Investigation

Jason forced a small grin, though it did little to remove the shadows from his eyes. "Yeah...yeah, I'm okay." His gaze dropped though. Was he actually going to stand here and lie? That didn't seem right. But neither did it seem right to be talking to her about this. Would the awkwardness ever truly go away? They had so much history...so many shared emotions. Things could never go back to the way they were, but how could they even be...normal?

He straightened and lifted his chin, but only to rest his elbows on the wall and hide his eyes in his palms. No...he couldn't lie, and if he didn't talk to someone, it would just make him feel worse. "I broke up with Misty tonight," he mumbled. There. He'd said it. And now that he had, it just emphasized the truth to himself. Saying it aloud somehow made it seem more real, and the pain seemed to grow just a little more sharp.

It wasn't until he'd taken a deep breath did he finally raise his eyes once more. The tears would not fall...but they were there, hiding behind the wall he'd created to protect himself. "The whole thing with her and Carson..." He shrugged lamely. "I just didn't feel it was right to continue a relationship with her while she's still married. I mean..." He sighed. It felt so wrong and so right at the same time.

Jason's gaze met Katie's, and he wished he knew what she was thinking. Would she think him a jerk for leaving Misty at a time like this? She was a good friend of hers, after all. "I guess I don't know any more what I think of Carson, and if God prefers them to work it out somehow, I didn't want to be the one standing in the way. I don't want to live with that on my conscience...that they might break their vows forever because I got in the middle."

He ran his thumbnail across the top of the wall, and hit a slight notch that he suddenly remembered making on some other occasion when he'd been upset. His fingers apparently still had their same nervous habits. His eyes found the floor again. This had to be weird for Katie, and he hadn't meant it to be. "I'm sorry," he apologized quietly. "I didn't mean to put you in an awkward position. I just...didn't have anybody else to talk to. I'm sure you've got better things to do than listen to me vent about my personal life."


Alec was a little surprised he didn't see Jason's truck, as he pulled his motorcycle into the driveway. Usually Jason stayed later than this, but... it really wasn't any of Alec's business anyway. Once parked in the garage, he headed inside the house. There was little reason, but he liked letting Misty know he was home before going out to his shed for the night. And...one thing his shed lacked was a shower.

"Honey, I'm home!" He shut the door behind himself and took off his leather jacket, slinging it over his shoulder. Seeing a light on in the living room, he wandered that direction. "Man, things sure look lively around here," he teased. Not even the television was on. "I smell like sweat and pizza grease, so I'm gonna..." His voice trailed off as he neared the couch and spotted Misty. Immediately, he knew something wasn't right, and his pulse quickened. "...shower," he finished.

Coming closer, his concern grew. Was she crying? "Hey..." His voice had softened, and he came around to sit on the edge of the couch near Misty. "You okay? What happened?"


It wasn't that JT thought no one else could handle this or that Hope and Bree weren't doing all they could to help Gunner...but he just had a hunch he wanted to follow. He'd asked Gunner about his family around the time of the accident, and Gunner had always just pushed that topic aside, saying he knew all there was to know about that, and it wasn't worth pursuing. They were still after a killer, quite possibly with Agency ties, which had nothing to do with family or friends. And yet...something about it just didn't seem quite right. Several days had gone by, and Gunner was no less on edge. Not that JT thought it would be an overnight cure, but something had to be done. Something had to end Gunner's obsession before he went mad or drove away the people who cared most about him...

"Franklin?" The man furrowed his brow while wiping his hands on a towel.

It had taken quite a bit of doing for JT to find him in Knox. There were an awful lot of dead ends, which just added to the mystery. Thankfully the little pottery shop was not busy today, providing an ample opportunity to chat. "Yeah." He handed Paul a photo of Gunner.

After Paul took the picture, a look of recognition crossed his face. "Wow. Yeah...yeah, I knew him. We hung out in high school. Weren't best friends or anything but we almost always wound up at the same lunch table." He cocked his head at JT. "What's all this about?"

"Did you have any contact with Brent after high school?"

"Not really. Well, maybe a couple times, then he was in an accident that took his memory. He didn't remember me, so there wasn't much to go on. I went off to college and that was it."

"So you didn't help him or anything?"

Paul quirked an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly, he was pretty bitter and didn't want much to do with anything. I heard his folks' insurance took care of most of the bills and stuff, and a lawyer was making sure he was set. There wasn't much I could do." He paused to study JT's face. "Why?"

"Just digging. Brent's wanted to find out a few things about his past and I'm trying to help."

"Ah." Paul wandered back to his pottery wheel and sat down to start working again. "I suppose it sucks to not remember, but there was stuff I wouldn't want to remember." He chuckled. "Did he ever remember the trouble he got himself into?"

JT followed him and watched him work for a moment. "Trouble? No, he still has no memory prior to the accident."

"Well, he was quite a rebel in high school. Too smart for his own good if you ask me, but his dad wasn't too pleased."

"Oh?"

"Eh, I didn't know the guy, but Brent told me he could be pretty rough, especially when Brent would get himself in trouble. Got suspended once for lipping off to the principal one too many times - thought he might never be back, the way his dad talked. But I guess we all thought we had parents who were too hard on us when we were that age."

JT eyed the lump of clay that began going around in circles on the wheel, while Paul's hands started to shape it. "I see. Did you know anything else about Brent's parents?"

"Not really, other than their marriage was on the rocks."

"Yeah?"

"Mm-hmm." Paul kept his eyes on his work and was quiet for several moments before giving up and letting the wheel stop. He sighed and looked back up at JT. "I haven't thought about all this in years, ya know? But parts are coming back to me. I remember once at lunch, Brent was all upset about something and I razzed him about it. He spouted off at me and ended up telling me he'd found out his parents were getting a divorce." He shook his head. "Fool kid thought it was 'cause of him. Said he'd been too much trouble and his dad had finally had it, so was leaving."

JT folded his arms, his mind hard at work. "How long after that was the accident?"

"Not too long. I was surprised they were all in the same car, to tell you the truth. Figured his dad had already split, but I guess not..."

...As JT drove down the highway, his thoughts were a mess of facts and theories. A very interesting story was being built, and he wondered if there were any answers therein. He had just enough time today to make one more stop. And maybe, just maybe, it would shed more light on the dark puzzle...

"Yeah, I remember that night well." The attractive middle-aged woman offered JT a drink, to which he shook his head. She shrugged and poured herself one anyway before rejoining him in the plush living room. "Sam and Lynn were their cool selves, like usual. Oh, they hadn't always been that way - just for a couple years. Anybody could tell they were having problems." She took a sip of her drink, her rings clinking lightly on the glass. "'Course me and Harry weren't exactly best friends at that point either."

JT gave Renee a wry grin, but found little real humor in all of this. "So backtrack just as little...It was a business party that afternoon? And Brent came along with his parents?"

"Right. He hung out with my boy for a while, until Sam and Lynn got into it."

"So they fought?"

"Sure did. I don't know how it started, but Sam was throwing around the insults pretty good, and that was without having had anything to drink."

JT tried to imagine what was being described to him. "And then they left?"

"Oh, yes. Slamming door - the whole bit." Renee took another sip of her drink before setting the glass down on the elegant coffee table.

"And Brent?"

"Followed them out like a whipped puppy. Oh, he tried to act all tough, but he was mortified that his parents had caused a scene like that. The rest of us just went on, hoping the whole thing would blow over." Renee sighed as she remembered. "We were all shocked to hear of the accident, and we all wished we could have talked Sam and Lynn into staying longer - maybe they could have avoided what happened."

JT nodded slowly. "One can always wonder..."


...And wonder, he did. Although less than he had before. Driving back to North Springs, he had plenty of time to think and put pieces together. The only thing left now was to figure out what to do with them.

Gunner really had been completely on his own after getting out of the hospital. The family lawyer had assisted with paying off bills and legal advice, but otherwise, Gunner had to rely on himself. It was true that no family had shown up - a fact that still felt strange. Apparently there were a couple friends that lent a hand, but it seemed he, or his family, had no close friends that had stepped in to help. Gunner had been to visit his parents' graves, however, he'd missed the funeral as he'd been in the hospital for so long. From what JT had been able to dig up, the funeral had been very small.

Then there was the thing about Gunner being a troublemaker and upsetting his father. And his parents who had been just ready to divorce. Had Gunner really blamed himself as Paul had implied? What a horrible thing for a kid to experience. Yet Gunner remembered none of it. But did his subconscious? Even though memories did not exist, was it possible for emotional footprints to linger? Was it possible for something to remain, tucked way down deep, that toyed with his emotions - remnants of feeling guilty for his parent's behavior? And was it because of their argument that an accident had happened? A man had served time in prison for vehicular manslaughter, yet Gunner remained unsatisfied. Was it really a shrouded truth like he claimed, or was there guilt in his own heart?

Was there anything to all of this, or was it just random facts that meant nothing? JT didn't know. But he'd gone about as far as he could on his own. The only thing he could do now was pass the information along...

..."Hope?"JT knocked on her office door before entering, a few papers in hand. "I didn't want to bother you, but I had a few things that...well..." He shrugged and approached her desk to hand her the papers that had handwritten notes jotted on them. "Just some stuff I dug up. Gunner may think he's the only one who can investigate, but this can be our little secret."

He gave her a wry grin. "I don't know if this will help or anything, but I just did a little research about Gunner's family. I got the impression he'd done an awful lot of fact searching about the accident, but not his family before that point, and..." He shrugged again. "Call it a hunch, I dunno..." He went on to explain all the things he'd learned, and who he'd talked to, still not sure if it all meant anything, but hoping it would help in some way.

"So anyway...I just thought I'd stop by. Gunner's part of our family now and I just want to help."


Rosalyn sniffed and wiped her eyes, unable to help but smile a little at Chad’s text. Oh, how she wished things were simpler. Why did they have to be so hard? Why did something so beautiful have to be so complicated?

To Chad:
From Rosalyn:
It’s one of my best memories too.

Would she have more memories like that? She couldn’t help but wonder.

I gotta get back to the others before
I’m missed at supper. Will text more
again soon.

Standing, she was just turning to go back into the dining room, when a shadow caught her eye. Looking up quickly, she was startled to see her father. “Oh. Dad. Need something?”

Jim shook his head. “We just wondered where you’d disappeared to was all.” He glanced at the phone in her hand, then cocked his head, seeing a strange redness to her eyes. “You okay?”

“Of course.” She tucked her phone back in her pocket and forced a smiled. “I was just checking some texts while everybody was busy eating. Figured I wouldn’t have time once the all dishes needed to be done.”

“Ah.” Jim smiled. There still wasn’t something right about that look on her face though. It was the same look she’d gained as a child when she’d done something wrong but was keeping it a secret. Not quite guilt, but almost. And why did she look as though she’d been crying? “Who’d you hear from?”

The question was so direct, Rosalyn’s mind couldn’t think fast enough. Her mouth opened, but instead of saying anything, she just blinked for a moment. “Oh, um… well just… a friend.” She nodded. “That’s all. Nothing important.”

Jim’s smile remained, but he also didn’t move from the doorway, still blocking her path to the dining room.  “I’ll never understand the significance of texting without it being important,” he teased. “Which friend was it this time? Hannah?”

Rosalyn swallowed hard. She could feel her cheeks growing warm, and there was nothing she could do about it. “No. Just a friend.”

“I see.” Jim nodded slowly. “A guy, maybe?”

He knew. Rosalyn wished she weren’t so transparent, but her father knew her way too well. Her smile faded as her jaw tightened. “Maybe,” she responded tersely. “But I’d rather not talk about it. Now…excuse me.” She gestured to the blocked doorway. “I need to check and see if anyone needs anything else.”

Jim sighed and shook his head. “What’s it gonna take, Rosalyn?”

“For what?”

“For you to get your head on straight. For you to give up on someone who will do nothing but cause you grief in the long run. I thought you’d already gotten past that man.”

A tear ran down Rosalyn’s face as her eyes blazed with anger. “I asked you to excuse me.” Her words were spoken through gritted teeth. “Move.”

Jim held up his hands and stepped to the side. “Just…” He didn’t finish his sentence. There was no point, since Rosalyn had already brushed past him and was gone.

Instead of checking to see if anyone needed anything, as planned, Rosalyn ignored everyone, and headed straight for the door. Once outside, she aimed for the barns, but after arriving, she kept on walking. Her route continued until she’d reached the small orchard. It was after sundown, and starting to get chilly, but she didn’t care. Her jacket  had been left behind, and the evening breeze sent goosebumps up and down her arms, but she ignored it. All she wanted to do was cry.


A chuckle managed to surface, and Clint shook his head. “I’m afraid this tractor needs a mechanic’s eye, but thanks. I’m glad somebody wants to help.”

He took a long sip of Mountain Dew before sighing deeply. “Mm…I prolly drink way too much of it. This, and coffee.” He took another swig before his gaze moved to the door that was being pushed open.

“Well, I thought for sure somebody just left the light on.” Eric grinned as he poked his head inside the garage. He’d been walking to the dining hall to join Stacy when he’d seen the light and just thought he’d save energy and shut it off. He was surprised, though, to find not only Clint, but Ashlee too.

His grin widened into a smile. “Hey, Ash! Thought you’d have gone with your mom to supper. Wanna join us?” He threw her a wink. “Dinners on the road have been awful lonely.”

Back to a Time...

Getting another text message Chad chuckles. He was a flirt wasn't he? Most people would think he was like that with everyone but really he wasn't. There was just something about Rosalyn that was extra special and just made him want to go that extra mile.

To: Rosalyn
From: Chad

Ya your right. I am a flirt, and you just
bring that extra out. 

Reading about her dad Chad couldn't help his heart sink a little bit. He hated that things when like this and her dad was giving her such a hard time. Family was everything to her, and this just tore her apart and thus tore him apart too. 

I'm sorry about your dad. I wish I could
give you a big ol hug too. I hope to be
able to as well. 

A smile comes to Chads lips as he closes his eye and remembers there tree. It was the one place he could close his eyes and always recall that place and the emotions involved with it. 

I can always see that tree when I close
my eyes. And you are always right there
with it. It's one of the best memories I own.

Playing with a screwdriver she had in her hand Ashlee was quiet for a second. Weather her and Clint's reasons were different from being absent from the others she had a feeling in a way, it was the same too. She'd never talked much to Clint before but something about today, or maybe it was because he knew a little on how she felt in his own way his company was nice.

   "What are you working on that needs to be fixed? I don't know much about fixing stuff, but I know a little."

Seeing Clint hold up the can for her Ashlee gives a small smile and puts the screwdriver down before walking over to Clint and taking the can. 

   "Thanks!"

Pulling back the tab and opening the pop Ashlee takes a sip before closing her eyes and just savoring the taste for a moment. It had been a long time since she's had a pop and she didn't realize how much she missed it.

   "Mmm...I almost forgot what pop tasted like. This sugary goodness is not something I get often. Thank you."

Sitting at her desk and not knowing anyone else was there except for maybe Ty Katie gives a jump to Jason's voice. Recovering quickly Katie gives him a smile. For a second though she is lost in thought to anything he had just said. Her mind was taken back to what seemed like so long ago when her and Jason were still together and he would stand at her cubicle and look down right cute. Some things never changed. Bring herself back to the present Katie realizes Jason had been talking and maybe he'd asked her a question?

   "Life got complicated the day we grew up, maybe even before that."

Now taking a closer look at Jason she realizes he didn't look so hot. If there was ever a time she wished more that they had there connection it was now. But the old fashion way would just have to do. 

   "You're not looking so hot..are you ok?"

Once Jason had left Misty continues to just sit. Leaning back, sitting up, moving sideways she tried to get comfortable but just couldn't. Tears started to pool in her eyes, and than finally escape. She couldn't blame Jason for his desition, he was doing what he thought was right. After all Carson hadn't signed the papers yet, and who new if he would. If she'd been Jason she wouldn't want to wait around forever.

And with those thoughts Misty's sadness, and hurt turned to anger as well. Anger that Cason yet again runed another good thing in her life. An endless nightmare of pain, hurt, and who new what else. And it only made her cry harder.

Complicated

It was the look in Misty's eyes that caused a painful crack in Jason's heart. It was her withdrawing her hand from his that caused the crack to bleed. Why did doing what was right have to hurt so badly? He wanted to reach out to her. Touch her face. Hug her. Tell her it was going to be alright. Tell her that he never meant to hurt her. That he really did have feelings for her. That she was going to be okay. That he was still here for her whenever she needed him. But even as all those words collided in his mind, he knew that letting them spill forth would only cause more pain. He'd said what he needed. To say more would just make more of a mess.

His eyes fell as he swallowed hard. He didn't want to leave her like this...but he would respect her wishes. After all, if he were in her place, he probably would have reacted with much more emotion, and would have wanted him gone, too.

"Okay." Jason's voice was still quiet. Still gentle. But oh, how it hurt. He slowly rose to his feet and turned to leave, but paused for a moment, only to reach down and give her shoulder just a soft squeeze. He opened his mouth while trying to find an appropriate close to their time together, but nothing seemed to fit. So it was silence that followed him to the door.

He looked back one last time, his fingers fiddling awkwardly with his keys. "If you need anything..." It sounded so trite, but it was all he had now. "I'm still around." And that was that.

Driving through town a few minutes later, Jason aimed for TJY. Work wasn’t usually his haven, but he just didn’t want to go home yet. Maybe doing some paperwork would at least get his mind off things for a while and he could postpone the inevitable meeting with his tangled thoughts.

Once at work and inside, he pocketed his truck keys and wandered across the main floor. It was dark, and though not having scanned the parking lot, he assumed the only other people here were Hal and Ty. So when he saw an extra light on in one of the cubicles, it caught him by surprise. Nearing, he realized it was Katie. What was she doing here at this hour? He wouldn’t bother her – she was probably just catching up on something quick before leaving.

But just as Jason reached the hallway, his feet seemed to stop on their own, and he glanced back over his shoulder. Since that one stakeout, the awkwardness had seemed to dissolve a little more every day, and working together hadn’t been so hard lately. Even so, it wasn’t like they were really friends anymore…were they? A strange little pang made Jason’s stomach quiver. He’d come here to work, but all of a sudden, it was the last thing he wanted to do. He didn’t know what he wanted. But being alone at the moment just made him feel depressed.

Before he could stop himself, his feet were in control again, and in a matter of seconds, he was standing out on the main floor. He leaned his arms on the top of Katie’s cubicle wall and looked down at her, just like he used to. Tonight though, the twinkle in his gaze was absent. There was no teasing grin. No cute wink. Not even a smile. A strange silence was his only greeting.

For the longest moment, all he could do was just look at Katie. Not even sure why he was here, finding something to say wasn’t easy. It wasn’t as if they shared much conversation anymore. And for the first time in a very long time, he wished words weren’t necessary. His emotions were churning, and instead of being able to share and release them, they were just bottled up underneath the surface. But she didn't want to know about all that. She had her life and he had his.

“Aw, Katie…” He groaned and leaned his forehead on his arms, hiding his face. He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t talk to her about his problems. But tonight…right now…he had no one else. “When…?” He sighed and lifted his head again, but left his chin resting on his arms. His eyes were dark…strained…fighting back tears. He found her own eyes and searched them. “When did life get so complicated?”


Clint gave a little scoff, but didn’t stop Ashlee from helping collect the tools off the floor. “Both. I’m too busy to be hungry.” He really wasn’t sure how much truth there was in that though.

He picked up a hammer and put it back where it belonged. “Actually, I’m just not feeling much like socializing.” There was little point in denying how he felt. If Ashlee told anybody…so be it. “Unfortunately, work in here isn’t going well, so I’m quickly running out of options.”

He tossed a wrench into a pile of other wrenches before glancing at the younger girl and shaking his head. He wasn’t sure why she was talking to him or why she wasn’t hungry for dinner, but maybe she had her own unspoken reasons, just like he did.

A sigh surfaced, showing that his temper had calmed down. Now he was just back to being depressed. He moved to the nearby refrigerator and retrieved a can of Pepsi. Pausing, he looked at Ashlee again and held up a second can to ask if she wanted one, too.


To: Chad
From: Rosalyn
You’re still a flirt…but I miss it. 
Every day, I miss you more. I try to forget, 
but I can’t. I try to escape this mess, 
but I can’t do that either. Dad’s worse, 
and all I want is to be in your arms again.

A tear fell from Rosalyn’s eye. Everybody else was eating. She was alone in the living room, having slipped away unnoticed. Sitting on the couch, she stared at her phone. She was miserable. As much as she tried not to think about Chad…to forget…to convince herself that he’d never be back and she was better off without him…the aching in her heart only grew. She’d give anything to get a hug from Chad right about now. And he was on the other side of the world…whether in England, or even right here, as long as her dad had anything to do with it.

I visit our tree almost every day when 
I feel lonely.

She'd promised herself she would pull away from Chad. That she wouldn't express to him how much she missed him or act like it was a big deal. There was too much at stake. It was too risky. But here she was anyway, spilling it to him through her text message. 

I miss feeling wanted. 

Time

Chinese food was good but something was just not right. All day something had been different. At work, dinner, and now. Misty couldn't help the feeling she had in he pit of her stomach. Something bad was going to happen. She didn't know what, when, or why but she couldn't shake the feeling that lingered, and her feelings were almost always right.

Now settling down on the couch and having Jason become a little more serous the feeling was back, and Misty didn't like his tone, how he said they needed to talk, the way he held her hand. Misty didn't like the start of this at all, already.

As Jason talked her fears came true. In a way she understood what he was saying. She might not agree, and might think differently but she couldn't condom Jason for what he though was right. Though it confused her why he started this in the first place if it was just going to end in heartache. Did she believe he loved her, yes she did, and she new he cared. Maybe thats what made this whole thing even harder.

Misty stays quiet as Jason continues to speak. Looking at him, away from him, down at there hands, and back at him her eyes couldn't focus on one thing and though the tears filled her eyes she did not allow then to flood over, and though the food she eat now felt like it might come back up, she didn't let it. Opening her mouth two or three times to say something Misty closed it each time without saying a word. She didn't know what to say. Her emotions were all over the bored, and she wasn't sure how to feel. Finally moving her hand from Jason's Misty places them in her lap and lets out a sigh before looking at him and giving a half smile.

   "I guess that's that than."

Looking down at her hands for a long second Misty didn't know how to feel. She wasn't mad at Jason, but she did feel anger. Just with someone else. With Jason she was sad, disappointed, and heart broken.

   "I think it would be best if you left for now, I just need time."

Coming in to the work room more Ashlee didn't take her eyes off Clint even when he looked at her long and hard back her eyes didn't waver. They didn't talk much but she'd seem him around the ranch. Sometimes alone, and sometimes with his family. Tonight something was different, and maybe it was just the thought of having someone who didn't want to be in a group of people like herself.

   "I could ask you the same thing."

Bending down and helping Clint pick up some of the tools Ashlee is quiet for a second looking at them before placing them down and looking at him again.

   "Wasn't to hungry yet. What about you? To much work or just not hungry."

Getting Rosalyn's message again Chad couldn't help but smile as a little laugh slipped out. He reply was not what he expected and the talk of weather was slightly strange but he didn't mind. She replied and thats what really mattered.

Nice weather is always a good thing :)
I've missed you over the last few weeks.
Though I hold you smile close to me.

Chad closes his eyes for a second picturing Rosalyn's face again in his head like he had so many times before.

And so the wind blows,
and the days seem to never end.
A sap I am around you, I shall
be. How do you do this to me?

   "Hey, corny is good sometimes you know. Depending who your talking to anyways."

Getting outside and looking up at Scott Hope smiles. It was like old times, but not old times all at once. A bit of sadness lingered, but a new start was nice too. She didn't want to get a head of herself, or push to hard she wanted Scott to take the lead on this when he though he was ready, but this was a start. A new bit of hope she could hang on to.

   "I'll see you at work. Good Night Scott."

Turning Hope heads to her car but stops. Turning around to Scott again and just looking at him for a moment before smiling again and letting the twinkle in her eye glow. Brighter than it had in a long while.

   "And Scott...thanks for tonight. It was nice."

So Sorry

“Hungry? You kidding? I’m starving.” Eric grinned as he walked with Stacy to his bunkhouse. “I think I had breakfast this morning, but that was it. Wanted to get back here so bad, I didn’t bother stopping for lunch.”

He came to a halt in front of the little porch, and turned to look down at her once more. Setting a gentle finger under her chin, he bent to give her a tender kiss on the lips. “Save me a spot at the table…I’ll be cleaned up in five minutes.”


Hearing her phone quietly beep, Rosalyn then felt her heart give a little jump. She’d set a specific tone for any texts from Chad, so she knew he was replying. Right in the middle of finishing up the rest of supper preparations though, she had to wait several minutes before finally being able to look and see what he’d said.

Seeing the picture, she smiled. His job seemed like such a romantic one, with him being able to travel the world. She wondered if she really could be with him, if she actually would make it “better” or if she’d just be in the way. Not that it was an option anyway, but it did make her wonder.

Anything new with me? Of course not.
Same old story. Different day.
Housework & cooking. Guess I cant
say I dont do what Im good at right?
So boring. No guests right now. Nice
but too quiet.

She wanted to say more. She wanted to confide in him and tell him how withdrawn and sullen her father had been lately. How bitter he seemed to have become in such a short time. She wanted to tell Chad how much she missed his company, and how much she wanted to see him again. But doing that would just make her hope, and hoping meant disappointment in the end.

At least the weather has been nice.

She rolled her eyes. Weather. Such an interesting topic. She sent the message anyway and pocketed her phone. Unless she wanted any negative attention, she probably wouldn’t have a chance to text more until after supper. But deep down, she secretly hoped he’d hear back from Chad anyway.


Still leaning his hands on the workbench, and still angry, the sudden arrival of someone else startled Clint from his thoughts. He turned his head quickly, doubly surprised that it was Ashlee. Having a witness, though, took the edge off his temper for now.

He scoffed and shook his head before he straightened and reached for a hammer that had landed at his feet. “That’s one good thing about tools,” he muttered. “You can’t kill ‘em.” Even though his anger lingered, he knew well enough that he couldn’t leave the mess he’d just created. Only after picking up a few more tools though, did he realize Ashlee was still there.

He set a couple wrenches back in their place before pausing to give the girl a long, hard look. They rarely spoke to each other…mainly just because they had very little in common, including age. Tonight though, he knew he should tread carefully. She might be a lot younger than he, but she was very smart, and mature for her age – at least as far as he could tell. Having her see him lose his temper was a blow to his pride, and also a threat that someone else might hear of this episode.

Breaking his gaze, he returned to cleaning up. “Isn’t everybody eating supper by now? How come you’re not over at the dining hall?”


Gunner mustered up a new, small smile and reached up to take Bree’s hand, and kissed it lightly. “Thanks. See you… in the morning.” One more hug, and he let her go, aiming himself to the spare room again. This time though, he took what he should have earlier, and was finally able to sleep again. Sleep without nightmares…that’s all he wanted. But someday…he wanted it without a pill. Oh how he longed for a mind and heart clear of the darkness that haunted him.


Scott held the door open for Hope, and joined her outside in the cool evening air. He tucked his hands in his pockets and grinned a little as he nodded. “Yeah…okay. I guess you’ll be hearing from me then.”

He couldn’t help the light laugh that surfaced. “I’m assuming that sounded just as corny as I think it did.” He looked down at Hope, studying her face by the light of the streetlight. It was so strange…how looking at her, he saw a close friend and a stranger all at once.

“Have a good night, Hope. I’ll catch ya at work soon.”


“Ordering in is always good, so you don’t have to cook,” Jason teased. He kept his concentration fixed on stirring the pasta, even when Misty asked him her question.

“Yeah…yeah, sure.” He finally glanced at her and smiled. Opening his mouth, he was ready to say more, but was cut off as Mackenzie shot through the kitchen, almost running into them both, and being followed just as fast by Alec. She was screeching, he was yelling, and had Jason not already known they were roughhousing, he would have thought the place was on fire. “Good grief! Alec! You’re a bad influence!”

“It’s her fault, not mine!” By now, Alec was already in the other room, and from the sounds of things, had caught his prey.

Jason just shook his head and laughed. “Okay…I think this pasta is about done. Good thing too, so I don’t pass out from starvation.”

The rest of the evening, he didn’t bring up about tomorrow night any more. Plans were set, and he really didn’t want to make a huge deal if he didn’t need to. Not only that, but he wasn’t so sure he’d actually have the guts to accomplish what he intended…

…The day had been way too long. Jason hadn’t been able to concentrate on work all day, and over lunch, he’d gone to see Con to tell him he just couldn’t go through with having a talk with Misty. His friend had reminded him why he’d set out to do this in the first place though, so after regaining his courage, Jason had kept his date with Misty at her place.

Ordering out Chinese had been fun, although the meal had been quieter than usual. Now sitting on the couch listening to music, Jason knew if he waited any longer, it would just make things worse.

After a sigh, he scooted back a little on the couch and turned sideways so he could see Misty better. It wasn’t time for cuddling though. All he did was take one of her hands and let his thumb run gently over her knuckles. “Misty, there’s…there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

His eyes found hers, and he swallowed hard. “Before I do though, I just want to make sure you know how much I care about you.” A small smile surfaced. “Actually, I’m pretty sure if you pressed it, I’d probably wind up admitting that I’ve started falling in love with you.” A little color entered his cheeks, but he kept going. “That’s why…that’s why this is gonna be really hard for me to say, but…I just want you to hear me out, because it’s really important to me.” He gave her hand an extra squeeze.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately…maybe you’d call it soul searching. And…I’ve realized that sometimes what seems right on the surface…underneath it really isn’t. And what my heart says to do isn’t always right either.” He paused for just a moment to make sure his thoughts remained on track, while his eyes remained on Misty’s. “When I…first heard what Carson did to you, I was so angry. I couldn’t understand why he’d do something like that. I still don’t understand it all. I wanted so badly to help you, because you deserved better than that. So…I did…and…I found out I cared for you more than I thought.”

He readjusted her hand between his own, and cleared his throat. “I, um…I don’t know much about marriage, and I don’t pretend to. But what I’ve learned is that the vows made aren’t to be taken lightly. And…I think I’ve taken your vows with Carson too lightly.” He cringed on the inside, but knew he had to keep going. “Mine’s not to judge whether or not you should divorce Carson. That’s between you, him and God. But what IS mine is a choice. A choice to stand between you and the man you married, or to be the man of integrity I’m trying to be, and not get in the way of a relationship promised for life in front of God.”

At this point, Jason knew there was no going back. And though he was sure Misty knew now where he was headed with this, he still had to say it. “Misty, I love spending time with you…being over here…just…everything about you, I enjoy. All I can do is hope you believe me, because it’s true. From the bottom of my heart, I care for you, and…and I desperately want to stay friends.”

Friends…that word sounded so cold, suddenly. Jason’s eyes dropped and he touched her ring finger tenderly. His voice became quiet. “But…but even though you took off your wedding band…you’re still married. And as desperately as I want to be close to you…it just isn’t right. Not as long as you’re still married to Carson.”

His eyes rose once more, his gaze full of fear. Fear for what she might say. Fear for what might happen between them now. He was breaking up with one of the best things that had happened to him, and most people might call him crazy. But in his heart of hearts, he knew it was right. And doing what was right was more important to him than doing what he wanted.

“I’m so sorry.” He was whispering now. “I feel like I led you on, and I didn’t mean to. My feelings haven’t changed. Just my choices.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so terrible inside. “I know your goal is to divorce Carson, and I can’t tell you want to do or not do. And when it’s all over, you may not ever want to speak to me again, but…but I hope you do. I just know that for now…this is the right thing for me to do.”

Good Thing

  "A few days is better than not seeing you at all before you left again."
Keeping her arm around Eric's wast and leaning into him slightly. She really had missed him more than she'd ever tell anyone. Having him around was something she'd gotten use, to and she looked forward to his return.

   "Exciting, exciting...does watching someone fall off a horse, or seeing horses escape from the south fence and everyone running around like chickens with there head chopped off count as exciting?"

Stacy gives a laugh looking up at Eric, her eyes sparkle. She always saw things around the ranch. It was her job anyways. Sometimes people new she was watching and sometimes they didn't. But her got to see everything.  Laughter, crying, daily life here at the ranch and it always made her smile even if she was only watching. It was an amazing place, full of magic indeed.

   "So are you hungry? I hear Rosalyn was the one cooking tonight."

Sitting in the open window Chad lets his out foot dangle out, whole his other was propped up his arm folded over his knee. Looking out over the tall buildings of Landon he watched as the rain pelted the roofs and made tiny pools. It seemed the rain matched his mood. When he'd left the ranch Rosalyn and himself seemed to be ok, but deep down he new it wasn't. Playing her sad look in his head over and over again made him miss her even more. He wished he could hold her, hug her...so close, but worlds apart.

   "Hey Chad we are going to get someone to eat. Want to come?"

Turning his head to his brother he gives a little shake. Strange as it was food was the last thing he wanted right now.

   "No you guys go, I'm good."

Looking back out the window once Chad heard the door close he leans his head back and lets out a long sigh. The day was gloomy, he felt gloomy, Chad missed Rosalyn, but he was trying to give her space, and a small place in his heart was thinking maybe she really had though it best they ended it.

Hearing his phone go off in his pocket Chad was about to ignore it but if  it was is brother, he'd never hear the end of it. Much to his surprise though it wasn't, and it was a long awaited text from Rosalyn. Reading it he can't help but smile. He did wonder if she really was ok, but he smiled non the less. She cared enough to still text him and that made him feel good.

From: Chad
To: Rosalyn

Hey there! I was wondering when
I'd hear from you. It been quite quiet
around here. For the next few weeks 
we are in London. It's been rainy here,
but its still nice. It would be even better
with you though.

Opening his camera Chad take a pic from the window looking out over all the houses at the sun rising. It was a pretty amazing picture to look at.

Here you go. This is my view right now.
Anything new with you?

Hearing a loud noise in the garadge as she walked by made Ashlee jump. She should be in the dinning hall getting ready for dinner but she didn't much feel like it today. Maybe she'd get something to eat later. Now, now her mind was wondering what was going on in there. Everyone else should be eating. 

Slipping inside quietly and seeing a light on Ashlee wonders farther in. Partly because she was nosie, and partly because she wanted to make sure everything was ok. Seeing Clint Ashlee just stands there for a long moment watching him. He was the last person she ever would of expected to see get frustrated. Finally clearing her throat a little bit she give a half smile.

   "Man, good thing those tools don't know you're looking at them like that. I think they would keel over dead."

At Jason's comment about dinner tomorrow Misty would normally be excited but studying his face for a moment Misty had a sinking feeling there was more the the invite of dinner, than he was letting on. It could be all in her head, hormones running over time or something.

   "Yeah that sounds great to me. I can cook again, or we can order in. I dont mind either."

Going back to what she was doing for a second Misty lets out a small sigh before looking to Jason again. Now she was going to worry all night. That feeling in the pit of her stomach just was going to eat away at her.

   "Is everything ok?"

   "I love you too, no matter what, now and forever. No matter what crazy adventures, or mystery we have to uncover. Nothing will ever make me love you less."

Being scooped up in Gunner's arms Bree lets out a small squeal wrapping her arms around his neck, leaning her head on his shoulder she just lets him carry her. She liked it when he picked her up, or put his arms around her. It showed his true strength and she felt safe in his arms.

Once being put back down Bree looks up into Gunner's eyes bringing her hand to the side of his face and just softly brushing his cheek. Somewhere deep in his eyes she could still see the glimmer that made her hope things would be ok. She new they would be, with time and pashents.

   "Who ever thought a vampire would need something to help him sleep."

Giving a smile and leaning up to kiss his lips Bree backs away still her hand on his cheek.

   "Try and get a little sleep. If you need anything I'm right down the hall. Than tomorrow we can work on a plan of attack for finding out the truth."

   "I think we were pretty good at supporting each other. My lifes not all roses either. Not exactly a weed patch but there are some here and there."

Taking the last sip of her own tea Hope pushes her glass aside looking around the dinner before looking back at Scott and giving a small smile. The little dog had become her friend too and she new the little attitude she could get.

   "Now that would be a horrible thing. She might not come and get treats from me anymore."

Gathering her things and grabbing her jacket to put it on, Hope follows Scott to the door walking slowly. She really didn't want this moment to end. It had been a nice night and she'd enjoyed the company so much. But hear Scott suggestion for lunch made her feel a little better. This wouldn't be the last, but the first of many she hoped.

   "I think lunch sounds great. I'll even let you pick the day you are feeling up to it. You know I dont do much, and where to find me. Thank you for the coffee and chat tonight Scott. It was really nice."

Buried Anger

Eric chuckled and slid his arms around Stacy to give her a hug and kiss the top of her head. “Mm…I missed you too.”

Drawing back, he offered her a smile. “At least we got a couple days here before I leave again, eh?” He turned, keeping one arm around her shoulders, and picked his bag back up again. Continuing his route to the bunkhouse, he kept her by his side. “So…anything exciting going on? Wait, don’t tell me. I don’t wanna know if I missed anything.”


Jim stood at the window of the dining hall, a hot cup of tea in hand. Supper would be soon, but he knew his stomach wouldn’t tolerate very much, and tea seemed to help. Or maybe it just helped soothe his nerves, which was the whole cause for his stomach issues recently anyway. Not that he’d admit it. Becky kept wanting him to go see Angel, but he refused, already knowing he didn’t feel well because of his own stress.

“Was that Eric’s truck I saw?” Becky comes up behind her husband and laid a hand on his arm.

“Mm-hmm.” Jim took a sip of his tea.

“Oh good. I’m glad he got back alright. I’ll have Rosalyn set an extra place.”

“She working tonight?”

“Of course.”

“Mm.”

Becky’s eyebrows rose slightly at Jim’s odd tone. “Why wouldn’t she be?”

Jim shrugged. “I could think of plenty reasons.”

A sigh was Becky’s only response. Studying Jim’s face, her concern only grew. He looked so very tired. Thin. His eyes were dark, and he still showed lingering signs from his brawl with Mick. He never talked about it though, always refusing to speak of it. And his relationship with Rosalyn was no nearer mending than it had been with Chad here.

Jim glanced over his shoulder as his wife walked away. There was a part of him that felt sad and broken. But it was that part he didn’t let surface. All he allowed to be seen was the bitterness. If his family didn’t want to respect him any more, then he didn’t owe them any more effort.

Looking back out the window, he scrunched his eyes shut and opened them again before squinting, then rubbing them with the heel of his hand. That was something else he wasn’t talking about either.

In the kitchen, Rosalyn worked quietly…more quietly than normal. Jade had the night off, which was fine. Keeping busy was the only thing Rosalyn had lately to keep her mind off that which would just make her sad anyway.

“Rosalyn? Set an extra place. Eric just got home and I’m assuming he’ll be in for supper and will probably be hungry.”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah. Okay.” Rosalyn wiped her hands on her apron and moved to retrieve another plate, glass and set of silverware. Others were filing in, and she took a moment to observe as she set the extra place. It was a normal evening. As normal as it could be, anyway. Her father was back to socializing…or rather, back to being present. Socializing was a different matter altogether. Since his fight with Mick, he’d remained withdrawn. Rosalyn theorized that he felt embarrassed and guilty, but Jim, of course, had never opened the subject.

Going back to the kitchen, she checked the beef and potatoes in the oven, deciding to give it a few more minutes. Leaning back against the counter, she felt the cell phone in her pocket. She pulled it out and scrolled through recent text messages, none of which were from Chad. She didn’t expect anything else though. She hadn’t contacted him since he’d left. He was probably waiting for her to make the first move, and she just hadn’t yet. Not while her feelings were still so messed up. But the longer she waited, the more she missed him.

“Ros’lyn!”

She turned quickly to see Kaylee bounding into the kitchen. Rosalyn smiled and pocketed her phone before she scooped the little girl up in her arms. “Hey, Pumpkin… Hungry?”

“Uh-huh.” Kaylee nodded emphatically, making her pigtails bounce.

“Where’s mommy and daddy, hmm?”

“Ou’ dere.” Kaylee pointed to the dining room.

Rosalyn looked back out into the other room and spotted Cindy and Wes. She smiled and gave Kaylee an extra hug. It was so nice to see the little family all together again. She hoped her observation was true – that Wes was settling in well and starting to get used to being back here again. The only thing she didn’t understand was Clint’s behavior. She knew he was upset with Jim, but it seemed her brother was overall more withdrawn since Wes had returned. As close as they’d been before, it really was rather puzzling.

The timer on the oven broke Rosalyn’s thoughts and she gave Kaylee a kiss on the cheek before setting her down. “Better get back out there before you’re missed.”

“Otay!” Kaylee trotted back into the dining room to make her rounds to her favorite people, as was her habit.

Rosalyn shook her head in amusement before returning to the oven. As she was letting the meal cool a little though, her thoughts returned to where they’d been before.

Although hesitant, she finally took her phone back out of her pocket.

From: Rosalyn
To: Chad
Just had a free moment. Wanted to say
hi. Hope all is well with u.

She paused. What else could she say? She’d ignored him since he’d left. If he had any  brains at all, he probably thought she’d backed out completely by now. That notion was still a possibility in her mind, but she hadn’t chosen it…yet. The question was, would she? If she could convince Chad she really didn’t want to see him ever again, there would be far less stress on her end.

I’m doing fine.

She swallowed hard. That was pretty close to a lie.

Are you somewhere exciting on the
job? Send pix.

[send]

Out in the garage, the activity of the ranch was drowned out by loud rock music blaring from the radio. Clint knew what time it was. He knew supper would be in just a few minutes. But that had no bearing on his current activity. No one would miss him. He’d told Wendy he had to get the ranch tractor fixed, so she knew he probably wouldn’t be eating until later. And more than likely, no one else would notice his absence. No matter the case, his current task was not going well.

As another problem was found, Clint growled in frustration. Moving to step down from the tractor, his foot slipped, which sent him to the concrete floor much more quickly than planned. Stumbling and twisting his ankle, he winced in pain. That was it. That was just…it.

With his temper getting the best of him, the next sound was a toolbox being sent across the workbench at high speed to crash into a shelf then onto the floor, sending tools everywhere. The radio had barely been missed, continuing to blare despite the tantrum.

Clint leaned on the workbench and glared at the tools. He hated this. All of this. The work, the stress, everything. Nothing was going right, he was stuck in the same place day after day, and nothing he did would ever change it. He hated the ranch, and he hated this shop.


Jason kept his arms around Misty and grinned. “You kidding? I wouldn’t want to get in the middle of that for anything. Those two would gang up on me, and I wouldn’t have the slightest chance of survival.”

Only after giving her a little squeeze did he move to the side to take over the noodles. “So I was thinking… Alec said he’s gonna work late at Mom and Pop’s tomorrow night and Mackenzie won’t be here, so…” He shrugged, his eyes remaining focused on the stove. “I thought maybe it could just be you and me for supper or something.” Truth be told, his stomach had just formed a little knot. It wasn’t just supper he was aiming at, and he knew it. But he didn’t want to worry Misty by telling her they needed to talk, and he still had yet to decide just how he was going to say what he needed to.

A light laugh surfaced at Bree’s comment about kicking someone in the shin, and Gunner’s dark cloud passed for the moment. He yawned and reached up to ruffle her hair. “I’m not sure how good I am at convincing myself of anything…but I’m glad you think so highly of me.”

He moved to place a tender kiss on her cheek. “I do love you…and I just wanna get out of this mess.” Without much warning, he stood, picking Bree up in his arms. While much of his mind was confused and depressed, there was still a part of him that appreciated Bree, loved her, and knew that somehow, some way, he had to make it through this – if not for himself, then for her.

It wasn’t until they were back in the house that he set her down again. “Thanks for looking after me,” he mentioned softly. “I think I’ll be okay now. I got something to help me sleep…just hoped I wouldn’t need it, but I guess I do. Just, um…wake me up when you leave in the morning if I’m not up."


As Hope touched Scott, his eyes drifted down to their hands, but he didn’t pull away. He’d forgotten how caring her touch was…how warm she was…how much he missed her.

His gaze rose again as he listened, and he searched her eyes. He could see everything he did before. Her hope. Her love. No matter how much he’d fought it, he knew without a doubt that she still loved him and wished for the return of a relationship. But tonight…tonight, instead of it upsetting him, he found it strangely comforting. Perhaps it was just knowing that even though he felt as though he’d spun out of control, there was still one solid place to land that hadn’t changed. It was still there. Still safe.

“I guess I never thought of it as me understanding you,” he responded wryly. “Always seemed to me that I was the one leaning on you.” He didn’t mean to put himself down – it just truly was the way he’d seen things.

After picking up his cup once more, it was then that he discovered he’d finished his coffee, and a new grin creased his lips. “Huh…guess that’s that.” He sighed and checked his watch, unsure how to end their time here, and feeling awkward again. “I, um…suppose I better get going before Domino disowns me…”

He looked back up at Hope and cocked his head a little. “Maybe…we can do lunch sometime…or something…since I’m working more now.”

Bonny and Clyde...

Smiling at Eric Stacy just couldn't keep it in. Some people would think her joking was to dry and maybe not even know it was a joke but Eric was good like that. He new she was and just rolled with it. She liked that most about him, he got her, and understood her.

   "Did I miss you?! What kind of question is that?"

Stacy closes the gap between herself and Eric she puts her arms around his wast and rests her head on his chest for a second. He might not smell the best right now but he smelled like Eric and thats all she wanted, to know he was close to her once again.

   "Of course I missed you. It just wasn't the same without you where."

Misty couldn't help but give a chuckle at the group at the table. She didn't mind they entertained themselves while she was cooking. She liked hearing them go back and forth with each other and just have a good time. It made her feel good inside, and seeing Jason join in, it was nice.

Having Jason come up behind her Misty stops the veggies she was cutting for a second and places her hand on top of Jason's leaning back on him slightly. She loved the quiet moments, Jason's arms around her, they were the moments she liked the most. He'd been distracted as of late, But Misty didn't push it. It could be work, it could be something else but Jason new he could talk to her.

   "Mmmm...I've only part way cooked the chicken, maybe it's just your mind thinking you smell something good."

Looking over her shoulder Misty's smile grows a little more. Leaning up a little bit Misty places a kiss on Jason's cheek before looking back at the food and going back to work happily letting his hands stay wrapped around her.

   "I'm making only one of the best things in the world for everyone. Chicken Parm. If you want to help I could use you to stir and drain the noodles. That is, unless you want to get in the middle of whatever is going on in the living room."

   "So lets remember."

Bree leans her head on Gunner's as it rests on her shoulder bring her arm up around his head to lightly run her fingers through his hair. The moon was covered by a little by clouds but there was still enough peeking through the light up the yard and let the shadows dance with each other. Bree really did mean what she said. She wanted to help, anyway she could really.

   "I'm sure we will run into more dead ends but at least we wont be running alone anymore. We can be a regular Bonny and Clyde minus the robbing banks, and the gun part. I'd probley shoot my own foot. I can kick someone in the shin though if I have too."

Giving a small chuckle before falling silent again. Hearing Gunner's words about not being good for anything Bree turns around so she can look at him better. She wondered if he really believed that. How could he honestly he meant everything to her, and he was good at loving her back.

   "Really? I think you are pretty good at loving me, and rescuing me, and many other things. I think you just need to make yourself believe it."

Gently Hope rests her hand on Scott's and just gives a small smile. She new he'd zoned out for a moment but she didn't want to draw much attachen to it. She new it must make Scott feel awakeward and if it was her, bringing it up would make it worse at the moment. Small steps.

   "That was a nice window. If nothing else, I'm happy I was able to give you that to hold on too."

Moving her hand and taking another tip of her tea Hope was quiet for a seconded. She remember when Scott had pushed her away. It was almost like yesterday. She new it wasn't Scott's fault with everything he'd been through it was rather normal, but it was still there and now they were here. Hope didn't dare dream that there friendship was being rebuilt but here they were, talking. And she couldn't help but hope.

   "I didn't exspect to hear that tonight, let alone sitting here with you. But I'm really glad we are Scott. I've missed our friendship, and out long chats. No one understood as well as you."

No good for nothin'

“Yeah…yeah he’s different, but really is a good guy.” Scott nodded slowly, thinking about how long Justin had stuck by him. Clear back at Brookshire when he’d had to drag Scott literally kicking and screaming just to get him outside. Even though Scott was working through a relapse now…maybe he really had made progress since his abduction.

His abduction. Scott’s mind was suddenly hurled into the not-so-distant past. A dark one. A frightening one. A past with an experience that had scarred him for life. The sights. The sounds. Anything even close to resembling those things that had affected his senses now made him constantly relive the torture. Every time he looked into the mirror and saw his blind eye, he was reminded.

The atmosphere of the coffee shop had been completely drowned out by Scott’s thoughts, and he didn’t even realize how suddenly he’d become eerily silent. It was a full minute before reality came back into focus, and his attention snapped up to Hope’s face. His hands had grown cold and clammy from the memories. Had she just said something? He hadn’t a clue what it was, if she had.

“You know that big window you used to have in your old office?” It seemed such a random question, but his voice was soft and sincere. “I remember the warm light. If it wasn’t for you…I’m not sure I ever would have found the sunshine again. It was so dark in that cell…”

He took a swig of coffee, resisting a second lapse from reality. Though Justin had tried to convince him those minor episodes would eventually pass, he didn’t like zoning out when others were around.

“Anyway…yeah.” Scott shook his head, forcing his mind to clear, and hoping his behavior didn’t make Hope feel as awkward as it made him feel. “I know I pushed you away when I went to Brookshire. But even with all the…well…I still had that sunshine you gave me, even if tried to bury it there for a while.”

He gained a sheepish sort of grin before raising his coffee mug once more. “Betcha weren’t expecting to hear all that tonight.”


Gunner is quiet for several moments, just looking at Bree as if trying to figure out if she really meant what she said. He’d been fighting everyone for so long, that it took some thinking just to come up with an answer for her.

“I…I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just…what’s missing. It’s all…it’s all missing pieces in my mind. I’ve gone over the same information countless times and…I always hit dead ends. Always.”

Closing his eyes, he leaned his head against Bree’s shoulder and sighed deeply. He was so weary. So tired.

“There was a time when I thought I’d come to grips with losing my memory,” he mumbled. “But now, all I want to do is remember. All I want to do is be able to see the accident so I can know for sure what happened.”

He sighed again and adjusted his weight on the porch step, curling into Bree a little more. “It sucks…” His words had started to slur. “Jus’ bein’… bein’ dumb. Th’ whole…thing…”

His muscles lurched as he’d started to doze off. Unfortunately, he did have enough sense left to know they couldn’t stay out here all night. A third sigh surfaced. “I’m just no good for nothin’.”


“And this one?”

Alec looked down at the faded scar on his forearm. “That one? I don’t even remember.”

“Well what about this one?”

He moved his eyes from his playing cards once more to look at the back of his other hand. “Uh…knife.”

Mackenzie quirked an eyebrow. “As in a knife fight?”

“Yeah, sorta.” Alec drew a card and waited to see what Jason’s next move was going to be.

“This one looks interesting.”

“Huh?” Distracted once again, Alec glanced at his palm where Mackenzie was tracing a fairly fresh scar with her finger. “Oh. I cut myself on the lawn mower blade a couple weeks ago.”

Mackenzie giggled. “Get in a fight with it?”

“Shush.”

Jason tried to hide his smile as he listened. Poor Alec couldn’t win…or at least he wouldn’t. Not against Mackenzie. Her uncle would lose every time if just to keep her smiling. “Hey, um… ya just lost.”

“What?” Alec looked back at the game and rolled his eyes. “It’s not fair. I was distracted!” He smirked at Mackenzie. “You two in cahoots or what?”

Mackenzie backed away from the kitchen table with hands up. “No…no, never.”

“Uh-huh.” Alec set his cards down and stood. “We’ll just see about that after I torture you.”

“No!” Mackenzie laughed and squealed as she took off for the living room, Alec in high pursuit with threats of tickling.

Jason chuckled and gathered up the cards to put them away. Standing, he stretched and yawned before wandering over to where Misty was working on supper. He slipped his arms around her shoulders from behind and gave her a little squeeze. He hadn’t been quite as affectionate the last week or so. It wasn’t anything anyone else would notice, and he blamed it on just being tired or distracted from work. But in truth, his recent conversation with Con still lingered in the back of his mind. Evenings like this though…he didn’t want to give up, and he felt more stuck than ever.

“Supper sure smells good.” He leaned down over Misty’s shoulder for a closer look. “Whatcha got here, hmm?”

Without a clue he was being followed, Stacy’s sudden appearance made Eric jump. An immediate smile hit his lips though.

“Well, I think I know my way around here pretty well…but that doesn’t mean you can’t help me with anything.” His smile turned into a sly grin as he moved closer and looked down at her.

“You’re sure a sight for sore eyes.” He set his bag down before putting his hands on Stacy’s shoulders. “Miss me?”

How can I help?

Catching a glimpse of Scott's smile made Hope's own smile grow. She missed that smile, she missed it so much. If that was all that would come from tonight Hope would be happy. Even if it was such a small thing, to her it was everything.

   "Yeah I kinda got the impression that Justin was slightly different. That can be good sometimes though. Some people just need a little something different than the norm."

Looking down at her tea Hope watches the steam rise. She was happy Justin was helping Scott. He needed someone, and she was just tankful there was a someone there to help. Somewhere deep inside she was sad that she couldn't have helped him but she never let that selfish though surface more. Scott was getting help, and thats what mattered, no matter what.

   "Ah, I dont think I heard anything about that. Than again I just keep to myself lately unless I have to talk to someone. So I might not have heard out of my own doing. I wouldn't mind if he joined the team though. He seems like an ok guy."

Hearing the noise of a car coming up the drive way Ashlee's ear perk up. One might think living at the ranch you would get use to the sound of crunching stone, and while that might be true, this crunching was different. It was louder like something more than a normal truck or car was driving over it.

Peeking out the track room window she just watch as Eric parks, and gets out of the truck. She wanted to go and say hi but something stopped her. He would not be around long, he'd be leaving again. It had hurt the first time, would it be ten times as back the second time around? Maybe she wouldn't great him, and save herself the pain. Maybe he didn't even care if she did or not.

Hearing the truck pull up the driveway Stacy can't help the thump that started to beat harder in her chest. She new it was Eric's truck and she couldn't help she was excited to see him. She really has missed him even if she hadn't said anything to anyone.

Following behind him but not letting herself be seen she smiles just watching him. It was in the moments when he didn't know she was watching Stacy loved best. There was just a look about him, a longing, maybe an excitement, but it was nice.

Thinking she'd kept herself hidden long enough Stacy comes out of the shadows walking behind Eric before stopping and crossing her arms over her chest with a stern look on her face but still a twinkle in her eyes.

   "You look lost! Can I help you with something?"

Being pulled into Gunner's lap Bree just puts her arms around Gunner's neck. Looking up at those stars for the first time tonight made Bree think. She'd always listened to Gunner, her ear always open but had she ever really heard him? Maybe he just wanted someone to stop telling him no, and ask how can I help instead. Everyone, even herself had been so focused on telling him no, and worrying about what he might do that maybe they had all missed the simple answer to this whole thing.

   "What can I do to help?"

Bree leans her head down a little to look Gunner in the eye as she gave a soft smile. She meant it, she wanted to know how she could help.

   "And don't tell me no. You have missing pieces, than I want to help you find them, together. Just tell me what to do. I'll read files, papers, I'll go talk to people do research, just tell me how I can help you. Maybe fresh set of eyes can find something you miss?!"

Missing Pieces

Scott smiled, just listening to Hope. He'd forgotten how much he enjoyed the sound of her voice.

"Yeah, I guess my life is mostly about work, too. That, and keeping Domino happy." He chuckled before taking another sip of coffee. "'Course...I see Justin quite a bit still.  But...things are getting better...I think."

He studied Hope's eyes for a moment, wishing he were braver. Stronger. More confident. If he was, he wouldn't still need Justin as a crutch to keep on going. To keep on living. He was still so scared of so many things. But at least he was doing a few more things again...like this, tonight.

"He's a pretty whacked guy, ya know?" Scott gained back his grin. "I never know what he's gonna think up next. Funny thing is, most of what he does works, even when I don't want to admit it. I got wind that Reese wanted him around more often but haven't heard anything else about it since."


Though Gunner heard the soft click of the door and the gentle rustle of grass, he didn't turn. He knew it was Bree. It wasn't clear how, but he knew it was her. Feeling her hand, he let his fingers intertwine with hers. His eyes remained on the sky though. 

"All those stars," he whispered. "In a huge universe so big that a man is nothing but a spec. And this one spec can't even function anymore." He sighed. He knew Bree was worried about him. He hated this entire thing. But he was also growing weary of trying so hard to appear cheerful. 

"I can't let it go." His voice was still hushed. "I can't do it, no matter how many times Hope tells me I need to. There's a batch of puzzle pieces in my mind, and as long as they're there, I have to figure out how they fit. I can't not. I just...I can't. And yet...it's an impossible task. Like it always has been. Ever since I woke up in the hospital. Life has been impossible. Being alive isn't hard. Living is. I can't live with missing pieces." 

Gunner only partially realized he was beginning to ramble in circles now. Thankfully, he paused long enough to stop before he turned, walked a few steps back to the porch and sat down, pulling Bree into his lap. Nuzzling his face down into her shoulder, he remained silent. His eyes were dry but his soul was crying. 


Several days passed and, as promised, Eric's truck rumbled into the ranch driveway. He'd hoped to be back by noon, but as luck would have it, supper would be soon. At least it wasn't dark out yet.

After parking his rig near the garage, he slid from the cab and stretched his aching body. There was something oddly comforting about being on the road...but sitting for so long wasn't something he particularly enjoyed. Grabbing his duffel bag, he slung it over his shoulder and aimed for his bunk. And while his plan was to take ten minutes and clean up, that didn't mean his eyes didn't wander, looking for Stacy or Ashlee. Without a phone, he hadn't been able to tell Stacy exactly when he'd be back.

Sometimes...

Sitting down with Scott Hope takes a sip of her tea. It was late, and she new tomorrow would be an early day for her, so drinking coffee at this time was probley not the best thing. So tea was a second choice but tasted just as good.

Studying Scott for a long moment Hope is quiet. So many things she wanted to say but the option at the moment of saying nothing seemed right. She'd wondered how Scott was but asking that seemed so silly to her and yet so big at the same time. Maybe it was more of just soaking up the moment that kept her quiet since Scott had not actually talked, or spent time with her at all.

Finally hearing Scott speak a small smile spreads across hopes lips. Giving a small nod as she takes a sip of her tea before replying.

   "Well we haven't talked in a while, and most of the time that starts the conversation for how are you. So you don't have to ask, I'll just start."

Hope smiles again. She was trying to make this a little less awkward but felt as though she was failing.

   "I'm doing pretty good. Some days are better than others but I can't complain. I am doing a lot better than I was so thats a good thing. Most of my days are spent with, work, work and oh ya more work, and every now an than a cup of tea or coffee with a friend."

Ashlee stops for a second before helping Dylan with another bale of hay deep in thought for a second. Dylan did make a good point, and it probley had nothing to with her her mom, and herself but still there was a linger doubt, or wonder. Would it always be this hard? When he would leave again, but it always seem as tough and confusing?

   "Yeah, I know your right. I guess there is just that linger feeling in my head. I mean my dad left a long time ago, so I guess I just think one day Eric will too."

Giving her head a little shake Ashlee goes back to work.  She as she got older those kinds of things, like questions about her father bothered her more and more but she didn't like talking about them, or thinking about them, and the last thing she wanted to do was ask her mom about them.

   "Sure, I'd like to ride with you. I'll do anything to stop my brain from running away with itself."

Getting up for a drink of water Bree checked the living room to see if Gunner was still sleeping. Not seeing him on the couch she wondered where he could of gone. Seeing the back door was open a little bit Bree pads across the tile floor. Stopping at the screen door for a second she just watches Gunner before finally opening the door and walking down next to him. Sliding her hand into his she says nothing but looks up at him with a small smile. Maybe quiet was not a bad thing sometimes, and maybe the silence could speak louder than any words.

  

How are you?

Scott grinned and followed Hope out of her office, glad she'd said yes. Not that he'd thought she wouldn't, but at least he knew for sure now that she wasn't holding a grudge for how he'd pushed her away before. "Okay, well... yeah, I'll follow you there." 

Oblivious to anything other than happiness, Domino trotted along behind both of them before obediently veering off to go with Scott to his car. She wouldn't mind being left in the car for a while in the Coffee Bean parking lot...as long as she had at least one toy and one bone to chew on. 

Sitting across from Hope, Scott cradled the coffee up between his hands, just enjoying the warmth. After losing so much weight, it seemed he was cold more frequently, and he'd learned to appreciate hot things like coffee. His good eye focused on the dark, steaming liquid, while his mind tried not to be nervous. For one thing, it was after dark, and for another, being with Hope felt more awkward than it should. 

A small smile creased his lips before he finally looked up at her. "Now that I invited you here, I'm afraid small talk has eluded me. 'How are you' seems rather trite, but I'm not sure what else to say."


Dylan lets Ashlee fall into step beside him, just letting her talk as they stacked the hay bales. He couldn't help it that his eyebrows lifted slightly. He knew she liked Eric - that had been obvious to him since the beginning. What he didn't know was just how much she did like him and wanted him to be around. It wasn't the most foreign thing to him, but through his own experiences with his father, he'd settled on being a loner and couldn't really relate to Ashlee's feelings. That didn't mean he didn't care though. 

"Sorry..." He hefted another bale up on top of the stack. "Can't say that I can relate, but I know Eric pretty well, and I'm sure him being gone's got nothing to do with you. Or your mom, for that matter." 

He paused to wipe some sweat from his brow. "Apart from him wanting to be able to support a family. Doesn't make it any less sucky though." He shrugged. "I gotta exercise a couple horses when I'm done here - wanna ride with me? Might make you feel better." 


Bree's words hit Gunner's heart in such a way that tears pooled in his eyes before he looked away. He said nothing, but just pulled her a little closer and kissed the top of her head. To be safe from his nightmare...that's all he wanted...

...It wasn't until several hours later that his mind wandered to places he didn't want it to. Bree had long since gone to bed, and so had he, but another bad dream had woken him. At first, he'd headed to the kitchen to get a drink, then tried to go back to bed, got up to use the bathroom, went back to bed, then got up again. It was pointless. He was so tired, but his mind was refusing to shut down. 

After throwing on his jeans and a t-shirt, he wandered out into the back yard, letting the prickly grass surround his bare feet. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he stood and stared up at the bright moon. It was a cloudless night, perfect for stargazing. Yet he didn't even want to use his telescope tonight. Even his passion for that had seemed to dwindle. 

Silly...I Know

Seeing a small grin slip across Scott's lips Hope couldn't help the smile of her own that grew a little bit and the small little bit of hope in her heart. It had been a long time since she had see Scott smile, or grin and really mean it. Something about this one though Hope could see a little glimmer, one that some might have thought was all but lost. But it was there still, and this time she had confirmation. Even if it was just that, at least it was something for her to hold on too.

As Scott turns to leave Hope just watches him. She wanted to see if maybe he'd like to get something to eat, but he'd made it loud and clear to her before that there was no them, or anything anymore so many it wasn't a good idea. Even if everything in her body was screaming at her to say something.

When Scott stops, and turns a little Hope perks up slightly. Hearing his comment about Mountain dew, and than about getting coffee. She can't help her heart starting to race just a bit more over the whole thing. She didn't want to get to excited who new the outcome, but it was better than nothing at this poing.

   "Work all night??? Me??? NEVER!"

Hope can't help the silly smile as she closes the one draw on her desk and strands grabbing her jacket. Coming up behind Scott she gives him a small shove on the shoulder. 

   "I guess I have been working to much, and coffee sounds pretty good right about now."

Not realizing anyone else was in the barn Ashlee stops with a little jump before looking up at Dylan. Why she thought no one would be here at this time of day was not clear to her. Than again she wasn't really thinking right now. 

   "I guess so. Stupid reason to be upset anyways I guess."

Rerouting herself a little bit Ashlee throws on some gloves, and comes around to where Dylan was to help him. She could sulk alone, or try and help to get her mind off things. Either way she hoped not to many questions were asked.  She wasn't even sure how she was feeling to try and put it into words.

   "Just upset Eric will be on the road a little longer. He has to make a living but...I dont know. Guess I just missing having him around and seeing my mom smile. Silly...I know but...I guess growing up without a dad, and than having someone there and gone again bothered me more than I thought it would."

Leaning on Gunner Bree did notice how little Gunner eat even if he didn't want her to notice. She always took not to that stuff. Specially when it was harder to tell if she was paying attahcen. She wouldn't say anything at the moment though. He'd had a little to eat, and a little was better than nothing in her mind so that was good. 

Continuing to watch the movie Bree gives a little jump as Gunner's body gives a jolt. Moving around a little bit to look at him a little better she gives him a small smile reaching up and brushing his face a little.

   "You're safe to fall asleep here, I promise not to let anything bad happy to you."