How long

Grinning, Eli takes a bite of the chip offered, thoroughly enjoying this moment. Now that he'd made up his mind about the job offer, already he felt better. Nothing more to stew about and he didn't have to worry about losing anything now.

"You 'guess' it's a good thing, huh?" he teases. "Well, boy, I'm glad you're so sure about it. I might think you wouldn't care one way or the other." Throwing her a sidelong glance, he swallows the smile that wanted to come, and takes another sip of his drink instead. "I guess a guy like me can't expect much more enthusiasm than that though. I mean, lack of popularity has its price."


Erik nods and gives Karla a little wave, though he wasn't satisfied with her response. He knew she was being honest though - he was grateful for that at least. He just wished things would be better this morning.

Gram watches Karla leave before looking over at Erik. "You okay?"

"Me?" he scoffs. "I'm not the one anyone should be worried about. It's that knucklehead you got staying here that should be getting the attention."

Gram is quiet for a moment, though not accepting of his answer. "Just because one person has a different degree of pain does not mean that the man standing next to him is not in need as well."

Erik looks at his food then finally glances up at her. He was appreciative of her insightfulness. "I'm worried. But I'm okay. Thanks."


Waiting a while after Karla had left, Kip finally pries himself from bed. He needed to use the bathroom, and he might as well take a shower while he was there and put some clean clothes on. Though quite unmotivated, it seemed best to move around a little to keep his mind occupied, if only for a few minutes.

He does wind up taking a shower and cleaning himself up. Pulling a clean shirt over his head, he looks himself in the mirror, studying his own now-clean-shaven face. The hot water had felt good, but it hurt to even blink or talk. The bruises were deep and he looked like he'd been in a fight of all fights. He hadn't though. It hadn't been a fight. It had simply been an attack.

Moving slowly to try and keep the pain at bay, he hangs up his towel and heads back to his room. Crawling back in bed, he lies on his back, discovering his welts and bruises there weren't quite as painful as his ribs so it was the least uncomfortable position. A hunger pain spreads through his stomach but he ignores it. He'd had some water. It would be enough for now.


Reese groans and puts his face in his hands, tired of so many stressful issues. Even when the Elite had been busy, nothing had been like this. It didn't help that Jason and Katie weren't even here today. A phone call had confirmed that Jason was feeling better, but was too weak to work today - probably tomorrow. It wasn't so much that Reese wanted him here working, but it worried him a lot more than he'd like to admit, that Jason was that bad off from his emotional episode. What was going to happen to him?

Then there was Mick. Reese had called him back earlier to hear the story of Dylan and be questioned as to whether or not he thought the Agency was involved .Without an answer, Reese did tell Mick that there was one person who might know, but it was a long shot. A long shot was all they had though. Unfortunately, it was longer than long. Would Scott agree to searching his implanted data for information about Dylan? They Agency might not have had any files on Dylan at that point in time, but if they really were involved, most likely they'd been planning it for years, just to give Mick and his family grief. A call to Carson proved he didn't know anything about it, and a call to Alec proved the same thing. Scott was the only one left to question, but would he even want to talk about it?

"Here's those files you wanted."

Reese looks up quickly at Susanne, and takes the papers from her. After only a glance at them though, he furrows his brow. "This is the Carter case."

"Yes?"

"I asked for the Palmer case."

"Oh." Susanne bites her lip and takes back the files. "Sorry. I'll bring you the right ones."

A mistake from Susanne? Reese watches her leave, baffled. That was the third thing she'd mixed up today. Once was not like her, twice was worrisome, and three times was.... well, it was unheard of. Was something wrong with her as well? What next?


The dining hall was rapidly being filled as everyone began to gather for supper. It was starting to be a chilly night since the sun had gone down, and stew seemed to be just the cure.

Over to a table on the left, Jade sits next to Dan like usual, having been shooed from the kitchen after helping with housework all day already. She was just as glad to be sitting with him now though - if she had it her way, she'd spend every moment with him, but the work schedules didn't cooperate.

Slipping a hand under the table, Jade finds Dan's hand and curls her fingers around his. She so loved the feel of his hand, and she gives him a sidelong glance that said as much.

While people were still getting settled in, the back door opens once more, but this time, it's an unexpected figure. Dylan enters quietly and glances around the room as if scouting it out to see how safe it is. Moving cautiously and carefully to avoid any attention, he makes his way around the perimeter to where Dan and Jade are alone at their table. He hadn't really intended on joining in tonight but... since things hadn't worked out with him spending time with his dad and Rosetta yet, he'd thought a lot about trying to break the ice from a different angle. He hadn't seen much of his dad today - Mick had mostly been out working on fences, but Dylan didn't have the habit of approaching him anyway, and after their recent talk... things seemed better, but a little more odd at the same time. Regardless, Dan and Jade were about the only ones Dylan talked to, as little as it was. "Um... can I... can I sit with you guys?"

Jade blinks, shocked that her brother was even wanting to eat supper with anyone else. Ever since he'd come, he'd slipped in, gotten his food, then had sat alone at his bunkhouse for his meal. She tries to recover and then nods. "Well yeah... I mean... it's fine with us..." She looks at Dan. "Right?"


Justin's eyes crack open to discover a dim sort of light. He slowly looks to the left, then the right, sweeping the room and trying to figure out why it looked so odd. It takes a few moments to register that he was not in his bedroom - it was the living room he was seeing, and the light must mean early morning.

A yawn follows and he shifts to turn onto his side from his back only to discover a warm body was underneath his head. Stopping dead, he stares into the grayness before daring to glance over and see Beth, discovering not only was his head on her shoulder, but his arm was tucked around her as well. And come to think of it... he moves a little more, discovering that he felt cold all over from having been soaked in sweat only hours prior when his fever had finally broken.

Just lying still, his mind slowly, slowly gropes its way to the light. He'd... been sick... yes, that was right, and... and... Beth... she'd come... she'd come?

Forgetting about not waking her, he sits up, but winces as he feels a splitting headache. The nausea was gone, as was the fever, but every muscle in his body felt like jello, and his head was pounding. So was it just the next morning or... wait, was there a day in between or... no... yes... it was all a foggy, jumbled mess in his brain.

"Holy cow..." He rubs his hands over his face, trying, trying to clear his mind, but there were an awful lot of blank spaces. Time seemed to have escaped him, nor did he know about his nightmares and rants during the night that had eventually died down again. He looks over to Beth again, knowing he'd unintentionally roused her. It was still quite early morning by the color of light coming in through the window, but he was worried about figuring out where he'd been for who knows how long.

"Were you...how..." His slurred speech proves he's not quite awake yet. "Wow... how long have you been here? Or how... how long have I been out?"

Hard Call

Looking up at Eli and smiling back at him again Scarlet couldn't help the twinkle that was in her eyes. Eli was different than a lot of other guys she met. She was rough around the edges but still there was that soft side that Scarlet saw.

"Yeah I guess it would of been a wast after all the effort huh? I guess its a good thing I really did end up liking you."

Scrunching her nose as Eli gives it a kiss Scarlet sits up again and reaches for another chip before holding it up to Eli so he could take a bit. It was a corny thing to do but just this once Scarlet didn't mind much. It was a cute moment so why not follow it with a cute act.

"Ah, that it would be. So I guess all in all...its a good thing your sticking around."

Trying her best to keep her smile Karla looks to Gran and gives a small chuckle. The older woman was always busy around the house since they had gotten there, maybe having people around, and to cook for was something she really did enjoy.

"I'm not to hungry right now. I've got to head home and get some clean clothing on and take a shower. But I'll be back so if you save some I will make sure I get a little on my way back through."

Turning slightly to Erik hearing his question Karla thinks for a moment. She didn't try to hide her feelings, or that she was tired, and worried about Kip. There was no point not to mention she was always bad at it anyways. But he had asked how she was doing and honestly that was a hard question in itself to answer.

"Oh, could be better but I could be worse too. So I am sitting in the middle and will just say I am fair today."

Letting out a small sigh Karla just stands there for a moment before looking back up again. She hated leaving Kip but she new she had too and if she didn't leave now she never would.

"I better get going. I'll be back in a bit."

Just continuing to smile as Justin talks Beth could feel her cheeks continue to get red. She was not use to all these complements that just seemed to come more and more. Coming from Justin they just seemed to make her feel good.

Watching as Justin sinks back down on the couch again she shakes her head a little bit at his comment. She wondered if he would dream about her, let alone at all with the state he was in. But as long as it was a good dream than she was happy.

"Sweet dreams Justin."

Watching him fall asleep Beth takes the next few moments to just watch him as his breath lowered and he slipped into sleep. He looked so peaceful while he was sleeping. Much different than how Sarah looked. Though his body was sick and him mind seemed full there was still that air around him.

Once she was she Justin was asleep Beth slips from under his legs and heads into the kitchen. Filling the sink with some water and putting dishes into it she pulls her phone from her pocket.

"Hey Sal, yeah its Beth....yeah I figured you guys would be worried when I didn't show up today. No...everything is ok. Yes...I promise everything is ok. I know I missed today I had more important things come up....yes I know thats a shocker. Can you put Sarah on please?"

As the phone goes silent Beth goes to the sink and starts to wash some dishes waiting. She new it would take a moment before they could get things set up and Sarah would be on the phone. Finally hearing she was there Beth smiled. Even if Sarah didn't talk back to her just hearing her sister breath was enough.

"Hey Sarah, I'm sorry I haven't been to see you. A friend needed my help and I wanted to help him. Yeah I bet that sounds strange me saying I have a friend huh? He's just...different you know? Anyways I don't think I am gonna make it in today or if I do it wont be till later. I'll try to get there tomorrow though if he's feeling better. I love you Sarah."

Hanging up the phone Beth lets out a small sigh. It was hard not to go see Sarah but she couldn't just leave Justin when he needed her too. He had no one here, and Sarah had people there to look after her. Maybe one day would be ok.

Dreams

Eli grins again and takes another bite of his sandwich before leaning his head over to rest against Scarlet's. "Well, I guess it's a good thing you like spending time with me. Otherwise all the work you did to find out about me might all be in vain."

Chuckling, he lifts his head and turns to her, his eyes twinkling. A peck on her nose follows. "Life would be way too boring without my Scarlet."


Gram gives Karla a wide smile and shakes her head. "I never outdo myself, Sweety. Come - have some breakfast." She motions to an empty chair and the more-than-enough food.

Erik offers Karla a smile too, though his eyes study her face, wondering how she was doing, and how Kip was doing. It was hard to tell, but something in her eye said that things could be better. "Good morning, Karla. How ya doing?"


Justin's hand lingers on Beth's face for another moment or two before it gently draws away and returns to his cup of tea. "I'm glad it makes you feel good. It should." He takes another sip of tea before his eyes return to her. "You should feel good about yourself more often. You deserve it."

A yawn overtakes him and he sighs, setting his cup of tea on the table. Something seemed to want to stay awake and talk to Beth more, but his body just wouldn't cooperate any longer. Slowly leaning over in the couch, he lies on his side and pulls the blanket up, looking for a moment back at Beth. He didn't know how long she would stay, but he really was thankful she had been here thus far. "I think I'm falling asleep again," he mumbles as his eyes fall shut. "I'll see you in the... um... my dreams."

Feel good emotions

Karla lets out another sigh. She hated how this whole thing made her feel, let alone how obvious it made Kip feel as well. She just wanted things to be ok.

"I won't enjoy my day as long as I am not with you. You make my days good and make me happy Kip."

Sitting up on the bed and rubbing a hand over her face Karla didn't know what to do. Kip wanted to be left alone was it best if she did that? Karl didn't know what to do in this situation.

"I guess if you want to be left alone though who am I to try and force my company. I'll be back in a little while. You need anything...just yell."

Leaning down and giving Kip a soft kiss on the cheek Karla turns and heads out of the room and down the steps. Wondering into the kitchen she just wanted to let Gram know she was leaving for a little bit. Entering and seeing Eric too she gives a smile and nods.

"Good Morning! Something sure smells good. Did you out due yourself again?"

Leaning her head into Justin's touch Beth couldn't deny how nice his skin felt on her own. It was all so different but all so nice. Opening her eyes and looking at him again Beth could feel her own heart pick up and start to thump even harder in her chest. She felt as though Justin himself might even hear it.

Having a million and one thoughts go through her mind as the gap closes and Justin's lips brush her own Beth's eyes fall shut again. Guys had tryed to kiss her before but she'd always pushed them away, with Justin though it was different and it felt nice.

Drawing back again and searching Justin's eyes Beth count help the small amount of guilt she felt. Justin had a girlfriend was it really right she felt this way? It was only a small peck and maybe it was just one out of friendship?

"It's nice to know I was able to help. I feel good knowing that I was here for you."

It had been a long time since Beth felt useful, but now knowing she had helped Justin it seemed to give her a new spark. She was good for something and he'd appreciated her. It was a nice warm thingy feeling she would hold close to her.

Giving a chuckle of her own and leaning into Eli a little Scarlet can't help the smile that spread across her face. Knowing Eli was going to stay was the best news she got all day. Just having Eli feel that strongly about her made her feel good as well.

"Your what keeps my life int resting Eli. There is never a dull moment with you around and I think I like it that way too."

Doing great

Kip sighs and stares over at the wall as he continued to lie on his side. This whole thing was just messed up. Why try and make any sense out of it? It didn't seem worth the bother anymore. And Karla... he knew she was trying her hardest but... he just wasn't feeling it today.

"Go home, Karla," he comments quietly. His tone was one of defeat - giving up on this mess. "I can 'do nothing' on my own, and you should enjoy your day."

He curls in just a little tighter. "I want to be alone."


Justin's hand slides back until his palm rests against Beth's cheek and the corner of his mouth turns up ever so slightly. "You're doing great," he assures, his voice still quiet. "I'd be in trouble if you weren't here right now."

His eyes follow hers, down, then up again, and for a moment, it seemed the silence was going to last an eternity. He gazes into her stare, just remaining in the depths as if lost. His thumb moves a little on her cheek. And slowly, slowly, the few inches that separated them grew shorter and shorter. Justin's eyes continue to survey her face, ensuring that he was not doing something that made her uncomfortable. "If you get sick, blame me," he muses softly.

Tilting his head just slightly, his lips give hers a gentle brush, pressing in lightly as if kissing something precious. Pulling back several inches again, his eyes return to hers. "That's for all you're doing for me. Thank you."


Receiving Scarlet's kiss to the cheek, Eli grins. The mention of dessert makes him laugh. "Mmm... I could go for that too."

Quirking an eyebrow, he tosses her a sly glance, though his smile gives away his true feelings of pleasure. "I'm glad you want me around, you know that?"

Slipping an arm over her shoulders, he gives her a hug and kiss to the top of her head. "I want you around too. Life's too boring going it alone."

Feelings

Not really saying more on Kip not wanting to do anything Karla lets out a small sigh. She new he didn't want to do anything and she also now that was the worst thing but what was she to do? She couldn't force him but she could only hope he'd be ok and able to over come it.

Going to put her arm round Kip again Karla stops at his comment. Normally she might have laughed but today it just didn't seem funny to her.

"I happen to like it when your hyper and as far as normal goes I like you that way too."

Karla's eyes held a sadness as she looked down at Kip. She cared so much it hurt her so bad to see him this way. She almost felt so helpless not knowing what to do for him. She was trying her best but it felt like she kept failing.

"Nothing we shall do than."

Taking a sip of her tea and hearing Justin's words Beth couldn't help but smile. It felt nice hearing someone say that there was more on the inside of her than she showed, or that she was strong. Over most her life she never felt very strong so hearing someone say it really did make her feel good.

Going to say something Beth stops as Justin's fingers run over her skin. His hands were soft, his eyes...she felt like she could fall into them and feel completely comfortable. Feeling some heat creep up the back of her neck Beth could feel her cheeks going red as well.

"Thanks Justin, it means a lot hearing you say that."

Looking down at Justin again and giving a smile Beth's smile softens a little as her eyes search his and her stomach starts to feel the butterfly in her stomach move. It was a strange feeling to have one Beth was not use to and a strange urge seemed to come over her. Glancing down as his lips Beth bits her own a little bit before looking up at Justin again.

"I'm here for you, and I'll do all I can and know how to."

Taking a bit of her sandwich Scarlet just listens to Eli. Giving a little nod she was listing. She didn't want Eli to leave for FL, though she would try and still make it work with him it would be hard knowing he would be gone for a whole years and it did make her sad.

About to say something Scarlet is stopped once again as Eli continues. Hearing his words she could feel her own heart pick up and pound in her chest with an indescribable feeling. He was going to stay...for love. Letting her grin grow even bigger Scarlet leans over to Eli and plants a kiss on his cheek.

"I love you Eli and am sure Ryan will be too. Now thats something worth having dessert over."

My turn

Kip remains quiet and still, his mind mulling over a thousand things, while his voice expressed none. Not even Karla's suggestion for later brought any spark to his eyes. Rolling over onto his side again with his back to her, it hurt a bit, but he didn't let on that it did.

"I don't feel like doing anything," he finally responds. He didn't want to stay in bed all day, but he didn't want to get up either. What he really needed was a good hot shower - he needed one badly, not to mention, he was starting to need to shave as well. He wanted to clean up in the hopes that it would make him feel better... but he didn't want to either. It felt like all the life had been sucked out of him.

A wry laugh - or something close to a laugh - emerges. "I guess y'all would be glad I'm not bouncing off the walls." It was probably good he couldn't see Karla's face as he spoke. Otherwise he might not have dared say what he was, especially with the amount of sarcasm he used. "A lack of hyperactivity might give someone a heart attack. But I suppose I'd finally be 'normal.'"


Reese nods slowly. He had no idea if Scott would want Hope to visit him or not. Despite almost losing her and despite the young man's love, Reese knew that Scott had just as strong feelings about not wanting Hope to see him in such a weakened and vulnerable state. Wrong or right, Reese could understand how he felt, but at this point, he wished Scott would give in for the sake of Hope. She was in need too.

"I..." He stops and smiles, rerouting his speech. "I know he'll be so relieved that you're doing well - we all are. We're going to-"

His ringing cell phone cuts him off and he's tempted to ignore it, but the ringtone was the office and he knew he should answer it. "One sec," he apologizes.

Retrieving his phone from his pocket, he answers. "Yes? Hmm, really? Did he say what he needed? Okay. No, I'll be in shortly and I'll call him back. Yes, thank you. See you in a bit."

Hanging up, he sighs. "Apparently Mick Henson has been trying to get a hold of me. I hope that doesn't mean anything is wrong at the ranch." Thinking for a moment, he finally rises to his feet, taking Hope's hand one last time. "It's been good to see you, Hope. I'm sure a few others will be up to see you today if you feel up to it."


Leaning back against the tree, Eli takes a bite of his sandwich, letting the silence drag out before he answers. "Well... I was talking to Tal about it earlier, and you know how important it is to me to get out of debt and all that." He shrugs. "And I figured if I just limit things to a year, then it would be safer - you know, not commit to any longer than that so I'd be free after a while and hopefully have everything paid off with a little extra to spare."

He chews thoughtfully, keeping his eyes on the nearby park fountain. "So, it seemed the logical answer to take the offer." He pauses again and reaches for his drink to take a sip through the straw before he resumes his stare at the fountain. "But then this silly little thing called love trumped all that and my heart said that I could go if I wanted to, but it was staying here. So I figured I better stick around, so I wouldn't wind up heartless in Florida. I'm... calling Nick tonight to turn him down."


Justin listens quietly until he lifts his head, turning to face Beth with his eyes only inches from hers. Though his gaze reflects the feverish state he was still in, there was also the look of sincere contemplation. "You don't need me," he replies softly. "You are so much stronger than you think. Every time I see you... and I look at your eyes..." His hand reaches up and he uses a finger to lightly trace around the outside of her eye and side of her face. "...I see so much more than I did the last time I looked at them."

For a few moments, his chills and upset stomach are forgotten. His voice is still but a whisper. "I think it's my turn to need you."

Change

Looking at Kip Karla can see he was lieing and inside he was indeed hungry. Why he was lieing to her, and himself she didn't know other than it having to do with everything that happened. The last thing Karla wanted to let Kip do was shut down and slip father into a state of depression.

"Nah, If your not going to down for something to eat I don't really want to go either. I always feel odd being around Gran and Gramps without you."

Karla had gotten use to the family, and how they worked. She'd made new friends and learned not to be as shy as she use to but still without Kip around sometimes she just felt strange. It was easier to face her shyness with someone else than a long.

"I know that I don't have to stay. I am here because I want be here."

Giving a soft smile to Kip Karla was there because she wanted to be not because she felt like she had too. Kip meant a great deal to her and being around him always made her happy. So now just offering her comfort to him made her feel good too and she found it important.

"Maybe we can get a movie later and hide out in my room eating pizza and watching movies all night. Sounds like a good plan to me anyways."

Letting out a sigh Hope leans back on the bed again. Scott wasn't any better but he wasn't any worse that was good right? No episodes lately was a good thing too. That ment his mind was safe for now. Even if Scott wasn't seeing Justin anymore witch did peek Hope curiosity at lease he was seeing Dr. Hawks.

"I'd like to go see him if he would let me. I miss him, and I want him to know I am going to be ok. I don't want him to keep worrying now."

Hope new Scott wouldn't be able to come here again to see her but if she could go see him that would be nice. But only if he wanted her too. And she hopped he would because how she missed him.

Giving a laugh and heading out with Eli Scarlet can't help the smile that crossed her face. Spending time with Eli no matter what time of day was always nice and today he seemed to be in an extra good mood.

Taking her own helmet from her bike and putting it on Scarlet mounted the bike behind Eli. Bringing her arms around Eli Scarlet links her arms and holds on bringing herself close to Eli. She loved her own bike, and she loved driving it but there was just something about being on Eli's and being this close to him she liked too.

Coming to the park Scarlet didn't mind. It was a nice day out and there weren't many people there. Helping put the food out and finding a nice comfortable spot next to Eli Scarlet says a small prayer for the meal before taking a chip and nibbling on it. Hearing Eli's mention of making his desition she couldn't help but wonder. No matter what things would work out, but still she did hope for it to go one way.

"Did ya? I was wondering about that the other day if you had or not. What do you think your gonna be doing?"

Holding her own cup of tea Beth just sits on the couch with Justin. Letting him lean on her she had no problem. If he was comfortable than it was ok with her. Taking a sip of the warm tea and letting it slide down her throat Beth leans her head on top of Justin's for a moment. Just listing to his words and mulls them over and process them in her own head.

"Your job has nothing to do with your own problems or getting a cold. Maybe there is a little more stress than most jobs but you can't tap out, not yet. There are to many people who still need you. I....still need you."

Pausing for a moment Beth ponders her words for a moment wondering her own meaning behind them. She needed Justin still...his friendship? His comfort? His encouragement?

"There is still a long road ahead of me and to know I have a friend to face it with helps all on its own."

Looking out the window Destiny lets out a sigh. She been in her apartment now for a few days with no bodyguards. After Jason had become sick and someone else filled in for him Destiny just didn't see the point. The Agency hadn't been after her and if she didn't provoke them maybe they would leave her alone. It wasn't a sure thing, but it was worth a shot.

Now being a low Destiny was faced with her own thoughs even more with no one to distract her. So the thought of Chance came more often, and the remembrance of what they once sheared was at every turn reminding her that now...she really was alone.

Moving away from the window and to a box that sat on the table Destiny pulls out a few pictures. Family, friends, her job...everything seemed to hold a good memories but was followed by a cold one. Was staying here, in this apartment worth the memories or would a change be better? It was a question she faced now, and one she considered. Chance wouldn't be back...no matter how long she waited he wouldn't be back...did she even want him back?

Sick in the head

Hope's question was not a surprising one, though Reese had hoped that perhaps it wouldn't be asked today. He holds his smile though, doing his best to remain positive but not lie. "Scott is... about the same." He wasn't too much worse anyway.

"He, um..." Should he tell her everything? Perhaps just enough that she'd have a general idea but not too much to upset her. "He opted not to see Justin anymore. I... think perhaps he was having a hard time dealing with the thought of losing you." He looks at Hope kindly. "Even if he pushed you away, I know he still cares for you." Pausing again, he chooses his words carefully. "Dr. Hawks has been continuing to work with him. As far as I know, he's had no bad episodes recently, so that's a good thing."

Reese manages to smile again. "He's going to be very glad to hear that you're awake."


"That's a no-brainer." Eli grins, his eyes twinkling. "You think I'd pass up the opportunity to have your arms wrapped around me? It's my bike today." Pulling Scarlet along with him, he heads back through the garage and stops at his locker on the way so he can grab his jacket. Once outside, he aims for his bike, letting Scarlet get on first, the sliding into the driver's seat. Firing up the engine, he revs it a couple times just for the fun of it.

Making sure Scarlet had her helmet on and was secure, he sets out of the parking lot and down the street. Though cloudy, it was a nice day, and Eli takes the long way around town, letting Scarlet pick where to get lunch. Getting it to-go though, Eli keeps going until they reach the park. It was nice and quiet today, which was to his liking.

Parking, dismounting and helping with the food, he aims for a nice spot under a large shade tree. No table, but he didn't care much and knew Scarlet wouldn't either. Easing down in the soft grass and dividing up the food, he ponders a moment before speaking. "So I made my decision about that job in Florida."


Justin sighs and lets his eyes fall closed again as Beth goes to the kitchen. While his ears hear her cleaning dishes and preparing the tea, his mind wanders in and out of lucidness and back and forth between reality and a strange, twisted world where time didn't exist.

Beth's reappearance brings Justin back to the present and he forces his eyes back open again, doing his best to think clearly, but it wasn't easy. Being offered the tea, he pulls himself up to sit, though keeps the blanket wrapped around himself. Accepting the hot drink, he blows on it a little before taking a sip. The liquid felt good and he hoped it would help his stomach settle and not upset it again. "Thanks."

Curling his hands around the warm cup, he leans back, sliding a little to the side until his head was resting on Beth's shoulder. "Ya know... I've spent countless hours," he mumbles sleepily, "helping other people deal with their problems. Then when I've got a couple of my own, I'm a mess." He scoffs quietly. "Flu on top of it. What are the odds?"

He lifts his head for just a moment to take another sip of tea before resting back on her shoulder again. "I'm not sure what's worse.... being sick or... or sick in the head." He sighs. "Maybe it's time for a career change."

Friends

Scarlet can't help but chuckle listing to the lady behind the counter. Her eyes sparkled as her hands slide around Eli's neck and up to the back of his head. Resting her own head against his Scarlet just looks deep into his endless eyes. Out of everything they are what captivated her the most.

"You are pretty suave you know."

Pulling away and shaking her head a little bit Scarlet looks Eli over herself. He looked extra good to her today that was for sure. Taking Eli's hand in her own she locks her fingers around his.

"I'm ready. Should we take your bike or mine?"

Hope gives a smile as she hears she still had a job. She loved what she did and knowing it was still waiting for her made her happy. Hearing about some of the new stuff that was going on around the office Hope was happy to hear everyone was for the most part doing good.

"If these Dr have anything to say about it I will be working on getting stronger faster. I think they are already tired of me whining that I want to get out of bed and move around. I'm so stiff. Little baby steps they say seeing as I get winded just from going to the bathroom."

Rolling her eyes and leaning back on the bed once again Hope closes her eyes for a moment. She really did get winded easily right now but sitting around and doing nothing was even worse for her, but right now it was what it was.

Opening her eyes again and looking to Reese she took note he left Scott out of the list of names. She wondered if that meant he was doing bad or if he was still seeing Justin.

"How's Scott doing?"

As Justin's hand reaches out and takes hers Beth stops short. To shocked to jump she just stands there and looks down at there hands for a moment. Justin had never made a move like this before though they had been rather close that one night of the scary movie this just seemed different.

Hearing his words that followed it mad Beth smile as a warm feeling crawled up the back of her neck and to her cheeks. Why it felt like something more than a friendship comment Beth wasn't sure, and that feeling was followed by an odd guilt that she left herself feel this way when Justin had a girl already.

"I'm happy I can be that friend for you Justin. We all need them, you were there for me and now I get to return the favor."

Giving his hand a pat and letting it fall from hers Beth heads into the kitchen once again. Gathering together two glasses and putting water in them Beth move to do some dishes and clean a few things up before.

As she cleaned her mind wondered to her sister. She hadn't been there this morning yet to see her, but maybe if Justin was feeling better this afternoon she could go and come back.

Hearing the microwave beep Beth takes the cups out and puts some tea bags into them. Her mind seeming to wonder again for a moment. It felt odd being in Justin's house and doing all this stuff for him but at the same time it seemed normal like she had been friends forever and this was normal.

Giving a little smile and taking the glasses along with some more medicine Beth goes back into the living room and hands them to him before sitting down on the edge of the couch with him.

"Here you go drink this and it should help your tummy and fever a little. Would you like to watch tv or anything?"

Suave

At any other time, it would have felt awkward, but Justin was too far out of it to care if Beth came in the bathroom to help him up. He numbly follows her lead, getting cleaned up and leaning on her to walk back out to the living room. His knees were weak and just about buckled before they could reach the couch, but thankfully he made it.

Easing down to lie on his side with his head propped up at one end, the blankets feel oh so good as he shivers. Beth's question takes a few moments to register, but then he nods. After throwing up his breakfast, he really didn't feel like eating anything else, but some hot tea might do some good.

Before she can leave though, his hand reaches out and takes hers to stop her. Looking up, his eyes are a bit glazed and his mind struggles to work through the fog so he can say what he wants to. "You're the best kind of friend someone can have," he states softly. "You have a beautiful heart."


Kip doesn't respond right away, just mulling over Karla's suggestion. He stares at the ceiling, knowing how many curves were in the paint design, but he counts them anyway. "I'm not hungry," he lies.


Out in the kitchen, Gram dishes out breakfast onto a third plate as she sets the table. "We've got eggs and bacon and..." She turns to grab another plate. "Toast."

"Did you know I was coming?" Erik grins as he sits across from Gramps, having just arrived ten minutes prior. Being invited to stay for breakfast, he'd given in, knowing that it would make Gram feel good... and her food was always delicious.

Gram chuckles. "Gramps always complains that I make too much food, so I'd say you showed up at just the right time."

"And we'll still have leftovers," Gramps adds under his breath, though his eyes twinkled.

"I heard that." Gram comes to join them, starting to butter the toast. "And it's just as well, in case Kip and Karla want anything when they get up."

"Have you seen Kip yet this morning?" Erik questions.

Gram shakes her head. "Haven't heard a peep since last night."

"That's probably a good thing." At least that meant there had been no nightmares or physical difficulties. Erik gestures to a brown paper sack he'd put at the other end of the kitchen table. "When he gets up, can you make sure he gets that?"

"Of course. Anything I need to take to him if he doesn't come out?"

Erik thinks a moment then shrugs. "Maybe. It's got his prescription for the pain and swelling - he might want those. There's also a couple cookies Twila made and a bottle of Mountain Dew from Russ and Theo."

Gram smiles. "I'm sure he'll like those. You all really are like family, aren't you?"

"We sure are."


Hearing muffled voices, Kip sighs. Now he really didn't want to get up. But he didn't want to make Karla sit around here and do nothing today, whether she was willing or not. "You don't have to stay with me," he mentions. "I'll be fine."


"Still have a job? You kidding?" Reese rolls his eyes. "We're all so messed up in the head, we'll be lining up just to get in to see you - and that doesn't include the ones we bring in from the outside." He grins. "Of course you still have a job."

Relaxing for just a few minutes, he leans back in the chair. "Everyone is hanging in there." It was hard to remember what Hope would know and what she wouldn't. He didn't want to tell her Scott had disowned several people, so he tries to avoid that topic. "Let's see..." Thinking of all that had been happening lately, he fills her in on this and that, who was doing what, and a bit of office humor. "We, um... also found out Jason has a brother - our resident refugee from Mexico. Long story and we still don't know all the facts - I'm still in shock - but the DNA is right. Trey doesn't know yet but Jason does. He... didn't take it well. As a matter of fact, I might have him see you once he settles down again."

Cocking his head a little, he reaches out to pat Hope's hand. "But you just concentrate on getting your strength back first. That's the most important thing."


Hearing Scarlet's voice, Eli and Tal's heads shoot up from their car. "Scarlet!" Tal grins from ear to ear. "Thought you'd never ask! Just give me two minutes to clean up."

Eli's eyes narrow and he gives Tal a hearty slap upside the head. "You trying to move in on my girl?"

Tal throws up his hands and backs up a step. "Hey, ask her - she's the one that suggested a date."

"Sure." Eli smirks and wipes his hands on a rag before heading for the half-open door. Smiling, he comes into the front area, ignoring Sandy and the one customer that was waiting. Giving Scarlet a once-over, his smile widens. "You look as fabulous as always." Sidling up to her, he slips an arm around her waist and leans down to plant a kiss on her lips. "I would love to do lunch and... whatever follows."

Sandy clears her throat from behind the counter. "Mr. Suave, would you kindly take your date outdoors while we have customers present?"

Eli doesn't break his gaze from Scarlet. "She thinks I'm suave," he teases, running a hand over the black bandanna on his head and batting his eye lashes.

Sandy rolls her eyes. "Go. I'll clock you out."

Eli laughs. "Alright, you win." Stepping back, he holds out his hand to Scarlet. "Shall we?"

Slacker

Looking up at Reese voice Hope gives a smile. Though she still looked weary the little life had sparked in her eyes again and they twinkled. After such a close call even though she was tired Hope new she had a lot to live for still. One of the main things on her mind was seeing Scott or talking to him again. She missed him so much.

"Hey Reese. It's good to see you thank you for coming."

Moving a little and sitting up Hope winces a little bit. Her body hurt from laying in bed for so long. Stiff all over to move really was painful. Oh how she couldn't wait till they let her move about again.

Hearing his comment about sticking around and him going mad a little laugh escapes Hope's lips. Reese had always had a bit of humor in him even if some people though he was hard as stone. Hope had been one of the few to see that soft side and know it was there.

"I don't plan on going anywhere else other than back to work if I still have my job. How is everyone doing?"

Feeling the bed move slightly Karla moves just a little as Kip rolls onto his back. She'd has a pretty good night sleep and only woken up a few times to check on him and see how he was doing.

Shifting a little Karla rolls to her side so she could look at Kip he looked a little better cleaned up than yesterday but still there was that tired look in his eyes. Taking a sniff Karla could smell the breakfast down stairs and her stomach growled. She wouldn't leave Kip though she had promised that.

"I'm only getting up if you are. I don't have anything planned for today. Whatever is being cooked sure does smell good though. How about we get something to eat and than come back up here again to go back to sleep?"

It sounded like a good idea to Karla and she had nothing better to do today. So if staying with Kip was ok with him she would rather do that than be alone.

After giving Justin his food and hearing where the stuff was for the dog Beth wasted no time going to take care of them. Once outside she spent a little time talking to them and throwing a ball that was in the yard back and forth. Smiling and patting them both on the head Beth turns to go back inside.

Getting inside and kicking her shoes off Beth was about to head into the living room till she can hear Justin call her from the bathroom. He must have had to go in there again while she was outside. Moving down the hallway quickly getting to the bathroom. Hesitating for a moment Beth finally opens the door knowing he wouldn't have called her in other wise.

"Justin...are you ok? Do you want me to help you back to the living room?"

Trying to help Justin clean up a little bit Beth than puts and arm over her shoulder and does her best to get him up off the floor. Heading back into the living room Beth puts Justin back on the couch and covers him up once again.

"Want me to get you some more tea and medicine? Think your stomach can handle that?"

Leaning on the counter and seeing the door to the back open Scarlet can just catch a glimpse of Eli. Leaning on the counter her tight jeans with the holes in the knees strech a little and her leather jacket krinkles.

"I see you two slacking off in there! Than again thats normal right? I have a better way you can slack off though and it involves you and me going to lunch and having a make out session after."

The corner of Scarlet's mouth turns up into a grin. She liked giving Eli's friends something to talk about and him getting a ego bust. Not to mention some of the looks from the other people in the room were kind of funny too.

Morning for many

Alice's words meant a lot, and Kyle turns his head to kiss her hand tenderly. "I love you too."

Putting an arm around her shoulders, he finally aims for the door. Part of him wanted to stay and make sure that Kip was okay, but he knew he couldn't. Better to leave now and check in tomorrow.

Heading outside with Alice, Kyle aims for her jeep, then lets her go to the driver's side. He was tired and thought it best she do the driving tonight. Once he was in the passenger side, he leans his head back and closes his eyes, sighing deeply. It had certainly been a long day.


Beth's voice breaks through Justin's fog and feeling a little shake to his shoulder rouses him. His eyes open, and for a moment, it's as if he doesn't know where he is. A second ago, he'd been a kid looking forward to his dad getting home, and now...

His eyes roam the room uneasily before he realizes that he'd been dreaming. Looking up at Beth, he tries to not let on that his mind had been so very far away. Unfortunately, where his mind had been just brought back the pain he'd been battling.

Doing his best to ignore it and move on, Justin pulls himself up to sit and tries to understand everything Beth had just said or asked. Seeing the breakfast waiting, his mouth waters. With eating so little the day before, he was hungry. Looking at her again, he didn't know how pale he looked, or that his hair was matted and his clothes all wrinkled. "Um... thank you." He furrows his brow and shrugs lamely. "I'm hot and my head hurts... or cold... both."

Taking the toast, he nibbles on the corner before answering her second question. Thankfully, at least for a few minutes he could think straight. "The dogs... food and water. Food is... um... in the um..." He gestures to the kitchen, struggling to find the right word. "Pantry. Their bowls are um..." He things for another moment. "Outside. By their houses." Nodding, he felt satisfied that he'd said what he needed to.

While she feeds the dogs, he works on the breakfast, enjoying the taste of the well-prepared eggs and toast. Unfortunately, though he finishes most of it, his stomach wasn't yet ready for a meal. Not fifteen minutes after eating, he staggers to the bathroom where it all comes up again. Once his stomach is empty, all he can do is sit on the bathroom floor, leaned back against the wall, and try to regain enough energy to get up again. Sweat trickles down the side of his face and he shivers. More than the physical discomfort, he disliked how blurry his mind felt right now. He just couldn't think straight, and he hated that. One thing he knew though... he wasn't going to be able to get back out to the living room on his own.

"Beth?" he calls weakly. Was she even still here? He had no idea. Shouldn't she be at Brookshire by now with her sister? He didn't even know what time it was though. "Beth?"


Though he might not have shown it, Karla's assurance really did feel good to Kip. It was just an awful lot of pain to go up against, and her words were so few in comparison. They were soft and soothing to his inner wounds, but those wounds were so deep that it would take a lot for any form of encouragement to penetrate.

He leaves his head sunken into his pillow and sniffs once or twice as the tears flow. "Thank you," he whispers. At least one person cared for him. He knew in his head that he had a whole group of friends that did, but convincing his heart was just a little hard right now.

Still so weary and so sore, sleep was inevitable. Crying himself to sleep, he's finally resting quietly, his one hand locked with Karla's. About an hour later, Gram comes in quietly to spread a blanket over both of them, then shuts the door halfway so they can continue to sleep...

...Eight o'clock. Kip's eyes open groggily and he glances around the room, trying to remember where he was. He tenses at first, but then relaxes, realizing he was back home. His swollen eye was still very much so, but he could open it slightly today, though his vision was a bit blurry on that side.

Trying not to yawn so it wouldn't hurt his jaw, he turns over to lie on his back, but even that was sore enough that it didn't feel good. Feeling Karla next to him, he lets his head slide over to her shoulder. The scent of eggs and bacon wafted through the air, proving that Gram had been up for a while and breakfast was waiting in the kitchen. Kip didn't feel like getting up though. He felt like a truck had run him over, and his mood wasn't all that great either.

"Are you getting up?" he mumbles, not knowing what Karla's plans were for the day.


"Gage!" Alec bangs on the apartment door, ignoring the annoyed look of another resident from down the hall. "Gage! I only got five minutes before work, so get your tail up out of bed!"

Gage opens his eyes groggily and rolls off his air mattress, trying to get his bearings. He'd just come home yesterday and was still pretty tired from his hospital stay. He'd convinced Sapphire she could go home though, and he'd slept relatively well all night. Now who on earth was bothering him at seven in the morning and why?

"Gage!"

Alec? Gage groans and forces himself up, trudging to the door in his sweats and t-shirt. Unlocking the door, he looks out in the hall sleepily. "Alec, what do you want?" They weren't exactly the best of friends - having Alec show up was fairly unusual.

Alec holds out a small piece of paper with writing on it. "Here."

Gage furrows his brow, confused as he takes it. "Professor Norton? Wednesday at ten?" He shakes his head. "What is this?"

Alec points to the logo at the top of the notepaper.

Gage tries to wake up as he reads. "Revolution Art Academy? You mean that art school out at the west end?"

"Yeah. You have a job interview with the top dog for a janitor position. Minimum wage and one free art class a week."

Gage blinks. "I don't... understand."

"What's part don't you understand?" Alec throws up his arms. "Job. Interview. Don't miss it."

"But an art class... I don't get it."

"You don't have to. Just go for the interview, alright?"

"But the Academy... that's like... a prestige school. What would they want me for?"

"A j-a-n-i-t-o-r," Alec enunciates slowly. "You know, cleaning floors and windows - that sort of thing. Easy as pie and you might even get to show off your talent."

"But how-"

"Just be there." Alec glances at his watch as he turns to leave. "I gotta go. Gonna be late. Don't forget to go!"

Gage stares after him dumbly before looking back at the paper again. A job interview? Janitor? He could handle that, right? What was with the art classes though? That wasn't something that was offered every day. And how had they found out about him? What had Alec done?

Shaking his head, Gage shuts the door and wanders to the kitchen, putting the note in his refrigerator door. He couldn't very well turn this down - he was out of a job and needed to find something before he was dropped from the Elite program for lack of effort. And he was going to find out just what Alec had done, too.


"Earth to Eli."

Eli blinks as Tal's hand waves in front of his face. "What?"

"I've been talking to you."

"Oh. Sorry." Eli moves from the work bench and back to the car they'd been working on.

Tal smirks and shakes his head. "Where's your head, man? You've been gone for days."

Eli throws him a withering look. "Just a lot on my mind."

"Mmm, sounds like woman trouble to me."

"And how would you know?"

Tal shrugs and grins. "I have a vivid imagination?"

"I'll grant you that." Eli kneels on the garage floor to finish taping around the car door.

"So what's the problem anyway?" Tal assists him with the tape.

"Remember that job offer I told you about?"

"Yeah. You friend Nick in Florida. Truck driving. You seemed pretty stoked about it a few weeks ago."

"I haven't told my sister yet..."

Tal quirks an eyebrow. "She likes having you around, doesn't she?"

"Well, I think so. I mean... I don't think she'd be heartbroken if I left, and I'd feel too big for my britches if I said I thought she'd miss me but... I think she likes having me here, yeah."

"And you don't want to tell her you're leaving because...?" Tal fishes for an answer. "You don't want to hurt her feelings?"

"I guess. I mean, I don't know. After Pops died, the family split and I feel like me being here has kinda glued part of us back together again. I missed out on family those years and I think she did too. I've enjoyed being here and getting to know her again."

"So why are you leaving?"

Eli frowns as he works. "I don't think I am."

Tal sits back a little. "You're gonna pass up the money?"

"I think so. The more I think about it, the more... well... it just feels selfish. I know my sister doesn't need me... that much is obvious, but I don't want to abandon her either. And I know Scarlet can survive without me but... I'm not so sure I wanna risk that either."

"Told you it was woman trouble."

Eli gives his arm a whack, but a little smile does slip through. "Yeah, I suppose you're right." He sighs. "How come walking away from money hurts so much?"

"Because doing the right thing can often be painful?" Tal shrugs. "Turning down money for the sake of people you care about isn't bad. I'd say it's downright honorable." He pauses a moment, seeming to really be deep in thought. "I, um... well... I've been going to church lately, ya know?"

Eli pauses with his tape, not having known Tal was religious at all.

Tal clears his throat. "It's um... well, it's the one Scarlet goes to - I see her sometimes. Anyway, um, they've been talking about how sometimes it's not easy to choose the right path, 'cause like... well, other people might not agree or whatever, or make fun. So... I guess I agree, ya know? Like not everything we do would be popular but... but it might be the right thing to do and that's what counts, right?"

Eli cocks his head, seeing a bit of red in Tal's face. His friend and coworker had never talked about things like this before. "Yeah, that makes sense," he agrees. He continues to study Tal. "Scarlet's invited me to church but I kinda avoided it. I mean, my family used to go to church and all... us kids liked it and we made decisions and got baptized and all that but... I guess... well, things change... after Pops died, things fell apart and we grew away from it."

Tal grins a little. "Ironic, isn't it? The one place that can offer shelter and we back away from it when we're having a hard time? Or God? The One person who can help us and we try to go our own way?" His eyes hold an admittance that perhaps he'd been there too. "You oughtta come sometime just to check it out. Music's good. Sometimes they got food afterward too."

Eli chuckles. "Free food is always good."

"This is very true."

Turning back to the car, Eli shakes his head. "Thanks, Tal."

"For what?"

"Helping me see that staying in Nevada is the right choice."


"...and how do you feel about that?"

Scott sighs and leans back in the chair, rolling his eyes towards the ceiling. "It makes me angry," he replies dryly. "And sad." He felt like a robot and his tone matched.

Dr. Hawks smirks a little and shakes his head. "Scott, why do you keep coming to me? Every other day, we have a session and they're always the same. You know what I'm going to ask and you know exactly how you're going to respond. We've memorized everything, yet you still come back." He studies his patient, wondering at Scott's own pattern. "Why?"

Scott's eyes lower and he picks at a thread on his jeans where a hole had formed on the knee. Ever since he'd refused to see Justin anymore, he'd been to see Dr. Hawks, but it wasn't much different than when they'd started out. It was boring, frustrating and getting them nowhere. "Because... if I don't see someone then you'll perceive me as ready to leave and I'll have to go home."

"And you don't want to go home? I thought that was the goal here."

"I... I don't want to anymore."

"Why not?"

"Because." Scott shrugs, his eyes still lowered. "I can't... can't control myself yet."

"You mean the Agency triggers?"

"Yeah."

Dr. Hawks sighs. "Wasn't Justin helping you with that?"

"I guess."

"Well why don't you and I do the same thing?"

It wouldn't be the same and Scott knew it. Dr. Hawks meant well, but Justin was the one that really understood. He was the one that knew the most about the Agency assimilation. Justin knew where Scott's breaking point was, knowing when to start and when to stop, and even the dogs helped. That silly matching game had been the only thing that worked, getting Scott to really start learning how to control the visual triggers. Justin was the one with a connection to Alec, who could also help. Dr. Hawks just didn't understand things like Justin did. Scott shakes his head. "No."

"Why not?"

"It's not the same. I don't want to do that."

"You say you don't want to go home because you can't control the triggers. Yet you don't want to overcome the problem so that you could go home. Why?"

"It hurts." It did hurt. And it was terrifying. Every time Scott could feel himself becoming overwhelmed with Agency information, he was afraid he'd fall prey to it again and never break out of it. He'd come close more than once. So while he knew that Justin's methods were the best and were what he needed, he was still afraid. "I should just forget about ever going home. Lock me up with the rest of your patients here and be done with it. The Agency destroyed me and I'm tired of trying to beat it."

Dr. Hawks sits back and thinks for several minutes. Scott's eating habits hadn't improved much and he was still on the verge of being very physically ill if they weren't careful. He was skin and bones, his clothes just hanging on him. His eyes held no life, and it was obvious that he felt he'd never be able to leave here. Dr. Hawks knew that if they sent Scott home now, he would sit at home, depressed and scared, and would wind up killing himself because he just wouldn't take care of himself like he should. That was the whole reason Hope had brought him here to begin with - was there no improvement?

But there had been glimpses. Dr. Hawks had seen them through Justin - the only person who had been strong enough and wise enough to know what to do and how to do it. His unorthodox methods had been the best in this case. But one move had destroyed it all. And yet... there was still something inside Scott that kept him going. There had to be - otherwise, he would be dead by now, giving up on life completely. There was something that was hanging on by a thread, keeping him from that fatal decision.

"To whom did you promise you would not give up?"

Scott's eyes shoot up. Dr. Hawks had discovered that one thread. Scott swallows hard, feeling his eyes fill and burn. "Hope," he responds quietly.

Dr. Hawks leans forward and rests his arms on his desk. "There's more to not giving up than just remaining where you're at, Scott. Not giving up means to keep fighting. You're in the middle of a war - you have been for a longtime now, and you're getting weak and tired. No man can last forever like this, not even you. If you have promised not to give up, then you need to start fighting back. I know you can - I've seen you do it, but it hasn't been enough."

Scott blinks back a tear. "I don't know how."

"We've been trying to help you, but if you keep refusing it, then we can't do anymore. You're only human, but so are we, Scott." Dr. Hawks tries to be gentle. "Justin did his very best with you and you sent him away."

"He deserved it," Scott states stubbornly. "No one told me about Hope and that's unacceptable."

"It was her request. If there's anyone to blame, it's her."

Scott could feel his anger again. He didn't like anyone blaming Hope for anything. She didn't deserve that, and it angered him that Dr. Hawks would want him to be upset with her rather than people like Justin. At the same time though, there was some truth there. It had been Hope's request. She was the one that had made Scott come here in the first place, and then had hidden her illness from him. He couldn't deny that those things upset him - even if he'd chosen to forgive her, it was still a sensitive spot that hadn't completely healed yet. "I don't care," he mutters. "Justin should have told me."

Dr. Hawks sighs again. "Then what are we supposed to do, hmm?"

"Look, I have nothing to live for. I'm here so you people can fix me, but what's the point? Hope's gone and she's the reason I was hanging on to begin with. So without her, why bother? Why can't you just let me die in peace? At least I'd be in a better place and I'd see Hope again."

"So you're saying that Hope is the only reason to live?"

Scott shrugs.

"What about the things she stood for? What about what she lived for? What about the things she taught you and gave you? What about life itself, Scott? It's not just about Hope - it's not just about living for an individual. It's about living because God gave us each a purpose and if we're alive, it's because He still has plans for us. Fighting this thing for Hope is honorable. But it can't be your only goal. Not if you're serious about getting better. And if you're not serious about it, then there's no point in us continuing these sessions. I'll put you in the permanent care facility if you really want me to, and then you really will be here for the rest of your life." That thought pained Dr. Hawks. He could see past that dim look in Scott's eyes to a fire that had once burned. Scott was intelligent with so much potential and so much to give... to lock him away would be heatwrenching. But if he wasn't willing to fight, there were few options.

Scott stands up and heads for the door, tired of today's session. He knew Dr. Hawks was right, but wasn't so sure he was willing to accept it all just yet.

Watching Scott leave, Dr. Hawks leans back in his chair again, frustrated and at his wits end. Scott was such a unique case in some ways, and in others, he was just like every other human being on the planet - scared and confused.

"Dr. Hawks, you have a call."

He rights himself and tries to get his mind back on track. "Thank you," he replies to the intercom before picking up the phone. "Hello, this is Dr. Hawks."

"Hi, this is Mike Reese."

"Oh, yes. What can I do for you?"

"It's about Hope Garrison. I wasn't sure who to tell, so I figured I'd just go through you."

Dr. Hawk's shoulders sink. "Did she pass?"

"Actually, no. Apparently God's not done with her yet. She rallied and the doctors are shocked but her cancer is gone and she's on the road to recovery."

Dr. Hawk's can hardly believe it. "Wow. That's... that's wonderful news."

"I'm going to go visit her today but, I... wasn't sure who should tell Scott."

"Ah. Yes." Dr. Hawks thinks for a few moments, mulling over the conversation he'd just had. Scott needed to realize there was more to live for than just one person. Though he obviously loved Hope and she was his light, she still might not always be there for him - she could get sick again in a year, and then what? Scott needed to live for more than just her being with him. Would he realize that after today? Only time would tell. "I think... I'm going to hold off on telling Scott for just a little while. If nothing changes, I will, but I'd like to see if it does first. Just... something he and I talked about today."

"Well, I trust your judgment. I just knew I needed to let someone know."


Scott stares out his window and once again he places his fingers on the cool glass. It was like a memory for him... a memory of those first steps with Hope... a memory of those first steps in gaining his life back. Hope...

A tear runs down his cheek. Every day, he dreaded the news that she was gone. He'd promised her he'd fight, but what about after she was gone? What would really be the point then? And yet... how would she want him to act after she died? Would she want him to die too? Would she want him to lose any hope in anything at all? Or would she want him to keep fighting for the sake of life itself? For the sake of finding peace and joy again and maybe even love? Wouldn't she want that for him? He'd been hanging on for her but... when she was no longer here, what then was left?

His eyes rise to the sky where clouds lazily roll by. He couldn't see God's plan and he didn't understand. But if God took Hope away and not him, who was he to argue? Was not God the only reason for which he should live anyway? His faith had dwindled lately... he felt guilty about that. It had just been so hard. But whether he wanted to admit it or not, Dr. Hawks had made him think again today, and maybe... maybe he was right.

The thought of Sapphire crosses Scott's mind. He was angry with her, but at the same time, he missed her. He thought of Dalton... the same emotions existed there. He thought of TJY. There was bitterness there - if it hadn't been for TJY, he never would have been taken by the Agency. Yet part of him longed to return to where he'd always felt he belonged. He thought about God. Had he been selfish all this time, trying to live for what he wanted instead of God?

Another tear runs down his face. He missed people so much. He missed Hope so much. Why would God take everything away form him like that? It wasn't fair. It hurt. But... if he really did want to live, did he need to find more to live for than just Hope, like Dr. Hawks said? Scott's heart knew the answer.


Reese wanders down the hospital hall, a little lost, but finally finding his way to the room at the end. There was a lot of equipment around, but it wasn't quite as scary as the other unit.

Knocking softly, he steps in through the half-open door and glances around. Spotting Hope in the bed, a smile spreads from ear to ear. "Hey, stranger." Approaching slowly, he eases down in a chair and shakes his head. "You better stick around this time, or I'm liable to go mad, along with a bunch of other people."

He grins and tosses her a wink. "It's good to see you, Hope."

Help

Looking up at Kyle and seeing the glint in his eye of sadness. His soul was hurting for there friend and she could see it twisted his gut inside. She had felt the same twist to know someone could be so cruel to there child, or anyone for that matter. How much anger could one person have without God to do that?

"I know with you I will never feel unloved. You don't have a bone in your body that could make someone feel that way but if by some chance it happens I will do as you ask."

Bringing her hand up to the side of Kyle's face. Just running her fingers softly over his skin for a moment and looking deep into his eyes her own love for Kyle reflecting in them. He was an amazing man and he was her. She loved him so much and thanked God every day for giving her a second chance at love.

"You are my everything Kyle, and I love you so much. At time like this is shows me how lucky I really am. Thank you for being you."

Moving as Kip moves Karla keeps her arm around him just trying to comfort him the best she could. With every tear that slipped from his eye it broke Karla's heart even more. Kip had the physical scars that would heal over time but it was the mental ones that would take a little longer.

"I know you did Kip, Its human nature. Your not stupid at all. I probably would have though the same thing if I was in your shoes. You have a good heart Kip that only wanted to believe he changed."

Tightening her arm a little and bringing her sleeve to his eyes to lightly pat the tears that were still falling Karla wished she could wave a magic wand and make all of this go away for Kip. It was one of the worst punishments to deal with ones own mind.

"Your not a screw up Kip and don't let your dad win in making you think that. You do lots of things right, and your good at a lot. As for you never being born I am certainly happy you were or I would of been long gone myself by now. You have helped me so much Kip. So I am happy you were born."

Going into the kitchen and moving around she keeps an ear out in case Justin was to call to her. Hearing him get up and go to the bathroom Beth gets some eggs from the fridge and gets a pan to boil some water to make the poached along with some toast.

Putting them in a bowl and the toast on the side with a little butter Beth comes back into the the living room with the plate. Setting it down on the table and hearing Justin's question at the same time it was like a knife to the heart for Beth. Beth new how it felt and how much it hurts to want your parents but for them not to come.

"Justin, you'er breakfast is ready."

Gently resting her hand on his shoulder to shake him a little from his dream she only wished when he woke he didn't remember the question he'd asked. The only reason she could think of he would ask that is because the thought was weighing heavy on his mind.

"I made you some poached eggs and toast a long with some tea. How are you feeling? Do you need anything else or me to do anything for you?"

Doubt

"Right..." Justin had no idea how long Beth had really been there, and could only remember foggy bits and pieces from the night. But if she said she was here because he was sick, then he'd just have to take her word for it.

Sinking back a little in the corner of the couch with the blankets, he nods. "Stuff's in the kitchen... whatever you can find... I think." He frowns in thought. "I think I have more than I need... or something..."

He sighs and closes his eyes. "Just watch out for the cat," he mumbles sleepily. "I think it's been getting into the cookie jar."

Anyone knowing Justin would know that he didn't have a cat or a cookie jar, but apparently he was convinced he had both. Needing the bathroom, he does manage to get himself up and walk unsteadily down the hall then back again, but by the time he's back on the couch, just the short trip has worsened his chills and he curls up with the blankets, trying to get warm while his body was still so hot.

Half awake, half asleep while Beth is in the kitchen, he hears her moving about, but nothing registers quite correctly. His mind was a long ways from where he really was, and it was his mother that his imagination thought he was hearing. "When's Dad getting home?" he asks aloud. "We're gonna go fishing."


At first, Kip doesn't move, but then leans back against Karla, just letting her comfort him. They were alone now... it was different than with Erik or Kyle around. A few more tears flow silently down his face as his emotions finally spill over.

"I really thought he'd be different," he whimpers softly. "I really thought..."

He sniffs and goes to wipe his eye but winces as he forgets how sore his face is. "I feel so stupid."

Drawing in a ragged breath, he kicks off his shoes then crawls up further on the bed to lie on his side, letting Karla come up behind him. With his head sunk into the pillow and his eyes closed, one might not even realize he was still crying unless they looked closely to see the silent tears streaming into his pillow. "I wish I'd never been born," he whispers. "I've been a screw-up since the beginning."


As Alice gives him a hug, Kyle's arms slip around her too and pull her even closer. He kisses the top of her head and just hugs her tightly for several moments.

Drawing back, he looks down in her eyes, a strange sort of look in his own. "I've seen the lack of love today," he mentions softly. "And I've seen the aftermath of the kind of person who thinks only of themselves. It's... reminded me of what I want to never become."

His hand brushes her cheek tenderly. "I promise to always love. And if I ever falter and if you ever feel unloved, I want you to remind me of today, and remind me of the look in Kip's eye that could break one's heart into a million pieces."


"My goodness, Sue, I was just about ready to come looking for you! I've been calling you the last two days, haven't you gotten my messages?"

Susanne smirks as she pours herself a glass of water and talks on the phone with Darlene. "Yes, I'm sorry. I've been... quite busy."

"Who was that man you were with the other night?" Darlene blurts out.

"Mmm, wouldn't you like to know."

"Yes! You stood up poor Gary, then went about flaunting yourself in front of another guy, right in front of us!"

"I wasn't flaunting, and I never stood anyone up - Gary knew I wasn't going to be there and never once did I imply I was going to join him in your little group."

"It's the principle of the thing. So who is he?!"

Susanne grins and leans back against the kitchen counter. It was late and she was tired, but she'd given in to the ringing phone, figuring she could use some wind-down time before bed anyway. "His name is Chuck. "

"Well when did you meet him? Have you been going out? What's going on?!"

Susanne shakes her head. She'd known Darlene would react this way - Chuck would split a gut if he knew, and die laughing. "I met him downtown, and yes... we've been going out." Twice counted as that, right?

Darlene gasps. "Since when?!"

"Don't act so surprised. Oh, no wait, I'm the stick in the mud, aren't I? I'm sorry, I forgot."

"Oh, hush. So are you like... dating him or what? He looked a little rough around the edges."

A warm feeling slides down Susanne's spine as she remembers the softness of Chuck's tough. "Nah... not so rough."

"Well but he's... he's... kind of a scary looking guy. I mean... what's he do for a living?"

Susanne's eyes narrow. "He's a hitman," she responds sarcastically. "You know, the leather and chain and killing people go hand in hand."

"Sue!"

"He has a very respectable job. What does that matter anyway?"

"He just looked so... not your type. I mean, come on, really? You turn down Gary, whose only fault is being too shy to ask you out, for some guy in leather that looks like he belongs in a bar brawl?"

Susanne blinks, now feeling even more defensive. She wouldn't have guessed it before, but she felt rather insulted. Maybe she really did like Chuck. "Looks are everything, aren't they?" she counters dryly. "I mean, look at me. Probably everybody knows I'm an old maid who has no fun, because I dress the way I do."

"That's not what I meant."

"Well what did you mean?"

"I...I... well how long have you know him?"

"Long enough."

"And you never told me?!"

Susanne sighs. "Look, I met him that same day. He asked me out and we went. Big deal."

"You just told me you were dating."

"Well, we went out for dinner again today... by way of his motorcycle."

"Sue!"

"What?!"

"Are you insane?! One look at the guy spells out trouble, and you're not only going out with him, but your riding on his motorcycle?! He could do all sorts of bad things to you! Where is your head?!"

Susanne throws out the rest of her water, getting just a little bit irritated now. "I wasn't born yesterday, Darlene. I know what I'm doing. He's a nice guy, alright?"

"Do you even know anything about him?"

"Actually, yes. He's told me quite a bit and I-"

"Have you run a background check on him?"

"Darlene!" Susanne sighs and wanders into the living room to feed her birds. "Do you check out people you trust?"

"No, but how can you trust this guy already? I mean, granted, he's good looking and all, but come on!"

Good looking? Susanne grins to herself. Yes... yes, Chuck was extremely good looking, with eyes that were downright gorgeous. "Just let it go. I'm finally getting out and having some fun - why should you complain?"

"Well I... I don't know, you're just... not acting like yourself."

"I thought that's what you wanted."

"Not like this! You're not using your head, Sue. Mark my words, he's trouble."

"You haven't even met him!"

"I don't have to. One look and anybody can tell he's not right for you."

Susanne pauses at the birdcage, feeling an odd churn in her stomach. "I think I'll just have to be the judge of that now won't I?"

"Just be careful," Darlene begs, her tone softening. "I don't want to see you hurt."

"I won't." No, her heart was pretty well guarded. "Trust me... I won't get hurt."

The rest of the conversation is pretty surface and when Susanne hangs up, she feels even more tired than when she'd started out. She'd intended on giving her friends something to gawk at and stir up a buzz in their little social group. But she hadn't intended on Darlene getting so up in arms about it.

Unfortunately, even though Susanne had defended herself and Chuck, a new seed of doubt had been planted. Had she really read Chuck correctly? Was he really that great of a guy, or was he just biding his time until he would take advantage of her? Was she really seeing things clearly? Was she really that wise? Or was she being blinded by all of his nice comments and how easily he made her feel good?