Genuinely confused

Following Beth to the living room, Justin slips into his usual role, leaving behind his own self for a while in order to concentrate on Beth and her needs. Sitting with her on the couch, but leaving a comfortable amount of room between them, he pays close attention to her and the pictures, nodding, smiling and commenting as they go along. He was very pleased at how well she was doing as it was obvious in her eyes that this was much harder for her than she might let on. She was being very brave, and Justin knew that this was good for her to do. Revisiting old memories could be very painful at first, but he hoped that one day, even though sadness would still linger, the pain would subside into peace within herself.

Reaching the family photo, Justin's eyes roam the happy faces. To anyone on the outside, they would seem like the perfect family. There were many fond memories here - happy ones. But underneath all that were ugly truths that marred the memories even if some were good.

Hearing Beth's voice quiver, Justin looks up quickly, suddenly realizing that this exercise had finally gotten to her. Seeing the tears begin to roll down her cheeks, his heart ached in a strange way. He was quite capable of turning off that reaction when he was with clients, but for some reason, just the way she looked sitting here, so sad and in so much pain, he almost seemed helpless against his own emotions. Maybe right now she did need a friend and not a counselor.

Seeing that the tears weren't stopping, Justin hesitates then slowly slides closer until he was next to her. Then gently, cautiously, he slips his arm around her shoulders and pulls her close, offering his strength to her. If she resisted a man's touch, he would back off. But as long as she allowed it, he knew she needed someone else right now... someone to share her burden... someone whose shoulder could be cried on without criticism.

"Shhh... it's okay," he whispers.

Giving her a little squeeze, he cocks his head so it rests against hers. "You're okay... you're doing great."

Real comfort. That's what he was giving. It was different than just sitting across from someone in a stark room and giving them advice. She was warm. Soft. Needing someone there for her. He could be strong... be there for her. Closing his eyes, the sweet smell of Beth's shampoo wafts to his nostrils and he breathes in deeply, just taking it in... taking her in. She wasn't just a stranger with a problem. She was a woman with a broken heart that was being mended piece by piece.

Justin's eyes fly open and an odd tingle runs down his spine, his stomach twisting slightly and his heart thumping. He forces himself not to move though, willing his body not to tense, even though his mind suddenly had. He needed to focus here. Focus. He was here for a purpose. He was here to just be a shoulder. Nothing else. He needed to be more careful and this was a stark reminder of that fact.

"Shhh," he comforts again quietly, rocking slightly and praying that she didn't sense a change in him. If she wanted to talk more, she would, but he wouldn't pressure her. This was a big thing for her, and she really had done well.


Having been so distracted, Susanne is startled by the man's voice and she jumps a little, looking to him quickly. "Um..." Realizing that this man, this... very.... handsome... man.... had seen her outside made her a bit flustered and her cheeks flush.

"No... I mean yes, I'm fine. Um, thank you." She shakes her head. "I don't need to call anyone - I could have arrested that hooligan myself but I figured the lesson was good enough." Only now when she shifts does her Elite badge become visible under her jacket as it was clipped to her belt.

Trying to move on and feeling quite silly, she rummages in her purse and pulls out a tattered piece of paper with a scribbled classic rock band name and album title. "I've been looking for this album and can't find it anywhere. I guess it bombed and so no more were made, but I liked it and my copy, um... broke." She looks up at him sheepishly. "Actually it got run over by my car, but that's a long story. Anyway, I can't even get it online and any stores I've gone to haven't had it in stock for several years."

Still feeling quite flustered, her pager on her belt beeps and she looks at it with annoyance. It was TJY. "And... I need to get back to work." She sighs. This was not her day and she was sure she looked like she'd already been through the mill today. Quite embarrassing to say the least. "Do you know off the top of your head if you've got this? Or if you think you might, I can come back later." She glances around, not realizing she was talking a mile a minute as she usually did when stressed. "What time do you close?"


Alec hadn't been ready for Carson to actually say yes. On a normal day, her comment to Carson about him being stupid if he pulled anything would have irritated him. But right now, he was too surprised to feel that way.

He blinks and has to take a moment to get his mouth to work again in order to answer her. "Um... okay. I'll... stick around and help Dalton out for a few hours or something."

Standing up, he considers her question, then shakes his head. "I'll eat most anything on account of my tastebuds." He doubted that anyone around here had noticed that similarity between him and Gage yet, and he shrugs "'Cause of the drugs from the Agency. They do something to your taste and it doesn't kill the tastebuds but kinda knocks things outta whack. 'Cept strong stuff... that's why I suck on lemons."

Feeling he'd just rambled again, he pauses awkwardly. "So yeah... whatever is good with me."

Turning around, he heads for the door. "Five o'clock," he repeats. Out in the hall, he wanders back to Dalton's office and peers in to make sure Dani is gone before entering. Seeing the big man alone, he goes ahead. "I guess I'm all yours for a while if you can use me."

Wandering to the chair, he flops down and stairs at the blank screen for a moment. "Why would... someone want to spend time with me?" He wonders aloud. "Dani hates me... Carson wants me gone... but you don't... and Misty just asked me to have supper with her."

He finally looks up to search Dalton's eyes. He really was genuinely confused. "I don't understand."


As the call ends, Kip sighs and puts his phone back in his pocket. By the time he saw Karla later, he'd be able to push aside everything else in order to have a good time... right? He hoped so. Right now he felt like crap and wasn't quite sure how to deal with it...


Karla's information to the group raises a few eyebrows, but no one seems to think it's too strange. Kip had his own quirks an they all had learned that most of the time it wasn't worth trying to figure out all of them.

Conversation does return to normal though, and nothing more is said about Kip. Each in their own minds were processing and trying to think of ways to help without hurting their friend.


...Kip lies back on his bed and stares up at the ceiling. Now that he was the only one left at Gram and Gramps', they'd given him the spare room on the ground floor where their grandchildren used to stay, instead of the basement. It was a nice little room and they'd said he could stay as long as he needed. Lying here usually made him feel comfortable and good, but today it didn't. Today, all he wanted to do was go find a hole somewhere and crawl in. He still didn't blame the band... and he really wasn't surprised. But it still hurt. He was the one holding everybody else back and it wasn't fair to them.

He hears the clock in the living room chime and knew it was five o'clock. Karla would be here soon probably. He should get some nicer jeans on or something at least, but his body felt like dead weight.

"Kip?"

He looks quickly to the door and sits up, seeing Gram. He liked it that he could call her Gram just like Kyle did. She and Gramps both treated him like their own grandson, and that's something that was new to him, but it made him feel good. "Yeah?"

"I made some cookies," Gram offers. She cocks her head and studies his face. "You look like you could use some warm, gooey goodness."

Kip manages a smile but he shakes his head. "Thanks but... I think I'll pass. You know what too much sugar does for me."

Gram chuckles and folds her arms, leaning on the doorway. "You and Kyle," she muses. "'Course when he refuses one of my cookies, even if he's resisting sugar, I know something's up." She looks into Kip's eyes, noting that he looked away quickly. "Everything okay? I thought you were going to spend the day with the band."

"I... I was. I mean, I did." He digs his bare toe into the carpet and sighs. "Maybe I will take that cookie."

Gram studies him for another moment before coming into the room and sitting down on the bed next to him. "Want to talk about it?"

Kip shakes his head. "Not really. I guess sometimes I just get tired of being me."

"Never do that," Gram chides gently. "We can all improve, sure. But never dislike you for being you. God made you just the way you are so that you'll fit perfectly into a niche he's made just for you."

"But what if I fail at fitting into that niche?"

"Then you have to decide if it's something you just need to work on, or if you're really not meant to be there. Or perhaps you do fit and you're just having trouble feeling it." Gram cocks her head, waiting until Kip looks at her. "Sometimes we don't even see our purpose until we look back on it later in life. But if you're truly where God wants you, you'll know." She reaches out and places a hand over his heart. "This is the Kip that matters. Whether you're off with a fantastic band and heard on the radio, or whether you're flipping burgers downtown... this is the Kip you have to learn to love. It's not what you do with your hands... it's what you do with your heart. And you... you have an amazing heart."

Kip bites his lip, feeling his emotions welling beneath the surface. Trying to understand what she was saying, but still replaying what he'd overheard earlier... it was a conflict and he didn't know what to believe.

Gram gives his shoulder a pat before rising and slowly leaving the room. "The cookies are on the kitchen counter if you want any."

Once she's gone, Kip just sits alone. Gram maybe liked his heart but... but if he still let the band down, it would still be a failure. Swallowing hard and biting back his emotions, he rises and heads to the kitchen. He'd eat a cookie just because she'd so nicely offered them to him. Then Karla would probably show up soon.

Tears

Listing to Kip's voice on the other side of the phone Karla could tell something else was bothering Kip. She had been around him enough now to be able to hear the slight changed when he was in a good mood, or a bad mood.

Giving a small sigh that could be un-noticed over a phone Karla new if Kip didn't want to talk right now he wouldn't. When he was ready, or if his mood didn't seem to improve than she would ask him again what was wrong.

"Alright I'll let them know. I..miss you so yes later we can catch up for dinner."

Giving the best cheer she can to her voice and letting Kip go for now Karla just twirling the phone in her hand for a long moment. Finally slipping it into her pocket again she heads back into the other room taking her place on the couch once again.

Waiting for a small lull in the conversation she just thinks for a moment. Should she let the other know something felt wrong with Kip or was it just her own mind playing tricks on her. Maybe it was best to just let it be for now.

"Kip said he was heading back to the house. He just needed to clear his head and get some fresh air."

Misty could hear the little bit or worry and irritation in Carson's voice and she couldn't blame him. She new he didn't care for his brother and why should he. Alec had done nothing to even show Carson he has changed and as her husband he was just trying to keep her safe.

"Don't worry, if he pulls anything he'll have to deal with me, than you, and than his girlfriend. If he's that stupid he deserves it. I'll keep my guard up. Thanks Babe!"

Hanging up the phone with Carson Misty looks across the desk at Alec again and cocks her head a little bit. Was it a good idea to invite Alec over? She could handle herself, and Carson had given her the ok.

"He said yes, so I guess I'll see you back here around five and you can follow me over to the house. Is there anything that you don't like to eat?"

Giving another small smile Beth gives a nod before moving over to the box. Stopping for a moment she looks down at it before looking back up at Justin again.

"Lets go into the living room, it might be a little more comfortable."

Picking up the box and waiting for Justin Beth heads into the living room with him and sets the box down on the table. Sitting on the couch across from it she waits for Justin to sit down next to her. Letting out a long sigh and with a shaky hand Beth reaches out to the box and opens the top.

Reaching into the box Beth feels around for a moment without looking till she has a handful of pictures. Pulling them out and sitting back on the couch next to Justin she lays them in her lap and lets out a long sigh once again.

Finally lifting one of the pictures and looking down at it Beth just looks. In the picture were two young children playing in a sand box, and a man sitting outside helping build a castle. Giving a smile her eyes roam the picture for a long moment before looking at Justin and holding the picture up.

"This is Me, Sarah, and my Dad. We use to hand this sandbox outside. He build it himself for us."

Putting the first picture down Beth swallows a limp she could feel in her throat but continues on anyways. Going through several more pictures Beth continues to move on through them explain to Justin each one. Finally coming close to the end Beth pulls out another picture. It looked like a family photo. The two girls again, Beth's mom and dad once more all had smiles on there face.

"This was the last family photo we had taken...a month before....before everything changed."

Running her fingers lightly over the picture Beth had been doing so well keeping her tears inside till this point. But now seeing the picture, and the faces memories even more flowed back to her as tears started to stream down her face. Facing the past was easy, but coming to the reality was the hard part and Beth just couldn't keep her tears in.

Fiddling around with one of the shelf's in the shop Chuck works quietly. Today was a quiet day, and Anastasia wasn't around to chat with so fixing a few through around the shop was how he would fill his time.

Reaching for a tool Chuck stops as his ears pick up on some talking outside that did not sound friendly. Standing and looking out the window a little he spys the woman and the other man. Not sure what was going on he just stood there and watched. Finally realizing though she was being robbed Chuck was about to go help but continues to watch as the woman gave him a nice chop to the neck.

Blinking a little Chuck couldn't help this strange attraction to the woman he hadn't even seen her face yet. There was just something about her that seemed to click. Continuing to watch the woman as she walked into the shop Chuck couldn't stop staring the woman's looks matching what he liked already.

"Hi Welcome to Disc O Round...I saw what happened out there. Are you ok did you need me to call anyone for you?"

Picked the wrong day

As Kip walks, he hesitates before answering his phone. He knew he needed to though, so no one would worry or come looking for him.

Hearing Karla, he bites his lip and musters up a cheerful tone. "Oh, yep, sorry. I shoulda called. Everything's fine. I just decided to stretch my legs a bit."

His eyes remain on the sidewalk as his feet trudge wearily. For once, he didn't feel like walking off any energy at all. But it seemed the only route to take right now. "Just tell the others I headed back to the house. Grabbing some fresh air or whatever. I'll catch up to you later for supper or something if you want."


It was a little unusual that Misty would call him in the middle of the day, then hearing her reasoning, Carson furrows his brow. Stepping around the corner from the kitchen and stretching the phone cord, he finishes the call in the privacy of the hallway. "Alec... You want Alec over for supper while you're home alone?"

He was a bit surprised. She was smarter than that. "For family interaction?" He couldn't help the are-you-kidding? tone of his voice. He shrugs though. "I guess whatever you want," he relents. She was more sociable than he was, and he knew that sometimes what seemed foreign to him was really a better option that he just didn't see because of his introverted nature.

"Just be careful, ay? Brother or not, I don't trust or like him - you know that. But if you think it's a good idea, then go ahead." He did appreciate her checking with him first. Not that she needed permission to do things, but something like this, that she knew he'd be leery of... he was glad she'd asked. "I know you can handle yourself. Just don't let him fool you." Alec had already done that with Dani.

The sound of a clattering pan in the kitchen makes him jump. "I gotta go. Love ya, babe. I'll call you later."

Sitting and waiting for Misty, Alec tried to tell by the look on her face whether or not Carson had said yes. Surely he hadn't. The brute didn't like him any more than he liked Carson. Besides, even if Carson liked him, any man wouldn't appreciate his wife hanging out with a guy alone for dinner, right?

Still swiveling a little back and forth, Alec waits to see what would happen. Perhaps he didn't even realize that deep down, he wanted Carson to say yes.


Looking up at Beth from the table, Justin studies her eyes for a moment. He knew this was a big step for her. She'd had him over for another meal - that alone was a step. Now she would be taking another journey into the past and it probably wouldn't be easy.

He nods kindly. "Sure. I'm all yours." He smiles, waiting and unsure if they would remain in the kitchen or go to another room.


Quinn nods his enthusiasm. "Sounds great. Checking out the apartments and meeting up with you tonight."

Grinning, he finally digs into his food, only now realizing that he really was hungry. "Now... we just need to figure out a way to convince your uncle that I'm okay."


Heading down the sidewalk in a bit of a hurry, Susanne glances at her watch. She only had a few minutes of a break before Reese needed her back in the thick of the chaos, but she was bound and determined to get some fresh air. Though she hadn't had lunch yet, it wasn't food she was after, but a certain music CD she'd been looking for. It was a few years old and she hadn't been able to find it in any of the other stores, so the Disc O Round was her last resort. She didn't usually run personal errands on her work breaks, but today had been too stressful, so getting outside was what she needed.

Almost to the door of the little shop and right in front of the window, a young man coming from the other direction runs right into her, their shoulders crashing harshly. Susanne stumbles back, annoyed, only to feel her arm being grabbed.

"Give me your purse lady," the man hisses, "and I won't hurt you."

Susanne's annoyance turns into pure irritation and she glares up at the man without fear. "You've got to be kidding me. Trying to rob a woman on the sidewalk in broad daylight - you've got problems in your head. Now let me go."

The man's grip tightens around her arm and his other hand flashes a knife blade. "Give me your purse first," he demands.

"Oh, you really are stupid." Susanne might just be a secretary, but she was still Elite and had still been trained. "You picked the wrong day to mess with me." In no mood for games, Susanne wrenches her arm free and sidesteps to avoid the knife stab. Giving the man's stomach a swift kick then a nice chop to the neck, he doubles over in pain, the knife dropping to the ground. Still irritated, Susanne turns to give him another kick to the behind, sending him stumbling away from her before she reaches down to grab the knife herself. Waving it in his direction, she challenges him. "C'mhere, boy. You wanna keep this up?" She shouldn't have been surprised when he ran off down the alleyway.

Scoffing, she turns and throws the knife into a nearby trashcan. Brushing herself off, and tucking her hair back behind her ear, she huffs a frustrated sigh and continues her route past the shop window and to the door.

Entering, the little bell rings and she takes a look around, not sure where to start searching, especially with so little time.

Ok

Looking across the desk at Alec and the phone he was holding to her Misty just looks at him for a long moment not moving. A grin finally forms on her lips as she continues to look across the table. Reaching out and taking the phone Misty shakes her head a little.

"Ok, you got yourself a deal."

Dialing the number at the restraint Misty waits as it rings her eyes still staying locked with Alec's in a challenge. Hearing Thirteen's voice on the phone Misty asks for Carson and waits once again. She didn't know if he would say yes or no one this one. He didn't much care for Alec, but she really did want him part of the family because he was not to mention he was trying.

"Hey babe, sorry to bother you at work but I wanted to ask you something. I know your going to be late coming home tonight so I would be eating alone so I wanted to know if it was ok if your brother came over for dinner. Might be nice for him to have a little family interaction. Just wanted to make sure it was fine with you first."

Hearing Justin say she was a good cook Beth smiles a little more. The stuff she cooked for Justin was right from her mom's cook book. Knowing he liked the food made her feel a little closer to her mom and it felt good.

"Thank you, I've enjoyed being able to cook for someone."

Pushing her chair out and seeing Justin was done Beth takes both there plates and brings them to the sink. Coming back with a water pitcher Beth pours some more water before heading into the kitchen again and filling the sink with some water.

"If you want to look through those pictures now we can. I think I am ready."

Coming back once more and giving a smile to Justin it was easy to see Beth's eyes she was a little nervous but excited at the same time.

Taking a sip of her soup Anastasia thinks for a moment about an apartment place that might be looking for something without a lease. She new of a few places but she didn't know how much they were or how much Quinn wanted to even pay.

"I know there is a place over on spruce st that has some apartments they rent month by month. If you want to meet me back at the shop later before dinner I can show you were its at and we can go in and check it out."

Looking across the table still at Quinn still and searching his eyes Anastasia gives a little wink. Knowing Quinn would be around more did sound like a great plan to her. She liked him being around and it would be nice to gave someone to hang around with.

Sitting with her legs curled up on the couch Karla was quiet just listening to everyone chatter. She never really jumped into the other's conversations and without Kip being there she was a little more quiet just soaking everything up.

Giving a nod here and there though along with a few smiles she does let them know she was listing. Karla was really happy they didn't want to leave Kip in the dust and it made her feel good they would stay working with him. Those were true friends.

Finally when the conversation seems to come around to an almost close again Karla looks down at her watch. She was a little worried Kip hadn't come back yet. Standing and pulling her phone from her pocket Karla steps into the hall and waits. Hearing his voice on the other end Karla gives a smile.

"Hey you, I just wanted to make sure you were ok. Everyone was getting a little worried you weren't back yet. You doing ok babe?"

Failure

Having been swiveling in the chair with his eyes on the floor, Alec listened, even if his body language said he was bored. At Misty's invitation though, his gaze snaps up, his eyebrows raised. Whether he realized it or not, the look in his eye was one of total surprise. It was one thing to hang out with Eli and Ryan... that was a given. But to be invited to someone else's place for dinner - Misty, no less - that was something he hadn't expected. Sure, she'd said sometime do a couple thing or whatever, but this... this was different.

"You kidding me?" he asks outright as a small laugh accompanies his question. "I mean, it's pretty common knowledge that your husband doesn't like me very well. Not that I can blame him, but you can't tell me he'd be in agreement with me coming over and not only being in his house, but being in his house with his wife... alone."

He leans a little closer, his eyes roving Misty's face. To anyone paying attention, it would show in his eyes that he really wanted to say yes, but simply didn't know how. So instead, it was an almost-flirtatious glint that shows itself amidst the confusion. "I mean, I might be crazy but I'm certainly not stupid. I'm all for food but I don't wanna die by Carson's hand either - he can be one brutal guy."

Still swiveling a little, he straightens, his hands gripping the back of the chair. "If you can get him to say yes though, then... I'd be more tempted." Grabbing the phone, he hands it to her as if in a challenge. Surely if she actually called, Carson would say no. Then Alec wouldn't have to decide if he'd say yes or not.


Having Beth quote him, Justin grins a little but doesn't draw attention to it, once he sees she's embarrassed. Just continuing to listen, he enjoys the rest of his meal, making it obvious that he does like her cooking.

Cocking his head at her, he nods a little. "Yeah... I guess I did see your job as a little peculiar but... we don't always do things that make perfect sense, do we?" He finishes his food by mopping up the rest of the spaghetti sauce with his bread. "I guess sometimes what does make sense can be a little too much to face at times too." His hint remains a subtle suggestion that perhaps there were other opportunities Beth could take advantage of if fear didn't hold her back.

Taking a final sip of his water, Justin sets his glass down and heaves a sigh of content. "That... was good. Thank you, Beth. You're a good cook."


Quinn laughs and just looks across at Anastasia, feeling ridiculously silly and happy at the same time. Even when the food comes, he just ignores it for a few minutes, letting the scene just soak in. Finally though after a short prayer is prayed, he starts the meal with Anastasia.

"Okay, so saying I thought I should stick around a while and..." He shrugs. "I don't know... just see what happens, I guess. You think I should just stick it out in the hotel a while? Or are there any short-term apartments around or...?"

Chewing his food, he looks up at her again and shakes his head. "I can't believe I'm asking that." A few days prior, all he'd wanted was to get out of this town.


The living room was awkwardly quiet. It wasn't normally like that with the band, but after Kip had left to run down to the corner store for a pop, silence had taken over the room.

The band was gathered at Erik and Theo's new apartment, hanging out for the afternoon, after they'd had practice that morning. Their recording was finished for the next couple weeks, so schedules were more flexible now. Russ had found his own place too, so with the girls staying with Alice, Kip was the only one left still at Kyle's grandparents.

Now, gazes were exchanged with unspoken thoughts. Practice had been bad, and it wasn't a fault that was spread out. Unfortunately, it had been Kip who had had the most trouble and had held things up. He'd had a hard time just finishing the recordings, and now he was showing difficulty in getting his act together. Everyone else had stepped things up a notch after landing the music deal, but Kip was lagging. He'd done fine in the band prior to Kyle's entrance, but they'd only performed small gigs and had not worked so hard at being more precise and professional. While with Kyle, though they maintained their personality and functions within the band, it was necessary to step up to the plate, buckle down and do things better than their previous best. It wasn't a hard-nosed pressure, but it was a natural one, forcing the band to evolve and improve. However, it was becoming more and more obvious that Kip was struggling. Did he know it? It was hard to tell.

Erik lets out a long, slow sigh as he glances around the room. His eyes land on Karla. It was rare that Kip went anywhere without her now, which just proved he didn't leave to just go and grab a pop - most likely he'd needed to stretch his legs and get out of the small room for a while. He'd admittedly had too much caffeine and sugar that morning so it wouldn't be too far-fetched to assume he just needed to burn off a bit of that energy, hence, going alone. Erik wondered if Karla knew where the band's thoughts were, and what she might think.

It was Kyle who was brave enough to break the silence. They had a few minutes before Kip returned. "Erik, you know Kip the best of anyone here. What's your take on this morning?"

Erik shrugs lamely and looks down at his hands, his mind at work. "Just one of those days."

"There have been... a lot of those days lately."

"I know." Erik finally looks up at Kyle as one of the times where Kyle was indeed the leader. "What's your take on it?"

Kyle shifts on the couch, his arm having fallen asleep around Alice's shoulders, but he doesn't move it. "I've been watching him and... from what I can tell, he's having a hard time stepping up a notch. He's not failing - he hasn't digressed. But while the rest of us have upped our game, he... hasn't. Or he's tried but hasn't gotten there yet."

Erik nods his agreement. That's what he felt as well. "He just... needs a little more time than the rest of us."

"We're all friends here, and we all love Kip, right?" Kyle looks around the room, including Karla in his gaze. "This isn't about bashing him or complaining about him - we all know that. I just wish there was a way we could help him. I'm in no way, shape or form even remotely close to asking him to leave the band, and I don't want anyone to think that either. But if someone has any ideas, speak up." His eyes go back to Erik. "I know he's hyperactive. Even I get that way, so I can relate to that aspect. But has he had any other problems? I mean like..." He hesitates, unsure how to word what he was trying to say.

"Like is he slow in the head?" Erik finishes for him. He smiles a little and shakes his head. "Naw, I don't think so. He's always had a hard time concentrating. Got held back in school, had a crappy home life - it all adds up. His self-esteem is lower than dirt and I think it's just all more pronounced now that we're moving on to a new level."

"You think he knows he's slowing us down?" Russ questions with concern.

"Probably."

Twila purses her lips. "Well I hope he doesn't feel badly. I mean... it's not his fault. So he has a hard time concentrating... maybe we can just find new ways to do things that won't be so hard for him. Personally, I think he's got a stroke of genius he hasn't tapped into yet."

"I agree," Erik states flatly. "I've caught him a time or two singing or playing his bass when he thought no one was around, and let me tell you... I think he's got more talent than me. I think if he could channel that energy of his, you'd be right - I think he'd be a musical genius."

Kyle quirks an eyebrow in thought. Come to think of it, that's kind of what it did seem like. Often times those with the most talent in one particular area ended up lacking in other areas, such as social skills or even confidence. "He's got a lot to compensate for, doesn't he?" he muses.

The others nod. "Yeah," Erik replies. "I think sometimes he's got a whole lot more going on inside of him than he lets other people know. Or at least... most other people." He looks to Karla and grins a little, giving her a wink. He knew that she got to see a side of Kip the others didn't often get to. "He was labeled with ADHD in gradeschool - I think he was one of the few cases where that really was accurate. I mean, lots of times if you take a kid and just give them something to work off their energy or feed them right, it'll take care of the problem. But I think Kip's brain really is wired differently than the rest of us. He's twenty and still can't sit still."

Twila chuckles. She loved Kip dearly, like a little brother. "Maybe we can hire somebody to come sit on him during practice?"

The others laugh - not making fun of Kip in the least, but able to find humor within the sensitive subject. Kyle nods to Karla. "Maybe she can do that."

"I think that might distract him even more," Twila teases. "I'm not sure having such a pretty girl on his lap would help matters."

Kyle grins. "It certainly wouldn't help me." He throws Alice a sidelong glance, his eyes twinkling. "Okay, maybe not. But we really do need to put our thinking caps on. I don't want to change the band and I don't ever want us to get wrapped up in glitz and fame. But we do need to improve and we do need to continue to step our performance up a notch - probably more than one notch as we go along. It's obvious that Kip's struggling. Recording took a week longer, and none of us wanted to admit that it was mainly because he was having a tough time." He pauses, looking around the room again. "Whether we want him in the band or not, Jackie and Wayne may think differently if this keeps up. Neither have said anything to me so far, but I can tell some days they weren't too happy. And fortunately, or unfortunately, we depend on them. And if Kip hinders the band's performance... well, we just have to be prepared for that."

Kip's hand slides from the doorknob and he takes a step back in the apartment hall. Staring at the closed door, his eyes slowly lower to the floor. It's obvious that Kip's struggling... mainly because he was having a tough time... if Kip hinders the band's performance...

A lump rises in Kip's throat. He'd known all along this might happen. As soon as they'd landed a deal, he knew that if anyone failed, it would be him, and it was starting. Apparently he was doing a poor enough job that the others needed to talk about it while he was out of the room. It didn't make him angry... he knew he wasn't as good as the others and they deserved better. It was only natural that they'd need to discuss it.

Swallowing hard, Kip turns and walks back down the hall and outside. Passing a trashcan, he tosses in the bottle of pop he'd just purchased. Trudging along the sidewalk, he turns right. It would take a while, but he'd manage to make it to Gram and Gramp's on foot. Right now, he needed the walk. If anyone missed him, they'd call his cell phone before worrying. He'd just tell them that he got tired and decided to head back - and if it was Karla, he'd tell her he'd hook up with her later, reassuring her that nothing was wrong.

"Well, I think we just need to find a creative way to do things," Twila concludes. "Maybe the rest of us all think the same way and our brains just naturally go the same direction. Kip's not any lesser just because he thinks differently, so maybe we should find some way to change things up a bit." She shrugs. "Couldn't hurt. And right now we do have a breather for a short while."

"Wayne and Jackie can stick it if they don't like Kip," Russ adds flatly.

Erik quirks an eyebrow. "Why don't you tell us how you really feel?" he teases.

Russ smirks. "Well, it's true. I like Wayne and Jackie and I don't think they'd be mean on purpose, but I, for one, would rather keep Kip and have to go find another job than tell him to leave and stay in the band." He looks to Kyle. "No offense."

Kyle grins. "None taken. I feel the same way as I think the rest of you do, too."

Theo glances at his watch. "Speaking of that hyperactive friend of ours, do you think he decided to run around the block a few times, or what?"

Erik laughs. "Maybe he did."

Invatation

Sitting across from Quinn Anastasia listens to every word finding it quite interesting. Everything he said seemed to just fall into place of a plan and Anastasia couldn't help but let her smile grow even more. It was so neat to her to see the peaces that fell into place and there was no denying that it was by God's hand. I have been a part of that was so wonderful to Anastasia.

"I am sure he is continuing to work his plan thats for sure. Time is unfinished and I think you considering settling down proves that. Not that I mind, it means I'll get to live the fairy tail a little longer. I'm definitely going to have to thank God extra."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked across the table at Quinn still her eyes never leaving his even when there drink had been delivered. This was way to exciting to have her concentration broken, and seeing Quinn's own excitement was fun to watch too.

"Your Elvis CD is still in my car as well. I guess its confirmation to the both of us that this really did happen huh? Good old Ricky and Elvis."

Anastasia gives a laugh again finally looking away as there meal was set in front of them. Looking down at the food and feeling her stomach growl Anastasia rolls her eyes at herself. She'd forgotten to eat breakfast and now her stomach was telling her so. Looking up again at Quinn she couldn't help the way her eyes twinkled under the lights of the room. Life just seemed to flow through them and knowing God's plan was still in action made them dance even more.

Giving a smile to Justin it made Beth feel good that he would at least take into mind her offer. She was doing her best to open up and be friends with Justin. It was hard, and she still had her doubts about trusting him, but it was getting better with each day to just open up a little more.

Hearing Justin will feel like he failed if Scott doesn't want him to come back she can't help but feel badly for him. She new how it felt to fail someone, and it was not a good feeling. Knowing no matter what you did now would not change what was hurt.

"I'm sorry you feel like you might have failed Scott, but someone once told me not to long ago you can't blame yourself. Stuff happens, we do the best we can, and if it doesn't work than beating ourselves up over it will not help any."

Looking down and taking another bit of her food Beth can feel her cheeks getting warm from embarrassing herself after quoting Justin. Reaching for her water and taking a sip her lets the embarrassment pass.

Hearing the comment about her working in a bar Beth gives kinda a nod but only half agreeing and half not. Work was...just a job to her. She went in and took care of her job than left. She didn't really talk to people there.

"Well I guess you could say I've mastered the ability to look like I am listing but tuning people out. I just go in and work trying not to really listen to the drunken rambles."

Beth gives a chuckle as she looks around the room for a long moment and than back down to her now empty plate. It still felt so strange talking about herself. She was still trying to get use to it but couldn't help if many she was talking to much.

"I know it must seem strange for me to work in a bar after everything I've been though with my family. Truth is...I do hate any kind of liquor but it was a job and thats something I needed."

Seeing Alec was going to stay put after all Misty looks down at some folders and opens them up. She might as well read over a few things that needed to be done while Alec was there while still listing to him at the same time.

"Hey, a job is a job you know. It's better than nothing still something comes along and working in a mill like Gage does, thats not such a bad thing. It's just an adjustment for him, and he didn't do very well. You can't go blaming him. Least he got his job by telling the truth."

Misty looks up at Alec for a moment. She want implying he'd lied but he hadn't been completely honest with his boss either. Sooner or later that could come back and but him in the butt.

"As for your brother he has his days where he miss the action too. But sometimes we learn how to deal with the hand we are given and look at the good more than the bad."

Looking up at at Alec again and leaning forward on the desk she just study's him for a long moment. In his eyes she could see a loneliness, maybe a little envy but she could tell for him something was missing.

Kind of forgetting everything Alec just said knowing he was ranting Misty was on another mission of her own. She felt bad for her brother in law and new there wasn't much family interaction there. She wanted to be a part of his life, and Carson too but she needed to take one step at a time knowing her hubby was leery of him too.

"Alec, how about you stick around till five, and than when I get out you come over for dinner? Tonight its going to be just me as Carson is working late so some company from my brother in law would be nice."

Totally bonkers

For some reason, Misty's invitation for Alec to stay was accepted and he folds his arms across the back of the chair, leaning down to rest his chin on them. "It's a courier job," he responds. "I get to wear khaki and drive a pickup around town to deliver boxes." He shrugs. "It'll come out to twenty or thirty hours a week probably. More at first until I learn the routes."

Straightening, he swivels the chair a little again. "The guy who took my app wasn't too bright. All I had to do was word it right when asked about "previous employment" and he bought it." He rolls his eyes. "If the big boss runs a background check like he should, I'm sure I'll get canned, but at least I'll rack up a few hours in the meantime." Pausing, he shakes his head. "That's what Gage should have done. Problem with him is he's turned to mush after the Agency and he'll blurt out his record to anyone. Who's gonna hire him except that lame lumberyard?"

Strumming his fingers on the back of the chair, he thinks about seeing Gage in the hospital. Though his own feelings confused him, he couldn't deny the fact that he didn't like wondering if Gage was gonna live or not. They were far from being friends, but Gage really was the closest thing he had to his own past and they were connected by the Agency whether they liked it or not. Alec was pretty sure that if Gage hadn't landed a crappy night job, he wouldn't be where he was now.

"'Course the only reason I'm getting a job at all is to keep Reese off my back." He had enough money to survive without a job right now, but in this program he knew he was supposed to find steady employment or at least show an effort. "I don't know how other people do it though," he muses. "Even Carson. Day in and day out in a kitchen... I'm surprised he hasn't gone stir crazy. He might be domesticated but he's still ex-Agency and I know he's still got part of that in his blood. It never does leave."

Alec pauses to wave an arm in the air. "Here though... now this is a job. I mean... people get in on the action, they get to go chase their bad guys and every day it's something new." He gives Misty a wry grin. It wasn't exactly long ago that he'd been one of those bad guys, and even now he knew he sometimes still walked a fine line. "Seems to me a job like this would help keep a person sane, ya know? Reese wants to convert Agency scum into right and proper citizens... problem is, he doesn't figure in that once Agency, always Agency in some way, shape or form. He needs to figure out how to keep up the action for the people he wants to convert. Otherwise..."

He shrugs again and his grin returns. "...I guess they end up like me. But Reese wants me around here 'bout as bad as he wants a shovel over the head. Dalton's the only one who will let me do anything. Not that I'm all gungho about taking down the Agency but if I'm smart, I'll choose the winning side, and right about now, I think the Elite's got a pretty good grip on things."

Stopping the rant and realizing that it really was a rant, Alec clamps his mouth shut. That was more than he usually said in a week, aside from Ryan and Eli. His cheeks felt just slightly warm. He really had been thinking a lot about all these things and it had finally just all spilled out, once he'd found willing ears.

Glancing down, he swivels again and clears his throat. "So I'm gonna be a delivery guy. Fun, fun, fun."


Justin's eyes ricochet from his plate to Beth, a little surprised by what she'd said. It threw him off because one, he hadn't realized he'd been that transparent about the way he was feeling, and two, that she felt comfortable enough to offer her own ears, recognizing that he'd been the one helping her so far. It seemed to be one more step in the right direction though, and while Justin might not be completely comfortable with the idea of sharing himself with her on that level, he knew that to some degree, he needed to if only for her sake. Beth was smart enough to know that friendship was a two-way street and if he didn't talk to her sometimes, she would see only a client/counselor relationship, which was exactly what had upset her a while back.

The same warm smile returns to his lips as he looks back to his food, taking another bite of bread and sauce. "I don't mind listening either," he assures. All of the scenarios, choices and consequences make their way through his mind in a matter of seconds. "But thanks. Just a long day - everything with Scott and all. I guess I shouldn't blab about everything, but there were just some things he wasn't told so he feels betrayed. If he doesn't change his mind, basically I've failed and that's never a good feeling."

He spins his fork in his spaghetti, taking another mouthful and chewing thoughtfully before adding a bite of meatball too. "I suppose if it hadn't been me though, it would have been someone else so I try to not take it personally. Just one more thing to add to my notes of dos and don'ts so the next time I'm more prepared."

Pausing, he sets his elbows on the table and clasps his hands, still holding his fork. His eyes roam the kitchen for a moment as he swallows his mouthful. "There's formulas and methods for everything, but in the end, all I can do is build up my experiences because everyone is different, and everyone will always present something I haven't encountered before."

Offering her another small smile, he reaches for his water and takes a sip before returning to his food. "I bet you get your ear yacked off a lot, while tending bar."


Quinn follows Anastasia, a smile pasted on his face. She knew how bizarre this whole thing had been from the first place - if anyone would understand the rest of the story, it would be her.

Forgetting all else, he goes with her to a nearby cafe for lunch and after ordering their food, he finally has the chance to tell her all about what had happened. "Okay, so you left me at the auto shop, right? And we already knew Axel worked there. Well, so come to find out, he just happened to be one of the mechanics to work on my car."

He smirks a little. "Coincidence, right? So I find out they don't have a clue what's wrong with the car - as in can't figure out a thing. I'm stuck in town again, but instead of getting a rental car, I go back to the hotel. I figure they'll find the problem and the next day I can get out of town."

He pauses and shakes his head. "Oh no, that would be too easy. I go to the shop and they still haven't found out what's wrong. I meet up with Axel and we have a short chat without killing each other. He basically says he thinks this whole thing is God, which had already crossed my mind, but he actually had the guts to say it." Becoming more animated, Quinn gestures with his hands as he talks. "So he thinks it's really about him and me and convinces me to go up to his place and talk a while. I figure I really didn't have much to lose at that point, so we did. Went better than the first time around - still not sure what to think about his past and all, but it was about the best chat we could have, considering where we started out."

Forced to pause again as their drinks are brought, he takes a sip of his pop then keeps right on going. "We weren't even done talking and would you believe another mechanic called up to Axel to tell him my car was working? I mean, crazy, right? By that time, we both knew it couldn't be a coincidence, but who would believe us? So I finally got my car back and we parted on not-quite-as-bad terms. Kinda that feeling that you'll probably cross paths with someone again even if you haven't planned it. So I get back on the road finally, I get a ways out of town and here's this old man walking on the side of the road - his car was broken down. What was I supposed to do? Leave him there for a heat stroke?"

Quinn's eyes were shining as he spoke almost too fast to keep up with himself, totally enveloped by the events and knowing that Anastasia would be just as amazed as he was. "So I bring him back to town, then he's got errands to run and I help him out. Well by the time that's all done, it's getting dark again. Great. I only had a few options and I just couldn't think straight or decide what to do. So, I wound up heading back to the lake where you took me the other night. Enjoyed the stars for a while and then I ended up sleeping in my car. You'd think I'd finally get out of town now, right?"

He shakes his head. "Every time I thought abut it, it was like God was right there, pointing me the other direction and telling me to wait." Heaving a deep sigh, he lets his palms flop on the table. "So here I am. I can't leave this town no matter how hard I try! I had so many plans and goals for where I was going next and... and they're just gone now. It's like they're just not important anymore and I don't even know why. Would you believe I'm actually considering finding an indefinite place to stay?" His voice lowers a bit. "I feel like I'm going mad. I mean, really... totally bonkers here. Then at the same time... I get this feeling like... like almost excited, like there's some big plan or something that I haven't seen yet and... and God's just waiting to show me."

Finally stopping again, he searches Anastasia's eyes. "Totally bonkers," he repeats. "If I didn't have that actual Ricky Nelson record in my car, I'd think I dreamed up the whole thing."

Be there for you

Sitting down to dinner with Justin Beth takes a bit of the meal and is a little surprised how well it turned out. Happy to hear that Justin liked it as well made Beth smile a little more. Comfortable eating in front of Justin now Beth looks up for a moment. She could see the weary look in Justin's eye and new it had to do with the long day.

"It's ok, I understand. If you ever want to talk about anything...I...I can listen to you. You don't have to just listen to me all the time."

Giving a smile Beth takes a sip of her milk. She new later they would look at pictures together, but at the same time she did have a feeling of sadness for Justin. She never seen him look like this before and she just wanted to make sure he was ok too. Thats what friends did...right?

Just continuing to watch Alec for a long moment Misty cocks her head to the side again. He really did seem bored and maybe even a bit lonely. Misty couldn't balm him for that at all.

"Maybe she dosn't right now, but ya can't blame her ya know. Give it time though you never know what might happen as you keep proving yourself. She can't hate you forever but sometimes it takes people longer than others."

Looking down at her paper work again and jotting a few things down Misty looks up again at Alec's comment to leave yet he continued to sit in the chair.

For a moment Misty wonders why Alec was there. Was it really he wanted to be around his family and Misty was the only one who didn't mind him being around? In a way she felt bad for him, and could only hope God would bring the family closer together once more.

"You can sit here till Dalton is ready if you want. I don't mind. You can tell me about your job you start tomorrow."

Looking up at Quinn and giving his hand a squeeze back Anastasia grins happy that her Uncle being protective didn't scare him away at all.

"That sounds like a good plan to me. I wanna know about your crazy last few days. Sure do have a feeling its going to be an interesting story."

Starting forward still hand in hand with Quinn Anastasia leads him to the door. She was really interested in what had happened in the last few days and the puzzle peaces God had fit into place to cause Quinn to still be here.

And anything in between

Glad for something to keep his hands busy, Justin spies a bread knife and sets to work. He wasn't sure just why he felt a tad awkward at the moment. No, that was a lie. He did know, and he also felt a tinge of guilt. He needed to be more careful.

Slicing the bread at an angle, he gives away that he's obviously spent many hours in a kitchen. Some might not notice anything strange, but those who paid attention would perhaps take note that he sliced bread with a flourish not common to an average bachelor. Once finished, he helps Beth get the other things on the table, and before long, they're seated and enjoying the meal. Uneasiness diminishes and Justin returns to his thoughtful but sociable state.

"This is great," he compliments after taking a bite of spaghetti. "I like the spices you used."

Tearing a piece of bread, he dips it in the sauce, comfortable enough to not worry that he was eating with his fingers. While trying to make conversation, he's careful not to bring up the other reason for him being here - that had to be in Beth's time on her own terms. He knew he was weary tonight though, and just hoped that it would not deter Beth from talking to him.

"Sorry I'm not quite on top of my game tonight," he apologizes. If he were with his other friends, they would have already bugged him about it by now. "If I'm quiet, it's just because I'm busy stuffing my face."


Alec smirks a little, but seems a bit more subdued than normal. "Yeah, I guess so." His eyes wander around the room then back to Misty's desk where he picks up a pen to fiddle with. "Job doesn't start 'til tomorrow, but Dalton said he could use me for a while today. Unfortunately, I walked in on him and Dani and I'm just lucky I made it out of there alive."

For a moment, his far-off gaze seems to indicate deeper thoughts. "Guess I should look both ways from now on and stay out of Dani's way. I don't think I'll ever gain her trust back." Using his feet for thrust, he lets the chair spin around like a little kid would. "Not that I care," he adds quickly.

The chair eventually slows to a halt again and Alec gives a little sigh. Quite honestly, he wasn't even sure why he'd ended up in here. He had nothing to talk to Misty about. He had no task in here. So really, it was pointless.

"Well... I guess I'll get out of your hair. I'm sure you've got important Elite business to do." Even though he'd just given himself reason to leave, he remains in the chair, swiveling a little as his eyes roaming the room again.


"Mmm." Dani giggles, her face blushing a little. "I love you too. And I'm sure you could find some way to have some fun without me, but... just not too much fun."

Standing up to leave, she stops, turns and gives him one last kiss. "Just bring yourself tonight. I'm fixing supper for you this time." Grinning, she finally leaves him to his work, slipping from his office and avoiding the chaos in the main room as she heads out to her car.


Quinn's eyes widen just a little as Chuck approaches, immediately leery but the look on the man's face. He accepts the handshake with confidence though, locking eyes with Chuck for a moment. Drawing back then hearing the comments, Quinn quirks one eyebrow. Glancing down to Anastasia, he grins at her explanation of her uncle's behavior. "Protective, huh? I like that."

His fingers give her hand a squeeze. "I would love to do lunch. And dinner. And anything in between or after." He grins, his eyes glinting with humor. The way the last couple days had gone, he was ready for anything and quite willing to play things by ear.

Wont be pretty

Keeping Jade close Dan gives a small nod. He new and understood what Jade was saying. Jim and Mick hadn't been happy with Sparky and worried since he was dating a much younger woman. But for him if Sparky was happy than that is what mattered. Not to mention Jade a slightly younger than him as well so he did understand that love happened no matter the age and you couldn't stop it.

"Maybe you dad and Jim will see how much Faith really means to Sparky now, and that she really loves him too. We can only guess there reaction but I hope it goes well for him too. He's so happy I'd hate to see it ruined."

Pulling away from Jade and looking down at her Dan gives a smile as he runs his finger along her cheek. He'd been so happy that Jade wasn't scared away from him from her own father, and as time move on Dan though he was getting use to him a little more and a little more. For that he was happy.

"Hey, how about after work we go into town just to get away for a little bit and have lunch? Maybe I'll even let you got to the mall and pick out something nice."

Giving a grin Dan's eyes twinkle from under his hat as his smile grows. He always loved teasing Jade a little bit.

Feeling Justin's hand on her chin and his thumb on her cheek Beth doesn't flinch but it did surprise her. The last thing she had expected was Justin to reach out and touch her. His hands were soft though and they felt nice on her skin.

Just looking up into his eyes Beth felt almost lost for a moment in them. Hearing his words sends Beth's heart into a strange flutter. It was odd for her to feel that. If Justin didn't go back to brookshire...he'd still want to see her?

"Yeah, even if your not at brookshire we can still see each other."

Beth couldn't help her voice being so soft and sweet. Maybe she didn't even realize it but today with Justin she felt comfortable.

As Justin's hand stops and he turns away from her Beth can feel the tension in the room change and she shifts a little bit herself. Tensing up a little bit she realized how situation they had been in. Giving a chuckle and than clearing her throat a little.

"Ummm...yeah can you cut that loaf of Italian bread over there for me and I'll set the table."

Looking up from her desk as Alec enters Misty takes some paper work and puts it over top of the files from Trey and Jason. Cocking her head a little bit she just watches Alec wondering what he was up too. Seeing the glint of boredom in his eye Misty was reminded of Carson and the time he use to have that same look.

"Why yes because he likes to spend his free time under the desk hiding from everyone."

Giving a roll of her eyes Misty lets a grin slip of her lips as she shakes her head. Alec didn't come to see her often but when he did he remanded her so much of Carson. They might not be full blood related but they acted so much alike they could be.

"What are you up to Alec? Bored today?"

Leaning in and giving Dani a returned kiss Dalton new she wasn't fond of her half brother and he was sorry to see it that way but he did understand where she was coming from. Alec hadn't been the best to her and before he spent any time with him and saw the change he thought the same thing.

"Ok Babe, call or text me later on what you want me to bring over to your place. I love you Dani."

Letting his hand linger for a moment on Dani's face the smile on Dalton grows more and his eyes twinkle as he gets a little chuckle.

"With out how how much fun could I have huh? Have a good afternoon ok."

As Quinn spins around a few times in circle and there kiss continues Anastasia can't contain how happy she felt inside. Her emotions just seemed to run high with excitement and something else she just couldn't describe.

Just looking into his eyes as he draws away and still holds her Anastasia's smile grows even more. Her eyes twinkle as she looks back at Quinn. She felt like she was in a fairy tail again and her prince had come back for her.

"I guess you have a point."

Sliding back down to the ground and feeling Quinn's hand to her face Anastasia lets her hand slide down his free arm and fingers link with his. Hearing his invitation for dinner, and maybe even a second, and a third she can feel her excitement and joy grow even more. Did this mean he would be stay?

About to say more Anastasia is cut off by someone clearing there throat. Turning around and seeing her Uncle coming twords them she new he'd just seen the embrace and wasn't sure what he would say but he didn't look happy.

"Uncle Chuck this is Quinn. Quinn this is my Uncle and the owner of the shop Chuck Graham."

Giving a nod and holding his hand out to Quinn for a hand shake. Looking between the both his looks stops on Anastasia for a moment before finally saying anything.

"Ana, if you keep kissing in the middle of the store your going to scare everyone away. Why don't you take your lunch now."

Turning to head back to the counter Chuck stops before looking over his shoulder at his niece and her friend again.

"Don't hurt her...it wont be pretty if you do."

Looking to her Uncle and than to Quinn again Anastasia can't beleive her Uncle just said that but at the same time she should have known and she couldn't blame him. He's seen her hurt before and always hated when it happened.

"He's....protective. Wanna do lunch and than maybe dinner later?"

Or three

Jade smiles as Dan pulls away from their kiss, always reminded of why she'd said "yes" to him. Another little giggle escapes. "Well of course, you have to be most excited about us. If you were more excited about someone else getting married, I might have to think twice."

Teasing him, she gives him a tighter squeeze. But even though she smiles, something else lingers in her eyes. "I just hope it doesn't cause a problem between him and Dad, ya know? I've got my opinion, and Dad has his... and I respect that but... I don't know... I just hope Sparky can be happy without any bad consequences."


Having been mostly in his own little world, Justin didn't notice at first that Beth was just as lost in thought - about something entirely different. It takes a moment for her question to register but when it does, Justin's gaze comes back into focus and he finds himself staring down into two eyes that instantly and, quite surprisingly, turn his heart to pure mush.

"Hey," he assures quietly, "you won't." Without thinking, he reaches out and hooks a finger under her chin, his thumb resting against her cheek. "You're too strong. And besides - just because I may not be there doesn't mean I won't be seeing you, right?"

He smiles his usual, warm, soft smile. Then as if suddenly realizing his hand was still touching her, he lets it drop, and he turns towards the counter again. "Can I help you with anything?"


Alec eyes Dalton then Dani... Dalton.. Dani, then he finally shrugs. "Yeah, ok. I'll be back in a few then." Eying Dani one last time, he leaves the office to return to the hall. Looking both ways, he sighs. The main floor was a war zone at the moment. So aiming the other way, he comes to he infirmary. Heading inside, he spots Misty and ambles in her direction. It was quiet back here - much more comfortable. And Rick was gone - that was another plus.

Flopping down backward in an empty office chair, Alec shoots across the floor to Misty's corner, planting his feet for brakes to stop within only inches of the desk. "Heya, Babe." He grins and leans his arms on the back of the chair he still straddled, boredom written all over his face. "Your husband isn't hiding under the desk or anything, is he?"


Once alone with Dalton, Dani huffs a frustrated sigh. Giving his leg a pat, she leans in to give him a last kiss on the lips. "I guess I'll see you later tonight."

After a pause, she opens her mouth to say more, but then shuts it again. She had her own thoughts about Alec, but for now, she'd keep them to herself. "Don't have too much fun."


Seeing Anastasia running for him, Quinn's singing stops as his mouth forms a smile. Turning just in time to catch her, he hadn't expected quite this enthusiastic of a reception and he laughs outright, a deep, happy laugh.

Wrapping his arms around her, he spins in a little circle, stopping only as she envelopes his lips in a kiss. Just holding her, he returns the gesture with a gentle passion, his eyes falling closed as he murmurs his approval at the attention. Chuck went completely unnoticed.

Eventually drawing back, Quinn's eyes twinkle as he smiles. "Yeah... I came back. Only a stupid man would walk away from a fairytale, don't you think?"

Finally letting Anastasia slide back to the floor, he reaches to brush aside a strand of her hair from her face, his palm lingering on her cheek. "The last couple days have been a lifetime. It'll take at least one dinner to tell it all... probably two... or even three if you decide you actually like my company."

Wonderful

As Jade comes to the front of him Dan smiles down at her and brushes a stand of her hair from her face tucking it behind her ear. Just letting his rough palm rent on her soft skin Dan runs his finger over her cheek bone. Never would he tire of looking into those lovely eyes.

"Mmmm...I'll never tire of calling you my wife to be, wife, the love of my life."

Leaning down and placing a kiss on Jade's lips again Dan new they were in the clear right now and let it linger a little longer. He loved just how Jade felt in his arms and the softness she had. Pulling away and looking down into those eyes he had fallen in love with and captivated him.

Hearing about Sparky and Faith Dan's smile grows even more. He'd worked side by side with Sparky and new what a great guy he was. Sparky defiantly deserved a little bit of happyness and if he found it truly in Faith than that was great.

"That's wonderful. I'm so happy for them. It couldn't happened to two better people. Well aside from us."

Giving a little chuckle at Justin's comment about his mom and his bad habit Beth though it was nice to hear just another bit of Justin's mom. She seemed like such a nice lady and you could tell by the way he talked about he that in deed he did love his mom.

Continuing to listen to Justin talk about Scott Beth moves around the kitchen getting some plates down and putting cooked pasta onto it. Talking about something other than herself was nice, and listening to what Justin did all day was nice at the same time. Though it did make her sad to hear Justin might be back. She really had enjoyed there chats each day and to know they might be gone was sad.

Putting the sauce and than some graded cheese onto the pasta Beth is silent for a moment just taking what Justin said in. Finally finishing the process she had been thinking about Beth can't help the sad look that passed though her eyes at the thought of here bench. She defiantly wouldn't let it get cold but...there was something else.

Looking up at Justin Beth searches his eyes for a moment. Her hear pure, her her though process just taking its turn, her lips mouthing the words that made she wanted to ask for a long while. Her own eyes so big and bright in the kitchen light.

"But...what if I get cold and lonely?"

Giving a chuckle and leaning in to give Dani a kiss Dalton looks up at Alec's voice. He was a bit suprised to see his friend here at TJY. Once Alec was gone he thought for sure he wouldn't be back not for a long time always.

"Hey Alec, hows it...."

Getting his words cut off though Dalton looks to Dani and than to Alec than back to Dani again. He could feel the tension in the room growing but he new this was something the both of them needed to work out. So he stayed out of it for now.

Leaning back in his chair Dalton waits till the little conversation come to an end. Sitting up in his chair again and clearing his throat for a moment composting himself too.

"Yeah, if you want to give me about ten or fifteen minutes and if you want to head back I've got some code cracking I could use and extra pare of hands on if your really up to it."

Setting up a few new displays by the counter Anastaisa hums softly as she works away. It had been a few days since Quinn had left, and though he passed though her mind often Anastaisa was dealing with it in her own way and doing ok. She'd probably never seen him again but it had been her fairly tail and for a moment she really had felt like a princess. Maybe that was God's plan to open he eyes to show her love was out there, and dreams did come true.

Finishing with the display and standing Anastaisa was done with that task and now needed to move on to another even if she was moving slow today. Huming to herself so she could keep up her energy Anastaisa stops to the sound of another song, and another voice she new all to well, but was she hearing things.

Lifting her head a little more and still hearing the sound of Quinn's voice Anastaisa spins around. A look of shock cross her face seeing Quinn standing there. She though he was long gone by now and to see him standing right there still sent her heart a flutter. Getting over the shock a smile spreaks across her face so big and a little sequel comes from her lips as she stops the little booklets she was holding falling to the ground as she makes a dash for Quinn knowing he would catch her she jumps and wraps her legs around his wast.

"Quinn you came back."

Not saying anything else Anastaisa press her lips to Quinn's just letting her emotions flow from her to him. She'd missed him over the last few days that was for sure, and thinking she would never see him again now to have him here she just let him know how happy she was.

Standing a ways away in the door way to the office Chuck watches as his niece and the stranger from the other night interact. As she runs to him and jumps into his arms Chuck can't help but bristle for a moment. Than seeing the kiss he bristles more and straightens. Just continuing to watch to see what would happen. He didn't like seeing his niece with a stranger like this but she looked happy, but that could lead to a darker road.

Bad judgment call

Receiving the kiss to the lips then her nose, Jade giggles and tightens her grip around Dan's waist. "Mmm... I'm doing quite well, thank you." She grins and closes her eyes to nuzzles her face into his neck. She loved how he smelled of horses, leather and hard work.

Sighing with content, she finally lifts her head and moves around to stand in front of him instead, reaching up to tip his hat back just a little. "Wife to be... I don't think I'll ever get tired of that. Well, until after we're married that is. Then I suppose the "to be" would be outdated." She giggles again and stands on her tip toes to give him another kiss. "Sparky and Faith are engaged," she whispers. "Shhh."

Still grinning, her eyes dance. "They are so adorable and I've never seen Sparky so happy."


Justin grins at Beth's comment, making the dry pasta wriggle between his teeth. "Ma always got after me for chewing on the pasta she was trying to cook - I guess now it's a habit since I'm out of reach of her swatting."

Sighing, his demeanor changes and he shifts slightly though remains with arms folded at the counter after removing the piece of pasta from his mouth. "Yeah..." A lot had happened in one day - it felt like a week had gone by. Scott's first rejection had been like a kick in the gut, then later when taking him back, Scott had told him not to come back. When it really came down to it, Justin felt like a failure.

"I guess I made a bad judgment call and... Scott asked me not to come back." He shrugs lamely, unable to keep his face from showing how much it bothered him. "Unless something drastic happens, I doubt I'll be asked to return. Dr. Hawks might want me to but... I won't unless Scott agrees." He had several different ideas running through his mind, but hadn't sorted any of them out yet, and didn't know if any would even work anyway. He'd made a blunder out of this one alright.

Looking to Beth, he forces a smile. "Guess you'll have to keep that bench warm so it doesn't get lonely."


Alec stands for another awkward moment before finally turning and leaving Sapphire alone with Gage again. He didn't know what else to say and he didn't want to intrude anymore either. Ambling down the halls and finally back outside, he sits on his motorcycle for a few minutes, lost in thought. Eventually, he starts the engine and dons his helmet before pulling away.

It doesn't take him long to arrive at TJY, but upon entering, he's almost sorry he came. It was more chaotic than he'd ever seen. It seemed hardly anyone was on the main floor, but those who were, were running around like chickens with their heads cut off while Reese was spewing orders from the other end.

Meandering a little further into the chaos, Alec spies Susanne. "Hey, what's all the commotion?"

Strands of Susanne's hair were falling down in her face and she tries to blow them out of the way, her arms full of paperwork. "Seriously? Alec, what are you doing here?"

"Well, hi to you too."

She smirks. "Reese won't be happy to see you hanging around. Jason's on watchdog duty, Nate's still out with Laura, Con and Jamie took a few days off for that whole thing, we're losing Hope, Rick and Ty are out of town, Gunner's playing hookie who knows where, Pete's out on a stakeout and Sapphire's gone to look after Gage, of whom Reese has had no time to even check about because he's been here trying to hold down the fort while making me fill in all the gaps!" Huffing, Susanne blinks at Alec. "Any more questions?"

Alec's eyes are wide and he takes a step back. "Um. No. Don't think so, thanks. But somebody should prolly go see Gage sometime. Sapphire was kinda sore about that."

Susanne quirks an eyebrow. "You saw her?"

"Yeah. Just came from the hospital."

Susanne softens just a little. "How's Gage?"

"Not good if he's suppose to be awake. Apparently I'm the only one that's showed up. Guess the guy still hasn't made any friends anywhere."

Susanne's eyes narrow. "Well I'm sure it's not from lack of trying. Not everybody just manipulates their way into people's lives."

"Now what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Sorry. Just... thank you, Alec. I'll tell Reese you saw Gage."

Alec stands lamely as Susanne walks away before he shrugs then aims down the hall away from the mess. Moseying to Dalton's office, he sees the door partway open, so enters after a quick knock with his knuckles. "Hey, Hulk, I..." His voice trails off as he realizes that his big friend isn't alone.

Dani had been sitting in the empty chair next to Dalton, having stopped by for just a few moments on her way from work. Her eyes had now snapped to Alec and were slightly wide. "I thought you weren't here anymore."

Alec smirks. "I'm not. Apparently this was a bad time to show up at all."

Dani can feel her face growing hot. "Apparently." It wasn't so much that her conversation with Dalton had been interrupted, but seeing her half-brother again was not something she'd expected or wanted. Ever since he'd manipulated her into setting him free that one time, she couldn't care less what happened to him and did not want to socialize.

Alec rolls his eyes, seeing the ire in Dani's gaze. "You women hold grudges for a long time, don't you?"

"What do you care?"

"I guess I don't." It was a lie, but Alec wasn't about to admit that there were days he wanted to get to know his sister. He stares at Dani until she lowers her eyes first, then he focuses on Dalton. "I had a free afternoon... thought you might need some help with something. But... if you're busy, I'll just leave."


The sun was setting. And for yet another evening, Quinn found himself in the same small city. The Coffee Bean was quiet and the coffee was good as he tried to drink enough to stay awake for his next attempt at leaving. After having helped the old man on the road, he'd wound up giving him a ride back to the car to pick up some personal items, then taking him to the store, then home where he "had" to stay for a meal as payment, then take the man to the auto shop to pick up the now-fixed car. After all that, it had already been dark and Quinn had found himself back at the little coffee shop where he'd been with Anastasia. Tonight though, the booth opposite him was empty... too empty. He should have just left town without stopping but... for some reason, he hadn't.

Downing the rest of his coffee, he sighs and checks his watch. If he left now, he could make it to a hotel by the time he got too tired and he'd rest for a night then head out again early. With any luck, he'd actually get to his destination before going mad.

As he steps outside under the stars though, Quinn finds himself staring up at them. And for a moment, it felt as though his feet were magnets attracted to the sidewalk. Still staring upward, he sighs. "Now what, hmm? I met a girl... said hi to my brother... what else am I supposed to do? Haven't I done everything You wanted me to do?"

The answer in the stillness was not what Quinn expected. "Naw, that's just a passing thought, right? You didn't actually mean for me to..." He scoffs and shakes his head before throwing up his arms. "Just when I thought it couldn't get any weirder. Okay, fine. But pretty soon, I'm liable to go mad - You realize this, right?"

Just over half an hour later, he was staring up at the same stars. But this time while seated on a large rock protruding out from the pier. The gentle sloshing of water was lulling and he couldn't help but hum. He was alone out here - no one else was here this late, and the sounds of traffic were far away. And for a rare moment or two, without trying, the positive aspects about this area began to add up in his mind...

...Morning. The night hadn't been spent as planned. Instead of waking up in a hotel bed, Quinn was hosting aches from sleeping curled in his car all night. After yet another visit to the Coffee Bean though, he was waking up and feeling quite insane for still being here. It really was ridiculous and he was just as confused as ever as to why he really was. But every time he thought about trying to leave again, the silent answer came back: "Not yet."

Wandering through the door of the shop, Quinn's steps are slow and quiet as he ambles around the shelves, taking in the scent he'd enjoyed when been here a couple days ago. Spotting movement over by the counter, he goes the other way, heading to the section where he'd found the Ricky Nelson album.

Flipping through some old records, he starts to hum an old but familiar tune and one that now was a reminder of something special. Continuing to hum to the inaudible music, his voice finally comes through as he knows the words will carry just far enough to gain the attention of one person in particular. "Little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time. You were always on my mind... You were always on my mind."