again. "You gonna... get the cake? ....or tell me.... where it is?"
Continuing the kiss, Alec manages to speak quietly in between as he catches his breath, turning his head the other way, or moving to kiss her cheeks again. "You're sweet," he confirms. "Problem with sugar though... I always want... more." His grip around her tightens as his hand wanders down to her knee then returns to her back again. "You gonna... get the cake? ....or tell me.... where it is?"
Could find out
As Alec comes even closer to her Ryan's heart picks it up once again pounding in her chest, in her ears. Her breathing already becoming rapped to made the heart beat though she does her best to stay calm.
The counters of her mouth turn up a little more the fire in her eyes seeming to burn a little brighter as she gives a little squint at Alec.
Suddenly Being pulled to him Ryan's arms automatically go around his shoulders her one hand finding the back of his head like it had so many times before. Her fingers wrapping around his hair as he kissed her neck, a low noise forming in her throat. As the light kiss go up to her cheekbone Ryan's grasp on his hair loosens and her finger move to rack through his soft strands of hair. A chuckle forms at his comment about his sweet tooth.
Feeling his lips so close to her, his breath on her own Ryan gives him a soft kiss before retreating.
"Experiments...."
Ryan brings her lips to his again letting it linger just a little while longer as her other hand finds its way to the side of his face, her finger tip running lightly along his jaw and his neck as she pulls away again.
"...they are fun, but I don't know how sweet I am. I guess you could find out."
Her hand finally finding his back as she tightens her own grip around him keeping him close to her. Her sweet, soft lips pressed to his once again the the emotions flooded over. His lips against her, the sweetness of the kiss, it put her in a trance. They were the only ones who matter, they had the world and time at there finger tips.
"Your not worried about that Scott but I am, and I have to sit back and watch not being able to do anything. Going to bed at night and wondering if your ok. Waking up, not hearing from you and asking myself if you made it though the night alright because I have no idea whats going on, because you wont talk to me. You wont tell me when your scared or angry, you wont call me when you had a nightmare. I know nothing and thats worse than knowing everything."
The emotions flow through Hope's eyes and pool behind them. Scott had been doing so well and now, now it was falling apart. With every day Scott didn't get better, and Hope worried she could feel another part of herself break away. She cared so dang much and she felt so dang helpless.
Looking down at her own plate Hope's hungry seemed to just go away itself. She didn't feel like eating right now eater. Again reaching across the table Hope rests her hand on top of his hand that was clenched, running her finger lightly over his skin. He wanted to change the subject, she didnt but she would respect his wish anyways.
"Come see a movie tonight with me? I'd like that."
Rosetta gives a smile and a nod at her husband. She was so proud of him for accepting that his brother had been helping her out so well. She didn't mind at all raising Sparky's pay her certainty did deserve it.
"Sparky has been my right hand man for a long time with helping me around here. I don't see another problem with him continuing to help me. I think raising his pay a little could be manageable as well."
Looking down at her papers again to make a small note about changing a few things with Sparky's own paperwork.
At Mick's change in subject Rosetta gives a small laugh and a nod of her head as she looks up at her husband.
"Yeah he does a lot from what I can see. Its good to see him happy, and smile again."
The counters of her mouth turn up a little more the fire in her eyes seeming to burn a little brighter as she gives a little squint at Alec.
Suddenly Being pulled to him Ryan's arms automatically go around his shoulders her one hand finding the back of his head like it had so many times before. Her fingers wrapping around his hair as he kissed her neck, a low noise forming in her throat. As the light kiss go up to her cheekbone Ryan's grasp on his hair loosens and her finger move to rack through his soft strands of hair. A chuckle forms at his comment about his sweet tooth.
Feeling his lips so close to her, his breath on her own Ryan gives him a soft kiss before retreating.
"Experiments...."
Ryan brings her lips to his again letting it linger just a little while longer as her other hand finds its way to the side of his face, her finger tip running lightly along his jaw and his neck as she pulls away again.
"...they are fun, but I don't know how sweet I am. I guess you could find out."
Her hand finally finding his back as she tightens her own grip around him keeping him close to her. Her sweet, soft lips pressed to his once again the the emotions flooded over. His lips against her, the sweetness of the kiss, it put her in a trance. They were the only ones who matter, they had the world and time at there finger tips.
"Your not worried about that Scott but I am, and I have to sit back and watch not being able to do anything. Going to bed at night and wondering if your ok. Waking up, not hearing from you and asking myself if you made it though the night alright because I have no idea whats going on, because you wont talk to me. You wont tell me when your scared or angry, you wont call me when you had a nightmare. I know nothing and thats worse than knowing everything."
The emotions flow through Hope's eyes and pool behind them. Scott had been doing so well and now, now it was falling apart. With every day Scott didn't get better, and Hope worried she could feel another part of herself break away. She cared so dang much and she felt so dang helpless.
Looking down at her own plate Hope's hungry seemed to just go away itself. She didn't feel like eating right now eater. Again reaching across the table Hope rests her hand on top of his hand that was clenched, running her finger lightly over his skin. He wanted to change the subject, she didnt but she would respect his wish anyways.
"Come see a movie tonight with me? I'd like that."
Rosetta gives a smile and a nod at her husband. She was so proud of him for accepting that his brother had been helping her out so well. She didn't mind at all raising Sparky's pay her certainty did deserve it.
"Sparky has been my right hand man for a long time with helping me around here. I don't see another problem with him continuing to help me. I think raising his pay a little could be manageable as well."
Looking down at her papers again to make a small note about changing a few things with Sparky's own paperwork.
At Mick's change in subject Rosetta gives a small laugh and a nod of her head as she looks up at her husband.
"Yeah he does a lot from what I can see. Its good to see him happy, and smile again."
Tired
"Mm... I think I might like to come see the races," Alec muses. "See what kind of danger you get yourself into."
Watching her peer into the refrigerator, he folds his arms and cocks his head, taking in the scene before she straightens up again, sitting on the counter. Moving closer to her, a crooked grin forms on his face, his eyes widening ever so slightly when she pauses in the middle of her last sentence. The mention of dessert makes the faint grin grow. "Been a long time since I've had chocolate cake..."
Nearing the counter, he comes as close as he can, standing between her knees. His hands slide around behind her and he pulls her into him. "...with whipped cream. That might curb my sweet tooth. Or..." He tilts his head down and gives her neck a light kiss. "We could experiment..." The line of kisses moves up to her cheek. "And find out if..." Up and around her cheek bone and back down to her lips. "You could curb it instead."
Scott's eyes shoot up at Hope's mention of her staying at his house. He hadn't expected that kind of offer. When she's finished speaking though, he shakes his head. "I don't feel unsafe."
Memories of the night he'd been attacked come flooding back. The shouting... gunshots... blood... who he'd killed. He snaps back to attention. "I took care of myself well enough the last time... I'm not worried about that." He shrugs. "I think you coming to stay with me might be... overkill."
Turning his fork in his hand for a few moments, he finally sets it on his plate and shoves it to the side, a signal for the waiter to pick it up next time he walked by. Not even half had been eaten.
"I don't... know what's wrong with me, Hope. I'm trying to not shut you out and I'm trying to let God help. But it's hard when I'm carrying a burden without even knowing what that burden is. I can't control what's happening in my brain and it's screwing everything up."
Frustration laces his words and he crumples up his napkin, tossing it onto his finished plate. He'd been doing so well. He'd been back to his old self again. He'd found himself even after all he'd been through. What had happened? What had gone wrong, and when? And why?
Looking down, he realizes that his hand had clenched into a fist, turning his knuckles white. There was still buried anger that one session with a punching bag had not defeated.
"Can we talk about something other than me?" he asks quietly. "I'm tired of being the topic of the hour."
Mick sits back in his chair, a pensive expression on his face. Sparky really had done a lot. More than Mick had ever expected. His brother had done more than simply step up to the plate. When Mick had failed and left everyone behind, Sparky had fallen into step without a grudge, without complaint. And that deserved a thanks.
The wheels in Mick's mind continue to turn. "I know we haven't set up an official rank system around here," he mentions. "Everyone always works so well together but... If it's alright with you, I'd like to name Sparky as the foreman around here. I looked at the books and it looks like we could afford to bump up his pay a little bit too."
He swivels in his seat to look at Rosetta again, searching to see if she agreed. He seems to bounce to a different topic just as quickly. "He's pretty serious about this Faith woman, isn't he?"
Watching her peer into the refrigerator, he folds his arms and cocks his head, taking in the scene before she straightens up again, sitting on the counter. Moving closer to her, a crooked grin forms on his face, his eyes widening ever so slightly when she pauses in the middle of her last sentence. The mention of dessert makes the faint grin grow. "Been a long time since I've had chocolate cake..."
Nearing the counter, he comes as close as he can, standing between her knees. His hands slide around behind her and he pulls her into him. "...with whipped cream. That might curb my sweet tooth. Or..." He tilts his head down and gives her neck a light kiss. "We could experiment..." The line of kisses moves up to her cheek. "And find out if..." Up and around her cheek bone and back down to her lips. "You could curb it instead."
Scott's eyes shoot up at Hope's mention of her staying at his house. He hadn't expected that kind of offer. When she's finished speaking though, he shakes his head. "I don't feel unsafe."
Memories of the night he'd been attacked come flooding back. The shouting... gunshots... blood... who he'd killed. He snaps back to attention. "I took care of myself well enough the last time... I'm not worried about that." He shrugs. "I think you coming to stay with me might be... overkill."
Turning his fork in his hand for a few moments, he finally sets it on his plate and shoves it to the side, a signal for the waiter to pick it up next time he walked by. Not even half had been eaten.
"I don't... know what's wrong with me, Hope. I'm trying to not shut you out and I'm trying to let God help. But it's hard when I'm carrying a burden without even knowing what that burden is. I can't control what's happening in my brain and it's screwing everything up."
Frustration laces his words and he crumples up his napkin, tossing it onto his finished plate. He'd been doing so well. He'd been back to his old self again. He'd found himself even after all he'd been through. What had happened? What had gone wrong, and when? And why?
Looking down, he realizes that his hand had clenched into a fist, turning his knuckles white. There was still buried anger that one session with a punching bag had not defeated.
"Can we talk about something other than me?" he asks quietly. "I'm tired of being the topic of the hour."
Mick sits back in his chair, a pensive expression on his face. Sparky really had done a lot. More than Mick had ever expected. His brother had done more than simply step up to the plate. When Mick had failed and left everyone behind, Sparky had fallen into step without a grudge, without complaint. And that deserved a thanks.
The wheels in Mick's mind continue to turn. "I know we haven't set up an official rank system around here," he mentions. "Everyone always works so well together but... If it's alright with you, I'd like to name Sparky as the foreman around here. I looked at the books and it looks like we could afford to bump up his pay a little bit too."
He swivels in his seat to look at Rosetta again, searching to see if she agreed. He seems to bounce to a different topic just as quickly. "He's pretty serious about this Faith woman, isn't he?"
God and I
As Alec moves closer Ryan can already feel her heart beat start to pick up. Just the simple presence of him next o her sent the emotions and feelings through her body like nothing else she ever felt. Just letting the first kiss continue Ryan returns the passion, the emotions, just letting them wash over like a blanket.
When he pulls away to kiss her eyes, and than her nose Ryan can feel the breath catch in her throat as she tells herself to breath. Her own words coming out in a whisper before Alec comes back to her lips once again.
"For some reason I think...you do have what I am missing."
Feeling another kiss by Alec Ryan's eyes fall shut again taking in the kiss for as long as it last. Only to open her eyes once again with the same saucy grin on her face as Alec pulls away.
Finally getting out of the car and into the house Ryan has no problem just letting Alec rome the house. She didn't really have anything of value that he could take if he wanted to, but she trusted he wouldn't.
Going into the kitchen and opening the fridge Ryan looks into it seeing what they have.
"Yeah, my older brother Eli lives with me. He's at work right now so you wont be able to meet him, maybe another time. Or since your only taking a half hour now for lunch maybe Reese will give you the other hour your in titled tonight and you can come see my race. You can meet my brother than."
Standing up again Ryan closes the fridge before turning to face Alec again her back against the counter. Bracing her hands behind her Ryan lifts herself up to sit on the counter top her legs swinging.
"So the ruling is, we have pizza, hamburgers, pasta, or....we can make a lunch out of dessert.."
The fire in Ryan's eyes dance rapidly as the saucy grin returns to her face. Just letting her last sentience hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
"...because there is some chocolate cake left and whip cream too."
Compassion shown in Hope's eyes for Scott. What was she to do that she hadn't already. Everything she could think of doing had been tried and failed. What else could she do?
"Scott..would you let me come stay with you in your extra room for a little while? I'm scared of you being alone, and maybe if I was there with you I could help you better, and it might make you feel safe."
Taking a bit of her wrap Hope falls quiet again, she didn't know what Scott would think of this or if he would even agree. She hoped he would consider thought.
"I care to much to just turn around and not see whats going on Scott. I know you trying, and I know you want to figure it out but please...let me help you each day. Its easier to hold a burden when you know there is someone who has your back and will help carry the load. God and I want to help...will you let us?"
When he pulls away to kiss her eyes, and than her nose Ryan can feel the breath catch in her throat as she tells herself to breath. Her own words coming out in a whisper before Alec comes back to her lips once again.
"For some reason I think...you do have what I am missing."
Feeling another kiss by Alec Ryan's eyes fall shut again taking in the kiss for as long as it last. Only to open her eyes once again with the same saucy grin on her face as Alec pulls away.
Finally getting out of the car and into the house Ryan has no problem just letting Alec rome the house. She didn't really have anything of value that he could take if he wanted to, but she trusted he wouldn't.
Going into the kitchen and opening the fridge Ryan looks into it seeing what they have.
"Yeah, my older brother Eli lives with me. He's at work right now so you wont be able to meet him, maybe another time. Or since your only taking a half hour now for lunch maybe Reese will give you the other hour your in titled tonight and you can come see my race. You can meet my brother than."
Standing up again Ryan closes the fridge before turning to face Alec again her back against the counter. Bracing her hands behind her Ryan lifts herself up to sit on the counter top her legs swinging.
"So the ruling is, we have pizza, hamburgers, pasta, or....we can make a lunch out of dessert.."
The fire in Ryan's eyes dance rapidly as the saucy grin returns to her face. Just letting her last sentience hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
"...because there is some chocolate cake left and whip cream too."
Compassion shown in Hope's eyes for Scott. What was she to do that she hadn't already. Everything she could think of doing had been tried and failed. What else could she do?
"Scott..would you let me come stay with you in your extra room for a little while? I'm scared of you being alone, and maybe if I was there with you I could help you better, and it might make you feel safe."
Taking a bit of her wrap Hope falls quiet again, she didn't know what Scott would think of this or if he would even agree. She hoped he would consider thought.
"I care to much to just turn around and not see whats going on Scott. I know you trying, and I know you want to figure it out but please...let me help you each day. Its easier to hold a burden when you know there is someone who has your back and will help carry the load. God and I want to help...will you let us?"
Not eating
Arriving at Ryan's, Alec seems a little surprised that she would bring him here. "Experiments, huh?" He nods a little. "I think that would be a very productive thing to do."
Glancing down to the car clock, he sighs. "Unfortunately, a need for food will leave little room for lengthier experimentation."
Looking back over to Ryan, a little grin makes his mouth twitch. "Not that I'll pass up the shorter experiments." Leaning over closer to her, his rough palm cups the side of her face, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Maybe we'll find out I've got what you've been missing."
As his lips find hers, his eyes fall shut and he kisses her gently and gradually more passionate. An eternity within a single moment.
Drawing away, he sends light kisses over her eyes and nose, winding up back at her lips again to end the sweet moment. "Okay... now I'm ready for lunch."
Alec scoots back over and gets out of her car, looking around at the apartments before following her inside. Upon entering, his eyes take in everything, his gaze ricocheting between windows, hallways and doors, calculating where every entry and exit was. Ambling into the kitchen, his sights go to the grocery list on the refrigerator, then what occupied the counter tops, taking note of what he saw and how it did or didn't jive with what he thought Ryan's tastes were. "Did you say you lived with your brother?"
Scott swallows hard, looking down. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just..." He'd fallen into his dark little world again and didn't know how to climb back out. "I've just been trying to figure out how to get over this thing or... or find a key to straighten out my mind and all the tangled data. But... but nothing works."
He would have said more, but the food arrives and he pulls back, falling silent again. Picking around his food, it's obvious that he isn't intending on eating any more today than he had been lately. A few bites and he's back to running his fork through it and making it look like he was eating more than he was.
Eventually, he finally speaks again. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging the last couple weeks either. Time just... melted all together and I've been keeping myself so busy that I guess I didn't even realize how many days had gone by. Just keep calling me, okay?" He looks up in earnest. "I don't know... how... to let anybody else in. I don't know what will help. I talk it out, but the problem is still here. I think I get over it and then I have another nightmare. I just want.... I want something different... I want to get as far removed from the Agency and Elite as I can. Maybe with less exposure to what data is in my mind, the less it will crop up."
He glances back down again and drags a noodle across his plate, not having realized that he had just separated all the types of food on his plate, categorizing everything as if his actions were trying to compartmentalize everything just like his mind had done.
Glancing down to the car clock, he sighs. "Unfortunately, a need for food will leave little room for lengthier experimentation."
Looking back over to Ryan, a little grin makes his mouth twitch. "Not that I'll pass up the shorter experiments." Leaning over closer to her, his rough palm cups the side of her face, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Maybe we'll find out I've got what you've been missing."
As his lips find hers, his eyes fall shut and he kisses her gently and gradually more passionate. An eternity within a single moment.
Drawing away, he sends light kisses over her eyes and nose, winding up back at her lips again to end the sweet moment. "Okay... now I'm ready for lunch."
Alec scoots back over and gets out of her car, looking around at the apartments before following her inside. Upon entering, his eyes take in everything, his gaze ricocheting between windows, hallways and doors, calculating where every entry and exit was. Ambling into the kitchen, his sights go to the grocery list on the refrigerator, then what occupied the counter tops, taking note of what he saw and how it did or didn't jive with what he thought Ryan's tastes were. "Did you say you lived with your brother?"
Scott swallows hard, looking down. "I didn't mean to shut you out. I just..." He'd fallen into his dark little world again and didn't know how to climb back out. "I've just been trying to figure out how to get over this thing or... or find a key to straighten out my mind and all the tangled data. But... but nothing works."
He would have said more, but the food arrives and he pulls back, falling silent again. Picking around his food, it's obvious that he isn't intending on eating any more today than he had been lately. A few bites and he's back to running his fork through it and making it look like he was eating more than he was.
Eventually, he finally speaks again. "I didn't mean to leave you hanging the last couple weeks either. Time just... melted all together and I've been keeping myself so busy that I guess I didn't even realize how many days had gone by. Just keep calling me, okay?" He looks up in earnest. "I don't know... how... to let anybody else in. I don't know what will help. I talk it out, but the problem is still here. I think I get over it and then I have another nightmare. I just want.... I want something different... I want to get as far removed from the Agency and Elite as I can. Maybe with less exposure to what data is in my mind, the less it will crop up."
He glances back down again and drags a noodle across his plate, not having realized that he had just separated all the types of food on his plate, categorizing everything as if his actions were trying to compartmentalize everything just like his mind had done.
Conduct
Looking over at Alec and raising her eyebrow at his question the grin formed on her face stays put though she was thinking hard before she answered. Her eyes going back to the road another minute of silence before she speaks again.
"This speed demon realized it wasn't fair to her ex to be stringing him along when obviously there was something she needed he was missing."
Stopping at a red light Ryan looks over at Alec the fire in her eyes dancing with Alec's own.
"So the answer to your question would be yes, to both I guess."
Moving forward again its about another five minutes before they pull into the driveway of Ryan's apartment. Shutting the car off and opening her door she nods to Alec.
"Home sweet home. Figured we would have something different, and I can feel you left overs. Not only that its a little more privet to conduct experiments."
"This speed demon realized it wasn't fair to her ex to be stringing him along when obviously there was something she needed he was missing."
Stopping at a red light Ryan looks over at Alec the fire in her eyes dancing with Alec's own.
"So the answer to your question would be yes, to both I guess."
Moving forward again its about another five minutes before they pull into the driveway of Ryan's apartment. Shutting the car off and opening her door she nods to Alec.
"Home sweet home. Figured we would have something different, and I can feel you left overs. Not only that its a little more privet to conduct experiments."
Poor sap
Returning Ryan's kiss, Alec grins just a little bit, settling back for the ride, not caring where they went.
Hearing her speak again, one of his eyebrows rises slightly. "Ah. An ex." He purses his lips and looks over to her, cocking his head. The pieces were falling together now.
"So... did the big bad Agency guy steal some poor sap's girl away from him?" He sticks out his lower lip, feigning a pouting look. "Or did Miss Speed Demon find a faster lane?"
Hearing her speak again, one of his eyebrows rises slightly. "Ah. An ex." He purses his lips and looks over to her, cocking his head. The pieces were falling together now.
"So... did the big bad Agency guy steal some poor sap's girl away from him?" He sticks out his lower lip, feigning a pouting look. "Or did Miss Speed Demon find a faster lane?"
Explanation
"You might feel like that Scott but your not. Your just trying to deal with it, and your trying to do it alone. But you need help you need someone to help you. Your forcing yourself to go through this alone when you don't have to."
Hope continues to hold Scott's hand. She wasn't ready to give up on him not yet. In every way Hope wanted to be there for him. He meant so much to her, more than words could ever say.
"Scott if I didn't want to be around you or thought you were horrible company I wouldn't ask to spend time with you. I know nothing can happen in a snap of the fingers, I don't expect it to and thats why I am being pashent, because I do understand. I'd just like to see you more than once every two weeks."
Following Alec outside and to her car Ryan gives a laugh. Moving into the drive side of the car she leans over bringing her hand to the side of Alec's face and than to the back of his head. Looking at him deep in the eyes the flames in her eyes seem to dance, and her lips had turned up into a grin.
"Experiments, I could never tire of those."
Pressing her lips to Alec's she lets her kiss show how much in the last ten days she had missed seeing him. Pulling away and giving another grin Ryan new this probably wasn't the best place for a make out session.
Starting her car she pulls out the parking lot and starts down the street. Quiet for a moment Ryan wasn't sure where they were going. Maybe back to her place to grab some left over pizza that was still in the fridge.
Glancing over at Alec she had read the question in his eyes, even if he was trying to hide it Ryan seemed to be able to see right though. She really had tried to see him, and finding most days he was busy she hadn't bothered to come back. So she hadnt been lieing about that, but it wasn't the whole truth ether.
"I really am sorry I haven't come to see you more. The few times I did you were busy, and than other than that...I've been having some problems with my ex. I mean nothing major, but just its kind of stressful. So I have had that linger on my mind."
Continuing to smile Faith felt the warmth wash over her. Sparky had been here the whole time, never leaving her. He had said he would be there when she woke up, and he was right.
"I guess this means we get to start the rest of our lifes huh? I'm excited to get to spend more time with you. I just need to rest a little, I feel tired. When I wake up, I'll see you again."
Closing her eyes Faith felt so tired even though she had been in a coma just the little bit of talking seemed so hard right now. Just a little rest, and she would be ok.
Sitting at her desk Rosetta was busy doing her own work while Mick went through any of the files he wanted. There was nothing to hide from him so Rosetta had no objection what he went through.
"I needed help, try as I may to do all this alone I couldn't. Sparky was there and he was bored so he did a good job of stepping up to help me."
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick, his brother had helped her a lot and she new Mick liked working in the barn more than doing the paper work anyways.
Hope continues to hold Scott's hand. She wasn't ready to give up on him not yet. In every way Hope wanted to be there for him. He meant so much to her, more than words could ever say.
"Scott if I didn't want to be around you or thought you were horrible company I wouldn't ask to spend time with you. I know nothing can happen in a snap of the fingers, I don't expect it to and thats why I am being pashent, because I do understand. I'd just like to see you more than once every two weeks."
Following Alec outside and to her car Ryan gives a laugh. Moving into the drive side of the car she leans over bringing her hand to the side of Alec's face and than to the back of his head. Looking at him deep in the eyes the flames in her eyes seem to dance, and her lips had turned up into a grin.
"Experiments, I could never tire of those."
Pressing her lips to Alec's she lets her kiss show how much in the last ten days she had missed seeing him. Pulling away and giving another grin Ryan new this probably wasn't the best place for a make out session.
Starting her car she pulls out the parking lot and starts down the street. Quiet for a moment Ryan wasn't sure where they were going. Maybe back to her place to grab some left over pizza that was still in the fridge.
Glancing over at Alec she had read the question in his eyes, even if he was trying to hide it Ryan seemed to be able to see right though. She really had tried to see him, and finding most days he was busy she hadn't bothered to come back. So she hadnt been lieing about that, but it wasn't the whole truth ether.
"I really am sorry I haven't come to see you more. The few times I did you were busy, and than other than that...I've been having some problems with my ex. I mean nothing major, but just its kind of stressful. So I have had that linger on my mind."
Continuing to smile Faith felt the warmth wash over her. Sparky had been here the whole time, never leaving her. He had said he would be there when she woke up, and he was right.
"I guess this means we get to start the rest of our lifes huh? I'm excited to get to spend more time with you. I just need to rest a little, I feel tired. When I wake up, I'll see you again."
Closing her eyes Faith felt so tired even though she had been in a coma just the little bit of talking seemed so hard right now. Just a little rest, and she would be ok.
Sitting at her desk Rosetta was busy doing her own work while Mick went through any of the files he wanted. There was nothing to hide from him so Rosetta had no objection what he went through.
"I needed help, try as I may to do all this alone I couldn't. Sparky was there and he was bored so he did a good job of stepping up to help me."
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick, his brother had helped her a lot and she new Mick liked working in the barn more than doing the paper work anyways.
Crazy
Scott's eyes drop, though his fingers run over Hope's. "You haven't failed me," he assures quietly. "Don't ever think that, okay?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
3/9/10
Hidden Emotions
Hope lets out a small sigh. She felt so bad for Scott, and at the same time she felt so bad for herself. She loved Scott, and she new she was his strong ground but how could she be when he wouldn't let her and it hurt.
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
Strong point
"I'm doing okay." It was Scott's automatic response. He'd been asked how he was doing many times lately, so his answer came easily, true or not.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Calming
Giving a smile to Scott as he gives her a kiss and moves to the seat across from her Hope gives a little shake of her head.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
Offended
"Okay, sounds good." Scott really wasn't paying a whole lot of attention, but he'd caught what Hope had said. "I'll meet you there in about half an hour, okay?"
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
Miss
Hope could tell Scott was desecrated but why she didn't know. In a way it was good to see him with his mind on something else and not with what was going on with him.
"Mmmm...how about La Rock at noon?"
She didn't really mind where they went as long as she got to see Scott. Talking to him made her smile no doubt but seeing him would be even better.
"Maybe afterwords we can catch a movie or something, I miss spending time with you."
"Well at least your good at controlling things."
Ryan new her voice seemed a little cold but she new Axel would understand it wasn't him. Ryan just felt tired, lost, and she hated feeling this way. Maybe if her and Alec spent more time together it would be different but it felt like she was left with nothing, because she had nothing to hold onto.
Looking up at Axel Ryan gives him a look of sorrow. She new he would understand but still she couldn't feel bad for snapping.
"Sorry Axel..I'm just....something or other."
Ryan gives a little chuckle. At least Axel was over near her and talking. The other guys they seemed distant since her and Leo broke it off. Not avoiding her, just not going out of there way ether. Maybe because it just felt awkward.
"Thanks for just being there. Hows Jess doing?"
A smile forms on Cassy's lips when she see Leo. Having herd the guys in the back she thought it was kind of funny. Giving a wave and a small shake of her head Cassy felt a little silly.
"Hey Leo. No, no car trouble unless there has to be for us to talk."
Cocking her head to one side her lips curl in a small smile. Seeing Leo in his element was nice, where her friend worked, what he did with his days.
Straightening again she breaks her gaze from Leo looking around the shop quick taking everything in before looking back to him again. Feeling a little strange for asking him for help.
"I had some stuff I had to bring where my new studio is going to be and I was wondering if maybe today or tomorrow when you get off work if you could give me a hand. I don't want to push my luck in lifting anything heavy."
Taking the break off the top of her sandwich Bree poked at the ham for a moment before finally breaking a peace off eating it.
"Yeah, we can do something if you want."
Pulling another peace Bree eats it, wishing she was a little happier. In time they said, in time she would be ok. Would she? Maybe when Gunner was out she would be? Was she stained for the rest of her life? Bree could only hope not.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are going to try anyways? ...to get me again? I still...don't even know why!"
Giving a smile and going to the stove Thirteen opens it up and grabs a pot holder to pull out the large pizza pan and putting it on top of the stove. Bringing the the garlic spread over Thirteen spreads a thin layer on top before replacing them in the over once again.
Turning back to Ryder Thirteen smiles again. She felt good today, it was nice out, she was in an ok mood, and later she would be going through her pictures to make up her album. It was a good day.
"Hey Ryder, do you think maybe when Carson came back he'd let me help him cook more? I like it better back here than out there with all the people."
"Mmmm...how about La Rock at noon?"
She didn't really mind where they went as long as she got to see Scott. Talking to him made her smile no doubt but seeing him would be even better.
"Maybe afterwords we can catch a movie or something, I miss spending time with you."
"Well at least your good at controlling things."
Ryan new her voice seemed a little cold but she new Axel would understand it wasn't him. Ryan just felt tired, lost, and she hated feeling this way. Maybe if her and Alec spent more time together it would be different but it felt like she was left with nothing, because she had nothing to hold onto.
Looking up at Axel Ryan gives him a look of sorrow. She new he would understand but still she couldn't feel bad for snapping.
"Sorry Axel..I'm just....something or other."
Ryan gives a little chuckle. At least Axel was over near her and talking. The other guys they seemed distant since her and Leo broke it off. Not avoiding her, just not going out of there way ether. Maybe because it just felt awkward.
"Thanks for just being there. Hows Jess doing?"
A smile forms on Cassy's lips when she see Leo. Having herd the guys in the back she thought it was kind of funny. Giving a wave and a small shake of her head Cassy felt a little silly.
"Hey Leo. No, no car trouble unless there has to be for us to talk."
Cocking her head to one side her lips curl in a small smile. Seeing Leo in his element was nice, where her friend worked, what he did with his days.
Straightening again she breaks her gaze from Leo looking around the shop quick taking everything in before looking back to him again. Feeling a little strange for asking him for help.
"I had some stuff I had to bring where my new studio is going to be and I was wondering if maybe today or tomorrow when you get off work if you could give me a hand. I don't want to push my luck in lifting anything heavy."
Taking the break off the top of her sandwich Bree poked at the ham for a moment before finally breaking a peace off eating it.
"Yeah, we can do something if you want."
Pulling another peace Bree eats it, wishing she was a little happier. In time they said, in time she would be ok. Would she? Maybe when Gunner was out she would be? Was she stained for the rest of her life? Bree could only hope not.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are going to try anyways? ...to get me again? I still...don't even know why!"
Giving a smile and going to the stove Thirteen opens it up and grabs a pot holder to pull out the large pizza pan and putting it on top of the stove. Bringing the the garlic spread over Thirteen spreads a thin layer on top before replacing them in the over once again.
Turning back to Ryder Thirteen smiles again. She felt good today, it was nice out, she was in an ok mood, and later she would be going through her pictures to make up her album. It was a good day.
"Hey Ryder, do you think maybe when Carson came back he'd let me help him cook more? I like it better back here than out there with all the people."
New girl?
Scott hears the phone and lets it ring a few times before answering it, still looking at the pictures. Hearing Hope's voice, a smile creases his lips. "Sorry I hadn't called - I was just finishing up a project."
He leans down to switch around a couple pictures, cocking his head again as he studies them. "Lunch? Yeah... yeah, anything but Chinese. You name the place." He'd skipped breakfast, so probably some lunch would be good.
Squinting as his photos, he takes one off the table and rearranges them again, clearly distracted from his phone conversation as he mumbles a few things to himself about the pictures.
"Um, what time and where?"
Axel cocks his head at Ryan, watching her for a moment. Ever since she and Leo had broken up, she just hadn't been the same. Her spark was missing somehow. The other guys hadn't seemed to notice it too much, but Axel had. He didn't know if it was just because she was apart from Leo or if there was more, but it wasn't his business.
"Sometimes change hurts," he muses, still cleaning the tools. "Always figure though that the future is mine to make. How I react to changes paves the way for what will happen next. I get to decide whether the changes result in good or bad." He chuckles. "Call me a control freak."
At the other end of the shop, Miles lifts his head while trying to fix a tire. Had he heard someone. When Darell was gone, sometimes customers had to wander back into the garage to find someone. Craning his neck, he spots a young woman behind the glass door to the front.
"Yo, Jed! Customer!"
Jed had his head in a car and grumbles. "Would you mind?"
"You turnin' down a chick?"
Jed's head pops up, hitting the hood with a bang. "Wha...?"
By now, Leo had heard them and had looked down that way as well. He recognized the visitor and starts to smile. "I got it, boys. You just keep on playing."
He gets a rag to the back of his head, but keeps on walking anyway until he was into the office area. "Well... if it isn't Cassy." He wipes his hands on a rag, but the grease just wouldn't go away. "What's up? Car trouble?"
Back in the garage, Miles quirks an eyebrow at Jed, looking over to Ryan, then to where Leo had gone. New girl? He shrugs and gets back to work.
JT grins and takes a sandwich. "You and your critters."
Bowing his head, he gives a short prayer for the meal and for Gunner - the routine now. At this point, he wanted Gunner released more for Bree's sake than anything. He was watching his niece fade away and it was heart-wrenching.
"I gotta work tonight so I have the afternoon off. Wanna go do something?"
Ryder looks to Thirteen as she comes up to him and smiles. "You think I'd turn down your help? I don't want you to go home either. I'd be too lonely."
"Hey!" Dani retrieves another order. "What are Aerith and I? Chopped liver?"
Ryder turns his head. "Oh, are you still around?"
Dani throws him a smirk then walks away, a grin on her face. She liked working with Carson, but sometimes having Ryder to banter with was a treat.
Ryder winks at Thirteen. "I always want your help. Check on those breadsticks, would you?"
He leans down to switch around a couple pictures, cocking his head again as he studies them. "Lunch? Yeah... yeah, anything but Chinese. You name the place." He'd skipped breakfast, so probably some lunch would be good.
Squinting as his photos, he takes one off the table and rearranges them again, clearly distracted from his phone conversation as he mumbles a few things to himself about the pictures.
"Um, what time and where?"
Axel cocks his head at Ryan, watching her for a moment. Ever since she and Leo had broken up, she just hadn't been the same. Her spark was missing somehow. The other guys hadn't seemed to notice it too much, but Axel had. He didn't know if it was just because she was apart from Leo or if there was more, but it wasn't his business.
"Sometimes change hurts," he muses, still cleaning the tools. "Always figure though that the future is mine to make. How I react to changes paves the way for what will happen next. I get to decide whether the changes result in good or bad." He chuckles. "Call me a control freak."
At the other end of the shop, Miles lifts his head while trying to fix a tire. Had he heard someone. When Darell was gone, sometimes customers had to wander back into the garage to find someone. Craning his neck, he spots a young woman behind the glass door to the front.
"Yo, Jed! Customer!"
Jed had his head in a car and grumbles. "Would you mind?"
"You turnin' down a chick?"
Jed's head pops up, hitting the hood with a bang. "Wha...?"
By now, Leo had heard them and had looked down that way as well. He recognized the visitor and starts to smile. "I got it, boys. You just keep on playing."
He gets a rag to the back of his head, but keeps on walking anyway until he was into the office area. "Well... if it isn't Cassy." He wipes his hands on a rag, but the grease just wouldn't go away. "What's up? Car trouble?"
Back in the garage, Miles quirks an eyebrow at Jed, looking over to Ryan, then to where Leo had gone. New girl? He shrugs and gets back to work.
JT grins and takes a sandwich. "You and your critters."
Bowing his head, he gives a short prayer for the meal and for Gunner - the routine now. At this point, he wanted Gunner released more for Bree's sake than anything. He was watching his niece fade away and it was heart-wrenching.
"I gotta work tonight so I have the afternoon off. Wanna go do something?"
Ryder looks to Thirteen as she comes up to him and smiles. "You think I'd turn down your help? I don't want you to go home either. I'd be too lonely."
"Hey!" Dani retrieves another order. "What are Aerith and I? Chopped liver?"
Ryder turns his head. "Oh, are you still around?"
Dani throws him a smirk then walks away, a grin on her face. She liked working with Carson, but sometimes having Ryder to banter with was a treat.
Ryder winks at Thirteen. "I always want your help. Check on those breadsticks, would you?"
3/8/10
Moving Forward
At home Hope sat at her desk paper work in front of her. She was more comfortable working from home than she was in the makeshift office. Maybe she would get a office, but she new there was no room right now, so she waited and most work was done from home.
Looking over at the phone that sat on the one side of the desk Hope let out a sigh. Scott needed his space, she new this but it pained her to not hear from him in so long. Today...he was going to call today he had promised she just had to be pashent.
Trying to get back to her work Hope gives a sigh in frustration as she just cant considerate. Raching out for her phone Hope dials Scott's number and waits. Hearing his voice on the other end made her feel good. He was ok...that was good.
"Hey its just me...I know you were going to call me but I was going crazy sitting here waiting."
Hope gives a light laugh she didn't want Scott to think she was upset. She new he needed time, and she was ok with that.
"...I was wondering if you still wanted to do lunch?"
Glancing up from her car at Leo Ryan just watches him for a long moment. Over the last few days she had seem to slip into someone just not of herself anymore. Leo seemed happy, and she hadn't seen Alec in days, he was always busy, and Eli was busy with his new job. Ryan was alone...left with her feelings, left with her guilt and left with two completely different pains in her heart. She'd made her own bed and now she had to lay in it. Maybe this was what she deserved.
Turning back to the car she was working on Ryan tightens some bolts making sure they were snug. Racing was her out but even that had to end. Hearing Axel's comment Ryan lets out a long tired sigh. Looking up at her eyes looked tired, and her voice was on the dull side.
"Yeah they do, but its our own actions that make those changes."
Looking back down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few more things to keep her mind off everything. What would she do for lunch today? See if Alec was around again? Maybe....maybe she would just skip lunch altogether and just work. Ryan felt so confused even about the little things.
Sitting at the table and her elbow and arm on the table Bree keeps her head propped up with her knuckles. Glancing at the sandwich that had been placed in front of her Bree wanted to smile at the crust that was cut off, but it just didn't want to come out.
Being back was good, being home was nice but it just wasn't the same. It felt like this life was tainted now, and Gunner not being around Bree still didn't feel safe. She hadnt returned to work yet, she just wasn't ready.
Just moving her eyes to look up at her uncle she lets out a small sigh nodding a little. Everything lacked color, and no matter how she tried to be better it just...didn't work..
"Yeah I have the gum, I've been carrying it for the last week."
Each day Bree had come to see her Uncle it was the same thing said over and over again that maybe tomorrow she could see Gunner. And each day came with out the visit and the hope that maybe tomorrow she could see him. So hope still lingered but excitement was no longer there when hearing those words. Until she was actually on her way to see him her excitement was held at bay.
"Skippy deiced to ride on Darwin's head this morning round the house. It was kind of funny actully considering he's about the same size as his head. I think they were trying to cheer me up. It made me smile a little."
Hearing Ryder behind her in the kitchen Thirteen couldn't help but roll her eyes at Aerith giving a small laugh.
"He shouldn't be wrestling crocs ether. Gives me a heart attack every time he does."
Thirteen had hated leaving Texas, she really had liked it there. Being with the animals, in the open space her father being close by. It really was nice. But not she was left with memories and pictures that would hold her over. Though the question of when next time would be lingered.
Finishing rolling her silverware Thirteen turns and heads into the kitchen sitting down at the small table at one end. Just watching Ryder for a long moment she stands again slowly making her way over to him. Stangly enough she had found a liking for cooking once she figured out what everything was.
"Can I help you cook? My shift in the dinning room is over, and I just...don't feel like going home alone."
The tiny bell on the auto shop rings as Cassy removes her sun glass. It had been a nice day out, and her knee had felt half was decent. So a longer drive than normal brought her here to where Leo worked.
Not seeing anyone at the counter Cassy tried to crain her neck to seeing to the bay area and though she herd the noise she didn't see anyone.
"Hello....Hello?"
Cassy could only hope someone heard her. Than again she hoped Leo was working too. She had a favor to ask but realized she had no idea when he even worked and didn't.
Looking over at the phone that sat on the one side of the desk Hope let out a sigh. Scott needed his space, she new this but it pained her to not hear from him in so long. Today...he was going to call today he had promised she just had to be pashent.
Trying to get back to her work Hope gives a sigh in frustration as she just cant considerate. Raching out for her phone Hope dials Scott's number and waits. Hearing his voice on the other end made her feel good. He was ok...that was good.
"Hey its just me...I know you were going to call me but I was going crazy sitting here waiting."
Hope gives a light laugh she didn't want Scott to think she was upset. She new he needed time, and she was ok with that.
"...I was wondering if you still wanted to do lunch?"
Glancing up from her car at Leo Ryan just watches him for a long moment. Over the last few days she had seem to slip into someone just not of herself anymore. Leo seemed happy, and she hadn't seen Alec in days, he was always busy, and Eli was busy with his new job. Ryan was alone...left with her feelings, left with her guilt and left with two completely different pains in her heart. She'd made her own bed and now she had to lay in it. Maybe this was what she deserved.
Turning back to the car she was working on Ryan tightens some bolts making sure they were snug. Racing was her out but even that had to end. Hearing Axel's comment Ryan lets out a long tired sigh. Looking up at her eyes looked tired, and her voice was on the dull side.
"Yeah they do, but its our own actions that make those changes."
Looking back down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few more things to keep her mind off everything. What would she do for lunch today? See if Alec was around again? Maybe....maybe she would just skip lunch altogether and just work. Ryan felt so confused even about the little things.
Sitting at the table and her elbow and arm on the table Bree keeps her head propped up with her knuckles. Glancing at the sandwich that had been placed in front of her Bree wanted to smile at the crust that was cut off, but it just didn't want to come out.
Being back was good, being home was nice but it just wasn't the same. It felt like this life was tainted now, and Gunner not being around Bree still didn't feel safe. She hadnt returned to work yet, she just wasn't ready.
Just moving her eyes to look up at her uncle she lets out a small sigh nodding a little. Everything lacked color, and no matter how she tried to be better it just...didn't work..
"Yeah I have the gum, I've been carrying it for the last week."
Each day Bree had come to see her Uncle it was the same thing said over and over again that maybe tomorrow she could see Gunner. And each day came with out the visit and the hope that maybe tomorrow she could see him. So hope still lingered but excitement was no longer there when hearing those words. Until she was actually on her way to see him her excitement was held at bay.
"Skippy deiced to ride on Darwin's head this morning round the house. It was kind of funny actully considering he's about the same size as his head. I think they were trying to cheer me up. It made me smile a little."
Hearing Ryder behind her in the kitchen Thirteen couldn't help but roll her eyes at Aerith giving a small laugh.
"He shouldn't be wrestling crocs ether. Gives me a heart attack every time he does."
Thirteen had hated leaving Texas, she really had liked it there. Being with the animals, in the open space her father being close by. It really was nice. But not she was left with memories and pictures that would hold her over. Though the question of when next time would be lingered.
Finishing rolling her silverware Thirteen turns and heads into the kitchen sitting down at the small table at one end. Just watching Ryder for a long moment she stands again slowly making her way over to him. Stangly enough she had found a liking for cooking once she figured out what everything was.
"Can I help you cook? My shift in the dinning room is over, and I just...don't feel like going home alone."
The tiny bell on the auto shop rings as Cassy removes her sun glass. It had been a nice day out, and her knee had felt half was decent. So a longer drive than normal brought her here to where Leo worked.
Not seeing anyone at the counter Cassy tried to crain her neck to seeing to the bay area and though she herd the noise she didn't see anyone.
"Hello....Hello?"
Cassy could only hope someone heard her. Than again she hoped Leo was working too. She had a favor to ask but realized she had no idea when he even worked and didn't.
Shrimp
Scott stares at the spread of photos on his coffee table, standing back and folding his arms across his chest. He'd hardly slept at all for the past ten days. After turning in his resignation to Reese, he'd been back to TJY only once to clean out some personal belongings from his office. He hadn't spoken to his sister, and only a little to Dalton. Katie was the only other one he'd said anything to, making it a quick explanation that he was leaving.
Since then, he'd taken up company with his camera, disappearing during the day, then returning at night to develop his own pictures. Some were color, some were black and white. Some were touching and emotion-filled, almost sad. Others seemed to hold bittersweet themes. Nights were spent on his computer or on the phone with little time to socialize, even with Hope.
Eating hadn't been a priority, even though Rick had read him the riot act about it. To any outsider, his only focus was his photography. His hiding place. Glancing over at his phone, he knew he was supposed to call Hope about lunch. But he just wanted to pick his top three pictures... it would only take another minute... or two.
Leo spins a rag in the air and boogies past Jed's car to the rock music that was playing on the radio. It had been a week and a half and he didn't know where the time had gone. Working around Ryan every day was still a nightmare inside, but on the outside, he was holding his own.
Most days he joked and kidded around with the other guys, maybe throwing Ryan a nod now and then, but no real conversation had happened between them.
Sashaying up to his own car, he ducks down as if he were dancing with the open door, shining the wash job as he sways to the upbeat music.
"Woo!" Miles laughs and throws up his arms. "Go Leo! Go Leo!"
Jed joins in, spinning around and using a wrench to make out part of an air guitar for the guitar solo on the radio. It would be obvious to anyone that Darell was gone for the day.
Axel grins and shake his head as he sits on top of the work bench in the corner and cleans up some of the tools. It felt good to be back on the job a few hours a week. It was all his hand could take yet, but he was able to pick up tools and even manipulate a nut and bolt if he concentrated hard enough. The healing was slow, but feeling and mobility were gradually coming back. There was still some pain, but it was worth it and he could never thank Misty enough.
His eyes glance over to Ryan as he still grins. "Thing around here never change, do they?"
"Okay, so David said maybe tomorrow we can go see Gunner." JT sets down a plate with sandwiches for himself and Bree's lunch on the kitchen table. Falling back into the daily routines at home hadn't been too hard. He was back to work and with a little prayer and a little legal magic from David and Angelica, he and Amanda were in the clear. Now the only thing remaining was getting Gunner out of jail.
JT sits down and looks across at Bree, trying to smile. It had been a long week and a half since they'd gotten back from Texas - each day filled with question as to when Gunner would be free. "You got that gum to take to him?"
Ty falls onto his bed, worn out from being at work all night. He hadn't bothered to undress and just lets his head sink into his pillow. Reese had been giving him extra hours, and while the money was nice, he was exhausted during the day. How long had it been since he'd seen Libby? Seemed like forever, but he thought it was just a few days. He'd been able to meet her once for some lunch and arcade time, then an hour or so of trying to read. She knew he was busy at work though, so for now, it was okay. But he really did want to spend more time with her. She was fun, and it was nice having a friend to hang out with. For now though.... for now.... he yawns as his eyes fall shut. Just a few hours... that's all he needed.
Alec sits on his cot, fingering the note from Ryan that had been left a few days prior. He hadn't seen her for over a week now, and he wondered if it was him or if her brother had given her too hard of a time for seeing him. Apparently she'd come a couple days ago though when Reese had had him downtown and she'd left a note. So maybe she'd just been too busy lately to stop by TJY.
Nibbling some more on his lemon, he spits out a seed, sending it shooting across the room and into the waste basket. It was getting tiring now... sharing information, negotiating for a few perks here and there... He had free lunch hours but hadn't done anything with them except wander the halls and stay out of Trooper's way. There had to be more than this... there had to be.
"What, are you kidding me?" Dani shakes her head as she heads out of the kitchen with an order. "Carson would kill you."
"For taking the shrimp off the menu?" Ryder throws up his hands. "I can't cook shrimp! Chicken, yes. Steak, yes! But those shrimp are so..." His voice trails off as Dani disappears, returning a couple minutes later.
"He'd still kill you."
"Nah. By the time he and Misty get back, he'll be so turned around he won't even notice."
Dani sets her hands on her hips, smirking at Ryder. "Honeymoons are supposed to do that, but I guarantee that he'll notice if the shrimp isn't on the menu."
"It's only a couple days!"
"I don't care! I'll cook them, for crying out loud. You're such a baby."
"Am not." Ryder wipes his hands on a towel and looks out to check on the tables and make sure Thirteen was getting along okay. It had been hard saying goodbye to Texas, but more than a week had passed and Ryder thought she was settling back into things again. At least he hoped she was. He hated seeing her sad. The smell of smoke makes him whirl around and he gives a little wail. "I wrestle crocs, not lasagna!"
Since then, he'd taken up company with his camera, disappearing during the day, then returning at night to develop his own pictures. Some were color, some were black and white. Some were touching and emotion-filled, almost sad. Others seemed to hold bittersweet themes. Nights were spent on his computer or on the phone with little time to socialize, even with Hope.
Eating hadn't been a priority, even though Rick had read him the riot act about it. To any outsider, his only focus was his photography. His hiding place. Glancing over at his phone, he knew he was supposed to call Hope about lunch. But he just wanted to pick his top three pictures... it would only take another minute... or two.
Leo spins a rag in the air and boogies past Jed's car to the rock music that was playing on the radio. It had been a week and a half and he didn't know where the time had gone. Working around Ryan every day was still a nightmare inside, but on the outside, he was holding his own.
Most days he joked and kidded around with the other guys, maybe throwing Ryan a nod now and then, but no real conversation had happened between them.
Sashaying up to his own car, he ducks down as if he were dancing with the open door, shining the wash job as he sways to the upbeat music.
"Woo!" Miles laughs and throws up his arms. "Go Leo! Go Leo!"
Jed joins in, spinning around and using a wrench to make out part of an air guitar for the guitar solo on the radio. It would be obvious to anyone that Darell was gone for the day.
Axel grins and shake his head as he sits on top of the work bench in the corner and cleans up some of the tools. It felt good to be back on the job a few hours a week. It was all his hand could take yet, but he was able to pick up tools and even manipulate a nut and bolt if he concentrated hard enough. The healing was slow, but feeling and mobility were gradually coming back. There was still some pain, but it was worth it and he could never thank Misty enough.
His eyes glance over to Ryan as he still grins. "Thing around here never change, do they?"
"Okay, so David said maybe tomorrow we can go see Gunner." JT sets down a plate with sandwiches for himself and Bree's lunch on the kitchen table. Falling back into the daily routines at home hadn't been too hard. He was back to work and with a little prayer and a little legal magic from David and Angelica, he and Amanda were in the clear. Now the only thing remaining was getting Gunner out of jail.
JT sits down and looks across at Bree, trying to smile. It had been a long week and a half since they'd gotten back from Texas - each day filled with question as to when Gunner would be free. "You got that gum to take to him?"
Ty falls onto his bed, worn out from being at work all night. He hadn't bothered to undress and just lets his head sink into his pillow. Reese had been giving him extra hours, and while the money was nice, he was exhausted during the day. How long had it been since he'd seen Libby? Seemed like forever, but he thought it was just a few days. He'd been able to meet her once for some lunch and arcade time, then an hour or so of trying to read. She knew he was busy at work though, so for now, it was okay. But he really did want to spend more time with her. She was fun, and it was nice having a friend to hang out with. For now though.... for now.... he yawns as his eyes fall shut. Just a few hours... that's all he needed.
Alec sits on his cot, fingering the note from Ryan that had been left a few days prior. He hadn't seen her for over a week now, and he wondered if it was him or if her brother had given her too hard of a time for seeing him. Apparently she'd come a couple days ago though when Reese had had him downtown and she'd left a note. So maybe she'd just been too busy lately to stop by TJY.
Nibbling some more on his lemon, he spits out a seed, sending it shooting across the room and into the waste basket. It was getting tiring now... sharing information, negotiating for a few perks here and there... He had free lunch hours but hadn't done anything with them except wander the halls and stay out of Trooper's way. There had to be more than this... there had to be.
"What, are you kidding me?" Dani shakes her head as she heads out of the kitchen with an order. "Carson would kill you."
"For taking the shrimp off the menu?" Ryder throws up his hands. "I can't cook shrimp! Chicken, yes. Steak, yes! But those shrimp are so..." His voice trails off as Dani disappears, returning a couple minutes later.
"He'd still kill you."
"Nah. By the time he and Misty get back, he'll be so turned around he won't even notice."
Dani sets her hands on her hips, smirking at Ryder. "Honeymoons are supposed to do that, but I guarantee that he'll notice if the shrimp isn't on the menu."
"It's only a couple days!"
"I don't care! I'll cook them, for crying out loud. You're such a baby."
"Am not." Ryder wipes his hands on a towel and looks out to check on the tables and make sure Thirteen was getting along okay. It had been hard saying goodbye to Texas, but more than a week had passed and Ryder thought she was settling back into things again. At least he hoped she was. He hated seeing her sad. The smell of smoke makes him whirl around and he gives a little wail. "I wrestle crocs, not lasagna!"
Important to you
Cleaning and dressing the wound Angel lets a sigh out at Jim's comment. She was the Dr, she was meant to make people better and yet she lacked some of the resources to do that.
Giving a grim shake of her head Angel look over her shoulder at Jim. Weather Eric wanted to go or not if Angel thought it was best she would make him go. Standing she goes over close to Jim leaning into his ear so Eric couldn't hear.
"Lets see if the meds I just gave him help at all. If they don't...than I am out of options and I can't keep him here. There is only so much I can do, and I have limited resources. If we end up needing to take him else where...I am going to need your help. I don't think its going to be pretty."
Looking back over at Eric Angel's eyes fill with worry. This was her best friends brother and no matter if he hated her, never talked to her again she would do what was best. Saving his life, was so much more important and if he could see that than it was his own stubbornness that blinded him.
Letting out a long sigh Bree was tired of waiting. Getting home was great but it would just feel like she was in prison still without seeing Gunner and making sure with her own eyes he was ok.
"Ok. When do we get to leave?"
Leaning her head down back on her knees Bree goes back to looking out the window. She was happy she was going home, really...just...she missed Gunner still.
"I have to bring him a root beerfloat when I go, I promised him...that and gum."
"You are strong Scott, your ever so strong, but we can't do it on our own sometimes and that doesn't make us weak. Asking for help...makes us that much stronger."
Cuddled there with Scott though he was not great made her feel good. Knowing that her presence alone helped him made her feel like she was needed and it was a good feeling.
Hope new Scott could get over this, in his eyes she saw the will to fight. It was hiding but it was there. He only needed to believe in himself and open to those who were willing to help. Leaving TJY though it was be hard and Reese would be upset if it helped him than it was worth it.
"I think you need to do what makes you happy and helps you feel better Scott. Running away...no its not running away. Its what you think you need to do, to make you better. You should always come first to you, and worry about what people say behind."
Giving a grim shake of her head Angel look over her shoulder at Jim. Weather Eric wanted to go or not if Angel thought it was best she would make him go. Standing she goes over close to Jim leaning into his ear so Eric couldn't hear.
"Lets see if the meds I just gave him help at all. If they don't...than I am out of options and I can't keep him here. There is only so much I can do, and I have limited resources. If we end up needing to take him else where...I am going to need your help. I don't think its going to be pretty."
Looking back over at Eric Angel's eyes fill with worry. This was her best friends brother and no matter if he hated her, never talked to her again she would do what was best. Saving his life, was so much more important and if he could see that than it was his own stubbornness that blinded him.
Letting out a long sigh Bree was tired of waiting. Getting home was great but it would just feel like she was in prison still without seeing Gunner and making sure with her own eyes he was ok.
"Ok. When do we get to leave?"
Leaning her head down back on her knees Bree goes back to looking out the window. She was happy she was going home, really...just...she missed Gunner still.
"I have to bring him a root beerfloat when I go, I promised him...that and gum."
"You are strong Scott, your ever so strong, but we can't do it on our own sometimes and that doesn't make us weak. Asking for help...makes us that much stronger."
Cuddled there with Scott though he was not great made her feel good. Knowing that her presence alone helped him made her feel like she was needed and it was a good feeling.
Hope new Scott could get over this, in his eyes she saw the will to fight. It was hiding but it was there. He only needed to believe in himself and open to those who were willing to help. Leaving TJY though it was be hard and Reese would be upset if it helped him than it was worth it.
"I think you need to do what makes you happy and helps you feel better Scott. Running away...no its not running away. Its what you think you need to do, to make you better. You should always come first to you, and worry about what people say behind."
"It looks like a rock to me," Scott states flatly. "I big... fat rock. With a little rock next to it."
A little laugh slips out, proving he was teasing, rather than seeing such dull objects. "I guess I kinda see a bunny. Except the more it changes, the more it looks like an armadillo."
Giving a sigh, Scott just watches the clouds, glad that Hope was here with him. She made him feel... whole. Even when he felt he was falling to pieces. "Thank you... Hope. I didn't mean to exclude you lately. I just wanted so badly to make it through on my own... to prove I was strong enough to do it. Things had been going so well and... I thought the nightmare was over."
He sighs again. "Reese won't be happy if I quit. But I know Dalton can handle the work alright. I don't know... what do you think I should do? One one hand, I feel like I'm running away. And on the other, I feel like I'm shedding a burden."
Eric obeys Angel, just trying to keep himself still, but it was hard. Cringing a bit, he draws in a shallow breath as he continues to shake. "I'll... I'll be okay," he mumbles. "Have to be. I'm fine. It's just..... gotta take... take its time."
Jim stands back, his arms crossed. "We don't have enough time, that's the problem," he muses, not loud enough for Eric to hear. "Angel..." His tone is serious. "I trust you - you know that. But does Eric need more than we can do for him here?"
"No." Eric states flatly. He wasn't supposed to have heard that, but he had. His jaw is clenched tightly, the bedsheets in a vice grip. "I'm s...staying here. No... no more... h...hospital."
JT smiles gently at Bree, finally seeing a spark, even if it was so very faint. "Not right away. But getting home is the first step, okay? After we're home, we need to wait until David and Angelica can work it out so we can visit Gunner. They're keeping him pretty secured right now. But we will... we'll get in, I promise, okay?"
A little laugh slips out, proving he was teasing, rather than seeing such dull objects. "I guess I kinda see a bunny. Except the more it changes, the more it looks like an armadillo."
Giving a sigh, Scott just watches the clouds, glad that Hope was here with him. She made him feel... whole. Even when he felt he was falling to pieces. "Thank you... Hope. I didn't mean to exclude you lately. I just wanted so badly to make it through on my own... to prove I was strong enough to do it. Things had been going so well and... I thought the nightmare was over."
He sighs again. "Reese won't be happy if I quit. But I know Dalton can handle the work alright. I don't know... what do you think I should do? One one hand, I feel like I'm running away. And on the other, I feel like I'm shedding a burden."
Eric obeys Angel, just trying to keep himself still, but it was hard. Cringing a bit, he draws in a shallow breath as he continues to shake. "I'll... I'll be okay," he mumbles. "Have to be. I'm fine. It's just..... gotta take... take its time."
Jim stands back, his arms crossed. "We don't have enough time, that's the problem," he muses, not loud enough for Eric to hear. "Angel..." His tone is serious. "I trust you - you know that. But does Eric need more than we can do for him here?"
"No." Eric states flatly. He wasn't supposed to have heard that, but he had. His jaw is clenched tightly, the bedsheets in a vice grip. "I'm s...staying here. No... no more... h...hospital."
JT smiles gently at Bree, finally seeing a spark, even if it was so very faint. "Not right away. But getting home is the first step, okay? After we're home, we need to wait until David and Angelica can work it out so we can visit Gunner. They're keeping him pretty secured right now. But we will... we'll get in, I promise, okay?"
Bunny
Hope doesn't resist as Scott pulls her back onto the hood of the car. Putting her arm over Scott's stomach and leaning her head on his chest Hope looks up at the soft clouds that float by. Wrapping her grip just a little tighter in a hug Scott is quiet for a moment.
"You will be able to again Scott, its just going to take time."
Continuing to just look at the sky Hope searches the puffy clouds. She'd never tried to make pictures out of them before. She didn't even know people did that, but maybe if she tried it could help Scott. Pointing upward a smile forms on her face.
"Hey look, that one is s bunny. You can see its ears, and that cloud makes the tail."
Giving a squeeze to Sparky's hand she smiles at her brother. She new people were leery of his relationship with Faith and to a exstent she was too. She just didnt want to see her brother hurt, but right now through the worry in his eyes she could see how much he did care about this woman and who was she to say it was wrong.
"Your welcome and your not going to lose her. Before we know it this will all be over."
"Yeah I do have something stronger. I didnt want to give it to him unless I had to, but I have to now. Keep him still I'll be right over."
Hanging up the phone Angel gives an apoligetic look to Wendy and Clint. Walking past little Chase she gives him a kiss on the head.
"I'm sorry guys I have to go. Eric is sick and I need to bring him some more medicine. Maybe tonight we can have dinner just us with Luke too?"
After a few moments Angel had packed her medical bag and is to Eric's already. Coming inside and seeing Eric Angel moves fast to put the blankets back on. Opening her bag she her some more antibiotic.
"Come on Eric take this please ok?"
Holding her knees close to her Bree looks up as her Uncle enters the room. Trying to give a small smile as her sits down next to her Bree can't help but wondering if there was more bad news coming her way. Though the expression on her Uncle's face was much different.
Perking up just a little bit at the news of going home Bree looks down her her knees for a moment. It had been so long since she had slept in her bed, seen her animals and walked around her house.
"Home..."
Thinking again her eyes get a glimmer of hope in them as her mind goes to the one person she missed over all else.
"Does...this mean I can see Gunner too now?"
"You will be able to again Scott, its just going to take time."
Continuing to just look at the sky Hope searches the puffy clouds. She'd never tried to make pictures out of them before. She didn't even know people did that, but maybe if she tried it could help Scott. Pointing upward a smile forms on her face.
"Hey look, that one is s bunny. You can see its ears, and that cloud makes the tail."
Giving a squeeze to Sparky's hand she smiles at her brother. She new people were leery of his relationship with Faith and to a exstent she was too. She just didnt want to see her brother hurt, but right now through the worry in his eyes she could see how much he did care about this woman and who was she to say it was wrong.
"Your welcome and your not going to lose her. Before we know it this will all be over."
"Yeah I do have something stronger. I didnt want to give it to him unless I had to, but I have to now. Keep him still I'll be right over."
Hanging up the phone Angel gives an apoligetic look to Wendy and Clint. Walking past little Chase she gives him a kiss on the head.
"I'm sorry guys I have to go. Eric is sick and I need to bring him some more medicine. Maybe tonight we can have dinner just us with Luke too?"
After a few moments Angel had packed her medical bag and is to Eric's already. Coming inside and seeing Eric Angel moves fast to put the blankets back on. Opening her bag she her some more antibiotic.
"Come on Eric take this please ok?"
Holding her knees close to her Bree looks up as her Uncle enters the room. Trying to give a small smile as her sits down next to her Bree can't help but wondering if there was more bad news coming her way. Though the expression on her Uncle's face was much different.
Perking up just a little bit at the news of going home Bree looks down her her knees for a moment. It had been so long since she had slept in her bed, seen her animals and walked around her house.
"Home..."
Thinking again her eyes get a glimmer of hope in them as her mind goes to the one person she missed over all else.
"Does...this mean I can see Gunner too now?"
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