Gmm fvv

Gage pauses at the sink in the bathroom as he hears his door being opened. He recognizes it as someone with a key though, so he doesn't worry.

Then hearing Sapphire's voice, he grins. Still brushing his teeth, he wanders from the bathroom, his toothbrush sticking out of his mouth. His hair was still wet from his shower, and he had yet to pull a clean shirt from the laundry to go with the only pair of jeans he had without holes in them.

"Hi." Though his eyes were still a bit tired looking, at least he was alert now, quite a contrast from earlier in the day.

Trying not to swallow his mouthful of toothpaste he holds up his hand. "Gmm fvv," he mumbles. Then laughing at himself, he leans over the kitchen sink to spit and rinse. "Gimme five minutes," he repeats more clearly.

Looking over his shoulder at Sapphire, he grins. "Unless you can't wait that long. But I don't think I should go out like this."


Chance remains close to Destiny while his mind tries not to dwell on her words about him. He wanted her to like him, and he wanted her to dislike him. His mind hated him for it.

Searching her face again, he takes his cup of tea and nods a little. "It'll take however long it takes. And I'll be there..." His voice seems to soften again. "...whether there's a security risk or not."

Taking a sip of tea, he lets the hot liquid slide down his throat and he closes his eyes for a moment before huffing a little sigh and looking back at Destiny. "You're right. It doesn't fix a thing. Sure tastes good though."

How long

Sapphire gives a little chuckle as she nods even though no one could see her. Her work was done here and she didn't get off for another half hour, but this might give her some time to go home and clean up too.

"Fourty five minutes would be prefect. While you at it think where you want to eat. It can be someplace fast, or someplace we can sit and enjoy it ether way with me tonight is ok."

Finishing the phone conversation Sapphire closes down the rest of her stuff and puts away what needed to be before checking with Reese to make sure it was ok to leave early. Getting the ok Sapphire heads for home to shower and get ready.

About a half hour late Sapphire new she was a little early but maybe Gage was ready. Getting out of the car and heading up to his apartment she unlocks the door before entering.

"Gage it's me, I know I am a little early but I got ready faster than expected. Guess I was in a hurry to see you."

Seeing the look in Chance's eye Destiny continues to stair as she lowers her head a little bit but keeps eye contact. Searching, looking, trying to understand what the look she saw was about. Though as quick as it came it was gone again and Destiny was only left with a grin on her lips.

"I'd rather say I choose to be with you, not I'm stuck with you."

Feeling Chance's hand brush her arm she takes note to the light touch he had. His hands were soft, and his touch light. It felt nice on her skin even if it was on mistake.

"No it doesn't fix everything but we can pretend it does if."

Giving a half smile Destiny turns and takes the cups from the microwave placing them on the counter and putting the tea bags in. Than adding just a little sugar and a little milk she lets out a small sigh before turning half way to Chance again.

"Not tomorrow but the day after is my parents funeral. Not doing a showing or anything so we wont worry about monitoring the people coming in and out for that, than..that will be that. Go to the church, than the graveyard. I'm not sure how long it will take."

Stuck

"No... I mean yes." Gage finally manages to get to his feet, his clothes all matted and wrinkled. "Yeah, we'll go to supper. I can't forfeit our time just because I got a job. Everybody else does it, I better be able to, too."

Wandering to the kitchen as he talks, he pokes his head in the refrigerator but finds it void of the lemonade he wanted. Oh well.

"So.... you wanna pick me up? I should be able to get showered and changed and whatever else in about forty-five minutes. 'Course, I don't know when you get off work so.... whatever you want."


Chance looks back and forth between Destiny's eyes, his expression the same, though there was a far off look in his eye... almost as if he were searching for something just out of reach. Something missing in his life. A piece of the puzzle that had yet to be found and put in place. But he blinks and it's gone.

Still looking in her own eyes though, the left corner of his mouth pulls up to give him the same crooked grin he always wore. "Kinda sucks getting used to a job then getting tossed somewhere else too. It's not so bad though, huh?" He chuckles. "And don't worry... Toby likes getting on my nerves. Knowing him, he'll keep me here just for spite, so... you're probably stuck with me for a while."

The microwave beeps and he continues to study her eyes before sliding an arm back beside her to open the microwave, his arm brushing up against hers. "Tea fixes everything, right?"

Man of action

Destiny give a little laugh at the mention to making good tea. She new it wasn't her, but she couldn't help the way she felt anyways it was just something that happened. Taking the cup from the cupboard and puts some water in both glass before putting the cups into the microwave.

"Yeah, I know I know thats why I said I hope Reese is finding a replacement for ya. Kind sucks getting use to someone and than being tossed to someone else. Just part of the territory I guess, wont last forever."

Reaching for the peach tea for herself and the normal English tea for Chance Destiny sets the bags on the counter before turning and coming face to face with Chance. Looking away she gives a small smirk before looking back at Chance into his eyes.

"Your more of a get in the middle of the action kind of guy...can't blame you for that. It is pretty boring here."

Feeling her phone vibrate in her pocket Sapphire stops what she was working on and answers it. Hearing Gage's voice Sapphire smiles as she cradles the phone between her cheek and shoulder going back to what she was doing while she talked.

"Hey there handsome. Yeah I was there around lunch and we decided to do dinner since u were so tired. Did you still want to do that or would you rather wait? Its up to you babe, I know u have to work tonight again."

Finished with what she was doing and shutting her computer off finished for the day. If Gage said he was to tired for dinner Sapphire would understand but she was leaving it up to him.

Good tea

Spinning around from the window, Chance's eyes widen just a little, realizing that Destiny had heard his call. He would have been a bit peeved, had he not known that it was his own fault the call had not been completely private.

His mouth hangs open for a moment, not sure how to respond, and then he's offered tea. "Um... yeah... sure."

Sighing, he wanders to the kitchen behind Destiny, watching her for a moment as she prepares the tea. "Look, Destiny..." Coming up closer at her back, he looks over her shoulder, his voice lowering. "I didn't... I didn't mean I was unhappy with you. This just... isn't my thing. It isn't you though. I mean, at least you're smart and not out getting yourself into trouble. You're making my job pretty easy. Not to mention... you make good tea."


Five o'clock. Gage opens his eyes and blinks, smacking his dry lips. He felt like he'd been run over by a truck. Yawning, he looks at the clock and rubs a hand over his face. He should probably get up. Get something done before he had to leave again tonight and-

Wait... hadn't there been something else?

Frowning at his own mind's fogginess, he fumbles around for his phone and eventually dials Sapphire, still trying to wake up. "Hey, babe, um..." His voice was still hoarse from just waking up, but he had to talk to her before he accidentally forgot anything. "Were you... were you here earlier? Something about supper?"

Sorry

Giving a smile and shaking her head a little Sapphire new Gage had to be tired after his first day of work and for that she was not upset. Dinner was just as good as lunch and she wouldn't have to run back to work afterward. So in a way it would be a little nice.

"Dinner is good. I don't mind that at all."

Leaning down and giving Gage a kiss on the for head Sapphire rests her head aganst his for a moment before taking the blanket at his feet and pulling it over him. Standing again Sapphire smiles before turning and heading out of the apartment. Locking the door behind she makes her way to the car. She'd be back about six.

Leaving her bedroom and coming down the hall Destiny was about to enter the living room where she new Chance was when she stops at the corner still hidden from view hearing Chance's voice. She wasn't meaning to be nosy only didn't want to interrupt him.

Just leaning against the wall Destiny can't help but feel strange by some of Chance's words. They almost stung a little even if she wasn't sure why. He felt like he was baby sitting her? She'd tried to stay out of his way, maybe it was just simply being here. Somewhere inside it hurt that Chance wanted to get away as soon as he could. Another person who came into her life, and taken away.

Continuing to just stand where we was Destiny waits for his next conversation to end. Peeking around the corner she watches as Chance moves to the window. Finally coming around her stands there for a moment before speaking.

"I'm sorry you have to babysit me. Maybe Reese will find a replacement soon and than u wont have to worry about it. I'm going to make some tea would you like some too?"

Turning she heads to the others room taking a short pause before entering the kitchen waiting for his answer. She new he loved his tea so it was only nice to ask him too.

Gamble

Gage is so deeply in sleep that he doesn't even hear Sapphire come into his apartment. Feeling his shoulder shake a little, and then hearing her voice, he pries himself from his foggy state enough to open one eye.

Looking up at her groggily, he tries to open his other eye too but it's a little slower. "Mmm...." What had she just asked? Oh, lunch. Supper. It was noon. "Sorry," he mumbles. "I just... passed out." He knew he was in no shape to go to lunch with her. He was grimy, smelled like sweat and was too sleepy to be much good for anything.

"Um... supper... mm-hmm." He nods a little as his eyes fall shut again. "I survived work," he mentions, though it was mumbled into his pillow. "Supper... I'll be up by then... I promise."


"Few days down... who knows how many to go." Chance leans back in the desk chair, putting his hands back behind his head as he surveys the camera monitors. His headset was serving as his phone for the moment, while he was alone in the living room. He'd seen Destiny head to her room, so he figured it was a good time to get in touch with Toby along with his other contact.

"Nah... it's not so bad. I'm sure you're glad to have me out of your hair."He rolls his eyes. "Hmm? Oh, yeah, everything's under control." He swivels a little, keeping himself awake as he talks. "What, you kidding me? First sign of Reese getting a replacement, I'm out of here. First couple days are alright but no... would not want to do this full time."

He stops swiveling an listens. "Well you tell Rob he cannot have that office space because I'm coming back.... Look, I'm the one over here stuck being the babysitter. Tell him to keep his paws off that Mangle's case because I'm still working on it! Don't- ....just-" Chance groans and straightens up in his chair. "Alright, fine."

Movement on a monitor catches his attention and he leans forward to study it. It wast just a cat. "What? Oh, no, she's fine. Not a pansy like I expected. Tough chick. Feel sorry for her. Funeral's coming up as soon as they'll release the bodies after the investigation. I'd just as soon give her a new location and identity but Reese doesn't want to do it that way." He reaches for his glass of iced tea that was now lukewarm. "If you talk to him though, just see what his plans are, will you? He won't tell me and I want to know if he's looking for a replacement. ...Yeah, okay. I'll be in touch."

Taking off the headset, Chance gives another little groan and rubs his hands over his eyes. Checking the time, he then picks up his cellphone and dials. "Mr. A. Whatcha got for me today?" Leaning towards the laptop beside the other equipment, he brings up his email. "Boy, you're pushing it." His tone had changed to one of someone wheeling and dealing. "What's the gamble?" He thinks for a moment. "Odds are too steep. Make it three thousand and we'll go another round. Fine. Don't call me again until you hear from me." Hanging up, he shuts down his email too and stands, stretching tall. Everything else was quiet. Wandering to the front bay window in the living room, he watches the sleepy street, thinking of the pool back home.

instead

Sitting in the parking lot for fifteen minutes maybe more Sapphire started to get a little worried. Gage has said the night before they would go for lunch and he would be waiting for her when she got out of work. But now there was no sigh of him moving out of the apartment after telling her he would meet her outside.

Knowing she really shouldn't worry Sapphire gets out of her car before making her way up the short steps. Getting to his front door She fishs for the key from her purse before entering the house.

Looking around Sapphire see Gage passed out of the mattress. Going over to him she slowly kneels down next to him. Giving a smile seeing him still in his work clothing and how deep of a sleep he was in Sapphire gives a small shake of her head before gently shaking Gage a little.

"Gage, its me. It's noon, I know your tired though want to meet for dinner instead so you can get some sleep?

Sore

Having Beth turn down lunch for a second time, Justin's lips curl just enough to show a wry grin. Strike two.

"Alright... well thanks anyway. I owe you." Opening the door, he pauses as Beth speaks again. Looking back over to her, he chuckles. "Yeah, well... you never know when I might show up. Besides... this isn't really work."

Sliding out of the car, he bends down for a moment, almost as if wanting to say more than he really does. "Take care, Beth. I'll be seeing ya."


Phil smiles a little as he sees Rayne starting to fall back to sleep. "You have a good night too," he replies quietly.

Standing up, he looks down at her for another moment or two before finally exiting the room.


For Gage, the morning didn't come fast enough. He'd thought the roadside service had been tough - that was nothing compared to a night at the lumber mill. Not only was he the newbie, but the work was heavier than he was used to. Without having done anything for so long, it was difficult for him to get back in the groove.

After eleven hours, the walk home felt like a hundred miles instead of just one. But the time he reaches his apartment, his feet are dragging. He was hot, sweaty and totally exhausted. He was supposed to have lunch with Sapphire today so he could tell her about his first night at work, but it would be a miracle if he was even awake.

Kicking off his shoes, he trudges into the living room and flops down on his mattress, still sweaty, still in his work clothes. Every muscle in his body ached. Just turning his head hurt. A hot shower would probably do him good, but it hurt too much to move to even think about going and starting the water.

His eyes start to drift closed. Turning onto his side, he groans. Was he even going to get used to this work? He was still glad to have a job, but new doubts were arising.

Yawning, he closes his eyes and let his head sink into his pillow. Half an hour... that's all... just half an hour. Unfortunately, he didn't set any alarms, and half an hour turns into several hours, bringing him to lunchtime, at which point, he still hadn't moved.

Smile

Giving a smile and a short chuckle at Phil's comment about the nurse Rayne gives a small nod. The nurses here were nice but the pretty much stuck to the rules. Not to mention she was feeling a little tired again as the pain meds were starting to take over once more.

"Yeah, they probably would start coming in and complaining soon. We don't want that."

Leaning her head back and letting it sink into the pillow Rayne looks over to see Phil again still. Somewhere inside even though she was tired it was odd but she felt a little sad to see him go. Hearing his last words though about meeting the other band members she new it was time.

"I'll deffintly look you up next time I come to a concert. Thank you again Phil. It was great meeting you...have a good night."

Turning her head back again Rayne closes her eyes again the sleep taking over. Though a smile was still on her lips. A bad situation was turned into a good one after all. God was good indeed!

Once inside with Justin again Beth seemed to ease up a little bit. Most of the nerves seemed to go away, and she was able to relax a little. Spending some time talking with Justin really had helped too. Knowing just a little bit more about his life was nice.

Finally Justin was able to go home and Beth had no problem driving him just happy he would be ok. Helping him back to the car Beth takes it slow knowing he was still a little uneasy on his feet.

It takes no time getting back to his truck almost feeling shorter going back than it had been coming. The ride was pretty quiet but Beth didn't mind she was use to the silence and it didn't frighten her.

Pulling into the parking lot and pulling up next Justin's truck Beth parks the car. Sitting there for a moment and thinking about Justin's question Beth didn't know. She'd spend the day with Justin in the hospital and it had been nice but Beth didn't feel right going to lunch with him.

"Oh, thank you for the offer Justin its very nice of you but it was no trouble at all you don't have to repay me. I was thinking since I was here again anyways I'd go in and see Sarah again. It would probably be nice for her to see me again in one day."

Drumming her fingers on the staring wheel for a moment before turning to Justin to look him in the eyes for a long moment.

"It's gonna be strange not seeing you here tomorrow, but you need to take care of yourself."

A week?

In the few moments that Rayne speaks, Phil feels quite the contrast of emotions. Hearing that her life had been changed quite possibly because of JetStream was a stark reminder of how the small band had the power, through God, to touch lives they might never even know about. To have Rayne say the things she did now was a blessing, and one that made Phil grateful he had come to see her. He treasured her words and made a mental note to tell the others later so they could experience the blessing as well. JetStream was still worth the work.

Then hearing about Rayne's family, Phil's emotions plummet to sympathy and almost sorrow. He and his siblings had been raised in such a loving family that would never disown them, that it was hard for him to fathom parents who wouldn't even care about their daughter anymore. Rayne seemed to have such a sweet spirit about her - how could someone turn their back on that? It wasn't right, and Phil felt badly that it seemed she really did have no one else who would visit her, let alone help her back on her feet after this accident.

He wanted to say he was sorry about her family, but he holds back. Rayne would probably rather move on than dwell on that subject. So instead, he smiles again. "You're welcome."

Cocking his head, he just watches her for a few moments in silence before speaking again. "The nurse will probably come looking for me if I don't let you rest some more. I'm glad you're going to be okay, Rayne." Was this goodbye? It seemed almost sad, even though their meeting had been so brief. But while brief, the evening had been imprinted on their minds forever, and it was hard to simply walk away from something like that.

"Next time you come see a concert, come on backstage and I'll introduce you to the others."


"Nah... I'm not really the one Scott's mad at." Justin leans his head back and closes his eyes again. "Besides, he didn't mean for me to hit my head. A split lip was as bad as his intentions were... he doesn't have a violent nature."

Falling silent, Justin knew he shouldn't have even said that much. Beth not only knew Scott's name, but now knew more about him and Justin could get into trouble for telling her just that much. He figured he could trust her though, so he had no worry.

Arriving at the hospital, Justin was going to resist the wheelchair, but he opts not to argue as he realizes how unsteady on his feet he still was. Getting to the door though with Beth stopping, he looks up at her, squinting a little. He might have been a bit out of it, but he was still lucid enough to see the fear flash in her eyes and hear the discomfort in her voice. Justin's questions about her background rose again, but he doesn't voice them. Instead, he simply nods.

"Yeah, I'm fine. See you inside." Watching her walk away, he's just about ready to get on his own feet when an orderly comes out to help him inside. Resistance really was futile, so he remains seated and begins the agonizing explanations, waiting, more explanations, testing and more waiting. It felt a bit strange having Beth there with him. But she did help pass the time during the waiting periods. Justin winds up filling some of the time with small talk. He could still see discomfort in her eyes, and while trying to concentrate on his own state, he found himself also trying to make her feel more at ease. He tells her of his dogs, about some of his odd jobs and about his mother who had made the sandwiches from the other day.

Meds help his nausea and his headache, and it's confirmed that he did receive a concussion. The doctor theorizes that he must have just hit his head the right way to cause that much damage from such a short fall, though he was confident that rest and a few meds would have Justin back up and running.

"A week?" Justin sits on the table, wincing as he's given a shot. "I can't not work for a week."

The doctor sighs. "That is my recommendation. I can't force you. But any extra movement or heavy work could just prove to worsen your condition. I want you to fill this prescription - it will help with the pain and it will keep down any swelling."

Justin shrugs lamely. "Yeah, alright." He was already feeling better from whatever it was they'd given him. It seemed silly to have to be off work more than a day or two. "Thanks."

Finally being released, Justin hated it that so much time had passed. He'd had things he needed to do today that were now gone down the drain. Walking slowly to Beth's car, he's careful, but not as wobbly as when they'd come. Grateful for a ride back to Brookshire, he slides back into the passenger seat once again.

Glancing over to Beth, he wishes he could show his gratitude somehow. "So.... since I don't have any chicken salad sandwiches on me today... would you at least let me buy you a late lunch for taking all this time out of your day?"

Common

Rayne doesn't take her eyes from Phil as he enters the room and sits down. Giving a chuckle at his comment about the band Rayne moves her head a little as in giving a small nod.

"I've been almost all of your concerts. Listing to your songs, and listing to you guys talk about God it was one of the reasons I recently became a Christan."

Taking in a deep breath Rayne looks away from Phil for a moment as she winces in a little pain but recovers quickly before looking back at him. Thinking about his offer for a moment Rayne new there were people he could call but she didn't know if any of them would really care.

"No, I don't think so. It would be very expensive for you to make a wasted call. I doubt my parents would come from Kamchatka to make sure I was ok, or even care to be honest. They weren't to happy when I decided to move to the US. They pretty much disowned me. Thank you though its very kind of you to ask."

It was very kind of Phil to ask about calling and she did appreciate it. Just having someone sitting there was nice, and chatting with him felt nice too. Rayne wasn't sure why she felt so comfortable with Phil maybe it was because they sheared a common faith.

Getting into the car and heading out of the parking lot Beth found it a bit strange to have someone riding with her. It had been a long time since another person had been in the passenger side with her let alone ever.

Hearing Justin's comment though about not being sure if he was grateful or not makes her smirk just a little and shake her head.

"Nothing to be embarrassed about and your welcome, I had nothing else going on today really."

Continuing to drive Beth falls silent again listen to Justin continue to talk. Hearing what he had to say she understood a little better why he didn't want to see anyone there. Keep Scott from getting into trouble was pretty noble of him.

"Thats nice of you not to get Scott in trouble, just watch out I guess. If he did this who knows what would happen if he really got mad ya know? As for them checking your brain and not letting you out....that is a possibility."

Not taking to long to get to the hospital Beth pulls up to the front door of the emergency room and is happy to see a wheel chair sitting on the outside by the doors. Getting the car in park Beth hopes out and goes to grab the chair before coming back to Justin's side.

Getting him situated in the chair Beth starts to push him twords the door. Before going inside Beth hesitates for a moment. She hadnt been inside a hospitle like this in a long time. Just eyeing the doors for a long moment. Looking down at Justin she trys to smile.

"I...I think I need to move my car. Can you make it the rest of the way inside? Once I park...I'll come...in to wait with you."

Just like me

Justin really isn't sure about this whole thing, and his ind seemed to be just a tad lethargic on top of it. Watching Beth walk away, he makes no move to follow until she's come back for him. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to lean on her just a little as his dizziness persists. Not to mention, it didn't look like he had much of a choice in this matter.

Hearing her reprimand, Justin's eyebrows shoot up. "Holy crap, you sound just like me." He smirks a little. "You don't leave much for argument, do you?"

Arriving to her car, he eases down into the passenger seat, managing to at least buckle himself in. As they start forward, he leans his head back and closes his eyes - the only way it seemed he could get a handle on his dizziness and not be so nauseous.

"Sorry about this," he mentions. "I'm not sure whether to be more grateful or embarrassed, but I think I'm both."

Glancing out the corner of his eye, he studies Beth for a moment as she drives. "I didn't want someone at Brookshire to treat me because I don't want them to put any more restraints on my client. It would only make things worse, but they wouldn't understand. So to help him, I can't have a report written up." He pauses, managing a wry grin. "And I figure if they get a look at my brain, they might want to keep me."


Seeing Rayne turn her head and hearing her words, a soft smile appears on Phil's face. He didn't feel like a hero, but being called one had a warm feeling attached to it. Her accent surprises him, but he finds it rather nice to listen to.

Sensing it was allowable for him to enter, Phil moves into the room slowly, easing down into the chair that was a couple feet from the bed. A light chuckle surfaces as she mentions JetStream. "I'm impressed. Most people have never heard of us, let alone recognize us." He nods to confirm that yes, she was right. "My name is Phil... Phil Mitts. They tell me your name is Rayne." He smiles again. "They also tell me you're going to be all right. Is there... anybody I can call to tell them you're here?" He knew the hospital would have already looked into that, but sometimes things like that got delayed and he didn't want that to happen if she had a family who might be worried about her. Her comment though, about having one visitor, made him wonder if perhaps she did not have anybody who would come.

Not a question

Crossing her arms over her stomach as Dr. Hawks and Justin talk Beth's eyes going back and forth between them as they talked. She felt sick herself knowing something was wrong with Justin was the serous and yes he would not see anyone about it. But staying off to the side Beth says nothing as it wasn't her place.

Hearing Dr. Hawks question Beth gives a small nod of her head. She has nothing else to do till about later tonight when she went to work anyways.

"Yeah thats no problem. Come on Justin, I'll drive ya."

Starting to walk twords her car Beth stops turning to look at Justin again. Raising an eyebrow she shakes her head a little. Coming back over to him she throws his arm over her shoulder as she trys to help him walk stably.

"It wasn't a question I'm taking you and if you don't come than I wont ever talk to you again. I don't like associating with people who know they need help and wont get it."

Beth new her voice was maybe a little more rough than normal but its how she felt. Since her parents died she didn't take kindly to people who needed medical help but refused to get it when the outcome of that action was death.

Slowly opening her eyes Rayne could feel someone watching her though she doesn't look twords the door right away. Letting her eyes get use to the dimly lit room she still felt groggy and like she had been run over by a truck.

Finally moving her head slowly to the side twords the door her eyes catch Phil. She didn't know who he was but she remembered his face as he pulled her from her car. He has saved her life, and that was something she would be thankful for always.

Giving a little smile to Phil Rayne's voice was soft, but loud enough he could hear her as he stood by the door. A Russian accent accompany her words as she spoke.

"My hero, thank you for taking the time to stop and get me out of the car, and for coming to make sure I was ok. It's nice to know I got at least one visitor."

Rayne's eyes weren't sad with her comment only tired from everything she had been though along with the twinkle that she really was thankful Phil had saved her. It was a good feeling to know that there were still come people out there willing to help others.

"Mmm...I guess...that explains why your singing voice is so good too. Your from Jetstream...aren't you?"

Maybe he'll listen

Rayne. Phil kind of thought that fit the delicate face he'd seen. And it sounded like she would be okay. That was a relief. "Thank you." He knew the nurse wasn't supposed to have given him that much information, so he appreciated it all the more. Her comment about his brother makes him chuckle. It had been a long time since Kyle had been around here, but he'd left quite the impression... seemed he did wherever he went.

"Don't worry... I think Kyle got all of the hyperactive genes in the family." Clipping the visitor badge to his shirt, he nods. "I won't be long."

Heading down the hall, he finds his way to the room the nurse had indicated. The door was halfway open so he enters just partway, seeing that Rayne's eyes were closed. She appeared to be sleeping and he didn't want to disturb her. Hooking his thumbs in his jeans pockets, he leans on the door frame and just watches her for several minutes. The night was over, and it had turned out alright, but he knew he might experience a nightmare or two tonight. Now that his adrenaline was settled down, his mind began to process just how serious the roadside situation had been. What if the car had exploded before he'd gotten the girl out? What if he'd been helping her as it had? She could have died. They both could have died. But God had been watching over them. That brought a nice little slice of peace and comfort.

Phil lets his head rest against the door frame as he studies Rayne's quiet breathing. He wondered if she had anybody else to come see her. Family? A husband? Friends? At least she was safe now. His job was done.

But for some reason, he lingers just a few moments more.


Dr. Hawks looks up quickly as Beth enters his office, having just been ready to respond and surprised she had come without him beckoning. He knew who she was though, and was not upset, especially when hearing why she had come.

"Oh, my." Standing in a hurry, he follows her out of the office. "He said he hit his head on a bench?" That in itself confused him, but it would be better just to see Justin himself. Who knew what had happened.

Arriving in the parking lot, Dr. Hawks recognizes Justin's pickup and immediately goes to him. "Justin.... you all right?"

"Yeah, sure." Justin cringes a little, his face twice as pale as it had been just five minutes prior.

Dr. Hawks glances to Beth, then back to Justin skeptically. "You don't look it."

"You wouldn't look so hot if you'd just thrown up either."

Dr. Hawks' worry increased and he steps closer, looking at Justin's eyes. "What are your other symptoms?"

"I dunno... I got a killer headache and I'm kinda dizzy."

"Beth said you hit a bench."

"Mm-hmm."

Dr. Hawks points to his lip. "Did the bench do that too?"

Justin grits his teeth. He would not turn Scott in. "Could be."

"Justin, if Scott-"

"I'm handling it."

Dr. Hawks sighs. "Well at the very least, I'd say Beth is right. I think you've got a concussion. In which case, I want you to come with me right now and see Doctor Brentwood."

"No way. All I want..." Justin stops, putting an arm around himself as his gut twists again. Stumbling around the side of his pickup, he throws up again, his head feeling as if it had just gotten whacked with a sledgehammer.

Dr. Hawks goes to him, guiding him back to the tailgate. "You need medical help, Justin. Please. As your uncle, I'm asking you to come inside."

Justin didn't want to. Not only did he not trust Brentwood, but if treated here, it would come out that this was Scott's fault, and he did not want that. "No."

Dr. Hawks throws up his hands. "I give up. I'm calling an ambulance then and have you taken to the hospital."

"Nuh-uh. I'll drive myself. I'll be fine."

Dr. Hawks, looks over to Beth, apology in his eyes. "I'm sorry... would you be willing to drive him to the hospital? Maybe he'll listen to you more than me."

Handle

Looking up from the desk at Phil the nurse gives him a sweet smile. She'd seen Phil in here before and new the charity work he and the band did for the hospital. So in a way the woman didn't mind doing a favor for him this once.

"Good to see you again Phil. The woman brought in's name is Rayne Sidorov. She is stable right now though will be held here for a few days so we can observe her. The accident was bad, and she is lucky she's not dead. God certainly had his hands wrapped around her."

Looking down at Rayne's chart for a moment the nurse thinks. She new she could get in trouble but several times they had tried to get a hold some how of Rayne's family but alas had not been able to and on one came to see the girl.

"She's down in room thirty-four A if you'd like to go see her. No one else has come yet. Just try not to upset her, and don't make to much noise like that brother of yours."

The nurse continues to smile sweetly as she hands Phil a badge to hold onto that said visitor. It would keep anyone from asking questions on why he was here, knowing he had already checked in.

Laying quiet in the bed Rayne moved in and out of sleep, the beeps of differnt equipment to monitor her was the only sound. A large graws bandage was placed in the right hand courner of her head hiding the thirteen stitches she had received. Her right eye was black and blue a little more proof to the puzzle that, that side of her face had more than likely taken the brunt of the hit, a cast was on her left arm as well from the elbow down to her fingers, a broken wrist the damage there. More cuts, and bruises were on other random placed on her body but nothing to major.

Watching Justin as he sat up Beth squinted her eyes a little at him. His eyes held a certain gloss to them, and they moved even though he wasn't making them. It was the first sigh that he was dizzier than he let on.

Seeing Justin's legs almost buckle under him Beth steps around to the tailgate and takes a hold of Justin's arm trying to help support him.

"Whoa, whoa...Your ok my foot. Sit back down."

Her voice was stern but it showed how she was concerned for him. The last thing she wanted was him to try and drive, than maybe have something worse happen to him.

"Yes because me telling your I am taking you, is you making me. I don't think it works like that, but suit yourself. I'll go get Dr. Hawks."

Turning from the truck and heading back inside again Beth made her way to Dr. Hawks office and gives a knock on the door before entering. She new it was wrong to just go in but this was bad and something might have been wrong.

"Dr. Hawk's I am sorry to just barge in like this put you have to come outside with me. Justin said he hit his head on a bench, and he's real dizzy. But it was about an hour and a half ago. He might have a concussion or something."

Beth new that maybe she was over reacting a little bit but she couldn't help it. Since everything happened with her own parents she never handled death well or the thought that someone might die from something.

The morgue

Phil feels a little like he's in a daze as he's asked about the accident. He really didn't know a thing, other than he'd seen the car, stopped, pulled the girl out and called for help. When the policeman leaves, he almost feels left out of the loop, now knowing no more than he had when he'd arrived. Who was the girl? What had really happened? Would she be okay?

Sighing, Phil watches the firemen for a few minutes before heading back to his pickup. Back on the road again, the radio is silent this time. Glancing down, he sees he's got blood on his sleeve, and for a moment, he sees the young woman's face again, and her eyes as she'd looked up at him.

Trying to move past the whole thing, he winds up at a gas station to fill up his truck and grab a snack to eat. Having worked later than normal, supper had been nonexistent and his stomach was reminding him that he better eat something. So after getting gas, he pulls to the side of the parking lot and just sits for a short while, eating a somewhat dry sandwich and downing a bottle of pop.

Once finished though, his mind was still wondering about the girl and if she was okay. It was common for him to be found visiting people in hospitals - him, Jen, Mike, and Kyle before as well. Even Jason got in on it now every once in a while through JetStream's continued Sunshine fund, though usually he couldn't get away from work as much as the others. In the end, it resulted in the small group being quite familiar with the local hospital.

Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, Phil looks out to the dark streets. If he wasn't going to be home right away, he should probably call Kyle. Since he was back now, it was only right so no one worried.

It doesn't take long for him to let Kyle know what was going on, and Phil pulls out from the gas station and heads towards the hospital. His mind would rest easier if he could find out the woman was alright.

Once arriving at the hospital, Phil rolls up his sleeves to hide the bloodstains, not wanting to alarm anybody. He was a bit grimy from work, but it would have to do. Entering by way of the visitor entrance, he wanders over to the nurse's station and leans on the counter, waiting for someone free. A polite smile comes to his lips. "Hi... I'm looking for some information about a young woman who was brought in tonight from a car accident - an ambulance picked her up. I... don't even know her name or anything, but I was the one who found her and... I guess I just wanted to find out if she was okay."


Giving a bit of a start, Justin's eyes fly open an he raises his head a little to see Beth. A wry grin appears. "Sorry - didn't mean to look like I was dead. Though I guess it would be easy transportation for anyone taking me to the morgue."

Not having gained much rest or even succeeding in getting the pain and dizziness to subside, he sits up anyway, trying to shrug the whole thing off. No one need worry, least of all someone he hardly knew, and certainly no one should worry enough to take him to a hospital. Though in the back of his mind, he found it humorous that Beth would suggest taking him somewhere other than right here where there were medics on staff. He wondered amusingly if she could read his mind - he wouldn't want to be caught dead going to a medic in a mental facility.

With both legs now dangling off the tailgate, he takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his hair. "Naw, I'm alright. I just bonked it on a bench shortly before I saw you a while ago. I got a hard enough noggin that it would take more than that to put me out of commission."

Sliding off the bed of the truck, he stands up, though he suddenly finds it quite the task just to stand still and not stagger to the side. The world seems to flip one way then the other and his legs don't seem to jive with his brain for a moment, causing him to grab hold of the tailgate again so he doesn't fall over. "Whoa..." Even he had to admit that this just didn't feel right. A concussion was what was going through his mind, but that was the last thing he needed and not be able work for the next few days.

Justin blinks and tries to shake it off, but he couldn't deny any longer that his head really did hurt and if he hadn't received a concussion, it shouldn't be hurting this much after resting as long as he had. "Um..." Glancing to Beth, he really wasn't sure what to do now, and he was a bit embarrassed. "I guess you could go find Dr. Hawks for me. I don't want to make you drive me anywhere. You've got better things to do."


"But I-"

"No!" Reese slaps his papers down on his desk and turns with the same stern look as he stares Alec down. "I don't know how you've been getting out of here under our radar, but it stops now. I can't have you gallivanting around the city at night loose and unmonitored. If Brown found out, he'd have all our badges!"

Alec crosses his arms, his face wearing a scowl. He'd come back to TJY this morning, only to face a grouchy chief. "I was only at the McKade's - you know that!"

"Uh-huh. All night with a woman. Look, your personal life is your own, but I don't leave the door unlocked so you can go satisfy yourself with a woman and-"

"Oh, get off it," Alec hisses in defense. "Ryan's not that type of girl. Or hadn't you noticed? She'd beat me up herself if I tried anything, and if she didn't, her brother would kill me on the spot."

"I bet that's something new to you."

Alec's scowl remains. Reese might have been right on that one - his relationship with Ryan was just about as opposite as he could get from the ones he'd had with other women, but that wasn't the point here. "You can't keep me locked up in here like an animal! I'm tired of it. I said I'd help you out and I have and I will. But everybody else comes and goes... why not me?"

Reese sighs and shakes his head. "Has it ever occurred to you that you belong in prison? That if it weren't for the Elite, you would have been tried and gone to prison for life, if not received the death sentence yourself?"

"Yeah... yeah, it has." Alec didn't like admitting that one, but he did know good and well how fortunate he was. He hadn't viewed it that way in the beginning... he would have gladly taken any sentence and faced it with as much ire and stubbornness as ever. But now... he was just starting to see what life was really about, and he knew that if he were to go to prison, he'd wind up finding an out, even if it would be taking his own life. He couldn't stand to be locked up. Not there, and not here. "Look, you let me have some free time. Great. And I'm grateful. But what am I supposed to do all day while I'm not needed? I'm sitting in the basement and rotting! How come Gage was let loose, huh?"

Reese's eyes narrow as if to say, "You've got to be kidding me." He shakes his head. "First off, Gage was an Agency baby, not a coldblooded killer. Second, he doesn't have quite the record you do. Third, he has a good attitude. Forth, he was willing to go out and do community service for as long as needed, and now he's doing his best to get a job and get on his own feet. Now... you tell me how that differs from you."

If Alec had ever had a father around, he imagined this kind of tongue-lashing was about the same kind he would have gotten as a kid for acting up. "I'll get a job," he states flatly.

"Got a place to live?"

"N- well, no. But-"

"What if the Elite supplied you with your own place like we did for Gage? Would you keep it up? Prove it's to our advantage to have you loose on the streets?"

Alec's temper had suddenly fizzled as he was faced with this very real decision. He had longed for freedom. Begged for it. Wanted it so badly that he could taste it. Yet now as he stared freedom in the face, there was something about it that evoked fear. He grits his teeth and stands straighter. "Either put me in prison, or set me free."

Reese cocks his head, studying the younger man and trying to come up with the right solution. But what was right? All of these cases... from Gage to Thirteen to Phinox, to Alec... they were all so different, and Reese still believed that each should be treated differently as well. But what was right for Alec? "What about community service?"

"I'll keep coming here," Alec barters. "You threw Gage on street duty because he didn't have any other service to give. You know I can still help you out here. I still got things you want and information you can use. Give me a set number of hours to come in every week and I will. Just give me time to look for my own income and get me a place I can crash until something better comes along."

Reese sighs deeply. He really did want to help Alec. Coldblooded or not, even Alec deserved a second chance. He was a killer. A liar. A thief. But mercy shown to the least of these would not go unseen. "Alright. I'll talk to Brown."

"But-"

"That's the best I can do, Alec. You know you're on a thin line here - don't push it. I know you want out and I know you want freedom. I want that for you too because I believe you're not really a killer and I don't think you want that life anymore. But if you push too fast, other people aren't going to understand and they'll just be harder on you. Let me talk to Brown and see about getting your case rolling through the system."

Alec thinks it through before nodding. "Why hasn't my case moved to begin with?"

The corner of Reese's mouth twitches. "Why haven't you been as willing to shape up to begin with?"

Alec gives half a sheepish laugh. "Point taken." But as he thought about it, he suddenly saw more than he had before. "You've been the one holding up my case, haven't you? So they wouldn't put me in prison."

Reese nods. "Both you and Gage. Blame it on the system, but most of it was me, yes. I knew that given time, we could find solutions for almost every case. Gage was willing to start over, so it was just a matter of convincing Brown and the Elite board to accept my proposal of a new rehabilitation program. And you... there wasn't much hope there for a while. But I didn't want to give up. So instead of pushing them for a decision, I let them forget about it, while keeping my eye on you."

"And now that I'm not trying to kill anybody, you think it's safe for me to be out and about."

"In a manner of speaking." Reese looks Alec in the eye. "We're not the enemy, Alec. I'm trying to help. But in turn, we need your help too. Give me a little more time and I'll see what I can do."

"And in the meantime?"

"Just stay out of trouble, will you? And go talk to Hal about a cell phone - I need to be able to find you without running all over town."

You know how...

Though everything was dull and dark the mind wrapped around the soft words of a song. Clinging, not giving up, straining to listen to those words. Though eyes were closed, and breathing was slow maybe it was the words alone that helped her hang on and keep total darkness at bay.

As the mintues passed and everything happened with the ambulance showed up loading the girl inside a police officer had arrived to the scene as well. Pulling Phil the the side the office pulls out of pad of paper ready to jot some stuff down.

"Did you see the accident? Were you involved? Explain to me what you saw?"

Jotting down all of Phil's answers and getting his name and address the office gives a nod thanking him for saving this young woman's life. Finally letting him go the officer gets into his own car and speeds away heading in the direction of the hospital while fire trucks and other office stay behind to take care of the still burning car.

Opening her door and smile at Dani Misty nods. She had come here with the intention to walk a little in the park. It was a nice day out and she was happy Dani wanted too.

"Of course we can. I also have some ice cream sandwiches we can eat here too."

Reaching into the back seat Misty grabs the two ice creams that had been in the little cooler staying cold. Handing on to Dani she takes one for herself and than gets out of the car. Coming around to Dani's side she waits for her to get out as well. Giving a smile she nods as she takes the paper off her ice cream.

"Ice cream makes everything better."

Coming out of the hospital after finishing her visit with her sister Beth starts down the sidewalk. Looking up at she came to the bench that Justin had been sitting on when she went in now it was empty. Giving a little sigh Beth couldn't help the feeling of being a little disappointed. Why she wasn't sure, it was a strange feeling.

Continuing along the way Beth gets to the parking lot passing a few cars before stopping again seeing a pick up with a familiar pare of legs sticking out of the tail gate. Feeling her heart jump into her throat Beth slowly moves to the bed and looks over at him. Seeing his chest moving up and down a little she relaxes a little.

"You know how to scare the crap out of a person than don't you? I think you need to see someone about your head. See some one here or I am driving you to the hospital not to far away."

Hoping, praying

Looking down into the young woman's eyes, Phil tries to comfort her with a little smile. But as she slips into unconsciousness once again, the worry on his face returns. He may have been handling the situation well on the outside, but inside, his pulse was racing with adrenaline, his heart pumping, wanting to get up and do something. But he had to wait. Had to wait for the ambulance.

"Hang in there," he prompts. Feeling her breathing was growing shallower, he says a prayer, doing his best to make her as comfortable as possible. The wind blew hot through the flames of the nearby car, embers and smoke creating a hazy cloud that blanketed the two huddled on the roadside.

Finding the woman now unresponsive, Phil checks her pulse again, muttering about ambulances taking too long to arrive. Alone in the silence, he starts to hum, trying not only to soothe her, but keep himself calm as well. Words gently roll off his tongue, backed up by the sound of flames, a night breeze and a coyote howling in the distance.

Hold out your hand, cradle the wind.
Close your eyes, life begins.

Run beyond the hills of time,
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.

Breathe in deep, capture the sun.
Stop to hear, hearts beating.

Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.

Phil takes his thumb and softly wipes grime from the girl's cheek, brushing aside more of her hair that was matted with blood and sweat.

Catch the breeze, ride the stars.
Hold the light, today’s the day.

Run beyond the hills of time.
Let freedom be your guide.
Race with raindrops falling down,
Dance the ocean’s tide.

Sirens. Phil's heart skips a beat and he turns to look over his shoulder, seeing the ambulance approaching. Thank God. He needn't wave - it was obvious where they were.

As the paramedics arrive, he's bombarded with questions, while needing to step back out of the way. Watching the young woman being placed on a stretcher, he felt helpless, and hoping that she would be okay. Hoping he'd done the right thing.


Dani nods to Misty and blows her nose again, grateful for her presence and the extra tissues as well. "Thank you, Misty. I... I don't know what I'd do if I was alone through this. If I didn't have Carson and you and... and Dalton."

Looking down at her lap, the tears have slowed a little bit. Telling someone about her living nightmare - her memories - it seemed to help just getting it off her chest. She had to. She knew she couldn't bottle it up inside where it would fester. She knew she had to work through it and put it behind her, and admitting what had happened was the start. Talking it through brought it into the light where nothing could hide, even if it was a scary process.

Taking a deep breath, Dani looks out the window at the peaceful little park. "Can we walk for a few minutes? Some fresh air would be nice."

Stairing back

Though dazed and confused, coming in and out of being awake, and than blacking out the young woman in the car can smell the smile as pain course through her head, and other parts of her body. Feeling the heat in the car, and the smoke that filled her lungs she new she had to get out but she just had no strength to do so.

Hearing the faint voice the woman wanted to yell she needed help but her vocie wouldnt come between the choking of the smoke. Feeling a bit of fresh air though from the open door, someone unbuckling her and the soft sweet sound of a voice she new it would be ok as her head raced.

Only a mumble comes from her lips as she trys to thank him for saving her. Being picked up in his arms she leans her head into him. Grasping at his voice to try and keep herself awake, though she was becoming so tired.

Getting to the side of the road everything next happened so fast, the sound oh the explosion, the smell from the burning car, the man leaning over her. But once his sits up again and puts the pressure on her head wound the woman finds the strength to look up into Phil's eyes. Just looking into them almost trying to convey a thank you through there sparkle. But finally, the stress, the pain, was to much and the the sleep takes over the womans eyes closing as her breathing becomes shallow.

Continuing to drive Misty listens to Dani not saying anything just letting her talk and taking everything in. Misty's heart broke for Dani, Carson had told her once about his dad so she new a little and she hated hearing him talk about it than, now she hated hearing her sister in law having a hard time with it now. She never understood how people could hurt another person like that let alone family.

"Oh Dani, I'm so sorry that you've now had to deal with that. Sometimes memories stay locked away for so long that we forget about than. Than when they are triggered and come out, its a whole big mess."

Coming to a stop sigh Misty leans over to the glove box and pulls out a pack of tissues handing it to Dani seeing she needed them.

"I don't think its anything to be ashamed of though and dealing with it now is a good thing so you can put it back into the past. Its hard, and hurts a lot but thats why we have loved ones ya know? To help us through these times."

Driving only a little while longer Misty finally pulls into the area of the park. Shutting the car off she sits there with Dani for a long moment not sure if she still wanted to get out or not, but not making any movement right away herself wanted her to think she had to.

"We are here for you Dani, Me, Carson, Dalton no matter how silly you think something is its not and we are behind to comfort you, protect you, talk to you no matter what you need and what time. And never feel that your feelings are silly because there not. Something like that, that happed to you as a kid is traumatizing and not easy to shake."

Phil to the rescue!

Dani looks down as she feels the tears welling in her eyes again. Trying to laugh it off, her cheeks grow warm. "I'm sorry... I just can't seem to stop. I'm just blubbering all over the place." Pulling a tissue out of her pocket, she dabs her eyes.

"I don't know what Dalton told Carson or what he told you or if he even figured it out. Knowing him, he probably did and... and I do need to talk to him about it sometime."

She pauses and takes a deep breath. She knew Misty wouldn't pressure her, but maybe it would be good to talk about it and get some of this off her chest. She knew Misty wouldn't mind, and it was different talking to a woman rather than a man.

"Yesterday... I went to see Dalton and... and he'd gotten mad and threw a stapler at the wall or something. And... when I saw the pieces, it was like, all these memories wanted to surface but I didn't want them to." She talks with her hands, trying to keep her nerves calm. "Bothered me all day and Dalton knew something was wrong, but I didn't even realize it until later. I fell asleep on his couch and I had this horrible dream but... but when I woke up, I..."

The tears threatened to start again and she has to pause and compose herself, her voice wavering. "When I woke up, I realized that it wasn't just a dream. That parts of it were true... that I wasn't just imagining things, but I was remembering things."

Swallowing hard, Dani fiddles with her tissue. "I... I remembered things about my father. Carson had told me that he was a drinker by the time I was born and that he slapped Mum around... but... but I didn't remember any of it. And Carson... he got me out of the house most of the time when Dad would come home. That much I remember. I never really knew why though... I was just spending time with my hero... my big brother."

Pausing again, Dani watches the passing scenery. "Then... then last night... all these memories started to surface. I... I realized that... the stapler... the one in Dalton's office... seeing those pieces there reminded me of a lamp that had shattered and that's what triggered those memories." She swallows again and blows her nose. "I remember I tried to kick him away but... but it didn't work. I ended up knocking my lamp off the stand beside my bed. And then... I was on my stomach staring down at the floor. And I just concentrated on those pieces of broken glass..." Her voice cracks again as she tries to make it through.

And she does eventually. After several more breakdowns, the truth comes out of the abuse she had endured as a child, locked away for so many years.

"And now..." Dani shakes her head, trying to force through a sorry sort of laugh. "Now I feel stupid. 'Cause it's nothing new... it was years ago and... and it doesn't change anything. I've been living like this all this time and I just didn't know it, so really... nothing has changed, and it feels silly, ya know?"

By now, her tissues is in shreds from all her fidgeting. "I'm just... I don't... I... I don't quite know what to do with what I feel or what I remember. It's all just... I don't know... messed me up inside."


Phil had grumbled about the detour on the back road. Of all the places the city needed to work - they should be downtown where the worst of it was, not the quiet road he usually traveled on. As it was, he was tired from being at a friend's house after work, he was hungry and just wanted to get home.

The radio blaring, he keeps his eyes on the road, stifling a yawn. As his eyes scan the dim road though, something up ahead catches his attention. Were those lights off on the shoulder? Nearing the scene, he soon realizes that it's a car and it had hit a tree... hard... and not all that long ago.

Applying the brakes, Phil slows and looks out the window, squinting to see if this was indeed a fresh accident or if he should just move on. Catching sight of the smoke, he knows that this couldn't have happened more than a few minutes prior.

Quickly pulling off onto the shoulder, he throws his truck in park and gets out, jogging to the wrecked car. Putting an arm to his mouth, he coughs as the smoke billows from the car's engine. "Hey," he calls. "Anybody in there?"

Daring to get closer, he now sees a figure slumped over the steering wheel. "Hey!" he calls louder, tapping on the passenger window. With no response, his pulse starts to race. His eye catches sight of flames, licking out from under the hood. There wasn't much time.

Opening up the right hand door, he crawls halfway in, now realizing that it was a young woman driver. Reaching over to her neck, he quickly checks for a pulse and finds a weak one, but it was there - she was still alive. "Come on, we gotta get you out of here," he encourages.

Seeing her move a little, he's glad that she's not completely unconscious. He knew it was dangerous to move her if she had any spine or internal injuries, but if he left her here, she'd die from smoke inhalation or worse before the paramedics could arrive.

Coughing again from the smoke, he's quick to unbuckle her seatbelt and untangle it from her arms. His hand feels the wet, warm blood from her head, and he grits his teeth, not knowing how badly she was hurt. "It's gonna be okay," he soothes, his voice not in any way reflecting the panic he felt inside. "I'm gonna move you around just a little, okay? That's it, nice and slow."

Turning the young woman just enough that he can get a gentle grip on her, he slips his arms under her own, holding her securely and slowly, slowly pulling her out from behind the wheel. Trying not to jolt her too much, he backs out of the car, still with his arms around her. Getting her into fresher air, he shifts so he can lift her up into his arms, and quickly carries her a safe distance from the car.

Kneeling by his truck, he lays the woman out on her back and cradles her head in his lap to stabilize her, should she have any spine or neck injuries. "It's okay," he continues to soothe. "You're okay. Help is on the way."

Reaching into his pocket, Phil fishes for his phone, fumbling with it a moment before he can dial 911. "Yes, I'm out on route-"

His words are suddenly cut off by the thunderous explosion behind them. He instinctively bends over the young woman to shield her from any debris, cringing as he feels the shockwave and heat from what was now left of the car. "We need an ambulance," he manages to finish.

Once he's confident the paramedics are on their way, he brushes away some of the woman's blonde hair from her face, and applies pressure to the wound on her forehead that was still bleeding. The fire of her car blazed behind them and he looks down at her with worry.

Night, Day...O.o

Keeping her arms around Gage Sapphire leans her head against his looking into his eyes. Things were looking up and it was a great feeling. How could she not want to celebrate with him?

"Lemonade ice cream shakes huh? They sound good, I'd love to have one with you for our good news."

Letting go of Gage and backing up a little Sapphire makes her way into the kitchen knowing Gage would follow. Opening the freezer and pulling out the treat Sapphire grins looking down at it.

"Did you use fresh lemons? It sure smells like it, and thats a good thing."

Seeing Dani come out quicker than she exspected Misty puts the magazine away she had been looking at. Smiling as Dani gets in Misty starts the car up once again rolling the window up and letting the AC kick on to cool it down a little.

"Carson didn't tell me much other than you were having a bad day and it might have something to do with your past."

Putting the car into gear Misty pulls out of the parking lot and heads in the way of the park. It was a nice day out to walk or just sit. Glancing over at Dani Misty can tell nervous or jittery.

"Listen Dani, you don't need to be nervous. I'm not going to ask you to talk about it unless you want to. I worry because your my sister in law, but that doesn't mean I am going to force you to talk. Thats completely up to you when your ready."

Misty meant it too, she didn't want Dani to feel strange around her. It wasn't her style to force someone to talk if they didn't want that. She just wanted to be a friend to her, and know she wasn't alone.

On the loan dark road right outside of town a lost car travels. The was not it's normal rout but dew to road work the deture took it this was. Unfamiliar territory, Hardly any light to illuminate the street warning of danger.

Than in the split second a coyote runs out in the middle of the road causing the car to swerve, the tire hitting a rather large pot hold in turn making the car spin out of control till it comes to a deadly stop slamming driver side into a tree.

Air bags going off, cell phone's, pens and other items inside be thrown this way and that, the windshield giving a sicking shatter. Smoke started billowing from under the hood of the car a sign that a fire might have started, a death trap to anyone inside.

Another ten minutes

Receiving Sapphire's kiss, Gage offers a quite murmur of pleasure, returning the offer of affection. Pulling back, he listens about Scott, another small smile forming.

"Yeah... yeah that does mean something."

Reaching out, he brushes her cheek gently with the back of his hand, never tiring of the feeling of her soft skin. "Maybe things are finally turning around, huh?" For the first time in his life, he felt like things really were. He had his own apartment, he was starting his own job tomorrow, he had a girl... what more could he want?

"I concocted some lemonade and ice cream shakes... they're in the freezer... wanna try one to celebrate our good day?" He knew they had lunch plans but... sometimes dessert would do just as well.


Even though Misty said no hurry, Dani did anyway. She might be a mess and an emotional basket case, but she wouldn't make Misty suffer for it.

Washing up a little and tidying her hair, it was the best she could do without any of her own things at Dalton's. Not really satisfied but knowing it would have to do, she leaves a note for Dalton in case he came back before she did, then heads out the door, locking it behind her.

Seeing Misty waiting, she doesn't lollygag, and is soon slipping into the passenger seat. Looking over to Misty, she manages a smile, even though her eyes were still red and a bit swollen. Makeup would have covered it, had she had any here. "Hi... thanks for coming."

Buckling herself in, she puts her hands in her lap, seeming a little more timid than usual. "What, um... how... how much did Carson tell you?"


Justin chuckles and waves Beth off. "If I die from this, I'm not near as tough as I thought I was."

He nods, finally seeing the bleeding in his lip slowing. "I'll be alright. Thanks though." Getting up the gumption to stand, he makes the effort to prove he really was alright. "I'll see ya around, Beth. Take care of yourself."

Giving her a last smile, he slings his backpack over his shoulder and continues his route to the parking lot, still a bit slower than usual...

...Half an hour later, he's lying in the bed of his truck, still in the parking lot, one leg propped up, the other dangling over the edge of the open tailgate. He was glad he'd parked in the shade. After getting to his pickup and wanting to leave, the dizziness had gotten worse. He had somewhere else he needed to go, but it wasn't for a while yet, so he had enough time to just hang out here for a bit. So hoping to get over his dizziness and headache, he'd opted to use the bed of his truck. After thirty minutes though, his head still throbbed. He must have whacked it harder than he thought he had, that was for sure. Another ten minutes... that's all he'd need.

Five mintues

Sapphire smile grows even more on its own at Gage's news about the job. She saw the look in his eye and it made her feel so good inside knowing it had to make Gage feel even better. He had been waiting for this and it pleased her.

"I'm so happy and proud of you Gage. That is such great news."

Leaning into him and pressing her lips to his Sapphire lets her feelings show even more though her kiss before pulling away again. Giving a slight nod to Gage about her day.

"My morning was good. I sat and talked with Scott a little, and that went well. Its not prefect yet but its a small step in the right direction. Told him that I would stop by to see him again and he didn't say no. So that has to mean something right?"

"Sounds like a great idea."

Stopping at the stop light Misty waits for it to turn green before moving forward again. It wouldn't take long to get to Dalton's but Misty didn't mind waiting for Dani to be ready.

"I should be there in about five minutes. You don't need to hurry I will be waiting outside for you."

Hanging up the phone for now Misty continues to drive taking a few turns to get to Dalton's. Finally getting there Misty pulls into the parking lot to wait. Rolling the window down and turning the car off Misty pulls a magazine from her bag to read.

Seeing the little twinkle in Justin's eye Beth gives a small grin and a nod to him. His sence of humor was always refreshing. Hearing his last statment though Beth cocks her head. Justin might not come bad? It really must have been a rough day.

"I hope you come back tomorrow, its kind of become to norm to see you. And the though of a football helmet does have its appeal."

Shifting a little a again Beth puts her arm across herself and holds her other are as she continues to study him for a moment.

"If you sure your gonna make it I better head in. If I come out though to leave and your still here I'm taking you to the hosp. I don't need to dieing on the bench you know."

If I come

Gage hears Sapphire enter his apartment, and a little smile appears on his face. Taking in her hug and giving her a squeeze, he gets a kiss in to her forehead before she pulls away.

His smile widens just slightly and his eyes spark. "Mm-hmm... you are looking at the newest employee of Maxwell Lumber Mill." Backing up a step, his hands slide down to hers as he gets a little more excited. "Night crew... eleven-hour shift, four days a week. And... it's close enough that it will only take me half an hour to walk."

Excitement rises in his voice, though he doesn't want to overdo it and overshadow any news that Sapphire might have of her own morning. So suppressing a little of his energy, he nods, biting his lip. "And you had a good morning?"


Dani draws in a shaky breath. "Okay. I, um... guess I could use somebody to talk to, too. I... it'll be nice to get out for a little while. Thank you, Misty."

Sniffing again she stands up, holding the phone as she wanders to the window. "I'll be waiting at Dalton's. You can just drive up - I'll come out. I just... I gotta clean myself up a little bit, but it should just take me a couple minutes."


Glancing up at Beth, Justin accepts the wipe, listening to her wish for his day. "Well... this helps." He grins again, even though it just splits his lip some more. "Thank you."

Dabbing his lip, he rubs his head a little again. "I think I better sit here a while before I drive. I'm liable to go right off the road without even knowing it. Dang." He rolls his eyes a little. "Is it just me, or are clients getting more dangerous nowadays?"

Giving Beth a little sidelong glance, humor twinkles in his eyes, despite his pain. "You might see me in a football helmet the next time." He nods a little. "If I come a next time, that is."

Better Not

Ryan gives a chuckle, she didn't know why he would want to give that up and she surly didn't. Not thinking about it she realized how silly of a question it really was.

"Forget I even asked because I have no idea."

Letting out small content sigh Ryan realizes she is way to comfortable to move again. So she would sleep in her clothing it wasn't that big of a deal. She had brushed off the dust off her before coming inside already so that wasn't getting every where.

Turning her head into Alec's chest a little more Ryan mumbles as her eyes fall shut.

"Jason or Reese better not show up to early because I won't answer the door. Its to comfortable here."

Giving a nod Beth understood what Justin was talking about. Some days where just bad for anyone even him who seemed always to be in a decent mood. Shifting her own weight for a moment Beth thinks. She felt better from yesterday but no more chipper than the norm.

"I guess I am as chipper as I get. Than again I am sure anything is better than the bad mood I was in yesterday."

Seeing Justin's lip was bleeding still a little Beth goes into her bag rummaging around for a moment before pulling out an antiseptic whip and holding it out to him.

"I know the lip is not much but you should keep it clean just the same. Sorry your having a hard day. I hope it turns out better for you later."

Putting in her blue tooth and pushing the little button Misty starts the car up and pulls out of the parking lot talking to Dani till. Thinking for a moment as she makes her way in the way of Dalton's house she gives a little nod of her head.

"Carson told me you had a rough last night, and didn't say to much on what happened."

She didn't want to beat around the bush with Dani or tell her a fib. Though she did have double motive she just layed it all out.

"So I call because I though maybe you'd like some girl time, not to mention Carson is work and I am off for the first time in forever and I'm bored. So I thought we could keep each other company."

Pulling into Gage's parking lot Sapphire sits for a moment a small smile still placed on her lips. She'd made a small step today and with that she was happy and couldn't wait to tell Gage. Getting out of the car finally Sapphire makes her way up to the door and unlocks it letting herself in.

"Gage, I'm back. I had a pretty good morning."

Coming into the little room where he was standing Sapphire gives him a smile stepping forward and giving him a hug. Morning with her brother, now spending time with Gage, it felt so nice.

Pulling away a little bit Sapphire searches Gage's face. Seeing something new in his eyes she trys to figure out what it was. Not being able to though she shakes her head a little.

"Somethings different...but I can't put my finger on it."

Not my day

Alec scoffs and pulls Ryan tighter to him. "You kidding? You're better than an electric blanket. Why would I want to give that up?"

Sighing deeply, he closes his eyes, realizing just how tired he was. He could stay up 'til all hours if he wanted to, but once settling down, if he was comfortable, it was easy for him to fall asleep.

"Kick me if I snore," he mumbles.


Justin looks up quickly, not having seen Beth approach. "Wha- oh. Yeah..." He scrounges in his backpack some more, unable to find anything suitable. Sighing, he sits down on the bench and finally finds the napkin he was looking for and holds it to his lip.

"Yeah, I'm, no... yeah." He rolls his eyes as his tangled speech. Checking the bleeding, he runs his tongue over his lip, feeling the sting. "Nothing incurable." He touches his head gingerly where a welt was forming. "Not that I know of anyway." He had a pounding headache from his fall and was still a bit dizzy.

Blotting his lip again, he glances up at Beth. "Sorry... Hi. Not my day. You look rather chipper though." He tries to smile, but winds up wincing as all it does is make his lip bleed more.


Dani's phone ringing makes her jump and she fishes around on the coffee table to find it. Seeing it was Misty, she was willing to answer it.

Once hearing what she wanted, Dani sniffs again, trying not to sound too bummed out. "Um..." Did she really want to get out and about? Much of her didn't feel like it at all. Yet it might be a good distraction for her. "Yeah... yeah, okay. As long as I'm back by lunch... I'm supposed to eat with Dalton."

Pausing a moment, she found it just a little coincidental that Misty would be calling her now... today. It wasn't all that unusual that they would do something together, but Dani had an inkling that somehow Misty knew it wasn't just a normal day. "I'm, um... over at Dalton's if you wanna swing by and pick me up." She pauses again. "Did... did Carson talk to you about... um..." Her voice quivers as she swallows the urge to cry again. "...about me?"


Gage scribbles on the backside of a store receipt, scratching harder to try and get his pen to write. Keeping his phone to his ear, he nods to no one watching. "Uh-huh... okay, yeah. Thank you... yes. I'll be there."

Ending the call, he stares down at his scribbles. Nine o'clock tomorrow night.

Standing from his mattress, he paces his living room, straightening a picture on the wall and stacking up his books on the table, lining up their spines in order. He knew it took two hours to get back into town from Brookshire, and he had no idea how long Sapphire would be visiting Scott, but now he wanted her back all the more. If she was finished early enough, they would do lunch. If not, she would come by for supper. He didn't want to wait that long to talk to her though. Not only was he anxious about her meeting with Scott, but he now wanted to tell her the news he had. It wasn't the greatest in the world, but it was better than nothing and he would finally be able to say he had a job.