"You might feel like that Scott but your not. Your just trying to deal with it, and your trying to do it alone. But you need help you need someone to help you. Your forcing yourself to go through this alone when you don't have to."
Hope continues to hold Scott's hand. She wasn't ready to give up on him not yet. In every way Hope wanted to be there for him. He meant so much to her, more than words could ever say.
"Scott if I didn't want to be around you or thought you were horrible company I wouldn't ask to spend time with you. I know nothing can happen in a snap of the fingers, I don't expect it to and thats why I am being pashent, because I do understand. I'd just like to see you more than once every two weeks."
Following Alec outside and to her car Ryan gives a laugh. Moving into the drive side of the car she leans over bringing her hand to the side of Alec's face and than to the back of his head. Looking at him deep in the eyes the flames in her eyes seem to dance, and her lips had turned up into a grin.
"Experiments, I could never tire of those."
Pressing her lips to Alec's she lets her kiss show how much in the last ten days she had missed seeing him. Pulling away and giving another grin Ryan new this probably wasn't the best place for a make out session.
Starting her car she pulls out the parking lot and starts down the street. Quiet for a moment Ryan wasn't sure where they were going. Maybe back to her place to grab some left over pizza that was still in the fridge.
Glancing over at Alec she had read the question in his eyes, even if he was trying to hide it Ryan seemed to be able to see right though. She really had tried to see him, and finding most days he was busy she hadn't bothered to come back. So she hadnt been lieing about that, but it wasn't the whole truth ether.
"I really am sorry I haven't come to see you more. The few times I did you were busy, and than other than that...I've been having some problems with my ex. I mean nothing major, but just its kind of stressful. So I have had that linger on my mind."
Continuing to smile Faith felt the warmth wash over her. Sparky had been here the whole time, never leaving her. He had said he would be there when she woke up, and he was right.
"I guess this means we get to start the rest of our lifes huh? I'm excited to get to spend more time with you. I just need to rest a little, I feel tired. When I wake up, I'll see you again."
Closing her eyes Faith felt so tired even though she had been in a coma just the little bit of talking seemed so hard right now. Just a little rest, and she would be ok.
Sitting at her desk Rosetta was busy doing her own work while Mick went through any of the files he wanted. There was nothing to hide from him so Rosetta had no objection what he went through.
"I needed help, try as I may to do all this alone I couldn't. Sparky was there and he was bored so he did a good job of stepping up to help me."
Rosetta gives a smile to Mick, his brother had helped her a lot and she new Mick liked working in the barn more than doing the paper work anyways.
3/10/10
Crazy
Scott's eyes drop, though his fingers run over Hope's. "You haven't failed me," he assures quietly. "Don't ever think that, okay?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
He looks back up at her, wanting her to accept that. "You've never failed me... all you've ever done is be there for me when I needed you. If anyone's failed it's me and I just haven't figured out how to fix things yet."
Sighing, his shoulders droop a little. He'd thrown himself into his photography and to the outsider he would look incredibly busy and fulfilled. But if one looked closer, he was so weary. His weight loss had gradually continued and he was tired... tired of fighting.
"I miss us too," he mentions softly. "I just... I'm not good company right now. All I do is replay nightmares in my mind, rehash data and try to get it all out of my head. I don't... I don't like me right now. I'm not who I want to be but I haven't found the key yet to getting back to where I need to be. I had it once.... just a glimpse... I thought I'd conquered the monsters. But they're back and seem stronger this time. I feel like..."
He searches Hope's eyes. He was serious when he said this... there was no joking, even if it sounded like a teasing phrase. He'd never been more serious. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
Axel looks between Ryan and Alec with reservations but says nothing. He wasn't so sure about this, but it really was none of his business. He nods to Ryan and gives Alec one last suspicious glance before returning to his tools.
Alec looks down at Ryan, jerking his head towards Axel. "Nervous fellow, eh?" He aims Ryan towards the open door. "I don't care where we go. Anywhere but TJY. As far as the ride goes though..." He gestures to a pickup parked at the far end of the parking lot. It was Jason's. "I got an escort from here to the police station for a nice little interview with the chief, supposedly. That's why I only got half an hour."
He pauses as he slides into the passenger side of Ryan's car and waits for her. "However... I think forty-five minutes would do just as well. Unless you grew bored with scientific experiments and that's why I haven't seen you."
Many things lingered in his eyes. There was irritation for his little exchange with Axel that he'd hidden so well. There was weariness from long days of interrogation. There was the same desperate desire for freedom that had yet to be released. There was question as to why he really hadn't seen Ryan lately.
"Yeah... you too." Leo watches Cassy leave, waving out the door. He shrugs and aims back for the garage. Helping Cassy would be something different to do and at least it was a good deed rather than a waste of time.
Just as he gets back into the garage, he sees Alec and Ryan leaving, their arms around each other. His stomach churns as an untamed anger boils down deep. Great. Alec was coming here now. Just what he wanted.
Sparky gives a little chuckle. "I don't care if you're bald for the rest of your life - as long as you're with me."
He squeezes her hand. "You've been out over a week. Going on two, I guess. I've lost track of time." His thumb runs over her hand gently. "Yeah... I've been here the whole time."
Mick leans back in the office chair, looking through another file and shakes his head. After getting in deeper to all that had gone on while he'd been away, he was finding Sparky's fingerprints in everything. "Rosetta..." He continues to flip through pages. "When I was told Sparky helped out, I had no idea it was this much..." His voice showed his surprise. "There's hardly anything he didn't do or at least help with. He basically took over my tasks completely didn't he?"
3/9/10
Hidden Emotions
Hope lets out a small sigh. She felt so bad for Scott, and at the same time she felt so bad for herself. She loved Scott, and she new she was his strong ground but how could she be when he wouldn't let her and it hurt.
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
"I've been...pretty crappy really. Your pulling away from me Scott and I don't know what to do because I feel like I have failed you."
Playing with the corner of the menu for a moment Hope falls quiet. Finally looking up at Scott again she gives a small smile reaching across the table to take his hand in her own.
"I want to help you and be there for you, but I can't if you wont let me. Other than that I'm....ok. Works going, and sitting at home watching tv is ok though most nights there is nothing on. I miss you, I miss us Scott."
Ryan's grin grows just a little at Alec's comment. Her emotions of drear staying hidden for now.
Going to reply Ryan stops looking at Axel and they go back and forth. Cocking her head just a little wonder how well Alec would respond. She was actually impressed on how calm Alec stayed with Axel.
Giving a small chuckle at Alec's comment about his integrity Ryan gives a little nod of his head.
"He's a gentlemen when he wants to be honest. And actually Reese gave him an hour and a half but thats a story for another time."
As Alec puts his arm over Ryan's shoulder is surprised her a little but what surprised her even more was when her own arm wrapped around his wast in return. The grin still on her face, looking to Alex she nods.
"I guess I am taking lunch now if anyone asks. I'll be back in an hour."
Turning back to Alec she gives a little laugh again it was nice that he surprised her and showed up at her work. No one had ever done that before.
"So where should we go for lunch? I can drop you off at TJY after."
Giving a big smile Cassy takes Leo's arm in her hand and gives a squeeze in a friendly matter that showed she was excited and she really was to have his help. Not to mention it had been nice catching up with him the other day and she would like to talk more often.
"Ok than, I will see you at six give or take."
Taking her keys out of her purse Cassy starts for the door before stopping. Giving Leo a little wave and one last smile.
"Enjoy the rest of your day and remember chin up. I'll see you later."
Exiting the shop the rest of the way Cassy goes to her car and before you know it she was out of sight once again.
Feeling Sparky's fingers lock with her own the smile grows just a little on her lips knowing this wasn't a dream and she really was awake.
"Scared the tar out of you huh? Well now your going to have to deal with me being bald for a while."
Faith gives a small laugh as her eyes twinkle looking at Sparky. She was a live, and she was going to be able to spend more time with Sparky now. She would continue to pray the tumor didn't come back, but for now she got to live longer, and it was an amazing feeling.
"How long was I out? Did you stay with me the whole time Hun?"
Strong point
"I'm doing okay." It was Scott's automatic response. He'd been asked how he was doing many times lately, so his answer came easily, true or not.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Setting his menu aside, he gives a little sigh, playing with his fork. He was glad he was sitting on this side of the table... had he been on the opposite, his blind eye would have been towards the door and he'd gotten used to making sure he could see all he needed to in order to not be cornered unknowingly.
"I don't know," he admits a little more honestly. "I'm alright I guess. Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been.... taking pictures a lot. I should be out looking for another job but... haven't been motivated I guess."
Rubbing his forehead, he wishes to be rid of his headache. "Nightmares keep me up most nights, but other than that... I'm fine. You?"
"Maybe I was waiting to see how many times you'd show up to try and see me," Alec counters.
Axel is still watching, a bit uncomfortable with this whole thing, and he clears his throat. "I believe it's Alec Banks, right?"
Alec straightens and turns to Axel a bit coolly. "That's right." He cocks his head. "Oh yeah. You were here that night."
"I was." Axel was out of the loop, so even more suspicious. "How'd you get here?"
"What? You think I stole a car or something?" Alec holds up his hands. "I didn't. I swear. Never steal cars. Well..." He pauses. "Not unless it's absolutely necessary." Seeing the wary look in Axel's eyes, his own narrow slightly with a faint, cocky grin on his lips. "Chill. I'm on lunch break."
"Lunch break."
"That's right. Call me in if you don't believe me. Or maybe you'd just as soon kick me out before I head for the cash register."
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to." Alec's eyes give off a spark, his shoulders kept square and steady. "But unless my instincts prove me wrong... this mechanic behind me will vouch for my incredible integrity."
"Incredible?"
"Well... modesty was never my strong point." Alec turns back around to Ryan, slinging an arm around her shoulders. "I got half an hour, babe. We gonna spend it staring into a greasy engine, or out in the sunshine?"
Leo gives little laugh and shakes his head. "Pizza's not necessary, but always welcome. No olives." He grins and accepts the address. "Got it. I'll come on over after work then."
Looking back at Cassy, he remembers her from a year ago. She looked a little different now, but not too much. She was still as pretty as she had been then. Maybe prettier. And despite the rough time, there was still life behind her eyes.
"Guess I'll... see you later."
Sparky had been staring into nothingness when the sound of Faith's voice snaps him to attention. Looking quickly to her bed, his eyes widen. His guitar is immediately left on the window seat as he goes to her side, taking her hand.
"You're awake," he breathes. "Thank God you're awake."
Sinking down in a chair next to her bed, he still holds her hand, his free hand reaching up to come through her hair. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. Swallowing hard, he holds back the tears that were in his eyes. Now his prayer was that this was not a horrid last moment, but a first moment of many to come.
"Scared the tar out of me anyway," he teases quietly.
Calming
Giving a smile to Scott as he gives her a kiss and moves to the seat across from her Hope gives a little shake of her head.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
"Nope, not yet was just waiting for you to make sure you were gonna be here first."
Taking note his contacts were in Hope normally would have no objection to that he looked good without his glasses, but at this point in time with his eye covered up she couldn't help but worry just a little.
Glancing over the menu Hope looks for something to order. She didn't know what she wanted or was even in the mood for. Salad, a burger, steak, maybe a wrap looked kind of good. Finally deciding what she felt like having she looked up at Scott giving a smile.
"So, how have you been? Over the last ten days the only time I saw you was when you packed your stuff up at TJY. Holding up ok and dealing with everything good?"
Continuing to work on the car Ryan has no idea anyone had come up behind her as she worked. Not to mention her mind was to far away thinking about many other things to even really considerate on who was around her.
Hearing the voice behind her Ryan is pulled from where her mind had been wondering only to let a grin pass on her lips. straightening and holding her wrench in her hand looking over her shoulder slightly.
"Maybe I was just waiting to see how long it would take you to come here, since every time I tried to see you, you were busy."
Cassy's smile grows a little happy Leo was willing to help. Everyone who she had planned on helping her ended up ditching so it really was nice he said yes.
"Great. I have everything in the moving truck outside my soon to be studio so it wont be to hard. I'll even order a pizza as an extra thank you."
Giving another smile Cassy goes into her purse and pulls out a peace of paper. Moving to the counter she jots down the address and hands it to Leo.
"Its on the corner of Lake st, and Church. Its a pretty big building you can't miss it. I'll be waiting outside for you. Thank you so much again Leo. I really appreciate it."
Letting out a sigh and looking at JT Bree nods. She was thankful she was safe, her and and Uncle and soon to be Gunner to. but a part of her heart was still broken to think anyone's parents could do this. Bree with she had known what her mother was like before when she was a kid. And her dad she couldn't help but wonder if he had always been like this too. Much wonder layed in her eyes but thats all it was. Questions that never would be answered and feelings that would always linger.
Pushing her sandwich away Bree didn't want anymore. She'd had a little but she just didnt feel all that hungry.
"So...what did u want to do today?"
Thirteen gives a small she of her head. She new she was doing great with all the people and she was handling herself well but...she just wanted something different.
Going back over to the small table by the wall she sits down again with a long sigh.
"I know he likes me out there, but...I hate being around all those people I don't know. I just feel...I like to cook now that I know how and I like that more. I'll ask him when he gets back, and hope he says yes."
Thirteen gives another smile her eyes giving a little glisten that she really was excited about talking to Carson about this. It would be something new, something she would like more, and something she was actually taking an interest in on her own.
In the dark clouds of a mind, stuck between life and death a darkness rains. Wondering, searching looking for a light, any light. If it was to lead to life than it was right, if it was to lead to the eternal life, than it was good.
No light came to fill the darkness, maybe because one was holding on to tight to something they went ready to leave behind. Than a soft sound seemed to break through the darkness....music, the sound of a lullaby so sweet, so pure, a love being expressed through the words, and that voice the voice that seemed to beckon, that seemed to call for the darkness to break.
Opening her eyes slowly Faith lets the bright lights of the room. Taking them in she squints trying to remember where she was and why she was here. Moving her head to one side and seeing the mashens she was hooked up to, and Sparky she remembers. A smile spreads across her face. She had hurd him singing.
A smile spreads across Faith's lips and her voice is horse and raspy.
" I love it when you sing, its so calming."
Giving a smile and a nod to Eric Wendy was pleased herself Eric was eating. She liked help out more around the ranch, it made her feel good.
"That's mom's homemade soup so she will like to know you like it. Not to mention she wont come over here and kill you."
Wendy was happy Eric was going to be ok. For a little while it had gotten hairy there and it worried even her, but now some of his color was coming back, and eating in itself was a good thing.
Offended
"Okay, sounds good." Scott really wasn't paying a whole lot of attention, but he'd caught what Hope had said. "I'll meet you there in about half an hour, okay?"
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
Bringing the call to an end, he sets the phone aside, still absorbed in his photo project. Only Domino's bark to be let outside a while later reminded him that he needed to go.
Getting to the restaurant, he was a few minutes late and he finds Hope already there. Wandering over to the table, he leans down to give her a quick kiss before sitting across from her. "Hi. Sorry I'm late." He had his contacts in today, with one to cover his blind eye... proof he was hiding from the world again. "Did you order yet?"
Axel lifts an eyebrow, a little surprised and annoyed at Ryan's sharp remark, but after she continues, he decides to let it slide this time. Her change of subject made it apparent that she didn't want anything to do with deeper topics right now.
"Jess is good. We spend a lot of time together, even if we have to do it at band practice. The guys love her though so we have fun." His voice trails off as movement in the window catches his eye. Had someone just walked by? Odd. His question was answered though as a shadow appears from the open garage door behind the car Ryan was working on. Axel eyes the man with mixed emotions, wondering at his presence.Wasn't he supposed to be in Elite custody?
Alec wanders into the garage and catches Axel's eye, putting a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. Ambling up behind Ryan, he looks over her shoulder into the engine. "This heap of metal is what's kept you from visiting me? I'm offended."
Leo is a little surprised that Cassy had come to him for this kind of help. But then, sometimes it was hard getting a hold of friends to do things like this. He shrugs then nods. "Yeah... yeah, I could swing by to give you a hand. I don't have anything going on tonight... I get off about six, if you wanna tell me where to be."
JT sighs a little, then shakes his head. "No... no, I don't think your parents will try anything again. First off, if they do, we're legally safe now - nothing can happen. And two, David and Angelica are digging enough that once the truth is out in the open, the situation will be resolved."
He shrugs lamely. "People do crazy things in the name of money, Bree. Your mother... she wasn't always like this. But once she got into money... she changed. I don't even know who she is anymore. But you don't have to worry, okay? From here on out, we're safe. We did it the right way this time."
Ryder chuckles at Thirteen. "I don't know - Carson's pretty picky about his kitchen. You can ask him when he gets back though, if you want. Can't hurt. I know he's happy with how you've been handling customers though. But maybe he'd let you spend a little more time back here at least."
Sparky sits on the deep window sill of the hospital room, his back leaning back against the cold glass as rain pelts against it. It had been raining for three days straight and now matched his spirits. They were approaching two weeks... two weeks that Faith had been in a coma. No family. No one to make decisions. And the doctors were already hinting at the possibility of taking her off life support. They'd removed all of the tumor - so on one hand, the operation had been a success. But the downside was that as a result, Faith had lapsed into a coma soon after the surgery. Sparky had told her he'd see her again... and he had yet to see her eyes after they'd disappeared behind the O.R. doors. She was still... and peaceful. But so very quiet.
Sparky had not yet returned to the ranch. Others had made sure he had clean clothes and anything else he needed, while he'd spent his days and nights between the chair Faith's room and the couch in the waiting room. A prayer was constantly on his mind, running over and over and over. Please, I beg you to not let me lose her now. Don't deprive me of the love you just so recently put before me... but your will be done.
Fingering the neck of his guitar, he picks out a soft tune, the melody filling the room with mellow tones. The songs of choice had varied... usually it was just the music and him remaining silent or humming along. Once in a while he would sing softly. Today a song was on his tongue - one that had been on his heart for a while now, and on paper less than twenty-four hours.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Calling me a fool,
The world thinks I'm crazy.
Maybe they are right.
I'm crazy over you.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A heart that's pure and true.
Oh, they don't hear what I hear,
The love in your voice.
So love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
They just can't see past their,
Fenced in little world.
They don't seem to listen,
To the inside of a man.
Oh, they don't see what I see,
A spirit free and soaring.
Oh, they don't feel what I feel,
A heart that's beating strong.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
Miracles don't happen,
At least that's what I thought.
Then God sent me an angel,
To open up my heart.
They tell me to walk away.
They tell me to just forget it.
They tell me I'm being foolish.
But I have chosen.
I have chosen.
Forever and a day.
Love is a choice and I choose to love you.
No matter what the world may say.
I love you and will forever.
Forever... forever and a day.
The notes slowly die away and Sparky is still looking over to Faith's quiet form. Leaning on his guitar, he takes a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. Forever... he didn't want it to end so quickly. He didn't want to have to wait until death for forever to begin. But the more hours that went by, the closer they were to saying goodbye.
Eric takes a sip of soup after blowing on his spoon. "Mmm." He smiles at Wendy in thanks for her bringing him his lunch. He couldn't believe how long he'd been cooped up in this bunk house, but it was better than what the alternative could have been.
His infection had worsened to the point where Angel and Jim were ready to take him to the hospital, but only by the grace of God had his fever begun to lessen. It had been a severe enough condition that he'd been unable to even sit up for days, but slowly, so slowly, the infection had begun to dissolve. Being able to sit up now and actually have lunch for the third day in a row was a treat, though the color in his face hadn't quite returned yet. He didn't remember a whole lot about this last week or so, but he was told that he'd come awfully close to what no one wanted to think about.
"Thank you, Wendy." The chicken soup hit the spot. "You can tell your mom I was a good boy and ate something." He winks at her. "Then neither of us will get into trouble."
Miss
Hope could tell Scott was desecrated but why she didn't know. In a way it was good to see him with his mind on something else and not with what was going on with him.
"Mmmm...how about La Rock at noon?"
She didn't really mind where they went as long as she got to see Scott. Talking to him made her smile no doubt but seeing him would be even better.
"Maybe afterwords we can catch a movie or something, I miss spending time with you."
"Well at least your good at controlling things."
Ryan new her voice seemed a little cold but she new Axel would understand it wasn't him. Ryan just felt tired, lost, and she hated feeling this way. Maybe if her and Alec spent more time together it would be different but it felt like she was left with nothing, because she had nothing to hold onto.
Looking up at Axel Ryan gives him a look of sorrow. She new he would understand but still she couldn't feel bad for snapping.
"Sorry Axel..I'm just....something or other."
Ryan gives a little chuckle. At least Axel was over near her and talking. The other guys they seemed distant since her and Leo broke it off. Not avoiding her, just not going out of there way ether. Maybe because it just felt awkward.
"Thanks for just being there. Hows Jess doing?"
A smile forms on Cassy's lips when she see Leo. Having herd the guys in the back she thought it was kind of funny. Giving a wave and a small shake of her head Cassy felt a little silly.
"Hey Leo. No, no car trouble unless there has to be for us to talk."
Cocking her head to one side her lips curl in a small smile. Seeing Leo in his element was nice, where her friend worked, what he did with his days.
Straightening again she breaks her gaze from Leo looking around the shop quick taking everything in before looking back to him again. Feeling a little strange for asking him for help.
"I had some stuff I had to bring where my new studio is going to be and I was wondering if maybe today or tomorrow when you get off work if you could give me a hand. I don't want to push my luck in lifting anything heavy."
Taking the break off the top of her sandwich Bree poked at the ham for a moment before finally breaking a peace off eating it.
"Yeah, we can do something if you want."
Pulling another peace Bree eats it, wishing she was a little happier. In time they said, in time she would be ok. Would she? Maybe when Gunner was out she would be? Was she stained for the rest of her life? Bree could only hope not.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are going to try anyways? ...to get me again? I still...don't even know why!"
Giving a smile and going to the stove Thirteen opens it up and grabs a pot holder to pull out the large pizza pan and putting it on top of the stove. Bringing the the garlic spread over Thirteen spreads a thin layer on top before replacing them in the over once again.
Turning back to Ryder Thirteen smiles again. She felt good today, it was nice out, she was in an ok mood, and later she would be going through her pictures to make up her album. It was a good day.
"Hey Ryder, do you think maybe when Carson came back he'd let me help him cook more? I like it better back here than out there with all the people."
"Mmmm...how about La Rock at noon?"
She didn't really mind where they went as long as she got to see Scott. Talking to him made her smile no doubt but seeing him would be even better.
"Maybe afterwords we can catch a movie or something, I miss spending time with you."
"Well at least your good at controlling things."
Ryan new her voice seemed a little cold but she new Axel would understand it wasn't him. Ryan just felt tired, lost, and she hated feeling this way. Maybe if her and Alec spent more time together it would be different but it felt like she was left with nothing, because she had nothing to hold onto.
Looking up at Axel Ryan gives him a look of sorrow. She new he would understand but still she couldn't feel bad for snapping.
"Sorry Axel..I'm just....something or other."
Ryan gives a little chuckle. At least Axel was over near her and talking. The other guys they seemed distant since her and Leo broke it off. Not avoiding her, just not going out of there way ether. Maybe because it just felt awkward.
"Thanks for just being there. Hows Jess doing?"
A smile forms on Cassy's lips when she see Leo. Having herd the guys in the back she thought it was kind of funny. Giving a wave and a small shake of her head Cassy felt a little silly.
"Hey Leo. No, no car trouble unless there has to be for us to talk."
Cocking her head to one side her lips curl in a small smile. Seeing Leo in his element was nice, where her friend worked, what he did with his days.
Straightening again she breaks her gaze from Leo looking around the shop quick taking everything in before looking back to him again. Feeling a little strange for asking him for help.
"I had some stuff I had to bring where my new studio is going to be and I was wondering if maybe today or tomorrow when you get off work if you could give me a hand. I don't want to push my luck in lifting anything heavy."
Taking the break off the top of her sandwich Bree poked at the ham for a moment before finally breaking a peace off eating it.
"Yeah, we can do something if you want."
Pulling another peace Bree eats it, wishing she was a little happier. In time they said, in time she would be ok. Would she? Maybe when Gunner was out she would be? Was she stained for the rest of her life? Bree could only hope not.
"Do you think Mom and Dad are going to try anyways? ...to get me again? I still...don't even know why!"
Giving a smile and going to the stove Thirteen opens it up and grabs a pot holder to pull out the large pizza pan and putting it on top of the stove. Bringing the the garlic spread over Thirteen spreads a thin layer on top before replacing them in the over once again.
Turning back to Ryder Thirteen smiles again. She felt good today, it was nice out, she was in an ok mood, and later she would be going through her pictures to make up her album. It was a good day.
"Hey Ryder, do you think maybe when Carson came back he'd let me help him cook more? I like it better back here than out there with all the people."
New girl?
Scott hears the phone and lets it ring a few times before answering it, still looking at the pictures. Hearing Hope's voice, a smile creases his lips. "Sorry I hadn't called - I was just finishing up a project."
He leans down to switch around a couple pictures, cocking his head again as he studies them. "Lunch? Yeah... yeah, anything but Chinese. You name the place." He'd skipped breakfast, so probably some lunch would be good.
Squinting as his photos, he takes one off the table and rearranges them again, clearly distracted from his phone conversation as he mumbles a few things to himself about the pictures.
"Um, what time and where?"
Axel cocks his head at Ryan, watching her for a moment. Ever since she and Leo had broken up, she just hadn't been the same. Her spark was missing somehow. The other guys hadn't seemed to notice it too much, but Axel had. He didn't know if it was just because she was apart from Leo or if there was more, but it wasn't his business.
"Sometimes change hurts," he muses, still cleaning the tools. "Always figure though that the future is mine to make. How I react to changes paves the way for what will happen next. I get to decide whether the changes result in good or bad." He chuckles. "Call me a control freak."
At the other end of the shop, Miles lifts his head while trying to fix a tire. Had he heard someone. When Darell was gone, sometimes customers had to wander back into the garage to find someone. Craning his neck, he spots a young woman behind the glass door to the front.
"Yo, Jed! Customer!"
Jed had his head in a car and grumbles. "Would you mind?"
"You turnin' down a chick?"
Jed's head pops up, hitting the hood with a bang. "Wha...?"
By now, Leo had heard them and had looked down that way as well. He recognized the visitor and starts to smile. "I got it, boys. You just keep on playing."
He gets a rag to the back of his head, but keeps on walking anyway until he was into the office area. "Well... if it isn't Cassy." He wipes his hands on a rag, but the grease just wouldn't go away. "What's up? Car trouble?"
Back in the garage, Miles quirks an eyebrow at Jed, looking over to Ryan, then to where Leo had gone. New girl? He shrugs and gets back to work.
JT grins and takes a sandwich. "You and your critters."
Bowing his head, he gives a short prayer for the meal and for Gunner - the routine now. At this point, he wanted Gunner released more for Bree's sake than anything. He was watching his niece fade away and it was heart-wrenching.
"I gotta work tonight so I have the afternoon off. Wanna go do something?"
Ryder looks to Thirteen as she comes up to him and smiles. "You think I'd turn down your help? I don't want you to go home either. I'd be too lonely."
"Hey!" Dani retrieves another order. "What are Aerith and I? Chopped liver?"
Ryder turns his head. "Oh, are you still around?"
Dani throws him a smirk then walks away, a grin on her face. She liked working with Carson, but sometimes having Ryder to banter with was a treat.
Ryder winks at Thirteen. "I always want your help. Check on those breadsticks, would you?"
He leans down to switch around a couple pictures, cocking his head again as he studies them. "Lunch? Yeah... yeah, anything but Chinese. You name the place." He'd skipped breakfast, so probably some lunch would be good.
Squinting as his photos, he takes one off the table and rearranges them again, clearly distracted from his phone conversation as he mumbles a few things to himself about the pictures.
"Um, what time and where?"
Axel cocks his head at Ryan, watching her for a moment. Ever since she and Leo had broken up, she just hadn't been the same. Her spark was missing somehow. The other guys hadn't seemed to notice it too much, but Axel had. He didn't know if it was just because she was apart from Leo or if there was more, but it wasn't his business.
"Sometimes change hurts," he muses, still cleaning the tools. "Always figure though that the future is mine to make. How I react to changes paves the way for what will happen next. I get to decide whether the changes result in good or bad." He chuckles. "Call me a control freak."
At the other end of the shop, Miles lifts his head while trying to fix a tire. Had he heard someone. When Darell was gone, sometimes customers had to wander back into the garage to find someone. Craning his neck, he spots a young woman behind the glass door to the front.
"Yo, Jed! Customer!"
Jed had his head in a car and grumbles. "Would you mind?"
"You turnin' down a chick?"
Jed's head pops up, hitting the hood with a bang. "Wha...?"
By now, Leo had heard them and had looked down that way as well. He recognized the visitor and starts to smile. "I got it, boys. You just keep on playing."
He gets a rag to the back of his head, but keeps on walking anyway until he was into the office area. "Well... if it isn't Cassy." He wipes his hands on a rag, but the grease just wouldn't go away. "What's up? Car trouble?"
Back in the garage, Miles quirks an eyebrow at Jed, looking over to Ryan, then to where Leo had gone. New girl? He shrugs and gets back to work.
JT grins and takes a sandwich. "You and your critters."
Bowing his head, he gives a short prayer for the meal and for Gunner - the routine now. At this point, he wanted Gunner released more for Bree's sake than anything. He was watching his niece fade away and it was heart-wrenching.
"I gotta work tonight so I have the afternoon off. Wanna go do something?"
Ryder looks to Thirteen as she comes up to him and smiles. "You think I'd turn down your help? I don't want you to go home either. I'd be too lonely."
"Hey!" Dani retrieves another order. "What are Aerith and I? Chopped liver?"
Ryder turns his head. "Oh, are you still around?"
Dani throws him a smirk then walks away, a grin on her face. She liked working with Carson, but sometimes having Ryder to banter with was a treat.
Ryder winks at Thirteen. "I always want your help. Check on those breadsticks, would you?"
3/8/10
Moving Forward
At home Hope sat at her desk paper work in front of her. She was more comfortable working from home than she was in the makeshift office. Maybe she would get a office, but she new there was no room right now, so she waited and most work was done from home.
Looking over at the phone that sat on the one side of the desk Hope let out a sigh. Scott needed his space, she new this but it pained her to not hear from him in so long. Today...he was going to call today he had promised she just had to be pashent.
Trying to get back to her work Hope gives a sigh in frustration as she just cant considerate. Raching out for her phone Hope dials Scott's number and waits. Hearing his voice on the other end made her feel good. He was ok...that was good.
"Hey its just me...I know you were going to call me but I was going crazy sitting here waiting."
Hope gives a light laugh she didn't want Scott to think she was upset. She new he needed time, and she was ok with that.
"...I was wondering if you still wanted to do lunch?"
Glancing up from her car at Leo Ryan just watches him for a long moment. Over the last few days she had seem to slip into someone just not of herself anymore. Leo seemed happy, and she hadn't seen Alec in days, he was always busy, and Eli was busy with his new job. Ryan was alone...left with her feelings, left with her guilt and left with two completely different pains in her heart. She'd made her own bed and now she had to lay in it. Maybe this was what she deserved.
Turning back to the car she was working on Ryan tightens some bolts making sure they were snug. Racing was her out but even that had to end. Hearing Axel's comment Ryan lets out a long tired sigh. Looking up at her eyes looked tired, and her voice was on the dull side.
"Yeah they do, but its our own actions that make those changes."
Looking back down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few more things to keep her mind off everything. What would she do for lunch today? See if Alec was around again? Maybe....maybe she would just skip lunch altogether and just work. Ryan felt so confused even about the little things.
Sitting at the table and her elbow and arm on the table Bree keeps her head propped up with her knuckles. Glancing at the sandwich that had been placed in front of her Bree wanted to smile at the crust that was cut off, but it just didn't want to come out.
Being back was good, being home was nice but it just wasn't the same. It felt like this life was tainted now, and Gunner not being around Bree still didn't feel safe. She hadnt returned to work yet, she just wasn't ready.
Just moving her eyes to look up at her uncle she lets out a small sigh nodding a little. Everything lacked color, and no matter how she tried to be better it just...didn't work..
"Yeah I have the gum, I've been carrying it for the last week."
Each day Bree had come to see her Uncle it was the same thing said over and over again that maybe tomorrow she could see Gunner. And each day came with out the visit and the hope that maybe tomorrow she could see him. So hope still lingered but excitement was no longer there when hearing those words. Until she was actually on her way to see him her excitement was held at bay.
"Skippy deiced to ride on Darwin's head this morning round the house. It was kind of funny actully considering he's about the same size as his head. I think they were trying to cheer me up. It made me smile a little."
Hearing Ryder behind her in the kitchen Thirteen couldn't help but roll her eyes at Aerith giving a small laugh.
"He shouldn't be wrestling crocs ether. Gives me a heart attack every time he does."
Thirteen had hated leaving Texas, she really had liked it there. Being with the animals, in the open space her father being close by. It really was nice. But not she was left with memories and pictures that would hold her over. Though the question of when next time would be lingered.
Finishing rolling her silverware Thirteen turns and heads into the kitchen sitting down at the small table at one end. Just watching Ryder for a long moment she stands again slowly making her way over to him. Stangly enough she had found a liking for cooking once she figured out what everything was.
"Can I help you cook? My shift in the dinning room is over, and I just...don't feel like going home alone."
The tiny bell on the auto shop rings as Cassy removes her sun glass. It had been a nice day out, and her knee had felt half was decent. So a longer drive than normal brought her here to where Leo worked.
Not seeing anyone at the counter Cassy tried to crain her neck to seeing to the bay area and though she herd the noise she didn't see anyone.
"Hello....Hello?"
Cassy could only hope someone heard her. Than again she hoped Leo was working too. She had a favor to ask but realized she had no idea when he even worked and didn't.
Looking over at the phone that sat on the one side of the desk Hope let out a sigh. Scott needed his space, she new this but it pained her to not hear from him in so long. Today...he was going to call today he had promised she just had to be pashent.
Trying to get back to her work Hope gives a sigh in frustration as she just cant considerate. Raching out for her phone Hope dials Scott's number and waits. Hearing his voice on the other end made her feel good. He was ok...that was good.
"Hey its just me...I know you were going to call me but I was going crazy sitting here waiting."
Hope gives a light laugh she didn't want Scott to think she was upset. She new he needed time, and she was ok with that.
"...I was wondering if you still wanted to do lunch?"
Glancing up from her car at Leo Ryan just watches him for a long moment. Over the last few days she had seem to slip into someone just not of herself anymore. Leo seemed happy, and she hadn't seen Alec in days, he was always busy, and Eli was busy with his new job. Ryan was alone...left with her feelings, left with her guilt and left with two completely different pains in her heart. She'd made her own bed and now she had to lay in it. Maybe this was what she deserved.
Turning back to the car she was working on Ryan tightens some bolts making sure they were snug. Racing was her out but even that had to end. Hearing Axel's comment Ryan lets out a long tired sigh. Looking up at her eyes looked tired, and her voice was on the dull side.
"Yeah they do, but its our own actions that make those changes."
Looking back down at her car again Ryan tinkers with a few more things to keep her mind off everything. What would she do for lunch today? See if Alec was around again? Maybe....maybe she would just skip lunch altogether and just work. Ryan felt so confused even about the little things.
Sitting at the table and her elbow and arm on the table Bree keeps her head propped up with her knuckles. Glancing at the sandwich that had been placed in front of her Bree wanted to smile at the crust that was cut off, but it just didn't want to come out.
Being back was good, being home was nice but it just wasn't the same. It felt like this life was tainted now, and Gunner not being around Bree still didn't feel safe. She hadnt returned to work yet, she just wasn't ready.
Just moving her eyes to look up at her uncle she lets out a small sigh nodding a little. Everything lacked color, and no matter how she tried to be better it just...didn't work..
"Yeah I have the gum, I've been carrying it for the last week."
Each day Bree had come to see her Uncle it was the same thing said over and over again that maybe tomorrow she could see Gunner. And each day came with out the visit and the hope that maybe tomorrow she could see him. So hope still lingered but excitement was no longer there when hearing those words. Until she was actually on her way to see him her excitement was held at bay.
"Skippy deiced to ride on Darwin's head this morning round the house. It was kind of funny actully considering he's about the same size as his head. I think they were trying to cheer me up. It made me smile a little."
Hearing Ryder behind her in the kitchen Thirteen couldn't help but roll her eyes at Aerith giving a small laugh.
"He shouldn't be wrestling crocs ether. Gives me a heart attack every time he does."
Thirteen had hated leaving Texas, she really had liked it there. Being with the animals, in the open space her father being close by. It really was nice. But not she was left with memories and pictures that would hold her over. Though the question of when next time would be lingered.
Finishing rolling her silverware Thirteen turns and heads into the kitchen sitting down at the small table at one end. Just watching Ryder for a long moment she stands again slowly making her way over to him. Stangly enough she had found a liking for cooking once she figured out what everything was.
"Can I help you cook? My shift in the dinning room is over, and I just...don't feel like going home alone."
The tiny bell on the auto shop rings as Cassy removes her sun glass. It had been a nice day out, and her knee had felt half was decent. So a longer drive than normal brought her here to where Leo worked.
Not seeing anyone at the counter Cassy tried to crain her neck to seeing to the bay area and though she herd the noise she didn't see anyone.
"Hello....Hello?"
Cassy could only hope someone heard her. Than again she hoped Leo was working too. She had a favor to ask but realized she had no idea when he even worked and didn't.
Shrimp
Scott stares at the spread of photos on his coffee table, standing back and folding his arms across his chest. He'd hardly slept at all for the past ten days. After turning in his resignation to Reese, he'd been back to TJY only once to clean out some personal belongings from his office. He hadn't spoken to his sister, and only a little to Dalton. Katie was the only other one he'd said anything to, making it a quick explanation that he was leaving.
Since then, he'd taken up company with his camera, disappearing during the day, then returning at night to develop his own pictures. Some were color, some were black and white. Some were touching and emotion-filled, almost sad. Others seemed to hold bittersweet themes. Nights were spent on his computer or on the phone with little time to socialize, even with Hope.
Eating hadn't been a priority, even though Rick had read him the riot act about it. To any outsider, his only focus was his photography. His hiding place. Glancing over at his phone, he knew he was supposed to call Hope about lunch. But he just wanted to pick his top three pictures... it would only take another minute... or two.
Leo spins a rag in the air and boogies past Jed's car to the rock music that was playing on the radio. It had been a week and a half and he didn't know where the time had gone. Working around Ryan every day was still a nightmare inside, but on the outside, he was holding his own.
Most days he joked and kidded around with the other guys, maybe throwing Ryan a nod now and then, but no real conversation had happened between them.
Sashaying up to his own car, he ducks down as if he were dancing with the open door, shining the wash job as he sways to the upbeat music.
"Woo!" Miles laughs and throws up his arms. "Go Leo! Go Leo!"
Jed joins in, spinning around and using a wrench to make out part of an air guitar for the guitar solo on the radio. It would be obvious to anyone that Darell was gone for the day.
Axel grins and shake his head as he sits on top of the work bench in the corner and cleans up some of the tools. It felt good to be back on the job a few hours a week. It was all his hand could take yet, but he was able to pick up tools and even manipulate a nut and bolt if he concentrated hard enough. The healing was slow, but feeling and mobility were gradually coming back. There was still some pain, but it was worth it and he could never thank Misty enough.
His eyes glance over to Ryan as he still grins. "Thing around here never change, do they?"
"Okay, so David said maybe tomorrow we can go see Gunner." JT sets down a plate with sandwiches for himself and Bree's lunch on the kitchen table. Falling back into the daily routines at home hadn't been too hard. He was back to work and with a little prayer and a little legal magic from David and Angelica, he and Amanda were in the clear. Now the only thing remaining was getting Gunner out of jail.
JT sits down and looks across at Bree, trying to smile. It had been a long week and a half since they'd gotten back from Texas - each day filled with question as to when Gunner would be free. "You got that gum to take to him?"
Ty falls onto his bed, worn out from being at work all night. He hadn't bothered to undress and just lets his head sink into his pillow. Reese had been giving him extra hours, and while the money was nice, he was exhausted during the day. How long had it been since he'd seen Libby? Seemed like forever, but he thought it was just a few days. He'd been able to meet her once for some lunch and arcade time, then an hour or so of trying to read. She knew he was busy at work though, so for now, it was okay. But he really did want to spend more time with her. She was fun, and it was nice having a friend to hang out with. For now though.... for now.... he yawns as his eyes fall shut. Just a few hours... that's all he needed.
Alec sits on his cot, fingering the note from Ryan that had been left a few days prior. He hadn't seen her for over a week now, and he wondered if it was him or if her brother had given her too hard of a time for seeing him. Apparently she'd come a couple days ago though when Reese had had him downtown and she'd left a note. So maybe she'd just been too busy lately to stop by TJY.
Nibbling some more on his lemon, he spits out a seed, sending it shooting across the room and into the waste basket. It was getting tiring now... sharing information, negotiating for a few perks here and there... He had free lunch hours but hadn't done anything with them except wander the halls and stay out of Trooper's way. There had to be more than this... there had to be.
"What, are you kidding me?" Dani shakes her head as she heads out of the kitchen with an order. "Carson would kill you."
"For taking the shrimp off the menu?" Ryder throws up his hands. "I can't cook shrimp! Chicken, yes. Steak, yes! But those shrimp are so..." His voice trails off as Dani disappears, returning a couple minutes later.
"He'd still kill you."
"Nah. By the time he and Misty get back, he'll be so turned around he won't even notice."
Dani sets her hands on her hips, smirking at Ryder. "Honeymoons are supposed to do that, but I guarantee that he'll notice if the shrimp isn't on the menu."
"It's only a couple days!"
"I don't care! I'll cook them, for crying out loud. You're such a baby."
"Am not." Ryder wipes his hands on a towel and looks out to check on the tables and make sure Thirteen was getting along okay. It had been hard saying goodbye to Texas, but more than a week had passed and Ryder thought she was settling back into things again. At least he hoped she was. He hated seeing her sad. The smell of smoke makes him whirl around and he gives a little wail. "I wrestle crocs, not lasagna!"
Since then, he'd taken up company with his camera, disappearing during the day, then returning at night to develop his own pictures. Some were color, some were black and white. Some were touching and emotion-filled, almost sad. Others seemed to hold bittersweet themes. Nights were spent on his computer or on the phone with little time to socialize, even with Hope.
Eating hadn't been a priority, even though Rick had read him the riot act about it. To any outsider, his only focus was his photography. His hiding place. Glancing over at his phone, he knew he was supposed to call Hope about lunch. But he just wanted to pick his top three pictures... it would only take another minute... or two.
Leo spins a rag in the air and boogies past Jed's car to the rock music that was playing on the radio. It had been a week and a half and he didn't know where the time had gone. Working around Ryan every day was still a nightmare inside, but on the outside, he was holding his own.
Most days he joked and kidded around with the other guys, maybe throwing Ryan a nod now and then, but no real conversation had happened between them.
Sashaying up to his own car, he ducks down as if he were dancing with the open door, shining the wash job as he sways to the upbeat music.
"Woo!" Miles laughs and throws up his arms. "Go Leo! Go Leo!"
Jed joins in, spinning around and using a wrench to make out part of an air guitar for the guitar solo on the radio. It would be obvious to anyone that Darell was gone for the day.
Axel grins and shake his head as he sits on top of the work bench in the corner and cleans up some of the tools. It felt good to be back on the job a few hours a week. It was all his hand could take yet, but he was able to pick up tools and even manipulate a nut and bolt if he concentrated hard enough. The healing was slow, but feeling and mobility were gradually coming back. There was still some pain, but it was worth it and he could never thank Misty enough.
His eyes glance over to Ryan as he still grins. "Thing around here never change, do they?"
"Okay, so David said maybe tomorrow we can go see Gunner." JT sets down a plate with sandwiches for himself and Bree's lunch on the kitchen table. Falling back into the daily routines at home hadn't been too hard. He was back to work and with a little prayer and a little legal magic from David and Angelica, he and Amanda were in the clear. Now the only thing remaining was getting Gunner out of jail.
JT sits down and looks across at Bree, trying to smile. It had been a long week and a half since they'd gotten back from Texas - each day filled with question as to when Gunner would be free. "You got that gum to take to him?"
Ty falls onto his bed, worn out from being at work all night. He hadn't bothered to undress and just lets his head sink into his pillow. Reese had been giving him extra hours, and while the money was nice, he was exhausted during the day. How long had it been since he'd seen Libby? Seemed like forever, but he thought it was just a few days. He'd been able to meet her once for some lunch and arcade time, then an hour or so of trying to read. She knew he was busy at work though, so for now, it was okay. But he really did want to spend more time with her. She was fun, and it was nice having a friend to hang out with. For now though.... for now.... he yawns as his eyes fall shut. Just a few hours... that's all he needed.
Alec sits on his cot, fingering the note from Ryan that had been left a few days prior. He hadn't seen her for over a week now, and he wondered if it was him or if her brother had given her too hard of a time for seeing him. Apparently she'd come a couple days ago though when Reese had had him downtown and she'd left a note. So maybe she'd just been too busy lately to stop by TJY.
Nibbling some more on his lemon, he spits out a seed, sending it shooting across the room and into the waste basket. It was getting tiring now... sharing information, negotiating for a few perks here and there... He had free lunch hours but hadn't done anything with them except wander the halls and stay out of Trooper's way. There had to be more than this... there had to be.
"What, are you kidding me?" Dani shakes her head as she heads out of the kitchen with an order. "Carson would kill you."
"For taking the shrimp off the menu?" Ryder throws up his hands. "I can't cook shrimp! Chicken, yes. Steak, yes! But those shrimp are so..." His voice trails off as Dani disappears, returning a couple minutes later.
"He'd still kill you."
"Nah. By the time he and Misty get back, he'll be so turned around he won't even notice."
Dani sets her hands on her hips, smirking at Ryder. "Honeymoons are supposed to do that, but I guarantee that he'll notice if the shrimp isn't on the menu."
"It's only a couple days!"
"I don't care! I'll cook them, for crying out loud. You're such a baby."
"Am not." Ryder wipes his hands on a towel and looks out to check on the tables and make sure Thirteen was getting along okay. It had been hard saying goodbye to Texas, but more than a week had passed and Ryder thought she was settling back into things again. At least he hoped she was. He hated seeing her sad. The smell of smoke makes him whirl around and he gives a little wail. "I wrestle crocs, not lasagna!"
Important to you
Cleaning and dressing the wound Angel lets a sigh out at Jim's comment. She was the Dr, she was meant to make people better and yet she lacked some of the resources to do that.
Giving a grim shake of her head Angel look over her shoulder at Jim. Weather Eric wanted to go or not if Angel thought it was best she would make him go. Standing she goes over close to Jim leaning into his ear so Eric couldn't hear.
"Lets see if the meds I just gave him help at all. If they don't...than I am out of options and I can't keep him here. There is only so much I can do, and I have limited resources. If we end up needing to take him else where...I am going to need your help. I don't think its going to be pretty."
Looking back over at Eric Angel's eyes fill with worry. This was her best friends brother and no matter if he hated her, never talked to her again she would do what was best. Saving his life, was so much more important and if he could see that than it was his own stubbornness that blinded him.
Letting out a long sigh Bree was tired of waiting. Getting home was great but it would just feel like she was in prison still without seeing Gunner and making sure with her own eyes he was ok.
"Ok. When do we get to leave?"
Leaning her head down back on her knees Bree goes back to looking out the window. She was happy she was going home, really...just...she missed Gunner still.
"I have to bring him a root beerfloat when I go, I promised him...that and gum."
"You are strong Scott, your ever so strong, but we can't do it on our own sometimes and that doesn't make us weak. Asking for help...makes us that much stronger."
Cuddled there with Scott though he was not great made her feel good. Knowing that her presence alone helped him made her feel like she was needed and it was a good feeling.
Hope new Scott could get over this, in his eyes she saw the will to fight. It was hiding but it was there. He only needed to believe in himself and open to those who were willing to help. Leaving TJY though it was be hard and Reese would be upset if it helped him than it was worth it.
"I think you need to do what makes you happy and helps you feel better Scott. Running away...no its not running away. Its what you think you need to do, to make you better. You should always come first to you, and worry about what people say behind."
Giving a grim shake of her head Angel look over her shoulder at Jim. Weather Eric wanted to go or not if Angel thought it was best she would make him go. Standing she goes over close to Jim leaning into his ear so Eric couldn't hear.
"Lets see if the meds I just gave him help at all. If they don't...than I am out of options and I can't keep him here. There is only so much I can do, and I have limited resources. If we end up needing to take him else where...I am going to need your help. I don't think its going to be pretty."
Looking back over at Eric Angel's eyes fill with worry. This was her best friends brother and no matter if he hated her, never talked to her again she would do what was best. Saving his life, was so much more important and if he could see that than it was his own stubbornness that blinded him.
Letting out a long sigh Bree was tired of waiting. Getting home was great but it would just feel like she was in prison still without seeing Gunner and making sure with her own eyes he was ok.
"Ok. When do we get to leave?"
Leaning her head down back on her knees Bree goes back to looking out the window. She was happy she was going home, really...just...she missed Gunner still.
"I have to bring him a root beerfloat when I go, I promised him...that and gum."
"You are strong Scott, your ever so strong, but we can't do it on our own sometimes and that doesn't make us weak. Asking for help...makes us that much stronger."
Cuddled there with Scott though he was not great made her feel good. Knowing that her presence alone helped him made her feel like she was needed and it was a good feeling.
Hope new Scott could get over this, in his eyes she saw the will to fight. It was hiding but it was there. He only needed to believe in himself and open to those who were willing to help. Leaving TJY though it was be hard and Reese would be upset if it helped him than it was worth it.
"I think you need to do what makes you happy and helps you feel better Scott. Running away...no its not running away. Its what you think you need to do, to make you better. You should always come first to you, and worry about what people say behind."
"It looks like a rock to me," Scott states flatly. "I big... fat rock. With a little rock next to it."
A little laugh slips out, proving he was teasing, rather than seeing such dull objects. "I guess I kinda see a bunny. Except the more it changes, the more it looks like an armadillo."
Giving a sigh, Scott just watches the clouds, glad that Hope was here with him. She made him feel... whole. Even when he felt he was falling to pieces. "Thank you... Hope. I didn't mean to exclude you lately. I just wanted so badly to make it through on my own... to prove I was strong enough to do it. Things had been going so well and... I thought the nightmare was over."
He sighs again. "Reese won't be happy if I quit. But I know Dalton can handle the work alright. I don't know... what do you think I should do? One one hand, I feel like I'm running away. And on the other, I feel like I'm shedding a burden."
Eric obeys Angel, just trying to keep himself still, but it was hard. Cringing a bit, he draws in a shallow breath as he continues to shake. "I'll... I'll be okay," he mumbles. "Have to be. I'm fine. It's just..... gotta take... take its time."
Jim stands back, his arms crossed. "We don't have enough time, that's the problem," he muses, not loud enough for Eric to hear. "Angel..." His tone is serious. "I trust you - you know that. But does Eric need more than we can do for him here?"
"No." Eric states flatly. He wasn't supposed to have heard that, but he had. His jaw is clenched tightly, the bedsheets in a vice grip. "I'm s...staying here. No... no more... h...hospital."
JT smiles gently at Bree, finally seeing a spark, even if it was so very faint. "Not right away. But getting home is the first step, okay? After we're home, we need to wait until David and Angelica can work it out so we can visit Gunner. They're keeping him pretty secured right now. But we will... we'll get in, I promise, okay?"
A little laugh slips out, proving he was teasing, rather than seeing such dull objects. "I guess I kinda see a bunny. Except the more it changes, the more it looks like an armadillo."
Giving a sigh, Scott just watches the clouds, glad that Hope was here with him. She made him feel... whole. Even when he felt he was falling to pieces. "Thank you... Hope. I didn't mean to exclude you lately. I just wanted so badly to make it through on my own... to prove I was strong enough to do it. Things had been going so well and... I thought the nightmare was over."
He sighs again. "Reese won't be happy if I quit. But I know Dalton can handle the work alright. I don't know... what do you think I should do? One one hand, I feel like I'm running away. And on the other, I feel like I'm shedding a burden."
Eric obeys Angel, just trying to keep himself still, but it was hard. Cringing a bit, he draws in a shallow breath as he continues to shake. "I'll... I'll be okay," he mumbles. "Have to be. I'm fine. It's just..... gotta take... take its time."
Jim stands back, his arms crossed. "We don't have enough time, that's the problem," he muses, not loud enough for Eric to hear. "Angel..." His tone is serious. "I trust you - you know that. But does Eric need more than we can do for him here?"
"No." Eric states flatly. He wasn't supposed to have heard that, but he had. His jaw is clenched tightly, the bedsheets in a vice grip. "I'm s...staying here. No... no more... h...hospital."
JT smiles gently at Bree, finally seeing a spark, even if it was so very faint. "Not right away. But getting home is the first step, okay? After we're home, we need to wait until David and Angelica can work it out so we can visit Gunner. They're keeping him pretty secured right now. But we will... we'll get in, I promise, okay?"
Bunny
Hope doesn't resist as Scott pulls her back onto the hood of the car. Putting her arm over Scott's stomach and leaning her head on his chest Hope looks up at the soft clouds that float by. Wrapping her grip just a little tighter in a hug Scott is quiet for a moment.
"You will be able to again Scott, its just going to take time."
Continuing to just look at the sky Hope searches the puffy clouds. She'd never tried to make pictures out of them before. She didn't even know people did that, but maybe if she tried it could help Scott. Pointing upward a smile forms on her face.
"Hey look, that one is s bunny. You can see its ears, and that cloud makes the tail."
Giving a squeeze to Sparky's hand she smiles at her brother. She new people were leery of his relationship with Faith and to a exstent she was too. She just didnt want to see her brother hurt, but right now through the worry in his eyes she could see how much he did care about this woman and who was she to say it was wrong.
"Your welcome and your not going to lose her. Before we know it this will all be over."
"Yeah I do have something stronger. I didnt want to give it to him unless I had to, but I have to now. Keep him still I'll be right over."
Hanging up the phone Angel gives an apoligetic look to Wendy and Clint. Walking past little Chase she gives him a kiss on the head.
"I'm sorry guys I have to go. Eric is sick and I need to bring him some more medicine. Maybe tonight we can have dinner just us with Luke too?"
After a few moments Angel had packed her medical bag and is to Eric's already. Coming inside and seeing Eric Angel moves fast to put the blankets back on. Opening her bag she her some more antibiotic.
"Come on Eric take this please ok?"
Holding her knees close to her Bree looks up as her Uncle enters the room. Trying to give a small smile as her sits down next to her Bree can't help but wondering if there was more bad news coming her way. Though the expression on her Uncle's face was much different.
Perking up just a little bit at the news of going home Bree looks down her her knees for a moment. It had been so long since she had slept in her bed, seen her animals and walked around her house.
"Home..."
Thinking again her eyes get a glimmer of hope in them as her mind goes to the one person she missed over all else.
"Does...this mean I can see Gunner too now?"
"You will be able to again Scott, its just going to take time."
Continuing to just look at the sky Hope searches the puffy clouds. She'd never tried to make pictures out of them before. She didn't even know people did that, but maybe if she tried it could help Scott. Pointing upward a smile forms on her face.
"Hey look, that one is s bunny. You can see its ears, and that cloud makes the tail."
Giving a squeeze to Sparky's hand she smiles at her brother. She new people were leery of his relationship with Faith and to a exstent she was too. She just didnt want to see her brother hurt, but right now through the worry in his eyes she could see how much he did care about this woman and who was she to say it was wrong.
"Your welcome and your not going to lose her. Before we know it this will all be over."
"Yeah I do have something stronger. I didnt want to give it to him unless I had to, but I have to now. Keep him still I'll be right over."
Hanging up the phone Angel gives an apoligetic look to Wendy and Clint. Walking past little Chase she gives him a kiss on the head.
"I'm sorry guys I have to go. Eric is sick and I need to bring him some more medicine. Maybe tonight we can have dinner just us with Luke too?"
After a few moments Angel had packed her medical bag and is to Eric's already. Coming inside and seeing Eric Angel moves fast to put the blankets back on. Opening her bag she her some more antibiotic.
"Come on Eric take this please ok?"
Holding her knees close to her Bree looks up as her Uncle enters the room. Trying to give a small smile as her sits down next to her Bree can't help but wondering if there was more bad news coming her way. Though the expression on her Uncle's face was much different.
Perking up just a little bit at the news of going home Bree looks down her her knees for a moment. It had been so long since she had slept in her bed, seen her animals and walked around her house.
"Home..."
Thinking again her eyes get a glimmer of hope in them as her mind goes to the one person she missed over all else.
"Does...this mean I can see Gunner too now?"
3/7/10
Home
Scott nods a little. "Thank you. I... don't know what else I would do but... maybe it would be best, ya know? Clear my head. That sort of thing."
Sighing deeply, he leans back, pulling Hope with him as he lies on the car hood, his head now against the windshield. Gazing up at the sky, he points at the passing clouds. "I used to be able to guess what they looked like. Now... now it seems all imagination has left me. It's like... I have so many facts and hard figures that there's no room for imagination. I want it back... I want to think for myself again."
Sparky growls and leans forward to put his face in his hands. "I know," he mumbles. "I can't help it. I just... don't wanna lose something so soon after I got it."
Sighing, he straightens again and looks at his sister. "Thank you though... I'd be a total mess if I were here alone."
"Come on, Eric... I'm trying to help you." Jim struggles to keep the cold cloth on Eric's head as he tosses and turns in the bed.
Eric writhes with pain and fever, soaking the bedsheets with sweat that had started an hour ago. His fever had risen and he was shaking all over from cold chills as he burned up. Hearing Jim's voice, he nods, but just can't seem to hold himself still. "It's hot... hot."
"I know, but you gotta keep these blankets on," Jim persists. Sighing, he leaves the wet rag and goes for the phone. "Angel... this fever's just getting worse. I don't know what to do. You got anything stronger to try to get it down?"
"Hey, hon." JT lets himself into the little room that was now so familiar. Sitting down on the edge of Bree's bed, he takes her hand. "I just got off the phone. We can go home tomorrow." He smiles, hoping that she would be as relieved as he was to hear the news.
"David said they've completed everything for getting you a restraining order for your parents and their hired thugs, and no one from the hospital is to even think about accepting you again. How about that? You ready to go home?"
Sighing deeply, he leans back, pulling Hope with him as he lies on the car hood, his head now against the windshield. Gazing up at the sky, he points at the passing clouds. "I used to be able to guess what they looked like. Now... now it seems all imagination has left me. It's like... I have so many facts and hard figures that there's no room for imagination. I want it back... I want to think for myself again."
Sparky growls and leans forward to put his face in his hands. "I know," he mumbles. "I can't help it. I just... don't wanna lose something so soon after I got it."
Sighing, he straightens again and looks at his sister. "Thank you though... I'd be a total mess if I were here alone."
"Come on, Eric... I'm trying to help you." Jim struggles to keep the cold cloth on Eric's head as he tosses and turns in the bed.
Eric writhes with pain and fever, soaking the bedsheets with sweat that had started an hour ago. His fever had risen and he was shaking all over from cold chills as he burned up. Hearing Jim's voice, he nods, but just can't seem to hold himself still. "It's hot... hot."
"I know, but you gotta keep these blankets on," Jim persists. Sighing, he leaves the wet rag and goes for the phone. "Angel... this fever's just getting worse. I don't know what to do. You got anything stronger to try to get it down?"
"Hey, hon." JT lets himself into the little room that was now so familiar. Sitting down on the edge of Bree's bed, he takes her hand. "I just got off the phone. We can go home tomorrow." He smiles, hoping that she would be as relieved as he was to hear the news.
"David said they've completed everything for getting you a restraining order for your parents and their hired thugs, and no one from the hospital is to even think about accepting you again. How about that? You ready to go home?"
Worry
Hope can see the look in Scott's eyes and knows he really means what he said. It was hard to think about Scott doing anything but TJY. If it was going to make him happy and help him heal than it was worth it.
"I understand Scott. If you think its going to heal you heal than maybe it would be best."
Giving a smile and just keeps her arm around Scott. She would go through hot lava to be with him she new that much. It was hard to think of her life before she had started dating Scott. He though she holded him up, but he did the same for her too.
"If you move on Scott, to get a fresh start I'd follow and support you. You need to do whats going to be best for you because right now your who matters and getting well again is whats important."
Looking over at Sparky as he gets up and down up and down Annie shakes her head a little. She new Sparky was worry but she didn't think he was going to be this worry.
As Sparky comes back to sit down next to her again Annie puts a hand on his arm and smiles at him.
"She's going to be Sparky. Your going to worry yourself sick."
"I understand Scott. If you think its going to heal you heal than maybe it would be best."
Giving a smile and just keeps her arm around Scott. She would go through hot lava to be with him she new that much. It was hard to think of her life before she had started dating Scott. He though she holded him up, but he did the same for her too.
"If you move on Scott, to get a fresh start I'd follow and support you. You need to do whats going to be best for you because right now your who matters and getting well again is whats important."
Looking over at Sparky as he gets up and down up and down Annie shakes her head a little. She new Sparky was worry but she didn't think he was going to be this worry.
As Sparky comes back to sit down next to her again Annie puts a hand on his arm and smiles at him.
"She's going to be Sparky. Your going to worry yourself sick."
Something different
Scott breathes in deeply of the lake air, closing his eyes before looking to Hope after she speaks. "I love you." He takes her hand in his, locking his fingers through hers. "You're the one that makes me feel whole, you know that? I can doubt myself all day long but you're there... to pull me back together again."
Holding her hand up, he kisses it. "I just don't know how long I can do this. I've um... I've thought about resigning TJY. You know... get a fresh start. I just... I can't handle being around Agency people right now. I'm afraid I'll lose it. And Sapphire... having to work by her every day... I love her, you know? That'll never stop but... I just can't be around Gage right now. And he and her, well... they're together, so if I'm with one, I'm with them both."
He stops and sighs again. "Maybe I've served my time here. Maybe it's time I... I did something different."
Jade giggles. "I think we might too."
"No." Mick holds up a finger. "I know you will. Just don't set the barn on fire or anything, alright?" Shaking his head, he grins a little before turning around and heading back outside.
Jade gives Dan a squeeze and nuzzles her head into him. "Mmmm... I love you so much."
Sparky stands up once more to pace from the waiting room, down the hall and back again. He sits down then stands, studies the magazine rack, then sits again next to Annie. He hated waiting here. He hated not knowing anything until later. All he saw was Faith being wheeled down the hall and his hand waving after her. He'd promised he'd see her after. He'd promised. She had to be okay.
He stands again and walks to the door, then comes back to sit down again.
Holding her hand up, he kisses it. "I just don't know how long I can do this. I've um... I've thought about resigning TJY. You know... get a fresh start. I just... I can't handle being around Agency people right now. I'm afraid I'll lose it. And Sapphire... having to work by her every day... I love her, you know? That'll never stop but... I just can't be around Gage right now. And he and her, well... they're together, so if I'm with one, I'm with them both."
He stops and sighs again. "Maybe I've served my time here. Maybe it's time I... I did something different."
Jade giggles. "I think we might too."
"No." Mick holds up a finger. "I know you will. Just don't set the barn on fire or anything, alright?" Shaking his head, he grins a little before turning around and heading back outside.
Jade gives Dan a squeeze and nuzzles her head into him. "Mmmm... I love you so much."
Sparky stands up once more to pace from the waiting room, down the hall and back again. He sits down then stands, studies the magazine rack, then sits again next to Annie. He hated waiting here. He hated not knowing anything until later. All he saw was Faith being wheeled down the hall and his hand waving after her. He'd promised he'd see her after. He'd promised. She had to be okay.
He stands again and walks to the door, then comes back to sit down again.
Crazy
Sitting on the hood of the car Hope just listens to Scott giving him a nod here and there. Her heart breaking from how much term oil he was in again.
Finally when Scott is done Hope scoots a little close to him. Wrapping her arm around his shoulder and pulling him a little closer to her in a side hug. Giving a kiss to Scott's head Hope just holding him and rocks gently.
"Ohhh Scott....Your not weak, and I could never want anything more than who you are. Don't think just because your having a hard time I think your weak, and want someone else because I don't. To me your perfect. And I know who you are. You'd never hurt the people you love. You might have that information in your head but I know whats in your heart."
Hope just continued to hold Scott still rocking gently with him. Leaning her head against his and just looking out at the water.
"I can't even imagen how this must feel, but I bet its not good at all. But I also know you so strong Scott your so very strong that you can beat this. You have so many friends to Scott who love you and would never think anything different from you asking."
Letting out another sigh Hope thinks for a long moment before saying anything else. She just wanted to think before she finally spoke again.
"As for your sister, she still loves you Scott...no matter what you two have been though she loves you because you are her brother. The only one she has. She will love you no matter what happens. And the others from the Agency that are no reformed in time you will be able to trust them and when you look at them you will see good people. You just have to be paysent and take on day at a time. Its gonna be a long hard road, but I wont leave you."
Hearing Jade sequel and and seeing her run for him Dan catchs her in midair and spins her around, giving her a big kissing knowing she was happy.
Pulling away and letting Jade slide to the ground Dan continues to hold her as he looks at Mick giving a laugh.
"I think we are going to drive your dad crazy."
Finally when Scott is done Hope scoots a little close to him. Wrapping her arm around his shoulder and pulling him a little closer to her in a side hug. Giving a kiss to Scott's head Hope just holding him and rocks gently.
"Ohhh Scott....Your not weak, and I could never want anything more than who you are. Don't think just because your having a hard time I think your weak, and want someone else because I don't. To me your perfect. And I know who you are. You'd never hurt the people you love. You might have that information in your head but I know whats in your heart."
Hope just continued to hold Scott still rocking gently with him. Leaning her head against his and just looking out at the water.
"I can't even imagen how this must feel, but I bet its not good at all. But I also know you so strong Scott your so very strong that you can beat this. You have so many friends to Scott who love you and would never think anything different from you asking."
Letting out another sigh Hope thinks for a long moment before saying anything else. She just wanted to think before she finally spoke again.
"As for your sister, she still loves you Scott...no matter what you two have been though she loves you because you are her brother. The only one she has. She will love you no matter what happens. And the others from the Agency that are no reformed in time you will be able to trust them and when you look at them you will see good people. You just have to be paysent and take on day at a time. Its gonna be a long hard road, but I wont leave you."
Hearing Jade sequel and and seeing her run for him Dan catchs her in midair and spins her around, giving her a big kissing knowing she was happy.
Pulling away and letting Jade slide to the ground Dan continues to hold her as he looks at Mick giving a laugh.
"I think we are going to drive your dad crazy."
It starts
Scott takes in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Leaning to the side, his head rests on Hope's shoulder.
"I feel like it is the beginning," he mentions quietly. "With me... being the weak one... the one with the problem. I wanted so bad just to... be the strong one, you know? You deserve better... you deserve a man who doesn't need a shrink every five minutes."
Picking at a thread on his jeans, he sits straighter again though his shoulders slouch. "I thought that... you know... once I was better that... that I'd always be better. Then I started having trouble seeing people connected with the Agency. I just... saw all the data that had been put into my brain instead of them for who they were. It was just all.... data. It's hard to explain."
It really was hard to explain... the attempted assimilation wasn't something easily grasped by anyone else, let alone by himself. "I... I started getting more and more angry for what had been done to me. I felt.... violated. Like they took my life without my permission. Like, the Agency is a part of me now and I don't have any control over it. Every time I saw someone who used to be there... Phinox... Carson... Alec... the people I knew the backgrounds on... I just felt... angry. And then..."
Scott scoffs and shakes his head, leaning forward to rest his chin in his hands. "Then my sister decided to date Gage. So... when she wanted me to teach him how to drive, I said sure. And... I warned him to stay away from her... I threatened him. I didn't like myself for it, but I did it. That's... that's why Sapphire and I are having problems now."
He takes a deep breath, giving a little shudder. "Now I'm having nightmares about betraying everyone I love. I had Dalton lock me out of TJY's security just to make sure I couldn't get in and actually do damage. Carson... he said it didn't work that way - that I was still in control but... I'm still scared. I'm just so confused and... look at me. I'm useless with this stuff running around my head and... and..."
His voice starts to quiver just a little. "I don't know how to conquer it."
Finally a smile emerges on Mick's face. His eyes still held some fear or disappointment... something that said he was still not in favor of losing his daughter, but he wasn't going to fight it.
"Just keep making her smile... I like seeing her smile."
Jade wanders into the barn after helping Becky with some dishes and cleaning, and skips past the horse stalls, humming and looking for Dan. Turning the corner, she skids to a halt, seeing both Dan and her father. Her heart skips a beat and her face pales slightly. "Oh, um... I... I... sorry to, uh... interrupt."
Mick lets go of Dan's hand and turns to Jade, quirking one eyebrow. "It's okay... I wasn't strangling him or anything."
Jade didn't know how to react, not knowing whether he was teasing or what.
Mick gives her a little smile and nod. "Don't worry. Just guy talk. And... I'm glad you're here."
"W...why is that?" Jade wanders a little closer, afraid she was going to get the tongue-lashing she didn't get earlier today.
"Because..." Mick cocks his head. "I... walked off before I had a chance to congratulate you this morning."
Jade's eyes widen, suddenly realizing that he wasn't going to yell at them. "You... you approve?"
"Mmm... I'm working on it," Mick admits. "Give an old man some time to get used to the idea, okay? But... I'm not going to get mad at either of you, alright?"
Jade can feel the tears rise in her eyes, but this time they weren't sad tears. Coming closer, she wraps her arms around her dad, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you... thank you."
Mick returns her hug and kisses her head. "I love you, baby... I always will."
Jade draws back and turns around to see Dan, her smile going from ear to ear. Giving a little squeal, she runs into him with a hug, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
Mick chuckles a little and shakes his head, throwing up his hands. "And it starts."
"I feel like it is the beginning," he mentions quietly. "With me... being the weak one... the one with the problem. I wanted so bad just to... be the strong one, you know? You deserve better... you deserve a man who doesn't need a shrink every five minutes."
Picking at a thread on his jeans, he sits straighter again though his shoulders slouch. "I thought that... you know... once I was better that... that I'd always be better. Then I started having trouble seeing people connected with the Agency. I just... saw all the data that had been put into my brain instead of them for who they were. It was just all.... data. It's hard to explain."
It really was hard to explain... the attempted assimilation wasn't something easily grasped by anyone else, let alone by himself. "I... I started getting more and more angry for what had been done to me. I felt.... violated. Like they took my life without my permission. Like, the Agency is a part of me now and I don't have any control over it. Every time I saw someone who used to be there... Phinox... Carson... Alec... the people I knew the backgrounds on... I just felt... angry. And then..."
Scott scoffs and shakes his head, leaning forward to rest his chin in his hands. "Then my sister decided to date Gage. So... when she wanted me to teach him how to drive, I said sure. And... I warned him to stay away from her... I threatened him. I didn't like myself for it, but I did it. That's... that's why Sapphire and I are having problems now."
He takes a deep breath, giving a little shudder. "Now I'm having nightmares about betraying everyone I love. I had Dalton lock me out of TJY's security just to make sure I couldn't get in and actually do damage. Carson... he said it didn't work that way - that I was still in control but... I'm still scared. I'm just so confused and... look at me. I'm useless with this stuff running around my head and... and..."
His voice starts to quiver just a little. "I don't know how to conquer it."
Finally a smile emerges on Mick's face. His eyes still held some fear or disappointment... something that said he was still not in favor of losing his daughter, but he wasn't going to fight it.
"Just keep making her smile... I like seeing her smile."
Jade wanders into the barn after helping Becky with some dishes and cleaning, and skips past the horse stalls, humming and looking for Dan. Turning the corner, she skids to a halt, seeing both Dan and her father. Her heart skips a beat and her face pales slightly. "Oh, um... I... I... sorry to, uh... interrupt."
Mick lets go of Dan's hand and turns to Jade, quirking one eyebrow. "It's okay... I wasn't strangling him or anything."
Jade didn't know how to react, not knowing whether he was teasing or what.
Mick gives her a little smile and nod. "Don't worry. Just guy talk. And... I'm glad you're here."
"W...why is that?" Jade wanders a little closer, afraid she was going to get the tongue-lashing she didn't get earlier today.
"Because..." Mick cocks his head. "I... walked off before I had a chance to congratulate you this morning."
Jade's eyes widen, suddenly realizing that he wasn't going to yell at them. "You... you approve?"
"Mmm... I'm working on it," Mick admits. "Give an old man some time to get used to the idea, okay? But... I'm not going to get mad at either of you, alright?"
Jade can feel the tears rise in her eyes, but this time they weren't sad tears. Coming closer, she wraps her arms around her dad, burying her face in his chest. "Thank you... thank you."
Mick returns her hug and kisses her head. "I love you, baby... I always will."
Jade draws back and turns around to see Dan, her smile going from ear to ear. Giving a little squeal, she runs into him with a hug, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.
Mick chuckles a little and shakes his head, throwing up his hands. "And it starts."
Satisfaction
Giving another smile to her husband Rosetta's eyes twinkled as Mick got up to leave the house once again. She was so proud of him, and everything he had accomplished. They could be no way she would ever stop loving him. He meant so much to her.
Working in the barn stacking the hay Dan didn't even know right away anyone was in there with him let alone watching him. Finally catching moment from the corner of his eye he looks up to see Mick staring at him. Not sure what he was going to say Dan stands there just looking back at him.
As Mick speaks Dan just looks back into his eyes, seeing the strange softness Dan is put at ease just a little bit. Than finally as Mick was done a small smile forms on Dan's face. He had Mick's blessing now to marry Jade and that made him happy.
"I don't plan on breaking her heart, or giving you the satisfaction of killing me."
A small bit of humor showed in Dan's eyes letting Mick know he was only joking about the last part and not being disrespectful. Seeing Mick's hand Dan reaches out his own in a strong handshake. It was a good feeling knowing Mick was for them now and not against them. To know Jade wouldn't hate her father. It was good indeed.
"Thank you!"
Hopping up on the hood on the car with Scott Hope sits close to him. Just happy to be next to him for now. Looking out at the water on the horizon she lets out a small sigh.
"It's ok, I was just worried and than I thought maybe I did something wrong. but I figured if that were true your tell me. So...I was just worried."
Turning her head to see Scott Hope squints just a little from the sun light. He looked so distant, so far away. It was almost like when she first had met Scott all over again.
"How about starting at the beginning thats always a good place."
Working in the barn stacking the hay Dan didn't even know right away anyone was in there with him let alone watching him. Finally catching moment from the corner of his eye he looks up to see Mick staring at him. Not sure what he was going to say Dan stands there just looking back at him.
As Mick speaks Dan just looks back into his eyes, seeing the strange softness Dan is put at ease just a little bit. Than finally as Mick was done a small smile forms on Dan's face. He had Mick's blessing now to marry Jade and that made him happy.
"I don't plan on breaking her heart, or giving you the satisfaction of killing me."
A small bit of humor showed in Dan's eyes letting Mick know he was only joking about the last part and not being disrespectful. Seeing Mick's hand Dan reaches out his own in a strong handshake. It was a good feeling knowing Mick was for them now and not against them. To know Jade wouldn't hate her father. It was good indeed.
"Thank you!"
Hopping up on the hood on the car with Scott Hope sits close to him. Just happy to be next to him for now. Looking out at the water on the horizon she lets out a small sigh.
"It's ok, I was just worried and than I thought maybe I did something wrong. but I figured if that were true your tell me. So...I was just worried."
Turning her head to see Scott Hope squints just a little from the sun light. He looked so distant, so far away. It was almost like when she first had met Scott all over again.
"How about starting at the beginning thats always a good place."
Baby girl
So lost in his own world, Scott doesn't even realize Hope's car has pulled up next to his. Once she's already close and touching his hand, he gives a start before realizing it's her. The panic leaves his eyes quickly though, and he musters up a little smile.
"Hey. Good to see you too." Scooting his thin frame over, he pats the hood of his car. It was a good enough spot for now, and at the moment, he didn't feel like walking.
"I'm sorry, Hope... for... being so evasive. I just... I don't even know where to start."
Seeing the look on Ryan's face, Leo was immediately sorry for his biting remark. Enough hurt and anger remained though to keep him from apologizing. Looking back at his own car, he sighs. He needed to get to work - if not to win a race, then to make sure he kept his job.
Mick nods and takes Rosetta's hand in his, giving it a light kiss. He knew that whatever he decided, Rosetta would follow. But he still appreciated her words and advice. "I won't jump too quickly," he promises. "I just... gotta talk to them. Not sure what I'm gonna say yet, but I promise I won't fire Dan or send Jade away. They're far enough now that you're right - saying no is just gonna make things worse. I just... gotta say something before we meet again. I don't want to live in awkward silence."
Getting up from the table, Mick bends to kiss Rosetta's head. "Thank you... for being calm with me." He can't help a little chuckle. "You and the wood pile."
...It was a few minutes later and Mick was wandering through the barn, looking for Dan. What he said was true... he needed to talk to both Dan and Jade before it became an awkward mess.
Finally finding him near the stack of hay, he stops, watching him for a moment. Approaching slowly, he stops again and sets his hands on his hips, looking Dan in the eye. For the longest time, he just stares, searching for the man he'd been told was inside... the man he wanted to see inside, for his daughter's sake.
Stepping even closer, he doesn't break eye contact. His voice is firm but not angry and almost soft. "Don't break her heart, Dan Palmer. That's my baby girl you're gonna marry and... I don't want to have to kill my son-in-law."
Reaching out his hand, he offers it to Dan.
"Hey. Good to see you too." Scooting his thin frame over, he pats the hood of his car. It was a good enough spot for now, and at the moment, he didn't feel like walking.
"I'm sorry, Hope... for... being so evasive. I just... I don't even know where to start."
Seeing the look on Ryan's face, Leo was immediately sorry for his biting remark. Enough hurt and anger remained though to keep him from apologizing. Looking back at his own car, he sighs. He needed to get to work - if not to win a race, then to make sure he kept his job.
Mick nods and takes Rosetta's hand in his, giving it a light kiss. He knew that whatever he decided, Rosetta would follow. But he still appreciated her words and advice. "I won't jump too quickly," he promises. "I just... gotta talk to them. Not sure what I'm gonna say yet, but I promise I won't fire Dan or send Jade away. They're far enough now that you're right - saying no is just gonna make things worse. I just... gotta say something before we meet again. I don't want to live in awkward silence."
Getting up from the table, Mick bends to kiss Rosetta's head. "Thank you... for being calm with me." He can't help a little chuckle. "You and the wood pile."
...It was a few minutes later and Mick was wandering through the barn, looking for Dan. What he said was true... he needed to talk to both Dan and Jade before it became an awkward mess.
Finally finding him near the stack of hay, he stops, watching him for a moment. Approaching slowly, he stops again and sets his hands on his hips, looking Dan in the eye. For the longest time, he just stares, searching for the man he'd been told was inside... the man he wanted to see inside, for his daughter's sake.
Stepping even closer, he doesn't break eye contact. His voice is firm but not angry and almost soft. "Don't break her heart, Dan Palmer. That's my baby girl you're gonna marry and... I don't want to have to kill my son-in-law."
Reaching out his hand, he offers it to Dan.
Hurt
Rosetta gives a small nod to Mick. She already new they wouldn't see eye to eye. She had the way she felt, and he had the way he felt...they were two completely different views that clashed.
"I am sure we wont Mick."
Giving smile to Mick and reaches out brushing her hand along his cheek. Stopping at his jaw line to whip some dirt off.
"Like I said, I'll stand behind you but don't tell Dan short to quick is all I ask. He's a good guy, with a strong christian faith of his own. He's made mistakes like us all but he's learned. So all I asked it just...not to jump to quickly."
She just wanted Mick to know how she felt, but no matter what happened she still would be behind him. Giving him the support he needed. Right now Mick was going to need all the help he could to stay on his own right path. If Rosetta had to sacrifice a little for him, than that is what she would do to help him all she could.
Working on her car Ryan doesn't even notice Leo coming into the shop. Lost in her own little world today thing just didn't seem to be going right. She'd made it to work on time but since she had been here her brain just wasn't with it.
Hearing Jed's voice Ryan looks up for a moment, but seeing he was talking to Leo and no one else she looks back down at the car engine. She had to get this right, she had to get this done. But hearing Leo's comment back Ryan couldn't help but snap her head up again. She cheats....Those words sent a gut ranching feeling to Ryan's stomach, her eyes locking with Leo's the pain that surged through them was nothing that had ever been seem before, and the the sick feeling could of almost made her double over right there. She was a rock, a stone wall but something about what Leo had said really hurt.
Finally looking away from him Ryan looks down at the wrench in her hand just twirling it for a moment. She could feel the wet sensation build in her eyes. The fire hot tears that wanted to pour over even though she willed them not to. She wouldn't cry, not here. She was stronger than that.
Turning back to her car and behind over the engine Ryan continues to work once again trying to block out all else. Tonight she would race, tonight she would get lost in the rush, she just had to make to it tonight...when she could be free.
Pulling her car up along side Scott Hope gets out with a small basket in hand. Getting out and making her way over to Scott who sat on the hood of his car. Giving him a smile she reached out to touch his hand. It'd been a day maybe even almost two since she last saw him, and oh how she had missed him.
"Hey there...You sure are a sight for sore eyes."
"I am sure we wont Mick."
Giving smile to Mick and reaches out brushing her hand along his cheek. Stopping at his jaw line to whip some dirt off.
"Like I said, I'll stand behind you but don't tell Dan short to quick is all I ask. He's a good guy, with a strong christian faith of his own. He's made mistakes like us all but he's learned. So all I asked it just...not to jump to quickly."
She just wanted Mick to know how she felt, but no matter what happened she still would be behind him. Giving him the support he needed. Right now Mick was going to need all the help he could to stay on his own right path. If Rosetta had to sacrifice a little for him, than that is what she would do to help him all she could.
Working on her car Ryan doesn't even notice Leo coming into the shop. Lost in her own little world today thing just didn't seem to be going right. She'd made it to work on time but since she had been here her brain just wasn't with it.
Hearing Jed's voice Ryan looks up for a moment, but seeing he was talking to Leo and no one else she looks back down at the car engine. She had to get this right, she had to get this done. But hearing Leo's comment back Ryan couldn't help but snap her head up again. She cheats....Those words sent a gut ranching feeling to Ryan's stomach, her eyes locking with Leo's the pain that surged through them was nothing that had ever been seem before, and the the sick feeling could of almost made her double over right there. She was a rock, a stone wall but something about what Leo had said really hurt.
Finally looking away from him Ryan looks down at the wrench in her hand just twirling it for a moment. She could feel the wet sensation build in her eyes. The fire hot tears that wanted to pour over even though she willed them not to. She wouldn't cry, not here. She was stronger than that.
Turning back to her car and behind over the engine Ryan continues to work once again trying to block out all else. Tonight she would race, tonight she would get lost in the rush, she just had to make to it tonight...when she could be free.
Pulling her car up along side Scott Hope gets out with a small basket in hand. Getting out and making her way over to Scott who sat on the hood of his car. Giving him a smile she reached out to touch his hand. It'd been a day maybe even almost two since she last saw him, and oh how she had missed him.
"Hey there...You sure are a sight for sore eyes."
Beat the clock
Mick nods a little at Rosetta, just trying to let his mind think through this whole thing. He understood what she was saying - he did. But maybe his views were a little different, being Jade's father.
"Thanks... for supporting me. I just... I don't know. I guess I wish Dan would have come to me first. But then, I was the drunk in rehab so maybe I didn't deserve the luxury of telling him yes or no."
Sighing, he was kicking himself on the inside. He knew he really wasn't to blame... or was he? "You know... someone once said once that if a girl didn't get attention from her father... emotional... physical like hugs, kisses, that sort of thing... that she'd go looking elsewhere. Maybe in all this... me not being there for Jade to grow up... I don't know." He shrugs lamely, not quite sure what he was saying. "Maybe I'm blaming myself for her running after a guy like Dan."
Taking another sip of his tea, he gives Rosetta a sidelong glance, along with a wry grin. "You know good and well I don't approve of this whole thing. Honestly, I don't know what I want to say to them yet but... I have a feeling from what you just said that... you and I might not quite see eye-to-eye on this."
Scott shakes his head numbly at Dalton. "No... thanks, though."
Falling back into silence, he is pretty quiet the rest of the evening, though does manage to drink half a can of Mountain Dew. Curling up on the couch for the rest of the night, Domino and a blanket kept him warm, though his mind wandered too much to sleep well. It was a nightmare that woke him at three in the morning, and sleepless hours followed until he finally dropped off again only to sleep so soundly that he missed Dalton leaving for work.
Eventually he wakes to Domino licking his face, and he forces himself to get up for the day. Making it out and to his own house to get his mail and pick up his phone seems to take all morning and he doesn't even know why, but by noon, he's made it to the lake and is waiting for Hope. Domino stayed in the car while he had gotten out and sat cross-legged on the hood of his car, staring out at the lake. It was a fair day today with a light breeze blowing. Scott's eyes were far away... so far away.
Leo gets to the shop about ten minutes late the next morning, having slept through his alarm and rushed to get ready for the day. His hair was a bit messed and his clothes were wrinkled, but he was here.
Into the shop and clocking in, he heads straight for his car, barely greeting the other guys. Getting to the car to work on, he glances over to Ryan's space, remembering Cassy's words from the night before. He shakes his head... he couldn't do it. He couldn't act all tough and brave and pretend his heart hadn't just been ripped in two. Or... could he?
"Yo, Leo!" Jed hollers. "I'm putting my money on Ryan beating you to the clock today."
Leo straightens up, tossing his wrench in the air and catching it. "You kidding me?" He laughs and shakes his head. "Don't ever put your money on Ryan, bro. She cheats. It's my turn to win today."
"Thanks... for supporting me. I just... I don't know. I guess I wish Dan would have come to me first. But then, I was the drunk in rehab so maybe I didn't deserve the luxury of telling him yes or no."
Sighing, he was kicking himself on the inside. He knew he really wasn't to blame... or was he? "You know... someone once said once that if a girl didn't get attention from her father... emotional... physical like hugs, kisses, that sort of thing... that she'd go looking elsewhere. Maybe in all this... me not being there for Jade to grow up... I don't know." He shrugs lamely, not quite sure what he was saying. "Maybe I'm blaming myself for her running after a guy like Dan."
Taking another sip of his tea, he gives Rosetta a sidelong glance, along with a wry grin. "You know good and well I don't approve of this whole thing. Honestly, I don't know what I want to say to them yet but... I have a feeling from what you just said that... you and I might not quite see eye-to-eye on this."
Scott shakes his head numbly at Dalton. "No... thanks, though."
Falling back into silence, he is pretty quiet the rest of the evening, though does manage to drink half a can of Mountain Dew. Curling up on the couch for the rest of the night, Domino and a blanket kept him warm, though his mind wandered too much to sleep well. It was a nightmare that woke him at three in the morning, and sleepless hours followed until he finally dropped off again only to sleep so soundly that he missed Dalton leaving for work.
Eventually he wakes to Domino licking his face, and he forces himself to get up for the day. Making it out and to his own house to get his mail and pick up his phone seems to take all morning and he doesn't even know why, but by noon, he's made it to the lake and is waiting for Hope. Domino stayed in the car while he had gotten out and sat cross-legged on the hood of his car, staring out at the lake. It was a fair day today with a light breeze blowing. Scott's eyes were far away... so far away.
Leo gets to the shop about ten minutes late the next morning, having slept through his alarm and rushed to get ready for the day. His hair was a bit messed and his clothes were wrinkled, but he was here.
Into the shop and clocking in, he heads straight for his car, barely greeting the other guys. Getting to the car to work on, he glances over to Ryan's space, remembering Cassy's words from the night before. He shakes his head... he couldn't do it. He couldn't act all tough and brave and pretend his heart hadn't just been ripped in two. Or... could he?
"Yo, Leo!" Jed hollers. "I'm putting my money on Ryan beating you to the clock today."
Leo straightens up, tossing his wrench in the air and catching it. "You kidding me?" He laughs and shakes his head. "Don't ever put your money on Ryan, bro. She cheats. It's my turn to win today."
Stand behind you
Rosetta gives a thoughtful nod as she listens to Mick. She could understand where he was coming from and why he felt this way. It was a lot to take in at once, and Jade was still a little young. But at the same time Rosetta could see the kids side to.
"Well, I do agree with you. It is a lot, and Jade is young. but at the same time I think she is also very mature for her age and understand more than we think. If they keep both there sites on God, and a healthy relationship than we should just take one day at a time."
Picking up her coffee mug that have been sitting on the table before she has started the dishes Rosetta takes a swig. Thinking for a moment before she spoke again.
"Not only that, but your blood runs though Jade, she is bullheaded and strong willed just like you. If you tell her no she can't marry Dan than it might just turn out worse. I'd rather know what was going on than have them sneaking behind our back where something more major could happen ya know?"
Letting out a small sigh over the whole situation Rosetta new this was hard. She was now in the middle. She had very own views on this whole thing and no matter what someone would be angry with her. But...even if she didnt agree Mick was her husband. She had to trust he new what to do, and they could talk more on any desitions together.
"No matter what ends up happing though Mick, I'll stand behind you, as long as we can talk about it first."
Looking up as Scott enters the room again Dalton gives a smile. Pulling his long legs closer to him he offers Scott the other end of the couch. The pizza box lay on the table with only four slices left.
"Of course I don't mind if you stay still. I am the one who offered after all."
Flipping through the channels again Dalton can't find anything to watch. The normal shows he liked weren't on and nothing else seemed to grab his attachen. Turning to Scott a little Dalton's studys him for a moment. He was happy Scott would be staying but he was still worried about his friend.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
Giving a soft smile and a nod Cassy understood what Leo was saying. Though that was the last thing from her mind, it was probably a good thing he left for the night. She needed a little sleep herself.
"It was get catching up Leo. Remember to keep your head up at work tomorrow. Everything happens for a reason."
Following Leo to the door and saying good night Cassy lingers watching his car drive down the road. A small faint smile was on her lips as her arms wrapped around herself. Everything was messed up, everything wasn't right, but it would be ok in time. After the pain healed, she and Leo would be...ok.
"Well, I do agree with you. It is a lot, and Jade is young. but at the same time I think she is also very mature for her age and understand more than we think. If they keep both there sites on God, and a healthy relationship than we should just take one day at a time."
Picking up her coffee mug that have been sitting on the table before she has started the dishes Rosetta takes a swig. Thinking for a moment before she spoke again.
"Not only that, but your blood runs though Jade, she is bullheaded and strong willed just like you. If you tell her no she can't marry Dan than it might just turn out worse. I'd rather know what was going on than have them sneaking behind our back where something more major could happen ya know?"
Letting out a small sigh over the whole situation Rosetta new this was hard. She was now in the middle. She had very own views on this whole thing and no matter what someone would be angry with her. But...even if she didnt agree Mick was her husband. She had to trust he new what to do, and they could talk more on any desitions together.
"No matter what ends up happing though Mick, I'll stand behind you, as long as we can talk about it first."
Looking up as Scott enters the room again Dalton gives a smile. Pulling his long legs closer to him he offers Scott the other end of the couch. The pizza box lay on the table with only four slices left.
"Of course I don't mind if you stay still. I am the one who offered after all."
Flipping through the channels again Dalton can't find anything to watch. The normal shows he liked weren't on and nothing else seemed to grab his attachen. Turning to Scott a little Dalton's studys him for a moment. He was happy Scott would be staying but he was still worried about his friend.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
Giving a soft smile and a nod Cassy understood what Leo was saying. Though that was the last thing from her mind, it was probably a good thing he left for the night. She needed a little sleep herself.
"It was get catching up Leo. Remember to keep your head up at work tomorrow. Everything happens for a reason."
Following Leo to the door and saying good night Cassy lingers watching his car drive down the road. A small faint smile was on her lips as her arms wrapped around herself. Everything was messed up, everything wasn't right, but it would be ok in time. After the pain healed, she and Leo would be...ok.
Appetite
Leo smiles, knowing what Cassy meant. He didn't feel like going yet either, but he knew it was getting late and he should go. "We're both lonely tonight, Cassy... that's what I'm afraid of." His eyes are gentle and he gives her a wink, knowing she would understand. More mistakes was what neither of them needed.
"Thanks for the tea and the conversation." Taking his jacket and fishing for his keys, he heads for the door but turns around once more. "It was good to see you again. Good luck with your studio and... if you ever need work done on your car, look me up. I could get you a good deal."
"I miss you too." Scott is silent for a few long moments before letting out a sigh. "Good night, Hope. I'll... see you tomorrow."
Ending the call, he hangs up the phone and just sits a while, hearing the television in the other room. He looks down at his slice of pizza and takes one more bite, but then pushes it away. He hadn't had an appetite for days... maybe weeks, he couldn't remember. If he wasn't careful, Rick would get after him, but for now, he just didn't want to eat.
Getting up from the table, he wanders into the living room and finds the end of the couch to sit, pulling his feet up too to rest his knees against his chest. He was so thin, it was easy for him to do as he wraps his arms around his legs and stares at the television. "I'll take you up on your offer to stay," he mentions to Dalton. "If... if it's still okay with you."
Mick was a little relieved that Rosetta didn't know this either - at least he hadn't been purposely left out of the loop. "Christmas morning, apparently. I guess Dan went up to see Jade and asked her and she said yes."
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "They just told me a bit ago... I didn't know what to say so I just walked away before I said something I'd regret. I just..." He shakes his head. "Can't believe it or I don't understand or something. I don't think Jade has any idea what she's getting herself into. I mean, to date Dan is one thing but... but to marry him? I just think it's a little much at this point... for her... for her age, I don't know."
"Thanks for the tea and the conversation." Taking his jacket and fishing for his keys, he heads for the door but turns around once more. "It was good to see you again. Good luck with your studio and... if you ever need work done on your car, look me up. I could get you a good deal."
"I miss you too." Scott is silent for a few long moments before letting out a sigh. "Good night, Hope. I'll... see you tomorrow."
Ending the call, he hangs up the phone and just sits a while, hearing the television in the other room. He looks down at his slice of pizza and takes one more bite, but then pushes it away. He hadn't had an appetite for days... maybe weeks, he couldn't remember. If he wasn't careful, Rick would get after him, but for now, he just didn't want to eat.
Getting up from the table, he wanders into the living room and finds the end of the couch to sit, pulling his feet up too to rest his knees against his chest. He was so thin, it was easy for him to do as he wraps his arms around his legs and stares at the television. "I'll take you up on your offer to stay," he mentions to Dalton. "If... if it's still okay with you."
Mick was a little relieved that Rosetta didn't know this either - at least he hadn't been purposely left out of the loop. "Christmas morning, apparently. I guess Dan went up to see Jade and asked her and she said yes."
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "They just told me a bit ago... I didn't know what to say so I just walked away before I said something I'd regret. I just..." He shakes his head. "Can't believe it or I don't understand or something. I don't think Jade has any idea what she's getting herself into. I mean, to date Dan is one thing but... but to marry him? I just think it's a little much at this point... for her... for her age, I don't know."
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