Kip grins and nods, more than willing to help Karla. Anything that would help them stick together. "At your service!"
The rest of the day and evening is spent packing, eating pizza and packing some more. Many goodbyes are said now - they would be leaving early enough that some people they would miss if they didn't give their farewells before bed. It's bittersweet to some. This was home to most of them and they didn't know when they would be back. But the adventure was worth it, so no tears were shed.
Sleep doesn't come easily for anybody. Too much excitement was running in their veins, and five in the morning comes way too quickly.
The sun wasn't even up yet. But lights were on and Shirley had made sure the night before that there was enough breakfast for everyone before they left. Bagels or toast and orange juice were plenty, and before anyone knew it, they were saying a few more goodbyes and starting to make their ways to the little caravan of vehicles.
Kip has said goodbye to everyone and is pausing on the porch, looking out at the dim driveway. Stars were still visible in the sky, and the air was chilly before the sun was up. He was glad he hadn't packed his denim jacket. Spying Karla over to the side, he ambles over to her with a little caution. No more mishaps had happened the night before, but he was still unsure what her decision was about this morning. "Hey..." He clears his throat and leans on the porch railing. "I, uh... talked to Twila and she said she was fine with it if you wanted to ride with her and Theo."
"Yo, Red. Bike's done." Eli cradles the phone between his chin and shoulder. Things had slowed down at the shop, and he'd been able to finish Scarlet's bike faster than anticipated. Of course... staying until midnight last night to work on it had helped.
Fiddling with paperwork on the office desk and getting his hand slapped by Sandy, he keeps talking. "Need a ride down here, I can come pick you up over lunch if you want."
"You've got to be kidding me." Scott can't help it that his eyebrows are raised as he sees Justin coming towards him. It was the next afternoon and the sun was shining down - warmly enough that even Scott didn't have a jacket on. It made his weightloss even more obvious to those who knew him.
Justin comes towards him, dressed in a pair of old, torn jeans and old white t-shirt. A pair of goggles was set up on top of his head, and his hands were full of very... strange things. A grin was on his face though as he reaches the same bench that seemed to be a self-appointed meeting place. "Good afternoon."
Scott stands up, quirking an eyebrow. "Yeah... what's all this?" He'd expected a baseball bat again.
"This... is war." Justin raises and lowers his eyebrows, hinting he had something up his sleeve. Depositing everything onto the bench, he hands Scott a white t-shirt too. "Here, put this on."
"What?"
"Just put it on. You don't want this stuff on your own shirt. Care about the jeans you got on?"
Scott takes the shirt lamely and looks down at his jeans that were two sizes too big. "Um... no, not really. Why?"
"Well, this stuff isn't supposed to stain, but sometimes it does."
"What does?"
"Put the shirt on."
Scott sighs, but does as he's told, taking off the shirt he had on, and replacing it with the white one. "What on earth are we doing?"
"Going to war, man... going to war. Here." Justin hands him a pack of sorts to be worn around the waist. It had a belt to strap on, and had several pouches along one side that rested against the wearer's hip.
Scott looks at it skeptically. "Would you please tell me what's going on?"
A grin was still on Justin's face as he opened another bag and buckled on his own pouch around his waist. "Poor man's paintball."
Scott blinks. "We're... playing a game. Seriously?"
"Why not?"
"Well it's... silly."
"And?" Justin holds out his arms and circles to scan Brookshire's surroundings. "Look around you. Are we not on the verge of the loony bin?"
He had a point. Scott shrugs and puts on the pouch. "Alright... but you're the one with the crazy ideas, not me."
"Mm-hmm..." Justin absentmindedly sorted through a bag of different colored balloons. "Okay... so this is a whole lot simpler and cheaper than paintball, but it requires a bit more accuracy and closer proximity to each other because we have no guns. Just our own aim." He picks up one of the balls that looked like a small water balloon. "I made these myself this morning, so tell me I did a good job."
Scott can't help a little grin. "Fantastic."
"Thank you."
"What on earth are they?"
Justin chuckles and holds one out to him. "They are balloons made to break a bit easier than your average balloon to avoid ricochets."
"And the inside?"
"A mixture of water and dye. It's supposed to wash out alright - which I'm hoping is the case."
"Why?"
"Because if not, one of my dogs now has a blue head."
Scott's grin grows a little bit. He could imagine Domino having a hay day with something like this.
Justin points to their pouches. "We got three different colors: blue, green and red. You wanna keep them separated 'cause if you hit me with a red one, it's worth more than a green one, and a blue has the least amount of points. Miss with an important color and your chance of winning goes down."
"How do we keep score?"
"The splatter range is small enough that we should be able to tell once we're finished how many times we got hit with each color. Here." Justin turns Scott around and divvies out the mini balloons into the hip pouches. The rubber squeaked as the squishy balls were carefully deposited. "There's a flap you can use to cover up your ammo in case you need to run. If you don't cover 'em up, they'll just leave a blood trail for me to follow. Oh, and here." He hands Scott a pair of goggles. "This is a whole lot gentler than paintball but I still don't wanna get any of this in my eyes, let alone yours."
"Yeah, that wouldn't be good, seeing as though I only got one good one left," Scott comments wryly. He puts on the goggles and watches as Justin does the same. Looking at him from top to bottom, a muffled laugh comes out. "I can't believe we're doing this. Seriously. What are you thinking?"
"Stuffy office is right back there." Justin thumbs towards the building.
Scott holds up his hands. "You win. But be nice. Remember I don't have the same vision range as you."
"Mm, tell you what." Justin fishes around in another bag for a bandanna. Folding it up a little, he makes a triangle eye patch out of it, tying it around his head before returning his goggles.
Scott stares at him in disbelief. "Are you sure you're not the one who belongs here?"
"I ask myself that almost every day. Come on." Justin heads towards the open field where they would cross into the trees. His bags and anything else left on the bench would be safe until they returned.
The goal was simple. They were to split up and start on opposite ends of the treeline. Each would have to circle back to an imaginary center line, then head back to the bench. First one there got fifteen extra points, and in the meantime, anything went. Depending on where hits were taken and what color balloon was used, the points would vary and would have to be tallied up at the end.
And the game began. Scott moved through the trees with more stealth than the average person, knowing how to stay hidden and try to make it to the center line without getting hit. Halfway there though, he feels the first sickening smack to his shoulder, followed by lukewarm wetness. Glancing down, he sees bright green. Justin had come up on his blind side. Whirling around, he sees his foe duck behind a tree. Aha. It wasn't much later that Justin received a bright red balloon right to the center of his chest. Staring ahead at where Scott had come out of nowhere, Scott just gives him a grin and a shrug before diving behind some bushes, still trying to make it to the clearing.
Back and forth, the battle continued. Colors flew. A few trees wound up with marks of their own. Justin and Scott's shirts became covered, and the dye stained their fingers bright colors. Both were hot and sweaty when they reached the clearing. By the time they were there, Scott was almost completely worn out, while Justin still had much energy to spare. All ammo was gone though, so all that was left was a sprint to getting extra points. Taking off, it becomes a brutal race. Even though Scott was tired, something had kicked in that he hadn't felt in a long time: competitiveness. His legs were weak, but he manages to tail Justin close enough to keep Justin going at a fast pace.
Nearing the bench, Justin head straight for it, but in an act of desperation, Scott dives. His arms wrap around Justin's ankles, bringing him to the ground... hard. Sprawling on the grass, Justin spits out some dirt and claws his way towards the bench, but Scott scrambles right over the top of him, reaching the goal first.
Justin starts to laugh, out of breath and too tired to get up yet. Scott collapses as well, almost unable to catch his own breath, a grin showing on his face. And that expression did not escape Justin's watchful eyes. "Man... I can't believe you got here first. I underestimated you."
Managing to sit up, Scott shakes his head. "I didn't think I'd make it either."
"Why not?"
Scott shrugs. "I'm not exactly a sportsman. At work, if anybody wanted to form a team, I'd be last, even behind the girls. I was the techy, remember?"
Justin grins. "You're a speedy little devil, that's what you are." He finally sits up too, wiping some sweat from his face and putting his goggles up on his head, the bandanna getting pushed back with them. "Funny how when we have goals we're determined to reach, we can overcome the odds."
Scott grows a little more solemn as he realizes the deeper meaning of Justin's words. "Even some goals are never attainable."
"But how do we ever know that?" Justin points to the trees. "If you hadn't tried to race me, would you have ever known if you could make it?" Not receiving a response, he continues. "Life's not about determining outcomes based on what we think we're not capable of, then avoiding those situations. It's based on what's in here." He touches his chest. "It's based on what our desires are, not what are weaknesses are. It's about letting the end result determine itself after we've given it our best shot." He cocks his head and studies Scott for a moment. "Are you giving it your best shot?"
...Despite Scott's win to the bench, Justin had wound up with five more points, resulting in him being the winner of the game. Not much conversation had taken place after that. Scott had grown a little quieter, mulling over the concepts shared, and Justin let it lie for another day. However, even though Scott's day might be relatively over now, but Justin's was far from it.
Ambling back towards the parking lot, Justin's hands were full of the packs, bags and more. He was covered in head to toe with color - his shirt, pants, arms, hands and even a bit on his face and in his hair. Scott could go right in and take a shower - Justin's would have to wait.
His goggles were still atop his head, along with the bandanna eye patch that was totally askew, making his hair stand up in all directions. Receiving shocked stares from some of the orderlies, he simply returns casual nods, hiding his smile of amusement.
5/3/10
Slug you the next time
Shaking her head Karla laughs again as Kip while the ice cream from her nose and than tells her about Twila. It felt good to laugh with Kip even if she was a little upset. Knowing she was angry at her best friend was a horrible feeling. So now knowing it was at least resolved a little bit was a good thing.
"We are need to know when there is food on our faces its important so we can look good and impress you guys."
Karla gives a smirk before standing from the bed and taking her plastic spoon to the trash to throw out. Giving a stretch she looks at Kip and gives a little nod and than looks around the room.
"Well I think I've got everything I need packed. Wanna help me carry this to the car and than we can look for Alice's bag she wanted to find?"
Getting back into the house Hope moves a little slower than normal. She just felt so drained she didnt even bother going back to TJY after she left the hospital. She still felt so tired, and it took everything she could to pull herself out of bed this morning. It had been a long time since she had been this sit so it was only normal really it would hit her harder than normal.
Now being home she still felt like crap not any better and maybe even a little worse. Throwing her keys on the little table by the door and heading into the kitchen Hope throws her jacket over the back of the chair.
Maybe a some tea would help her feel better, and than laying down and just relaxing would do her some good. Sleep, maybe all she really needed to get over this bug was more sleep.
...And so the afternoon quickly turned into night as the moon peeked into the sky. Clear was the sky making the moon and stars shin that much brighter. Offering a blanket to those in long spending time with each other, and a darkness to those lost in the dreams that haunt them...
Screams ring through the air as the neighbors do nothing but shut there front doors and windows to the sound not wanting to get in the middle of what seemed like a lovers quarrel.
"Tiffany, how could you do this to us, to our family, I've loved you all these years and you didn't even have the decency to tell me way back."
"Rick your drunk out of your mind we will talk about this when your sober just calm down."
"Calm...you want me to stay calm? Is Beth or Sarah really even mine? How can I be calm when your one who's made this life a whole lie?"
"Yes Beth and Sarah are your daughter don't be stupid now just calm down right now."
"How could you do this to me? How could you do this to us? I love you...no one should have to live with this pain no one."
"Rick..what are you doing...Rick put the gun down...No...Sarah run...hide...No Rick...stop!!!!"
A gun shot ring through the night and the thick smell of blood filled the air. Scaired and alone the figured hide under the bed...alone.
Sitting up straight in bed Beth's hands clenched her blankets tightly, the sweat running down her face so thick as she panted staring into her darkroom. She hadnt been there that night that changed her sisters lift forever, she had been happy off laughing at her friends house completely clueless to what happens at home.
But even so Beth still often dreamed about that horrible night and what the words were that were said, and how scared her sister was as she hide watching the two people that were her hero's slipping from her life in front of her eyes.
Throwing the covers back and getting out of bed Beth's eyes were still heavy but her heart was racing to fast to go back to sleep yet and she just...she needed to talk to her sister even if she wouldn't talk back.
Grabbing her cell from the nightstand and heading out of her room and across the hardwood floor to the kitchen her bare feet scuffed a little. Dialing the number to the hospital she waited for an answer.
"Hey Garret can I talk to Sarah please....yes I know what time it is...I don't care let me talk to my sister....No I will not go on a date with you....Garret put Sarah no the phone before I slug you the next time I see you."
Hearing the other end of the phone go silent Beth rolls her eyes as she pours herself a glass of water. Garret was one of her sister nurses. Not a bad looking guy just...not someone she was interested in ether.
"Thank you Garret!"
Knowing her sister was on the other line now after being informed by Garret Beth takes a sit of her water.
"Hey Baby Sis, I just wanted to call you and say Hi. I love you Sarah very much. Maybe tomorrow if its nice out we can go for a walk outside. Would you like that?"
Beth new her sister wouldn't answer but she asked her questions all the time anyways. Maybe done day her shell would break and she would have her sister back. The Dr's thought it was unlikely but Beth had to have at least a little hope.
"Ok, well I'll let you get back to bed and I will see you tomorrow. I don't have to work at the bar so I can stick around a little longer this time. Good Night."
Ending the phone conversation Beth lets out a small sigh. She wished her sister was closer it would be so much easier to tuck her into her own bed, and to comfort her from home but she just wouldn't be able to give her sister the attachen she needed with working not to mention Sarah wasn't stable enough for that.
Pouring the rest of her water into the sink Beth places the glass in before returning to her bedroom. Crawling under the blankets she stairs into the dark for several more moments before her eyes finally started to fall shut again. Wish any luck she wouldn't have another nightmare and could sleep through the night in peace.
"We are need to know when there is food on our faces its important so we can look good and impress you guys."
Karla gives a smirk before standing from the bed and taking her plastic spoon to the trash to throw out. Giving a stretch she looks at Kip and gives a little nod and than looks around the room.
"Well I think I've got everything I need packed. Wanna help me carry this to the car and than we can look for Alice's bag she wanted to find?"
Getting back into the house Hope moves a little slower than normal. She just felt so drained she didnt even bother going back to TJY after she left the hospital. She still felt so tired, and it took everything she could to pull herself out of bed this morning. It had been a long time since she had been this sit so it was only normal really it would hit her harder than normal.
Now being home she still felt like crap not any better and maybe even a little worse. Throwing her keys on the little table by the door and heading into the kitchen Hope throws her jacket over the back of the chair.
Maybe a some tea would help her feel better, and than laying down and just relaxing would do her some good. Sleep, maybe all she really needed to get over this bug was more sleep.
...And so the afternoon quickly turned into night as the moon peeked into the sky. Clear was the sky making the moon and stars shin that much brighter. Offering a blanket to those in long spending time with each other, and a darkness to those lost in the dreams that haunt them...
Screams ring through the air as the neighbors do nothing but shut there front doors and windows to the sound not wanting to get in the middle of what seemed like a lovers quarrel.
"Tiffany, how could you do this to us, to our family, I've loved you all these years and you didn't even have the decency to tell me way back."
"Rick your drunk out of your mind we will talk about this when your sober just calm down."
"Calm...you want me to stay calm? Is Beth or Sarah really even mine? How can I be calm when your one who's made this life a whole lie?"
"Yes Beth and Sarah are your daughter don't be stupid now just calm down right now."
"How could you do this to me? How could you do this to us? I love you...no one should have to live with this pain no one."
"Rick..what are you doing...Rick put the gun down...No...Sarah run...hide...No Rick...stop!!!!"
A gun shot ring through the night and the thick smell of blood filled the air. Scaired and alone the figured hide under the bed...alone.
Sitting up straight in bed Beth's hands clenched her blankets tightly, the sweat running down her face so thick as she panted staring into her darkroom. She hadnt been there that night that changed her sisters lift forever, she had been happy off laughing at her friends house completely clueless to what happens at home.
But even so Beth still often dreamed about that horrible night and what the words were that were said, and how scared her sister was as she hide watching the two people that were her hero's slipping from her life in front of her eyes.
Throwing the covers back and getting out of bed Beth's eyes were still heavy but her heart was racing to fast to go back to sleep yet and she just...she needed to talk to her sister even if she wouldn't talk back.
Grabbing her cell from the nightstand and heading out of her room and across the hardwood floor to the kitchen her bare feet scuffed a little. Dialing the number to the hospital she waited for an answer.
"Hey Garret can I talk to Sarah please....yes I know what time it is...I don't care let me talk to my sister....No I will not go on a date with you....Garret put Sarah no the phone before I slug you the next time I see you."
Hearing the other end of the phone go silent Beth rolls her eyes as she pours herself a glass of water. Garret was one of her sister nurses. Not a bad looking guy just...not someone she was interested in ether.
"Thank you Garret!"
Knowing her sister was on the other line now after being informed by Garret Beth takes a sit of her water.
"Hey Baby Sis, I just wanted to call you and say Hi. I love you Sarah very much. Maybe tomorrow if its nice out we can go for a walk outside. Would you like that?"
Beth new her sister wouldn't answer but she asked her questions all the time anyways. Maybe done day her shell would break and she would have her sister back. The Dr's thought it was unlikely but Beth had to have at least a little hope.
"Ok, well I'll let you get back to bed and I will see you tomorrow. I don't have to work at the bar so I can stick around a little longer this time. Good Night."
Ending the phone conversation Beth lets out a small sigh. She wished her sister was closer it would be so much easier to tuck her into her own bed, and to comfort her from home but she just wouldn't be able to give her sister the attachen she needed with working not to mention Sarah wasn't stable enough for that.
Pouring the rest of her water into the sink Beth places the glass in before returning to her bedroom. Crawling under the blankets she stairs into the dark for several more moments before her eyes finally started to fall shut again. Wish any luck she wouldn't have another nightmare and could sleep through the night in peace.
Phone messages
Kip laughs at the notion of a brain freeze helping him sleep, and takes another bite, despite his headache. "Maybe it would be like a deep freeze and they could just wake us up when we get there."
Spotting the ice cream on the end of Karla's nose, he grins. Grabbing a napkin, he reaches out to wipe it off. "I didn't tell Twila once she had some food on her face and she didn't talk to me for a week." He laughs again. "Well... maybe not a week, but almost."
Justin grins a little, imagining such a headline in the newspaper. Heeding her warning about other drivers, he nods. "Thanks. I'll watch whose cars I get under. It's the old ladies with canes I'm worried about."
Standing back a little so Beth has more room, he cocks his head, lost for a moment in studying her expression and her eyes. They told stories in a language only a heart could read, and only if one first learned the key to unlocking the pages.
Not bothered in the least that he is staring at her, he offers another small smile. "Drive safe."
Waiting for her to pull away, the baseball is revealed and he picks it up, waving it a little in the air to show her that he had found what he'd been looking for. Left alone once more int he parking lot, Justin sets about finding the rest of the baseballs, counting them before satisfied he'd found them all.
It takes a couple tries to get his pickup to start, but once the engine turns over, he's on his way. An hour and a half was how long it takes him to get home. But he didn't mind the drive. Not when he had a job as important as helping someone else. Ninety minutes on the road spent with good music and God... he rather enjoyed it. Free time didn't pay bills, but it was a peaceful ride through the back roads.
Eventually he pulls off onto a narrow lane lined with trees that created a kind of canopy after not being trimmed back for many years. It was a dead-end for travelers, but for him it was a driveway. Stopping right after turning, he reaches out the window to grab his mail, sifting through the envelopes and junk mail before continuing his route. His house wasn't visible from the main road - he liked it that way.
After driving for a short distance, the dirt driveway curves, revealing a clearing in the trees. The yard was big and well-kept, trimmed down with a neat lilac hedge that bordered the property. Parking outside the garage that leaned a little to the left, Justin cuts the engine and slides out, met with excited barking. "Hey girls!"
Two Dalmatians wriggled all over, straining at the ends of their chains and barking happily now that their master was home. Justin grins and unhooks them both. "How are we today, hmm? Did you miss me?" He gives both dogs rough scratches and pets, playing with them as he stumbles through their legs to make it to his porch. "Alright. Stay outside and I'll give you both some food."
Making it inside, the rickety screen door bangs shut without a spring to slow its movement. It was a bigger house than it appeared to be from the outside. Older and in need of new paint and some roof repairs, but it suited Justin fine. All one level, there were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room that was big enough to serve as a dining room too, a kitchen and an extra room that he used as his office.
Justin tosses his keys onto the little hook by the hall closet and kicks off his shoes and socks to walk around barefoot. Once in the kitchen, he moves aside piles of newspapers and has to move his trashcan full of metal to be recycled in order to get to the bag of dog food. The inside of his house was clean - he just seemed to be rather unorganized. If asked where something was though, he almost always knew.
After taking food to Danitza and Zora, he wanders back inside, passing by the answering machine on the table at the edge of the living room. Hitting play, he straightens up a few things while listening.
"Justin, it's me again... I just need to talk. Please? I miss you."
Justin's eyes narrow at the sound of Renae's voice. "Yes, you miss me because you miss someone you can suck all the life out of with your constant phobias, trials beyond measure and a cat that you really need to shoot instead of taking it to pet daycare every day."
While folding a blanket, he hits the delete button. He'd thought Ranae just needed a little help getting back on her feet. Unfortunately, their dates had turned into constant counseling sessions and with her unwilling to make changes in her own life, Justin had had enough. She'd become so needy and dependent on him that she'd worn him out and he'd eventually ended the relationship. He'd cared about her, but he just couldn't do it anymore. Now, three months later, she was still begging him to come back - probably at the prompting of her older sister who insisted that all men needed to be molded into butlers who would wait on the woman hand and foot.
Giving a little growl, Justin continues to fold the blanket. Stubbing his toe on the leg of the couch, he cries out in more frustration than pain as the second message plays.
"Yeah, this is Nick. We're gonna have to have that downpayment for the car by next week or we'll have to sell it to someone else. Give me a call and let me know what's up."
"Yeah, I know... you should sell it to someone else - it's gonna take me too long." Nick had done Justin a personal favor by actually holding the used car for him while he tried to get the downpayment together. Unfortunately, the money just wasn't coming in fast enough, so it looked like he'd be depending on his pickup for a while longer. He'd call Nick later and apologize and call off the deal. Maybe his extra money needed to go towards a new roof anyway.
"Justin, it's your uncle. Just wondering how things were going with Scott. Jenny said he ate a little more for lunch today after you'd left."
"Mm-hmm, exercise'll do that to ya." Justin goes to the kitchen to bring back a glass full of water for his two sorta-sad looking plants by the window. Yes, Dr. Hawks was his uncle. Which was probably why he'd been willing to take on this job in the first place. He could still be a counselor or get back into Social Services if he wanted to - but nobody else was willing to hire him full-time because of what had happened a few years ago, and he'd put his schooling on hold, so he couldn't make a go of it on his own. "But no, I'm not calling you back. You know my rules. Once I got a foundation, I'll report to you."
He picks up a few paper plates to throw them away and tosses a couple forks into the kitchen sink to wash later. The messages were done playing and he was a little weary after staying up too late last night reading. Flopping down on the couch, he yawns. A nap would be good. Then he'd go out and play with "his girls" for a while.
Spotting the ice cream on the end of Karla's nose, he grins. Grabbing a napkin, he reaches out to wipe it off. "I didn't tell Twila once she had some food on her face and she didn't talk to me for a week." He laughs again. "Well... maybe not a week, but almost."
Justin grins a little, imagining such a headline in the newspaper. Heeding her warning about other drivers, he nods. "Thanks. I'll watch whose cars I get under. It's the old ladies with canes I'm worried about."
Standing back a little so Beth has more room, he cocks his head, lost for a moment in studying her expression and her eyes. They told stories in a language only a heart could read, and only if one first learned the key to unlocking the pages.
Not bothered in the least that he is staring at her, he offers another small smile. "Drive safe."
Waiting for her to pull away, the baseball is revealed and he picks it up, waving it a little in the air to show her that he had found what he'd been looking for. Left alone once more int he parking lot, Justin sets about finding the rest of the baseballs, counting them before satisfied he'd found them all.
It takes a couple tries to get his pickup to start, but once the engine turns over, he's on his way. An hour and a half was how long it takes him to get home. But he didn't mind the drive. Not when he had a job as important as helping someone else. Ninety minutes on the road spent with good music and God... he rather enjoyed it. Free time didn't pay bills, but it was a peaceful ride through the back roads.
Eventually he pulls off onto a narrow lane lined with trees that created a kind of canopy after not being trimmed back for many years. It was a dead-end for travelers, but for him it was a driveway. Stopping right after turning, he reaches out the window to grab his mail, sifting through the envelopes and junk mail before continuing his route. His house wasn't visible from the main road - he liked it that way.
After driving for a short distance, the dirt driveway curves, revealing a clearing in the trees. The yard was big and well-kept, trimmed down with a neat lilac hedge that bordered the property. Parking outside the garage that leaned a little to the left, Justin cuts the engine and slides out, met with excited barking. "Hey girls!"
Two Dalmatians wriggled all over, straining at the ends of their chains and barking happily now that their master was home. Justin grins and unhooks them both. "How are we today, hmm? Did you miss me?" He gives both dogs rough scratches and pets, playing with them as he stumbles through their legs to make it to his porch. "Alright. Stay outside and I'll give you both some food."
Making it inside, the rickety screen door bangs shut without a spring to slow its movement. It was a bigger house than it appeared to be from the outside. Older and in need of new paint and some roof repairs, but it suited Justin fine. All one level, there were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room that was big enough to serve as a dining room too, a kitchen and an extra room that he used as his office.
Justin tosses his keys onto the little hook by the hall closet and kicks off his shoes and socks to walk around barefoot. Once in the kitchen, he moves aside piles of newspapers and has to move his trashcan full of metal to be recycled in order to get to the bag of dog food. The inside of his house was clean - he just seemed to be rather unorganized. If asked where something was though, he almost always knew.
After taking food to Danitza and Zora, he wanders back inside, passing by the answering machine on the table at the edge of the living room. Hitting play, he straightens up a few things while listening.
"Justin, it's me again... I just need to talk. Please? I miss you."
Justin's eyes narrow at the sound of Renae's voice. "Yes, you miss me because you miss someone you can suck all the life out of with your constant phobias, trials beyond measure and a cat that you really need to shoot instead of taking it to pet daycare every day."
While folding a blanket, he hits the delete button. He'd thought Ranae just needed a little help getting back on her feet. Unfortunately, their dates had turned into constant counseling sessions and with her unwilling to make changes in her own life, Justin had had enough. She'd become so needy and dependent on him that she'd worn him out and he'd eventually ended the relationship. He'd cared about her, but he just couldn't do it anymore. Now, three months later, she was still begging him to come back - probably at the prompting of her older sister who insisted that all men needed to be molded into butlers who would wait on the woman hand and foot.
Giving a little growl, Justin continues to fold the blanket. Stubbing his toe on the leg of the couch, he cries out in more frustration than pain as the second message plays.
"Yeah, this is Nick. We're gonna have to have that downpayment for the car by next week or we'll have to sell it to someone else. Give me a call and let me know what's up."
"Yeah, I know... you should sell it to someone else - it's gonna take me too long." Nick had done Justin a personal favor by actually holding the used car for him while he tried to get the downpayment together. Unfortunately, the money just wasn't coming in fast enough, so it looked like he'd be depending on his pickup for a while longer. He'd call Nick later and apologize and call off the deal. Maybe his extra money needed to go towards a new roof anyway.
"Justin, it's your uncle. Just wondering how things were going with Scott. Jenny said he ate a little more for lunch today after you'd left."
"Mm-hmm, exercise'll do that to ya." Justin goes to the kitchen to bring back a glass full of water for his two sorta-sad looking plants by the window. Yes, Dr. Hawks was his uncle. Which was probably why he'd been willing to take on this job in the first place. He could still be a counselor or get back into Social Services if he wanted to - but nobody else was willing to hire him full-time because of what had happened a few years ago, and he'd put his schooling on hold, so he couldn't make a go of it on his own. "But no, I'm not calling you back. You know my rules. Once I got a foundation, I'll report to you."
He picks up a few paper plates to throw them away and tosses a couple forks into the kitchen sink to wash later. The messages were done playing and he was a little weary after staying up too late last night reading. Flopping down on the couch, he yawns. A nap would be good. Then he'd go out and play with "his girls" for a while.
5/2/10
News Flash
The smile becomes a little more easy on Karla's face as ther conversation with Kip shifts, and some of the humor comes back. Though she was hurt still a little just talking about it with Kip had lifted some of it.
"We're gonna have a blast on this new adventure."
As the ice cream comes back into play again Karla moves a little closer to Kip so she could get a better reach as it. Dipping it in and holding it up so it touched his she nods in agreement.
"Here, Here!"
Bringing it to her mouth she stops for a moment watching Kip's face as her gets his own brain freeze. Sipping her's slowly another laugh erupts causing her to get a little bit of ice cream on her nose without even realizing it as she continued to laugh at Kip.
"Hey maybe if our brains freeze enough we will be able to get some sleep tonight."
Looking down at the man who was now laying on his back looking up at her, the woman couldn't help the smirk that formed on her lips. His comment proving he could be a smartalec himself if wanting to. Rolling her eyes though she waits for him to get off the ground and move a few steps back before going to the driver side door.
"Waiting for me to leave now would be a lot easier on your part and I wouldn't run you over."
Eyeing him for a moment the smerk still remains as she looks behind the car to see if she can see any other balls.
"I'll make sure to keep an eye out for them. The last thing I need to do is report a ball attacked me and than the next time you saw me would be the new flash that says Local woman Beth Parker thrown in mental hospital for thinking balls attacked her. I think I'd think to stay away from that headline."
Opening her car door Beth stops it just in time so it didnt hit this relatively good looking man that stood by her car. Standing for a moment by the door she shakes her head a little.
"Well good luck in the hunt and don't slink under to many strange cares. Some people arnt as nice as I am to warn you before pulling out."
"We're gonna have a blast on this new adventure."
As the ice cream comes back into play again Karla moves a little closer to Kip so she could get a better reach as it. Dipping it in and holding it up so it touched his she nods in agreement.
"Here, Here!"
Bringing it to her mouth she stops for a moment watching Kip's face as her gets his own brain freeze. Sipping her's slowly another laugh erupts causing her to get a little bit of ice cream on her nose without even realizing it as she continued to laugh at Kip.
"Hey maybe if our brains freeze enough we will be able to get some sleep tonight."
Looking down at the man who was now laying on his back looking up at her, the woman couldn't help the smirk that formed on her lips. His comment proving he could be a smartalec himself if wanting to. Rolling her eyes though she waits for him to get off the ground and move a few steps back before going to the driver side door.
"Waiting for me to leave now would be a lot easier on your part and I wouldn't run you over."
Eyeing him for a moment the smerk still remains as she looks behind the car to see if she can see any other balls.
"I'll make sure to keep an eye out for them. The last thing I need to do is report a ball attacked me and than the next time you saw me would be the new flash that says Local woman Beth Parker thrown in mental hospital for thinking balls attacked her. I think I'd think to stay away from that headline."
Opening her car door Beth stops it just in time so it didnt hit this relatively good looking man that stood by her car. Standing for a moment by the door she shakes her head a little.
"Well good luck in the hunt and don't slink under to many strange cares. Some people arnt as nice as I am to warn you before pulling out."
Without warning
Though taking time made Kip a bit leery, he'd respect Karla's wishes. After all, he was the one in trouble here, not her. He wasn't exactly in a position to argue.
He looks down as she touches his hand, and a small smile slowly creases his lips. "I have a feeling you'll always be one of my best friends too, Karla. I'm... really glad that you're coming with us."
Turning his hand over so hers could rest in his palm, he gives it a little squeeze before withdrawing. Reaching back behind him, he grabs the ice cream again before it got too soft. Dipping his spoon in, he then raises it as if as a toast. "To friendship... forgiveness... and laughter."
Putting the whole spoonful in his mouth, it's then his turn to cringe. "Ohhh man. Shouldn't have done that."
Hearing a woman's voice, Justin rolls his eyes. Just his luck. Scooting out backward until he was free from under the car, his shirt rides up partway and he rolls over to look up at the stranger, the sunlight making it difficult to make out her features as he squints.
"If I wanted you to run me over, hopefully I'd be a patient inside, not out here in this embarrassing position," he retorts. "I happen to have lost a baseball and I was merely trying to retrieve it."
Picking himself up, he stands, brushing off loose dirt and little bits of gravel. "Now, if you would have come two minutes earlier you could have pulled out already, making my job of picking up the ball a whole lot easier, and you never would have witnessed the prowling lunatic."
Setting his hands on his hips, he backs up a step to give her more room to get into her car. "Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll just wait for you to leave. Watch it going out though - there's more baseballs closer to the driveway. They tend to attack without warning."
He looks down as she touches his hand, and a small smile slowly creases his lips. "I have a feeling you'll always be one of my best friends too, Karla. I'm... really glad that you're coming with us."
Turning his hand over so hers could rest in his palm, he gives it a little squeeze before withdrawing. Reaching back behind him, he grabs the ice cream again before it got too soft. Dipping his spoon in, he then raises it as if as a toast. "To friendship... forgiveness... and laughter."
Putting the whole spoonful in his mouth, it's then his turn to cringe. "Ohhh man. Shouldn't have done that."
Hearing a woman's voice, Justin rolls his eyes. Just his luck. Scooting out backward until he was free from under the car, his shirt rides up partway and he rolls over to look up at the stranger, the sunlight making it difficult to make out her features as he squints.
"If I wanted you to run me over, hopefully I'd be a patient inside, not out here in this embarrassing position," he retorts. "I happen to have lost a baseball and I was merely trying to retrieve it."
Picking himself up, he stands, brushing off loose dirt and little bits of gravel. "Now, if you would have come two minutes earlier you could have pulled out already, making my job of picking up the ball a whole lot easier, and you never would have witnessed the prowling lunatic."
Setting his hands on his hips, he backs up a step to give her more room to get into her car. "Sorry for the inconvenience. I'll just wait for you to leave. Watch it going out though - there's more baseballs closer to the driveway. They tend to attack without warning."
Intro
Listing to Kip speak makes Karla smile a little despite the mood. His words were nice, and kind and she new they were meant to make her feel better. In a little way they did to an existent. It was nice hearing she was special when Kip had met her even if she hadnt felt it one bit it was just nice to have someone see her like that.
Shifting on the bed again a little Karla looks up at Kip and trys to give a small smile again. She did need time and she happy Kip understood that and was willing to give it to her. If anything was to go farther that was an important factor giving each other time when they needed it.
"I still want to be friends to Kip. Your the best one I got, and thats not something to forget easily."
Moving her eyes to his hand that was still resting on her leg from where he patted it Karla looks up at him again searching his face for a moment. What would happen later down the road Karla didn't know. How much time would she need, she could only guess not long but she didn't want to make any promise. Resting her hand on top of his for a moment she smiles again.
"Anything else that happens, we will have to wait and see what lies around the bend. No matter what though you'll be my best friend."
Heading out of the hospetil like she had so many times before a tall athletic looking woman simply stops taking in the fresh air of the afternoon. She'd stayed here longer than normal today but her sister needed her and she wasn't about to just leave her there. Now she had calmed down though and the woman had promised to be back tomorrow.
Weaving in and out of some of the cars the woman finally get to her own only to stop short as a pare of legs and half of someone's body sticks out from under it. Rolling her eyes at herself and wondering what on earth was going on the woman leans against the car for a moment just eyeing the man that was sticking out from under her car before finally saying something.
"Do I want to know what your doing under my car? If your hoping I'll run over you its kind of hard to miss you sticking out there."
The woman's voice wasn't cold, but it lacked a certain ton as well that came off maybe a little to sarcastic. She hadn't ment it that way it just had been a long day already and she still had to go into work explaining why she was late. Whatever the reason was it was to late to take it back now and she could only hope this person under her car could take it in good humor and not give her to much guff.
Shifting on the bed again a little Karla looks up at Kip and trys to give a small smile again. She did need time and she happy Kip understood that and was willing to give it to her. If anything was to go farther that was an important factor giving each other time when they needed it.
"I still want to be friends to Kip. Your the best one I got, and thats not something to forget easily."
Moving her eyes to his hand that was still resting on her leg from where he patted it Karla looks up at him again searching his face for a moment. What would happen later down the road Karla didn't know. How much time would she need, she could only guess not long but she didn't want to make any promise. Resting her hand on top of his for a moment she smiles again.
"Anything else that happens, we will have to wait and see what lies around the bend. No matter what though you'll be my best friend."
Heading out of the hospetil like she had so many times before a tall athletic looking woman simply stops taking in the fresh air of the afternoon. She'd stayed here longer than normal today but her sister needed her and she wasn't about to just leave her there. Now she had calmed down though and the woman had promised to be back tomorrow.
Weaving in and out of some of the cars the woman finally get to her own only to stop short as a pare of legs and half of someone's body sticks out from under it. Rolling her eyes at herself and wondering what on earth was going on the woman leans against the car for a moment just eyeing the man that was sticking out from under her car before finally saying something.
"Do I want to know what your doing under my car? If your hoping I'll run over you its kind of hard to miss you sticking out there."
The woman's voice wasn't cold, but it lacked a certain ton as well that came off maybe a little to sarcastic. She hadn't ment it that way it just had been a long day already and she still had to go into work explaining why she was late. Whatever the reason was it was to late to take it back now and she could only hope this person under her car could take it in good humor and not give her to much guff.
Try again
Kip smiles a little as Karla gets a brain freeze, though he refrains from teasing her this time. As she shifts around, he turns a little bit too to face her, bringing one leg up onto the bed.
Hearing her explanation, it seemed to fit what Twila had told him, which helped him understand better, though deep down he was starting to feel even worse. Licking off his spoon, he sets the ice cream aside, not caring if it got a little soggy.
Turning a bit more, he hesitates before giving her leg a pat. She looked so sad... disappointed. He couldn't help it that his own eyes showed how sad he was too... sad and sorry. "Karla, I..." This was awkward. It felt terrible. But he knew if they didn't talk it out at some point, this wasn't going to go away.
Looking her in the eye seems to give him courage. "I want you to know that... that you you are special. That you're very special. And... what I did today... it was because I'm not so special."
Kip swallows hard. "I've... had problems... telling people no... but it's no excuse. It just means that... I probably don't deserve a friend like you 'cause I'm always messing up." He forces a sad sort of laugh. "I've always been that way. Getting into trouble 'cause I don't think first. It's no wonder Erik's always on my case, and Twila... she's got good advice, but I haven't deserved any more than her treating me like a kid most of the time."
He knows he's getting off the point, so he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to get back on track. "You being special... it has nothing to do with anyone else 'cause... well, 'cause you make you special, not other people. You were special when I met you, and you always will be."
Kip tries to give her a little smile, though he felt just about as low as he could right now. "I don't have feelings for Whitney, I just... she always paid attention to me, even if I know it wasn't good. I don't have a reason for kissing her back today. She caught me by surprise, I wasn't thinking, and before I knew it, I was feeling stupid all over again. I've got... I've got a lot to work on, and I know it, so if you don't wanna be close to me anymore, I... I understand."
His head hangs and he doesn't even try to keep eye contact anymore. "But... I... I still wanna be friends and... and maybe after... after you've had enough time and stuff, we could... well... maybe try again... or something."
Leaving Scott on the bench near the walking path, Justin ambles towards the parking lot. His bat was slung over his shoulder, while in the other hand he lugged the bucket of baseballs he and Scott had collected. It had been an interesting day. Scott had talked more than Justin thought he would, and he had learned a lot about this patient who had been brought here against his will. It was an odd case... certainly unique, with bits and pieces that seemed unreal, in connection with this organization called the Agency. It was more like a sci-fi novel rather than reality. But Justin had enough people stating facts that he believed it, and he knew well enough not to share the information with anyone else, lest he himself get put on a list of people the Agency wanted to kill.
Once again, he doesn't stop in at the office. He had not been asked to report daily, as Dr. Hawks knew full well that Justin would refuse. He didn't like reporting every day - one day at a time was hardly a way to analyze these encounters. Eventually, he'd let the doctor know what he thought, but until he was ready, these days were between him and Scott.
Arriving at the parking lot, Justin heads for the beat-up, rust-red pickup at the far end. Halfway there though, the old bucket groaned under the weight of the baseballs, and one side of the handle gave way. Baseballs went everywhere, scattering all across the parking lot.
Justin stares at the runaway balls and stops to sigh a deep sigh. Wandering the rest of the way to his pickup, he tosses the broken bucket and the bat into the bed and begins to pickup the baseballs. One at a time, he zigzags across the parking lot to collect his stash, throwing them into the bed of his truck with pretty good aim. One ball in particular had rolled under a car and he finds himself on his stomach, crawling to try and reach the rogue baseball.
Hearing her explanation, it seemed to fit what Twila had told him, which helped him understand better, though deep down he was starting to feel even worse. Licking off his spoon, he sets the ice cream aside, not caring if it got a little soggy.
Turning a bit more, he hesitates before giving her leg a pat. She looked so sad... disappointed. He couldn't help it that his own eyes showed how sad he was too... sad and sorry. "Karla, I..." This was awkward. It felt terrible. But he knew if they didn't talk it out at some point, this wasn't going to go away.
Looking her in the eye seems to give him courage. "I want you to know that... that you you are special. That you're very special. And... what I did today... it was because I'm not so special."
Kip swallows hard. "I've... had problems... telling people no... but it's no excuse. It just means that... I probably don't deserve a friend like you 'cause I'm always messing up." He forces a sad sort of laugh. "I've always been that way. Getting into trouble 'cause I don't think first. It's no wonder Erik's always on my case, and Twila... she's got good advice, but I haven't deserved any more than her treating me like a kid most of the time."
He knows he's getting off the point, so he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to get back on track. "You being special... it has nothing to do with anyone else 'cause... well, 'cause you make you special, not other people. You were special when I met you, and you always will be."
Kip tries to give her a little smile, though he felt just about as low as he could right now. "I don't have feelings for Whitney, I just... she always paid attention to me, even if I know it wasn't good. I don't have a reason for kissing her back today. She caught me by surprise, I wasn't thinking, and before I knew it, I was feeling stupid all over again. I've got... I've got a lot to work on, and I know it, so if you don't wanna be close to me anymore, I... I understand."
His head hangs and he doesn't even try to keep eye contact anymore. "But... I... I still wanna be friends and... and maybe after... after you've had enough time and stuff, we could... well... maybe try again... or something."
Leaving Scott on the bench near the walking path, Justin ambles towards the parking lot. His bat was slung over his shoulder, while in the other hand he lugged the bucket of baseballs he and Scott had collected. It had been an interesting day. Scott had talked more than Justin thought he would, and he had learned a lot about this patient who had been brought here against his will. It was an odd case... certainly unique, with bits and pieces that seemed unreal, in connection with this organization called the Agency. It was more like a sci-fi novel rather than reality. But Justin had enough people stating facts that he believed it, and he knew well enough not to share the information with anyone else, lest he himself get put on a list of people the Agency wanted to kill.
Once again, he doesn't stop in at the office. He had not been asked to report daily, as Dr. Hawks knew full well that Justin would refuse. He didn't like reporting every day - one day at a time was hardly a way to analyze these encounters. Eventually, he'd let the doctor know what he thought, but until he was ready, these days were between him and Scott.
Arriving at the parking lot, Justin heads for the beat-up, rust-red pickup at the far end. Halfway there though, the old bucket groaned under the weight of the baseballs, and one side of the handle gave way. Baseballs went everywhere, scattering all across the parking lot.
Justin stares at the runaway balls and stops to sigh a deep sigh. Wandering the rest of the way to his pickup, he tosses the broken bucket and the bat into the bed and begins to pickup the baseballs. One at a time, he zigzags across the parking lot to collect his stash, throwing them into the bed of his truck with pretty good aim. One ball in particular had rolled under a car and he finds himself on his stomach, crawling to try and reach the rogue baseball.
Explain
Sitting on the bed cross legged from Kip Karla takes the spoon nodding her head in thanks. Reaching for a scoop she slowly licks the cold treat before popping the whole spoonful in her mouth so it didn't melt all over the place.
"Don't be silly Kip, If I hadn't wanted you in here after all I wouldn't have left the door open or told you to come in. However I guess I can't blame you ether for not knowing if I wanted you here or not. After all us girls are pretty cryptic sometimes. As for riding with someone else tomorrow, I'll have to wait till than on how I'm feeling."
Taking another bit of the ice cream Karla closes her eyes for a moment tight as the whole side of her face goes numb for a quick moment signaling she might have been eating the ice cream a little to fast.
"Ahhhh...brain freeze."
Keeping her eyes closed for a moment Karla finally opens them again giving a stupid little laugh though her mood was crappy for the moment at least she laughed.
"I guess I should slow down a little on eating."
Shifting on the bed again Karla moves so her back is against the headbored and her legs are stretched behind Kip. Letting out a small sigh she just study's him for a long moment. He looked sad, and so confused himself on this whole thing.
"I'm sorry Kip. I guess I really don't have a right to be mad at you but I am anyways. I know your sorry and I forgive you, I know your confused on why I am so hurt but its hard to explain. I guess I felt special....you made me feel good. I never felt special before I met you. I always just felt like a pile of nothing going in and out of jobs. and than when I saw you kissing that other girl I just...didn't feel so special anymore because even if the kiss was small what we shared had been shared with someone else too."
Karla rolls her eyes at herself before moving on the bed again. Going to the edge she lets her feet dangle to the floor. She didn't felt like she was making any sense let alone probably making even less to Kip. She just felt like talking it out, maybe making Kip realizes why it hurt so much.
"I know you didn't mean to hurt me, and I know you didn't mean to make me feel this way and maybe I am even to blame a little to...I just...I don't even know what I am saying now."
"Don't be silly Kip, If I hadn't wanted you in here after all I wouldn't have left the door open or told you to come in. However I guess I can't blame you ether for not knowing if I wanted you here or not. After all us girls are pretty cryptic sometimes. As for riding with someone else tomorrow, I'll have to wait till than on how I'm feeling."
Taking another bit of the ice cream Karla closes her eyes for a moment tight as the whole side of her face goes numb for a quick moment signaling she might have been eating the ice cream a little to fast.
"Ahhhh...brain freeze."
Keeping her eyes closed for a moment Karla finally opens them again giving a stupid little laugh though her mood was crappy for the moment at least she laughed.
"I guess I should slow down a little on eating."
Shifting on the bed again Karla moves so her back is against the headbored and her legs are stretched behind Kip. Letting out a small sigh she just study's him for a long moment. He looked sad, and so confused himself on this whole thing.
"I'm sorry Kip. I guess I really don't have a right to be mad at you but I am anyways. I know your sorry and I forgive you, I know your confused on why I am so hurt but its hard to explain. I guess I felt special....you made me feel good. I never felt special before I met you. I always just felt like a pile of nothing going in and out of jobs. and than when I saw you kissing that other girl I just...didn't feel so special anymore because even if the kiss was small what we shared had been shared with someone else too."
Karla rolls her eyes at herself before moving on the bed again. Going to the edge she lets her feet dangle to the floor. She didn't felt like she was making any sense let alone probably making even less to Kip. She just felt like talking it out, maybe making Kip realizes why it hurt so much.
"I know you didn't mean to hurt me, and I know you didn't mean to make me feel this way and maybe I am even to blame a little to...I just...I don't even know what I am saying now."
Rather
Seeing Karla that weary and really not wanting to see him, Kip feels like just turning around and leaving. He'd tried... he'd thought his effort would count for something.
Sighing, he sees her walk back in, but sticks around long enough to hear her next few words. Was she inviting him to stay? Was she saying she did want the ice cream? Or was she just trying to blow him off nicely? He wasn't even sure. But he'd bungled things up enough today, what was one more spill?
Trudging into her bedroom, he sits down on the bed, seeing that she was packing things up. He hoped he hadn't ruined the excitement for her. They were all looking forward to setting off tomorrow. Handing her a spoon, he takes a bite of the ice cream with his own spoon, unsure if she really wanted the treat or not, but figuring he'd make it easy for her.
Sucking on the mouthful and letting it melt, he eyes Karla for a moment. "Sorry... I know you said you wanted to be alone. I guess I thought if you had too much time to think, you might conclude I wasn't worth the effort. But... maybe that wasn't so smart of me either." He sighs and drops his gaze to the ice cream. "I'll leave if you want. And... tomorrow... if you'd rather ride with Twila and Theo, I'd understand." He'd be disappointed, but the look in Karla's eyes since earlier told him there was a good chance she would feel more comfortable riding with someone else.
Sighing, he sees her walk back in, but sticks around long enough to hear her next few words. Was she inviting him to stay? Was she saying she did want the ice cream? Or was she just trying to blow him off nicely? He wasn't even sure. But he'd bungled things up enough today, what was one more spill?
Trudging into her bedroom, he sits down on the bed, seeing that she was packing things up. He hoped he hadn't ruined the excitement for her. They were all looking forward to setting off tomorrow. Handing her a spoon, he takes a bite of the ice cream with his own spoon, unsure if she really wanted the treat or not, but figuring he'd make it easy for her.
Sucking on the mouthful and letting it melt, he eyes Karla for a moment. "Sorry... I know you said you wanted to be alone. I guess I thought if you had too much time to think, you might conclude I wasn't worth the effort. But... maybe that wasn't so smart of me either." He sighs and drops his gaze to the ice cream. "I'll leave if you want. And... tomorrow... if you'd rather ride with Twila and Theo, I'd understand." He'd be disappointed, but the look in Karla's eyes since earlier told him there was a good chance she would feel more comfortable riding with someone else.
resist
Folding a few more shirts Karla puts them into her suitcase. She didn't have much to pack but she had enough that if she wanted to get everything she needed she'd better start now. Not everything was going with her Erik's mom had told her this was her home too just like Erik and Kip what she wanted to leave she could so when she returned it would be here. It made Karla feel good knowing she had some place to call home, but still the dark cloud loomed from the events that happened a few hours before.
Going to the large closet again and grabbing some more clothing than coming back out to fold it again Karla hears the knock on the door followed by Kip's voice. Putting the cloths in the bag Karla rolls her eyes a little just continuing to listen to Kip. Did she want company right now maybe, from Kip not really. She was still upset and felt hurt even if there was a part of her that forgave him. She just wanted the time to heal and deal but he wouldn't even give her that.
Just listing still and not yelling for him to go away Karla had to admit he was at least trying and sounded cute in doing so even if she was mad. Going to the door Karla waits before opening it hearing about his fingers freezing she can't help the small chuckle. It was a funny image she got of Kip trying to play the base minus one finger.
Finally taking hold of the door handle Karla opens the door her voice following it was soft the tone tired to match what little energy she felt.
"You don't really listen to the whole give me some time thing huh?"
Turning and going back over to the bed Karla new Kip would come into the room on his own but thinking maybe her comment would keep him from coming in she looks up at the door holding one of her shirts.
"But if your fingers fall off it will be my fault the band doesn't have a bass player and who can turn down ice cream anyways right?"
Hearing the alarm go off Hope slams the button to her alarm clock. It felt like she had just fallen asleep and she hurt all over still. Lifting her head from the pillow Hope glances at the clock. It was seven o'clock already.
Laying her head down on the pillow again Hope could feel her eyes wanting to close one more. Just a half hour more thats all she needed than she would be fine. Stress had just caught up to her and now she must be coming down with something. Whatever it was though hit hard and fast.
Just a little more sleep than she would be ok to head into work before going to the hospital. Dr. Thomas would be waiting for her, and she new if she didnt come in he would be calling wondering where she was.
Going to the large closet again and grabbing some more clothing than coming back out to fold it again Karla hears the knock on the door followed by Kip's voice. Putting the cloths in the bag Karla rolls her eyes a little just continuing to listen to Kip. Did she want company right now maybe, from Kip not really. She was still upset and felt hurt even if there was a part of her that forgave him. She just wanted the time to heal and deal but he wouldn't even give her that.
Just listing still and not yelling for him to go away Karla had to admit he was at least trying and sounded cute in doing so even if she was mad. Going to the door Karla waits before opening it hearing about his fingers freezing she can't help the small chuckle. It was a funny image she got of Kip trying to play the base minus one finger.
Finally taking hold of the door handle Karla opens the door her voice following it was soft the tone tired to match what little energy she felt.
"You don't really listen to the whole give me some time thing huh?"
Turning and going back over to the bed Karla new Kip would come into the room on his own but thinking maybe her comment would keep him from coming in she looks up at the door holding one of her shirts.
"But if your fingers fall off it will be my fault the band doesn't have a bass player and who can turn down ice cream anyways right?"
Hearing the alarm go off Hope slams the button to her alarm clock. It felt like she had just fallen asleep and she hurt all over still. Lifting her head from the pillow Hope glances at the clock. It was seven o'clock already.
Laying her head down on the pillow again Hope could feel her eyes wanting to close one more. Just a half hour more thats all she needed than she would be fine. Stress had just caught up to her and now she must be coming down with something. Whatever it was though hit hard and fast.
Just a little more sleep than she would be ok to head into work before going to the hospital. Dr. Thomas would be waiting for her, and she new if she didnt come in he would be calling wondering where she was.
Messed up
Kip continues to search Karla's eyes, so sorry, but so confused as well. Why was she this hurt? Why was she angry? He wants to say more, but apparently he'd already caused enough damage.
Letting his eyes drop, he moves out of the way so Karla can go inside. Trudging to the porch steps, he flops down to lean his elbows on his knees and put his head in his hands. What had he done wrong? He wasn't even sure, yet he still felt guilty. What was he supposed to do now?
"...Kip?"
His head shoots up as he feels Twila's hand on his shoulder. "Huh?"
She chuckles, not having meant to startle him. "We got lemonade - figured you woulda come in by now."
"Oh."
Twila cocks her head at his dismal tone, and eases down next to him. She'd seen Karla walk through to get some lemonade just a few minutes ago and had noticed her offish demeanor, even if she hadn't said anything. Was this related? "Something wrong?"
"I dunno. Yeah... maybe." Kip shrugs. "Guess I messed up... again."
"What happened?"
Kip really didn't want to explain, but he did need help figuring this out, and Twila was good at that sort of thing. "Whitney came by." He looks at her pleadingly. "Don't tell Erik."
Twila purses her lips, knowing full well the trouble he'd gotten into before. But there was such desperation in his eyes that she finally relents. "Okay. But what happened?"
"Well, she... she kissed me and... I kissed her back."
"I see. And?"
"And Karla saw it."
"Ah." Now Twila was starting to understand. "Was she... upset?"
"I guess so. I mean... I'm not sure why."
Seeing he was utterly clueless, Twila takes it slow. "Well... are you two more than friends?"
"I don't know. I mean... I kinda maybe kissed her the other day." He gives Twila a sidelong glance. "It wasn't anything big though. We were just celebrating and.. and... and it just sorta happened."
"Aw, Kip." Twila looks at him with sympathy, even though she was gently chiding. "And you didn't really mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"Your affection?"
Kip could feel the heat in his face again. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. "Well, I... I... I did... I think?" He swallows hard. "I like her and... we're close and..." He stops and looks at Twila's waiting expression. "Yeah... yeah, I guess I meant it. It would take a blind man not to see Karla's special. I... I do like her, ya know?"
"Mm-hmm." Twila wasn't going to say that everybody could see that those two had gotten close. They all knew it was only a matter of time before they actually admitted they were a couple. "And you think that little kiss you gave meant nothing to her?"
"Well...well, I don't know. It's not like we talked about it."
Twila bites her lip and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Kip... when you kiss a girl, it means something to her. Trust me on that one. You like each other and even if was just a little kiss, you were still giving her that special attention that's meant just for her." She pauses. "Unless you don't mean it anymore."
"No, no, I do... I... I still like her."
"And you kissed Whitney today."
Now Kip was starting to get it. "So... I prolly really hurt Karla's feelings, huh?"
"Yeah, probably. Put yourself in her shoes. You're her hero, Kip. She thought she was gonna be your special one. And now she just witnessed that it wasn't true."
"But it was. My feelings haven't changed."
"And so you kissed Whitney because..."
"I... didn't tell her no." Kip hangs his head again. "I did mess up, huh?"
"Yeah, I think ya did." Twila gives him a little squeeze. "Quit letting Whitney control you. You know she only wants you around because she can tell you what to do. But Karla... she really cares about you... for the right reasons. Whether you two start having a dating relationship or not, you've been leading up to it, so on a certain level, it feels like you lied."
Kip is quiet for several moments. "What do I do?"
"That's up to you. Just ask yourself what you really want. Then stick to it."
Left alone for a while, Kip sits and thinks, glad that everyone else was inside right now. Finally though, he lets out a long sigh. Dating relationship in the future or not, he had to at least make this right.
Getting up, he wanders into the house and slips down to the kitchen instead of to the sun room where everyone else had congregated. Retrieving what he wanted from the freezer, he glances in on the group, noting that Karla wasn't with them, so he heads upstairs to her room. Finding the door shut, he figures this was where she was.
Knocking softly, he pauses a moment. "Karla?" He swallows hard. "I, um... I got some ice cream here and..." He fiddles with the cold Ben & Jerry's in his hand. "It's got chocolate and some peanut butter and... it's too much for me to eat. Well... not really, but I don't wanna make myself sick and if nobody shares it with me, then I'll end up just downing the whole thing."
Kip waits, biting his lip. "And it's getting really cold... and freezing my fingers. And that would be bad 'cause if I lost any of my fingers it would be really hard to play my bass after that."
Waiting a few more moments, he speaks again, a little softer. "I got two spoons... if... if you wanna share..."
It was Scott's second encounter with Justin the next day. He found himself not minding the new company. Justin seemed to be non-intrusive, never seeming to invade Scott's private space nor talk about things unless Scott wanted to. It felt good to have someone at least seeming to not be trying to fix him or be worried about him. If Justin was simply doing his job, he was very good at it, but Scott sensed it was more than that. Justin had some deep layers himself, and to Scott, he was genuine. He may have been called in for this job, but his attitude and outlook was real. And that was why Scott didn't mind spending his time with him instead of Dr. Hawks.
Crack! The baseball goes flying across the clearing, sailing into the trees on the far end. Scott lets the baseball bat hang as he watches to see where the ball ends up.
"Wooee." Justin grins and picks up another ball out of his bucket. "You play baseball in college or something?"
Scott gives a little scoff and repositions himself. "You kidding me? I've been the nerd ever since elementary school. I couldn't have made the team if I'd been paid to."
Strike. The bat cuts through the air, the ball landing back behind Scott.
Justin rolls another ball in his hand before lining himself up with Scott again. "You got some aim though."
Crack! Another ball flies. Scott shrugs. "Two out of three. I guess it's alright."
"If you didn't learn in school, where'd you learn to aim?"
"My job." Scott concentrates on the next incoming ball as their voices remain at a loud tone so they could hear each other.
"I thought you were a tech guy?"
"I was. They put me through the basics though. I learned to hit targets." Another ball is shot into oblivion. Scott's heartrate has picked up and he's starting to breathe more heavily. Just this little exercise was hard after not having been active for so long. "Wasn't enough though," he mutters.
Justin had heard him, but asks anyway. "What's that?"
"I said it wasn't enough," Scott answers more clearly. "I wouldn't be here if I'd had more training."
Justin throws another ball. "And how's that? You woulda fought off the orderlies?"
Scott can't help a little smirk at the joke before he gets another strike. "No, I woulda never gotten caught by the Agency."
"The Agency, huh?"
"Don't pretend like you don't know," Scott counters. "You wouldn't be here if you hadn't been given my files."
A smile spreads on Justin's face and he lets another ball fly. "You said yesterday not to beat around the bush. I should have remembered."
Scott nods with satisfaction. "Thank you." Crack!
"Well... I never knew anybody who could fight with a bomb," Justin comments, tracing a line in the ground with his toe before taking a pitching stance again.
"I coulda run faster."
"To where?"
Scott's eyes narrow as he focuses on the next ball. There had been no way out of that house. And even if he'd been faster, he might not have lost his eye, but he still would have been picked up by the Agency on the other side of the tunnel. "I coulda been smarter and gotten the doors unlocked so I could get out."
Justin had done his homework. "It would have taken you too long to go back to the computer and hack back into the system."
"So if I'd been faster - "
"You would have gotten blown up in the office instead of escaping."
"I coulda been wiser and never gone in there in the first place."
"Which friend would you have chosen to take your place?" Justin aims he final ball too far to the right.
Scott's bat slices the air, the ball way too far out of his range to even nick. He looks questioningly at Justin, who had, up until now, thrown perfect pitches.
Justin takes off his glove and picks up his bucket. The strike had been entirely because of his bad pitch."Sometimes... it just isn't our fault." He gestures to the treeline. "Lets go find us some baseballs."
Scott rests his bat on the ground, watching Justin walk away for a moment. "Sometimes it just isn't our fault." There had been nothing he could do about missing that ball. What about the bomb? Sighing, he leaves the bat where it is, and heads after Justin, tired, but willing to try and collect the balls.
Letting his eyes drop, he moves out of the way so Karla can go inside. Trudging to the porch steps, he flops down to lean his elbows on his knees and put his head in his hands. What had he done wrong? He wasn't even sure, yet he still felt guilty. What was he supposed to do now?
"...Kip?"
His head shoots up as he feels Twila's hand on his shoulder. "Huh?"
She chuckles, not having meant to startle him. "We got lemonade - figured you woulda come in by now."
"Oh."
Twila cocks her head at his dismal tone, and eases down next to him. She'd seen Karla walk through to get some lemonade just a few minutes ago and had noticed her offish demeanor, even if she hadn't said anything. Was this related? "Something wrong?"
"I dunno. Yeah... maybe." Kip shrugs. "Guess I messed up... again."
"What happened?"
Kip really didn't want to explain, but he did need help figuring this out, and Twila was good at that sort of thing. "Whitney came by." He looks at her pleadingly. "Don't tell Erik."
Twila purses her lips, knowing full well the trouble he'd gotten into before. But there was such desperation in his eyes that she finally relents. "Okay. But what happened?"
"Well, she... she kissed me and... I kissed her back."
"I see. And?"
"And Karla saw it."
"Ah." Now Twila was starting to understand. "Was she... upset?"
"I guess so. I mean... I'm not sure why."
Seeing he was utterly clueless, Twila takes it slow. "Well... are you two more than friends?"
"I don't know. I mean... I kinda maybe kissed her the other day." He gives Twila a sidelong glance. "It wasn't anything big though. We were just celebrating and.. and... and it just sorta happened."
"Aw, Kip." Twila looks at him with sympathy, even though she was gently chiding. "And you didn't really mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"Your affection?"
Kip could feel the heat in his face again. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. "Well, I... I... I did... I think?" He swallows hard. "I like her and... we're close and..." He stops and looks at Twila's waiting expression. "Yeah... yeah, I guess I meant it. It would take a blind man not to see Karla's special. I... I do like her, ya know?"
"Mm-hmm." Twila wasn't going to say that everybody could see that those two had gotten close. They all knew it was only a matter of time before they actually admitted they were a couple. "And you think that little kiss you gave meant nothing to her?"
"Well...well, I don't know. It's not like we talked about it."
Twila bites her lip and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Kip... when you kiss a girl, it means something to her. Trust me on that one. You like each other and even if was just a little kiss, you were still giving her that special attention that's meant just for her." She pauses. "Unless you don't mean it anymore."
"No, no, I do... I... I still like her."
"And you kissed Whitney today."
Now Kip was starting to get it. "So... I prolly really hurt Karla's feelings, huh?"
"Yeah, probably. Put yourself in her shoes. You're her hero, Kip. She thought she was gonna be your special one. And now she just witnessed that it wasn't true."
"But it was. My feelings haven't changed."
"And so you kissed Whitney because..."
"I... didn't tell her no." Kip hangs his head again. "I did mess up, huh?"
"Yeah, I think ya did." Twila gives him a little squeeze. "Quit letting Whitney control you. You know she only wants you around because she can tell you what to do. But Karla... she really cares about you... for the right reasons. Whether you two start having a dating relationship or not, you've been leading up to it, so on a certain level, it feels like you lied."
Kip is quiet for several moments. "What do I do?"
"That's up to you. Just ask yourself what you really want. Then stick to it."
Left alone for a while, Kip sits and thinks, glad that everyone else was inside right now. Finally though, he lets out a long sigh. Dating relationship in the future or not, he had to at least make this right.
Getting up, he wanders into the house and slips down to the kitchen instead of to the sun room where everyone else had congregated. Retrieving what he wanted from the freezer, he glances in on the group, noting that Karla wasn't with them, so he heads upstairs to her room. Finding the door shut, he figures this was where she was.
Knocking softly, he pauses a moment. "Karla?" He swallows hard. "I, um... I got some ice cream here and..." He fiddles with the cold Ben & Jerry's in his hand. "It's got chocolate and some peanut butter and... it's too much for me to eat. Well... not really, but I don't wanna make myself sick and if nobody shares it with me, then I'll end up just downing the whole thing."
Kip waits, biting his lip. "And it's getting really cold... and freezing my fingers. And that would be bad 'cause if I lost any of my fingers it would be really hard to play my bass after that."
Waiting a few more moments, he speaks again, a little softer. "I got two spoons... if... if you wanna share..."
It was Scott's second encounter with Justin the next day. He found himself not minding the new company. Justin seemed to be non-intrusive, never seeming to invade Scott's private space nor talk about things unless Scott wanted to. It felt good to have someone at least seeming to not be trying to fix him or be worried about him. If Justin was simply doing his job, he was very good at it, but Scott sensed it was more than that. Justin had some deep layers himself, and to Scott, he was genuine. He may have been called in for this job, but his attitude and outlook was real. And that was why Scott didn't mind spending his time with him instead of Dr. Hawks.
Crack! The baseball goes flying across the clearing, sailing into the trees on the far end. Scott lets the baseball bat hang as he watches to see where the ball ends up.
"Wooee." Justin grins and picks up another ball out of his bucket. "You play baseball in college or something?"
Scott gives a little scoff and repositions himself. "You kidding me? I've been the nerd ever since elementary school. I couldn't have made the team if I'd been paid to."
Strike. The bat cuts through the air, the ball landing back behind Scott.
Justin rolls another ball in his hand before lining himself up with Scott again. "You got some aim though."
Crack! Another ball flies. Scott shrugs. "Two out of three. I guess it's alright."
"If you didn't learn in school, where'd you learn to aim?"
"My job." Scott concentrates on the next incoming ball as their voices remain at a loud tone so they could hear each other.
"I thought you were a tech guy?"
"I was. They put me through the basics though. I learned to hit targets." Another ball is shot into oblivion. Scott's heartrate has picked up and he's starting to breathe more heavily. Just this little exercise was hard after not having been active for so long. "Wasn't enough though," he mutters.
Justin had heard him, but asks anyway. "What's that?"
"I said it wasn't enough," Scott answers more clearly. "I wouldn't be here if I'd had more training."
Justin throws another ball. "And how's that? You woulda fought off the orderlies?"
Scott can't help a little smirk at the joke before he gets another strike. "No, I woulda never gotten caught by the Agency."
"The Agency, huh?"
"Don't pretend like you don't know," Scott counters. "You wouldn't be here if you hadn't been given my files."
A smile spreads on Justin's face and he lets another ball fly. "You said yesterday not to beat around the bush. I should have remembered."
Scott nods with satisfaction. "Thank you." Crack!
"Well... I never knew anybody who could fight with a bomb," Justin comments, tracing a line in the ground with his toe before taking a pitching stance again.
"I coulda run faster."
"To where?"
Scott's eyes narrow as he focuses on the next ball. There had been no way out of that house. And even if he'd been faster, he might not have lost his eye, but he still would have been picked up by the Agency on the other side of the tunnel. "I coulda been smarter and gotten the doors unlocked so I could get out."
Justin had done his homework. "It would have taken you too long to go back to the computer and hack back into the system."
"So if I'd been faster - "
"You would have gotten blown up in the office instead of escaping."
"I coulda been wiser and never gone in there in the first place."
"Which friend would you have chosen to take your place?" Justin aims he final ball too far to the right.
Scott's bat slices the air, the ball way too far out of his range to even nick. He looks questioningly at Justin, who had, up until now, thrown perfect pitches.
Justin takes off his glove and picks up his bucket. The strike had been entirely because of his bad pitch."Sometimes... it just isn't our fault." He gestures to the treeline. "Lets go find us some baseballs."
Scott rests his bat on the ground, watching Justin walk away for a moment. "Sometimes it just isn't our fault." There had been nothing he could do about missing that ball. What about the bomb? Sighing, he leaves the bat where it is, and heads after Justin, tired, but willing to try and collect the balls.
Still
Unable to go inside again Karla started to feel a bit frustrated and irritated she just wanted to go inside and try to sort through everything that had been running through her mind. She didn't want keep here trying to make up reasons, and trying to get her to understand when the simple line was, it was not ok, and it hurt. Leaving her feeling worse then when she had first met Kip. Would she be ok? More than likely if Kip would give her some time to sort through everything.
"Just because your leaving it behind tomorrow doesn't mean it was ok to kiss her today and what if you ever come back? Will you be able to say no than ? I can't help I feel hurt even if I did miss think that we were more than friends."
Letting out another sigh she felt redickulace herself. This shouldn't be bothering her so much, and she should be making a big deal out of it but she couldn't help it how she felt was just..how she felt. Letting out another sigh Karla continues to look into Kips eyes.
"Thank you for your explanation, and for you apology. Just give me time to get over being angry and hurt, I can't turn that off in a snap of my fingers and pretend this didn't happen. It doesn't work like that. I have feelings and they can't just be turned off. Now may I please go inside?"
"Just because your leaving it behind tomorrow doesn't mean it was ok to kiss her today and what if you ever come back? Will you be able to say no than ? I can't help I feel hurt even if I did miss think that we were more than friends."
Letting out another sigh she felt redickulace herself. This shouldn't be bothering her so much, and she should be making a big deal out of it but she couldn't help it how she felt was just..how she felt. Letting out another sigh Karla continues to look into Kips eyes.
"Thank you for your explanation, and for you apology. Just give me time to get over being angry and hurt, I can't turn that off in a snap of my fingers and pretend this didn't happen. It doesn't work like that. I have feelings and they can't just be turned off. Now may I please go inside?"
Leaving
Kip doesn't even know how to respond. He hadn't planned on Whitney showing up, or kissing her, or having anyone see them for that matter. It had just... happened. It seemed he'd never been able to say no to her, and today was proof of that. But how lame did that sound? "Oh, well, I didn't want to kiss her, I just couldn't help myself." Yeah, that would be great.
The knot in his stomach seems to tighten, the more he realizes that he'd apparently hurt Karla's feelings. They'd gotten close lately... closer as friends and... he had kissed her the other day. It had been on impulse and it hadn't been anything grand but... but he couldn't deny that his feelings for Karla seemed to be growing beyond just friends. So why then had he just hauled off and kissed Whitney back? It was also obvious that Karla was questioning the same thing.
"Karla wait... please?" He doesn't let her inside just yet, starting to reach for her, but stopping himself, unsure if she would want him touching her or not. The lemonade wasn't important. Straightening this out was, even if he had no clue what to say.
"I'm... I'm sorry." It was a lame apology, but he didn't know what else to do. "There's nothing... really... between Whitney and me. She's just... well, she's..." What was she anyway? Kip could recall several things Erik had called her. "She's the reason Erik was leery about me bringing you here," he admits. "And... and I have trouble... telling her no."
Kip cringes. He was on a stupid roll, that was for sure. No matter what he said, it was all coming out wrong and he felt like a total idiot all the way around. "Can we just... I mean... I... I..."
Sighing in frustration, by now his face was beet red. "I've never sounded so stupid in my entire life." Looking Karla in the eye, his gaze is one of apology. "I'm leaving everything behind tomorrow... including Whitney. I... I don't want to leave you behind too. Please don't let this change anything between us. I'm sorry."
The knot in his stomach seems to tighten, the more he realizes that he'd apparently hurt Karla's feelings. They'd gotten close lately... closer as friends and... he had kissed her the other day. It had been on impulse and it hadn't been anything grand but... but he couldn't deny that his feelings for Karla seemed to be growing beyond just friends. So why then had he just hauled off and kissed Whitney back? It was also obvious that Karla was questioning the same thing.
"Karla wait... please?" He doesn't let her inside just yet, starting to reach for her, but stopping himself, unsure if she would want him touching her or not. The lemonade wasn't important. Straightening this out was, even if he had no clue what to say.
"I'm... I'm sorry." It was a lame apology, but he didn't know what else to do. "There's nothing... really... between Whitney and me. She's just... well, she's..." What was she anyway? Kip could recall several things Erik had called her. "She's the reason Erik was leery about me bringing you here," he admits. "And... and I have trouble... telling her no."
Kip cringes. He was on a stupid roll, that was for sure. No matter what he said, it was all coming out wrong and he felt like a total idiot all the way around. "Can we just... I mean... I... I..."
Sighing in frustration, by now his face was beet red. "I've never sounded so stupid in my entire life." Looking Karla in the eye, his gaze is one of apology. "I'm leaving everything behind tomorrow... including Whitney. I... I don't want to leave you behind too. Please don't let this change anything between us. I'm sorry."
Played
About to walk inside Karla comes to an abrupt stop as Kip slids in front of her. Almost slamming into him she has to take a few steps backwards to catch her balance. Looking up at her she new her own gaze reflected everything she was feeling. Even if she couldn't sort it out it was still there as plane as day and it hurt.
Hearing Kip stumble over his words Karla looks away for a moment letting out a quivered sigh before looking at Kip again. Her voice was soft, and a little shaky from the emotions that were running though her.
"You don't have to explain anything to me Kip. It was my fault for thinking there was something more there with us than what really was."
Karla gives a little shake of her head so many things running through it right now. So many questions, and one of the biggest was should she really be going with Kyle Mitts as there manager? That title it was a special title, ment for someone and right now she didn't feel very special. She felt like a loser bumb who had been played for a fool.
Swallowing hard Karla looks up at Kip once more trying to manage a smile but knowing she pulled it off very lamely.
"There is lemon aid inside from Shirley and Alice wanted to know if you had seen her leather bag."
Finishing her sentience Karla steps to the side a little to see if she could slip past Kip and inside. She really didn't have anything else to say. Who was she to voice how she felt over who Kip kissed? She wasnt his girlfriend so why would it matter?
Hearing Kip stumble over his words Karla looks away for a moment letting out a quivered sigh before looking at Kip again. Her voice was soft, and a little shaky from the emotions that were running though her.
"You don't have to explain anything to me Kip. It was my fault for thinking there was something more there with us than what really was."
Karla gives a little shake of her head so many things running through it right now. So many questions, and one of the biggest was should she really be going with Kyle Mitts as there manager? That title it was a special title, ment for someone and right now she didn't feel very special. She felt like a loser bumb who had been played for a fool.
Swallowing hard Karla looks up at Kip once more trying to manage a smile but knowing she pulled it off very lamely.
"There is lemon aid inside from Shirley and Alice wanted to know if you had seen her leather bag."
Finishing her sentience Karla steps to the side a little to see if she could slip past Kip and inside. She really didn't have anything else to say. Who was she to voice how she felt over who Kip kissed? She wasnt his girlfriend so why would it matter?
Please...
Too engrossed in kissing Whitney, Kip doesn't even hear Karla's first call to him. Leaned back against the wall, he seems to melt as Whitney's fingers run through his hair and wrap around the back of his neck. She always did know just how to keep him from saying no.
Suddenly though, Kip's ears catch Karla's voice. Yanked back into reality, his eyes fly open just in time for his peripheral vision to catch her disappearing back around the corner. Pulling away from the kiss, he stares at Whitney for a moment, catching his breath. He moves to walk away, but she holds him in place, her eyes giving him a sly warning glance.
"Come now, Kip. Don't tell me you're embarrassed to be caught by that little girl."
Kip's face grows hotter and he bites his lip. "Let me go, Whitney, c'mon."
"Aw, that's all I get? You're moving out of state, and all I get is one measly kiss?" She tugs at his shirt collar. "Come to my place tonight and you can have more than that."
Kip swallows hard. "I... I can't. I mean... I... I shouldn't... and...."
"And what? You might get punished? You're such a baby." Whitney's finger runs down the side of his face and she flashes him a smile. "You know... you don't have to go at all. You could still get out from under these stuffy fussbuckets, but you don't have to move that far away. You could just come to my place. I won't hold you back with all the silly little rules that keep you from having the fun you really want." She leans in and gives his lips another tantalizing kiss.
Kip gropes the garage wall with his hands, trying to move away again, torn between leaving and enjoying another kiss. "Umm-mm," he tries to say no as she kisses him. "I gotta... I gotta go. It's... I want to."
"And leave me behind?" She pouts again, giving him puppydog eyes.
Kip's eyes fall to the ground. Why couldn't he just tell her no? He'd never been able to. Those eyes... that voice... everything about her just seemed to grab hold and not let go. "I... I'm sorry."
"Prove it." Whitney moves in again.
This time though, Kip ducks out from under her arms and backs away. "I have to go. They're... they're looking for me."
"And you don't want Erik to catch you and slap your wrist." Whitney crosses her arms in irritation. "Fine. But don't expect me to wait around for you, Kip. There's plenty of other fish in the sea, most of which would love to be in your shoes."
Kip was sure she was right. He also knew there was no way she wasn't seeing other guys even now. He opens his mouth to say something, but then clamps it shut again, feeling utterly stupid. His face still red, he turns around and skirts back around the corner of the garage in sight of the house.
Looking around, he searches to see if anyone was back out here or not. He knew Whitney would probably find her way out like she normally did, so he doesn't look back. As his eyes ricochet around the property, they stop dead at the house porch, catching sight of Karla. His stomach lurches with guilt.
Seeing that she was just ready to go inside, he suddenly doesn't want her to. He didn't want Erik to find out Whitney had been here again, let alone anyone else. There were enough mixed feelings toying with him right now that he didn't want to have to deal with a reprimand. Then there was Karla herself. Was there enough between them for her to be upset with him now? Unfortunately, there was only one way to find out, and the sooner the better. Waiting was the more risky of the two options he had.
Sprinting for the porch, Kip makes it to one end and vaults over the railing to land in several strides, sliding to a halt in front of the door. Out of breath, he stares at Karla, seeing now the confusion in her eye and feeling even more guilty than he already had. "Karla, I..."
He stops, feeling stupid again and his shoulders drop. What on earth was he supposed to say now? Did she even really care he'd been kissing Whitney?
"Um... I..." He reaches behind his head to run his fingers through his hair, still studying her gaze and finding more than confusion. There was hurt as well. "Please... don't go inside yet," he asks lamely.
Suddenly though, Kip's ears catch Karla's voice. Yanked back into reality, his eyes fly open just in time for his peripheral vision to catch her disappearing back around the corner. Pulling away from the kiss, he stares at Whitney for a moment, catching his breath. He moves to walk away, but she holds him in place, her eyes giving him a sly warning glance.
"Come now, Kip. Don't tell me you're embarrassed to be caught by that little girl."
Kip's face grows hotter and he bites his lip. "Let me go, Whitney, c'mon."
"Aw, that's all I get? You're moving out of state, and all I get is one measly kiss?" She tugs at his shirt collar. "Come to my place tonight and you can have more than that."
Kip swallows hard. "I... I can't. I mean... I... I shouldn't... and...."
"And what? You might get punished? You're such a baby." Whitney's finger runs down the side of his face and she flashes him a smile. "You know... you don't have to go at all. You could still get out from under these stuffy fussbuckets, but you don't have to move that far away. You could just come to my place. I won't hold you back with all the silly little rules that keep you from having the fun you really want." She leans in and gives his lips another tantalizing kiss.
Kip gropes the garage wall with his hands, trying to move away again, torn between leaving and enjoying another kiss. "Umm-mm," he tries to say no as she kisses him. "I gotta... I gotta go. It's... I want to."
"And leave me behind?" She pouts again, giving him puppydog eyes.
Kip's eyes fall to the ground. Why couldn't he just tell her no? He'd never been able to. Those eyes... that voice... everything about her just seemed to grab hold and not let go. "I... I'm sorry."
"Prove it." Whitney moves in again.
This time though, Kip ducks out from under her arms and backs away. "I have to go. They're... they're looking for me."
"And you don't want Erik to catch you and slap your wrist." Whitney crosses her arms in irritation. "Fine. But don't expect me to wait around for you, Kip. There's plenty of other fish in the sea, most of which would love to be in your shoes."
Kip was sure she was right. He also knew there was no way she wasn't seeing other guys even now. He opens his mouth to say something, but then clamps it shut again, feeling utterly stupid. His face still red, he turns around and skirts back around the corner of the garage in sight of the house.
Looking around, he searches to see if anyone was back out here or not. He knew Whitney would probably find her way out like she normally did, so he doesn't look back. As his eyes ricochet around the property, they stop dead at the house porch, catching sight of Karla. His stomach lurches with guilt.
Seeing that she was just ready to go inside, he suddenly doesn't want her to. He didn't want Erik to find out Whitney had been here again, let alone anyone else. There were enough mixed feelings toying with him right now that he didn't want to have to deal with a reprimand. Then there was Karla herself. Was there enough between them for her to be upset with him now? Unfortunately, there was only one way to find out, and the sooner the better. Waiting was the more risky of the two options he had.
Sprinting for the porch, Kip makes it to one end and vaults over the railing to land in several strides, sliding to a halt in front of the door. Out of breath, he stares at Karla, seeing now the confusion in her eye and feeling even more guilty than he already had. "Karla, I..."
He stops, feeling stupid again and his shoulders drop. What on earth was he supposed to say now? Did she even really care he'd been kissing Whitney?
"Um... I..." He reaches behind his head to run his fingers through his hair, still studying her gaze and finding more than confusion. There was hurt as well. "Please... don't go inside yet," he asks lamely.
5/1/10
Betrayed
The day had been busy and everyone was running on excitement and adrenaline though one would wonder how since the laughter that rang into the early morning signled they got very little sleep. It was just to exciting to go to bed.
Much like Kyle Alice had her own reason beside the band for going back. It was home, a home they had left so long ago it almost felt like years and now...now in God's time, they were going back. Heading back inside with Kyle again Alice slips her hand into his giving a smile.
Heading back inside again Karla makes her way to the kitchen once again. Shirley had told her that in a little while she would have fresh lemon aid for the gang to drink. Her last tribute to them since she wouldn't actually get to see them again for a while.
As promised the lemon aid was waiting and Karla's smile grew a little. Shirley was so nice to them she sure was going to miss her. Carrying the tray carfuly into the other room Karla sets its down on the table for every.
"Drinks are served complementary of Shirley herself."
Sitting down on the one end of the couch Karla looks around for Kip. Not seeing him she figured he headed to the bathroom or something before coming in here with everyone else.
Watching Karla and seeing she was looking for Kip Alice gives a smile. Karla and Kip were so cute together. They didn't say and maybe they didn't know it but almost everyone could see the silent looks they gave each other.
"Hey Karla could you as Kip if he packed the brown leather bag with my journalist stuff? It's not in my room, or in my jeep, not sure if maybe he packed it or saw it in one of the other cars. I think I last saw him outside still."
Setting her drink down Karla gives a smile and a small nod saying she would ask Karla stands. She talked but not nearly as much as she did to Kip, not that she didn't like the others it was just her.
Heading to the door and out Karla stands on the porch and scans the area.
"Kip!"
Not seeing him she turns to go back inside only to see him disappear around the side of the building not having any idea someone else was with him. The smile of her face grew a little thinking maybe he was hiding on purpose just to make her coming looking for him. Stepping off the porch and shaking her head Karla makes her way to the other side of the garage her voice raising a little so he could hear her but a joking tone in it non the less and being alone she was a little bolder than normal being comfortable with him..
"Kip, I am not going to chase you all day unless I get a kiss, but first Alice wants to know if..."
Karla's voice trails off as she turns the corner and sees Kip and a woman she didn't know in a rather passionate embrace there lips both locked. In an instint Karla could feel what felt like her heart going into her throat as a horrable feeling came over her. It was hard to explain, anger, jealoucy, or maybe it was the feeling of being hurt almost like being betrayed that seemed to be the strongest out of them all. Kip didn't belong to her he could kiss who he wanted but...something had happened the day he kissed her and Karla though it meant something...now...now it was nothing. Nothing special...just a kiss.
Not saying anything else Karla turns and goes back to the front of the house her face hung just a little bit more than normal as she made her way up the porch. She was going on this trip for herself and for Kip. But...did he really need her? Was it a good idea to go? Was she just a place holder for a kiss till this other chick came around. Karla didn't know if she believed any of the questions she had but she couldn't help thinking them anyways.
Much like Kyle Alice had her own reason beside the band for going back. It was home, a home they had left so long ago it almost felt like years and now...now in God's time, they were going back. Heading back inside with Kyle again Alice slips her hand into his giving a smile.
Heading back inside again Karla makes her way to the kitchen once again. Shirley had told her that in a little while she would have fresh lemon aid for the gang to drink. Her last tribute to them since she wouldn't actually get to see them again for a while.
As promised the lemon aid was waiting and Karla's smile grew a little. Shirley was so nice to them she sure was going to miss her. Carrying the tray carfuly into the other room Karla sets its down on the table for every.
"Drinks are served complementary of Shirley herself."
Sitting down on the one end of the couch Karla looks around for Kip. Not seeing him she figured he headed to the bathroom or something before coming in here with everyone else.
Watching Karla and seeing she was looking for Kip Alice gives a smile. Karla and Kip were so cute together. They didn't say and maybe they didn't know it but almost everyone could see the silent looks they gave each other.
"Hey Karla could you as Kip if he packed the brown leather bag with my journalist stuff? It's not in my room, or in my jeep, not sure if maybe he packed it or saw it in one of the other cars. I think I last saw him outside still."
Setting her drink down Karla gives a smile and a small nod saying she would ask Karla stands. She talked but not nearly as much as she did to Kip, not that she didn't like the others it was just her.
Heading to the door and out Karla stands on the porch and scans the area.
"Kip!"
Not seeing him she turns to go back inside only to see him disappear around the side of the building not having any idea someone else was with him. The smile of her face grew a little thinking maybe he was hiding on purpose just to make her coming looking for him. Stepping off the porch and shaking her head Karla makes her way to the other side of the garage her voice raising a little so he could hear her but a joking tone in it non the less and being alone she was a little bolder than normal being comfortable with him..
"Kip, I am not going to chase you all day unless I get a kiss, but first Alice wants to know if..."
Karla's voice trails off as she turns the corner and sees Kip and a woman she didn't know in a rather passionate embrace there lips both locked. In an instint Karla could feel what felt like her heart going into her throat as a horrable feeling came over her. It was hard to explain, anger, jealoucy, or maybe it was the feeling of being hurt almost like being betrayed that seemed to be the strongest out of them all. Kip didn't belong to her he could kiss who he wanted but...something had happened the day he kissed her and Karla though it meant something...now...now it was nothing. Nothing special...just a kiss.
Not saying anything else Karla turns and goes back to the front of the house her face hung just a little bit more than normal as she made her way up the porch. She was going on this trip for herself and for Kip. But...did he really need her? Was it a good idea to go? Was she just a place holder for a kiss till this other chick came around. Karla didn't know if she believed any of the questions she had but she couldn't help thinking them anyways.
Without saying goodbye?
Eli cocks his head at Scarlet, a small smile on his face. She was so confident... but she found security in being with him. There was a reason she needed that, but he wouldn't ask. For now, he would just enjoy the fact that she liked being with him. She may have taken the initiative to start this whole thing, but she was letting him lead and it felt good.
His smile spreads as he stands up and offers her his hand. "Well then. Let's go have a silent conversation. The wind awaits our company."
Back on the bike again, Eli is true to his word and takes them way out of the way, not heading straight back to Scarlet's apartment. Driving clear to the edge of town, he hits a back road and speeds up, racing towards the horizon. It was adrenaline. It was fun. It was freedom.
"So what do you hate most about this place?" Justin tosses the baseball to Scott from a short distance away.
Scott catches it and looks to him skeptically before throwing the ball back. "That's starting out on a negative note, don't you think? Most people would tell me to look at the good, not the bad."
"It isn't about good or bad," Justin corrects. "It's about your opinion."
"What do you care?"
"Smalltalk, man... just smalltalk."
Scott catches the ball again and fingers it a moment before throwing it once more. "I hate most things about it. I hate my small room, I hate the wakeup hours, I hate being told when and what to eat, I hate the counseling sessions and I hate unwanted visitors."
Justin's glove cradles the baseball as he backs up a couple steps, giving them a little more distance. "Which of those do you hate the most?"
Scott shrugs. "Do I have to rank them?"
"No."
"I probably hate the counseling sessions the most. Wouldn't anyone?"
"Oh, I don't know. Me, I think I'd hate the small room more. I need wide open spaces." Justin grins and throws the ball. "'Course, I don't like anyone digging around in my head either, so that would be a close second."
"I figure if I got something I wanna say, I'll say it in my own time," Scott retorts. "I don't like anybody trying to get me to talk before I want to."
"Why not?"
"Well, it's not exactly fun."
"More because it doesn't feel good inside, or because someone is trying to control you?"
Scott catches the ball and just stares at Justin for a few moments. "What's your angle?"
Justin holds up his hands. "No angle."
Scott isn't so sure, but he continues playing catch. "Both. But I'm getting pretty tired of the battle for control."
"Yeah... once control has been ripped from your hands, no one likes letting it go again. Shows determination. Guts. I'd be the same way."
"Would you?"
Justin gives a little scoff. "You kidding? I had my whole carrier torn from my grasp. After that, I decided I wasn't gonna let anybody tell me what to do again. I'm my own man with my own path to choose. No one else can do it for me, and I'm not gonna let them."
Scott pauses and cocks his head. They were now far enough apart that they had to speak louder, and it was more work to throw and catch the ball. "Don't people still try anyway though?"
"Oh, sure." Justin shrugs. "I've learned to take their advice with a smile, digest it, then decide if I wanna take it or not. If not, I simply go my own way. If I do, then I still know it's my own choice. they just had a good suggestion and it was me who decided to do it, not them. Even if I do what they say, I'm still the one in control of my situation."
Scott hadn't thought of it that way before. "What about when your hand is forced? What about when someone takes control whether you like it or not and there's nothing you can do about it?"
Justin twirls the baseball before letting it sail again. "I usually get mad. Right or wrong, it's my natural response like anybody. But eventually, I gotta let it go. If I stay mad, what's the point? Being mad at them just lets then win, right? If someone wants to hurt me and I walk around all the time miserable, haven't they won?"
The baseball lands in Scott's glove with a thick slapping sound. "Didn't they win by taking control in the first place?"
"No one can ever take this." Justin pats his chest over his heart. "No one can ever steal your heart and soul unless you let them. It's not the circumstances that matter - it's our reactions to them."
Scott's mind had taken many twists and turns during this short conversation, and irritation was building again. Justin's words were hitting a little close to home, especially since he had no idea how he'd gotten pulled into this topic in the first place. He hated talking about these things - how had Justin so easily drawn him in? Tightening his grip around the ball, he throws it with more force than needed.
Justin has to be quick, raising his glove in front of his face to stop the speeding ball. The hit is hard enough that he is knocked a step or two backward before looking around to Scott, his eyebrows lifted. "You gonna throw like that, I better back up a little more," he teases. And he does.
Eventually, they're far enough apart that Scott has to put all his strength into his throws just so Justin can catch the ball, and conversation is dropped to avoid shouting. A while later, Scott is worn out and has to call it quits, even though Justin could go all day.
Handing the glove back to Justin, Scott eyes him suspiciously. "Who are you, really?"
"I'm a friend." Justin repeats what he'd said earlier. "See you here tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"I'll bring a bat and we can see how far you can hit."
"Why?"
"Because... I enjoy it? And it gets you out of the office. Two bird with one stone." Justin cocks his head. "You're too smart to think I'm not here to try and help you. But I'll let you choose. Outdoors with me, or indoors with Dr. Hawks."
"What if I want to choose to walk out of here?"
Justin shrugs. "Then that's your choice. Remember, you're the one that's in control. I'm just here to offer an alternative. You don't want it, then I walk away."
"It's that simple."
"Yep."
Scott's gaze narrows and bites his lower lip. Even if Justin was just another person who was sticking their nose into his business, it was better than the sessions with Hawks. "Alright. As long as I don't have to sit in there anymore, it's a deal."
"Good." A smile spreads on Justin's face and he offers to shake hands again. "See you tomorrow then." Turning, he walks down the path towards the parking lot again, aiming for his car.
Scott watches him go, curious. No going inside first? No reporting to someone else before he left? Justin was right - Scott was too smart to think he wasn't here because it was business. Justin had admitted he'd been called here by Hawks. But... Scott had to admit... it wasn't all that bad.
Sighing deeply, he glances down to the bloodstain on the knee of his jeans. Starting back towards the housing, he puts his hands back into his pockets. He was exhausted after the game of catch and his arm was already a little sore from throwing. A nap sounded good.
"Backpacks."
"Check."
"Sleeping bags."
"Check."
"Instruments."
"Double check."
"Brains."
"Never!" Kyle pops up from Alic's jeep, hearing the list checking between Erik and Twila. "If we had brains, we wouldn't be doing this, now would we?"
It seemed the laughter hadn't stopped for two days. The whole band was excited and antsy to get on the road. They were going to have to figure out where they'd stay once they got to Nevada, but they could feel the blessing on this trip and no one was apprehensive. There was too much excitement to be worried about the unknowns. Kyle was the most confident though, knowing the territory into which they were going. It was his stomping ground... his home.
Kip loads another box into the trailer that would be pulled behind Theo's pickup. Things had gotten a little crazy, but there was no time to stop and worry. This was one adventure he wouldn't miss. In and out of the house, boxes, bags and more... it was loading day and they would be pulling out early the next morning.
A lull in activity finds Kip alone outside for just a few moments, but it was enough time to suddenly feel a pull to the back of his shirt. Spinning around, his eyebrows rise, seeing Whitney. "What are you doing here?"
"Aw." Her lower lip pouts. "That's the only greeting I get? And you were going to leave town without saying goodbye?" Whitney's hands crawl up Kips arms until they're resting on his shoulders.
Kip's face reddens slightly. "You know if anybody sees you, they'll kick you out."
"Well then... we better not let that happen." Whitney takes his hand and drags him away from the vehicles, around to the side of the garage. Pushing him up against the wall, she embraces him in a passionate kiss.
Kip murmurs a resistant surprise, but after a few moments, he finds his arms around her, returning the kiss.
His smile spreads as he stands up and offers her his hand. "Well then. Let's go have a silent conversation. The wind awaits our company."
Back on the bike again, Eli is true to his word and takes them way out of the way, not heading straight back to Scarlet's apartment. Driving clear to the edge of town, he hits a back road and speeds up, racing towards the horizon. It was adrenaline. It was fun. It was freedom.
"So what do you hate most about this place?" Justin tosses the baseball to Scott from a short distance away.
Scott catches it and looks to him skeptically before throwing the ball back. "That's starting out on a negative note, don't you think? Most people would tell me to look at the good, not the bad."
"It isn't about good or bad," Justin corrects. "It's about your opinion."
"What do you care?"
"Smalltalk, man... just smalltalk."
Scott catches the ball again and fingers it a moment before throwing it once more. "I hate most things about it. I hate my small room, I hate the wakeup hours, I hate being told when and what to eat, I hate the counseling sessions and I hate unwanted visitors."
Justin's glove cradles the baseball as he backs up a couple steps, giving them a little more distance. "Which of those do you hate the most?"
Scott shrugs. "Do I have to rank them?"
"No."
"I probably hate the counseling sessions the most. Wouldn't anyone?"
"Oh, I don't know. Me, I think I'd hate the small room more. I need wide open spaces." Justin grins and throws the ball. "'Course, I don't like anyone digging around in my head either, so that would be a close second."
"I figure if I got something I wanna say, I'll say it in my own time," Scott retorts. "I don't like anybody trying to get me to talk before I want to."
"Why not?"
"Well, it's not exactly fun."
"More because it doesn't feel good inside, or because someone is trying to control you?"
Scott catches the ball and just stares at Justin for a few moments. "What's your angle?"
Justin holds up his hands. "No angle."
Scott isn't so sure, but he continues playing catch. "Both. But I'm getting pretty tired of the battle for control."
"Yeah... once control has been ripped from your hands, no one likes letting it go again. Shows determination. Guts. I'd be the same way."
"Would you?"
Justin gives a little scoff. "You kidding? I had my whole carrier torn from my grasp. After that, I decided I wasn't gonna let anybody tell me what to do again. I'm my own man with my own path to choose. No one else can do it for me, and I'm not gonna let them."
Scott pauses and cocks his head. They were now far enough apart that they had to speak louder, and it was more work to throw and catch the ball. "Don't people still try anyway though?"
"Oh, sure." Justin shrugs. "I've learned to take their advice with a smile, digest it, then decide if I wanna take it or not. If not, I simply go my own way. If I do, then I still know it's my own choice. they just had a good suggestion and it was me who decided to do it, not them. Even if I do what they say, I'm still the one in control of my situation."
Scott hadn't thought of it that way before. "What about when your hand is forced? What about when someone takes control whether you like it or not and there's nothing you can do about it?"
Justin twirls the baseball before letting it sail again. "I usually get mad. Right or wrong, it's my natural response like anybody. But eventually, I gotta let it go. If I stay mad, what's the point? Being mad at them just lets then win, right? If someone wants to hurt me and I walk around all the time miserable, haven't they won?"
The baseball lands in Scott's glove with a thick slapping sound. "Didn't they win by taking control in the first place?"
"No one can ever take this." Justin pats his chest over his heart. "No one can ever steal your heart and soul unless you let them. It's not the circumstances that matter - it's our reactions to them."
Scott's mind had taken many twists and turns during this short conversation, and irritation was building again. Justin's words were hitting a little close to home, especially since he had no idea how he'd gotten pulled into this topic in the first place. He hated talking about these things - how had Justin so easily drawn him in? Tightening his grip around the ball, he throws it with more force than needed.
Justin has to be quick, raising his glove in front of his face to stop the speeding ball. The hit is hard enough that he is knocked a step or two backward before looking around to Scott, his eyebrows lifted. "You gonna throw like that, I better back up a little more," he teases. And he does.
Eventually, they're far enough apart that Scott has to put all his strength into his throws just so Justin can catch the ball, and conversation is dropped to avoid shouting. A while later, Scott is worn out and has to call it quits, even though Justin could go all day.
Handing the glove back to Justin, Scott eyes him suspiciously. "Who are you, really?"
"I'm a friend." Justin repeats what he'd said earlier. "See you here tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"I'll bring a bat and we can see how far you can hit."
"Why?"
"Because... I enjoy it? And it gets you out of the office. Two bird with one stone." Justin cocks his head. "You're too smart to think I'm not here to try and help you. But I'll let you choose. Outdoors with me, or indoors with Dr. Hawks."
"What if I want to choose to walk out of here?"
Justin shrugs. "Then that's your choice. Remember, you're the one that's in control. I'm just here to offer an alternative. You don't want it, then I walk away."
"It's that simple."
"Yep."
Scott's gaze narrows and bites his lower lip. Even if Justin was just another person who was sticking their nose into his business, it was better than the sessions with Hawks. "Alright. As long as I don't have to sit in there anymore, it's a deal."
"Good." A smile spreads on Justin's face and he offers to shake hands again. "See you tomorrow then." Turning, he walks down the path towards the parking lot again, aiming for his car.
Scott watches him go, curious. No going inside first? No reporting to someone else before he left? Justin was right - Scott was too smart to think he wasn't here because it was business. Justin had admitted he'd been called here by Hawks. But... Scott had to admit... it wasn't all that bad.
Sighing deeply, he glances down to the bloodstain on the knee of his jeans. Starting back towards the housing, he puts his hands back into his pockets. He was exhausted after the game of catch and his arm was already a little sore from throwing. A nap sounded good.
"Backpacks."
"Check."
"Sleeping bags."
"Check."
"Instruments."
"Double check."
"Brains."
"Never!" Kyle pops up from Alic's jeep, hearing the list checking between Erik and Twila. "If we had brains, we wouldn't be doing this, now would we?"
It seemed the laughter hadn't stopped for two days. The whole band was excited and antsy to get on the road. They were going to have to figure out where they'd stay once they got to Nevada, but they could feel the blessing on this trip and no one was apprehensive. There was too much excitement to be worried about the unknowns. Kyle was the most confident though, knowing the territory into which they were going. It was his stomping ground... his home.
Kip loads another box into the trailer that would be pulled behind Theo's pickup. Things had gotten a little crazy, but there was no time to stop and worry. This was one adventure he wouldn't miss. In and out of the house, boxes, bags and more... it was loading day and they would be pulling out early the next morning.
A lull in activity finds Kip alone outside for just a few moments, but it was enough time to suddenly feel a pull to the back of his shirt. Spinning around, his eyebrows rise, seeing Whitney. "What are you doing here?"
"Aw." Her lower lip pouts. "That's the only greeting I get? And you were going to leave town without saying goodbye?" Whitney's hands crawl up Kips arms until they're resting on his shoulders.
Kip's face reddens slightly. "You know if anybody sees you, they'll kick you out."
"Well then... we better not let that happen." Whitney takes his hand and drags him away from the vehicles, around to the side of the garage. Pushing him up against the wall, she embraces him in a passionate kiss.
Kip murmurs a resistant surprise, but after a few moments, he finds his arms around her, returning the kiss.
Book
"Ha, I think your right. It would probably be silly and pointless to not kiss for another three days after we worked so hard on the first date non kissing."
Taking the last bit of the savory salad Scarlet sets her fork down on the tray. The lunch had been good and she felt content and very happy that Eli had been set back on her bike so they could of shared this meal together.
Hearing her options on what to do next Scarlet sits back in the chair giving a little stretch. She enjoyed talking with Eli but getting to ride the bike with him her arms warped around his wast..she liked that even better.
"Mmm....I think I'd choose the long ride every time, and not because I don't like talking to you, because I do but...just sitting behind you knowing your incontrole and wont let anything happen...the wind and just enjoying the ride...it kinds of speaks to you without words I guess."
Giving a grin to Eli Scarlet had no idea if would understand what she was trying to say or not. She wasn't even sure if she understood. It sounded good in her head but after saying it, it just...didn't sound right anymore. Oh well she had tryed and maybe, just maybe Eli new what she was saying.
Grabbing her the book from her purse she had started reading while she been coming to the hospitle Hope puts off going to Dr. Thomas for now. She'd be going but she was going to hold off for a little bit maybe an hour or so. Her head hurt, and her eyes hurt, and everything felt so heavy. She just needed to relax and maybe some reading would help with that.
Slowly walking over to the large window that over looked the yard the sun shone in, so warm from the glass. Sitting down on the sill and making herself comfortable Hope glances out. Seeing Scott and a man she didn't know her interest was peaked. Scott seemed ok and if he was playing catch than...that was a good thing...right?
Continuing to watch him for a few long moment Hope rests her head on the glass as she lets out a sigh. She hadnt wanted things to end up like this, she hadn't tried to walk all over Scott. Had she...really?
Finaling breaking her gaze from watching Scott Hope turns her eyes to her book starting to read the words on the page though her vision became a little blurry. She just wanted to read a little and get lost in the book.
Taking the last bit of the savory salad Scarlet sets her fork down on the tray. The lunch had been good and she felt content and very happy that Eli had been set back on her bike so they could of shared this meal together.
Hearing her options on what to do next Scarlet sits back in the chair giving a little stretch. She enjoyed talking with Eli but getting to ride the bike with him her arms warped around his wast..she liked that even better.
"Mmm....I think I'd choose the long ride every time, and not because I don't like talking to you, because I do but...just sitting behind you knowing your incontrole and wont let anything happen...the wind and just enjoying the ride...it kinds of speaks to you without words I guess."
Giving a grin to Eli Scarlet had no idea if would understand what she was trying to say or not. She wasn't even sure if she understood. It sounded good in her head but after saying it, it just...didn't sound right anymore. Oh well she had tryed and maybe, just maybe Eli new what she was saying.
Grabbing her the book from her purse she had started reading while she been coming to the hospitle Hope puts off going to Dr. Thomas for now. She'd be going but she was going to hold off for a little bit maybe an hour or so. Her head hurt, and her eyes hurt, and everything felt so heavy. She just needed to relax and maybe some reading would help with that.
Slowly walking over to the large window that over looked the yard the sun shone in, so warm from the glass. Sitting down on the sill and making herself comfortable Hope glances out. Seeing Scott and a man she didn't know her interest was peaked. Scott seemed ok and if he was playing catch than...that was a good thing...right?
Continuing to watch him for a few long moment Hope rests her head on the glass as she lets out a sigh. She hadnt wanted things to end up like this, she hadn't tried to walk all over Scott. Had she...really?
Finaling breaking her gaze from watching Scott Hope turns her eyes to her book starting to read the words on the page though her vision became a little blurry. She just wanted to read a little and get lost in the book.
4/30/10
Ball
Eli licks some sauce off his fork and laughs at Scarlet's question. "Mmm... naw, I don't think the kiss has to wait. I think we've already demolished that route, don't you think?"
Still grinning, he finishes off his food, satisfied with the good meal. Drinking the rest of his tea, he glances at his watch. "We got time to sit here for a while, or... if we leave now, we can have an extra long ride back to your place."
He knew without having talked about it that Scarlet enjoyed the longer rides, which was why he had already taken a long route this morning.
With Hope's final statement, all Scott can do is watch her walk away. A deeper frustration boiled inside of him than he'd ever felt before. He was mad at her, mad at himself and mad at the Agency. Nothing was right anymore. Everything was upside down. Nothing made sense and the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be fading a little more each day.
Scott's eyes follow Hope until she's disappeared inside the building. His stomach revolted, threatening to throw up what little he'd had to eat today. Turning around, he trudges up the walking path with absolutely no destination in mind. Was this it? Was it over between them? Was this the second love he'd lost?
Hot, angry tears build behind his eyes and his vision is blurred as he walks. Continuing to trudge on anyway, he doesn't see the raised crack in the pavement. It's just high enough that his foot catches it and without warning, he's sprawled on the concrete slab.
Not uttering a sound, he rolls over to sit up, a sharp pain running through his knee. Looking down, he sees that he's torn his jeans and a bit of blood is soaking through. Immediately, images from that dark cell come rushing through his mind... Being thrown into the wall, scraping his knees on that harsh stone floor and having nothing to stop the bleeding or the pain.
Clenching his eyes shut tightly, he rocks, murmuring to himself and trying to stop the memories from overtaking him.
"Hey, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself? Can I help?"
The male voice breaks into Scott's thoughts. He's so stuck in a world of chaos though that he doesn't realize right away that it's a man offering help, not an Agency foe trying to hurt him further. "No!" Scott lashes out with his arm, sweeping the man's legs right out from under him.
The man gives a short cry but can do nothing but let gravity take over as he lands beside Scott on the ground.
The incident is enough to bring Scott's mind back into focus and he looks quickly to what he'd just done. "I'm... I'm sorry. You just... you startled me."
"I see that." The man rubs his elbow gingerly, but he grins a little. "Next time I'll shout from a distance, okay?"
Scott gives a little scoff. "At least you're willing to keep away."
The man quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't miss a beat. Instead of backing off, he offers his hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Justin."
Scott isn't so sure about him, and really is in no mood for small talk, but he accepts the handshake anyway. "Scott."
"You hurt?"
"Naw... just a scratch I think."
"They really ought to get after this sidewalk. I doubt you're the first person to fall." Justin gets to his feet then offers Scott a hand up.
Scott stands a little wobbly and brushes himself off, feeling stupid. Who was this guy anyway? He wasn't an orderly or a doctor - he wasn't wearing any uniform or name tag, just dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. "Visiting someone?"
"In a manner of speaking." Justin cocks his head. "I came to see you, actually."
Scott bristles, his face paling slightly. Was this Agency? A trick of Austin's? He backs up a step. "W...why?"
"It's okay," Justin assures calmly. "Dr. Hawks asked me to come."
"What for?"
"You kidding me?" Justin lifts his eyebrows. "Don't tell me you actually enjoy sitting in his stuffy office and going through a bunch of routine questions."
"No..." Scott is still hesitant. "What does that have to do with you?"
"Lets just say that maybe Dr. Hawks figured you could use fresh air more than an office."
"And that's why you're here. Fresh air." Scott's frustration was quickly returning. "If you're here for me, let's get one thing straight - I don't like beating around the bush."
Justin grins. "Fair enough. I'm just here as a friend, Scott. I'm here to get you physically active so you can clear your mind and fight this thing with more than frustration and anger."
"Great. Another person who wants to fix me. Forget it."
"Hey, I don't want to fix you," Justin defends. "You gotta do that yourself. All I wanna do is show you that there's more here than that little bedroom and that stuffy office. I was told that you got an awful lot inside that head of yours, and that a little bit of physical activity might just do the trick. So come on... at least humor me, huh?"
Scott rolls his eyes. "I go for walks. It's enough."
"What? Fifteen minutes once a day? When was the last time you went for a run? Played frisbee?"
"Look, I think it's stupid. Running around wearing myself out won't do anything but make me more tired than I am already."
"Then at least prove it to me." Justin walks a few steps to the nearby bench where he'd left a baseball and two baseball gloves. Picking them up, he hands one glove to Scott. There was a nice grassy area just around the bend in the path. "Give me three days. If you still think it's stupid, I won't come back. Deal?"
Scott looks at the glove, finally taking it grudgingly. Maybe it would be good to get his mind off everything for a while, even if it felt a bit silly. He wanted to stop thinking about his problems and stop thinking about Hope. And at least Justin would leave after three days if he wanted him to. That was more than he was getting from anybody else - respect. "Fine. But don't get too fancy with the ball. I still have trouble with depth perception every once in a while on account of my eye."
"No sweat. Come on."
Still grinning, he finishes off his food, satisfied with the good meal. Drinking the rest of his tea, he glances at his watch. "We got time to sit here for a while, or... if we leave now, we can have an extra long ride back to your place."
He knew without having talked about it that Scarlet enjoyed the longer rides, which was why he had already taken a long route this morning.
With Hope's final statement, all Scott can do is watch her walk away. A deeper frustration boiled inside of him than he'd ever felt before. He was mad at her, mad at himself and mad at the Agency. Nothing was right anymore. Everything was upside down. Nothing made sense and the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be fading a little more each day.
Scott's eyes follow Hope until she's disappeared inside the building. His stomach revolted, threatening to throw up what little he'd had to eat today. Turning around, he trudges up the walking path with absolutely no destination in mind. Was this it? Was it over between them? Was this the second love he'd lost?
Hot, angry tears build behind his eyes and his vision is blurred as he walks. Continuing to trudge on anyway, he doesn't see the raised crack in the pavement. It's just high enough that his foot catches it and without warning, he's sprawled on the concrete slab.
Not uttering a sound, he rolls over to sit up, a sharp pain running through his knee. Looking down, he sees that he's torn his jeans and a bit of blood is soaking through. Immediately, images from that dark cell come rushing through his mind... Being thrown into the wall, scraping his knees on that harsh stone floor and having nothing to stop the bleeding or the pain.
Clenching his eyes shut tightly, he rocks, murmuring to himself and trying to stop the memories from overtaking him.
"Hey, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself? Can I help?"
The male voice breaks into Scott's thoughts. He's so stuck in a world of chaos though that he doesn't realize right away that it's a man offering help, not an Agency foe trying to hurt him further. "No!" Scott lashes out with his arm, sweeping the man's legs right out from under him.
The man gives a short cry but can do nothing but let gravity take over as he lands beside Scott on the ground.
The incident is enough to bring Scott's mind back into focus and he looks quickly to what he'd just done. "I'm... I'm sorry. You just... you startled me."
"I see that." The man rubs his elbow gingerly, but he grins a little. "Next time I'll shout from a distance, okay?"
Scott gives a little scoff. "At least you're willing to keep away."
The man quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't miss a beat. Instead of backing off, he offers his hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Justin."
Scott isn't so sure about him, and really is in no mood for small talk, but he accepts the handshake anyway. "Scott."
"You hurt?"
"Naw... just a scratch I think."
"They really ought to get after this sidewalk. I doubt you're the first person to fall." Justin gets to his feet then offers Scott a hand up.
Scott stands a little wobbly and brushes himself off, feeling stupid. Who was this guy anyway? He wasn't an orderly or a doctor - he wasn't wearing any uniform or name tag, just dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. "Visiting someone?"
"In a manner of speaking." Justin cocks his head. "I came to see you, actually."
Scott bristles, his face paling slightly. Was this Agency? A trick of Austin's? He backs up a step. "W...why?"
"It's okay," Justin assures calmly. "Dr. Hawks asked me to come."
"What for?"
"You kidding me?" Justin lifts his eyebrows. "Don't tell me you actually enjoy sitting in his stuffy office and going through a bunch of routine questions."
"No..." Scott is still hesitant. "What does that have to do with you?"
"Lets just say that maybe Dr. Hawks figured you could use fresh air more than an office."
"And that's why you're here. Fresh air." Scott's frustration was quickly returning. "If you're here for me, let's get one thing straight - I don't like beating around the bush."
Justin grins. "Fair enough. I'm just here as a friend, Scott. I'm here to get you physically active so you can clear your mind and fight this thing with more than frustration and anger."
"Great. Another person who wants to fix me. Forget it."
"Hey, I don't want to fix you," Justin defends. "You gotta do that yourself. All I wanna do is show you that there's more here than that little bedroom and that stuffy office. I was told that you got an awful lot inside that head of yours, and that a little bit of physical activity might just do the trick. So come on... at least humor me, huh?"
Scott rolls his eyes. "I go for walks. It's enough."
"What? Fifteen minutes once a day? When was the last time you went for a run? Played frisbee?"
"Look, I think it's stupid. Running around wearing myself out won't do anything but make me more tired than I am already."
"Then at least prove it to me." Justin walks a few steps to the nearby bench where he'd left a baseball and two baseball gloves. Picking them up, he hands one glove to Scott. There was a nice grassy area just around the bend in the path. "Give me three days. If you still think it's stupid, I won't come back. Deal?"
Scott looks at the glove, finally taking it grudgingly. Maybe it would be good to get his mind off everything for a while, even if it felt a bit silly. He wanted to stop thinking about his problems and stop thinking about Hope. And at least Justin would leave after three days if he wanted him to. That was more than he was getting from anybody else - respect. "Fine. But don't get too fancy with the ball. I still have trouble with depth perception every once in a while on account of my eye."
"No sweat. Come on."
:( :(
Stopping Hope looks over her shoulder at Scott. Her face held no smile now, her her eyes looked tired still laced with so many emotions. Giving a shake as she got a cold shiver Hope closes her eyes for a moment another tear rolls down her cheeked. There was nothing else she could do.
"I wont bother you again. I'm sorry."
Putting her hands in her jacket pocket tilting her head to the ground Hope's head hung in surrender. What else could she do but make Scott even more upset if she tried to fight it and that wasn't good for him.
Picking up her pause again Hope lets out a sigh and started to head inside again. She felt like crap, and she hurt all over only not realizing it. Not walking all that fast she destination was set She'd see Dr. Thomas today but what she would talk about Hope didn't even know. So many things ran through her head, and so many feelings where to start she didn't know, but she would go anyways for today.
"I wont bother you again. I'm sorry."
Putting her hands in her jacket pocket tilting her head to the ground Hope's head hung in surrender. What else could she do but make Scott even more upset if she tried to fight it and that wasn't good for him.
Picking up her pause again Hope lets out a sigh and started to head inside again. She felt like crap, and she hurt all over only not realizing it. Not walking all that fast she destination was set She'd see Dr. Thomas today but what she would talk about Hope didn't even know. So many things ran through her head, and so many feelings where to start she didn't know, but she would go anyways for today.
Now who's
Listening to Hope, Scott can feel frustration adding on top of everything else. There were things he wanted to say... things he wanted to respond to. There were words he wanted to yell at her to make her understand what he was feeling. He lets her finish talking though, only to have her walk away, heading inside.
Spinning on his heel, his eyes narrow. "Now who's the selfish one?" he hisses. "If you coming here is all for you, then be my guest, but leave me out of it from now on. If you can't even honor my one request, then so be it."
His jaw sets stubbornly, his hands clenching into fists inside his pockets. "You blame yourself for not doing enough? You know good and well that's not true. It's me and the Agency, not you, and I'll be hanged if I let myself believe that you're carrying that guilt around because I messed up again."
Pausing, he waits to see her eyes again. "If this is the way 'one of my best' relationships goes, then I don't have much to look forward to in a future. Stop trying to fix me and just let... me... be."
Spinning on his heel, his eyes narrow. "Now who's the selfish one?" he hisses. "If you coming here is all for you, then be my guest, but leave me out of it from now on. If you can't even honor my one request, then so be it."
His jaw sets stubbornly, his hands clenching into fists inside his pockets. "You blame yourself for not doing enough? You know good and well that's not true. It's me and the Agency, not you, and I'll be hanged if I let myself believe that you're carrying that guilt around because I messed up again."
Pausing, he waits to see her eyes again. "If this is the way 'one of my best' relationships goes, then I don't have much to look forward to in a future. Stop trying to fix me and just let... me... be."
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