Dispite the events of the morning the afternoon was better. Angel enjoyed shopping with Travis and getting him some of the stuff he needed. Angel enjoyed it and if he paid her back he did, if not she was ok with that too.
Sitting in the diner dinner was good and the light talk was nice as well. Seeing Travis smile if only small amounts at a time was better than nothing and it made her feel good. She liked seeing his smile, and it was the last she could do.
"You are very welcome. I'm happy I was able to be there."
Sitting back in the seat Angel popped a tatter tot in her mouth thinking or a long moment just studying him. Giving a smile and a small nod she spoke again.
"Ya know...I always wanted a son, but it was never in my cards. So it was really nice for me too to be able to take you around. So thank you as well, for letting me come along with you."
Leaning forward again and swirling the ice in her glass Angel watched it for a second before looking up again a small twinkle in her eye. She'd seen him and Ashlee handing out and it made her smile. She needed friends and Travis needed them too.
"I think that jacket you picked out looks really nice too. I bet Ashlee will like it as well."
Looking up at Travis she let the comment linger or a moment before continuing.
"She needs friends, I'm happy you guys have connected."
Looking up at Garret Maggie nodded and tried to smile. She was happy to hear that he would be ok. She had been very worried. Though he might not be out of the woods, and was at least a little more confidant.
Hearing Garret say she was prettier when she smiled Maggie couldn't help that she cheeks went red. Looking away from him shyly.
"Ok, I'll to try and smile more."
Hearing about breakfast Maggie perked up and smiled again. She was always hungry so food always made her happy. Still holding Garret's hand she walks twords the house tugging on his hand.
"Come on, lets go see what she made."
10/15/16
Smile
Travis just nodded numbly, knowing Angel was right about telling his dad. But it would have to wait until he was ready, and he had no idea when that would be.
At the offer - or command - to go shopping, Travis threw Angel a quick look. Was she serious? He opened his mouth to argue, but clamped it shut again, and finally just nodded. A little smile actually surfaced as he buckled himself in again. "I do amazing at cleaning offices..."
He helped Angel navigate the town and they only had to stop at a couple different places so he could get some personal items, some new bedding of his own, and a new jacket since he'd forgotten to grab his on the way out the door. In the back of his mind, Travis knew he would want to pay back Angel somehow eventually, but for the moment, just to have her love on him felt...nice. It was so different than anything his mom had ever done with him. She actually made him feel good about himself, and after the earlier episode, it was just what he needed.
Stopping at a little diner on the way out of town satisfied both their stomachs. Travis picked at the last few of his fries, dragging one through the ketchup before looking across at Angel. His eyes were close to normal again, and the mark on his face had settled somewhat. "Thank you," he mentioned quietly. "For...all this. Everything. I'm...really glad you came with me today."
He bit off the end of the fry and chewed it slowly. "I... don't know what I would have done without your help."
Garret had always deemed himself intelligent and able to handle anything that came his way. But looking down into Maggie's fearful eyes, he felt completely inept.
He fiddled with her hand and shook his head, trying to give her a smile, but it didn't feel very wide. "I'm feeling better," he assured. Actually he was about ready to collapse, but he wouldn't tell her that. "And I'm certainty not going to die. Okay?"
He looked at her a little more sternly. "I want you to stop worrying about me, alright? I know it can be scary, but you're a lot prettier when you smile than when you frown."
Pausing, he glanced to the house. "I bet Laura has breakfast ready by now. Wanna go see?"
At the offer - or command - to go shopping, Travis threw Angel a quick look. Was she serious? He opened his mouth to argue, but clamped it shut again, and finally just nodded. A little smile actually surfaced as he buckled himself in again. "I do amazing at cleaning offices..."
He helped Angel navigate the town and they only had to stop at a couple different places so he could get some personal items, some new bedding of his own, and a new jacket since he'd forgotten to grab his on the way out the door. In the back of his mind, Travis knew he would want to pay back Angel somehow eventually, but for the moment, just to have her love on him felt...nice. It was so different than anything his mom had ever done with him. She actually made him feel good about himself, and after the earlier episode, it was just what he needed.
Stopping at a little diner on the way out of town satisfied both their stomachs. Travis picked at the last few of his fries, dragging one through the ketchup before looking across at Angel. His eyes were close to normal again, and the mark on his face had settled somewhat. "Thank you," he mentioned quietly. "For...all this. Everything. I'm...really glad you came with me today."
He bit off the end of the fry and chewed it slowly. "I... don't know what I would have done without your help."
Garret had always deemed himself intelligent and able to handle anything that came his way. But looking down into Maggie's fearful eyes, he felt completely inept.
He fiddled with her hand and shook his head, trying to give her a smile, but it didn't feel very wide. "I'm feeling better," he assured. Actually he was about ready to collapse, but he wouldn't tell her that. "And I'm certainty not going to die. Okay?"
He looked at her a little more sternly. "I want you to stop worrying about me, alright? I know it can be scary, but you're a lot prettier when you smile than when you frown."
Pausing, he glanced to the house. "I bet Laura has breakfast ready by now. Wanna go see?"
Dinner and Ice Cream
Looking at Travis while he spoke and pleaded with her Angel didn't think her heart could break anymore but it did, some how it did. She really hoped she would never see Amber because if she did...She didn't think to think about that. She just hoped she never did.
"I wont tell him, I promise but I do think sooner or later you do need to. Even if he does blame himself, he needs to know. But I will leave that time up to you."
Thinking again for a long moment Angel was quiet just listing. Well if Travis hadn't been able to bring the stuff he needed, than Angel would have to fix that. Not to mention she didn't really want to go back back to the ranch. If they did Travis would probley hide himself away, than Lane would asked questions and they would have to dodge them. She didn't want to deal with that, and she wanted Travis to be ok first.
"Alright so...lets head to the store and get you some more stuff you are going to need since all you could bring was clothing. Don't worry you can pay me back later, or I'll make you clean my office or something, and don't argue. I'm not very good at it so you will probable end up winning and I just..want to do this for you."
Starting up truck again Angel buckled her seat belt. She didn't know her way around here very well but this would be an adventure for both of them. Maybe something to take Travis' mind off everything, if only for a little while.
"After that dinner, and ice cream...because I am starving at the moment."
Maggie was happy Garret was there to help and when they were finished she was still sad, but felt a little better knowing that even if the Bird had died they did something nice for it. Looking up at Garret for a moment she tried to smile a little before taking his free hand again in hers. She was quiet for a moment before speaking again.
"You are not going to die are you? Are you feeling better now?"
Looking down again for a second she drew in a deep breath before continuing.
"Whenever I get sick, there is always a chance I could die. My body cant fight as well as other peoples. It's really scary sometimes."
"I wont tell him, I promise but I do think sooner or later you do need to. Even if he does blame himself, he needs to know. But I will leave that time up to you."
Thinking again for a long moment Angel was quiet just listing. Well if Travis hadn't been able to bring the stuff he needed, than Angel would have to fix that. Not to mention she didn't really want to go back back to the ranch. If they did Travis would probley hide himself away, than Lane would asked questions and they would have to dodge them. She didn't want to deal with that, and she wanted Travis to be ok first.
"Alright so...lets head to the store and get you some more stuff you are going to need since all you could bring was clothing. Don't worry you can pay me back later, or I'll make you clean my office or something, and don't argue. I'm not very good at it so you will probable end up winning and I just..want to do this for you."
Starting up truck again Angel buckled her seat belt. She didn't know her way around here very well but this would be an adventure for both of them. Maybe something to take Travis' mind off everything, if only for a little while.
"After that dinner, and ice cream...because I am starving at the moment."
Maggie was happy Garret was there to help and when they were finished she was still sad, but felt a little better knowing that even if the Bird had died they did something nice for it. Looking up at Garret for a moment she tried to smile a little before taking his free hand again in hers. She was quiet for a moment before speaking again.
"You are not going to die are you? Are you feeling better now?"
Looking down again for a second she drew in a deep breath before continuing.
"Whenever I get sick, there is always a chance I could die. My body cant fight as well as other peoples. It's really scary sometimes."
Secret
As Angel parked the truck, Travis didn't understand why, but didn't
bother asking. He was too upset to care. Being pulled into a hug was the
last thing he expected, and while a part of him felt too awkward for
this, the rest of him simply melted into the love that was being
offered. Curling into her embrace, he hid his face against her shoulder
as he cried.
He felt stupid, manipulated and ashamed. Ashamed that his mother was the type of person she was, ashamed that he had never had guts enough to end it, and ashamed now, to feel such a need for Angel's comfort.
Time didn't seem to matter, but eventually Travis' tears were spent. Shrinking back a little, he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, his face slightly flushed from embarrassment as he stared at the floor. His hat had fallen off at some point, and he now played with it in his lap. "You can't tell Dad," he begged quietly. "If he knew..." He swallowed hard. "If he knew how long this had been going on, he'd...he'd blame himself."
He finally looked up at Angel, his eyes swollen and bloodshot. "She didn't want me to take anything. Said she bought it all anyway...so I mostly just grabbed clothes. I...I can just tell Dad that's all I wanted." His gaze begged her to keep his secret. "Please...for his sake."
Garret followed Maggie over to the small tree and nodded. "Okay." He glanced around, then gestured back to the house. "You go get the bird...and I'll meet you back here." He patted her shoulder, then wandered to the tool shed where he'd been before when helping Nate fix the sprinkler. It was easy to find a little garden trowel. That's all he would need.
Meeting Maggie back at the tree as promised, he knelt down and dug a small hole, but deep enough no neighborhood cats would come dig it up. He let Maggie place the bird in the hole, then had her help fill it back in, which took all of a minute or two, tops.
Standing again, he fiddled with the trowel before looking over at her sad face again. He sighed, then took the edge of his shirt and wiped her face with it, to clean off the tears. "There... you'll be okay... I promise."
He felt stupid, manipulated and ashamed. Ashamed that his mother was the type of person she was, ashamed that he had never had guts enough to end it, and ashamed now, to feel such a need for Angel's comfort.
Time didn't seem to matter, but eventually Travis' tears were spent. Shrinking back a little, he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, his face slightly flushed from embarrassment as he stared at the floor. His hat had fallen off at some point, and he now played with it in his lap. "You can't tell Dad," he begged quietly. "If he knew..." He swallowed hard. "If he knew how long this had been going on, he'd...he'd blame himself."
He finally looked up at Angel, his eyes swollen and bloodshot. "She didn't want me to take anything. Said she bought it all anyway...so I mostly just grabbed clothes. I...I can just tell Dad that's all I wanted." His gaze begged her to keep his secret. "Please...for his sake."
Garret followed Maggie over to the small tree and nodded. "Okay." He glanced around, then gestured back to the house. "You go get the bird...and I'll meet you back here." He patted her shoulder, then wandered to the tool shed where he'd been before when helping Nate fix the sprinkler. It was easy to find a little garden trowel. That's all he would need.
Meeting Maggie back at the tree as promised, he knelt down and dug a small hole, but deep enough no neighborhood cats would come dig it up. He let Maggie place the bird in the hole, then had her help fill it back in, which took all of a minute or two, tops.
Standing again, he fiddled with the trowel before looking over at her sad face again. He sighed, then took the edge of his shirt and wiped her face with it, to clean off the tears. "There... you'll be okay... I promise."
No words
Listing to Travis again Angel new already what had happened today but at his hint this wasn't the first time her heart broke into a million more pieces than it already was. How do anyone do this to a person, let alone there own child to abuse them, to physically hurt them. It made her blood boil more than it already was, and it put an anger in her very few had ever seen. She tried not to let it show though for Travis' sake. He was a good kids, with a good head on his shoulders and he hurt him simply because he didn't bend to her will, he didn't do what she wanted.
"No one deserves to be treated that way Travis, I'm so sorry sweetheart."
Angel didn't know what other words to say. She'd never dealt with something like this before but her heart ached. Glancing at him and seeing the tears that rolled down his cheek it ached even more. Pulling over into a parking lot Angel turned the truck off and looked at Travis for a moment before adjusting herself and leaning over to pull him into a hug. She just holded him letting him cry or whatever he needed into her shoulder. As she gently rubbed his back.
"Shhh...It's going to be ok."
She didn't have words, but she did have her love and that was just as good as a million words if not better that could flow from her to him. She hardly new him but loved him so much and was so happy he would be at the ranch for a while. He needed to heal, not physically anymore to meantly, and she couldn't think of a better place.
As Garret wraps his arms around Maggie she just sinks into them burying her face into his chest. She was sad, and all she could do was cry. Things just were not fair. She wasn't sure how long she just stood there wrapped in Garret's hug till finally she backed away. Wiping her eyes again she looked up at him.
"I don't know. Maybe over here..by this tree."
Maggie walked a little ways to the back where a small tree maybe here size was panted. It wasn't fully grown, looked as though maybe it was only planted a year or two ago.
"I think this will be a good spot."
"No one deserves to be treated that way Travis, I'm so sorry sweetheart."
Angel didn't know what other words to say. She'd never dealt with something like this before but her heart ached. Glancing at him and seeing the tears that rolled down his cheek it ached even more. Pulling over into a parking lot Angel turned the truck off and looked at Travis for a moment before adjusting herself and leaning over to pull him into a hug. She just holded him letting him cry or whatever he needed into her shoulder. As she gently rubbed his back.
"Shhh...It's going to be ok."
She didn't have words, but she did have her love and that was just as good as a million words if not better that could flow from her to him. She hardly new him but loved him so much and was so happy he would be at the ranch for a while. He needed to heal, not physically anymore to meantly, and she couldn't think of a better place.
As Garret wraps his arms around Maggie she just sinks into them burying her face into his chest. She was sad, and all she could do was cry. Things just were not fair. She wasn't sure how long she just stood there wrapped in Garret's hug till finally she backed away. Wiping her eyes again she looked up at him.
"I don't know. Maybe over here..by this tree."
Maggie walked a little ways to the back where a small tree maybe here size was panted. It wasn't fully grown, looked as though maybe it was only planted a year or two ago.
"I think this will be a good spot."
This time
Travis sank down further in the seat and rested his head against the window as Angel pulled away from the house. He was upset, hurt and embarrassed and would just as soon sink through the floor of the truck if he could. It was even worse that he couldn't hide the mark on his face.
As Angel asked him what happened, his determination to stay in control of his emotions started to weaken. With each passing second, the tears worked their way closer to the surface. And it was a long wait until he finally found his voice.
"She had a ring on this time," he managed. Before he could stop it, a tear broke loose and ran down his cheek. His jaw tightened so much in an effort to keep from crying that his teeth hurt.
He swallowed hard and shook his head. He knew his reference to "this time" implied it had happened before and he hadn't meant to give that much away. But now it was too late to take it back, and more words followed. "You'd think I'd learn not to defy her, after all these years of..." He couldn't finish it. Several more tears escaped, and he gingerly felt the side of his face, which stung when he touched it, which in turn produced more tears. But they didn't come from the physical pain. They came from his soul's pain.
"When I told her I was gonna stay at the ranch..." He sucked in his breath. "I just...I couldn't..." He shook his head again and gave up. Whether Angel could put his random pieces together or not, he couldn't talk any more. Not right now. Not when he couldn't speak without breaking down.
Garret wanted to turn and walk away, and yet he couldn't leave either. Maggie's tears cut him to the quick whether he liked it or not, and he just wanted to fix it so it could go away. But like he'd already told her...he couldn't.
Sighing, he stood back up again. "I don't like losing things I care about either," he admitted. Looking at her trembling hand in his own, and then back at her tear-filled eyes, he finally just couldn't stand it any longer. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her and just let her cry into his chest. It was a completely foreign feeling, and yet natural all at the same time. His body wanted to pull away and get as far away from this as possible, but his heart somehow needed this as much as Maggie did.
"Of course I'll help you bury it," he assured softly. "Just show me where."
As Angel asked him what happened, his determination to stay in control of his emotions started to weaken. With each passing second, the tears worked their way closer to the surface. And it was a long wait until he finally found his voice.
"She had a ring on this time," he managed. Before he could stop it, a tear broke loose and ran down his cheek. His jaw tightened so much in an effort to keep from crying that his teeth hurt.
He swallowed hard and shook his head. He knew his reference to "this time" implied it had happened before and he hadn't meant to give that much away. But now it was too late to take it back, and more words followed. "You'd think I'd learn not to defy her, after all these years of..." He couldn't finish it. Several more tears escaped, and he gingerly felt the side of his face, which stung when he touched it, which in turn produced more tears. But they didn't come from the physical pain. They came from his soul's pain.
"When I told her I was gonna stay at the ranch..." He sucked in his breath. "I just...I couldn't..." He shook his head again and gave up. Whether Angel could put his random pieces together or not, he couldn't talk any more. Not right now. Not when he couldn't speak without breaking down.
Garret wanted to turn and walk away, and yet he couldn't leave either. Maggie's tears cut him to the quick whether he liked it or not, and he just wanted to fix it so it could go away. But like he'd already told her...he couldn't.
Sighing, he stood back up again. "I don't like losing things I care about either," he admitted. Looking at her trembling hand in his own, and then back at her tear-filled eyes, he finally just couldn't stand it any longer. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her and just let her cry into his chest. It was a completely foreign feeling, and yet natural all at the same time. His body wanted to pull away and get as far away from this as possible, but his heart somehow needed this as much as Maggie did.
"Of course I'll help you bury it," he assured softly. "Just show me where."
Talk To Me
Angel didn't mind the long drive to take Travis. Though it was mostly quiet the whole was it was still nice. To just get away for a little bit was really nice as well as the new scenery. She got to know her nephew a little more too and she liked that.
Finally getting to Travis's moms house Angel couldn't help that her mouth was hanging open just a little bit. What a big house, and it looked so nice. She couldn't imagen living in something so big, and she was happy with what she did have but the house was beautiful.
"No problem I'll wait here."
Angel didn't mind waiting till Travis gave the ok so when he came out with just a duffle bag and got into the car she was slightly confused. Surely he had more stuff than that. As he got into the truck though his words confirmed he was done and the tension in the air was so thick it felt like the air was such out of the truck altogether. Catching the mark on his face Angel didn't say anything but worry grew. This was not something from when he was abducted. This was fresh, and her blood boiled thinking happened. But she remained quiet pulling out of the driveway and heading home.
Getting down the road a little ways Angel just couldn't not ask. She was worried, sad and angry...she cared, and she couldn't ignore what she say.
"Travis...what happened in there? Talking to me...please?"
"But why...why do things have to die? This baby bird didn't even get a chance to live yet."
The tears still streamed down Maggie's cheeks. She new about death, But she still didn't like it and she wanted Garret to fix it, even if she new he couldn't. She was sad, she was hurt, she was angry. It just wasnt fair.
"I just wanted to make it better, I wanted it to be able to live the life it was meant too, but now it can't. I don't like losing things I care about."
Maggie's hand trembled in Garret's her tears still streaming down her face. She was happy Garret was there with her. Even if she couldn't understand why he couldn't fix it at least her was there with her. Looking up at him with her big eyes she used her other hand to wiping some of the tears away.
"Will...you help be bury it?"
Giving a small smile to Jason Katie nods. Seeing Trooper would be nice. Stepping away from Jason she lets out a small sigh before making her way to his office and slips inside to say hi to her other big friend. He was always a pleasure to see Trooper and she was happy to have him in the office. It would give Katie and excuse to be alone than out on the main floor.
Finally getting to Travis's moms house Angel couldn't help that her mouth was hanging open just a little bit. What a big house, and it looked so nice. She couldn't imagen living in something so big, and she was happy with what she did have but the house was beautiful.
"No problem I'll wait here."
Angel didn't mind waiting till Travis gave the ok so when he came out with just a duffle bag and got into the car she was slightly confused. Surely he had more stuff than that. As he got into the truck though his words confirmed he was done and the tension in the air was so thick it felt like the air was such out of the truck altogether. Catching the mark on his face Angel didn't say anything but worry grew. This was not something from when he was abducted. This was fresh, and her blood boiled thinking happened. But she remained quiet pulling out of the driveway and heading home.
Getting down the road a little ways Angel just couldn't not ask. She was worried, sad and angry...she cared, and she couldn't ignore what she say.
"Travis...what happened in there? Talking to me...please?"
"But why...why do things have to die? This baby bird didn't even get a chance to live yet."
The tears still streamed down Maggie's cheeks. She new about death, But she still didn't like it and she wanted Garret to fix it, even if she new he couldn't. She was sad, she was hurt, she was angry. It just wasnt fair.
"I just wanted to make it better, I wanted it to be able to live the life it was meant too, but now it can't. I don't like losing things I care about."
Maggie's hand trembled in Garret's her tears still streaming down her face. She was happy Garret was there with her. Even if she couldn't understand why he couldn't fix it at least her was there with her. Looking up at him with her big eyes she used her other hand to wiping some of the tears away.
"Will...you help be bury it?"
Giving a small smile to Jason Katie nods. Seeing Trooper would be nice. Stepping away from Jason she lets out a small sigh before making her way to his office and slips inside to say hi to her other big friend. He was always a pleasure to see Trooper and she was happy to have him in the office. It would give Katie and excuse to be alone than out on the main floor.
Cut
Jason was glad Katie returned his hug. At least she hadn't refused and...maybe later he'd dwell on the fact that right or wrong, good or bad, it sure felt nice to have her in his arms again, even if only for a couple seconds. In that couple seconds, he was reminded of all the good times...all the times he'd held her. All the times he'd never wanted to let her go. But he had. More than once. And had paid for it.
As she stepped back, he rolled his eyes about Rick. "Yeah, you're prolly right. As far as going anywhere today, I have a feeling I'm going to be staying put. So you won't have to worry about that." He smirked a little, then finally turned to continue limping towards Reese's office. "Trooper's in my office," he mentioned over his shoulder. "If you wanted to go say hi."
Hearing Maggie's urgent voice, Garret looked up quickly. What on earth was going on? Without much choice as she took his hand to pull him along, he stepped off the porch and followed behind her until they'd come to the little shoe box.
Bewilderment was plastered on his face. A box. A homemade nest. And a baby bird that appeared to be...dead? He wouldn't have guessed Maggie to be the sadistic type, but the scene made him wonder. Only for a moment though, as with her explanation it all started making more sense. But her question sent his mind reeling.
Looking down at her, he couldn't believe her request. There were some situations in which she appeared to be so mature and intelligent. And in the next instant, she was but a child with a child's understanding of the world. And in this case, that understanding had a very cruel outcome. He swallowed hard. Wasn't this something Nate should handle? He didn't know what to do. What should he say? And why couldn't he just tell her the way it was? Why did he care about those sorrowful eyes looking back up at him? Why did they make his heart feel like this?
"I...can't," he answered softly. "When something dies, it..." Death. Such a final thing. How many lives had he, himself, ended without a second thought? This was just a bird. But it represented so much more. Life and death were never important to him. But to Maggie...this insignificant death was destroying her whole world.
Taking a knee in front of her and keeping her hand in his, he looked up at her. Nate should be doing this, not him. But he was stuck. "When something dies, it doesn't come back," he explained as gently as he could without having had any practice. "There is no making it better. It's just...over." He glanced down at the bird, then back up at Maggie. "The only thing you can do is bury it and always remember it."
All Lane could do was nod at his sister. He knew she'd take good care of Travis. He just wished he could be involved to help. Though Travis was at least speaking with him, it hurt that he wouldn't let him help.
Travis nodded to Angel. "Okay. I'm good to go."
...It took a little more than an hour and a half, but driving through town, Travis directed Angel through the streets until coming into a very wealthy area. Trees, iron fences and sprawling estates. Most people would do anything to live in a place like this, but Travis never had been impressed.
"Right up here." He pointed to the next estate. The gate was open today - one less thing to worry about. The driveway was long and curved around to a very large brick house with a well-manicured lawn and hedges. The back was out of sight, but it held two flower gardens and a big in-ground swimming pool.
"Just park anywhere here," Travis directed. As they stopped, he looked up to the front door and sighed. "Um..." He glanced at Angel. "How about I go in first and just...tell Mom what's going on first. Then I'll start throwing things together and once I need your help bringing stuff out, I'll come get you." The last thing he wanted was a confrontation, and he wouldn't put anything past his mother. He didn't wait for a response - this was just the way it was going to be. After sliding from the truck, he went up to the house and tried the door, which was open, and slipped inside.
It wasn't nearly as long as it felt it should have been before the front door opened again. Fifteen minutes? Maybe twenty, tops. Travis came out with a single duffel bag slung over his shoulder and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. His stride was deliberate and fast until he got to the pickup and slid inside after throwing his bag in the back. He wouldn't look at Angel. "Let's go," he requested hoarsely. The atmosphere around him was so tense that it was almost visible. "I'm done."
He had nothing more than the one bag, and a very red mark on the side of his face, about the size of someone's hand, surrounding a fresh cut.
As she stepped back, he rolled his eyes about Rick. "Yeah, you're prolly right. As far as going anywhere today, I have a feeling I'm going to be staying put. So you won't have to worry about that." He smirked a little, then finally turned to continue limping towards Reese's office. "Trooper's in my office," he mentioned over his shoulder. "If you wanted to go say hi."
Hearing Maggie's urgent voice, Garret looked up quickly. What on earth was going on? Without much choice as she took his hand to pull him along, he stepped off the porch and followed behind her until they'd come to the little shoe box.
Bewilderment was plastered on his face. A box. A homemade nest. And a baby bird that appeared to be...dead? He wouldn't have guessed Maggie to be the sadistic type, but the scene made him wonder. Only for a moment though, as with her explanation it all started making more sense. But her question sent his mind reeling.
Looking down at her, he couldn't believe her request. There were some situations in which she appeared to be so mature and intelligent. And in the next instant, she was but a child with a child's understanding of the world. And in this case, that understanding had a very cruel outcome. He swallowed hard. Wasn't this something Nate should handle? He didn't know what to do. What should he say? And why couldn't he just tell her the way it was? Why did he care about those sorrowful eyes looking back up at him? Why did they make his heart feel like this?
"I...can't," he answered softly. "When something dies, it..." Death. Such a final thing. How many lives had he, himself, ended without a second thought? This was just a bird. But it represented so much more. Life and death were never important to him. But to Maggie...this insignificant death was destroying her whole world.
Taking a knee in front of her and keeping her hand in his, he looked up at her. Nate should be doing this, not him. But he was stuck. "When something dies, it doesn't come back," he explained as gently as he could without having had any practice. "There is no making it better. It's just...over." He glanced down at the bird, then back up at Maggie. "The only thing you can do is bury it and always remember it."
All Lane could do was nod at his sister. He knew she'd take good care of Travis. He just wished he could be involved to help. Though Travis was at least speaking with him, it hurt that he wouldn't let him help.
Travis nodded to Angel. "Okay. I'm good to go."
...It took a little more than an hour and a half, but driving through town, Travis directed Angel through the streets until coming into a very wealthy area. Trees, iron fences and sprawling estates. Most people would do anything to live in a place like this, but Travis never had been impressed.
"Right up here." He pointed to the next estate. The gate was open today - one less thing to worry about. The driveway was long and curved around to a very large brick house with a well-manicured lawn and hedges. The back was out of sight, but it held two flower gardens and a big in-ground swimming pool.
"Just park anywhere here," Travis directed. As they stopped, he looked up to the front door and sighed. "Um..." He glanced at Angel. "How about I go in first and just...tell Mom what's going on first. Then I'll start throwing things together and once I need your help bringing stuff out, I'll come get you." The last thing he wanted was a confrontation, and he wouldn't put anything past his mother. He didn't wait for a response - this was just the way it was going to be. After sliding from the truck, he went up to the house and tried the door, which was open, and slipped inside.
It wasn't nearly as long as it felt it should have been before the front door opened again. Fifteen minutes? Maybe twenty, tops. Travis came out with a single duffel bag slung over his shoulder and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. His stride was deliberate and fast until he got to the pickup and slid inside after throwing his bag in the back. He wouldn't look at Angel. "Let's go," he requested hoarsely. The atmosphere around him was so tense that it was almost visible. "I'm done."
He had nothing more than the one bag, and a very red mark on the side of his face, about the size of someone's hand, surrounding a fresh cut.
Help Plz
As Jason stepped closer Katie was just a little surprised he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. But than she let herself relax and her arms went around him too returning the hug. It was warm, it was friendly, and it was just really nice. She'd missed these hugs from Jason. They were always different from other hugs even if it wasn't intended.
"Thanks J, that means a lot. I might end up taking you up on that. Not right now, but...maybe soon."
Just soaking up the warmth of Jason's hug moment catches Katie's sight as Rick pokes his head out of the intermarry. Giving a small chuckle before stepping away from Jason and nodding twords were Rick was.
"The Hawk is watching. You better go tell Reese whats going on before he does. Might lesson the blow coming from you. I'll be here the rest of the day if you need to go anywhere later."
Coming around the back of the house Maggie stopped when she was Garret. She was on her way to get Laura but seeing Garret there was just as good. Tears stained her face, as her voice was strained with an urgency.
"Garret....I need your help please...follow me."
She waited for a moment to make sure Garret was ok and than took his hands to over around the side of the house. In a tiny shoe box was tissue, and leafs making up a nice bed. Inside was a baby bird, the bird was dead, but it looked like someone had been taking a great deal of care on it.
"This bird fell its nest up there, and I was trying to take care of it...and it died. Will you help me make it better now?"
Looking up from the table, and than between Lane and Travis Angel felt bad but new that it probley was best. Lane's ex wife hated him, and he loved her...it would save a lot of heart ache. Not to mention Travis had enough stress right now without that added too.
"I'm ready now if you are. Than way we can get back before its to late."
Standing Angel gives a smile to him. She'd promised to drive him she would, and she wanted this to be the least stress possible for Travis. He had been through so much already. Placing a hand on her brother shoulder she tried her best to comfort him.
"I'll take care of him, promise."
"Thanks J, that means a lot. I might end up taking you up on that. Not right now, but...maybe soon."
Just soaking up the warmth of Jason's hug moment catches Katie's sight as Rick pokes his head out of the intermarry. Giving a small chuckle before stepping away from Jason and nodding twords were Rick was.
"The Hawk is watching. You better go tell Reese whats going on before he does. Might lesson the blow coming from you. I'll be here the rest of the day if you need to go anywhere later."
Coming around the back of the house Maggie stopped when she was Garret. She was on her way to get Laura but seeing Garret there was just as good. Tears stained her face, as her voice was strained with an urgency.
"Garret....I need your help please...follow me."
She waited for a moment to make sure Garret was ok and than took his hands to over around the side of the house. In a tiny shoe box was tissue, and leafs making up a nice bed. Inside was a baby bird, the bird was dead, but it looked like someone had been taking a great deal of care on it.
"This bird fell its nest up there, and I was trying to take care of it...and it died. Will you help me make it better now?"
Looking up from the table, and than between Lane and Travis Angel felt bad but new that it probley was best. Lane's ex wife hated him, and he loved her...it would save a lot of heart ache. Not to mention Travis had enough stress right now without that added too.
"I'm ready now if you are. Than way we can get back before its to late."
Standing Angel gives a smile to him. She'd promised to drive him she would, and she wanted this to be the least stress possible for Travis. He had been through so much already. Placing a hand on her brother shoulder she tried her best to comfort him.
"I'll take care of him, promise."
Strange feelings
Jason couldn't help the look of shock on his face. What on earth had happened last night? It had to have been after the little party because Katie had invited Hunter to pizza with them. "I..." What could he say? She looked stressed. Unhappy. Hurt. "I'm so sorry." He really did mean it. Even though he'd been jealous of Hunter in the beginning, all he wanted was for Katie to be happy.
His hand started to reach for her, but he stopped. He had to be so careful. There were so many elements involved that nothing was ever simple anymore. He and Katie were just starting to be friends again. What if something he said or did was taken the wrong way?
All that went through his mind within a split second, and in the next split second he inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. Bypassing all the awkwardness, he simply stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here, okay?"
Everything was a bit of a blur as Garret slept most of the day. Between Laura, Nate and Maggie, Garret was forced to eat and rest as much as he should. By that night, he was still achy and feverish, but at least hadn't worsened...
...It was early morning when Garret awoke, totally drenched in sweat. His fever had finally broken. Able to think much more clearly, and not aching nearly as much, he got himself up out of bed, found his only other set of clothes, and aimed for the shower. He wasn't sure when running water had felt so good. Once finished, he was quite tired, still weak from being sick, but at least he could tell he'd survived the worst of it.
Terribly thirsty, he padded down the hallway in search of some water from the kitchen. He hadn't realized that while he'd been showering, Laura had risen as well.
Standing at the stove, ready to fix a good breakfast for everyone, she looked up to see Garret in the doorway. Giving a start, she couldn't stop the gasp that escaped before her hand went to her mouth.
Garret simply stopped, folded his arms and leaned on the door frame. He shouldn't care about this, and he didn't even know why he did. But it bothered him that Laura was so skittish all of a sudden. And he wanted to know why.
"Good morning," Laura finally greeted, forcing herself to smile. "You look a hundred times better. How do you feel?"
Garret ignored the question. "What did I do?"
"What do you mean?" Laura looked back to the stove as her heart rate picked up. Why hadn't she woken Nate up sooner?
Garret cocked his head and didn't move. "I know most people wouldn't like me if they knew all I'd done, and I know you've been leery from the start - as you should be - but...you weren't this scared of me a few days ago, and I want to know what happened."
Laura hunted in the fridge for some cheese for omelets, refusing to look at him."Nothing. It's just your imagination."
Garret finally came in closer. "I don't have an imagination." He stepped towards the stove, only to have Laura back away.
"Just...drop it," she begged.
The fear in her eye made Garret's heart sink. A new sensation. One that he didn't like. He held up his hands and retreated a step. "What did I do?" His voice had grown quieter. "I know something happened but Nate wouldn't tell me."
Laura's hands started to tremble, and she took a deep breath, finally looking up at Garret. "I startled you and you took me to the floor."
Garret blinked. A vague memory came to mind. "I... Nate said I didn't hurt you. That true?"
"Yes." Laura stood straighter, swallowing her fear. "You didn't hurt me. You just triggered some very bad memories."
"I don't understand."
"Look..." There was no point in trying to be delicate with someone like him. "I was assaulted. When Nate and I were just dating. It wasn't good. The guy went to prison, and I was okay, but when you had me pinned, I...all I could see was..." And that was it. Her voice cracked and she turned to the sink, wishing she could have just held off a few seconds longer.
Garret suddenly felt a very strange sort of helplessness, which he liked even worse than everything else he was feeling. He was quiet until he finally found his voice. "I'm... I'm sorry."
Laura's tear-filled gaze snapped up at him. Had he really just apologized? "It's not your fault," she whispered. "You didn't know what you were doing. Please don't think it's you I'm scared of."
He shook his head. He understood. But what to do about it was something else altogether. When she focused on breakfast again, he turned to leave, his thirst forgotten.
Laura glanced up again only to find that she was suddenly alone. She hadn't even heard him leave. Sniffing, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She couldn't let Maggie or Nate see her like this, this early in the morning. It was supposed to be a good day.
Garret slowly made his way to the back of the house where he went out on the porch and just sat on one of the steps. He didn't understand any of this. He didn't understand these feelings he had. He didn't understand these people. He didn't understand why he was even here. Closing his eyes, he leaned his head to the side against the wood railing.
Travis wandered from Angel's office, knowing that soon he'd be finding a different living arrangement. He wasn't sure what that meant. There were a few empty bunkhouses yet. Would he be allowed one himself? Would he have to share something with his dad?
He sighed. Several more days had passed since he had told his dad that he would be going to his mother's to pick up his things - his dad had not been happy. Not that Travis would be staying - he was thrilled about that - but that Travis didn't want him along to help. Travis had insisted though. He wanted Angel to go with him, not his dad, and for good reason. There was no point in making it any messier than it already would be. His mother didn't know he was coming...another necessity. This day couldn't pass fast enough.
Once at the main house, Travis looked around for Angel. He'd skipped breakfast...his stomach was in knots. He was looking much better otherwise, though. His face was still a bit purple in places, but he was moving even better, and Angel had said he could start doing more things as long as he was careful. As far as his stress level went though, it wasn't fun. But today was the day.
Spotting Angel sitting with Luke and his dad, he wandered over. Halfway there, he saw Ashlee at her regular spot too though, and gave her a wave. He'd told her that he'd be going to get his things today then coming back. She'd seemed to like that idea which...pleased Travis, too.
Getting to Angel's table, he gave her a nod. "No rush. I'm just ready whenever you are."
Lane looked up at his son with worry. "You sure you don't want me along?"
"And start another world war?" Travis shook his head. "Nope."
His hand started to reach for her, but he stopped. He had to be so careful. There were so many elements involved that nothing was ever simple anymore. He and Katie were just starting to be friends again. What if something he said or did was taken the wrong way?
All that went through his mind within a split second, and in the next split second he inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. Bypassing all the awkwardness, he simply stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here, okay?"
Everything was a bit of a blur as Garret slept most of the day. Between Laura, Nate and Maggie, Garret was forced to eat and rest as much as he should. By that night, he was still achy and feverish, but at least hadn't worsened...
...It was early morning when Garret awoke, totally drenched in sweat. His fever had finally broken. Able to think much more clearly, and not aching nearly as much, he got himself up out of bed, found his only other set of clothes, and aimed for the shower. He wasn't sure when running water had felt so good. Once finished, he was quite tired, still weak from being sick, but at least he could tell he'd survived the worst of it.
Terribly thirsty, he padded down the hallway in search of some water from the kitchen. He hadn't realized that while he'd been showering, Laura had risen as well.
Standing at the stove, ready to fix a good breakfast for everyone, she looked up to see Garret in the doorway. Giving a start, she couldn't stop the gasp that escaped before her hand went to her mouth.
Garret simply stopped, folded his arms and leaned on the door frame. He shouldn't care about this, and he didn't even know why he did. But it bothered him that Laura was so skittish all of a sudden. And he wanted to know why.
"Good morning," Laura finally greeted, forcing herself to smile. "You look a hundred times better. How do you feel?"
Garret ignored the question. "What did I do?"
"What do you mean?" Laura looked back to the stove as her heart rate picked up. Why hadn't she woken Nate up sooner?
Garret cocked his head and didn't move. "I know most people wouldn't like me if they knew all I'd done, and I know you've been leery from the start - as you should be - but...you weren't this scared of me a few days ago, and I want to know what happened."
Laura hunted in the fridge for some cheese for omelets, refusing to look at him."Nothing. It's just your imagination."
Garret finally came in closer. "I don't have an imagination." He stepped towards the stove, only to have Laura back away.
"Just...drop it," she begged.
The fear in her eye made Garret's heart sink. A new sensation. One that he didn't like. He held up his hands and retreated a step. "What did I do?" His voice had grown quieter. "I know something happened but Nate wouldn't tell me."
Laura's hands started to tremble, and she took a deep breath, finally looking up at Garret. "I startled you and you took me to the floor."
Garret blinked. A vague memory came to mind. "I... Nate said I didn't hurt you. That true?"
"Yes." Laura stood straighter, swallowing her fear. "You didn't hurt me. You just triggered some very bad memories."
"I don't understand."
"Look..." There was no point in trying to be delicate with someone like him. "I was assaulted. When Nate and I were just dating. It wasn't good. The guy went to prison, and I was okay, but when you had me pinned, I...all I could see was..." And that was it. Her voice cracked and she turned to the sink, wishing she could have just held off a few seconds longer.
Garret suddenly felt a very strange sort of helplessness, which he liked even worse than everything else he was feeling. He was quiet until he finally found his voice. "I'm... I'm sorry."
Laura's tear-filled gaze snapped up at him. Had he really just apologized? "It's not your fault," she whispered. "You didn't know what you were doing. Please don't think it's you I'm scared of."
He shook his head. He understood. But what to do about it was something else altogether. When she focused on breakfast again, he turned to leave, his thirst forgotten.
Laura glanced up again only to find that she was suddenly alone. She hadn't even heard him leave. Sniffing, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She couldn't let Maggie or Nate see her like this, this early in the morning. It was supposed to be a good day.
Garret slowly made his way to the back of the house where he went out on the porch and just sat on one of the steps. He didn't understand any of this. He didn't understand these feelings he had. He didn't understand these people. He didn't understand why he was even here. Closing his eyes, he leaned his head to the side against the wood railing.
Travis wandered from Angel's office, knowing that soon he'd be finding a different living arrangement. He wasn't sure what that meant. There were a few empty bunkhouses yet. Would he be allowed one himself? Would he have to share something with his dad?
He sighed. Several more days had passed since he had told his dad that he would be going to his mother's to pick up his things - his dad had not been happy. Not that Travis would be staying - he was thrilled about that - but that Travis didn't want him along to help. Travis had insisted though. He wanted Angel to go with him, not his dad, and for good reason. There was no point in making it any messier than it already would be. His mother didn't know he was coming...another necessity. This day couldn't pass fast enough.
Once at the main house, Travis looked around for Angel. He'd skipped breakfast...his stomach was in knots. He was looking much better otherwise, though. His face was still a bit purple in places, but he was moving even better, and Angel had said he could start doing more things as long as he was careful. As far as his stress level went though, it wasn't fun. But today was the day.
Spotting Angel sitting with Luke and his dad, he wandered over. Halfway there, he saw Ashlee at her regular spot too though, and gave her a wave. He'd told her that he'd be going to get his things today then coming back. She'd seemed to like that idea which...pleased Travis, too.
Getting to Angel's table, he gave her a nod. "No rush. I'm just ready whenever you are."
Lane looked up at his son with worry. "You sure you don't want me along?"
"And start another world war?" Travis shook his head. "Nope."
Things
Katie can't help the small chuckle that escape her lips at Jason's comment. Even in a sour state she still had a sense of humor. She wasn't sure sure about the padded room though. Even there she was sure Jason would find a way to get hurt. It was his talent.
"That don't make sense. Why just hit your leg when the rest of you is wide open. I mean, I'm happy they only got your leg but what are they playing at with this?"
It really didn't make sense and she wondered if it was something they should run by Garret when he was up and well again. It could just be the Agency being the Agency but still it didn't sit right with her.
Being pulled from her thoughts Katie looked up at Jason again hearing his question. Should she tell him? Should she not? Even if she didn't he would know she was lying, and she just couldn't do that. He didn't deserve that at all.
"I'm...here. Rough night after I dropped you off. Hunter and I...broke up."
Looking down again Katie wasn't so sure she was ready to go into it all right now. It was still fresh and it still hurt. Not to mention Jason had been the reason and she didn't want him feeling badly.
"I'll be ok, I just have a lot of stuff I need to work through thats all."
"That don't make sense. Why just hit your leg when the rest of you is wide open. I mean, I'm happy they only got your leg but what are they playing at with this?"
It really didn't make sense and she wondered if it was something they should run by Garret when he was up and well again. It could just be the Agency being the Agency but still it didn't sit right with her.
Being pulled from her thoughts Katie looked up at Jason again hearing his question. Should she tell him? Should she not? Even if she didn't he would know she was lying, and she just couldn't do that. He didn't deserve that at all.
"I'm...here. Rough night after I dropped you off. Hunter and I...broke up."
Looking down again Katie wasn't so sure she was ready to go into it all right now. It was still fresh and it still hurt. Not to mention Jason had been the reason and she didn't want him feeling badly.
"I'll be ok, I just have a lot of stuff I need to work through thats all."
Alright?
Left alone again, Con went to his chair in the living room to just sit a while. He missed seeing Katie all the time... And Jason...Gunner... Dalton... everyone. Even though he fought the idea of going back, it had felt good to have Katie ask him. Reese had yet to ask again. But Con also knew that depending on the FBI, there might not be any Elite to go back to. If there was though...was he ready for that?
Jason halted his route and glanced down at Katie with a rather perturbed look. Not at her, but at the situation. "I dunno. Lock me in a padded room?"
He sighed and folded his arms. Katie looked...tense. She'd come in a little late...maybe she just overslept. No...there was more. She'd been crying at some point. But did she really want him asking about it? He stayed in the subject at hand.
"Stopped for gas this morning. Wyatt had his eyes out and everything. No warning, just got me in the lower leg. Flesh wound. Nothing major, just bled a bit." Actually, it hurt like mad, and he was doing well to just be standing here, let alone walking on it against Rick's advice. "Twice now, whoever it is has missed a good target, and that just doesn't add up. I wasn't even moving this time. I don't get it, but now I gotta go tell Reese what happened before he hears it from Rick."
He started forward again, but then stopped and glanced back. Nope, he couldn't ignore it. "You doing alright?"
Jason halted his route and glanced down at Katie with a rather perturbed look. Not at her, but at the situation. "I dunno. Lock me in a padded room?"
He sighed and folded his arms. Katie looked...tense. She'd come in a little late...maybe she just overslept. No...there was more. She'd been crying at some point. But did she really want him asking about it? He stayed in the subject at hand.
"Stopped for gas this morning. Wyatt had his eyes out and everything. No warning, just got me in the lower leg. Flesh wound. Nothing major, just bled a bit." Actually, it hurt like mad, and he was doing well to just be standing here, let alone walking on it against Rick's advice. "Twice now, whoever it is has missed a good target, and that just doesn't add up. I wasn't even moving this time. I don't get it, but now I gotta go tell Reese what happened before he hears it from Rick."
He started forward again, but then stopped and glanced back. Nope, he couldn't ignore it. "You doing alright?"
Right Things
Hearing what Con said about Jason she couldn't help but look up at him surprised. Jason was really that miserable without her? That was hard to believe but Con wouldn't lie to her and she new that. It was still hard for her to swallow.
Taking the last sip of her coffee Katie puts the cup down and continues to listen to what Con said. Running her finger along the top she just though. Was she ready to go back to that? Did she want to? No matter how much she blamed herself at the moment Con brought into light that Jason had done a lot too. So where would her road lead?
"You just always know the right things to say dont you?"
Katie tried to smile as she looked at Con. He was always the best, and she had missed having him around. Just wasn't the same. He listened to anyone and always had good advice. Jamie was so lucky.
"I guess I have some thinking to do. Thank you Con for listing, I might possibly be back for some more advice."
Helping Con clean up the coffee cups and exchanging some hugs Katie new she had to get into work. With the FBI looming around she couldn't be to late least they thing she was up to something. She'd also shared with Con how much she missed him, and would like him to come back to the Elite, but hadn't lingered on that long. It was his choice and she new that. She just wanted to add her own two cents in there about it.
Getting back to work and sitting at her cubicle Katie went over some paper work that she had waiting for her. Though she had talked with Con this morning and it had been a good talk she was still feeling rather down. She was faced with new questions, new options, and new things to think about. This was going to take some time.
Glancing up and seeing Jason limping his way to Reese office the hair on her neck bristled. He had a blood stain on his pants. What had happened from when she left him yesterday, to here and now. She was ok obviously, but still, he had a target on his back and she didn't like it. Standing Katie makes her way over to him slowly. She couldn't just avoide him at work, not when it was clear he had been shot.
"I leave you alone for a few hours and you go get yourself shot? Boy..what are you going to do with you."
Choice
Con wasn't surprised in the least about Katie's response. Maybe it wasn't obvious to everyone, but to Con it was - the love between those two had simply never stopped.
He was quiet though, just studying Katie for several moments, letting his thoughts form before speaking. Slowly, he nodded. "That's what I thought." He offered her another small smile. She would always be his little sister, and he cared.
"In answer to your question, and you didn't hear this from me, Jason has been miserable without you. I think, just like you, he blames himself for a lot. So, that said, I have my doubts it would be too difficult for you to find yourself back in his life again."
Con finished his coffee and set the cup aside to fold his hands. "But...is that really what you want?" He had to be honest with her. "Maybe when you two split this last time, a lot of it was you. He didn't want to break up at all - told me so himself. But...looking back...how many times did he let you down? Emotionally, I mean."
He cocked his head. "Jason is one of my best friends and I love him to death. But I've also seen his pattern. You've recognized your pattern and you want to change - and I'm really proud of you. But has Jason seen his? How many times did he lock you out? Need you, but wouldn't share his heart with you? Want you, but not your connection?" He paused to let it sink in. "If you go back to him, is it just going to be the same old story?"
Taking a napkin, he wiped up a spot of coffee he just noticed he'd spilled. "I'm not trying to persuade you not to go back to him. I just want to make sure you weigh all the consequences first. Love is a hard thing to get rid of once it's taken hold. So you have to decide...are you willing to risk your heart on Jason yet another time? If the answer is yes, then by all means, go to him - just be willing to fight when he puts up those walls. If the answer is no, then you need to let him go - for good - and give Hunter a chance because I think he'll treat you right. You just can't do that and still love Jason, as you've found out."
Another pause. "And.. if you don't know which route to take, don't move. It's okay to sit at the crossroads until you make a decision. I wouldn't wait too long, since life does change quickly. But you do need to be absolutely sure what you want...and what you think God approves of too. Don't forget to add Him to the equation, because He knows exactly which path you should take."
He was quiet though, just studying Katie for several moments, letting his thoughts form before speaking. Slowly, he nodded. "That's what I thought." He offered her another small smile. She would always be his little sister, and he cared.
"In answer to your question, and you didn't hear this from me, Jason has been miserable without you. I think, just like you, he blames himself for a lot. So, that said, I have my doubts it would be too difficult for you to find yourself back in his life again."
Con finished his coffee and set the cup aside to fold his hands. "But...is that really what you want?" He had to be honest with her. "Maybe when you two split this last time, a lot of it was you. He didn't want to break up at all - told me so himself. But...looking back...how many times did he let you down? Emotionally, I mean."
He cocked his head. "Jason is one of my best friends and I love him to death. But I've also seen his pattern. You've recognized your pattern and you want to change - and I'm really proud of you. But has Jason seen his? How many times did he lock you out? Need you, but wouldn't share his heart with you? Want you, but not your connection?" He paused to let it sink in. "If you go back to him, is it just going to be the same old story?"
Taking a napkin, he wiped up a spot of coffee he just noticed he'd spilled. "I'm not trying to persuade you not to go back to him. I just want to make sure you weigh all the consequences first. Love is a hard thing to get rid of once it's taken hold. So you have to decide...are you willing to risk your heart on Jason yet another time? If the answer is yes, then by all means, go to him - just be willing to fight when he puts up those walls. If the answer is no, then you need to let him go - for good - and give Hunter a chance because I think he'll treat you right. You just can't do that and still love Jason, as you've found out."
Another pause. "And.. if you don't know which route to take, don't move. It's okay to sit at the crossroads until you make a decision. I wouldn't wait too long, since life does change quickly. But you do need to be absolutely sure what you want...and what you think God approves of too. Don't forget to add Him to the equation, because He knows exactly which path you should take."
Royal
Listing to Con Katie was happy to have come here before work. She'd missed talked to Con, he was always full of good information and always offered what he could. He was a good friend and Katie was happy she'd had the pleasure of meeting him.
"I know you are right about being let down too, I just...I guess its hard to see that."
It was hard to see that, to see past the pain she felt now, she felt very little of herself at the moment and it was just hard to see it any other way. Thankfully Con was there to help, and thats what she needed right now.
Taking a tissue and blowing her nose along with wiping her eyes Katie sat the tissue down and held her cup of coffee. It was warm today, but she felt cold. The coffee helped shake that slight feeling. Hearing Con's words Katie looks up at him for a long moment before looking down. It was a question Con already new the answer too but maybe she needed to admit it to herself too.
"I always have, never stopped. But no matter what anyways says...that's over. I messed it up royal with him, and...how could he ever want to take me back?"
"I know you are right about being let down too, I just...I guess its hard to see that."
It was hard to see that, to see past the pain she felt now, she felt very little of herself at the moment and it was just hard to see it any other way. Thankfully Con was there to help, and thats what she needed right now.
Taking a tissue and blowing her nose along with wiping her eyes Katie sat the tissue down and held her cup of coffee. It was warm today, but she felt cold. The coffee helped shake that slight feeling. Hearing Con's words Katie looks up at him for a long moment before looking down. It was a question Con already new the answer too but maybe she needed to admit it to herself too.
"I always have, never stopped. But no matter what anyways says...that's over. I messed it up royal with him, and...how could he ever want to take me back?"
Do you?
Katie's visit was a surprise, and Con could tell immediately that something was wrong. He let her take it at her own pace though, just making sure he caught everything she said. Hearing about what happened last night, then her regrets from past mistakes too, he sighed. He'd seen most of those happen. He remembered. Mostly from Jason's perspective, but he remembered.
Taking a slow sip of coffee, Con thought quietly for a few moments. He reached behind him to the counter and grabbed a box of tissues, sliding it over to Katie with a little smile. He then sighed and shook his head. "I wish I had an answer for you....but this is an issue of the heart, where black and white tend to melt together. I'd say you have a lot to figure out, but it looks to me like you've already got a pretty good handle on part of the problem." She had hurt a lot of feelings through the last few years alone. Unintentionally, but she had, and there was no denying it. The fact that she saw that now though, was a big step in itself.
Con cocked his head. "On the flip side...you've been let down more than once, too." How many times had Jason let her down? Called it quits? Maybe not this last time, but he'd been engaged once himself to another woman.
He pursed his lips as his expression turned grim. His words were still gentle though. "Do you still love Jason?"
Taking a slow sip of coffee, Con thought quietly for a few moments. He reached behind him to the counter and grabbed a box of tissues, sliding it over to Katie with a little smile. He then sighed and shook his head. "I wish I had an answer for you....but this is an issue of the heart, where black and white tend to melt together. I'd say you have a lot to figure out, but it looks to me like you've already got a pretty good handle on part of the problem." She had hurt a lot of feelings through the last few years alone. Unintentionally, but she had, and there was no denying it. The fact that she saw that now though, was a big step in itself.
Con cocked his head. "On the flip side...you've been let down more than once, too." How many times had Jason let her down? Called it quits? Maybe not this last time, but he'd been engaged once himself to another woman.
He pursed his lips as his expression turned grim. His words were still gentle though. "Do you still love Jason?"
Time
Adison looks to Kirk and gave a little smile before a small nod. She didn't want to go back to work, not yet. They would just have to make due without her for now. She'd catch up on work later.
"Coffee sounds really good. If we sit here to much we might be spotted slacking off."
She tried a little humor for Kirk's sake even though she didn't feel much like it. But its all she could do. Things could be worse....right?
Heading into the work it wasn't work that Katie first headed too. She had made a detour and was not stopped outside of Con and Jamie's house. She just didn't feel like going to work right away. So many feelings still swirled inside of her, Sleep was not something she found easy last night and this morning it didn't help her mood much.
Getting out of her car and heading to the door Katie knocked and waiting. As Con opened the door Katie tried to smile but she new Con would see something was wrong. He was good like that and she just needed someone right now who would listen to her.
"Hey Tank, you have time to talk?"
Being invited in and sitting at the table Katie was thankful for the coffee Con offered her. Quiet for a second Katie finally just opened up and spilled everything going on. Some stuff she new he new already but it just call came from. Form messing things up with Jason, to every guy she had dated, to Hunter and what had happened. Alone with the long story also came tears. Her heart was breaking, and her emotions were all over the place.
"So...I'm pretty dumb and I cant believe how many people I have hurt without even meaning too. I guess its a big bullet to bite and it just all kind of hit me last night when I was sitting with Hunter. I'm feeling pretty crappy about myself at the moment and I dont even know what to do."
"Coffee sounds really good. If we sit here to much we might be spotted slacking off."
She tried a little humor for Kirk's sake even though she didn't feel much like it. But its all she could do. Things could be worse....right?
Heading into the work it wasn't work that Katie first headed too. She had made a detour and was not stopped outside of Con and Jamie's house. She just didn't feel like going to work right away. So many feelings still swirled inside of her, Sleep was not something she found easy last night and this morning it didn't help her mood much.
Getting out of her car and heading to the door Katie knocked and waiting. As Con opened the door Katie tried to smile but she new Con would see something was wrong. He was good like that and she just needed someone right now who would listen to her.
"Hey Tank, you have time to talk?"
Being invited in and sitting at the table Katie was thankful for the coffee Con offered her. Quiet for a second Katie finally just opened up and spilled everything going on. Some stuff she new he new already but it just call came from. Form messing things up with Jason, to every guy she had dated, to Hunter and what had happened. Alone with the long story also came tears. Her heart was breaking, and her emotions were all over the place.
"So...I'm pretty dumb and I cant believe how many people I have hurt without even meaning too. I guess its a big bullet to bite and it just all kind of hit me last night when I was sitting with Hunter. I'm feeling pretty crappy about myself at the moment and I dont even know what to do."
Another hit
Kirk shook his head. "Not exactly. I'll be...around some still for the next two or three weeks, although all my current cases will be assigned to someone else." It really was all he could say at this point.
He set a hand on her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. "Don't worry. I won't just disappear overnight. I'll let you know when for sure I'll be leaving the department and... I may need to talk over a few things with you as well."
He glanced up at the late morning sky and sighed. "How about some coffee? My treat."
Hunter rolled over and blinked in the morning light. Something felt...off. He tried to get his bearings. Why was he on the couch instead of in bed? He put a hand to his aching head. Oh yeah... he'd hit the bottle. Oh yeah...Katie had been here.
Katie. He sat up slowly and glanced around. He had no idea when she'd left. He'd been tipsy last night for sure, and now thoroughly regretted it. But he hadn't been drunk enough not to remember what had happened. And as the memories came back, so did the pain.
Jason slid off the infirmary table and gingerly got dressed, but swatted away Rick's hand as he tried to help. "I can dress myself."
Rick smirked. "Fine. Do it all yourself like you always do. Don't thank me for bandaging you up - again - or anything."
Jason tucked in his shirt. "Thank you. But I'm fine now."
"You really should stay off that leg today."
"I will, depending on the workload." He finally went to leave, but Rick stopped him.
"You sure you're okay, Hotshot?"
Jason paused and looked over his shoulder. "Would you be okay if you had an assassin with your name on his bullets?" Leaving, he limped back towards his own office.
Another single shot. This time when he'd stopped for gas. Another non-fatal but painful wound, this time in the leg. It hadn't been Wyatt's fault - even trained eyes couldn't catch everything. But being a target was wearing on Jason.
He set a hand on her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. "Don't worry. I won't just disappear overnight. I'll let you know when for sure I'll be leaving the department and... I may need to talk over a few things with you as well."
He glanced up at the late morning sky and sighed. "How about some coffee? My treat."
Hunter rolled over and blinked in the morning light. Something felt...off. He tried to get his bearings. Why was he on the couch instead of in bed? He put a hand to his aching head. Oh yeah... he'd hit the bottle. Oh yeah...Katie had been here.
Katie. He sat up slowly and glanced around. He had no idea when she'd left. He'd been tipsy last night for sure, and now thoroughly regretted it. But he hadn't been drunk enough not to remember what had happened. And as the memories came back, so did the pain.
Jason slid off the infirmary table and gingerly got dressed, but swatted away Rick's hand as he tried to help. "I can dress myself."
Rick smirked. "Fine. Do it all yourself like you always do. Don't thank me for bandaging you up - again - or anything."
Jason tucked in his shirt. "Thank you. But I'm fine now."
"You really should stay off that leg today."
"I will, depending on the workload." He finally went to leave, but Rick stopped him.
"You sure you're okay, Hotshot?"
Jason paused and looked over his shoulder. "Would you be okay if you had an assassin with your name on his bullets?" Leaving, he limped back towards his own office.
Another single shot. This time when he'd stopped for gas. Another non-fatal but painful wound, this time in the leg. It hadn't been Wyatt's fault - even trained eyes couldn't catch everything. But being a target was wearing on Jason.
10/14/16
When
Letting out a long sign Adison searches Kirk's face. Would she join him? Would this be it for there team? She wasn't sure but she had to trust him. He'd never lead her astray before.
"I do trust you."
Looking away from him Adison looks across the street at the people passing. So much was going through her mind. This was going to be hard, but maybe like Kirk said in the end it would work out in the end.
"So, when do you transfer? Effective immediately?"
As Hunter drifted off to sleep Katie leaned her head against the back of the couch. She was going to miss spending time with Hunter. She really did enjoy it. Maybe one day they could be friends but Katie new it wouldn't be for a long while. She'd always be there if he needed her...but it hurt so much. She wish could of said more, she wished she would of made him feel better but if she spoke anymore than she already had she would of lost it herself and crying was not an option right now.
Katie wasn't sure how long she had been sitting there but hearing Hunter snoring softly she new he needed this. To sleep off the booze was the best option. Shifting slightly she slid out from under him and rested his head on the pillow that was on the couch. Taking the blanket she put it over and leaned down kissing his for head.
"I'm so sorry."
Finally not being able to help it the tears spilled out of Katie's eyes. Standing up she swiped them away and grabed her things from the small table. As her fingers brush against the bottles of liquor she grabs them and takes them to the kitchen dumping them out and throwing the bottles away. Home was her own destination. She just wanted to sleep the night away now.
"I do trust you."
Looking away from him Adison looks across the street at the people passing. So much was going through her mind. This was going to be hard, but maybe like Kirk said in the end it would work out in the end.
"So, when do you transfer? Effective immediately?"
As Hunter drifted off to sleep Katie leaned her head against the back of the couch. She was going to miss spending time with Hunter. She really did enjoy it. Maybe one day they could be friends but Katie new it wouldn't be for a long while. She'd always be there if he needed her...but it hurt so much. She wish could of said more, she wished she would of made him feel better but if she spoke anymore than she already had she would of lost it herself and crying was not an option right now.
Katie wasn't sure how long she had been sitting there but hearing Hunter snoring softly she new he needed this. To sleep off the booze was the best option. Shifting slightly she slid out from under him and rested his head on the pillow that was on the couch. Taking the blanket she put it over and leaned down kissing his for head.
"I'm so sorry."
Finally not being able to help it the tears spilled out of Katie's eyes. Standing up she swiped them away and grabed her things from the small table. As her fingers brush against the bottles of liquor she grabs them and takes them to the kitchen dumping them out and throwing the bottles away. Home was her own destination. She just wanted to sleep the night away now.
Soon
"Hey," Kirk assured. "It's gonna be okay. Remember, that's what you told me last night?" He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees.
"I know it's not fair. But I was so close to losing everything today that I can't risk any more...and I can't risk dragging you into this either." Glancing at her, he cocked his head. Was that fear in her eye? "What you'll do without me is survive...like you've always done. But right now you need to be patient. A new story is being written, and even though I can't talk about it yet...just remember, stories can include more than one main character."
That's all he could say. That was the only hint he could drop. Many things were uncertain at this point...but he knew that just over the horizon was something new...and quite possibly not just for him.
"Soon...very soon, I'll be able to tell you everything...okay? Can you trust me?"
Hunter just sighed and sank down a little farther in the couch. "Babble? Me?" He snorted. "As if." Unfortunately he knew good and well he talked a lot when intoxicated.
"I'ma hafta find a new pillow," he mumbled. "But you were always the best." He sighed....and was then asleep, still tucked under her arm.
"I know it's not fair. But I was so close to losing everything today that I can't risk any more...and I can't risk dragging you into this either." Glancing at her, he cocked his head. Was that fear in her eye? "What you'll do without me is survive...like you've always done. But right now you need to be patient. A new story is being written, and even though I can't talk about it yet...just remember, stories can include more than one main character."
That's all he could say. That was the only hint he could drop. Many things were uncertain at this point...but he knew that just over the horizon was something new...and quite possibly not just for him.
"Soon...very soon, I'll be able to tell you everything...okay? Can you trust me?"
Hunter just sighed and sank down a little farther in the couch. "Babble? Me?" He snorted. "As if." Unfortunately he knew good and well he talked a lot when intoxicated.
"I'ma hafta find a new pillow," he mumbled. "But you were always the best." He sighed....and was then asleep, still tucked under her arm.
Fair
Walking outside Adison was happy to hear that Kirk still had his badge but hearing he was being transpired her hair bristled. They had worked together since they got out of the academy, they were partners and now...he'd be gone.
"What..?"
Following Kirk outside Adison sad down on the bench with him. She had such a mix of emotions right now she was angry, happy, sad. She new Kirk would see all that in her eyes and she didn't care. What was she going to do at work without him. For the first time in a long time Adison felt a wave of panic wash over her. Not scared of her job, but scared of where this would leave them now.
"You can't tell me...you've always been able to tell me everything. What am I going to do without you Kirk. I'm happy you still have your job but....this just...isn't fair."
Keeping her arm around Hunter Katie's heart broke a little more. She could never describe how bad she felt.
"You will never be alone Hunter. You will always have people who care. I still care."
Sitting back a little on the couch with him she'd sit there till he was ok. She couldn't leave till he was. Even if it wasn't smart she just couldn't do it.
"I'll sit with you for a while. Even if you dont want to talk, even if you just want to babble. I'll stay."
"What..?"
Following Kirk outside Adison sad down on the bench with him. She had such a mix of emotions right now she was angry, happy, sad. She new Kirk would see all that in her eyes and she didn't care. What was she going to do at work without him. For the first time in a long time Adison felt a wave of panic wash over her. Not scared of her job, but scared of where this would leave them now.
"You can't tell me...you've always been able to tell me everything. What am I going to do without you Kirk. I'm happy you still have your job but....this just...isn't fair."
Keeping her arm around Hunter Katie's heart broke a little more. She could never describe how bad she felt.
"You will never be alone Hunter. You will always have people who care. I still care."
Sitting back a little on the couch with him she'd sit there till he was ok. She couldn't leave till he was. Even if it wasn't smart she just couldn't do it.
"I'll sit with you for a while. Even if you dont want to talk, even if you just want to babble. I'll stay."
Lonely
Hunter had just enough sense left to know he was being emotional, even if he couldn't shut it off right now. Sighing, he didn't answer her right away.
"I don't wanna be alone... But you shouldn't stay. Not...not like this." He left his head on her shoulder though, just not ready yet to move. "I.... I don't want to be lonely again."
Kirk pursed his lips in thought. "Well...I still have my badge." He nodded. "But... I'm...being transferred."
He started walking, the look on his face a strange mix of happiness, worry, sadness, relief and tension. Once outside, he found a bench and invites Adison to sit with him. "I'm not allowed to talk about it." He gave her a look that warned her this time he couldn't cross that line. "But...there's good and bad and...hopefully sooner than later, I'll be able to tell you where I'm going to be. But it won't be downtown with you anymore."
"I don't wanna be alone... But you shouldn't stay. Not...not like this." He left his head on her shoulder though, just not ready yet to move. "I.... I don't want to be lonely again."
Kirk pursed his lips in thought. "Well...I still have my badge." He nodded. "But... I'm...being transferred."
He started walking, the look on his face a strange mix of happiness, worry, sadness, relief and tension. Once outside, he found a bench and invites Adison to sit with him. "I'm not allowed to talk about it." He gave her a look that warned her this time he couldn't cross that line. "But...there's good and bad and...hopefully sooner than later, I'll be able to tell you where I'm going to be. But it won't be downtown with you anymore."
As long as you need
As Hunter kiss Katie's hand her heart breaks a little more. She new this was not Hunter's fault it was her own, and now the pain she felt was her own. Worse than that though was the pain she could see on Hunter's face.
"You are not stupid. We all fall sometimes, but we just have to pick yourself back up and keep going."
Katie new her next words were going to be some of the dumbest she had ever asked anyone. But she had to say them anyways. This was her fault and she new it. In all reality she had been the one who was dumb. Katie put her arm around Hunter as he rested his head on her shoulder. Tears continued to roll down her own cheeks.
"Everything is going to be ok. I'll sit here with you as long as you need me too, because I do care about you."
Sitting outside on the bench is where Adison stayed. Only to get up and pace or use the restroom. She'd be here when Kirk came out. As the minutes ticked Adison didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing but her nerves grew.
As the doors opened she stood and waited for Kirk to come out. Her heart pounded in her chest she feared it might just beat right out. Seeing Kirk she gave him a once over. He looked tired, and she couldn't tell by the look on his face if he was happy, or upset.
"Well...good news?"
"You are not stupid. We all fall sometimes, but we just have to pick yourself back up and keep going."
Katie new her next words were going to be some of the dumbest she had ever asked anyone. But she had to say them anyways. This was her fault and she new it. In all reality she had been the one who was dumb. Katie put her arm around Hunter as he rested his head on her shoulder. Tears continued to roll down her own cheeks.
"Everything is going to be ok. I'll sit here with you as long as you need me too, because I do care about you."
Sitting outside on the bench is where Adison stayed. Only to get up and pace or use the restroom. She'd be here when Kirk came out. As the minutes ticked Adison didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing but her nerves grew.
As the doors opened she stood and waited for Kirk to come out. Her heart pounded in her chest she feared it might just beat right out. Seeing Kirk she gave him a once over. He looked tired, and she couldn't tell by the look on his face if he was happy, or upset.
"Well...good news?"
Worn out
If Hunter hadn't been drinking, he would have more control over his emotions. But as it was, tears filled his own eyes. He lifted her hand to kiss it, then just held it to his cheek. "I know... I was stupid... I fell off the wag'n an' I j'st started thinking about me and...and Alice and Kyle and you and Jas'n."
He sighed and put her hand down to lean over and rest his head on her shoulder. "I always knew," he admitted. "I just...didn't know when you'd see it too."
Looking down at Adison, Kirk smiled before nudging her back. "Thanks, partner." He gave her a once over and just shook his head, still smiling. She was a good friend.
Heading inside, within a few minutes he had disappeared behind a door which would remain shut for a full two hours. Finally it opened again. Out filed the judge, DA, Barnes and all the others. Only after they'd cleared the hall, did Kirk finally emerge, hands in pockets, looking completely worn out. And his eyes swept the hall for Adison.
He sighed and put her hand down to lean over and rest his head on her shoulder. "I always knew," he admitted. "I just...didn't know when you'd see it too."
Looking down at Adison, Kirk smiled before nudging her back. "Thanks, partner." He gave her a once over and just shook his head, still smiling. She was a good friend.
Heading inside, within a few minutes he had disappeared behind a door which would remain shut for a full two hours. Finally it opened again. Out filed the judge, DA, Barnes and all the others. Only after they'd cleared the hall, did Kirk finally emerge, hands in pockets, looking completely worn out. And his eyes swept the hall for Adison.
Amazing
Hearing Hunter's words Katie drops her head as a tear rolled down her cheek. She new it was true, he didn't have to tell her twice. Even if she didn't mean to, even if she didn't want to she new she looked at Jason differently. He'd been such a big part of her life, her subconscious did it on its own.
"I'm so sorry."
Her words seemed so stupid, they seemed so dumb. Why did she continue to do this to people. She new how it always ended, in heartache and pain. But yet she kept trying to do it anyways.
"..I didn't mean to hurt you, I wasn't trying to fool you or anything."
Katie falls quiet again. Maybe they shouldn't be talking about this while he was drunk. She didn't know. She felt like her heart was being cut with a knife, and if she didn't talk about it...what would happen. Running her fingers over Hunters she just sat there for how long she wasn't sure.
"I only get mad when you drink because you are destroying yourself and you really are an amazing guy, who has a lot to offer when he is sober. I just dont want you to end up dying young because your have liver failure or something.:
"I'm so sorry."
Her words seemed so stupid, they seemed so dumb. Why did she continue to do this to people. She new how it always ended, in heartache and pain. But yet she kept trying to do it anyways.
"..I didn't mean to hurt you, I wasn't trying to fool you or anything."
Katie falls quiet again. Maybe they shouldn't be talking about this while he was drunk. She didn't know. She felt like her heart was being cut with a knife, and if she didn't talk about it...what would happen. Running her fingers over Hunters she just sat there for how long she wasn't sure.
"I only get mad when you drink because you are destroying yourself and you really are an amazing guy, who has a lot to offer when he is sober. I just dont want you to end up dying young because your have liver failure or something.:
Sorry
Hunter threw up his hands, almost hitting her in the head. "I'm a guy. Take'it fr'm me. That look in Jason's eye..." He shook his head. "He isn't over you. Accept it."
His eyes dropped, and he put his hands in his lap like a little kid who was being reprimanded. "I.... I didn't mean to drink. I just... I thought we were good and...and when I saw you look at him too..." He looked over at her. "You don't look at me like that," he almost whispered.
He reached over to take her hand in his. "I'm s'rry I got drunk. I...d'nt have an excuse."
His eyes dropped, and he put his hands in his lap like a little kid who was being reprimanded. "I.... I didn't mean to drink. I just... I thought we were good and...and when I saw you look at him too..." He looked over at her. "You don't look at me like that," he almost whispered.
He reached over to take her hand in his. "I'm s'rry I got drunk. I...d'nt have an excuse."
Hunter...
"What??"
Katie couldn't believe what she was hearing from Hunter right now. He saw them? She was protecting Jason, love...that had been long gone. She'd always have a place in her heart for Jason, but to hear him say he thought Jason still loved her.
"There is nothing wrong with you...other than being incredibly drunk at the moment. "
Sitting down next to him Katie thought for a long moment. Was Hunter really this insecure about there relationship? Should she not have tried to be friends with Jason at all? So many questions floated in her head.
"Hunter...Jason and I haven't been a thing for a long time. I dont know what you think you saw tonight from him but...I highly doubt it was love."
She didn't know what to say, she didn't know how to say it. As she though her mind started to winder to the other people that had been in her life. Everyone of them had there hear broken because of her and Jason. She really did have a pattern, and it was a not so good one. '
"I dont know what else to do, I dont know what to do other than I dont like seeing you do this to yourself. I...."
Katies words trail off. She really didn't know what to say. She felt lost...all over agian when she had been so sure of so many things.
Katie couldn't believe what she was hearing from Hunter right now. He saw them? She was protecting Jason, love...that had been long gone. She'd always have a place in her heart for Jason, but to hear him say he thought Jason still loved her.
"There is nothing wrong with you...other than being incredibly drunk at the moment. "
Sitting down next to him Katie thought for a long moment. Was Hunter really this insecure about there relationship? Should she not have tried to be friends with Jason at all? So many questions floated in her head.
"Hunter...Jason and I haven't been a thing for a long time. I dont know what you think you saw tonight from him but...I highly doubt it was love."
She didn't know what to say, she didn't know how to say it. As she though her mind started to winder to the other people that had been in her life. Everyone of them had there hear broken because of her and Jason. She really did have a pattern, and it was a not so good one. '
"I dont know what else to do, I dont know what to do other than I dont like seeing you do this to yourself. I...."
Katies words trail off. She really didn't know what to say. She felt lost...all over agian when she had been so sure of so many things.
Love
"I dunno!" Hunter grabbed for the bottle as Katie took it away, but missed. "I's there to see you and...and..."
He sighed and flopped down on the couch. "I got mad. And so....so... I d'nt wanna stay and watch you two..." Though drunk, he knew what was on the tip of his tongue wasn't good. But his senses were too numb to shut off his mouth.
"I been here before. Always. Me. W'ts wrong with me an'way?" He looked up at her with glazed eyes that showed pain. "He still loves you," he blurted out. "An' you still love him too."
He sighed and flopped down on the couch. "I got mad. And so....so... I d'nt wanna stay and watch you two..." Though drunk, he knew what was on the tip of his tongue wasn't good. But his senses were too numb to shut off his mouth.
"I been here before. Always. Me. W'ts wrong with me an'way?" He looked up at her with glazed eyes that showed pain. "He still loves you," he blurted out. "An' you still love him too."
Why
"You are an idiot, you know that?"
Taking her hands off her hips and goes over to Hunter grabbing the bottle before he can take another sip. Setting it down she shook her head. She could understand what he was saying, but it didnt make any sense.
"What are you talking about? Since when did you not like the band and have an issue with Jason? You've never complained. Before on too of that why get drunk about it?"
Taking her hands off her hips and goes over to Hunter grabbing the bottle before he can take another sip. Setting it down she shook her head. She could understand what he was saying, but it didnt make any sense.
"What are you talking about? Since when did you not like the band and have an issue with Jason? You've never complained. Before on too of that why get drunk about it?"
Excuses
Hunter flinched as Katie smacked him, and put a hand to the back of his head. "I...s'pose I deserved that."
He followed her into the living room where he had to lean on the couch for support. "I d'nt... It wasn't like..." He huffed a sigh and grabbed a beer that wasn't quite gone to take another swig.
"I j'st happened, 'kay? I d'nt wanna be hangin' round with no band and, and, and..." He waved in the air as he tried to think. "Wass his name. Jason." He scowled. "I know I'm on the losing end a that'n."
He followed her into the living room where he had to lean on the couch for support. "I d'nt... It wasn't like..." He huffed a sigh and grabbed a beer that wasn't quite gone to take another swig.
"I j'st happened, 'kay? I d'nt wanna be hangin' round with no band and, and, and..." He waved in the air as he tried to think. "Wass his name. Jason." He scowled. "I know I'm on the losing end a that'n."
Did you even..
Hearing a bunch of commotion inside Katie new Hunter was home but what on earth was going on. Just continuing to wait finally as the door opened the smile that was on her face faded. He was drunk...what on earth was going on. She couldn't help the scowl on her face at the small of booze that came from his breath as he talked.
"What on earth...you smell like a whole bar."
Pushing on the door to open it and enter Hunter's apartment Katie also waked him over the back of the head. She could feel how upset she was, that was. She thought Hunter was smart than this now. She new he still had a drink here and there but to get this drunk. Hadn't he learned his lesson when they first met?
"So you ditched going to pizza with me and the band...to get drunk? Did you even go with you friend to the race tonight?"
"What on earth...you smell like a whole bar."
Pushing on the door to open it and enter Hunter's apartment Katie also waked him over the back of the head. She could feel how upset she was, that was. She thought Hunter was smart than this now. She new he still had a drink here and there but to get this drunk. Hadn't he learned his lesson when they first met?
"So you ditched going to pizza with me and the band...to get drunk? Did you even go with you friend to the race tonight?"
Tad bit
Hearing the knock at the door, it took Hunter a moment to pull his mind out of the fog enough to realize exactly what it was. Mumbling, he pulled himself up from the couch, wobbling a bit and bumping the corner of the coffee table - which in turn, knocked over three empty beer bottles. Only then did he realize his shot glass was still in his hand. Where had he put the whiskey? Wait...why had he gotten up? The door. Right. Why on earth was someone here anyway? He tossed the shot glass onto the couch and wandered to the door in his bare feet.
Opening it up just far enough to see Katie, he stopped. "Aw boy..." He reached up to lean his forearm on the door's edge and gave her a rather dim look. He knew good and well she'd be able to see the glaze in his eyes...and probably smell the alcohol, too. She was good that way.
"Don't s'pose you're here for a drink..." He sighed and rubbed his chin that was showing a five o'clock shadow. "Maybe you should just...turn 'round and pretend ya didn't come." He closed his eyes for a moment, not thinking straight enough to be completely intelligent, but still having sense to speak clearly enough to understand. He opened one eye. "'Cause I'm just a tad bit drunk and... you weren't s'posed to know 'bout it."
Opening it up just far enough to see Katie, he stopped. "Aw boy..." He reached up to lean his forearm on the door's edge and gave her a rather dim look. He knew good and well she'd be able to see the glaze in his eyes...and probably smell the alcohol, too. She was good that way.
"Don't s'pose you're here for a drink..." He sighed and rubbed his chin that was showing a five o'clock shadow. "Maybe you should just...turn 'round and pretend ya didn't come." He closed his eyes for a moment, not thinking straight enough to be completely intelligent, but still having sense to speak clearly enough to understand. He opened one eye. "'Cause I'm just a tad bit drunk and... you weren't s'posed to know 'bout it."
U-turn
Sitting in the driveway Katie thought about Jason's words for a second. It really had been nice, a lot nicer than she thought it would be. Even if she had felt a few things she wish she didn't it was still nice. She just needed to get herself back in check and remember she had a different boyfriend now, Jason and her were just friends, thats the way he wanted it and thats the way it had to be.
"I had a great time J...I always do. Thank you so much for inviting me alone, even if I was on duty."
Looking at Jason she just studys him for a long moment. Since they didn't see each other every day like before she noticed the slight changes that had happened. Jason looked older, his features more pronounced than before. Other than being tired, he was looking good.
Realizing she was maybe studying him longer than she should have Katie opens the door and steps out. Leaning down and smiling again she nods to Jason.
"Have a good night."
Walking to her own car Katie throws a wave at Wyatt before getting in. Pulling out of the drive way she pulls out her phone at the same time dialing Hunter. She said she would call and she was going to keep that promise. Having her call sent straight to voice mail Katie was surprised. He always left his phone on when he new she'd be calling him. Even if he didnt answer she could leave a message. This was just odd.
Not being to far away Katie does a U-turn and heads for Hunters house. She hoped everything was ok and nothing happened with him and his friend tonight at the race. It didn't take long and she was finally pulling into the drive way. Seeing his car he was home. That was even odder. Getting out she went to the door and knocked waiting for him to answer, hoping she wasn't waking him up.
Getting to the court house Adison hoped she wasn't late. Grabbing her suit jacked from the back she put it over he blouse and unwrinkled her dress pants getting out of the car. Her hair was in a nice neat bun. She wasn't on trial but she wanted to still be a good representation of Kirk's friend. She hid it well but she had to admit she was scared.
Coming up to the steps and seeing Kirk Adison steps next to him putting her sunglasses on the top of her head. Giving his arm a light tap with her elbow.
"I'll be right here, just like I promised...no matter what."
"I had a great time J...I always do. Thank you so much for inviting me alone, even if I was on duty."
Looking at Jason she just studys him for a long moment. Since they didn't see each other every day like before she noticed the slight changes that had happened. Jason looked older, his features more pronounced than before. Other than being tired, he was looking good.
Realizing she was maybe studying him longer than she should have Katie opens the door and steps out. Leaning down and smiling again she nods to Jason.
"Have a good night."
Walking to her own car Katie throws a wave at Wyatt before getting in. Pulling out of the drive way she pulls out her phone at the same time dialing Hunter. She said she would call and she was going to keep that promise. Having her call sent straight to voice mail Katie was surprised. He always left his phone on when he new she'd be calling him. Even if he didnt answer she could leave a message. This was just odd.
Not being to far away Katie does a U-turn and heads for Hunters house. She hoped everything was ok and nothing happened with him and his friend tonight at the race. It didn't take long and she was finally pulling into the drive way. Seeing his car he was home. That was even odder. Getting out she went to the door and knocked waiting for him to answer, hoping she wasn't waking him up.
Getting to the court house Adison hoped she wasn't late. Grabbing her suit jacked from the back she put it over he blouse and unwrinkled her dress pants getting out of the car. Her hair was in a nice neat bun. She wasn't on trial but she wanted to still be a good representation of Kirk's friend. She hid it well but she had to admit she was scared.
Coming up to the steps and seeing Kirk Adison steps next to him putting her sunglasses on the top of her head. Giving his arm a light tap with her elbow.
"I'll be right here, just like I promised...no matter what."
Whiskey
Jason gave Katie a sheepish look before dropping his gaze to sip his drink. "That obvious, huh?" He shook his head. "Nah... I'm okay." In reality, he was feeling a lot more tired than he thought he should. Maybe he was coming down with something. But he wasn't going to let it mess up the evening after such a great concert. "I might wanna take off here soon though, and I'm sure Wyatt would appreciate not waiting for me all night."
Raising his eyes again, he couldn't help catching her gaze once more. Had she noticed him looking at her during that last song? If she had, had it bothered her? He hadn't meant to make it weird. He'd just...
He was doing it again wasn't he? Forcing his eyes away, he concentrated on his pizza. And he wished Hunter was here.
Though many were still having a good time, Jason decided to leave not much longer after that, and made sure he felt well enough to drive. It was a quiet ride back to Mike's to meet Wyatt and pick up Katie's car. Once there, Jason saw Wyatt waiting, and parked to let Katie out, leaving the engine running.
Glancing over at her, he smiled. "Thanks, Katie... It was... Nice...having you back with the gang like this. I hope you had a good time too."
Sitting slouched on the couch in his apartment, Hunter only half-watched the car race on television. The rest of his focus was spent on making sure he didn't spill the beer in his hand, while also trying to ignore why he was drinking in the first place. A whiskey bottle sat open on the table, and he'd already started on it even though he really didn't even know why. Or maybe he did, and he just didn't want to think about it.
He glanced down at his phone, picked it up and shut it off completely, before stuffing it down in the couch. And he didn't want to talk to anybody else about it either.
Kirk tried to keep his spirits up as he nodded to Adison. "Thanks. I'll take care of myself. Dont worry."
He did as promised, and made sure he was up and going on time in the morning. Getting to the courthouse at ten til eight, he got out of his car and scanned the area for Adison. If she didn't show, he knew it would just be because she wouldn't be able to get away from work.
He was dressed more nicely than normal today in dress pants, a tie, and his good blazer. His hair was pulled back to the nape of his neck then braided to stay neat. Today was not the day to be a rebel.
Pausing at the bottom of the tall steps, he looked up at the building. He'd been here a million times, but today...today it felt different. Today it felt like his future was about to change.
Travis gave Angel a little smile and nod. "Thank you. I really appreciate it. I um... If I keep feeling better, prolly in a few days we can go." He was already worried about it. But he really felt it was what he needed to do.
Raising his eyes again, he couldn't help catching her gaze once more. Had she noticed him looking at her during that last song? If she had, had it bothered her? He hadn't meant to make it weird. He'd just...
He was doing it again wasn't he? Forcing his eyes away, he concentrated on his pizza. And he wished Hunter was here.
Though many were still having a good time, Jason decided to leave not much longer after that, and made sure he felt well enough to drive. It was a quiet ride back to Mike's to meet Wyatt and pick up Katie's car. Once there, Jason saw Wyatt waiting, and parked to let Katie out, leaving the engine running.
Glancing over at her, he smiled. "Thanks, Katie... It was... Nice...having you back with the gang like this. I hope you had a good time too."
Sitting slouched on the couch in his apartment, Hunter only half-watched the car race on television. The rest of his focus was spent on making sure he didn't spill the beer in his hand, while also trying to ignore why he was drinking in the first place. A whiskey bottle sat open on the table, and he'd already started on it even though he really didn't even know why. Or maybe he did, and he just didn't want to think about it.
He glanced down at his phone, picked it up and shut it off completely, before stuffing it down in the couch. And he didn't want to talk to anybody else about it either.
Kirk tried to keep his spirits up as he nodded to Adison. "Thanks. I'll take care of myself. Dont worry."
He did as promised, and made sure he was up and going on time in the morning. Getting to the courthouse at ten til eight, he got out of his car and scanned the area for Adison. If she didn't show, he knew it would just be because she wouldn't be able to get away from work.
He was dressed more nicely than normal today in dress pants, a tie, and his good blazer. His hair was pulled back to the nape of his neck then braided to stay neat. Today was not the day to be a rebel.
Pausing at the bottom of the tall steps, he looked up at the building. He'd been here a million times, but today...today it felt different. Today it felt like his future was about to change.
Travis gave Angel a little smile and nod. "Thank you. I really appreciate it. I um... If I keep feeling better, prolly in a few days we can go." He was already worried about it. But he really felt it was what he needed to do.
Ground Us
"Because if things stayed the same all the time it would get boring. It's gonna be ok though."
Adison really believed it would be. Even if things changed they would be ok, and she wouldnt allow there friendship to fall apart. Maybe it wouldn't be quiet what it is now, or time would be more limited but they would still be friends. She wouldn't let go of Kirk that easy.
Getting up Adison helps Kirk as well clean everything up. Even if she wouldn't she new she always work. Not to mention even if she was going with him tomorrow he needed more sleep than her and she couldn't deprive him of that. This was important, and not something to go into with the lack of sleep.
"Well that didn't take to long to clean up. However, there is a smashed gummy worm over there on the carpet and I tried to pick him out but...he's just stuck there for now."
Gathering up her own stuff and letting the movie finish Adison finally new it was her time to go. Standing and stretching she smiles at Kirk making her way to the door.
"Get some good sleep, eat a good breakfest in the morning and I'l see you there. Just remember...everything is going to be ok. No matter what."
This had been a good night and Katie hadn't been this happy in a long time. It was just great to be with the bands again. She had missed it a whole lot more than she admitted to anyone. As things get thrown around and she hears Jason's comment she cant help but laugh.
"No somethings dont. I guess that is what helps ground us."
Taking a bite of her pizza Katie looks around the table at all the smiling faces, all the laughing, and all light that lit up the room. It was amazing really how after years, fights, and tears this was still one of the best groups around and all the love they had for each other.
Looking at Jason again Katie studied his face for a long moment. Something seemed different, maybe even a little off. It worried her slightly. Maybe he was just tried, it had been a busy night.
"I can drive us home if your not feeling all that up to it. You look exhausted."
Giving a smile at Travis voice it had almost become normal for her not to hear him. Angel didn't mind on bit. It was nice having him there, and it made her feel good he was confiding in her.
Hearing that Mick had agreed his could work she nodded. She'd never known Mick to turn anyways away even if they were on hard times, and she new Rosetta would agree too. Even if it was only a few days Travis stayed at least that was a few more days to get to know him.
"Yeah thats no problem at all. I can take you to your moms to get stuff. I'll barrow Luke's pickup. That should make things a little easier. Just let me know when you want to go and we can work it out."
Adison really believed it would be. Even if things changed they would be ok, and she wouldnt allow there friendship to fall apart. Maybe it wouldn't be quiet what it is now, or time would be more limited but they would still be friends. She wouldn't let go of Kirk that easy.
Getting up Adison helps Kirk as well clean everything up. Even if she wouldn't she new she always work. Not to mention even if she was going with him tomorrow he needed more sleep than her and she couldn't deprive him of that. This was important, and not something to go into with the lack of sleep.
"Well that didn't take to long to clean up. However, there is a smashed gummy worm over there on the carpet and I tried to pick him out but...he's just stuck there for now."
Gathering up her own stuff and letting the movie finish Adison finally new it was her time to go. Standing and stretching she smiles at Kirk making her way to the door.
"Get some good sleep, eat a good breakfest in the morning and I'l see you there. Just remember...everything is going to be ok. No matter what."
This had been a good night and Katie hadn't been this happy in a long time. It was just great to be with the bands again. She had missed it a whole lot more than she admitted to anyone. As things get thrown around and she hears Jason's comment she cant help but laugh.
"No somethings dont. I guess that is what helps ground us."
Taking a bite of her pizza Katie looks around the table at all the smiling faces, all the laughing, and all light that lit up the room. It was amazing really how after years, fights, and tears this was still one of the best groups around and all the love they had for each other.
Looking at Jason again Katie studied his face for a long moment. Something seemed different, maybe even a little off. It worried her slightly. Maybe he was just tried, it had been a busy night.
"I can drive us home if your not feeling all that up to it. You look exhausted."
Giving a smile at Travis voice it had almost become normal for her not to hear him. Angel didn't mind on bit. It was nice having him there, and it made her feel good he was confiding in her.
Hearing that Mick had agreed his could work she nodded. She'd never known Mick to turn anyways away even if they were on hard times, and she new Rosetta would agree too. Even if it was only a few days Travis stayed at least that was a few more days to get to know him.
"Yeah thats no problem at all. I can take you to your moms to get stuff. I'll barrow Luke's pickup. That should make things a little easier. Just let me know when you want to go and we can work it out."
Change
As Adison takes his hand, Kirk just lets his thumb run over her fingers thoughtfully. "Thank you..." She was incredibly important to him, too. Through the years, he'd caught on to the subtle hints that all she wanted from their relationship was to be the best of friends, so he'd never pushed for anything more. Not to mention it was a no-no in the department. But whenever she found the lucky man to spend the rest of her life with...Kirk's own life would become awfully lonely. He'd tried dating other women, but no one made him smile like Adison did. Life would move forward though, whether he liked it or not.
"Why do things have to change, hmm?" He finally let her hand go and sat up to see where the movie was at before his mind ran away with itself. It was almost over. "I guess I need to clean up and call it an early night. I can't be late tomorrow."
He glanced down at her again and smiled, despite all his apprehensions. Daring one last tickle to her ribs, he got to his feet and went to pick up the popcorn bowl to start cleaning the floor.
Hearing Katie was going to join them without Hunter, Jason glanced in her direction. He was a bit surprised. One, that Hunter wasn't coming, and two, that she was going to stay anyway. Maybe she really did miss this crazy bunch.
Once Kyle was finished onstage, all three bands worked together to pack things up and load the pickups and trailers. It was getting late, but everyone was starving, and time really didn't seem to matter at that point. Carson was ready for them when they all filed into Mom and Pop's - the scent of fresh pizzas was mouth-watering.
It was a noisy group, no doubt. There was more than just the band members, which helped fill the room, no no one cared if it was crowded. Carson had managed to get Aerith to come back in to work just a little earlier to help manage things until the bands left, and between the two of them, things in the kitchen ran smoothly.
Background music, chatter, laughter, and an occasional outburst from Kyle's table filled the restaurant. As everyone at their pizza, Carson just stood back behind the counter and watched, a wry grin on his face. It had been a long time since this whole gang had been together here...and he had to admit, it was kind of nice. He'd lost a lot of friends through his own stupidity...but seeing at least Katie and Axel here helped. And the others...seemed halfway okay, so maybe that was an improvement. At least no one was complaining about his pizza.
Sitting across from Katie, Jason took another bite of pizza before ducking to miss someone's crumpled napkin. The table on the end erupted once again, with Kyle screaming something about scarecrows, and flailing his arms to accidentally knock his drink over into Phil's lap. Jason just smiled and shook his head. He dared to look across at Katie - his eyes were so tired - he was exhausted, but at least it had turned into a fun evening. "Some things never change," he mused.
Travis enjoyed his day at the ranch. Helping Ashlee and Eric with feeding was fun, and even though he couldn't ride yet, he did watch Eric and Ashlee for a while as they partially just rode for fun and partially had a lesson a Eric guided her through a light workout. It was obvious the two got along great, which made total sense since Eric was dating Ashlee's mom.
The rest of the day, things were fairly light. There was still a slight tension in the air, but it was easing off. Chance was gone. Xander and his family were trying to get settled. Lane was... Travis wasn't sure. He hadn't talked to his dad much all day, still wanting to just work things out for himself. He wasn't as mad now, but it would take a while for him to get back to a good spot with his dad. There was just so much wrapped up in all of this.
That night before bed, Travis again found himself hesitating before going into his room. And once again, he paused in the doorway, watching Angel finish up her work for the night.
"Hey...Angel?" He hadn't talked to her much since yesterday, other than having her give him a once-over to make sure he was still recovering. "Um... I've been thinking a lot today... about what you said... and, um..." He tucked his hands in his pockets and studied the floor. "Well...I think I want to stay here a while. I mentioned something to Mick today and he seemed to think I could at least work for my room and board and was gonna discuss it with Rosetta. But, um..." He looked back up at her. "I do need to go to my mom's to get my stuff. And... I don't have my own car and I don't want dad going with me 'cause it'll just be a mess. So... I...I was wondering if you might take me?"
He knew she'd offered to help, but he still didn't know if it was asking too much of her. After all, they really had just met this week. "I shouldn't have more than just a car load, really. Like, I don't need to bring any furniture or anything, obviously. I can't imagine it would be more than filling up a car, or the back of a pickup." He searched her face, hoping to find a clue as to whether or not she'd be willing. "It would prolly take about an hour and a half to get there....so... it shouldn't take too long..."
"Why do things have to change, hmm?" He finally let her hand go and sat up to see where the movie was at before his mind ran away with itself. It was almost over. "I guess I need to clean up and call it an early night. I can't be late tomorrow."
He glanced down at her again and smiled, despite all his apprehensions. Daring one last tickle to her ribs, he got to his feet and went to pick up the popcorn bowl to start cleaning the floor.
Hearing Katie was going to join them without Hunter, Jason glanced in her direction. He was a bit surprised. One, that Hunter wasn't coming, and two, that she was going to stay anyway. Maybe she really did miss this crazy bunch.
Once Kyle was finished onstage, all three bands worked together to pack things up and load the pickups and trailers. It was getting late, but everyone was starving, and time really didn't seem to matter at that point. Carson was ready for them when they all filed into Mom and Pop's - the scent of fresh pizzas was mouth-watering.
It was a noisy group, no doubt. There was more than just the band members, which helped fill the room, no no one cared if it was crowded. Carson had managed to get Aerith to come back in to work just a little earlier to help manage things until the bands left, and between the two of them, things in the kitchen ran smoothly.
Background music, chatter, laughter, and an occasional outburst from Kyle's table filled the restaurant. As everyone at their pizza, Carson just stood back behind the counter and watched, a wry grin on his face. It had been a long time since this whole gang had been together here...and he had to admit, it was kind of nice. He'd lost a lot of friends through his own stupidity...but seeing at least Katie and Axel here helped. And the others...seemed halfway okay, so maybe that was an improvement. At least no one was complaining about his pizza.
Sitting across from Katie, Jason took another bite of pizza before ducking to miss someone's crumpled napkin. The table on the end erupted once again, with Kyle screaming something about scarecrows, and flailing his arms to accidentally knock his drink over into Phil's lap. Jason just smiled and shook his head. He dared to look across at Katie - his eyes were so tired - he was exhausted, but at least it had turned into a fun evening. "Some things never change," he mused.
Travis enjoyed his day at the ranch. Helping Ashlee and Eric with feeding was fun, and even though he couldn't ride yet, he did watch Eric and Ashlee for a while as they partially just rode for fun and partially had a lesson a Eric guided her through a light workout. It was obvious the two got along great, which made total sense since Eric was dating Ashlee's mom.
The rest of the day, things were fairly light. There was still a slight tension in the air, but it was easing off. Chance was gone. Xander and his family were trying to get settled. Lane was... Travis wasn't sure. He hadn't talked to his dad much all day, still wanting to just work things out for himself. He wasn't as mad now, but it would take a while for him to get back to a good spot with his dad. There was just so much wrapped up in all of this.
That night before bed, Travis again found himself hesitating before going into his room. And once again, he paused in the doorway, watching Angel finish up her work for the night.
"Hey...Angel?" He hadn't talked to her much since yesterday, other than having her give him a once-over to make sure he was still recovering. "Um... I've been thinking a lot today... about what you said... and, um..." He tucked his hands in his pockets and studied the floor. "Well...I think I want to stay here a while. I mentioned something to Mick today and he seemed to think I could at least work for my room and board and was gonna discuss it with Rosetta. But, um..." He looked back up at her. "I do need to go to my mom's to get my stuff. And... I don't have my own car and I don't want dad going with me 'cause it'll just be a mess. So... I...I was wondering if you might take me?"
He knew she'd offered to help, but he still didn't know if it was asking too much of her. After all, they really had just met this week. "I shouldn't have more than just a car load, really. Like, I don't need to bring any furniture or anything, obviously. I can't imagine it would be more than filling up a car, or the back of a pickup." He searched her face, hoping to find a clue as to whether or not she'd be willing. "It would prolly take about an hour and a half to get there....so... it shouldn't take too long..."
10/13/16
No Matter
"I'd do anything for you,. You should know that."
Turning to look at Kirk again Adison smiled. She didn't know what she would do either. It was a scary thought she didn't like.
"No matter what happens tomorrow...I will always be here for you. I'll always be a phone call away. You are one of the most important people in my life, and that wont ever change."
Taking his hand after he took the popcorn from her hair Adison just held it for a long moment. She didn't say it but she was scared for tomorrow. Life could change in a heart beat, and she didn't know if she was ready for that.
Turning to look at Kirk again Adison smiled. She didn't know what she would do either. It was a scary thought she didn't like.
"No matter what happens tomorrow...I will always be here for you. I'll always be a phone call away. You are one of the most important people in my life, and that wont ever change."
Taking his hand after he took the popcorn from her hair Adison just held it for a long moment. She didn't say it but she was scared for tomorrow. Life could change in a heart beat, and she didn't know if she was ready for that.
Don't know
Kirk was about to start another argument about whose fault it was, when Adison's more serious comment stopped him. He sighed again, and for a few moments, he just reamined quiet, staring up at the ceiling.
Eventually, he rolled onto his side and propped himself up in one elbow. Studying her face, his own wore a sad kind of look. "I won't try to stop you." His voice had grown quiet. "It means a lot...thst you'd do that."
He swallowed hard, then grinned a litle as he reached over and flicked a piece of popcorn from her hair. "If I lose my badge... I don't know what I'm gonna do. I..." He bit his lip. "I don't know what I'd do somewhere else without you to keep me in line, ya know?"
Eventually, he rolled onto his side and propped himself up in one elbow. Studying her face, his own wore a sad kind of look. "I won't try to stop you." His voice had grown quiet. "It means a lot...thst you'd do that."
He swallowed hard, then grinned a litle as he reached over and flicked a piece of popcorn from her hair. "If I lose my badge... I don't know what I'm gonna do. I..." He bit his lip. "I don't know what I'd do somewhere else without you to keep me in line, ya know?"
Alone
As Kirk rolls over Adison just lays there next to him. Letting out a long sigh and a small chuckle she just shakes her head. There was a mess in the living room, she didn't care, the movie played on and she didn't care.
"I didnt force you to eat all those you know. And maybe if you hadn't started the rough housing youd be fine"
Why did tomorrow have to come? Why did all this have to happen. She just didn't understand. But she wasn't going to let him do it along.
"Tomorrow you are not going alone. I'm going too, even if I have to wait outside. I'm not letting you go through this alone."
"I didnt force you to eat all those you know. And maybe if you hadn't started the rough housing youd be fine"
Why did tomorrow have to come? Why did all this have to happen. She just didn't understand. But she wasn't going to let him do it along.
"Tomorrow you are not going alone. I'm going too, even if I have to wait outside. I'm not letting you go through this alone."
Fault
"Are you kidding? I've seen this movie at least twenty times." Kirk closed his eyes. "See? It's at the part where they crash land on the island."
Grinning as he opened his eyes again, he sighed. Well, she'd done it again. She always could make him smile, even on his worst days. But...what would happen after tomorrow?
He looked down at her eyes for several quiet moments, wondering how much longer he'd have the luxury of this kind of evening. If he came out on the losing end tomorrow....would that be the starting point to them not spending as much time together? He suddenly realized he'd gotten lost in her gaze, and blinked.
Sliding off of her, he rolled onto his back and let out a long breath before closing his eyes. "Ugh...too many gummy worms. This is all your fault."
Grinning as he opened his eyes again, he sighed. Well, she'd done it again. She always could make him smile, even on his worst days. But...what would happen after tomorrow?
He looked down at her eyes for several quiet moments, wondering how much longer he'd have the luxury of this kind of evening. If he came out on the losing end tomorrow....would that be the starting point to them not spending as much time together? He suddenly realized he'd gotten lost in her gaze, and blinked.
Sliding off of her, he rolled onto his back and let out a long breath before closing his eyes. "Ugh...too many gummy worms. This is all your fault."
*runs away screaming*
Just laying there completely out of breath Adison turns her head a little and blow Kirks hair he had just blown into her face, back into his own. She continued to laugh as she tried to catch her breath. She didn't like giving up, but maybe this one it would be ok.
"Alright...alright...you win...this time. But you owe me lunch, and more gummy worms."
Bringing her free hand up to Kirk's face she brushed the hair out of his face and just smiled. It was good to see him laugh and smile after he hadn't the last few weeks with this whole Elite business. Things would be ok, they just had to be. She couldn't lose this, if he had to get a new job maybe there times wouldn't match and...the thought of seeing less of him was sad. But that was tomorrow. She wanted to finish today on a good note.
"You relize...I have no idea what is going on with the movie now...right? Not that I mind to much."
"Alright...alright...you win...this time. But you owe me lunch, and more gummy worms."
Bringing her free hand up to Kirk's face she brushed the hair out of his face and just smiled. It was good to see him laugh and smile after he hadn't the last few weeks with this whole Elite business. Things would be ok, they just had to be. She couldn't lose this, if he had to get a new job maybe there times wouldn't match and...the thought of seeing less of him was sad. But that was tomorrow. She wanted to finish today on a good note.
"You relize...I have no idea what is going on with the movie now...right? Not that I mind to much."
Winner
Kirk really hadn't intended on things getting out of hand, but his competitive nature just wouldn't stop. Tackled, he yelled and grabbed Adison, while trying not to laugh. It didnt work though, as the laughter bubbled out while he attempted to win the wrestling match.
By now, popcorn and loose gummy worms both were strewn all over, and the movie was going completely ignored. Eventually, Kirk was sprawled on top of Adison, just using his weight as he layed on her, to keep her down. Panting, his hair was all askew, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"Come on... Give up... You know it's a losing battle." He blew a strand of hair out of his face, which was only inches from hers. "Besides, winner buys lunch tomorrow, so if you let me win now, that means you win tomorrow."
By now, popcorn and loose gummy worms both were strewn all over, and the movie was going completely ignored. Eventually, Kirk was sprawled on top of Adison, just using his weight as he layed on her, to keep her down. Panting, his hair was all askew, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"Come on... Give up... You know it's a losing battle." He blew a strand of hair out of his face, which was only inches from hers. "Besides, winner buys lunch tomorrow, so if you let me win now, that means you win tomorrow."
well than
"ACK...."
Being flipped again Adison was half laughing, half panting and half crying from the laughter. Just looking up at Kirk for a long moment Adison struggles a little.
"Now what would the nice lady across the hall think if she saw this MMMMM....?"
Squirming some more finally Adison was able to get a foot under her and push Kirk off of her. Getting to her knees again quickly Adison sprang forward tackling Kirk like a wild animal.
Being flipped again Adison was half laughing, half panting and half crying from the laughter. Just looking up at Kirk for a long moment Adison struggles a little.
"Now what would the nice lady across the hall think if she saw this MMMMM....?"
Squirming some more finally Adison was able to get a foot under her and push Kirk off of her. Getting to her knees again quickly Adison sprang forward tackling Kirk like a wild animal.
Oh bother
Kirk let out his own wail as Adison distracted him and managed to shove him down and pin him. "Not fair? Since when did I ever promise to play fair?"
Breathing heavily, he paused, just looking up at her for a moment before he sprang back to life. Using just a quick combination, he turned the tables. In the end, he was straddling her stomach, simply sitting up straight and chewing on some popcorn as he paid attention to the droning movie.
"Hey," he mused. "This is comfy. Don't move now."
Breathing heavily, he paused, just looking up at her for a moment before he sprang back to life. Using just a quick combination, he turned the tables. In the end, he was straddling her stomach, simply sitting up straight and chewing on some popcorn as he paid attention to the droning movie.
"Hey," he mused. "This is comfy. Don't move now."
*hides*
Being pulled suddenly over Kirk's shoulder Adison squealed. He laughter only grew as her tickled her. He new how much she hated that and yet he did it anyways...he was lucky she liked him.
"Ahh....Kirk...stop....Ahhhh...."
Aidson gasped for air as the tickling continued. As the popcorn bowl goes fly she can't help the look on her face as she busts out laughing some more.
"Oh...No....Ah...its your....fault it spilled....You can...clean it up."
Reaching behind her Adison grabs a hand full of the spilled popcorn and throws it at Kirk. Giving her the advantage she needed to get the upper hand and forcing the couch backwards as she pins him to the ground.
"You play dirty you know that? Tickling is not fair."
Hearing Hunter's reply Katie found it slightly odd and couldn't help feel something was wrong. She really didn't have much room to ask though.
"Oh...ok. Well have fun, be safe. I'll call you when I am on my way home."
Hanging up the phone Katie couldn't help the slight look of concern but tried her best to hide it. She'd had a good day, and had a good night so why was it now she felt like she was guilty for something. Trying to push the feeling away though Katie went back to the group and slipped her phone in her pocket.
"Looks like it will just be me joining for pizza, but I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Ahh....Kirk...stop....Ahhhh...."
Aidson gasped for air as the tickling continued. As the popcorn bowl goes fly she can't help the look on her face as she busts out laughing some more.
"Oh...No....Ah...its your....fault it spilled....You can...clean it up."
Reaching behind her Adison grabs a hand full of the spilled popcorn and throws it at Kirk. Giving her the advantage she needed to get the upper hand and forcing the couch backwards as she pins him to the ground.
"You play dirty you know that? Tickling is not fair."
Hearing Hunter's reply Katie found it slightly odd and couldn't help feel something was wrong. She really didn't have much room to ask though.
"Oh...ok. Well have fun, be safe. I'll call you when I am on my way home."
Hanging up the phone Katie couldn't help the slight look of concern but tried her best to hide it. She'd had a good day, and had a good night so why was it now she felt like she was guilty for something. Trying to push the feeling away though Katie went back to the group and slipped her phone in her pocket.
"Looks like it will just be me joining for pizza, but I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Oops?
Feeling Adison run her fingers through his hair, Kirk sighed and relaxed a little, closing his eyes. They flew open again though when she kissed his forehead, and he rolled his gaze upward almost cross-eyed as he grinned.
"Yeah well... I guess you're right. And there's no smoke here either. That's a..." He stopped as the gummy worm hit him on the nose and he laughed. "Twerp," he teased. Swallowing his own sugary bite, he reached up behind him and grabbed Adison around the waist. "You asked for it," he warned. Without hesitating, he pulled, forcing her to slide down headfirst over his shoulder and upside down into his lap before he started to tickle her ribs. The last time he'd done that, she'd caught his face with her fist, but at this point, all caution was gone. There were too many other serious things to think about...this didn't have to be one of them.
A flailing arm caught the bowl of popcorn, which sent the kernels flying in all directions. Kirk didn't let up on the tickling. "You are so gonna help me clean that up."
Hunter leaned on his motorcycle and listened to Katie, glancing over his shoulder to where the concert was still going on, though it was almost over. "Um..." He hesitated. "You know what, I got a text from a buddy out at the desert race so I think I'm gonna head that way. I'll talk to you later though, okay? Eat an extra slice for me."
Still sitting nearby, Jason finished the orange juice just to make Jen happy, and tossed the bottle in a nearby can. It sounded like Katie was going to come with them for pizza. That was a good thing...right? He stood and ran a hand through his sweaty hair. He needed to pull himself together, and fast.
"I think he's in his last song," Phil mentioned about Kyle. "It wont take long to tear things down and load up if we all pitch in."
Jason nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah. Sounds like we're coming for pizza too so Carson will have a crowd tonight."
"Yeah well... I guess you're right. And there's no smoke here either. That's a..." He stopped as the gummy worm hit him on the nose and he laughed. "Twerp," he teased. Swallowing his own sugary bite, he reached up behind him and grabbed Adison around the waist. "You asked for it," he warned. Without hesitating, he pulled, forcing her to slide down headfirst over his shoulder and upside down into his lap before he started to tickle her ribs. The last time he'd done that, she'd caught his face with her fist, but at this point, all caution was gone. There were too many other serious things to think about...this didn't have to be one of them.
A flailing arm caught the bowl of popcorn, which sent the kernels flying in all directions. Kirk didn't let up on the tickling. "You are so gonna help me clean that up."
Hunter leaned on his motorcycle and listened to Katie, glancing over his shoulder to where the concert was still going on, though it was almost over. "Um..." He hesitated. "You know what, I got a text from a buddy out at the desert race so I think I'm gonna head that way. I'll talk to you later though, okay? Eat an extra slice for me."
Still sitting nearby, Jason finished the orange juice just to make Jen happy, and tossed the bottle in a nearby can. It sounded like Katie was going to come with them for pizza. That was a good thing...right? He stood and ran a hand through his sweaty hair. He needed to pull himself together, and fast.
"I think he's in his last song," Phil mentioned about Kyle. "It wont take long to tear things down and load up if we all pitch in."
Jason nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah. Sounds like we're coming for pizza too so Carson will have a crowd tonight."
Kiss
"Ya know I told my mom the same thing. I can sleep when I'm dead. She wasn't to happy with that."
Ashlee started to her own work just happy someone was there to keep her company. She didn't mind being alone but having someone there to chat with was nice too. About to say something else to Travis Ashlee stop hearing Eric's voice.
"Hey Eric, we are in here."
Hearing his offer to go riding she couldn't help the new smile on her face. She'd missed spending time with Eric even if she understood. She still missed it.
"Yes definitely. I miss riding with you."
Ashlee looks to Travis and than looks to Eric again. The day had only started and she felt like she had already won some grand prize. Spening time with Travis, spending time with Eric what else could possible go right at the moment.
"Do you want to help us? We are just feeding the horses."
Adison couldn't be more comfortable right now. Baggy sweats pants, and over size hoodie she stole from Kirk, her hair down, and her favorite spot in the house on the couch. As the movie played and a new gummy worm was placed in her hand she smiled down at him. She could tell he was still worried about tomorrow even if he didn't say anything. In all honestly she was worried too. What would she do without her best friend at work.
Not thinking to much of it Adison starts to run her fingers through Kirk's long hair. It wasn't a strange thing for her to do. She had done it before. Kirk had such nice hair, she often told him it was a crime to have better hair than hers.
Taking a bit of the worm that was put into her hand she leaned over Kirk and placed a kiss on his for head. Just continue to look down at him she grinned.
"I'm just full of good ideas you know. Anyways this is better than spending time in a noisy bar."
Still looking at him Adison takes the gummy worm and bites it before thwacking Kirk on the noes with it and sitting up again. Continuing to watch the movie once again still fiddling with her hair.
Keeping her eye on everything Katie made sure things continued to be safe for Jason, and the bands. They all sounded great tonight and she wasn't going to let that get runed.
As Jason came on stage with Kyle she couldn't help but cheer a little louder herself. They always sounded great together so this was a really nice extra treat. As the song started to play, and they started to sing Katie felt her heart almost stop. That song, those words. Without even relizing it her eyes locked with Jason's as a smile spread across her lips.
Memoires from along ago flooded her mind. So many feelings were mixed with those. Katie wouldn't regret being here, but she couldn't help the small pain she felt too. She missed Jason, and she couldn't deny that.
As he disappeared from the stage Katie tried to shake herself from the fog she felt and cheered again. She had to go backstage and make sure everything there was ok. No matter her feeling at the moment Jason's safety came first and she'd have to remember that.
Coming around the corner Katie smiles at the mention of pizza. No matter what, somethings never changed. Pizza was a tradition and she wasn't about to break that. Not when it wasn't often everyone was in he same place at the same time.
"Pizza sounds great to me. Let me just call Hunter and see if he wants to come."
Stepping to the side and away from some noise Katie dials Hunters number waiting for him to answer.
"Hey. Jen said she saw you at the concert tonight. Thanks for coming, even if I couldn't stand with you this time. Everyone is going to grab pizza at Mom and Pops and I was wondering if you'd like to meet us there and have some pizza too. They all said they wouldn't mind to have you join us."
Ashlee started to her own work just happy someone was there to keep her company. She didn't mind being alone but having someone there to chat with was nice too. About to say something else to Travis Ashlee stop hearing Eric's voice.
"Hey Eric, we are in here."
Hearing his offer to go riding she couldn't help the new smile on her face. She'd missed spending time with Eric even if she understood. She still missed it.
"Yes definitely. I miss riding with you."
Ashlee looks to Travis and than looks to Eric again. The day had only started and she felt like she had already won some grand prize. Spening time with Travis, spending time with Eric what else could possible go right at the moment.
"Do you want to help us? We are just feeding the horses."
Adison couldn't be more comfortable right now. Baggy sweats pants, and over size hoodie she stole from Kirk, her hair down, and her favorite spot in the house on the couch. As the movie played and a new gummy worm was placed in her hand she smiled down at him. She could tell he was still worried about tomorrow even if he didn't say anything. In all honestly she was worried too. What would she do without her best friend at work.
Not thinking to much of it Adison starts to run her fingers through Kirk's long hair. It wasn't a strange thing for her to do. She had done it before. Kirk had such nice hair, she often told him it was a crime to have better hair than hers.
Taking a bit of the worm that was put into her hand she leaned over Kirk and placed a kiss on his for head. Just continue to look down at him she grinned.
"I'm just full of good ideas you know. Anyways this is better than spending time in a noisy bar."
Still looking at him Adison takes the gummy worm and bites it before thwacking Kirk on the noes with it and sitting up again. Continuing to watch the movie once again still fiddling with her hair.
Keeping her eye on everything Katie made sure things continued to be safe for Jason, and the bands. They all sounded great tonight and she wasn't going to let that get runed.
As Jason came on stage with Kyle she couldn't help but cheer a little louder herself. They always sounded great together so this was a really nice extra treat. As the song started to play, and they started to sing Katie felt her heart almost stop. That song, those words. Without even relizing it her eyes locked with Jason's as a smile spread across her lips.
Memoires from along ago flooded her mind. So many feelings were mixed with those. Katie wouldn't regret being here, but she couldn't help the small pain she felt too. She missed Jason, and she couldn't deny that.
As he disappeared from the stage Katie tried to shake herself from the fog she felt and cheered again. She had to go backstage and make sure everything there was ok. No matter her feeling at the moment Jason's safety came first and she'd have to remember that.
Coming around the corner Katie smiles at the mention of pizza. No matter what, somethings never changed. Pizza was a tradition and she wasn't about to break that. Not when it wasn't often everyone was in he same place at the same time.
"Pizza sounds great to me. Let me just call Hunter and see if he wants to come."
Stepping to the side and away from some noise Katie dials Hunters number waiting for him to answer.
"Hey. Jen said she saw you at the concert tonight. Thanks for coming, even if I couldn't stand with you this time. Everyone is going to grab pizza at Mom and Pops and I was wondering if you'd like to meet us there and have some pizza too. They all said they wouldn't mind to have you join us."
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