Scott looks down as Dalton talks, his thumb playing with the pop can tab. "Yeah... they treat me alright I guess." He shrugs. "Be better if they just let me be though. 'Cept they'll just keep hounding me 'til they think I'm better or something. Just like Hope."
He didn't mean for his last sentence to be as harsh as it came out, but it did sound cold after he'd said it. He takes another small sip of Mountain Dew. "I hate this whole thing, Dalton. Every last bit of it. I wish no one would come and see me. I'd rather be left alone in this miserable place. I want my life back but no one is willing to give it to me."
He taps a finger on the pop can. "How's TJY?"
Jade giggles at Dan and shakes her head as he leaves, letting her eyes follow him until he's out of sight. Flopping back onto one of the throw pillows, she curls up again and yawns. She wasn't quite ready to get up yet. But she'd get up soon. She wanted to help Dan with chores and then maybe they could at least go for a ride later if not get lost in the bushes.
A smile crosses her lips again.
Mick nods and offers the best smile he can. "Okay." Standing back up again, he leans down to give Rosetta a quick kiss. "I'll be in the barn probably, if you need me. I'll catch up to you again in a while."
Taking a last look at BJ, he finally turns to leave, even though a part of him wanted to stay and sit with Rosetta and look after the boy.
Once he's back outside again, Mick heads for the barns, but stops halfway. There was something nagging at him and he needed to resolve it. He wouldn't be able to stay sane throughout the day if he didn't get this issue taken care of. Maybe some would think he wasn't doing the right thing, but it's what he thought best and what he needed to do. The games were over.
Turning, Mick aims for the bunkhouses instead.
Dylan looks up as his bunkhouse door opens. He'd risen early, unable to sleep, and had been sitting on the floor by the window, not daring to leave, lest Mick see him. Apparently it didn't matter though - Mick had come to him. His face pales slightly. Last night his father would have taken him outside and beaten him to a pulp it if hadn't been for Luke. But Luke wasn't here right now.
Mick steps inside and looks down at his son grimly. "Stand up, please, Dylan." His tone was not angry or loud, but very firm.
Dylan swallows hard and stands up. He musters up the courage to look up at his father, searching for the reason why he was here.
Mick folds his arms across his chest and sighs. "I've been thinking a lot," he starts. "And I have come to a conclusion. I am finally ready to give up." He purses his lips, his eyes tired with the disappointment only a father knows. "I have done everything I can think of to help you, and nothing has worked. You continue to be rebellious, deceitful and lazy. And I can' take it anymore."
Dylan blinks. What was his father saying? "So you're... you're telling me to leave."
"No, I'm not. I'm not going to tell you what to do anymore." Mick shakes his head. "You don't listen to me anyway. So you're free, Dylan. You can stay, you can leave, you can do whatever you want. I wash my hands of you."
Dylan's mouth hangs open slightly. What did that mean? "I..."
"You're free. Just don't steal again or I'll be forced to call the police. You can leave whenever you want. But if you stay, I expect you to earn your keep by working around here just like anybody else. The choice is yours. I'm not going to stop you anymore." Mick shrugs lamely and turns to leave. "Just make up your mind quick so we know if this bunkhouse will be empty or not."
Dylan stares at the closed door for several minutes after his father had left. He wanted to get angry and go tell Mick were to go, but for some reason... it wasn't anger that he felt. For the first time since he'd gotten here, he felt utter defeat. His father had just given up on him. Just like everybody else. He really was no good.
Not even sure how to react, Dylan reaches under his bed to retrieve his backpack. It looked like this was it.
Gunner doesn't want to look away, but as the judge enters the room, the proceedings must begin. He breaks his gaze with Bree to look ahead and play his part. It was going to be a long hearing...
"I have viewed the surveillance videos myself and I'm sorry but everything about it says that the defendant was perfectly sane while breaking Miss Conner out of Northside. This leaves me no choice but to-"
"Your Honor!" David stands up, interrupting the judge, even though he knew it was completely unacceptable. If this thing went to trial, they'd be sunk. He and Angelica both had done their very best and had thought they'd gotten through to the judge. It had already taken way too long and people were tired of being in court. But the prosecutor had done a good job too. Now David was arguing, trying to buy time as it looked like the judge was not going to lean in their direction. "It's obvious that no one in their right mind would attempt such a thing. How can you-"
"Order!" Judge Bartowski raps his gavel on the stand. "I have made my decision. This case will be transferred to-"
"Your Honor, I'd like a chance to speak." Without warning, Gunner stands up from his chair, boldly addressing the judge for the first time.
The prosecutor's eyes widen. "Objection! The judge has already ruled. Your Honor, I insist that this be taken to trial before a jury."
David gives Angelica a quick glance of worry before laying a hand on Gunner's arm and whispering to him. "Gunner, what are you doing? Just play it cool. It'll be okay."
Gunner shrugs off David's hand and continues to look at the judge. "Please... let me speak."
"I say it's not right!" the prosecutor insists.
The judge sighs deeply and looks between the two. "Alright. But make it fast Mr. Franklin. I don't allow this for everyone. Speak your piece and be brief."
The prosecutor glares at them and sinks back down, muttering under his breath. David throws up his arms and shakes his head at Angelica, not able to believe Gunner was doing this. It would only make it worse for him once this thing did go to trial, even though they'd tried to avoid it. David sits down again, giving up. They'd done all they could.
Gunner moves around the table and approaches the bench, looking up at the judge. The bailiff stood nearby, keeping a close eye on him, even though he was in handcuffs.
Gunner doesn't blink. "My lawyers... they're right, Your Honor. I was crazy when I broke Bree out of that place. Crazy in love. And I still am." He looks the judge square in the eye. "There are people out there every day who get away with stealing other people's lives, all in the name of greed. Yet this court system is determined to put away a man who saved a life in the name of love. You tell me what went wrong."
He pauses for just a moment, letting his words sink in. "Yeah, I broke into Northside. I can't deny it - you have proof. But my lawyers have also provided proof of why Bree was in there in the first place. So I scared a few guards and I trespassed on the hospital property. The real injustice wasn't that - it was that an innocent woman was being kept there in the name of greed. Now her parents get a slap on the wrist and a restraining order. I'm not going to complain about my fate here. If I have to go to prison and serve time for what I did, then I'd still do it gladly because the woman I love is safe. But I just want to ask you... when you go home tonight, are you gonna feel good about sending a man to prison because he acted out of love? Who do you love, Your Honor? And how far would you go to save them?"
In the silence that follows, anyone in the courtroom could hear a pin drop.
3/27/10
Bush
Continuing to sit on the bed as Dalton holds the can of pop he just looks at it for a long moment before flipping his own open taking a sip. It was good to be sitting here with Scott again, he sure had missed it.
Turning his head a little to look at Scott Dalton gives a quick look of sympathy. He did feel bad for his little friend and wish there was something more to he could do.
"I was in the hospital once after the accident. I didn't like it much myself, though I didn't have anyone come to see me. I could never choose what was worse though being alone, or wishing I had friends to come and see me, than end up hating them seeing me like that."
Taking another sip of his pop Dalton is silent for a few moments. Just thinking about what he would say, and taking everything in. Looking around the room is wasn't shabby. It seemed much nicer than the hospital room's he had stayed in before that was for sure. Looking back to Scott Dalton gives a small smirk.
"It doesn't look to shabby here. I know home would be better but this could be worse to right? They treat you ok?"
Not wanting to break the kiss Dan couldn't help it as a small chuckle came from his lips as he hears Mick again. Dan couldn't help finding the humor in the whole thing.
Leaning into give Jade another kiss Dan retreats and swings around on the couch to stand up. Looking down at Jade the sorry shows in his eyes they he didn't want to go but he had to.
"I guess I should get more chores done. Maybe after we can get lost in the bushes."
Giving Jade a wink and one more kiss Dan takes his hat from the table and slaps it on his head, slipping on his shoes before he was out the door.
Feeling Mick's warm hand in her own and hearing his voice Rosetta opens her eyes slowly. There was a crick in her neck and for a moment she had a hard time remembering why or where she was.
Lifting her head to look around the room and realizing she was in Angel's office everything came back to Rosetta. Turning her head to look down on BJ's sleeping form she lets out a sigh before looking back to Mick and giving a smile.
"I'm ok. I just wanted to stay here in case BJ wakes up and is scared. I'll be ok and if anything new develops I'll let you know."
Giving another smile to Mick Rosetta reassures him she will be ok. Once Angel was awake a little later Rosetta would head back to the house to clean and get some work done. Just as long as someone was here with BJ.
Sitting on the hard bench close to the front with her Uncle Bree perks up a little when she see them lead Gunner into the court room. She hadn't seen him since the day she went to the jail cell and now even if he was so far away it was good to see him again.
Her eyes following Gunner as he sits Bree only looks away once to look at her uncle than turning back to Gunner and seeing him look at her. Feeling a smile form inside Bree lifts her hand to give a wave and mouth Hi. Oh how he made her heart thump in her own chest. Bree hopped so hard that today everything would be ok, and she could hold Gunner again.
Sitting down next to David Angelica gave a smile. The morning talking with Gunner had went well and everything seemed in order with what would go down. They had it lied out like a book and the victory was so close they could tast it.
Turning his head a little to look at Scott Dalton gives a quick look of sympathy. He did feel bad for his little friend and wish there was something more to he could do.
"I was in the hospital once after the accident. I didn't like it much myself, though I didn't have anyone come to see me. I could never choose what was worse though being alone, or wishing I had friends to come and see me, than end up hating them seeing me like that."
Taking another sip of his pop Dalton is silent for a few moments. Just thinking about what he would say, and taking everything in. Looking around the room is wasn't shabby. It seemed much nicer than the hospital room's he had stayed in before that was for sure. Looking back to Scott Dalton gives a small smirk.
"It doesn't look to shabby here. I know home would be better but this could be worse to right? They treat you ok?"
Not wanting to break the kiss Dan couldn't help it as a small chuckle came from his lips as he hears Mick again. Dan couldn't help finding the humor in the whole thing.
Leaning into give Jade another kiss Dan retreats and swings around on the couch to stand up. Looking down at Jade the sorry shows in his eyes they he didn't want to go but he had to.
"I guess I should get more chores done. Maybe after we can get lost in the bushes."
Giving Jade a wink and one more kiss Dan takes his hat from the table and slaps it on his head, slipping on his shoes before he was out the door.
Feeling Mick's warm hand in her own and hearing his voice Rosetta opens her eyes slowly. There was a crick in her neck and for a moment she had a hard time remembering why or where she was.
Lifting her head to look around the room and realizing she was in Angel's office everything came back to Rosetta. Turning her head to look down on BJ's sleeping form she lets out a sigh before looking back to Mick and giving a smile.
"I'm ok. I just wanted to stay here in case BJ wakes up and is scared. I'll be ok and if anything new develops I'll let you know."
Giving another smile to Mick Rosetta reassures him she will be ok. Once Angel was awake a little later Rosetta would head back to the house to clean and get some work done. Just as long as someone was here with BJ.
Sitting on the hard bench close to the front with her Uncle Bree perks up a little when she see them lead Gunner into the court room. She hadn't seen him since the day she went to the jail cell and now even if he was so far away it was good to see him again.
Her eyes following Gunner as he sits Bree only looks away once to look at her uncle than turning back to Gunner and seeing him look at her. Feeling a smile form inside Bree lifts her hand to give a wave and mouth Hi. Oh how he made her heart thump in her own chest. Bree hopped so hard that today everything would be ok, and she could hold Gunner again.
Sitting down next to David Angelica gave a smile. The morning talking with Gunner had went well and everything seemed in order with what would go down. They had it lied out like a book and the victory was so close they could tast it.
The only two people
A little murmur escapes as Jade kisses Dan back. It didn't matter how often he kissed her - she never tired of his affection or how he made her feel. If anything, she loved it more every time. Wrapping her arm around him, she hugs him closer, just liking the feel of him that near to her. His warmth... his strength... his love.
Pulling away a little, Jade looks into Dan's eyes. They were so close still that her nose rubbed up against his and she grins. "I love you so much. I can't wait for the rest of my life... 'cause I get to spend it all with you."
Her fingers play with his hair and run up over his ear teasingly as she smiles again. Returning to kiss him once more, she didn't care if her father was still close or if they really needed to get up and start the day. At this point in her life, having Dan in her arms was the most important thing on earth to her.
Mick waits for the coffee, pouring himself a cup and taking a nice long drink. It was mornings like this that his body wanted more, but he knew to keep his mind occupied, lest he fall.
Wandering back through the dining room, he pauses at the window, watching as the sun just started peeking up over the horizon. Clouds were awaiting the light. Rain was on the way. He could feel it in his bones and all the injuries he'd accumulated over the years. The sunbeams were reddish gold, begging to be free to spread across the land in brilliant splendor. But the clouds would soon overtake them, hiding them from view. It kind of felt that way in Mick's heart too.
Sipping on his coffee some more, he ambles across the room, his eyes glancing into the living room again. If it would have been a few months back, he woulda tanned both their hides for making out on the living room couch. He hadn't trusted Dan's motives, or even his daughter's enthusiasm for attention, let alone how far they would go. But now... forcing himself to trust them wasn't as bad as it had seemed at one point. Dan was a good Christian man... and Jade was a good Christian woman. Both had good heads on their shoulders and Mick had to trust that they would be smart, lest he drive himself mad. At least his daughter was happy... how could he take that from her?
Walking past the door again as he wandered back to the kitchen, he hollers in at Dan. "Daylight's burnin', lover boy. You can kiss her when the chores are done."
Downing the rest of his coffee, he puts his mug in the sink and leaves the remaining coffee for anyone who would come after him. Yawning, he heads outside, taking a deep breath of the morning air that was quickly becoming damp. Trudging to Angel's office, he favors his bad knee a little bit, figuring later a hot shower would be in store.
Knocking quietly, he lets himself in, going to the back room to check on Rosetta and BJ. Finding both of them still asleep, he just watches them for several moments. He'd never understand how a person could love, and add on to that love, but he knew it was possible from the feelings in his own heart.
Mick walks quietly to the bedside chair and takes off his hat, kneeling down by Rosetta. Reaching up, he takes her hand in his and whispers. "Hey, Hon... just wanted to check on you before I started chores."
Scott hears the knock at the door, but as usual, he doesn't answer it, figuring it was Jenny or something. But then hearing Dalton's voice, his head snaps up. His eyes go wide in surprise as he spots both his big friend and Susanne.
"I..." He wasn't sure how to act now.
Susanne smiles, overcoming her discomfort and thankful that Dalton had made the entrance for them. "Hi, Scott. Dalton's right. We got some goodies for you." She sets the basket down on his dresser. "We were all thinking about you and so we just thought we'd stop by and say hi."
"Well, um..." Scott swallows hard and pulls himself to his feet, rubbing his aching eye. "Thanks... thank you."
Susanne moves over closer to Dalton, not really sure what to do now. Poor Scott. He was young enough to be her son and after enough years at TJY, she cared about him, just like she cared about everybody there. "It's awfully nice here," she comments kindly. "It looks like you have a nice view from your window too."
"Yeah... yeah, it's not bad." Scott runs a hand through his hair and tries to smile a little, more embarrassed for them seeing him here than anything. It would be better if he acted like he was doing alright. Less worry for them and less sympathizing for him to deal with. His gaze roams between Susanne and Dalton awkwardly.
"It's good to see you." Susanne nods. "We all miss you and folks have been asking about ya."
"And what have you told them?" When Scott sees Susanne doesn't know how to answer, he gives a little scoff and nod. "Yeah, I know. Guess I should like it I got some company, huh?"
Susanne musters up another smile and moves to give Scott a light hug. She knew that if she stayed any longer, the tension would just get worse. And she didn't mind - she hadn't really expected anything else. She just wished there was more she could do. "I'll leave you two boys. I better find the little girls room before we go anyway."
"Down the hall." Scott points.
"Thanks. Take care, Scott."
"Yeah." Scott watches Susanne leave, then turns back to Dalton. Studying him a moment, he walks over to the basket and grabs two of the cans of Mountain Dew. Handing one to Dalton, he sits down beside him on the bed and flips open his own can, taking a small sip. "You know I don't like people seeing me like this." His voice was quiet but irritation laced his tone. A part of him appreciated this but his embarrassment won out.
The courtroom was warm and stuffy. At least it felt that way to Gunner. He'd been brought in from the police station and met up with David and Angelica, brought down the aisle to sit in front of full view of the judge. More people were here than he thought. People from TJY, some he didn't know, and one in particular that he hadn't seen since her visit to the jail.
"You ready?" David asks, bringing Gunner's attention back around. "You know what we talked about, right?"
"Yeah... yeah, I went nuts and was totally stupid to break Bree outta there, I know." Gunner knew the plan. He'd grudgingly agreed to the plea of temporary insanity, figuring David and Angelica knew what they were doing. Even so, he wasn't so sure about the whole thing. Their goal for today was to get a ruling out of the judge without the case going to trial. If they could settle things today it would go a whole lot better for him. His job was to sit down, shut up and let the lawyers do the talking.
As Gunner's mind wanders, so do his eyes and he shifts in his seat to search the room and finally find Bree. His gaze locks with hers and for a moment, it feels as if all the noise in the courtroom is muted and they're the only two people there.
Pulling away a little, Jade looks into Dan's eyes. They were so close still that her nose rubbed up against his and she grins. "I love you so much. I can't wait for the rest of my life... 'cause I get to spend it all with you."
Her fingers play with his hair and run up over his ear teasingly as she smiles again. Returning to kiss him once more, she didn't care if her father was still close or if they really needed to get up and start the day. At this point in her life, having Dan in her arms was the most important thing on earth to her.
Mick waits for the coffee, pouring himself a cup and taking a nice long drink. It was mornings like this that his body wanted more, but he knew to keep his mind occupied, lest he fall.
Wandering back through the dining room, he pauses at the window, watching as the sun just started peeking up over the horizon. Clouds were awaiting the light. Rain was on the way. He could feel it in his bones and all the injuries he'd accumulated over the years. The sunbeams were reddish gold, begging to be free to spread across the land in brilliant splendor. But the clouds would soon overtake them, hiding them from view. It kind of felt that way in Mick's heart too.
Sipping on his coffee some more, he ambles across the room, his eyes glancing into the living room again. If it would have been a few months back, he woulda tanned both their hides for making out on the living room couch. He hadn't trusted Dan's motives, or even his daughter's enthusiasm for attention, let alone how far they would go. But now... forcing himself to trust them wasn't as bad as it had seemed at one point. Dan was a good Christian man... and Jade was a good Christian woman. Both had good heads on their shoulders and Mick had to trust that they would be smart, lest he drive himself mad. At least his daughter was happy... how could he take that from her?
Walking past the door again as he wandered back to the kitchen, he hollers in at Dan. "Daylight's burnin', lover boy. You can kiss her when the chores are done."
Downing the rest of his coffee, he puts his mug in the sink and leaves the remaining coffee for anyone who would come after him. Yawning, he heads outside, taking a deep breath of the morning air that was quickly becoming damp. Trudging to Angel's office, he favors his bad knee a little bit, figuring later a hot shower would be in store.
Knocking quietly, he lets himself in, going to the back room to check on Rosetta and BJ. Finding both of them still asleep, he just watches them for several moments. He'd never understand how a person could love, and add on to that love, but he knew it was possible from the feelings in his own heart.
Mick walks quietly to the bedside chair and takes off his hat, kneeling down by Rosetta. Reaching up, he takes her hand in his and whispers. "Hey, Hon... just wanted to check on you before I started chores."
Scott hears the knock at the door, but as usual, he doesn't answer it, figuring it was Jenny or something. But then hearing Dalton's voice, his head snaps up. His eyes go wide in surprise as he spots both his big friend and Susanne.
"I..." He wasn't sure how to act now.
Susanne smiles, overcoming her discomfort and thankful that Dalton had made the entrance for them. "Hi, Scott. Dalton's right. We got some goodies for you." She sets the basket down on his dresser. "We were all thinking about you and so we just thought we'd stop by and say hi."
"Well, um..." Scott swallows hard and pulls himself to his feet, rubbing his aching eye. "Thanks... thank you."
Susanne moves over closer to Dalton, not really sure what to do now. Poor Scott. He was young enough to be her son and after enough years at TJY, she cared about him, just like she cared about everybody there. "It's awfully nice here," she comments kindly. "It looks like you have a nice view from your window too."
"Yeah... yeah, it's not bad." Scott runs a hand through his hair and tries to smile a little, more embarrassed for them seeing him here than anything. It would be better if he acted like he was doing alright. Less worry for them and less sympathizing for him to deal with. His gaze roams between Susanne and Dalton awkwardly.
"It's good to see you." Susanne nods. "We all miss you and folks have been asking about ya."
"And what have you told them?" When Scott sees Susanne doesn't know how to answer, he gives a little scoff and nod. "Yeah, I know. Guess I should like it I got some company, huh?"
Susanne musters up another smile and moves to give Scott a light hug. She knew that if she stayed any longer, the tension would just get worse. And she didn't mind - she hadn't really expected anything else. She just wished there was more she could do. "I'll leave you two boys. I better find the little girls room before we go anyway."
"Down the hall." Scott points.
"Thanks. Take care, Scott."
"Yeah." Scott watches Susanne leave, then turns back to Dalton. Studying him a moment, he walks over to the basket and grabs two of the cans of Mountain Dew. Handing one to Dalton, he sits down beside him on the bed and flips open his own can, taking a small sip. "You know I don't like people seeing me like this." His voice was quiet but irritation laced his tone. A part of him appreciated this but his embarrassment won out.
The courtroom was warm and stuffy. At least it felt that way to Gunner. He'd been brought in from the police station and met up with David and Angelica, brought down the aisle to sit in front of full view of the judge. More people were here than he thought. People from TJY, some he didn't know, and one in particular that he hadn't seen since her visit to the jail.
"You ready?" David asks, bringing Gunner's attention back around. "You know what we talked about, right?"
"Yeah... yeah, I went nuts and was totally stupid to break Bree outta there, I know." Gunner knew the plan. He'd grudgingly agreed to the plea of temporary insanity, figuring David and Angelica knew what they were doing. Even so, he wasn't so sure about the whole thing. Their goal for today was to get a ruling out of the judge without the case going to trial. If they could settle things today it would go a whole lot better for him. His job was to sit down, shut up and let the lawyers do the talking.
As Gunner's mind wanders, so do his eyes and he shifts in his seat to search the room and finally find Bree. His gaze locks with hers and for a moment, it feels as if all the noise in the courtroom is muted and they're the only two people there.
Air
Just enjoying the moment Dan leans his head against Jade's drawing quiet just listing to the sound every breath she took made. Thinking about the day to come when Jade would be his wife. It seemed so far away, yet so close. With everyday that passed it was one day closer and that was enough to keep Dan happy.
Hearing Mick's voice Dan looks up for a moment shaking his head a little, before a grin forms on his lips. They had been caught but obviously Mick hadn't minded that much or he would of said something.
Bringing his hand to the back of Jade's head Dan press his lips to hers his own foot rubbing hers a little. Feeling her soft hair in his hand Dan's kiss deepens letting the passion wash over him as his heart raced. He wasn't ready just yet to wake up.
Arriving to Scott's room Dalton looks to Susanne and gives a smile. He had to admit he was kind of nervous himself. Not of Scott himself but that he would turn them away with out even visiting with them a little bit.
Finally after a few more moments he gives a nod to Susanne. They had come all this way not to see him. Even if it was only for a second at least Scott new they cared.
Giving a strong knock on the door and than opening it Dalton steps in letting Susanne follow after. Taking everything in and seeing his friend look so sad on the floor put a crack in Dalton's heart. He didn't like seeing Scott like this and it was enough to make him hate The Agency even more for him.
"Hey there Scott. Susanne and I though we would come and see you. She even put together a little care package for you. Though you might enjoy some MD and Jerky."
Dalton wanted to ask how Scott was doing, but he probably new the answer. He wanted to see if he was feeling better, but something told him the answer would be the same.
Moving over to the bed Dalton sits down before looking back at Susanne he new she probably wanted to say something too so he didnt want to fill the air with only his babble.
Hearing Mick's voice Dan looks up for a moment shaking his head a little, before a grin forms on his lips. They had been caught but obviously Mick hadn't minded that much or he would of said something.
Bringing his hand to the back of Jade's head Dan press his lips to hers his own foot rubbing hers a little. Feeling her soft hair in his hand Dan's kiss deepens letting the passion wash over him as his heart raced. He wasn't ready just yet to wake up.
Arriving to Scott's room Dalton looks to Susanne and gives a smile. He had to admit he was kind of nervous himself. Not of Scott himself but that he would turn them away with out even visiting with them a little bit.
Finally after a few more moments he gives a nod to Susanne. They had come all this way not to see him. Even if it was only for a second at least Scott new they cared.
Giving a strong knock on the door and than opening it Dalton steps in letting Susanne follow after. Taking everything in and seeing his friend look so sad on the floor put a crack in Dalton's heart. He didn't like seeing Scott like this and it was enough to make him hate The Agency even more for him.
"Hey there Scott. Susanne and I though we would come and see you. She even put together a little care package for you. Though you might enjoy some MD and Jerky."
Dalton wanted to ask how Scott was doing, but he probably new the answer. He wanted to see if he was feeling better, but something told him the answer would be the same.
Moving over to the bed Dalton sits down before looking back at Susanne he new she probably wanted to say something too so he didnt want to fill the air with only his babble.
Rats
Chuckling, Susanne nods and waits for Dalton to head down the hall. "Okay, sounds good." She knew the drive was going to take a couple hours, and was glad Reese had allowed them without hesitation the time to visit Scott.
It was a nice day and that at least made the drive a pleasant one. It was a little odd that Susanne and Dalton would be going anywhere together, but both had a common goal - seeing their friend and spreading some cheer.
Eventually, Brookshire comes into view. "It's nicer than I thought," Susanne comments as they park. "It really does look like a nice place." She was trying to be positive. She'd been so worried about Scott that she had feared a horrid place. But this... it didn't seem half bad. Maybe Reese was right that it was nice after all.
Walking with Dalton inside, they are met with friendly smiles, then directed to where Scott was. He was in his room and hadn't had breakfast or lunch. Jenn stops by the bedroom door and smiles at Dalton and Susanne. "I don't know how much talking he'll feel up to but you can right on in. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs."
Left alone again, Susanne looks up at Dalton a little worriedly. She didn't know if Scott would want them there or not.
Inside, Scott was back on the floor under the window, letting the sun keep him warm. He hadn't seen Hope yet, but after a horrid session with Dr. Hawks this morning, maybe it was better that she was later today. His eyes were still red from the crying he'd done, alone after he'd escaped the office. He wraps his arms around his legs just a little tighter and closes his eyes, rocking slightly.
"Mmm." Jade smiles as Dan's hand brushes her face and snuggles a little closer to him, her foot rubbing up against his.
"Just think..." Her hand moves up to run over his shoulder, her fingers crawling up the back of his neck to meet his hair. "One day you can see my face every morning."
Kissing his lips lightly, her smile remains. "But don't think I'm gonna let you go that easy this morning."
Mick is still in the doorway and quirks an eyebrow as a wry grin creases his lips. Turning away from the snuggle scene, he calls back over his shoulder at them. "I'm making coffee if you guys want any."
Jade jumps at the sound of her father's voice, her cheeks growing warm. Looking at Dan though, she starts to giggle. "Rats."
It was a nice day and that at least made the drive a pleasant one. It was a little odd that Susanne and Dalton would be going anywhere together, but both had a common goal - seeing their friend and spreading some cheer.
Eventually, Brookshire comes into view. "It's nicer than I thought," Susanne comments as they park. "It really does look like a nice place." She was trying to be positive. She'd been so worried about Scott that she had feared a horrid place. But this... it didn't seem half bad. Maybe Reese was right that it was nice after all.
Walking with Dalton inside, they are met with friendly smiles, then directed to where Scott was. He was in his room and hadn't had breakfast or lunch. Jenn stops by the bedroom door and smiles at Dalton and Susanne. "I don't know how much talking he'll feel up to but you can right on in. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs."
Left alone again, Susanne looks up at Dalton a little worriedly. She didn't know if Scott would want them there or not.
Inside, Scott was back on the floor under the window, letting the sun keep him warm. He hadn't seen Hope yet, but after a horrid session with Dr. Hawks this morning, maybe it was better that she was later today. His eyes were still red from the crying he'd done, alone after he'd escaped the office. He wraps his arms around his legs just a little tighter and closes his eyes, rocking slightly.
"Mmm." Jade smiles as Dan's hand brushes her face and snuggles a little closer to him, her foot rubbing up against his.
"Just think..." Her hand moves up to run over his shoulder, her fingers crawling up the back of his neck to meet his hair. "One day you can see my face every morning."
Kissing his lips lightly, her smile remains. "But don't think I'm gonna let you go that easy this morning."
Mick is still in the doorway and quirks an eyebrow as a wry grin creases his lips. Turning away from the snuggle scene, he calls back over his shoulder at them. "I'm making coffee if you guys want any."
Jade jumps at the sound of her father's voice, her cheeks growing warm. Looking at Dan though, she starts to giggle. "Rats."
This forever
Standing Dalton raises an eyebrow at Susanne's comment. Standing from his desk he says nothing at first but just continues to look at her. On might this he was upset but something in his eyes to those that new him would could see were iching to smile.
"To me, most everything is small so don't feel special."
Finally Dalton can't hold it in any longer and a smile pass across his face. His eyes twinkle with laughter as he really did think what Susanne said was funny. When it came to Dani or the people around work he new, Dalton didn't mind there teasing much knowing it was all in fun.
Heading twords the door Dalton gives a nod to Susanne he was ready. Going to see Scott was really the highlight of his day, he missed seeing his friend very much and it just seemed boring at work now without him.
"We can take my car. I just put a fresh tank of gas in her."
Feeling a warmth next to him Dan didn't want to open his eyes. He remembered it was Jade, and they had been snuggled so cute on the couch while watching the movie. Now though if he opened his eyes He'd have to get up.
"Tell me I don't have to wake up and I can stay like this forever."
Slowly though a smile forms on his lips knowing Jade was already awake. Shifting a little so Dan was now on his side he keeps his arm around Jade. Bringing his other hand to her face he brushes the hair out of her eyes. Opening his own slowly he looks back into her gaze.
"Opening my eyes and working a little to see you beautiful face is defiantly worth it."
"To me, most everything is small so don't feel special."
Finally Dalton can't hold it in any longer and a smile pass across his face. His eyes twinkle with laughter as he really did think what Susanne said was funny. When it came to Dani or the people around work he new, Dalton didn't mind there teasing much knowing it was all in fun.
Heading twords the door Dalton gives a nod to Susanne he was ready. Going to see Scott was really the highlight of his day, he missed seeing his friend very much and it just seemed boring at work now without him.
"We can take my car. I just put a fresh tank of gas in her."
Feeling a warmth next to him Dan didn't want to open his eyes. He remembered it was Jade, and they had been snuggled so cute on the couch while watching the movie. Now though if he opened his eyes He'd have to get up.
"Tell me I don't have to wake up and I can stay like this forever."
Slowly though a smile forms on his lips knowing Jade was already awake. Shifting a little so Dan was now on his side he keeps his arm around Jade. Bringing his other hand to her face he brushes the hair out of her eyes. Opening his own slowly he looks back into her gaze.
"Opening my eyes and working a little to see you beautiful face is defiantly worth it."
Mmm
It wasn't that he hadn't wanted to go to bed, or hadn't wanted to stay in Angel's office with Rosetta. But as the second half of the night had rolled around, he'd needed time to think. So he'd put a blanket around Rosetta's sleeping form in the chair, stroked BJ's hair once more, then had gone to the office. But now that small streaks of gray light were beginning to spread across the ground and peak into windows, Mick's mind began to rouse him. He gives a groan as he rolls his head over on his desk where he must have laid it several hours before. He'd been hunched over like this for too long and now was incredibly stiff.
Managing to sit up straight, he squints in the dark, trying to find the time. Five-thirty. He needed to get up and get going. He yawns and rubs a hand over his face, craving coffee. No one had alerted him, so he knew BJ was still asleep - he would go back to check on things once he'd made the coffee. Becky wouldn't be up for another half an hour so he'd beat her to it this morning.
Groggily, Mick slaps his had on his head and pulls on his jacket to trudge over to the dining hall. He needed a shower and some clean clothes, but that could wait a while longer. Getting inside, he wanders over to the kitchen, but is stopped partway as he looks into the cozy living room. Leaning on the doorway for a moment or two, he cocks his head, just watching. Maybe he had been wrong... the scene was so peaceful... he knew now that he couldn't take that away.
...Jade shifts a little bit on the couch and smacks her lips, her mouth feeling like cotton. Starting to roll over, she realizes she can't. What...? Moving her hand around, she realizes that she's not alone, then remembers. She and Dan had watched a movie. They must have fallen asleep. He was on his back now and she was wedged between him and the back of the couch, her head nestled against his chest. Mmm it was too comfortable to move.
Relaxing again, her arm falls back over him, her one leg wrapped around his. By the dim light coming in through the window, she knew he'd have to get up soon, but she'd soak up all she could while he was still here.
"Okay... I think I got everything." Susanne stands in Dalton's office, a pretty basket in her arm. It was arranged artistically with some tissue paper, several cans of Mountain Dew, some jerky and a few other odds and ends along with the staff-signed card and Sapphire's letter.
She grins at Dalton. "I'd offer to drive but... I got that tiny car and..." She bites her lip. "Yeah."
Managing to sit up straight, he squints in the dark, trying to find the time. Five-thirty. He needed to get up and get going. He yawns and rubs a hand over his face, craving coffee. No one had alerted him, so he knew BJ was still asleep - he would go back to check on things once he'd made the coffee. Becky wouldn't be up for another half an hour so he'd beat her to it this morning.
Groggily, Mick slaps his had on his head and pulls on his jacket to trudge over to the dining hall. He needed a shower and some clean clothes, but that could wait a while longer. Getting inside, he wanders over to the kitchen, but is stopped partway as he looks into the cozy living room. Leaning on the doorway for a moment or two, he cocks his head, just watching. Maybe he had been wrong... the scene was so peaceful... he knew now that he couldn't take that away.
...Jade shifts a little bit on the couch and smacks her lips, her mouth feeling like cotton. Starting to roll over, she realizes she can't. What...? Moving her hand around, she realizes that she's not alone, then remembers. She and Dan had watched a movie. They must have fallen asleep. He was on his back now and she was wedged between him and the back of the couch, her head nestled against his chest. Mmm it was too comfortable to move.
Relaxing again, her arm falls back over him, her one leg wrapped around his. By the dim light coming in through the window, she knew he'd have to get up soon, but she'd soak up all she could while he was still here.
"Okay... I think I got everything." Susanne stands in Dalton's office, a pretty basket in her arm. It was arranged artistically with some tissue paper, several cans of Mountain Dew, some jerky and a few other odds and ends along with the staff-signed card and Sapphire's letter.
She grins at Dalton. "I'd offer to drive but... I got that tiny car and..." She bites her lip. "Yeah."
3/26/10
"Once..."
Dan can't help but laugh at Jade's comment as he comes over to her side. The rains in his hand to leave the horse Dan slings his other arm over her shoulder.
"Lucky horse. I though for sure tonight would be a treat and you'd tuck me in. However hiding int he brush sound might fun too."
Continuing to walk with Jade leading the horse back to the stall Dan takes his time. After all the excitement it just didn't feel like it should be close to bed time. Maybe after they had a little to eat the could find some fun in playing a game or just snuggling together to watch a movie.
Quirking an eyebrow as Mick left the office Rosetta could see the anger in his eyes and new where he was heading. If it hadn't had been for the little hand that was in hers she would of went after him. She could only hope maybe someone else would stop him.
Shifting a little Rosetta takes one of the kid books Angel had sitting on the counter for the little kids who came in. Sitting in the chair and leaning her side over onto the bed Rosetta runs her hand lightly through BJ's hair opening the book to the first page.
"Once there was a Prince far far away..."
Though BJ wasn't sleeping she never let him go to bed without a store she couldn't start now. She probley wouldnt be leaving his side tonight ether, so this was something to do.
"Lucky horse. I though for sure tonight would be a treat and you'd tuck me in. However hiding int he brush sound might fun too."
Continuing to walk with Jade leading the horse back to the stall Dan takes his time. After all the excitement it just didn't feel like it should be close to bed time. Maybe after they had a little to eat the could find some fun in playing a game or just snuggling together to watch a movie.
Quirking an eyebrow as Mick left the office Rosetta could see the anger in his eyes and new where he was heading. If it hadn't had been for the little hand that was in hers she would of went after him. She could only hope maybe someone else would stop him.
Shifting a little Rosetta takes one of the kid books Angel had sitting on the counter for the little kids who came in. Sitting in the chair and leaning her side over onto the bed Rosetta runs her hand lightly through BJ's hair opening the book to the first page.
"Once there was a Prince far far away..."
Though BJ wasn't sleeping she never let him go to bed without a store she couldn't start now. She probley wouldnt be leaving his side tonight ether, so this was something to do.
Poor fella
Jade becomes thoughtful as Dan explains. Her rubbing on the horse slows a little as she concentrates before Dan's hand bumps hers and she returns his smile. "Yeah... I guess it's good I wasn't out there. I probably woulda have fallen to pieces and you'd end up rescuing me too."
She grins at him slyly. "Not that I'd mind. We could always hide in the brush and you could tell them later that it took you positively hours to find me." She giggles and finishes up her side of the horse. "Okay... I think it's time to put this brute to bed. Poor fella looks worn out."
Petting the horse's neck, she gives Dan another glance. "No, I was talking about this horse. Sorry."
Hearing that BJ was going to be okay sent a wave of relief through Mick. The boy was hurt, but Angel was positive about his recovery. A silent praise went up to God.
Walking to the other side of the bed from Rosetta, Mick looks down on his adopted son. BJ had become such a part of their family... it was hard to imagine what life would be like without his energy and constant questions. He might not be Mick's blood, though he was a nephew. Stronger still though was the fact that Mick had taken him on as his own and it wasn't something he took lightly.
A dark cloud seemed to come over as he continued to dwell on this evening. This little boy could have died tonight. BJ shouldn't have wandered off, that was for sure. But stronger yet was the point that Dylan never should have let a child wander back to the ranch alone. And that was as close to unforgivable as it got.
Mick reaches down to stroke BJ's hair before withdrawing and joining Rosetta in gratefulness. "Yeah... thanks, Angel. Never been so glad you're a doctor."
Hesitating a few more moments, he nods to both her and his wife. "I'll be back."
Without giving time for questions, he heads for the door and back out into the night air. Turning the corner, he aims straight for the bunkhouses, his stride firm and determined. Anger coursed through his veins. Maybe he really had been wrong to bring Dylan mere. Maybe he should have let the kid go to ruin just so he'd finally learn. But no, he'd been so determined to bring him here, and all that had happened since was disaster after disaster.
Getting to the right bunkhouse, he doesn't even knock, but barges in unannounced.
Dylan sits straight up on the bed, his eyes wide. Luke jumps, startled by the intrusion. "Mick... what's wrong? Is BJ okay?"
Mick grits his teeth and nods. "He'll be alright." He turns his gaze to Dylan. "No thanks to you. Outside. Now."
Dylan hesitates. He didn't like the look in his father's eye and he was downright scared to go outside with him. "Why?"
"Because I said so!" Mick barks.
Luke gets to his feet and slowly positions himself between father and son. "Mick... take it easy. I know you're upset but-"
"Upset doesn't cover the half of it. Get out of my way, Luke. It's high time Dylan learned a lesson about consequences."
"A consequence should never be the exemption of love," Luke returns sharply.
Mick stares into Luke's eyes, frustration boiling. "Are you telling me how to raise your son?"
"No... unfortunately the world has already raised him for you. But if you want to give him one more reason to hate you, go right ahead. Think on it first though, will ya? Clear your head before you do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."
Though still incredibly angry, Luke's words did strike deeply enough for Mick to second guess his motives here. So instead of doing as planned, he simply points to his son. "If I hear you got so close as fifteen feet from BJ, you'll have me to answer to. Got it?"
Dylan watches numbly as his father spins on his heel and stalks out again. His face pale, he swallows hard. Apparently tonight had been the last straw. He might as well start packing tonight.
She grins at him slyly. "Not that I'd mind. We could always hide in the brush and you could tell them later that it took you positively hours to find me." She giggles and finishes up her side of the horse. "Okay... I think it's time to put this brute to bed. Poor fella looks worn out."
Petting the horse's neck, she gives Dan another glance. "No, I was talking about this horse. Sorry."
Hearing that BJ was going to be okay sent a wave of relief through Mick. The boy was hurt, but Angel was positive about his recovery. A silent praise went up to God.
Walking to the other side of the bed from Rosetta, Mick looks down on his adopted son. BJ had become such a part of their family... it was hard to imagine what life would be like without his energy and constant questions. He might not be Mick's blood, though he was a nephew. Stronger still though was the fact that Mick had taken him on as his own and it wasn't something he took lightly.
A dark cloud seemed to come over as he continued to dwell on this evening. This little boy could have died tonight. BJ shouldn't have wandered off, that was for sure. But stronger yet was the point that Dylan never should have let a child wander back to the ranch alone. And that was as close to unforgivable as it got.
Mick reaches down to stroke BJ's hair before withdrawing and joining Rosetta in gratefulness. "Yeah... thanks, Angel. Never been so glad you're a doctor."
Hesitating a few more moments, he nods to both her and his wife. "I'll be back."
Without giving time for questions, he heads for the door and back out into the night air. Turning the corner, he aims straight for the bunkhouses, his stride firm and determined. Anger coursed through his veins. Maybe he really had been wrong to bring Dylan mere. Maybe he should have let the kid go to ruin just so he'd finally learn. But no, he'd been so determined to bring him here, and all that had happened since was disaster after disaster.
Getting to the right bunkhouse, he doesn't even knock, but barges in unannounced.
Dylan sits straight up on the bed, his eyes wide. Luke jumps, startled by the intrusion. "Mick... what's wrong? Is BJ okay?"
Mick grits his teeth and nods. "He'll be alright." He turns his gaze to Dylan. "No thanks to you. Outside. Now."
Dylan hesitates. He didn't like the look in his father's eye and he was downright scared to go outside with him. "Why?"
"Because I said so!" Mick barks.
Luke gets to his feet and slowly positions himself between father and son. "Mick... take it easy. I know you're upset but-"
"Upset doesn't cover the half of it. Get out of my way, Luke. It's high time Dylan learned a lesson about consequences."
"A consequence should never be the exemption of love," Luke returns sharply.
Mick stares into Luke's eyes, frustration boiling. "Are you telling me how to raise your son?"
"No... unfortunately the world has already raised him for you. But if you want to give him one more reason to hate you, go right ahead. Think on it first though, will ya? Clear your head before you do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."
Though still incredibly angry, Luke's words did strike deeply enough for Mick to second guess his motives here. So instead of doing as planned, he simply points to his son. "If I hear you got so close as fifteen feet from BJ, you'll have me to answer to. Got it?"
Dylan watches numbly as his father spins on his heel and stalks out again. His face pale, he swallows hard. Apparently tonight had been the last straw. He might as well start packing tonight.
Nothing Major
Working on the other side of the horse with Jade Dan was quiet but he was very thankful for her company. Even if she never said anything still knowing she was close that he could touch her was all he needed.
Looking up at Jade's question Dan gives her a nod. He hadn't though he looked that obvious but than again he felt silly thinking he could pull one over on her. Trying to give the best smile he can Dan continues to rub the horse down.
"Yeah, I'm ok. I just...seeing BJ like that its hard seeing someone so little get hurt and know there is nothing you can do to help them. I guess I am shook up a little just seeing his body so still there, I was so scared."
Continuing to rub down the horse Dan falls silent before reaching over the horses back a little high hitting Jade's own hand. Looking to her and giving a little bigger smile Dan's eyes twinkle a little letting Jade know he would be ok.
And time torched those who waited as the hands on the clock ticked. Everyone waiting to see what was going on and if the small child they cared a great deal about would be ok. Those seeking the comfort of the ones they loved, the arms around them to help help know they were not alone.
Opening the door to the infirmary Angel steps out and gives a nod to Mick and Rosetta to come in. Knowing them would follow she steps into the room. BJ still nessled in the bed his eyes still closed, a bandage spread across his for head, His arm in a cast, and an IV hooked up to him. His form seeming so small.
"First off..He's going to be ok. I want to keep him here at least till he wakes up. He has 4 stitches on his head, his arm was fractured more than likely from trying to break his fall. He was a little dehydrated, and he didn't lose to much blood. He has a few other scratch but nothing major."
Walking over to BJ Angel check the iv that was hooked up to him making sure the flow was ok as she continued to talk to Mick and Rosetta.
"As to when he will wake up, I am not sure. Right now since he is here and out of danger I think his body will be able to relax. It's possible he will be asleep for a while so he can heal and honesty for a child with energy it could be a good thing. But all in all He will be ok. I just want to keep an eye on him to make sure his concussion doesn't grow worse, but as far as I can tell there is no brain damage but I wont know more on that till he wakes."
Holding Mick's hand Rosetta lets out a sigh of relief knowing BJ would be ok. They weren't out of danger yet, but BJ for now would be ok and for that Rosetta was so thankful.
Moving over to the bed where BJ was Rosetta runs a hand through his soft hair gently. He still looked so small in the bed, with the cast around his arm. Rosetta couldn't help another tear that slipped from her eye.
"Thank you Angel."
Looking up at Jade's question Dan gives her a nod. He hadn't though he looked that obvious but than again he felt silly thinking he could pull one over on her. Trying to give the best smile he can Dan continues to rub the horse down.
"Yeah, I'm ok. I just...seeing BJ like that its hard seeing someone so little get hurt and know there is nothing you can do to help them. I guess I am shook up a little just seeing his body so still there, I was so scared."
Continuing to rub down the horse Dan falls silent before reaching over the horses back a little high hitting Jade's own hand. Looking to her and giving a little bigger smile Dan's eyes twinkle a little letting Jade know he would be ok.
And time torched those who waited as the hands on the clock ticked. Everyone waiting to see what was going on and if the small child they cared a great deal about would be ok. Those seeking the comfort of the ones they loved, the arms around them to help help know they were not alone.
Opening the door to the infirmary Angel steps out and gives a nod to Mick and Rosetta to come in. Knowing them would follow she steps into the room. BJ still nessled in the bed his eyes still closed, a bandage spread across his for head, His arm in a cast, and an IV hooked up to him. His form seeming so small.
"First off..He's going to be ok. I want to keep him here at least till he wakes up. He has 4 stitches on his head, his arm was fractured more than likely from trying to break his fall. He was a little dehydrated, and he didn't lose to much blood. He has a few other scratch but nothing major."
Walking over to BJ Angel check the iv that was hooked up to him making sure the flow was ok as she continued to talk to Mick and Rosetta.
"As to when he will wake up, I am not sure. Right now since he is here and out of danger I think his body will be able to relax. It's possible he will be asleep for a while so he can heal and honesty for a child with energy it could be a good thing. But all in all He will be ok. I just want to keep an eye on him to make sure his concussion doesn't grow worse, but as far as I can tell there is no brain damage but I wont know more on that till he wakes."
Holding Mick's hand Rosetta lets out a sigh of relief knowing BJ would be ok. They weren't out of danger yet, but BJ for now would be ok and for that Rosetta was so thankful.
Moving over to the bed where BJ was Rosetta runs a hand through his soft hair gently. He still looked so small in the bed, with the cast around his arm. Rosetta couldn't help another tear that slipped from her eye.
"Thank you Angel."
The worst
Mick didn't want to leave BJ with Angel. He would have insisted he be allowed to stay had he not known it would just upset things further. So he retreats with Rosetta, his heart still beating out his fear of what might happen.
Lost in his own world, he doesn't even notice what's going on until he finally realizes that Rosetta is pacing, and sees the tears in her eyes. Immediately he feels guilty. It was his job to be the comforter and protector here and he was ignoring her and wallowing in his own misery over this thing.
Swallowing his own fear, he opts to postpone showing it until later. For now, Rosetta needed him.
Moving to her, he stops her pacing as he wraps his strong arms around her and pulls her into a firm hug, rocking her slightly. "He'll be okay," he whispers, kissing the top of her head. "Shhh... it's not your fault any more than it is mine. Don't blame yourself, alright?"
In his heart, blame was pointing in the direction of Dylan, and Mick had yet to formulate the words he would later say to his son.
"It'll be alright... BJ's in good hands." Waiting for Angel was the worst part.
Jade feels something different as Dan hugs her closely. He felt weary in her arms, almost scared like she hadn't seen him before. Was it hidden somewhere behind her gaze? She returns his kiss gently, then nods, managing a smile.
"Yeah... I'll help you." Taking his hand, she walks with him to tie up the horse and then she helps untack it and begin to rub off the sweat with a towel. Pausing once though, she leans on the horse's back, looking across at Dan thoughtfully. "You okay?" she asks quietly. "You seem kinda shook up."
Lost in his own world, he doesn't even notice what's going on until he finally realizes that Rosetta is pacing, and sees the tears in her eyes. Immediately he feels guilty. It was his job to be the comforter and protector here and he was ignoring her and wallowing in his own misery over this thing.
Swallowing his own fear, he opts to postpone showing it until later. For now, Rosetta needed him.
Moving to her, he stops her pacing as he wraps his strong arms around her and pulls her into a firm hug, rocking her slightly. "He'll be okay," he whispers, kissing the top of her head. "Shhh... it's not your fault any more than it is mine. Don't blame yourself, alright?"
In his heart, blame was pointing in the direction of Dylan, and Mick had yet to formulate the words he would later say to his son.
"It'll be alright... BJ's in good hands." Waiting for Angel was the worst part.
Jade feels something different as Dan hugs her closely. He felt weary in her arms, almost scared like she hadn't seen him before. Was it hidden somewhere behind her gaze? She returns his kiss gently, then nods, managing a smile.
"Yeah... I'll help you." Taking his hand, she walks with him to tie up the horse and then she helps untack it and begin to rub off the sweat with a towel. Pausing once though, she leans on the horse's back, looking across at Dan thoughtfully. "You okay?" she asks quietly. "You seem kinda shook up."
Be ok
Hearing Dan over the walkie Rosetta grip tightens a little around Mick. Something was wrong enough with BJ that Dan needed them to come, and it sent a sicking feeling through Rosetta's stomach. Not caring for one that Mick was going faster than normal on the four wheeler Rosetta wanted to get to BJ as fast as she could. Her little boy was hurt, and she had to at least see he was alive or she would lose it right there.
Once seeing Dan, and he blanket with BJ's lifeless body under it Rosetta gives a gasp the air being sucked from her lungs. Not even sure how she found the strangth to go to her son's side Rosetta was there in a flash. Taking his tiny hand in her own Rosetta lets Mick check him over and very little words are said from her as a tear ran down her cheek.
"Thank you Dan!"
His keen eye had found BJ just like anyone else could have but if Dan had missed him the first time, how long would it have been before someone tried coming down this way once more to check. It could have been several more hours. Rosetta was just happy he Dan had found him on the first pass.
Heading back to the four wheeler Rosetta gets on again making herself comfortable in a position she new she would be steady once they started moving again. Taking BJ from Mick, Rosetta nessles him in her arms keeping the blanket around him and holding him firmly so he wouldn't bump around to much.
"Hang in there Bud."
Placing a soft kiss on his for head Rosetta keeps him close as they set out. Though she new they had to move slow Rosetta wish they could go a little faster. Finally seeing the ranch come into voice and getting to Angel's office she lets out a sigh of releaf. At least BJ was home now.
As Mick takes him from her again Rosetta hopes off the four wheeler and quickly follows behind Mick up and into Angel's office.
Looking up as the door opens Angel new who it was already. Most everything was ready since Dan had given her the head up.
"Mick set him on the bed over there."
Pointing to the bed on the far right Angel had prepared it already with fresh linen so they could keep BJ there. Looking around the room quick it was a bit crowded and Angel new she would need the space and air to work. Not to mention not having both BJ's parents in here would be a good thing right now.
"Mick, Rosetta I need you guys to wait outside please. He'd in good hands, I promise."
Once Mick and Rosetta are gone Angel is able to set to work looking BJ over making sure she left nothing unturned of injures the small boy could of suffered.
Once outside Rosetta pases back and forth. She didn't know what she would do if BJ wasn't ok. He was her son, and she had become so fond of having him around. His laighter, the padding of his feet, the silly questions he asked when he just didn't understand something. She loved it all.
"How did this happen Mick? How could I not have been paying more attachen? I should have been checking on him more and I didn't. I just...I though he was safe here, and I never though he would of wondered off."
Rosetta's eyes were etched with emotion and worry. Small tears made there way down her cheeks. The silent prayer on her heart that BJ would be ok.
Feeling Jade's arms go around him Dan lets out a long sigh. Seeing BJ like he had, send a horrible fear into his heart and made his blood run cold. He hated seeing anyone hurt, let alone a child who could hardly defend themselves.
Letting his own arms lips around Jade he pulls her a little closer turning his head a little to nestle into her hair and let the sweet fragrance of her shampoo fill his nose. Just keeping his head there he talks a little muffled but to comfortable in this moment to move.
"He was knocked out when I found him and he has a nice gash on his head from a rock he hit. Other than that I couldn't tell. Mick and Rosetta took him over to Angel's to get him checked out."
Finally moving a little Dan lowers himself down to Jade's level to give her a kiss on the lips letting it linger a few moments before pulling away. Just looking down into Jade's eyes for such a long moment without her even saying anything he found the comfort he was looking for. She was so special to him, his shining star when everything else had gone out.
"If you want to help me rub this horse down, we can go grab some dinner and than see how BJ is doing."
Once seeing Dan, and he blanket with BJ's lifeless body under it Rosetta gives a gasp the air being sucked from her lungs. Not even sure how she found the strangth to go to her son's side Rosetta was there in a flash. Taking his tiny hand in her own Rosetta lets Mick check him over and very little words are said from her as a tear ran down her cheek.
"Thank you Dan!"
His keen eye had found BJ just like anyone else could have but if Dan had missed him the first time, how long would it have been before someone tried coming down this way once more to check. It could have been several more hours. Rosetta was just happy he Dan had found him on the first pass.
Heading back to the four wheeler Rosetta gets on again making herself comfortable in a position she new she would be steady once they started moving again. Taking BJ from Mick, Rosetta nessles him in her arms keeping the blanket around him and holding him firmly so he wouldn't bump around to much.
"Hang in there Bud."
Placing a soft kiss on his for head Rosetta keeps him close as they set out. Though she new they had to move slow Rosetta wish they could go a little faster. Finally seeing the ranch come into voice and getting to Angel's office she lets out a sigh of releaf. At least BJ was home now.
As Mick takes him from her again Rosetta hopes off the four wheeler and quickly follows behind Mick up and into Angel's office.
Looking up as the door opens Angel new who it was already. Most everything was ready since Dan had given her the head up.
"Mick set him on the bed over there."
Pointing to the bed on the far right Angel had prepared it already with fresh linen so they could keep BJ there. Looking around the room quick it was a bit crowded and Angel new she would need the space and air to work. Not to mention not having both BJ's parents in here would be a good thing right now.
"Mick, Rosetta I need you guys to wait outside please. He'd in good hands, I promise."
Once Mick and Rosetta are gone Angel is able to set to work looking BJ over making sure she left nothing unturned of injures the small boy could of suffered.
Once outside Rosetta pases back and forth. She didn't know what she would do if BJ wasn't ok. He was her son, and she had become so fond of having him around. His laighter, the padding of his feet, the silly questions he asked when he just didn't understand something. She loved it all.
"How did this happen Mick? How could I not have been paying more attachen? I should have been checking on him more and I didn't. I just...I though he was safe here, and I never though he would of wondered off."
Rosetta's eyes were etched with emotion and worry. Small tears made there way down her cheeks. The silent prayer on her heart that BJ would be ok.
Feeling Jade's arms go around him Dan lets out a long sigh. Seeing BJ like he had, send a horrible fear into his heart and made his blood run cold. He hated seeing anyone hurt, let alone a child who could hardly defend themselves.
Letting his own arms lips around Jade he pulls her a little closer turning his head a little to nestle into her hair and let the sweet fragrance of her shampoo fill his nose. Just keeping his head there he talks a little muffled but to comfortable in this moment to move.
"He was knocked out when I found him and he has a nice gash on his head from a rock he hit. Other than that I couldn't tell. Mick and Rosetta took him over to Angel's to get him checked out."
Finally moving a little Dan lowers himself down to Jade's level to give her a kiss on the lips letting it linger a few moments before pulling away. Just looking down into Jade's eyes for such a long moment without her even saying anything he found the comfort he was looking for. She was so special to him, his shining star when everything else had gone out.
"If you want to help me rub this horse down, we can go grab some dinner and than see how BJ is doing."
Jealous
The atmosphere was tense. Even though it didn't appear that this was an Agency threat, a little boy's life could still be in danger. It was already getting cold as the sky grew dark and everyone knew that unprotected, someone could theoretically freeze to death overnight.
The search party starts out, all intent on finding BJ. Mick guns the 4-wheeler and swings wide of the trail at first, in case BJ had decided to wander into the pasture areas instead of staying in the woods. Nothing. He and Rosetta call and call, but there is no sign of their son.
Mick's worry increased. Heading down one trail and another to sweep the area, he was glad he knew these trails so well so he could concentrate on looking for BJ instead of keeping his eye glued to the ground as he drove.
Finally stopping in a little clearing and looking around, Dan's voice comes over the walkie. Hearing he'd found BJ, Mick's heart leaps into his throat. By the sound of Dan's tone, BJ was in trouble. "Alright, Dan. Sit tight. I'll be right there."
Hooking the walkie back onto his belt, he throws a glance over his shoulder at Rosetta. "Hang on," he directs. He could get to the fork in the trail blind folded, so he didn't hesitate to to take the path faster than normal. The engine revs, its headlight throwing a beam into the dark woods. It was a bumpy and winding ride, but finally the headlight shines on Dan, his horse and the blanket that covered the little bundle that wasn't moving.
Parking, Mick lets Rosetta get off first, then dismounts and is quickly behind her, going to kneel next to BJ. There was blood still trickling slowly from a gash in his head, and blood on a rock proved what had happened. No foul play - he had probably just tripped and fallen.
"BJ?" Mick runs a hand through the child's hair, trying to rouse him, but he didn't move. "His pulse is weak," he confirms. He looks up at Dan and nods. "Thank you." Would someone else have found him? Maybe. But it had been Dan and Mick would forever be grateful.
Gathering BJ carefully in his arms, he directs Rosetta back to the 4-wheeler, letting her get settled before handing the boy off to her to hold on the ride back. "Keep pressure on his head." Mounting again, Mick starts the engine and waves to Dan. "Make sure everybody else gets back okay... see you at home."
Wasting no more time, the 4-wheeler pulls forward and Mick guides it down the trail once more. Though he wanted to hurry, he held himself back, taking it slowly over the bumps and around branches. He didn't want to make BJ's injuries worse by giving him a jolting ride.
It seemed like forever, but finally the ranch yard comes into sight. Mick speeds up a little once they hit level ground and doesn't stop until they're in front of Angel's office. Getting off first, he takes BJ again so Rosetta wouldn't have to struggle, and heads for the porch, letting her get the door open for him. Once inside, his eyes meet Angel's, begging for direction. "He's got a gash on his head. I don't know if he's hurt anywhere else but he's been unconscious."
Dylan sees the lights and stands up, going to the bunkhouse window to look out. He couldn't see much, but he figured it was the lights of the 4-wheeler. Did that mean they'd found BJ?
He glances back to the chair where Luke was sitting. "You can go if you want," he suggests. "I'm not going anywhere."
Luke cocks his head, studying the young man. "And how do I know you won't split?"
"I guess you don't."
"What are you running from, Dylan?"
Dylan hooks his thumbs in his pockets, not angry, but not happy either. "Myself. What does it look like?"
Luke couldn't help a little bit of surprise. People didn't usually recognize something like that, let alone be willing to admit it. "What's wrong with yourself that you're running?"
"You tell me. I'm a doped-up loser, remember? I like to shoot myself up to have a good time, party and keep my school grades nice and low just to torture my parents. I thought you were observant enough to know that."
Luke squints back at him. "I don't think that's the truth."
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure... but I think you want a father's love just as much as any other man ever did. I think that's why you're jealous of BJ."
"Jealous?!"
"Sure. He gets all the attention. He's the one that gets hugs and encouragement and special privileges. You're the one who keeps getting the short end of the stick. I think that's why you yelled at him earlier and I think that's why you didn't offer to help find him."
Dylan crosses his arms, starting to scowl. "I'm not cruel. But if my dad thinks I'd purposely hurt his little angel, then so be it. I don't care."
"Yes you do."
"What do you know?"
"Enough." Luke remains seated, his tone calm and laid back. "It's not easy keeping up the tough guy act. Why don't you just try being yourself for once?"
"Who says I'm not?"
"Your family." Luke nods. "I know your dad very well. I know your sister. I've heard a lot about your mother. You can't blame your actions on bad blood or a lack of love, kid. What you're doing.... they're your choices. And you've chosen an awfully rough path for yourself."
Dylan turns back to the window. "What do you care?"
"Oh, I don't know. I guess life has taught me a few things. You can't spend it trying to get the world to bend at your beck and call, 'cause it don't bend and it don't give any breaks. But it's a whole lot more bearable when you're not alone. Standing out there all by your lonesome though... who's gonna rescue you? Who are you gonna lean on?"
"Myself."
"Yeah, and where has that gotten you? You're a punk. You got yourself in a heap of trouble and you're pitting your own family against you for reasons I'd be very interested to know." Luke shakes his head. "That's no way to live, Dylan. You keep it up, you're gonna be dead before you hit thirty. Abuse on your own body and mind lasts just long enough to eat you alive. Be glad you have a father who cares enough to try and help you see how to let go of that death."
"Not after this."
"You think he's gonna be mad because of what happened tonight?"
"Don't you?"
Luke shrugs. "Probably. And you'll have to deal with it. And it'll be painful. But that's a consequence of your carelessness. Would it have been so hard to walk BJ back here?"
Silence. Dylan's shoulders droop as he trudges over to his bed and flops down. "I said you could go," he repeats.
"I know. But I'm comfortable."
Jade paces in the barn until she hears the clip-clop of horses hooves. Seeing the riders back, she feels more relief. Meeting Dan after he's dismounted, she throws her arms around him in a big hug. "I saw them bring BJ back but I was afraid to go see what was happening. Was he hurt badly?"
The search party starts out, all intent on finding BJ. Mick guns the 4-wheeler and swings wide of the trail at first, in case BJ had decided to wander into the pasture areas instead of staying in the woods. Nothing. He and Rosetta call and call, but there is no sign of their son.
Mick's worry increased. Heading down one trail and another to sweep the area, he was glad he knew these trails so well so he could concentrate on looking for BJ instead of keeping his eye glued to the ground as he drove.
Finally stopping in a little clearing and looking around, Dan's voice comes over the walkie. Hearing he'd found BJ, Mick's heart leaps into his throat. By the sound of Dan's tone, BJ was in trouble. "Alright, Dan. Sit tight. I'll be right there."
Hooking the walkie back onto his belt, he throws a glance over his shoulder at Rosetta. "Hang on," he directs. He could get to the fork in the trail blind folded, so he didn't hesitate to to take the path faster than normal. The engine revs, its headlight throwing a beam into the dark woods. It was a bumpy and winding ride, but finally the headlight shines on Dan, his horse and the blanket that covered the little bundle that wasn't moving.
Parking, Mick lets Rosetta get off first, then dismounts and is quickly behind her, going to kneel next to BJ. There was blood still trickling slowly from a gash in his head, and blood on a rock proved what had happened. No foul play - he had probably just tripped and fallen.
"BJ?" Mick runs a hand through the child's hair, trying to rouse him, but he didn't move. "His pulse is weak," he confirms. He looks up at Dan and nods. "Thank you." Would someone else have found him? Maybe. But it had been Dan and Mick would forever be grateful.
Gathering BJ carefully in his arms, he directs Rosetta back to the 4-wheeler, letting her get settled before handing the boy off to her to hold on the ride back. "Keep pressure on his head." Mounting again, Mick starts the engine and waves to Dan. "Make sure everybody else gets back okay... see you at home."
Wasting no more time, the 4-wheeler pulls forward and Mick guides it down the trail once more. Though he wanted to hurry, he held himself back, taking it slowly over the bumps and around branches. He didn't want to make BJ's injuries worse by giving him a jolting ride.
It seemed like forever, but finally the ranch yard comes into sight. Mick speeds up a little once they hit level ground and doesn't stop until they're in front of Angel's office. Getting off first, he takes BJ again so Rosetta wouldn't have to struggle, and heads for the porch, letting her get the door open for him. Once inside, his eyes meet Angel's, begging for direction. "He's got a gash on his head. I don't know if he's hurt anywhere else but he's been unconscious."
Dylan sees the lights and stands up, going to the bunkhouse window to look out. He couldn't see much, but he figured it was the lights of the 4-wheeler. Did that mean they'd found BJ?
He glances back to the chair where Luke was sitting. "You can go if you want," he suggests. "I'm not going anywhere."
Luke cocks his head, studying the young man. "And how do I know you won't split?"
"I guess you don't."
"What are you running from, Dylan?"
Dylan hooks his thumbs in his pockets, not angry, but not happy either. "Myself. What does it look like?"
Luke couldn't help a little bit of surprise. People didn't usually recognize something like that, let alone be willing to admit it. "What's wrong with yourself that you're running?"
"You tell me. I'm a doped-up loser, remember? I like to shoot myself up to have a good time, party and keep my school grades nice and low just to torture my parents. I thought you were observant enough to know that."
Luke squints back at him. "I don't think that's the truth."
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure... but I think you want a father's love just as much as any other man ever did. I think that's why you're jealous of BJ."
"Jealous?!"
"Sure. He gets all the attention. He's the one that gets hugs and encouragement and special privileges. You're the one who keeps getting the short end of the stick. I think that's why you yelled at him earlier and I think that's why you didn't offer to help find him."
Dylan crosses his arms, starting to scowl. "I'm not cruel. But if my dad thinks I'd purposely hurt his little angel, then so be it. I don't care."
"Yes you do."
"What do you know?"
"Enough." Luke remains seated, his tone calm and laid back. "It's not easy keeping up the tough guy act. Why don't you just try being yourself for once?"
"Who says I'm not?"
"Your family." Luke nods. "I know your dad very well. I know your sister. I've heard a lot about your mother. You can't blame your actions on bad blood or a lack of love, kid. What you're doing.... they're your choices. And you've chosen an awfully rough path for yourself."
Dylan turns back to the window. "What do you care?"
"Oh, I don't know. I guess life has taught me a few things. You can't spend it trying to get the world to bend at your beck and call, 'cause it don't bend and it don't give any breaks. But it's a whole lot more bearable when you're not alone. Standing out there all by your lonesome though... who's gonna rescue you? Who are you gonna lean on?"
"Myself."
"Yeah, and where has that gotten you? You're a punk. You got yourself in a heap of trouble and you're pitting your own family against you for reasons I'd be very interested to know." Luke shakes his head. "That's no way to live, Dylan. You keep it up, you're gonna be dead before you hit thirty. Abuse on your own body and mind lasts just long enough to eat you alive. Be glad you have a father who cares enough to try and help you see how to let go of that death."
"Not after this."
"You think he's gonna be mad because of what happened tonight?"
"Don't you?"
Luke shrugs. "Probably. And you'll have to deal with it. And it'll be painful. But that's a consequence of your carelessness. Would it have been so hard to walk BJ back here?"
Silence. Dylan's shoulders droop as he trudges over to his bed and flops down. "I said you could go," he repeats.
"I know. But I'm comfortable."
Jade paces in the barn until she hears the clip-clop of horses hooves. Seeing the riders back, she feels more relief. Meeting Dan after he's dismounted, she throws her arms around him in a big hug. "I saw them bring BJ back but I was afraid to go see what was happening. Was he hurt badly?"
Found
When one of there own was missing it was easy for worry to spread no matter who it was. Out here so many things could happen, and to someone of BJ's size more dangers lurked.
As the search congregated around the barn everyone was worried. BJ never ran off like this it was just not him. So minds started to work more, race turn wondering what could of happened to the small boy, the worry only increased when Dylan was found.
Worry coursed through Rosetta's eyes as she keeps her arms around herself. BJ was lost somwhere in the woods. Why hadn't she kept a better eye on him? Maybe if she had this wouldn't have happened.
Hearing Mick was going out on the four wheeler Rosetta nodded. She would go with him and help. She was to worried to stay here, and to worryied to go out by herself. She would be more use to Mick going with him.
"I'm going to grab some blankets. It's pretty cold out right now and I want to wrap him when we find him."
Hearing back to the house Rosetta grabs a few blankets to pass out to the people back in the group. Not taking long Rosetta returns and is ready to go. She didn't want to wast to much time. BJ had been out here alone long enough probably scared out of his little mind.
Not to far away Wendy stands on the porch holding Chase close to her. His little eyes falling asleep. She couldn't imagine how Rosetta and Mick must feel right now not knowing where BJ was. Closing her eyes Wendy says a quick prayer that the little boy would be ok.
Looking down at Jade for a moment Dan runs a hand along her face reassuring her everything would be ok. Not lingering for long Dan new this was no time to mess around. So turning and heading to the barn he gathered a few horses to use. Saddling them up he starts to head out of the bar again but his eyes catch sight of the walkies talkies. Grabbing five of them Dan continues out of the barn and back to the group. Holding out the walkies.
"Mick I though we could use to communicate so we dont keep looking if someone finds BJ. Though I'd take one, one for you, Angel in case he comes back here, Clint, and than Trent could take one too."
Passing out the walkies and heading out Dan hits the trail first. Keeping the horse at a steady walk Dan didn't want it to move to fast in case he could find any clue of where the BJ could be. Letting the light from his flash light scans the tree's Dan could hope maybe BJ would see the flash light.
"BJ?!?!"
Silence and the faint call from the others was the only sound that greeted Dan in return to his call. Continuing on Dan keeps his eyes open.
Time slowly ticked by and with every moment the worry of those looking for the small boy grew.
Finally making it to the ridge and seeing no sigh Dan deiced to backtrack. Continuing to take it slow till he came to the fort in the road. About to go a different way from the way he had come Dan stops thinking she saw something in the brush.
Dismounting from his house Dan talks his flash light and shines it into the brush once again. Wondering closer his head races as he see the little lifeless form laying on the ground and blood the trickled from his head.
Moving quickly Dan goes back to the horse grabbing the blanket and bringing it back to put it over BJ to keep him walk. Giving him a quick once over Dan wasn't sure how bad his injurys were and the last thing he needed to do was put BJ on the horse and make it worse.
"Hang in there Bud, We are gonna get ya home."
Pulling the walkies from his belt belt Dan's own voice had a little quiver to it.
"Mick, I need you out on the trail at the Y in the road. I'd found BJ..Hurry! Angel we are going to need to meet you at your office."
Dan didn't want to make anymore worry to much but she had to know to be ready when they got back.
As the search congregated around the barn everyone was worried. BJ never ran off like this it was just not him. So minds started to work more, race turn wondering what could of happened to the small boy, the worry only increased when Dylan was found.
Worry coursed through Rosetta's eyes as she keeps her arms around herself. BJ was lost somwhere in the woods. Why hadn't she kept a better eye on him? Maybe if she had this wouldn't have happened.
Hearing Mick was going out on the four wheeler Rosetta nodded. She would go with him and help. She was to worried to stay here, and to worryied to go out by herself. She would be more use to Mick going with him.
"I'm going to grab some blankets. It's pretty cold out right now and I want to wrap him when we find him."
Hearing back to the house Rosetta grabs a few blankets to pass out to the people back in the group. Not taking long Rosetta returns and is ready to go. She didn't want to wast to much time. BJ had been out here alone long enough probably scared out of his little mind.
Not to far away Wendy stands on the porch holding Chase close to her. His little eyes falling asleep. She couldn't imagine how Rosetta and Mick must feel right now not knowing where BJ was. Closing her eyes Wendy says a quick prayer that the little boy would be ok.
Looking down at Jade for a moment Dan runs a hand along her face reassuring her everything would be ok. Not lingering for long Dan new this was no time to mess around. So turning and heading to the barn he gathered a few horses to use. Saddling them up he starts to head out of the bar again but his eyes catch sight of the walkies talkies. Grabbing five of them Dan continues out of the barn and back to the group. Holding out the walkies.
"Mick I though we could use to communicate so we dont keep looking if someone finds BJ. Though I'd take one, one for you, Angel in case he comes back here, Clint, and than Trent could take one too."
Passing out the walkies and heading out Dan hits the trail first. Keeping the horse at a steady walk Dan didn't want it to move to fast in case he could find any clue of where the BJ could be. Letting the light from his flash light scans the tree's Dan could hope maybe BJ would see the flash light.
"BJ?!?!"
Silence and the faint call from the others was the only sound that greeted Dan in return to his call. Continuing on Dan keeps his eyes open.
Time slowly ticked by and with every moment the worry of those looking for the small boy grew.
Finally making it to the ridge and seeing no sigh Dan deiced to backtrack. Continuing to take it slow till he came to the fort in the road. About to go a different way from the way he had come Dan stops thinking she saw something in the brush.
Dismounting from his house Dan talks his flash light and shines it into the brush once again. Wondering closer his head races as he see the little lifeless form laying on the ground and blood the trickled from his head.
Moving quickly Dan goes back to the horse grabbing the blanket and bringing it back to put it over BJ to keep him walk. Giving him a quick once over Dan wasn't sure how bad his injurys were and the last thing he needed to do was put BJ on the horse and make it worse.
"Hang in there Bud, We are gonna get ya home."
Pulling the walkies from his belt belt Dan's own voice had a little quiver to it.
"Mick, I need you out on the trail at the Y in the road. I'd found BJ..Hurry! Angel we are going to need to meet you at your office."
Dan didn't want to make anymore worry to much but she had to know to be ready when they got back.
Four-wheeler
Scott nods a little, not minding if Hope stopped by again before she took off. Waking up just to realize he was still here had made him feel lethargic again, wishing he were somewhere else. "Okay. Tell Jenny not to bring up too much... it mostly just goes to waste."
"Hmm... no, I didn't check there." Mick shakes his head. "I thought he was going to come help me with chores but when he didn't show up, I figured he was still hunting frogs."
He shrugs and turns for the door. "I'll go check out back of the house. Oh, and if you see Dylan... let me know. Apparently he didn't stick around today." Sighing, Mick continues his route outside. What next?
"...BJ?!" Mick stands with his hands on his hips behind the house, scanning the area. The sun was sinking lower, providing little light. There was no sign of BJ.
"Dad?"
Mick whirls around to see Jade. "Hey."
"What's wrong? Can't find BJ?"
"No..." Mick was a little more worried now. This was unusual. He'd been gone part of the day to town, then had been engrossed in the office most of the day, not even being in the barn since this morning until chore time tonight. It wasn't odd that he didn't notice Dylan gone or even had lost track of BJ, but he should have been more careful. "Haven't seen him, have you?"
"Not for quite a while, no."
"What about Dylan?"
"Not since right after lunch. All he'd do was glare at me. Why, is he gone too?"
Mick frowns. "Looks that way."
Jade's eyes widen just a little. "Do you think... these two things are connected?"
"Don't know. Hope not. But if Dylan stormed off and said anything mean to BJ in the process, BJ might be hiding out somewhere."
"And Dylan?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Jade bites her lip. "Do you... think he's really run off?"
"Don't know. But I'm gonna go check his bunk. Start looking for BJ, will you?"
An hour passes. By now, half the ranch had been looking for both boys. The sky was growing darker and hearts were growing genuinely concerned. Nothing had been found in Dylan's bunk to indicate he'd taken off for good. And BJ was nowhere to be seen. Jade had scoured the bunkhouses, recruiting Dan's help, while others had checked outbuildings and pastures.
Now a group stood outside the barn, wondering what they should do. Mick looks to Rosetta, a deepening worry in his eye. Supper had been postponed - no one wanted to eat until they found out what had happened. In this bunch, the question of the Agency always came up as a very real threat, but no one wanted to voice that possibility.
A figure coming out of the shadows catches Mick's attention and he spins around. "Dylan!"
Dylan stops in his tracks and blinks at the group. What was going on? Surely this wasn't about him - no one cared enough to worry. "Yeah...?"
Mick's eyes narrow. "Where have you been?"
"Out."
"Don't give me that," Mick hisses. Now was no time for games.
Dylan sees an almost-scary look in his father's eye. "I just went for a walk," he defends. "What's the big deal? Sorry I didn't clean all the stalls."
Mick rolls his eyes. Dylan had simply gone for an afternoon to evening walk. Great. Here they were, considering the Agency and all he'd done was go for a walk. Mick throws Dan a sidelong glance of irritation for not keeping an eye on things before he turns back around. "Forget about the stalls. Do you know where BJ is?"
Dylan quirks an eyebrow and looks around at all the other faces. "He... didn't come back?"
"What do you mean?" Mick takes a step closer to his son.
Dylan looks up at him hesitantly. This was no time to mess around and he could feel it. "I took off after lunch. BJ caught up to me with a stupid frog to show me and I told him to go home."
Mick bristles. "And where was this?"
"I don't know." Dylan points off to the back trail. "Somewhere there, close to the pine grove. I didn't come back that way though."
Mick can feel his temper rising. "You were halfway to the ridge and you sent a little kid back on his own? Are you insane?!"
"It's not my fault he followed me! I didn't wanna see his stupid frog anyway! He should know better than to come after me like that, especially when you told him to leave me alone!"
Mick couldn't believe it. Oh, how he wished he would have checked on Dylan earlier. This sixteen-year-old punk kid couldn't care less about anybody but himself. He'd let BJ walk back on his own without even blinking. Mick's fist starts to tighten at his side but Jim steps in.
"Easy." He knew if Mick struck Dylan that it would be a wound that might never heal. "Let's head down the trail. I'll get the flashlights."
Mick relents and points a finger at his son. "You get to your bunkhouse and you do not move until I tell you to, is that clear?"
"I-"
"Luke." Mick gestures to him. "Go with him and make sure he doesn't leave."
Luke nods. He'd had a rough day getting around and wouldn't do any good trying to find BJ. But he could sit on Dylan if he had to. Walking off with the teenager, the group is left alone again.
"Jim, you and Trent and Dan get on horses. Becky, go get the flashlights." Mick had no hesitation, giving everyone orders. "Jade, you stay here and keep an eye out, here by the barns in case BJ comes back. Clint, take a truck around the block and see if you spot anything. Angel, stay here and be ready for anything. Rosetta..." He looks to his wife, tense with worry but trying to hold himself together. "I'm taking the four-wheeler. You can come with me or grab a horse."
"Hmm... no, I didn't check there." Mick shakes his head. "I thought he was going to come help me with chores but when he didn't show up, I figured he was still hunting frogs."
He shrugs and turns for the door. "I'll go check out back of the house. Oh, and if you see Dylan... let me know. Apparently he didn't stick around today." Sighing, Mick continues his route outside. What next?
"...BJ?!" Mick stands with his hands on his hips behind the house, scanning the area. The sun was sinking lower, providing little light. There was no sign of BJ.
"Dad?"
Mick whirls around to see Jade. "Hey."
"What's wrong? Can't find BJ?"
"No..." Mick was a little more worried now. This was unusual. He'd been gone part of the day to town, then had been engrossed in the office most of the day, not even being in the barn since this morning until chore time tonight. It wasn't odd that he didn't notice Dylan gone or even had lost track of BJ, but he should have been more careful. "Haven't seen him, have you?"
"Not for quite a while, no."
"What about Dylan?"
"Not since right after lunch. All he'd do was glare at me. Why, is he gone too?"
Mick frowns. "Looks that way."
Jade's eyes widen just a little. "Do you think... these two things are connected?"
"Don't know. Hope not. But if Dylan stormed off and said anything mean to BJ in the process, BJ might be hiding out somewhere."
"And Dylan?"
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Jade bites her lip. "Do you... think he's really run off?"
"Don't know. But I'm gonna go check his bunk. Start looking for BJ, will you?"
An hour passes. By now, half the ranch had been looking for both boys. The sky was growing darker and hearts were growing genuinely concerned. Nothing had been found in Dylan's bunk to indicate he'd taken off for good. And BJ was nowhere to be seen. Jade had scoured the bunkhouses, recruiting Dan's help, while others had checked outbuildings and pastures.
Now a group stood outside the barn, wondering what they should do. Mick looks to Rosetta, a deepening worry in his eye. Supper had been postponed - no one wanted to eat until they found out what had happened. In this bunch, the question of the Agency always came up as a very real threat, but no one wanted to voice that possibility.
A figure coming out of the shadows catches Mick's attention and he spins around. "Dylan!"
Dylan stops in his tracks and blinks at the group. What was going on? Surely this wasn't about him - no one cared enough to worry. "Yeah...?"
Mick's eyes narrow. "Where have you been?"
"Out."
"Don't give me that," Mick hisses. Now was no time for games.
Dylan sees an almost-scary look in his father's eye. "I just went for a walk," he defends. "What's the big deal? Sorry I didn't clean all the stalls."
Mick rolls his eyes. Dylan had simply gone for an afternoon to evening walk. Great. Here they were, considering the Agency and all he'd done was go for a walk. Mick throws Dan a sidelong glance of irritation for not keeping an eye on things before he turns back around. "Forget about the stalls. Do you know where BJ is?"
Dylan quirks an eyebrow and looks around at all the other faces. "He... didn't come back?"
"What do you mean?" Mick takes a step closer to his son.
Dylan looks up at him hesitantly. This was no time to mess around and he could feel it. "I took off after lunch. BJ caught up to me with a stupid frog to show me and I told him to go home."
Mick bristles. "And where was this?"
"I don't know." Dylan points off to the back trail. "Somewhere there, close to the pine grove. I didn't come back that way though."
Mick can feel his temper rising. "You were halfway to the ridge and you sent a little kid back on his own? Are you insane?!"
"It's not my fault he followed me! I didn't wanna see his stupid frog anyway! He should know better than to come after me like that, especially when you told him to leave me alone!"
Mick couldn't believe it. Oh, how he wished he would have checked on Dylan earlier. This sixteen-year-old punk kid couldn't care less about anybody but himself. He'd let BJ walk back on his own without even blinking. Mick's fist starts to tighten at his side but Jim steps in.
"Easy." He knew if Mick struck Dylan that it would be a wound that might never heal. "Let's head down the trail. I'll get the flashlights."
Mick relents and points a finger at his son. "You get to your bunkhouse and you do not move until I tell you to, is that clear?"
"I-"
"Luke." Mick gestures to him. "Go with him and make sure he doesn't leave."
Luke nods. He'd had a rough day getting around and wouldn't do any good trying to find BJ. But he could sit on Dylan if he had to. Walking off with the teenager, the group is left alone again.
"Jim, you and Trent and Dan get on horses. Becky, go get the flashlights." Mick had no hesitation, giving everyone orders. "Jade, you stay here and keep an eye out, here by the barns in case BJ comes back. Clint, take a truck around the block and see if you spot anything. Angel, stay here and be ready for anything. Rosetta..." He looks to his wife, tense with worry but trying to hold himself together. "I'm taking the four-wheeler. You can come with me or grab a horse."
3/25/10
Wonder
As Scott said he wasn't hungry Hope's heart sank a little. Maybe he really couldn't tell the difference between hungry or not. Standing Hope gives a stretch letting out a small yawn.
"Ok, I'll have Jenny bring you something to nibble on later than."
Coming over to the bed Hope sits down on the edge and rests a hand on Scott's shoulder just rubbing it gently. She wanted to say so much more to him, but she felt so lost on what to say.
"I'm going to grab something myself, and check out the library a little more. I'll come back around before I leave, ok?"
Whipping her hands on a towel as she walked over to Mick a smile was on Rosetta's face. It was nice helping out in the kitchen today.
Looking at Mick with question Rosetta thinks for a moment before replying.
"Last time I saw him he was outside chasing frogs. I haven't seen him for almost an hour. I figured he was with you. Did you look out back around the house where most the frogs are in the muck land?"
A look of worry pass through Rosetta eyes. It was unlike BJ to run off, he new his way around the ranch as well as anyone else, and he never wondered off before. Was he just hidding now?
"Ok, I'll have Jenny bring you something to nibble on later than."
Coming over to the bed Hope sits down on the edge and rests a hand on Scott's shoulder just rubbing it gently. She wanted to say so much more to him, but she felt so lost on what to say.
"I'm going to grab something myself, and check out the library a little more. I'll come back around before I leave, ok?"
Whipping her hands on a towel as she walked over to Mick a smile was on Rosetta's face. It was nice helping out in the kitchen today.
Looking at Mick with question Rosetta thinks for a moment before replying.
"Last time I saw him he was outside chasing frogs. I haven't seen him for almost an hour. I figured he was with you. Did you look out back around the house where most the frogs are in the muck land?"
A look of worry pass through Rosetta eyes. It was unlike BJ to run off, he new his way around the ranch as well as anyone else, and he never wondered off before. Was he just hidding now?
Have you?
"I saw him head out back earlier." Jim shrugs. "Figured he was just taking a break."
Mick growls and shakes his head. "That boy is gonna be the death of me." No clean stalls and it was past chore time now and Dylan hadn't shown back up again. Had he run off without intention of returning? Mick wondered.
Helping out with the rest of the chores, Mick wanders back to the office, looking around for BJ as he went. Odd... he hadn't seen him in quite a while. Calling for him produced nothing, and Mick goes to the house to wash up then heads to the dining hall. BJ was probably in the toy room over there while supper was getting ready.
But once there, Mick finds the room empty. A bit of worry sets in, though he tries to convince himself it's nothing. Finding Rosetta in the kitchen, he gestures her over to him for a moment. "Hey... I haven't seen BJ for hours. Have you?"
"Dinner?" Scot blinks and tries to bring his surroundings into focus. His mind begins to clear and suddenly he remembers where he is. For a few seconds of peace, he had thought he was home. But no... no... he was in his room at Brookshire.
He shakes his head and manages to sit up, pulling himself from Hope and rubbing some sleep from his eyes. "I don't feel hungry."
He uses the table to help pick himself up from the floor, only to walk a couple feet to the bed where he lies down again, curling up on his side. He almost felt worse now, realizing reality again.
Mick growls and shakes his head. "That boy is gonna be the death of me." No clean stalls and it was past chore time now and Dylan hadn't shown back up again. Had he run off without intention of returning? Mick wondered.
Helping out with the rest of the chores, Mick wanders back to the office, looking around for BJ as he went. Odd... he hadn't seen him in quite a while. Calling for him produced nothing, and Mick goes to the house to wash up then heads to the dining hall. BJ was probably in the toy room over there while supper was getting ready.
But once there, Mick finds the room empty. A bit of worry sets in, though he tries to convince himself it's nothing. Finding Rosetta in the kitchen, he gestures her over to him for a moment. "Hey... I haven't seen BJ for hours. Have you?"
"Dinner?" Scot blinks and tries to bring his surroundings into focus. His mind begins to clear and suddenly he remembers where he is. For a few seconds of peace, he had thought he was home. But no... no... he was in his room at Brookshire.
He shakes his head and manages to sit up, pulling himself from Hope and rubbing some sleep from his eyes. "I don't feel hungry."
He uses the table to help pick himself up from the floor, only to walk a couple feet to the bed where he lies down again, curling up on his side. He almost felt worse now, realizing reality again.
Darkness
Tears burn in BJ's eyes again listing to Dylan his lip continuing to quiver. He just didn't understand why Dylan hated him so much. He just wanted a friend and wanted to be around him.
Still holding his frog BJ lowers his head again and starts to walk the way Dylan pointed him. He didn't want to get in trouble with Mick for something he didn't do. Slowly walking BJ gets a little ways away before turning to look at Dylan again before heading back with his head down the hot tears still burning from his eyes.
Just continuing to walk BJ keeps his head down looking at his frog more than where he was going till he wondered off the path into a larger brush. Tripping on a bunch of stick's BJ stumbles a little making him look up and around him.
Everything was dark and he had no idea where he was. A new fear seems to pass over him not knowing where he was. Turning around to go back the way he came BJ loosens his grip on the frog a little. Giving the opportunity the frog hopes right out of BJ's hands and back the other way.
Determined not to be left here alone to find his way home BJ starts to run the frog. Getting deep into the thick part of the woods BJ's foot ends up getting stuck on a log sending him falling forward. Trying to brace his fall BJ would of done a good job other than the large rock that calided with his head.
"Ahhhh..."
More screams and crys wanted to come from BJ's lips but the air had been sucked through his lungs as everything started to get fuzzy. Little drops of blood trickled down from the gash it had caused. Everything spinning as the pain felt unbearable...soon...everything went dark.
Smiling as she continues to run her hand through Scott's hair Hope didn't mind at all that she had sat here with him.
"I am happy. You ended the rest and you looked so at peace I couldn't wake you."
Looking up at the little alarm clock Hope sees the time. Scott hadn't been asleep for to long but at least it was longer than she had seen him normally sleep.
"Its about 5:20. Would you like to try and eat something for dinner?"
Still holding his frog BJ lowers his head again and starts to walk the way Dylan pointed him. He didn't want to get in trouble with Mick for something he didn't do. Slowly walking BJ gets a little ways away before turning to look at Dylan again before heading back with his head down the hot tears still burning from his eyes.
Just continuing to walk BJ keeps his head down looking at his frog more than where he was going till he wondered off the path into a larger brush. Tripping on a bunch of stick's BJ stumbles a little making him look up and around him.
Everything was dark and he had no idea where he was. A new fear seems to pass over him not knowing where he was. Turning around to go back the way he came BJ loosens his grip on the frog a little. Giving the opportunity the frog hopes right out of BJ's hands and back the other way.
Determined not to be left here alone to find his way home BJ starts to run the frog. Getting deep into the thick part of the woods BJ's foot ends up getting stuck on a log sending him falling forward. Trying to brace his fall BJ would of done a good job other than the large rock that calided with his head.
"Ahhhh..."
More screams and crys wanted to come from BJ's lips but the air had been sucked through his lungs as everything started to get fuzzy. Little drops of blood trickled down from the gash it had caused. Everything spinning as the pain felt unbearable...soon...everything went dark.
Smiling as she continues to run her hand through Scott's hair Hope didn't mind at all that she had sat here with him.
"I am happy. You ended the rest and you looked so at peace I couldn't wake you."
Looking up at the little alarm clock Hope sees the time. Scott hadn't been asleep for to long but at least it was longer than she had seen him normally sleep.
"Its about 5:20. Would you like to try and eat something for dinner?"
Forgotten for a moment
"Stop calling me that!" Dylan's eyes narrow as he yanks his hand from BJ's, still glaring. Turning the boy around roughly, he points down the trail. "You get back the same way you came, dufus. Follow the trail. It's not hard, and from what I hear, you're the smartest kid ever to hit the planet. So go. And leave me be from now on, or I'll tell Dad you went in the barn today even though you weren't supposed to."
Scott murmurs some kind of refusal for Hope staying, but his body just can't fight it anymore. Her shifting just puts him in a more comfortable position and he's sound asleep. It's at least forty-five minutes later before Scott finally stirs again. They were still on the floor and somewhere along the way he'd wound up lying with his head in Hope's lap.
Slowly opening his eyes, he doesn't even remember where he is, still lost in a fog. But knowing whose hand was in his hair brings a small smile to his face. And for a moment, he forgets how angry he is. "You make me too comfortable," he mumbles, tucking an arm around her. "What time is it?"
"Mmm... something with action in it so we stay awake for ice cream." Gage grins and gets up from the chair, stretching tall.
Grabbing his faded denim jacket, he slings it over his shoulder. "Alright. Off for job attempt number eight. Wish me luck." The job hunt was growing discouraging, but he hadn't given up yet. His little apartment was still bare and chilly, keeping him on the hunt.
Spinning back around, he leans down to give Sapphire another quick kiss, then finally leaves her cubicle.
Scott murmurs some kind of refusal for Hope staying, but his body just can't fight it anymore. Her shifting just puts him in a more comfortable position and he's sound asleep. It's at least forty-five minutes later before Scott finally stirs again. They were still on the floor and somewhere along the way he'd wound up lying with his head in Hope's lap.
Slowly opening his eyes, he doesn't even remember where he is, still lost in a fog. But knowing whose hand was in his hair brings a small smile to his face. And for a moment, he forgets how angry he is. "You make me too comfortable," he mumbles, tucking an arm around her. "What time is it?"
"Mmm... something with action in it so we stay awake for ice cream." Gage grins and gets up from the chair, stretching tall.
Grabbing his faded denim jacket, he slings it over his shoulder. "Alright. Off for job attempt number eight. Wish me luck." The job hunt was growing discouraging, but he hadn't given up yet. His little apartment was still bare and chilly, keeping him on the hunt.
Spinning back around, he leans down to give Sapphire another quick kiss, then finally leaves her cubicle.
with me?
Giving a little jump at Dylan's tone BJ just stands there looking at him blinking. Hurt passed in his eyes, even though Dylan had told him to get lost before BJ still consider him his brother and never really had it sink in maybe Dylan didn't want anything to do with him.
His lower lip quivering just a little BJ lowers the frog and finger running over its slimy skin for a moment before looking up at Dylan again. His eyebrow frowned in a little before he speaks again.
"Dad wont hate me...he loves me and he loves you too."
Starting to walk away from Dylan a few tears fall from BJ's eyes. Looking back the way he came BJ stairs blankly at the tree's that now looked darker, and more scarier before.
Turning back to Dylan BJ moves a little close to him. Holding the frog with his one hand he reaches out to take Dylan's hand with his other. The look of being scared on his face.
"I don't know how to get back, will you come with me big brother?"
Still keep her arm around Scott Hope pulls him a little closer. No matter what she said he was just going to keep the same thing. No matter how hard she tried to explain it to him. Just leaning her head on Scott's still her voice was quiet as she new he was drifting to sleep.
"Your not alone Scott, and you need to stop trying to do it on your own."
Shifting herself around a little bit Hope becomes more comfortable on the wall.
"You take a nap, I'll stay with you."
Giving a nod and a wide grin Sapphire leans into Gage just a little bit putting her forehead against his a little giggle in her voice.
"Supper tonight about 6 sounds good."
Pressing her lips to Gage's for a quick moment Sapphire lets it linger before pulling away with a smile. Time with Gage was always the best, just sitting talking, cuddling it was those times Sapphire liked the most.
"Any cretin movie you want me to bring tonight?"
His lower lip quivering just a little BJ lowers the frog and finger running over its slimy skin for a moment before looking up at Dylan again. His eyebrow frowned in a little before he speaks again.
"Dad wont hate me...he loves me and he loves you too."
Starting to walk away from Dylan a few tears fall from BJ's eyes. Looking back the way he came BJ stairs blankly at the tree's that now looked darker, and more scarier before.
Turning back to Dylan BJ moves a little close to him. Holding the frog with his one hand he reaches out to take Dylan's hand with his other. The look of being scared on his face.
"I don't know how to get back, will you come with me big brother?"
Still keep her arm around Scott Hope pulls him a little closer. No matter what she said he was just going to keep the same thing. No matter how hard she tried to explain it to him. Just leaning her head on Scott's still her voice was quiet as she new he was drifting to sleep.
"Your not alone Scott, and you need to stop trying to do it on your own."
Shifting herself around a little bit Hope becomes more comfortable on the wall.
"You take a nap, I'll stay with you."
Giving a nod and a wide grin Sapphire leans into Gage just a little bit putting her forehead against his a little giggle in her voice.
"Supper tonight about 6 sounds good."
Pressing her lips to Gage's for a quick moment Sapphire lets it linger before pulling away with a smile. Time with Gage was always the best, just sitting talking, cuddling it was those times Sapphire liked the most.
"Any cretin movie you want me to bring tonight?"
Git!
Gage leans his head into Sapphire's hand a little, his eyes never wavering from hers. He was so inquisitive... always thinking, always analyzing and digesting information before speaking.
"Okay." He smiles a little and reaches to take her hand, running his thumb through her palm. "As long as you're okay... then I'm okay too. I won't bring it up again."
Wiggling her hand around playfully, he grins. "I gotta go. You still coming over for supper?"
Scott remains quiet and doesn't move as Hope talks. He was awfully tired and almost had a hard time not falling asleep. He was just so exhausted.
"I care," he insists quietly. "I'm just not hungry."
His head sinks into her shoulder just a little more. "I'm just... tired of fighting. I just wanted to deal with it myself." He was only repeating himself whether he realized it or not. "You can't understand," he disagrees. "Not until you have these things in your head... or seen what I seen... You may be determined to be here... but I'm still alone. It's better that way though."
Scott's eyes fall shut. Up all night with nightmares and not enough food to keep up his energy and his body just didn't have the gumption to get up and go anymore. "You can go now," he mumbles. "I wanna take a nap."
Dylan hadn't had any idea he'd been followed, so BJ's voice makes him jump, thinking he'd been found by someone who actually had authority. Seeing it was just BJ, the surprise on his face turns into a scowl.
"You came all this way to show me a stupid frog?" The little boy's eyes were enough to make Dylan think twice about his words, but he opted for the brutality he wanted anyway. Angry with the world, lashing out at BJ wasn't hard.
"I don't care how big that amphibian is! How many times have I told you to leave me alone?! Why do you think your dad wanted you to stay out of the barn, huh? So you wouldn't get in my way. So what are you doing here now?"
He glares at BJ, showing absolutely no interest in the frog whatsoever. "You shouldn't have come out here, kid. I don't want your company and if you don't leave, I'm gonna kick you so hard, you'll fly back to the ranch on your own. Got it?"
He points back down the trail. "Git! Or I'll tell on you and Mick will hate you just as much as he hates me."
"Okay." He smiles a little and reaches to take her hand, running his thumb through her palm. "As long as you're okay... then I'm okay too. I won't bring it up again."
Wiggling her hand around playfully, he grins. "I gotta go. You still coming over for supper?"
Scott remains quiet and doesn't move as Hope talks. He was awfully tired and almost had a hard time not falling asleep. He was just so exhausted.
"I care," he insists quietly. "I'm just not hungry."
His head sinks into her shoulder just a little more. "I'm just... tired of fighting. I just wanted to deal with it myself." He was only repeating himself whether he realized it or not. "You can't understand," he disagrees. "Not until you have these things in your head... or seen what I seen... You may be determined to be here... but I'm still alone. It's better that way though."
Scott's eyes fall shut. Up all night with nightmares and not enough food to keep up his energy and his body just didn't have the gumption to get up and go anymore. "You can go now," he mumbles. "I wanna take a nap."
Dylan hadn't had any idea he'd been followed, so BJ's voice makes him jump, thinking he'd been found by someone who actually had authority. Seeing it was just BJ, the surprise on his face turns into a scowl.
"You came all this way to show me a stupid frog?" The little boy's eyes were enough to make Dylan think twice about his words, but he opted for the brutality he wanted anyway. Angry with the world, lashing out at BJ wasn't hard.
"I don't care how big that amphibian is! How many times have I told you to leave me alone?! Why do you think your dad wanted you to stay out of the barn, huh? So you wouldn't get in my way. So what are you doing here now?"
He glares at BJ, showing absolutely no interest in the frog whatsoever. "You shouldn't have come out here, kid. I don't want your company and if you don't leave, I'm gonna kick you so hard, you'll fly back to the ranch on your own. Got it?"
He points back down the trail. "Git! Or I'll tell on you and Mick will hate you just as much as he hates me."
Alone?
Once Susanne was gone Sapphire brings her attachen back to Gage thinking about his question for a long moment. Things with Scott probably wouldn't have gone bad, if she hadn't gotten close to Gage that much was true. But knowing him was not something she had been willing to sacrifice.
"I've never, ever wished we hadn't met. Your an important part of my life now and I never wondered what it was like to give that up."
Bringing her hand to the side of Gage's face Sapphire smiles running her finger over his cheek. She new he had a lot of thoughts and questions. He was such an insightful person. But she never wanted him doubting what she thought about him.
"It's possible if I hadn't met you that make Scott and I would be ok right now. But what happened to Scott happened, and even if I hated met you who knows if maybe this would of happended anyways."
Cocking her head a little Sapphire just looks into Gage's eyes for a long moment. Admiring there depth, soaking in there color and warmth.
"I've learned not to try and live with what ifs because whats done is done, and I've already choose my path. Now I leave everything else in God's hands and let him take care of the minor stuff I have no control over anymore."
Just letting Scott lean his head on her shoulder Hope keeps her arm around him, just letting him rest there. She didn't mind at all, and hearing his words she wasn't surprised at all he was still made at her. She new it without him even saying anything.
"I know your still mad at me Scott, and I know you don't understand where I was coming from ether. But even if you don't see it, I did this because I do care. You say you care, but you haven't been eating your withering away to nothing, and people are just trying to help you and your pushing them away."
Hope's own tone was soft, she wasnt upset or yelling at Scott. It was just simply talking wanting him to understand where she was coming from you.
"No one said you can't be mad at the people who did this to you Scott. But when you let your anger take over and start eating away at you thats when it becomes not ok. I do understand you even if you think I don't, and you keep saying your alone when your not."
Hope lets out her own sigh as she leans her head down on top of Scott's. She hated seeing him like this she did, and she hated knowing that maybe this was the wrong thing to do, even if deep down she new that this was good for Scott. There was still that doubt that played with her mind.
"Your wiring may be off, but its not unfixable. You are not going through this alone Scott."
Continuing to follow Dylan BJ did his best to keep up. Falling behind a little here and there BJ ran here and there gaining back the ground he had lost and keeping a tight hold onto the frog, but not enough to hurt it.
Finally seeing Dylan sit down by the tree stump, finishing closing the gap between them. Getting close enough to Dylan BJ smile.
"Finally I caught up with you big Brother."
Coming around the the front of Dylan BJ stands the frog still in hand. Holding it out to Dylan he shows him the prize frog he had found.
"Look what I found. He's huge, and I was waiting all day for you to come out of the barn so I could show you. He's a big one huh?"
"I've never, ever wished we hadn't met. Your an important part of my life now and I never wondered what it was like to give that up."
Bringing her hand to the side of Gage's face Sapphire smiles running her finger over his cheek. She new he had a lot of thoughts and questions. He was such an insightful person. But she never wanted him doubting what she thought about him.
"It's possible if I hadn't met you that make Scott and I would be ok right now. But what happened to Scott happened, and even if I hated met you who knows if maybe this would of happended anyways."
Cocking her head a little Sapphire just looks into Gage's eyes for a long moment. Admiring there depth, soaking in there color and warmth.
"I've learned not to try and live with what ifs because whats done is done, and I've already choose my path. Now I leave everything else in God's hands and let him take care of the minor stuff I have no control over anymore."
Just letting Scott lean his head on her shoulder Hope keeps her arm around him, just letting him rest there. She didn't mind at all, and hearing his words she wasn't surprised at all he was still made at her. She new it without him even saying anything.
"I know your still mad at me Scott, and I know you don't understand where I was coming from ether. But even if you don't see it, I did this because I do care. You say you care, but you haven't been eating your withering away to nothing, and people are just trying to help you and your pushing them away."
Hope's own tone was soft, she wasnt upset or yelling at Scott. It was just simply talking wanting him to understand where she was coming from you.
"No one said you can't be mad at the people who did this to you Scott. But when you let your anger take over and start eating away at you thats when it becomes not ok. I do understand you even if you think I don't, and you keep saying your alone when your not."
Hope lets out her own sigh as she leans her head down on top of Scott's. She hated seeing him like this she did, and she hated knowing that maybe this was the wrong thing to do, even if deep down she new that this was good for Scott. There was still that doubt that played with her mind.
"Your wiring may be off, but its not unfixable. You are not going through this alone Scott."
Continuing to follow Dylan BJ did his best to keep up. Falling behind a little here and there BJ ran here and there gaining back the ground he had lost and keeping a tight hold onto the frog, but not enough to hurt it.
Finally seeing Dylan sit down by the tree stump, finishing closing the gap between them. Getting close enough to Dylan BJ smile.
"Finally I caught up with you big Brother."
Coming around the the front of Dylan BJ stands the frog still in hand. Holding it out to Dylan he shows him the prize frog he had found.
"Look what I found. He's huge, and I was waiting all day for you to come out of the barn so I could show you. He's a big one huh?"
Tampered
Susanne nods as she takes the letter from Sapphire. She understood. Most of the people at TJY knew of the tension between siblings, but no one gossiped about it. Susanne knew what Sapphire was saying, and she would deliver the letter. "Sure... I'll make sure he gets it."
Once shes' gone, Gage looks to Sapphire, slouching to rest his chin on his hands as he continues to lean on the back of the chair. "Do you ever wish we hadn't met?" He wasn't trying to start an argument or sound stupid. But he genuinely wondered how Sapphire felt and how she dealt with all this.
"I mean... if it wasn't for me, you and Scott would probably be getting along right now, ya know? I know you're happy with me, I just... wondered if you ever considered what it would be like if that whole mess with me and him hadn't happened."
Scott wasn't really sure what Hope meant by all she said. She spoke with a tone that said she had learned something new. Almost like she'd gotten an idea or something. But he didn't understand.
Leaning over slightly, his head finds a place on her shoulder. "I'm still mad at you, ya know," he comments. "You keep trying to fix me... find ways to help... put me in this place... when all I wanted was some time alone and you didn't respect that." His voice wasn't angry... just quiet and frustrated. "I care... if I didn't, I'd go find a train to walk out in front of. I'm just trying to deal, but no one can understand what I'm going through. So I'm alone. And I'm not even allowed to be mad at the people who made me this way."
His head still on her shoulder, he sighs deeply. He didn't have the energy to yell. "You're talking about lightswitches and I feel like all the wiring in my brain has been tampered with so much that there's no way a switch can be installed."
Dylan walks farther than he really had intended. He wasn't sure what his point was... maybe he just wanted to openly defy Mick to show that he had no respect for him. Maybe he really did want to head west and hit the highway eventually. Maybe he just wanted to walk until he was tired so he could sit and think alone. He'd be in deep water no matter what, but he didn't care. He was making his own decisions and he wasn't going to be punished like some little kid. He had his reasons for not telling anyone about why he'd taken those pills from Angel's office. It was his life. His right to remain silent.
Trudging on and scuffing through loose leaves and bramble, Dylan realizes that the trail had started to climb slightly. Going farther would take him into the foothills where his sister had talked about riding to see the whole ranch. He couldn't care less about the beauty but it was farther away that he wanted. He did, however, need a break.
Catching his breath, Dylan stops by an old tree stump. Sitting down on the ground and using the dead tree as a backrest, he picks up a dried up stick to whittle with his pocket knife. At least it didn't smell like horses here.
Sparky grins as he helps steady Faith. "I want you on your own feet again," he admits. "But... it's nice to help you too."
Giving her a wink, he holds one hand and slings his other arm around her shoulders so she could lean on him. Walking slowly, he consciously takes smaller steps and doesn't turn corners too quickly. Once they're finally out to the truck, he opens the door for her but doesn't let her climb in herself. Instead, he picks her up in his arms and sets her inside.
"I'll be right back with your stuff."
Once shes' gone, Gage looks to Sapphire, slouching to rest his chin on his hands as he continues to lean on the back of the chair. "Do you ever wish we hadn't met?" He wasn't trying to start an argument or sound stupid. But he genuinely wondered how Sapphire felt and how she dealt with all this.
"I mean... if it wasn't for me, you and Scott would probably be getting along right now, ya know? I know you're happy with me, I just... wondered if you ever considered what it would be like if that whole mess with me and him hadn't happened."
Scott wasn't really sure what Hope meant by all she said. She spoke with a tone that said she had learned something new. Almost like she'd gotten an idea or something. But he didn't understand.
Leaning over slightly, his head finds a place on her shoulder. "I'm still mad at you, ya know," he comments. "You keep trying to fix me... find ways to help... put me in this place... when all I wanted was some time alone and you didn't respect that." His voice wasn't angry... just quiet and frustrated. "I care... if I didn't, I'd go find a train to walk out in front of. I'm just trying to deal, but no one can understand what I'm going through. So I'm alone. And I'm not even allowed to be mad at the people who made me this way."
His head still on her shoulder, he sighs deeply. He didn't have the energy to yell. "You're talking about lightswitches and I feel like all the wiring in my brain has been tampered with so much that there's no way a switch can be installed."
Dylan walks farther than he really had intended. He wasn't sure what his point was... maybe he just wanted to openly defy Mick to show that he had no respect for him. Maybe he really did want to head west and hit the highway eventually. Maybe he just wanted to walk until he was tired so he could sit and think alone. He'd be in deep water no matter what, but he didn't care. He was making his own decisions and he wasn't going to be punished like some little kid. He had his reasons for not telling anyone about why he'd taken those pills from Angel's office. It was his life. His right to remain silent.
Trudging on and scuffing through loose leaves and bramble, Dylan realizes that the trail had started to climb slightly. Going farther would take him into the foothills where his sister had talked about riding to see the whole ranch. He couldn't care less about the beauty but it was farther away that he wanted. He did, however, need a break.
Catching his breath, Dylan stops by an old tree stump. Sitting down on the ground and using the dead tree as a backrest, he picks up a dried up stick to whittle with his pocket knife. At least it didn't smell like horses here.
Sparky grins as he helps steady Faith. "I want you on your own feet again," he admits. "But... it's nice to help you too."
Giving her a wink, he holds one hand and slings his other arm around her shoulders so she could lean on him. Walking slowly, he consciously takes smaller steps and doesn't turn corners too quickly. Once they're finally out to the truck, he opens the door for her but doesn't let her climb in herself. Instead, he picks her up in his arms and sets her inside.
"I'll be right back with your stuff."
Bull Frog
Stopping her conversation for a moment with Gage Sapphire looks up at Susanne and gives a small smile. She had heard her brother still was not doing well and it made Sapphire sad. She missed her brother even if she never said it, and she hated to think of everything he was going through again.
Opening her desk draw Sapphire pulls out a letter that was folding nicely. She had wrote it the other day and was going to send it but if Susanne and Dalton were going up it would be quicker just to give it to them.
Scott,
I know things have been rough with us the last few weeks, or months but I wanted to tell you I've never stopped loving you. Your my twin brother and I love you will all my heart. You've always been there when I needed you. I'm sorry I didn't do the same. Please get better soon!! I miss you.
Love, Sapphire
Holding the letter out to Susanne Sapphire gives a small smile, thinking about her words for a long moment before saying anything. Her last few days had been mostly spending time with Gage. He was part of her life now, and where she went he was close behind, and where he went she followed. Sapphire only wished Scott could see that Gage was alright and had changed.
"Could you give this letter to him for me? I don't think I'd be the best person for him to see right now. But at least he would know I am thinking of him, and love him."
Sitting down with Scott Hope doesn't move when he says he doesn't want to go for a walk. Just staying close to him is all she wanted. As for his question Hope thought for a long moment before answering. She only hoped her answer would bring hope to Scott like it had hers.
"You've gotta start caring about yourself again Scott. I know you do here, but you've given up your will to want to even bother. We need to get that back, than we need to find a way to control your anger you have inside, and exercise your mind."
Hope gives a small smile pausing for a moment before continuing making sure Scott was still following her.
"Than after thats all done and over with, we need to train you mind to be kind of like a light switch with all the Agency information you have. We need to get you to turn it off when you don't need it, and on if you ever do. That will help you so much right there not having everything running around without control. Its a long road, but at least we have something to work twords now."
Hope couldn't help the excitement she felt flow out into her voice. She was so happy she new how to help Scott now or at least had a foot hold. Now it wasn't like she was a fish out of water with nothing to do.
Seeing Dylan leave the bar BJ looks up from his hunt in the grass. He'd been waiting all morning to show Dylan the big bull frog he had caught but he was under strict instructions not to go in the barn. But now Dylan had left so he could catch up to him and show him right?
Putting his bucket down BJ takes the frog out and gently holds it. Picking up a running pase he does his best to catch up with Dylan. Once in the woods though BJ has to slow down, it was hard for his short little legs to get over some of the rocks and logs while holding something in his hands.
Being able to see Dylan a head BJ is quiet no saying anything yet or Dylan might make him go home. Stopping for a second and looking behind him BJ can't see the ranch anymore, all that was there were trees. So just moving forward deeper into the forest BJ follows Dylan.
Giving a small chuckle as Sparky's had brushes her nose. Putting her own hands in his, she stands swaying a little and feeling kind of shaky she stops just for a moment. Thankful Sparky was there to help it. It would be a while till she had full strength again again, and she did have to take it easy not moving around a lot yet but in time she new her strength would return and till that she had her love to help her.
"I'm happy I have you here to help me. I'd love to try and see myself doing this on my own."
Opening her desk draw Sapphire pulls out a letter that was folding nicely. She had wrote it the other day and was going to send it but if Susanne and Dalton were going up it would be quicker just to give it to them.
Scott,
I know things have been rough with us the last few weeks, or months but I wanted to tell you I've never stopped loving you. Your my twin brother and I love you will all my heart. You've always been there when I needed you. I'm sorry I didn't do the same. Please get better soon!! I miss you.
Love, Sapphire
Holding the letter out to Susanne Sapphire gives a small smile, thinking about her words for a long moment before saying anything. Her last few days had been mostly spending time with Gage. He was part of her life now, and where she went he was close behind, and where he went she followed. Sapphire only wished Scott could see that Gage was alright and had changed.
"Could you give this letter to him for me? I don't think I'd be the best person for him to see right now. But at least he would know I am thinking of him, and love him."
Sitting down with Scott Hope doesn't move when he says he doesn't want to go for a walk. Just staying close to him is all she wanted. As for his question Hope thought for a long moment before answering. She only hoped her answer would bring hope to Scott like it had hers.
"You've gotta start caring about yourself again Scott. I know you do here, but you've given up your will to want to even bother. We need to get that back, than we need to find a way to control your anger you have inside, and exercise your mind."
Hope gives a small smile pausing for a moment before continuing making sure Scott was still following her.
"Than after thats all done and over with, we need to train you mind to be kind of like a light switch with all the Agency information you have. We need to get you to turn it off when you don't need it, and on if you ever do. That will help you so much right there not having everything running around without control. Its a long road, but at least we have something to work twords now."
Hope couldn't help the excitement she felt flow out into her voice. She was so happy she new how to help Scott now or at least had a foot hold. Now it wasn't like she was a fish out of water with nothing to do.
Seeing Dylan leave the bar BJ looks up from his hunt in the grass. He'd been waiting all morning to show Dylan the big bull frog he had caught but he was under strict instructions not to go in the barn. But now Dylan had left so he could catch up to him and show him right?
Putting his bucket down BJ takes the frog out and gently holds it. Picking up a running pase he does his best to catch up with Dylan. Once in the woods though BJ has to slow down, it was hard for his short little legs to get over some of the rocks and logs while holding something in his hands.
Being able to see Dylan a head BJ is quiet no saying anything yet or Dylan might make him go home. Stopping for a second and looking behind him BJ can't see the ranch anymore, all that was there were trees. So just moving forward deeper into the forest BJ follows Dylan.
Giving a small chuckle as Sparky's had brushes her nose. Putting her own hands in his, she stands swaying a little and feeling kind of shaky she stops just for a moment. Thankful Sparky was there to help it. It would be a while till she had full strength again again, and she did have to take it easy not moving around a lot yet but in time she new her strength would return and till that she had her love to help her.
"I'm happy I have you here to help me. I'd love to try and see myself doing this on my own."
Come with
"Me too." Sparky leans down to give Faith a tender kiss, though his hat bumps her on the nose on his retreat and he chuckles.
Standing up, he holds out both his hands. "Come on, my angel. I'll help you down to the car then I'll come back and get your bags."
"Answer me, Dylan. Why did you take those pills from Angel's office?"
Dylan doesn't look up at his father, his arms crossed stubbornly as they stood in the barn after breakfast. It was a gorgeous day but miserable nonetheless.
Mick sighs and shakes his head. "I don't know what to do with you, boy. So until you're ready to answer me and tell me the truth, these will be your friends." He gestures to the shovel and pitchfork. "Stalls. When you're ready to talk, you'll get a break."
Left alone again, Dylan glares after his father, anger flashing in his eyes. No one understood. Everyone just thought he was some loser kid to be pushed around. Staring at the tools then the stalls that needed to be cleaned, Dylan curses under his breath. But it wasn't for several hours that he finally turns his back on them. Grabbing his jacket, he slips it on and heads outside, ignoring people as he passed. Out and back behind the barn he trekked, finding the winding trail that led into the woods. Maybe if he was gone for a while, his father would think twice. He'd be back... later... maybe.
Scott doesn't even look up at first. Hope's voice was familiar and one that he trusted. There was no need to jump. He sighs deeply and shrugs at her invitation to go for a walk. "I'm not feeling well," he responds quietly.
Remaining seated on the floor, he finally lets his gaze drift up to see her. Everything close was a little fuzzy... he didn't have his contacts and he hadn't been wearing his glasses since he wasn't staring at a computer screen or reading.
"What's it gonna take, Hope?" he asks lamely. This morning's session with Dr. Hawks had brought up an awful lot of unwanted thoughts and memories. Memories that he thought he'd gotten over but they felt like fresh wounds today. "What's it going to take to get me out of here? It's a living nightmare. I want to go home."
"Sapphire?" Susanne knocks on the cubicle, ready to say more, but then stops herself, seeing Sapphire had company. "Oh, I'm sorry."
Gage is sitting backward in the extra chair and he shakes his head. "It's okay. You're not interrupting anything."
Susanne smiles and nods, looking back to Sapphire. "Um... Dalton and I might go visit Scott this week and... I thought it would be nice to take him something along with that card, like a basket of goodies or something. I know we'll want to add some Mountain Dew and some jerky but I was wondering if there was anything else you thought might be good? Or you could even come with us if you like."
Gage leans his arms on the back of the chair he was straddling and looks between the two women. Scott wasn't doing well. That much he'd heard. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been part of the cause to everything coming to a head. Scott hadn't seemed quite as angry with the world until he'd found out about his sister's choice in a boyfriend. A twinge of guilt spreads through Gage's gut and he wished there was something he could do. But if he went, it would end in disaster.
Standing up, he holds out both his hands. "Come on, my angel. I'll help you down to the car then I'll come back and get your bags."
"Answer me, Dylan. Why did you take those pills from Angel's office?"
Dylan doesn't look up at his father, his arms crossed stubbornly as they stood in the barn after breakfast. It was a gorgeous day but miserable nonetheless.
Mick sighs and shakes his head. "I don't know what to do with you, boy. So until you're ready to answer me and tell me the truth, these will be your friends." He gestures to the shovel and pitchfork. "Stalls. When you're ready to talk, you'll get a break."
Left alone again, Dylan glares after his father, anger flashing in his eyes. No one understood. Everyone just thought he was some loser kid to be pushed around. Staring at the tools then the stalls that needed to be cleaned, Dylan curses under his breath. But it wasn't for several hours that he finally turns his back on them. Grabbing his jacket, he slips it on and heads outside, ignoring people as he passed. Out and back behind the barn he trekked, finding the winding trail that led into the woods. Maybe if he was gone for a while, his father would think twice. He'd be back... later... maybe.
Scott doesn't even look up at first. Hope's voice was familiar and one that he trusted. There was no need to jump. He sighs deeply and shrugs at her invitation to go for a walk. "I'm not feeling well," he responds quietly.
Remaining seated on the floor, he finally lets his gaze drift up to see her. Everything close was a little fuzzy... he didn't have his contacts and he hadn't been wearing his glasses since he wasn't staring at a computer screen or reading.
"What's it gonna take, Hope?" he asks lamely. This morning's session with Dr. Hawks had brought up an awful lot of unwanted thoughts and memories. Memories that he thought he'd gotten over but they felt like fresh wounds today. "What's it going to take to get me out of here? It's a living nightmare. I want to go home."
"Sapphire?" Susanne knocks on the cubicle, ready to say more, but then stops herself, seeing Sapphire had company. "Oh, I'm sorry."
Gage is sitting backward in the extra chair and he shakes his head. "It's okay. You're not interrupting anything."
Susanne smiles and nods, looking back to Sapphire. "Um... Dalton and I might go visit Scott this week and... I thought it would be nice to take him something along with that card, like a basket of goodies or something. I know we'll want to add some Mountain Dew and some jerky but I was wondering if there was anything else you thought might be good? Or you could even come with us if you like."
Gage leans his arms on the back of the chair he was straddling and looks between the two women. Scott wasn't doing well. That much he'd heard. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been part of the cause to everything coming to a head. Scott hadn't seemed quite as angry with the world until he'd found out about his sister's choice in a boyfriend. A twinge of guilt spreads through Gage's gut and he wished there was something he could do. But if he went, it would end in disaster.
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