Wrapping his fingers around Susanne's Chuck puts his other hand around her wast and gives a soft smile to let her know he wouldn't try anything, and she was safe in his arms. Moving a little slowly Chuck could feel Susanne tremble a little. Than hearing her words about not being able to dance Chuck smile even more the words to the song dieing off again.
"Thanks ok. I'll make it work so you can enjoy it too. Just...trust me I promise I wont hurt you."
Wrapping his other arm around Susanne as well Chick lifts her up a little bit and places her on top of his feet. His steel toe boots proving to me good platforms to stand on so they could dance with him taking the lead.
"Now we can dance and you don't have to worry."
Picking up in the song again Chuck smiles keeping his arms around Susanne. Morning around one way, and than going the other was moving in soft circles and all over the open area just enjoying the moment and letting Susanne do the same.
"If you get thirsty its not punch but I have some water on the bike in the seat compartment."
10/17/10
10/16/10
Don't know how
At first, Susanne is surprised that Chuck seems to not want to walk anymore. Was it something she'd said? Had she offended him? She hadn't meant to. She'd just been honest with him and...
Her thoughts trail off as her confusion builds, watching Chuck back off. When his soft singing hits her ears, it's one of the warmest sounds she's ever heard. She recognizes the tune right away, and a little smile starts at the corner of her mouth. Though still confused as to what on earth he was intending, she cocks her head, just listening for a moment. But as his question is asked of her, the smile fades and her eyes hold a look of pure astonishment.
Susanne's heart almost stops for a moment as she looks down at his outstretched hands then back up to his face again as he begins the soft singing once more. Someone... a man... was... actually asking her to dance. Never once had anyone ever done that. Never once had anyone paid that much attention to her as a woman. She'd never complain about the friendships she had, or the way her "family" at TJY treated her - she knew they all loved her. But this was different. This was the direct attention of a man in a way that was very different.
Her mouth opens slightly, still amazed that Chuck would be so observant... thoughtful... tender, in a way. She didn't want to open up to him... she didn't want to allow herself to fall into this moment, knowing that tomorrow it would be over. But... but maybe... just this once... it wouldn't be so bad? She could live in a single moment... right?
Without realizing her eyes had filled, she blinks, allowing a tear to escape and run down her cheek. It wasn't one of sadness... perhaps one of happiness, mixed with melancholy. No matter the reason, she feels a little silly, but doesn't want Chuck to think she's upset. So reaching out with trembling hands, she takes his own. Both hands in his, it made her warm all over, and she takes a small step forward to leave a smaller space between them. "I don't know how to dance," she whispers.
Her thoughts trail off as her confusion builds, watching Chuck back off. When his soft singing hits her ears, it's one of the warmest sounds she's ever heard. She recognizes the tune right away, and a little smile starts at the corner of her mouth. Though still confused as to what on earth he was intending, she cocks her head, just listening for a moment. But as his question is asked of her, the smile fades and her eyes hold a look of pure astonishment.
Susanne's heart almost stops for a moment as she looks down at his outstretched hands then back up to his face again as he begins the soft singing once more. Someone... a man... was... actually asking her to dance. Never once had anyone ever done that. Never once had anyone paid that much attention to her as a woman. She'd never complain about the friendships she had, or the way her "family" at TJY treated her - she knew they all loved her. But this was different. This was the direct attention of a man in a way that was very different.
Her mouth opens slightly, still amazed that Chuck would be so observant... thoughtful... tender, in a way. She didn't want to open up to him... she didn't want to allow herself to fall into this moment, knowing that tomorrow it would be over. But... but maybe... just this once... it wouldn't be so bad? She could live in a single moment... right?
Without realizing her eyes had filled, she blinks, allowing a tear to escape and run down her cheek. It wasn't one of sadness... perhaps one of happiness, mixed with melancholy. No matter the reason, she feels a little silly, but doesn't want Chuck to think she's upset. So reaching out with trembling hands, she takes his own. Both hands in his, it made her warm all over, and she takes a small step forward to leave a smaller space between them. "I don't know how to dance," she whispers.
Unchained Melody
Continuing to keep his full attachen on Susanne as she talks Chuck's eyes dont wonder around like some might. They stay on her and give her all his focus. Every words she said he herd, and every bit of hurt he saw he could feel. To think he dad use to say that struck him hard. A family was meant to support not bring down, even if it was in joking.
Letting the wheels in his mind turn Chuck's eyes wonder her face, her eyes, studying them, taking them in. Her questions he just cocks his head a little to one side before give it a shake say no he didn't want to walk anymore with her.
Backing up a little bit Chuck clears his throat before looking away. Taping his foot for a moment finally a soft song starting low comes from his lips. The song was familiar and played at many dances. The words from Unchained Melody come from his lips before becoming more stronger as he looks up at Susanne.
Letting the words die off Chuck lets the melody continue to be hummed as he holds his hand out to Susanne again. The hum going away for now as he speaks.
"We arnt in high school anymore, but I think you've missed out far to long on your first dance. Can I have the honor of shearing it with you, Susanne may I have this dance?"
Once his question to her was out Chuck starts to hum again not skipping a beat to where he left off the words coming out softly again as he wait for her reply.
Coming into the room with the bag of food Karla sets it on the nightstand before sitting in on the bed next to Kip.
"You don't look to sick, but if you are thats ok. I'd rather be with you and get sick than be alone."
Resting her hand on Kip's back Karla gives it a nice rub quiet for a moment. She really had missed him a lot, and she was worried too.
"I've missed you. Wanna talk about whats been bothing you?"
Giving a swig of his beer Trey gives a little shrug as he puts his other hand in his pocket. Starting forward with Ariel they walk a little ways away from the camp fire. He'd always been a party animal but this were calmer than what he was use too. But it was nice not to worry about anything to bad going wrong.
"I'm doing ok I guess. I don't really do much right now so there is not much to talk about. Unless you want to count in being hounded by the big boss at TJY exciting."
Shaking his head he takes another swig of beer walking a little ways more before turning to Ariel a little bit. Studing her side profile as they walked he couldn't help but wonder about her. He hardly new anything about who she was, yet how did he ask? He wasn't use to talking to women before, least not like this.
"How about you? Anything fun and exciting going on?"
Letting the wheels in his mind turn Chuck's eyes wonder her face, her eyes, studying them, taking them in. Her questions he just cocks his head a little to one side before give it a shake say no he didn't want to walk anymore with her.
Backing up a little bit Chuck clears his throat before looking away. Taping his foot for a moment finally a soft song starting low comes from his lips. The song was familiar and played at many dances. The words from Unchained Melody come from his lips before becoming more stronger as he looks up at Susanne.
Letting the words die off Chuck lets the melody continue to be hummed as he holds his hand out to Susanne again. The hum going away for now as he speaks.
"We arnt in high school anymore, but I think you've missed out far to long on your first dance. Can I have the honor of shearing it with you, Susanne may I have this dance?"
Once his question to her was out Chuck starts to hum again not skipping a beat to where he left off the words coming out softly again as he wait for her reply.
Coming into the room with the bag of food Karla sets it on the nightstand before sitting in on the bed next to Kip.
"You don't look to sick, but if you are thats ok. I'd rather be with you and get sick than be alone."
Resting her hand on Kip's back Karla gives it a nice rub quiet for a moment. She really had missed him a lot, and she was worried too.
"I've missed you. Wanna talk about whats been bothing you?"
Giving a swig of his beer Trey gives a little shrug as he puts his other hand in his pocket. Starting forward with Ariel they walk a little ways away from the camp fire. He'd always been a party animal but this were calmer than what he was use too. But it was nice not to worry about anything to bad going wrong.
"I'm doing ok I guess. I don't really do much right now so there is not much to talk about. Unless you want to count in being hounded by the big boss at TJY exciting."
Shaking his head he takes another swig of beer walking a little ways more before turning to Ariel a little bit. Studing her side profile as they walked he couldn't help but wonder about her. He hardly new anything about who she was, yet how did he ask? He wasn't use to talking to women before, least not like this.
"How about you? Anything fun and exciting going on?"
Homely
Karla's voice jolts Kip from his sleep. He hadn't intended on taking a nap, but after he'd laid on his bed for a while, sleep had taken over. Sitting up, he tries to shake the fog from his mind. His hair was a little matted on one side and his eyes were red, proving he'd been sleeping.
Getting up, he shuffles to the door in his bare feet, his t-shirt a bit wrinkled and his jeans hanging loose without a belt. Pulling on the knob, he looks out at Karla and spies the McDonald's bag. His stomach growls again but he seems less than enthusiastic as he yawns. He does muster up something close to a smile though and sleepily rubs a hand over his face. "Hi." His voice was gravely and he clears his throat before backing up and letting Karla through. "Come on in."
Returning to the bed, he flops down on his stomach, hiding his face in his pillow. He knew Karla wasn't stupid. She probably already sensed something was more wrong than his lie of being sick. The smell of the french fries tempts him and his stomach growls again. Gram had been trying to feed him all day, and he'd refused. Unfortunately, Karla knew his weakness. He remains stubborn though and doesn't move.
"What I got's probably catching," he mumbles into the pillow.
Susanne didn't want to feel Chuck's words the way she did. She didn't want to feel that tingle that ran down her spine or that warmth that spread through her veins. His voice was like an embrace itself, wrapping her in the most peculiar state of mind where she felt far less control than what was comfortable. She finds herself gripping his hand just a little tighter as if trying to remember this was reality and not some dream that would always have a happy ending.
He really did want to get to know her? Why? His mention of fifteen years ago makes Susanne wonder what he must have been through. He seemed so gentle and kind with a dash of danger about him... what kind of a woman would abuse that? She feels a bit of sympathy for Chuck now, realizing that he was indeed human as well.
As he stops again and looks down at her, Susanne looks up this time, willing to fall into those eyes once more. Why did he want to open his heart up to her? After one look? One glance? She wanted to believe him, but it just seemed so impossible. He admitted that he knew nothing about her, so how could he possibly want to share himself with her like that after she'd simply walked through the door? If he was telling the truth, it couldn't be her... it had to be something in his imagination or he was just in the right mood or something.
"I don't have the presence or looks or personality to deserve such compliments," she responds quietly. "It's like my father used to say when I'd try to dress up for a school dance. He'd say, 'Suzy, don't put so much work into looking good. The guys are going to ignore you anyway.' And he was always right. I'd go, sit in the corner, unnoticed and be miserable the whole time. Then when the next dance or party came around, I'd do the same thing all over again." She chuckles. "Until one day I realized that nothing I did would change any of that. My dad would introduce me to others as his 'homely child' and I came to realize he was right. There was never anything special about me... then or now."
Pausing, she shakes her head, the defeated smile still on her lips. "So you see why I can't believe you? It's all just a game and none of it is real. But because you're such a gentleman, no, I won't just write you off. I plan to have a fun dinner and maybe by the time we get back to town, I'll even like the motorcycle ride."
Lifting her eyes, she sees that Chuck's hair had been matted down in his helmet and she grins. Standing on her toes and reaching up like she had that morning, she runs her fingers through his hair to mess it up again. This time though, she takes just a little longer doing it, feeling the soft locks between her fingertips.
Taking back her hand, she swallows hard, her eyes resting on his again. She wondered if the tingle than ran through her was what chemistry felt like. "Shall we... keep walking?"
Trey's comment makes Ariel laugh, her eyes sparkling by the light of the nearby fire. "Yeah well... party hearty, right?" She was anything but, and she was sure Trey sensed that.
Accepting the beer, she smiles at him. 'Thanks. One's my limit but I haven't had any yet."
Just standing a moment to take a swig, she give him a sidelong glance. "So... how's it going?" She nods towards the beachside. "Wanna walk and talk?"
Getting up, he shuffles to the door in his bare feet, his t-shirt a bit wrinkled and his jeans hanging loose without a belt. Pulling on the knob, he looks out at Karla and spies the McDonald's bag. His stomach growls again but he seems less than enthusiastic as he yawns. He does muster up something close to a smile though and sleepily rubs a hand over his face. "Hi." His voice was gravely and he clears his throat before backing up and letting Karla through. "Come on in."
Returning to the bed, he flops down on his stomach, hiding his face in his pillow. He knew Karla wasn't stupid. She probably already sensed something was more wrong than his lie of being sick. The smell of the french fries tempts him and his stomach growls again. Gram had been trying to feed him all day, and he'd refused. Unfortunately, Karla knew his weakness. He remains stubborn though and doesn't move.
"What I got's probably catching," he mumbles into the pillow.
Susanne didn't want to feel Chuck's words the way she did. She didn't want to feel that tingle that ran down her spine or that warmth that spread through her veins. His voice was like an embrace itself, wrapping her in the most peculiar state of mind where she felt far less control than what was comfortable. She finds herself gripping his hand just a little tighter as if trying to remember this was reality and not some dream that would always have a happy ending.
He really did want to get to know her? Why? His mention of fifteen years ago makes Susanne wonder what he must have been through. He seemed so gentle and kind with a dash of danger about him... what kind of a woman would abuse that? She feels a bit of sympathy for Chuck now, realizing that he was indeed human as well.
As he stops again and looks down at her, Susanne looks up this time, willing to fall into those eyes once more. Why did he want to open his heart up to her? After one look? One glance? She wanted to believe him, but it just seemed so impossible. He admitted that he knew nothing about her, so how could he possibly want to share himself with her like that after she'd simply walked through the door? If he was telling the truth, it couldn't be her... it had to be something in his imagination or he was just in the right mood or something.
"I don't have the presence or looks or personality to deserve such compliments," she responds quietly. "It's like my father used to say when I'd try to dress up for a school dance. He'd say, 'Suzy, don't put so much work into looking good. The guys are going to ignore you anyway.' And he was always right. I'd go, sit in the corner, unnoticed and be miserable the whole time. Then when the next dance or party came around, I'd do the same thing all over again." She chuckles. "Until one day I realized that nothing I did would change any of that. My dad would introduce me to others as his 'homely child' and I came to realize he was right. There was never anything special about me... then or now."
Pausing, she shakes her head, the defeated smile still on her lips. "So you see why I can't believe you? It's all just a game and none of it is real. But because you're such a gentleman, no, I won't just write you off. I plan to have a fun dinner and maybe by the time we get back to town, I'll even like the motorcycle ride."
Lifting her eyes, she sees that Chuck's hair had been matted down in his helmet and she grins. Standing on her toes and reaching up like she had that morning, she runs her fingers through his hair to mess it up again. This time though, she takes just a little longer doing it, feeling the soft locks between her fingertips.
Taking back her hand, she swallows hard, her eyes resting on his again. She wondered if the tingle than ran through her was what chemistry felt like. "Shall we... keep walking?"
Trey's comment makes Ariel laugh, her eyes sparkling by the light of the nearby fire. "Yeah well... party hearty, right?" She was anything but, and she was sure Trey sensed that.
Accepting the beer, she smiles at him. 'Thanks. One's my limit but I haven't had any yet."
Just standing a moment to take a swig, she give him a sidelong glance. "So... how's it going?" She nods towards the beachside. "Wanna walk and talk?"
10/15/10
Fresh Air
Breaking away from Pete once again like he had the other nights Trey wanders over to one of the tables and grabs a beer before wandering again taking sips. He new a few faces here now, and stops to chat with some but it was Ariel who caught his attachen and put a grin onto his lips.
Walking over to her slowly Trey takes another sip of his beer. He liked getting out of TJY even if it was only for a few hours and he got a verbal bash from Reese every time. Seeing Ariel here was nice too and it was hard to admit he might miss it if she'd didn't show up too.
"Your quite the party animal, people might think your out of control if you don't watch it."
Reaching behind him and pulling a extra bottle of beer from his back pocket Trey holds it out to Ariel if she wanted it. The grin still across his lips, as his eyes hold a dark glint with a small glow to them.
Looking around the group for a moment and than looking at the empty seat next to her Karla lets out a sigh. It had been three days since she had seen him and every time she tried to call he was not feeling to well to talk. Worry was starting to set in.
"I'll catch you guys later."
Seeing ...Getting up to Kip's place and being let in by Gran Karla gives a smile and heads to his room.the door cracked open a little Karla enters with a bag of McDonald food, giving a soft knock.
"Hey Hun, can I come in? I come bearing food."
Starting to walk Chuck's smile grows a little more as Susanne's hand slips into his. He was honored she trusted him enough. Feeling her hand tremble a little Chuck loosens his grip just a little but makes no mention on it.
Continuing to walk and listen to Susanne Chuck can't help but let his heart go out to here. How bad had she been treated in the past to now not think much of herself or that a guy would even like her? It was hard for him to explain how he felt, but it was just something about her.
"I know I don't know a lick about you, how your act, and who you are but give me a chance to get to know you, to lean more about you because so far I like what I see. Maybe you don't believe in love at first sight but I do, and I want to prove I am not just going to get what I want and than high tail it away."
Thinking about a moment letting the silence rain for a few seconds. He gathered his thoughts thinking about his next words for a moment before speaking them.
"As for telling every woman what I have told you, I probably could and get away with it but I haven't in over fifteen years. I had a pretty bad relationship back than, mentally abused words hurt a lot more than people think. So I never thought anyone was worthy of my attachen or what I had to offer. But the moment you came into my shop it was like a breath of fresh air hit me, and my heart wanted to open up to you."
Stopping and turning to Susanne again Chuck searches her eyes. He was a nice guy to everyone, and respected those around him but before Susanne his heart had stayed shut, just not willing to let those people in to love him.
But Susanne something had been different, maybe it was a peace he felt around her or just simply they mixed well.
"Your a special woman despite you quirks, I have them too. I just hope you give me a chance to show you before you write me off. and if you do deiced I am a jerk tonight, well...at lease we had a nice dinner, and ride."
Walking over to her slowly Trey takes another sip of his beer. He liked getting out of TJY even if it was only for a few hours and he got a verbal bash from Reese every time. Seeing Ariel here was nice too and it was hard to admit he might miss it if she'd didn't show up too.
"Your quite the party animal, people might think your out of control if you don't watch it."
Reaching behind him and pulling a extra bottle of beer from his back pocket Trey holds it out to Ariel if she wanted it. The grin still across his lips, as his eyes hold a dark glint with a small glow to them.
Looking around the group for a moment and than looking at the empty seat next to her Karla lets out a sigh. It had been three days since she had seen him and every time she tried to call he was not feeling to well to talk. Worry was starting to set in.
"I'll catch you guys later."
Seeing ...Getting up to Kip's place and being let in by Gran Karla gives a smile and heads to his room.the door cracked open a little Karla enters with a bag of McDonald food, giving a soft knock.
"Hey Hun, can I come in? I come bearing food."
Starting to walk Chuck's smile grows a little more as Susanne's hand slips into his. He was honored she trusted him enough. Feeling her hand tremble a little Chuck loosens his grip just a little but makes no mention on it.
Continuing to walk and listen to Susanne Chuck can't help but let his heart go out to here. How bad had she been treated in the past to now not think much of herself or that a guy would even like her? It was hard for him to explain how he felt, but it was just something about her.
"I know I don't know a lick about you, how your act, and who you are but give me a chance to get to know you, to lean more about you because so far I like what I see. Maybe you don't believe in love at first sight but I do, and I want to prove I am not just going to get what I want and than high tail it away."
Thinking about a moment letting the silence rain for a few seconds. He gathered his thoughts thinking about his next words for a moment before speaking them.
"As for telling every woman what I have told you, I probably could and get away with it but I haven't in over fifteen years. I had a pretty bad relationship back than, mentally abused words hurt a lot more than people think. So I never thought anyone was worthy of my attachen or what I had to offer. But the moment you came into my shop it was like a breath of fresh air hit me, and my heart wanted to open up to you."
Stopping and turning to Susanne again Chuck searches her eyes. He was a nice guy to everyone, and respected those around him but before Susanne his heart had stayed shut, just not willing to let those people in to love him.
But Susanne something had been different, maybe it was a peace he felt around her or just simply they mixed well.
"Your a special woman despite you quirks, I have them too. I just hope you give me a chance to show you before you write me off. and if you do deiced I am a jerk tonight, well...at lease we had a nice dinner, and ride."
Just not possible
Feeling Chuck's hand on her shoulder, Susanne's pulse quickens. Turning around slowly, her eyes remain lowered as she didn't understand his intentions or why he wanted to be this close. The gentle touch under her chin forces her to look up into his eyes. Though her body tensed, there was a strange, warm feeling that kept her from pulling away.
His words were soft, his voice one that Susanne couldn't help but enjoy. Something about his tone was just... nice. And he actually wanted to be with her? It seemed so strange to her. Why was this perfect stranger so concerned about going on this date? Especially after she'd insulted him more than once? It didn't seem to add up.
She starts to respond, but her mouth only gets partway open when she feels his hand on her face, brushing aside her hair. Something inside wanted so badly to lean into that warm, strong palm, but her nerves keep her rigid as her eyes continue to stare up into his.
More bike rides? He wanted more than this night? He didn't even know her. It couldn't possibly be anything more than a bizarre attraction he thought he had to her. To logically explain Chuck's actions, that had to be it. He just liked her for some reason and thought he wanted more than one date. But after this evening, she would probably never hear from him again. It just didn't work that way.
His comment about slapping him, brings a sheepish little smile to Susanne's lips and more color to her cheeks. Again ready to respond, she stops as Chuck draws nearer, closing the gap between them. Her heart begins to race and her eyes search his with a conflicting mixture of fear and want. The last time a man had brought her this close, she really had slapped him. But this time, her insides felt like mush and all she could do was stand there and receive his brief hug. He was very warm... so strong... and as his scent fills Susanne's nostrils, she closes her eyes for just a moment. This wasn't real. It couldn't be.
When Chuck pulls away, her eyes drop again, now feeling silly once more and she didn't even know why. She eyes his outstretched hand but then looks away again. She wanted to hold it. She wanted to feel him again. But it was downright foolish of her to consider trusting him to this extent without knowing anything at all about him.
"I like walking," she responds lamely. With hands still in her jacket pockets, she starts forward to walk around the pond. Though her gaze was kept down, the corner of her eye sees him walking beside her, and sees that hand still swinging freely at his side. She could handle herself if he went too far, right? Holding hands wasn't so bad... right? And if he tried anything, she knew what to do... right?
She swallows hard, not realizing that her walking pace was anything but relaxed. Finally letting her heart win out, her hand emerges from her pocket and slips into his palm, her fingers curling around his. She was sure that he would know now that she was trembling, and she didn't quite know how that made her feel.
"You don't even know me," she states quietly, her eyes remaining on the ground as they walk. "You've seen me and talked to me for no more than fifteen minutes total. You know nothing about me, who I am, how I live, or even what my personality really is. It would be nice to believe you already wanted to spend more time with me but... that's just not possible."
She didn't want to offend Chuck, but it was the truth to her. "You're very charming and you know how to make a woman feel good - but I'm sure you've said these same things to a lot of women. So... please forgive me for not putting too much stock in your words."
Susanne knew she probably sounded harsh, and she didn't even like saying those things when Chuck was making her feel so good, but she couldn't believe it. She would only disappoint herself, waking up tomorrow to realize that it really had been just a one-time thing based on nothing more than a silly notion. Whether he actually thought she was pretty and was genuinely attracted to her or not, it wouldn't go beyond tonight's date and she knew it. There was no point in fooling herself just to maker herself feel good for a couple of hours, even if it was so tempting to fall into his sweet affections.
Slowing to a stop, she turns to look up at him again, her hand still trembling in his palm. "Romances at first sight simply don't exist. It would take a whole lot more for me to believe you were genuine and not just out for a good time."
She searches his eyes, not knowing how much fear shone in her own as she musters up a small smile. "I won't let that spoil our evening though. I'm looking forward to dinner with you, even if it does end in goodbye. You seem very nice and if I can get a rise out of my friends, then mission accomplished, right?"
Looking over at Misty, the sharpness in Alec's eyes seems to soften some, and his shoulders drop just a little bit as his defenses are lowered again. "Yeah... I know." He sighs and continues with his food, his temper flare from Carson subsiding. "Just not used to not having a handle on things, I guess. That's one thing the Agency does... it makes you feel powerful, so when that's stripped, it's murder."
Letting the whole subject drop, he finishes off his piece of garlic bread and nods. "This really is good," he compliments. He had Ryan's cooking sometimes, but with Eli around it was usually steak or pizza, or they ended up eating out a lot. Back at his own place, Alec hardly cooked anything. So a meal like this... it was something rare and he was maybe enjoying it now more than he'd admit. Maybe he really had missed out on something when he'd decided those years ago that family wasn't important.
Realizing that he was still looking at Misty, Alec quickly drops his gaze, not wanting her to think he was trying to make a pass at her. It was fun to tease her around TJY, but in all seriousness, he had no ill-intent... not anymore.
"You're still not?" Kyle lifts an eyebrow and glances around at the others while he's on the phone with Kip. "Okay... well get better, man, we need some energy around here. ...Yeah, okay. Bye." Flipping his phone shut, he shrugs and flops back down on the couch with Alice. They were back at Theo and Erik's - it seemed to be the main gathering place now for some reason. Perhaps because they actually had the room. They were still one short though, and some of the band members were just a little worried.
"You think he's okay?" Twila questions. Almost three days, Kip had stayed at Gram and Gramps', saying he wasn't feeling well. It just wasn't like him at all.
"Maybe he's got the flu," Theo suggests.
"Well if that's the case, I'm sure Gram's taking care of him," Kyle assures.
"He didn't say it was the flu tho, did he?" Erik questions.
"No..."
Erik purses his lips. It was just very unusual for Kip to be sick at all, let alone for two whole days and not even be more specific than "not feeling well." "I think something's up."
"Like what?"
"Don't know. It just doesn't feel right."
Kyle glances to Alice before his gaze falls back to Karla. He wondered if she knew what was wrong or if she was as clueless as everyone else.
"Well... at least practice went well this morning," Russ chimes in cheerily, trying to steer the conversation back around to something positive. Unfortunately, his unintentional implication is caught by everyone else and he only realizes it after receiving a glance from Twila. Then his face reddens. He hadn't meant it went well because Kip wasn't there but... come to think of it, it had been the smoothest practice in ages and... well, Kip wasn't there. "I didn't mean-"
"Who wants pizza for supper?" Kyle interrupts. "On me tonight."
"Woo!" Theo throws up his arms. "I'm in."
Kip's stomach growls, complaining about the lack of food today, but he ignores it. Sitting on the back porch, there wasn't much of a view, but it was better than lying in his bed like he'd done all day. He wasn't sick... at least not his body, and he wished the others would stop calling him. No, he didn't want Twila coming over, no, he didn't want Russ' advice on kicking a cold, and no, he didn't want supper with the others. He just wanted to be left alone. Or have company. Or both. But that didn't make any sense. He didn't know what he wanted. All he knew was he was miserable when he shouldn't be.
Ariel wanders from the bonfire, away from the noisy group. No one really got too rowdy here - it was kept pretty clean and trouble-free. But she rather liked the quiet on some nights. She'd looked around for friends, but there were only a couple people here that she really enjoyed talking to, and they'd come with other people. Some nights, she wondered why she came at all, but there was an element that she did enjoy... just getting out and doing something different. This group didn't always have these lakeside parties, but lately it seemed they'd grown more popular, so as long as someone brought beer hamburgers or hotdogs, the party was on again.
Ariel's gaze sweeps the scene once more, wondering if Pete and Trey might show up again. Pete wasn't exactly the party animal type so she'd been a bit surprised to see him the first time around, but maybe he'd surprise her again. And it wouldn't be so bad to see Trey again either - he'd seemed nice and everyone needed to have a few friends if they were new to the area.
His words were soft, his voice one that Susanne couldn't help but enjoy. Something about his tone was just... nice. And he actually wanted to be with her? It seemed so strange to her. Why was this perfect stranger so concerned about going on this date? Especially after she'd insulted him more than once? It didn't seem to add up.
She starts to respond, but her mouth only gets partway open when she feels his hand on her face, brushing aside her hair. Something inside wanted so badly to lean into that warm, strong palm, but her nerves keep her rigid as her eyes continue to stare up into his.
More bike rides? He wanted more than this night? He didn't even know her. It couldn't possibly be anything more than a bizarre attraction he thought he had to her. To logically explain Chuck's actions, that had to be it. He just liked her for some reason and thought he wanted more than one date. But after this evening, she would probably never hear from him again. It just didn't work that way.
His comment about slapping him, brings a sheepish little smile to Susanne's lips and more color to her cheeks. Again ready to respond, she stops as Chuck draws nearer, closing the gap between them. Her heart begins to race and her eyes search his with a conflicting mixture of fear and want. The last time a man had brought her this close, she really had slapped him. But this time, her insides felt like mush and all she could do was stand there and receive his brief hug. He was very warm... so strong... and as his scent fills Susanne's nostrils, she closes her eyes for just a moment. This wasn't real. It couldn't be.
When Chuck pulls away, her eyes drop again, now feeling silly once more and she didn't even know why. She eyes his outstretched hand but then looks away again. She wanted to hold it. She wanted to feel him again. But it was downright foolish of her to consider trusting him to this extent without knowing anything at all about him.
"I like walking," she responds lamely. With hands still in her jacket pockets, she starts forward to walk around the pond. Though her gaze was kept down, the corner of her eye sees him walking beside her, and sees that hand still swinging freely at his side. She could handle herself if he went too far, right? Holding hands wasn't so bad... right? And if he tried anything, she knew what to do... right?
She swallows hard, not realizing that her walking pace was anything but relaxed. Finally letting her heart win out, her hand emerges from her pocket and slips into his palm, her fingers curling around his. She was sure that he would know now that she was trembling, and she didn't quite know how that made her feel.
"You don't even know me," she states quietly, her eyes remaining on the ground as they walk. "You've seen me and talked to me for no more than fifteen minutes total. You know nothing about me, who I am, how I live, or even what my personality really is. It would be nice to believe you already wanted to spend more time with me but... that's just not possible."
She didn't want to offend Chuck, but it was the truth to her. "You're very charming and you know how to make a woman feel good - but I'm sure you've said these same things to a lot of women. So... please forgive me for not putting too much stock in your words."
Susanne knew she probably sounded harsh, and she didn't even like saying those things when Chuck was making her feel so good, but she couldn't believe it. She would only disappoint herself, waking up tomorrow to realize that it really had been just a one-time thing based on nothing more than a silly notion. Whether he actually thought she was pretty and was genuinely attracted to her or not, it wouldn't go beyond tonight's date and she knew it. There was no point in fooling herself just to maker herself feel good for a couple of hours, even if it was so tempting to fall into his sweet affections.
Slowing to a stop, she turns to look up at him again, her hand still trembling in his palm. "Romances at first sight simply don't exist. It would take a whole lot more for me to believe you were genuine and not just out for a good time."
She searches his eyes, not knowing how much fear shone in her own as she musters up a small smile. "I won't let that spoil our evening though. I'm looking forward to dinner with you, even if it does end in goodbye. You seem very nice and if I can get a rise out of my friends, then mission accomplished, right?"
Looking over at Misty, the sharpness in Alec's eyes seems to soften some, and his shoulders drop just a little bit as his defenses are lowered again. "Yeah... I know." He sighs and continues with his food, his temper flare from Carson subsiding. "Just not used to not having a handle on things, I guess. That's one thing the Agency does... it makes you feel powerful, so when that's stripped, it's murder."
Letting the whole subject drop, he finishes off his piece of garlic bread and nods. "This really is good," he compliments. He had Ryan's cooking sometimes, but with Eli around it was usually steak or pizza, or they ended up eating out a lot. Back at his own place, Alec hardly cooked anything. So a meal like this... it was something rare and he was maybe enjoying it now more than he'd admit. Maybe he really had missed out on something when he'd decided those years ago that family wasn't important.
Realizing that he was still looking at Misty, Alec quickly drops his gaze, not wanting her to think he was trying to make a pass at her. It was fun to tease her around TJY, but in all seriousness, he had no ill-intent... not anymore.
"You're still not?" Kyle lifts an eyebrow and glances around at the others while he's on the phone with Kip. "Okay... well get better, man, we need some energy around here. ...Yeah, okay. Bye." Flipping his phone shut, he shrugs and flops back down on the couch with Alice. They were back at Theo and Erik's - it seemed to be the main gathering place now for some reason. Perhaps because they actually had the room. They were still one short though, and some of the band members were just a little worried.
"You think he's okay?" Twila questions. Almost three days, Kip had stayed at Gram and Gramps', saying he wasn't feeling well. It just wasn't like him at all.
"Maybe he's got the flu," Theo suggests.
"Well if that's the case, I'm sure Gram's taking care of him," Kyle assures.
"He didn't say it was the flu tho, did he?" Erik questions.
"No..."
Erik purses his lips. It was just very unusual for Kip to be sick at all, let alone for two whole days and not even be more specific than "not feeling well." "I think something's up."
"Like what?"
"Don't know. It just doesn't feel right."
Kyle glances to Alice before his gaze falls back to Karla. He wondered if she knew what was wrong or if she was as clueless as everyone else.
"Well... at least practice went well this morning," Russ chimes in cheerily, trying to steer the conversation back around to something positive. Unfortunately, his unintentional implication is caught by everyone else and he only realizes it after receiving a glance from Twila. Then his face reddens. He hadn't meant it went well because Kip wasn't there but... come to think of it, it had been the smoothest practice in ages and... well, Kip wasn't there. "I didn't mean-"
"Who wants pizza for supper?" Kyle interrupts. "On me tonight."
"Woo!" Theo throws up his arms. "I'm in."
Kip's stomach growls, complaining about the lack of food today, but he ignores it. Sitting on the back porch, there wasn't much of a view, but it was better than lying in his bed like he'd done all day. He wasn't sick... at least not his body, and he wished the others would stop calling him. No, he didn't want Twila coming over, no, he didn't want Russ' advice on kicking a cold, and no, he didn't want supper with the others. He just wanted to be left alone. Or have company. Or both. But that didn't make any sense. He didn't know what he wanted. All he knew was he was miserable when he shouldn't be.
Ariel wanders from the bonfire, away from the noisy group. No one really got too rowdy here - it was kept pretty clean and trouble-free. But she rather liked the quiet on some nights. She'd looked around for friends, but there were only a couple people here that she really enjoyed talking to, and they'd come with other people. Some nights, she wondered why she came at all, but there was an element that she did enjoy... just getting out and doing something different. This group didn't always have these lakeside parties, but lately it seemed they'd grown more popular, so as long as someone brought beer hamburgers or hotdogs, the party was on again.
Ariel's gaze sweeps the scene once more, wondering if Pete and Trey might show up again. Pete wasn't exactly the party animal type so she'd been a bit surprised to see him the first time around, but maybe he'd surprise her again. And it wouldn't be so bad to see Trey again either - he'd seemed nice and everyone needed to have a few friends if they were new to the area.
10/14/10
Right Direction
Sapphire new Gage wasn't happy. She could read his eyes so well and she did feel bad for him. Life was hard, not for him but everyone but with Gage He still had so much to learn she felt bad for him.
"Everything will work ok ya know. And just make sure...your careful of what kind of help you take from Alec ok?"
Giving another warm smile Sapphire gives Gage's hand a little squeeze. She wanted to help Gage follow the right path but still make the desitions on his own. It was important to his growth she only hoped he wouldn't get to discouraged.
Once Carson is gone and Alec was sitting again Misty just shakes her head a little. She new Alec was not amused but she couldn't help but find a little humor in the whole thing.
"Freedom is not so bad, just takes some getting use too. I think its nice having to deiced on my own where I stand."
Taking another bit of her own food Misty new that the moment from before was now gone, but still a little of what Alec said had sunken in and it made Misty determined even more now to include him into things.
"You'll make more friends Alec, it just takes time sometimes to gain someones trust. It does come in time. Just be pashent."
Still standing by the pond Chuck looked out at the water. It was peacful here, and he did feel good sharing it with Susanne. After the day it seemed she was having maybe a little peace would be nice.
As Susanne moves past him Chuck turns his head just a little to watch her. Just studding her even though her back was to him. Listing to the words she spoke it send a little pang to his heart. One could tell Susanne didn't have much confidence in herself. Not when it came to friends and relationships anyways.
Shifting just a little Chuck moves closer to Susanne resting a hand on her shoulder. Keeping a little bit of space between them he gently turns her around to face him. Placing his hand under her he tilts her head up a little bit so he could look into her eyes. His own so deep and dark. His life had been hard but still though it all there was still a sparkle of life.
"I didn't come to get you for the date because I had to. I came because I wanted too. If I had anything better to do, or something I wanted to do more I would be doing it."
Giving a small smile the breeze blows a little bit. Bringing his hand up to Susanne's face he pushes a stand of her hair behind her ear. The soft smell of her perfume filling the air and making Chuck's heart race.
"I wan't to go on this date with you, and I want there to be more bike rides. I'd like for you to be able to open your eyes one day and enjoy the ride. But....one day at a time and we have to get through tonight first without you slapping me again."
Chuck gives a large smile the humor twinkling in his eyes. Stepping a little closer to Susanne his heart still races as he leans into her. But shifting a little his arms slip around her for a moment in a small hug before he pulls away again. A kiss is what he wanted to give her, but his respect for her was to great to rune right now in such a serous moment.
"So, care to take a walk around the pond to kill some time?"
Chuck holds his hand out to Susanne again not scared to take a hold of it. He liked her touch from when he held her hand earlier. It was soft and warm something Chuck hadn't felt in a while.
"Everything will work ok ya know. And just make sure...your careful of what kind of help you take from Alec ok?"
Giving another warm smile Sapphire gives Gage's hand a little squeeze. She wanted to help Gage follow the right path but still make the desitions on his own. It was important to his growth she only hoped he wouldn't get to discouraged.
Once Carson is gone and Alec was sitting again Misty just shakes her head a little. She new Alec was not amused but she couldn't help but find a little humor in the whole thing.
"Freedom is not so bad, just takes some getting use too. I think its nice having to deiced on my own where I stand."
Taking another bit of her own food Misty new that the moment from before was now gone, but still a little of what Alec said had sunken in and it made Misty determined even more now to include him into things.
"You'll make more friends Alec, it just takes time sometimes to gain someones trust. It does come in time. Just be pashent."
Still standing by the pond Chuck looked out at the water. It was peacful here, and he did feel good sharing it with Susanne. After the day it seemed she was having maybe a little peace would be nice.
As Susanne moves past him Chuck turns his head just a little to watch her. Just studding her even though her back was to him. Listing to the words she spoke it send a little pang to his heart. One could tell Susanne didn't have much confidence in herself. Not when it came to friends and relationships anyways.
Shifting just a little Chuck moves closer to Susanne resting a hand on her shoulder. Keeping a little bit of space between them he gently turns her around to face him. Placing his hand under her he tilts her head up a little bit so he could look into her eyes. His own so deep and dark. His life had been hard but still though it all there was still a sparkle of life.
"I didn't come to get you for the date because I had to. I came because I wanted too. If I had anything better to do, or something I wanted to do more I would be doing it."
Giving a small smile the breeze blows a little bit. Bringing his hand up to Susanne's face he pushes a stand of her hair behind her ear. The soft smell of her perfume filling the air and making Chuck's heart race.
"I wan't to go on this date with you, and I want there to be more bike rides. I'd like for you to be able to open your eyes one day and enjoy the ride. But....one day at a time and we have to get through tonight first without you slapping me again."
Chuck gives a large smile the humor twinkling in his eyes. Stepping a little closer to Susanne his heart still races as he leans into her. But shifting a little his arms slip around her for a moment in a small hug before he pulls away again. A kiss is what he wanted to give her, but his respect for her was to great to rune right now in such a serous moment.
"So, care to take a walk around the pond to kill some time?"
Chuck holds his hand out to Susanne again not scared to take a hold of it. He liked her touch from when he held her hand earlier. It was soft and warm something Chuck hadn't felt in a while.
You don't have to
The look on Gage's face shows that he's not happy with himself or his situation. What would he do if he lost this job? He had nothing else. He'd scoured the town, looking for the job he had - there was no one else willing to hire him because of his background.
Wriggling Sapphire's hand a little, he closes his eyes again, trying not to become too upset. She was just being positive and doing her best to make him feel better. But inside... where it counts... that was where her words did not penetrate. Would he ever get things right? Or would he only ever be fit for the Agency where he was a robot and followed orders? His tongue runs over the scar on his lower lip and he wonders if he'll really ever be able to fit in here. Reese was trying his hardest but maybe he just wasn't the right kind of material.
"Alec got a job right away," he muses quietly. "Maybe he'd have some ideas."
Carson grins and gives Misty's shoulder a pat, grateful that she didn't take offense at him wanting to stop by. He really did have to get back to the restaurant quickly though, so he heads down the hall to grab his second Bible from the bedroom just to accomplish the task, even if it really wasn't necessary.
Alec remains standing, still unsure of this. Carson seemed to think this whole thing was humorous, but Alec didn't think so at all. His brother didn't trust him - that was obvious, then to just barge in and startle him on purpose was a little low.
Glancing to Misty, he searches her eyes and nods in return but doesn't sit yet. He'd wait until Carson was gone.
It's only moments before Carson is coming back through, stealing a piece of garlic bread on his way. He was around Italian food all day, but he rarely stopped to eat until he was home, not to mention, he liked Misty's bread better than his own. "Mm...." He leans down to give her a last kiss between bites. "See you later." Passing by Alec, he points at him in a teasing manner. "Behave yourself now."
Alec doesn't laugh, and just lets his gaze follow Carson until he was gone, then the front door was heard closing. Looking back to Misty, he finally sits down again, his desire to talk seeming to have vanished. "I guess I deserved that," he mumbles. Picking up his fork, he twirls it through the pasta before taking another bite. "You know..." His eyes are raised to meet Misty's once more. "At least in the Agency I knew where I stood. And as a prisoner of the Elite, I knew where I stood. But freedom isn't worth crap if all it is, is being caught in the middle trying to figure out where I stand."
Realizing how sharp his statement sounded, he sighs. "You, Dalton and Ryan... I guess a man doesn't need any more friends than that anyway."
Feeling the bike slowing, Susanne's eyes peer around Chuck to see why he was pulling over. She'd never been out this way before and was unfamiliar with the back road and pond.
Once stopped and Chuck dismounts his bike, Susanne just sits for a moment, not sure she could even move. Fumbling with the helmet, she finally gets it off her head, her hair even more of a mess now than when leaving the office.
She eyes Chuck with a little suspicion, but once he wanders a little bit away, she manages to pry herself from the motorcycle, though she takes a short stumble before regaining her balance on her wobbly legs. His questions make her hesitate. "Um..." It wasn't that she was all that scared... she felt relatively safe, but it was a thrill she wasn't used to - kind of like a rollercoaster.
Tucking her hair behind her ears, she gets her legs to work again and ambles past him, closer to the pond. "It was... breezy." Her heart was still racing, and she slips her hands into her pockets so that Chuck couldn't see that they were trembling. "I suppose it would help if I opened my eyes once in a while," she admits sheepishly.
Turning her back on him, she looks out at the still water, finding it difficult to know why she was here and how all this had come about. She'd been way out of line that morning. Maybe because she'd been hyped up after the robber incident, but no matter, she'd been quite silly. And then going around and around, only to actually end up on a strange sort of date with the same someone she didn't even know. Was she going bonkers? Maybe. But being out in the fresh air now was perhaps what was making her think a little more clearly and she felt badly for wasting Chuck's time. He'd made her feel good, no doubt, but... surely he was that way with all women and she knew she shouldn't let it go to her head. This day would go down in history as one of the most unreal days of her life, but it should probably end before feelings got hurt.
Bending down, she picks up a smooth, flat stone. Forcing her hand to be still, she takes aim and lets the rock fly, landing for a perfect skip on the water where it bounces several times before ducking below the surface. "Sometimes I feel like that's my life," she muses aloud. "Up and down, up and down, then all of a sudden, I'm under the surface, unseen, unheard and wondering if perhaps it isn't worth the effort to struggle up to the top again."
Digging the toe of her shoe around some pebbles, she redirects her speech to Chuck. "You landed yourself a doozie this time." She gives the ground a wry smile. Honestly, this had been a stupid idea of hers to begin with. What was she thinking, just to prove something to her friends? She wasn't in junior high anymore and probably shouldn't be acting like it. There was nothing she needed to prove to anyone, even if that was her first reaction. "You don't have to go to the restaurant with me," she concludes, still studying the small rocks at her feet. "It was wrong of me to suggest that in the first place and... I'm sure you have more exciting things you could be doing tonight other than going with the worlds best fuddy-duddy. I... won't hold it against you if you want to just take me back to TJY." Her eyes study a particularly pretty stone near her foot. "At least we had the motorcycle ride and... and I think maybe it could be fun."
"Are you guys ready to go?" Rick calls into the other room.
"Uh-huh." Ty takes one more glance around Libby's hotel room to make sure everything was picked up. They'd ordered in pizza and had all been back and forth between rooms today so who knew where everything was. It looked like they'd gotten it all though.
Looking to Libby, he grins. He had his new glasses on with lenses tinted lightly with a rust red color. Already, words and letters were seeming clearer to him, and though he tried not to let it show, he was excited to start working at learning to read again.
Ambling closer to Libby, Ty slips his arms around her waist and his smile widens before he cocks his head to lean in and give her a gentle kiss. "I almost wish we could stay another day just to hang out," he admits. "But... since I don't have to work tonight, maybe we can do something with Wyatt and Aerith instead."
Wriggling Sapphire's hand a little, he closes his eyes again, trying not to become too upset. She was just being positive and doing her best to make him feel better. But inside... where it counts... that was where her words did not penetrate. Would he ever get things right? Or would he only ever be fit for the Agency where he was a robot and followed orders? His tongue runs over the scar on his lower lip and he wonders if he'll really ever be able to fit in here. Reese was trying his hardest but maybe he just wasn't the right kind of material.
"Alec got a job right away," he muses quietly. "Maybe he'd have some ideas."
Carson grins and gives Misty's shoulder a pat, grateful that she didn't take offense at him wanting to stop by. He really did have to get back to the restaurant quickly though, so he heads down the hall to grab his second Bible from the bedroom just to accomplish the task, even if it really wasn't necessary.
Alec remains standing, still unsure of this. Carson seemed to think this whole thing was humorous, but Alec didn't think so at all. His brother didn't trust him - that was obvious, then to just barge in and startle him on purpose was a little low.
Glancing to Misty, he searches her eyes and nods in return but doesn't sit yet. He'd wait until Carson was gone.
It's only moments before Carson is coming back through, stealing a piece of garlic bread on his way. He was around Italian food all day, but he rarely stopped to eat until he was home, not to mention, he liked Misty's bread better than his own. "Mm...." He leans down to give her a last kiss between bites. "See you later." Passing by Alec, he points at him in a teasing manner. "Behave yourself now."
Alec doesn't laugh, and just lets his gaze follow Carson until he was gone, then the front door was heard closing. Looking back to Misty, he finally sits down again, his desire to talk seeming to have vanished. "I guess I deserved that," he mumbles. Picking up his fork, he twirls it through the pasta before taking another bite. "You know..." His eyes are raised to meet Misty's once more. "At least in the Agency I knew where I stood. And as a prisoner of the Elite, I knew where I stood. But freedom isn't worth crap if all it is, is being caught in the middle trying to figure out where I stand."
Realizing how sharp his statement sounded, he sighs. "You, Dalton and Ryan... I guess a man doesn't need any more friends than that anyway."
Feeling the bike slowing, Susanne's eyes peer around Chuck to see why he was pulling over. She'd never been out this way before and was unfamiliar with the back road and pond.
Once stopped and Chuck dismounts his bike, Susanne just sits for a moment, not sure she could even move. Fumbling with the helmet, she finally gets it off her head, her hair even more of a mess now than when leaving the office.
She eyes Chuck with a little suspicion, but once he wanders a little bit away, she manages to pry herself from the motorcycle, though she takes a short stumble before regaining her balance on her wobbly legs. His questions make her hesitate. "Um..." It wasn't that she was all that scared... she felt relatively safe, but it was a thrill she wasn't used to - kind of like a rollercoaster.
Tucking her hair behind her ears, she gets her legs to work again and ambles past him, closer to the pond. "It was... breezy." Her heart was still racing, and she slips her hands into her pockets so that Chuck couldn't see that they were trembling. "I suppose it would help if I opened my eyes once in a while," she admits sheepishly.
Turning her back on him, she looks out at the still water, finding it difficult to know why she was here and how all this had come about. She'd been way out of line that morning. Maybe because she'd been hyped up after the robber incident, but no matter, she'd been quite silly. And then going around and around, only to actually end up on a strange sort of date with the same someone she didn't even know. Was she going bonkers? Maybe. But being out in the fresh air now was perhaps what was making her think a little more clearly and she felt badly for wasting Chuck's time. He'd made her feel good, no doubt, but... surely he was that way with all women and she knew she shouldn't let it go to her head. This day would go down in history as one of the most unreal days of her life, but it should probably end before feelings got hurt.
Bending down, she picks up a smooth, flat stone. Forcing her hand to be still, she takes aim and lets the rock fly, landing for a perfect skip on the water where it bounces several times before ducking below the surface. "Sometimes I feel like that's my life," she muses aloud. "Up and down, up and down, then all of a sudden, I'm under the surface, unseen, unheard and wondering if perhaps it isn't worth the effort to struggle up to the top again."
Digging the toe of her shoe around some pebbles, she redirects her speech to Chuck. "You landed yourself a doozie this time." She gives the ground a wry smile. Honestly, this had been a stupid idea of hers to begin with. What was she thinking, just to prove something to her friends? She wasn't in junior high anymore and probably shouldn't be acting like it. There was nothing she needed to prove to anyone, even if that was her first reaction. "You don't have to go to the restaurant with me," she concludes, still studying the small rocks at her feet. "It was wrong of me to suggest that in the first place and... I'm sure you have more exciting things you could be doing tonight other than going with the worlds best fuddy-duddy. I... won't hold it against you if you want to just take me back to TJY." Her eyes study a particularly pretty stone near her foot. "At least we had the motorcycle ride and... and I think maybe it could be fun."
"Are you guys ready to go?" Rick calls into the other room.
"Uh-huh." Ty takes one more glance around Libby's hotel room to make sure everything was picked up. They'd ordered in pizza and had all been back and forth between rooms today so who knew where everything was. It looked like they'd gotten it all though.
Looking to Libby, he grins. He had his new glasses on with lenses tinted lightly with a rust red color. Already, words and letters were seeming clearer to him, and though he tried not to let it show, he was excited to start working at learning to read again.
Ambling closer to Libby, Ty slips his arms around her waist and his smile widens before he cocks his head to lean in and give her a gentle kiss. "I almost wish we could stay another day just to hang out," he admits. "But... since I don't have to work tonight, maybe we can do something with Wyatt and Aerith instead."
10/13/10
Everything's Ok
Moving when the Dr came in Sapphire stood on the side of the bed and just watched quietly as they worked. She just watched Gage, and listened to what the Dr. said as well taking good note to it.
Once the Dr was gone again Sapphire could see the worry in Gage's eyes. Bringing on of the chairs back over to the bed she sits down in it and takes his hand with her own. This was all new to Gage too. Seeing what was more important and taking care of himself. Sometimes it was a hard desition but it was an important one to master for ones own health.
"Gage, if the Dr thinks it would be best you rest than you need too. Your body has been though a lot and needs time to recover. If you job can't understand that, and...your health comes first. You don't want to end up here again and maybe not wake up this time right?"
Sapphire gives a warm smile to Gage. She new this was all hard for him but she wanted Gage to know how important it was. The last thing she wanted was for him to get hurt anymore than he was. She hated seeing him here now hurt, to see anything else it would break her heart.
Just listing to Alec start to talk about his family and how he got into the Agency Misty doesn't say much. She didn't mind him talking about everything and just listing to him. Misty was happy Alec felt comfortable enough to talk to her. Inviting him here maybe was good for him.
About to say more Misty stops as Carson comes into the room. Not knowing he was there Misty jumped a little bit but smiled when she saw who it was. Leaning up and giving him a kiss back it was after she saw Alec and how unsure he was.
Looking back to Carson at the mention of his bible Misty gives a shake of her head and a short chuckle. She new he carryed a bible in the car already to have come home to get the other one was not really the reason he was here.
"You bible huh? Alright...I'll pretend I believe you."
Shaking her head again Misty new better but she couldn't blame him. He just wanted to make sure everything was going ok. She was happy for that knowing he cared enough to check now because he didn't think she couldn't take care of herself but because he just wanted to make sure.
Turning back to Alec Misty gives a small nod her smile still remaining as her eyes twinkled.
"You should sit and eat before it gets cold. Don't worry everything ok."
Feeling Susanne's arms tighten even more around him Chuck smiles under the helmet. It felt nice having her hold onto him, and knowing that he was in charge of taking care of her and she trusted him.
Just continuing out of town Chuck new he might be testing the water a little bit with Susanne but out here it felt more free and he could open up a little heading to one of his favorite places to be.
Not taking to long they finally come to a small pond not to far from town but far enough away from the road some might not know it was there. Stopping the bike Chuck takes his helmet off before looking over his shoulder a little.
"If you want to go back we can but I though this would be a nice place to kill some time. Its quiet, and I often like talking with God here."
Waiting for Susanne to get off the bike as well he searches her face to see if she really wanted to go or not. If she did, they would. Talking a few steps away from the bike his hands in his jacket pockets the leather making a little sound he walks a little ways to the water and look over the small pond.
"Did you like the ride? It wasn't to fast was it?"
Once the Dr was gone again Sapphire could see the worry in Gage's eyes. Bringing on of the chairs back over to the bed she sits down in it and takes his hand with her own. This was all new to Gage too. Seeing what was more important and taking care of himself. Sometimes it was a hard desition but it was an important one to master for ones own health.
"Gage, if the Dr thinks it would be best you rest than you need too. Your body has been though a lot and needs time to recover. If you job can't understand that, and...your health comes first. You don't want to end up here again and maybe not wake up this time right?"
Sapphire gives a warm smile to Gage. She new this was all hard for him but she wanted Gage to know how important it was. The last thing she wanted was for him to get hurt anymore than he was. She hated seeing him here now hurt, to see anything else it would break her heart.
Just listing to Alec start to talk about his family and how he got into the Agency Misty doesn't say much. She didn't mind him talking about everything and just listing to him. Misty was happy Alec felt comfortable enough to talk to her. Inviting him here maybe was good for him.
About to say more Misty stops as Carson comes into the room. Not knowing he was there Misty jumped a little bit but smiled when she saw who it was. Leaning up and giving him a kiss back it was after she saw Alec and how unsure he was.
Looking back to Carson at the mention of his bible Misty gives a shake of her head and a short chuckle. She new he carryed a bible in the car already to have come home to get the other one was not really the reason he was here.
"You bible huh? Alright...I'll pretend I believe you."
Shaking her head again Misty new better but she couldn't blame him. He just wanted to make sure everything was going ok. She was happy for that knowing he cared enough to check now because he didn't think she couldn't take care of herself but because he just wanted to make sure.
Turning back to Alec Misty gives a small nod her smile still remaining as her eyes twinkled.
"You should sit and eat before it gets cold. Don't worry everything ok."
Feeling Susanne's arms tighten even more around him Chuck smiles under the helmet. It felt nice having her hold onto him, and knowing that he was in charge of taking care of her and she trusted him.
Just continuing out of town Chuck new he might be testing the water a little bit with Susanne but out here it felt more free and he could open up a little heading to one of his favorite places to be.
Not taking to long they finally come to a small pond not to far from town but far enough away from the road some might not know it was there. Stopping the bike Chuck takes his helmet off before looking over his shoulder a little.
"If you want to go back we can but I though this would be a nice place to kill some time. Its quiet, and I often like talking with God here."
Waiting for Susanne to get off the bike as well he searches her face to see if she really wanted to go or not. If she did, they would. Talking a few steps away from the bike his hands in his jacket pockets the leather making a little sound he walks a little ways to the water and look over the small pond.
"Did you like the ride? It wasn't to fast was it?"
For dear life
Reese lets out a long, weary sigh and is silent for several moments. So many things were running through his mind and heart. Honestly though, he'd expected Hope to have far less time than that. Miracles could still happen, but by the tone of Dr. Fuller's voice... he could tell that the were not hopeful.
"Okay. Thank you, Doctor. I will... let others know and... if anyone wants to see her again, I'll make sure they know that it needs to happen soon."
Ending the call, he stands and goes to his office door, closing it quietly. Returning to his desk, he folds his arms on his desk and bends to rest his head on them. Running TJY was never an easy job, but this was probably the most stressful it had ever been. What was happening? Why were there so many hurts in people's lives right now? It didn't seem fair. If he could just help fix one problem... just one... But there was nothing he could do about any of them. Hope. Scott. Nate, Con and Jamie with Laura. Sapphire with Gage. It felt like everything was falling apart.
With Sapphire joining him on the bed, Gage takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, allowing his eyes to fall shut again. It felt strange, knowing he'd just been asleep for so long, yet he was still so tired.
Keeping her hand in his, he lets his head rest to the side so it was against her own. If he let his imagination go far enough, he could believe that they were back at his apartment like they often were, just lying together as a movie played, simply content to be with each other. It was as if nothing else was really all that important, as long as they were together. It was still a new feeling for Gage that still held an element of wonder.
It wasn't long before the doctor came in to check on him, please that he had finally awakened. He explained to both Gage and Sapphire, that Gage would still need plenty of rest as his body recovered. He told them that he wanted Gage to remain for another day, but then he could go home. After that though, he wanted Gage to rest and not go back to work for at least another three days.
Once the two were alone again, Gage's eyes now held some worry. Looking to Sapphire, he searches for answers. "I can't stay home," he mentions quietly. "I only had a couple days sick time I could take from work and... if I have to take off four more days... I won't have a job to go back to. I can't do that."
Misty's prayer was just a little bit foreign to Alec, but he respects her for it, remaining silent until she is finished. Awaiting her answer to his question, he helps himself to some spaghetti and takes a bite to see if he could enjoy the flavor.
When Misty does answer him though, his eyes hold such curiosity... such confusion. Her mention of family seems to throw him off just as much as her comment about God.
Swallowing his mouthful, he leans back in his chair and just lets his fork rest on his plate, totally caught up in the subject, even more than the food. He blinks and looks in Misty's eyes, first one then the other, watching her eat, watching her talk and watching what went on in her gaze. He didn't really feel comfortable talking about God. He didn't understand why that all made such a big difference. He'd heard Eli and Ryan talk about it every once in a while. Eli had said something about missing church once. Alec figured maybe when they were kids or something they were religious and all, but didn't see much of that now. Really, God didn't make much sense to him, so he opts to not go down that route. Misty's observation of his feeling about family though... that one he felt.
Finally dropping his gaze, he runs the tines of his fork through the pasta, spreading out the sauce a little more. It seems like forever before he takes another bite, along with some meatball. The spices made his tongue tingle and he liked that. Food did taste different to him than other people so when he could distinguish the spices and flavor, he enjoyed it - and Misty's sauce was good.
No one hears the front door quietly open and close, nor the soft footsteps that come up through the hall and stop right outside the kitchen. No shadow signals anyone, the figure not allowing their presence to be known.
Even though Alec would prefer to concentrate on the meal, Misty's mention of family wouldn't let go of him. "I don't have much memory of family, ya know?" He shrugs lamely. "Raised by a single mom. Guess it was alright when I was a young kid but... I guess after I started high school, homelife sorta went downhill."
He glances up and gives her a wry grin. "I was the perfect target for the Agency. Trouble-maker, rule-hater and in need of a cause. Mom figured I was just hanging out with friends after school every day... she didn't know I was getting involved with the Agency. Then once I hit eighteen, bam! I moved out and that was it."
Twirling some more spaghetti around his fork, Alec returns his eyes to his meal, though his concentration was still on his words. These were things he hadn't even told Ryan.
A little scoff comes out and he shakes his head. "Doesn't feel like it's only been six years. The Agency makes it feel like you're with them for a lifetime, even if it's just a month. They make it seem so good, convincing you that it's a war you need to fight to defend yourself and your rights as a human. It was the next best thing to joining the Army I suppose... without realizing the difference, that is."
He shrugs again. "I guess you know some of it since you were on the outskirts of the Agency there for a little while." He was as aware of that area of her background as much as he was Carson's.
"I left everything... my mom... friends... well, if you could call them that... but I didn't care about any of it. And then... then I was sent on one mission that I failed... the only one I ever failed, and it should have been so easy."
His eyes find Misty's, wondering if she harbored any blame for the night he and his accomplice had tried to squeeze information from Scott. "And then... I found out I had a brother." He shakes his head as if for a moment, the meal was completely forgotten. "Carson... bloodthirsty, torture expert, don't-ever-make-him-mad Carson. And he was not a thing like I'd heard."
Another small, wry grin quirks the corner of his mouth. "And then I found out I had a sister, too." Looking to his plate, he shoves a meatball back and forth with his fork. "I know I used her to get me out of TJY and all... and I don't blame her for hating me for it now. She could have wound up under arrest herself for that stunt. But I guess... I don't know...." He shrugs again. "I guess you're right. My mom's the only family I ever had so... even if I didn't show it... yeah, it would be kinda cool, ya know? I've got a brother and a sister... we're all on the same side now... I know they're good people... and... and..." The words seemed to get stuck and he wrestles with them before they finally come out. "...and they're all I got. I got enough friends to count on one hand... then that's it. What happens when I'm gone? What happens when... when I need someone? I guess I coulda wound up as an only child and I know we're only half-siblings but..."
Alec finally gives up and takes another mouthful of food, not even sure how to feel and confused by his own emotions that made him want a connection to his family. He'd treated them poorly, but that didn't mean he wasn't sorry, and it didn't mean that deep down, family wasn't important to him. He never showed it but... family really was something he'd never had, but it was something he'd always wanted, even if he'd never admitted it.
Feeling a bit of heat in his face and he lets the food in his mouth be the excuse for his pause. Why he talked so much around Misty, he didn't know. "This is good," he compliments quietly. "I can taste it."
Without warning, the hiding figure comes around the corner. Realizing someone was there, Alec looks up quickly, staring right at Carson. Taken completely off guard and not knowing his brother's intention for being there, Alec is on his feet in an instant, backed against the wall with hands raised.
Carson gives him a once-over and quirks an eyebrow. "Who put a bee under your bum?" Wandering over to Misty, he leans down and gives her a quick kiss on the lips. "Only got five minutes. Just wanted to say hi and come get my Bible - forgot I got study tonight."
Alec doesn't relax just yet, still uneasy about Carson's sudden appearance. Was he really just picking up his Bible, or had he come just to check up on things? Alec would guess the latter, but even though things were fine here, he was still leery and unwilling to sit back down yet.
Grabbing her purse and jacket, Susanne really doesn't have time for much else as Chuck leads her through TJY. She could feel several strange glances being thrown in her direction, but she doesn't look up, feeling her cheeks still quite warm.
The fresh air felt nice, and even though it was warm out, it felt cool against her face. Stopping at the motorcycle, her stomach does another flip and she accepts the helmet lamely. Swallowing hard, she nods at Chuck's instructions, but still hesitates. She looks at the bike, looks at the helmet, then back again, shifting from one foot to another. Then glancing to Chuck again and catching sight of his eyes, she dons the helmet. She didn't normally just trust anybody, but there was something about him that felt okay. She was afraid of this venture, but she couldn't deny that there was a peace about him that she knew she would not feel if he were someone with bad intentions.
Finally mounting the bike behind Chuck, Susanne isn't quite sure where or how to sit, but it felt okay. She rests her arms just near Chuck's waist, but as the bike moves forward with a little lurch, her hands slide further around him and gain a better grip.
The ride through town wasn't so bad... they didn't move too fast and the turns were okay if she leaned a little bit with Chuck. If asked about the scenery though, Susanne wouldn't know. Her eyes were shut tight, her whole body tense. She'd done a lot of things through TJY, but being on a motorcycle was not one of them.
As Chuck heads out of town and starts to go a little faster, Susanne dares take a quick glance around to see where they were before scrunching her eyes shut again. He was taking her out of town... out of town... that should bother her, right? For some reason, it didn't, and she almost felt guilty for not questioning this move.
With the increasing speed, a little wail escapes her lips and her arms tighten around Chuck, pressing herself against his back and hanging on for dear life.
"Okay. Thank you, Doctor. I will... let others know and... if anyone wants to see her again, I'll make sure they know that it needs to happen soon."
Ending the call, he stands and goes to his office door, closing it quietly. Returning to his desk, he folds his arms on his desk and bends to rest his head on them. Running TJY was never an easy job, but this was probably the most stressful it had ever been. What was happening? Why were there so many hurts in people's lives right now? It didn't seem fair. If he could just help fix one problem... just one... But there was nothing he could do about any of them. Hope. Scott. Nate, Con and Jamie with Laura. Sapphire with Gage. It felt like everything was falling apart.
With Sapphire joining him on the bed, Gage takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, allowing his eyes to fall shut again. It felt strange, knowing he'd just been asleep for so long, yet he was still so tired.
Keeping her hand in his, he lets his head rest to the side so it was against her own. If he let his imagination go far enough, he could believe that they were back at his apartment like they often were, just lying together as a movie played, simply content to be with each other. It was as if nothing else was really all that important, as long as they were together. It was still a new feeling for Gage that still held an element of wonder.
It wasn't long before the doctor came in to check on him, please that he had finally awakened. He explained to both Gage and Sapphire, that Gage would still need plenty of rest as his body recovered. He told them that he wanted Gage to remain for another day, but then he could go home. After that though, he wanted Gage to rest and not go back to work for at least another three days.
Once the two were alone again, Gage's eyes now held some worry. Looking to Sapphire, he searches for answers. "I can't stay home," he mentions quietly. "I only had a couple days sick time I could take from work and... if I have to take off four more days... I won't have a job to go back to. I can't do that."
Misty's prayer was just a little bit foreign to Alec, but he respects her for it, remaining silent until she is finished. Awaiting her answer to his question, he helps himself to some spaghetti and takes a bite to see if he could enjoy the flavor.
When Misty does answer him though, his eyes hold such curiosity... such confusion. Her mention of family seems to throw him off just as much as her comment about God.
Swallowing his mouthful, he leans back in his chair and just lets his fork rest on his plate, totally caught up in the subject, even more than the food. He blinks and looks in Misty's eyes, first one then the other, watching her eat, watching her talk and watching what went on in her gaze. He didn't really feel comfortable talking about God. He didn't understand why that all made such a big difference. He'd heard Eli and Ryan talk about it every once in a while. Eli had said something about missing church once. Alec figured maybe when they were kids or something they were religious and all, but didn't see much of that now. Really, God didn't make much sense to him, so he opts to not go down that route. Misty's observation of his feeling about family though... that one he felt.
Finally dropping his gaze, he runs the tines of his fork through the pasta, spreading out the sauce a little more. It seems like forever before he takes another bite, along with some meatball. The spices made his tongue tingle and he liked that. Food did taste different to him than other people so when he could distinguish the spices and flavor, he enjoyed it - and Misty's sauce was good.
No one hears the front door quietly open and close, nor the soft footsteps that come up through the hall and stop right outside the kitchen. No shadow signals anyone, the figure not allowing their presence to be known.
Even though Alec would prefer to concentrate on the meal, Misty's mention of family wouldn't let go of him. "I don't have much memory of family, ya know?" He shrugs lamely. "Raised by a single mom. Guess it was alright when I was a young kid but... I guess after I started high school, homelife sorta went downhill."
He glances up and gives her a wry grin. "I was the perfect target for the Agency. Trouble-maker, rule-hater and in need of a cause. Mom figured I was just hanging out with friends after school every day... she didn't know I was getting involved with the Agency. Then once I hit eighteen, bam! I moved out and that was it."
Twirling some more spaghetti around his fork, Alec returns his eyes to his meal, though his concentration was still on his words. These were things he hadn't even told Ryan.
A little scoff comes out and he shakes his head. "Doesn't feel like it's only been six years. The Agency makes it feel like you're with them for a lifetime, even if it's just a month. They make it seem so good, convincing you that it's a war you need to fight to defend yourself and your rights as a human. It was the next best thing to joining the Army I suppose... without realizing the difference, that is."
He shrugs again. "I guess you know some of it since you were on the outskirts of the Agency there for a little while." He was as aware of that area of her background as much as he was Carson's.
"I left everything... my mom... friends... well, if you could call them that... but I didn't care about any of it. And then... then I was sent on one mission that I failed... the only one I ever failed, and it should have been so easy."
His eyes find Misty's, wondering if she harbored any blame for the night he and his accomplice had tried to squeeze information from Scott. "And then... I found out I had a brother." He shakes his head as if for a moment, the meal was completely forgotten. "Carson... bloodthirsty, torture expert, don't-ever-make-him-mad Carson. And he was not a thing like I'd heard."
Another small, wry grin quirks the corner of his mouth. "And then I found out I had a sister, too." Looking to his plate, he shoves a meatball back and forth with his fork. "I know I used her to get me out of TJY and all... and I don't blame her for hating me for it now. She could have wound up under arrest herself for that stunt. But I guess... I don't know...." He shrugs again. "I guess you're right. My mom's the only family I ever had so... even if I didn't show it... yeah, it would be kinda cool, ya know? I've got a brother and a sister... we're all on the same side now... I know they're good people... and... and..." The words seemed to get stuck and he wrestles with them before they finally come out. "...and they're all I got. I got enough friends to count on one hand... then that's it. What happens when I'm gone? What happens when... when I need someone? I guess I coulda wound up as an only child and I know we're only half-siblings but..."
Alec finally gives up and takes another mouthful of food, not even sure how to feel and confused by his own emotions that made him want a connection to his family. He'd treated them poorly, but that didn't mean he wasn't sorry, and it didn't mean that deep down, family wasn't important to him. He never showed it but... family really was something he'd never had, but it was something he'd always wanted, even if he'd never admitted it.
Feeling a bit of heat in his face and he lets the food in his mouth be the excuse for his pause. Why he talked so much around Misty, he didn't know. "This is good," he compliments quietly. "I can taste it."
Without warning, the hiding figure comes around the corner. Realizing someone was there, Alec looks up quickly, staring right at Carson. Taken completely off guard and not knowing his brother's intention for being there, Alec is on his feet in an instant, backed against the wall with hands raised.
Carson gives him a once-over and quirks an eyebrow. "Who put a bee under your bum?" Wandering over to Misty, he leans down and gives her a quick kiss on the lips. "Only got five minutes. Just wanted to say hi and come get my Bible - forgot I got study tonight."
Alec doesn't relax just yet, still uneasy about Carson's sudden appearance. Was he really just picking up his Bible, or had he come just to check up on things? Alec would guess the latter, but even though things were fine here, he was still leery and unwilling to sit back down yet.
Grabbing her purse and jacket, Susanne really doesn't have time for much else as Chuck leads her through TJY. She could feel several strange glances being thrown in her direction, but she doesn't look up, feeling her cheeks still quite warm.
The fresh air felt nice, and even though it was warm out, it felt cool against her face. Stopping at the motorcycle, her stomach does another flip and she accepts the helmet lamely. Swallowing hard, she nods at Chuck's instructions, but still hesitates. She looks at the bike, looks at the helmet, then back again, shifting from one foot to another. Then glancing to Chuck again and catching sight of his eyes, she dons the helmet. She didn't normally just trust anybody, but there was something about him that felt okay. She was afraid of this venture, but she couldn't deny that there was a peace about him that she knew she would not feel if he were someone with bad intentions.
Finally mounting the bike behind Chuck, Susanne isn't quite sure where or how to sit, but it felt okay. She rests her arms just near Chuck's waist, but as the bike moves forward with a little lurch, her hands slide further around him and gain a better grip.
The ride through town wasn't so bad... they didn't move too fast and the turns were okay if she leaned a little bit with Chuck. If asked about the scenery though, Susanne wouldn't know. Her eyes were shut tight, her whole body tense. She'd done a lot of things through TJY, but being on a motorcycle was not one of them.
As Chuck heads out of town and starts to go a little faster, Susanne dares take a quick glance around to see where they were before scrunching her eyes shut again. He was taking her out of town... out of town... that should bother her, right? For some reason, it didn't, and she almost felt guilty for not questioning this move.
With the increasing speed, a little wail escapes her lips and her arms tighten around Chuck, pressing herself against his back and hanging on for dear life.
10/12/10
Heart Open
Chuck can't help but let his smile grow just a little bit more as he hears the soft laughter from Susanne. He already felt like a high schooler again with a crush, not with her soft laughter finally...he really felt like he was young again, but it didn't bother him, He rather liked it.
"I've never been called unique before. Maybe strange, odd, or plan crazy but never unique. I think I like it...thank you."
Having Susanne finally take his hand Chuck closes his fingers around her own. Her touch was soft, and light. It was nice, and it felt so pure. Looking back into her own eyes Chuck searches them as the smile remains on his face. He could see the fear still behind Susanne's eyes and he couldn't blame her. He was a strange, and she was going to be riding on his bike with her.
"Don't worry I promise I won't go to fast till you can get use to the motorcycle, and I wont tell your boss either."
Giving a small chuckle Chuck starts out from the office his hand still in Susanne's as they make there way across the floor and through the cubicles before coming up and outside. Standing in front of a black Harley Chuck can't help but beam a little. This was his pride and joy, something he had been working twords for a long time.
Lettting go of Susanne's hand and going over to the bike Chuck unhooks the black and pink helmet and holds it out to Susanne with a smile.
"It should fit ok. It looks like you and my neice have the same size head."
Taking his helmet next and putting it on his head waiting to make sure Susanne put hers on right, and it fit ok. Giving a nod and getting onto the bike he once again waits till she gets on.
"Ok, just wrap your arms around my wast and hold on. If you need me to pull over for any reason just tap my arm three times because I wont be able to hear you if you talk."
Finally sliding the helmet down and putting the keys in the bike comes to life. Making sure Susanne's arms were around him and secure he gives them a pat before starting forward.
Going through town Chuck drives a little slower than normal letting Susanne gets use to the feel and everything that went with it. Finally though after a short while Chuck picks up the speed a little bit and starts to head out of town. Making sure he was aware of what was going on and though wasn't looking at Susanne made she he new she was ok and enjoying herself.
Sitting down and saying a short prayer Misty takes a bite of the food and savers the taste. This time around it really had turned out great and she was happy. Giving Alec a nice meal was important to her since he probably didn't get it a lot.
Taking a drink of her water and looking up at Alec's question Misty gives a small smile. She wondered how long it would take him to ask for she did know it would be coming.
"Because, you haven't given me any reason why not to trust you. I hear what everyone else says but I can look past it. Deep down I know your not a bad guy and somewhere you want to get to know your family."
Twirling her spaghetti with her fork Misty takes another bit savoring it again giving her a chance to get her thoughts together. She new what she wanted to say but now she just had to word it.
"Not only that but I know its what God would want me to do. Keep my heart open to you, and see the good."
"We all make mistakes Gage, it's learning from them that matters. I've seen you learn from yours and you will continue to learn as we walk through life."
Giving Gage's hand a gentil squeeze Sapphire doesn't resist as he pulls her to him closer. Knowing he was awake and going to be ok Sapphire was happy to be close and to be able to feel him knowing he was there.
Pressing her lips to his lightly and returning the feelings and how happy she was. Just letting the linger moment Sapphire can't help the smile that formed on her lips as Gage said he loved her. Just wanting to stay close till the Dr. go there Sapphire shifts a little and lays on the bed with Gage. Her one hand in his and the other tucked under her with her head on his check. She just wanted to be close to him for a while.
Hearing the ultimate question Amanda sits down in one of the chairs and opens Hope's folder looking over the paper work. There was nothing there that would tell her anything different than what she already new, but it was habit and maybe even a hope she would catch something they'd missed.
"Her body is failing on her face, I would say she only has a week if not two left. We are going to continue to do all we can. To keep her comfortable, to continue to find some way to help Hope but the reality of this more is....Hope is dieing, and there isn't much left we can do. I'm so sorry Reese."
"I've never been called unique before. Maybe strange, odd, or plan crazy but never unique. I think I like it...thank you."
Having Susanne finally take his hand Chuck closes his fingers around her own. Her touch was soft, and light. It was nice, and it felt so pure. Looking back into her own eyes Chuck searches them as the smile remains on his face. He could see the fear still behind Susanne's eyes and he couldn't blame her. He was a strange, and she was going to be riding on his bike with her.
"Don't worry I promise I won't go to fast till you can get use to the motorcycle, and I wont tell your boss either."
Giving a small chuckle Chuck starts out from the office his hand still in Susanne's as they make there way across the floor and through the cubicles before coming up and outside. Standing in front of a black Harley Chuck can't help but beam a little. This was his pride and joy, something he had been working twords for a long time.
Lettting go of Susanne's hand and going over to the bike Chuck unhooks the black and pink helmet and holds it out to Susanne with a smile.
"It should fit ok. It looks like you and my neice have the same size head."
Taking his helmet next and putting it on his head waiting to make sure Susanne put hers on right, and it fit ok. Giving a nod and getting onto the bike he once again waits till she gets on.
"Ok, just wrap your arms around my wast and hold on. If you need me to pull over for any reason just tap my arm three times because I wont be able to hear you if you talk."
Finally sliding the helmet down and putting the keys in the bike comes to life. Making sure Susanne's arms were around him and secure he gives them a pat before starting forward.
Going through town Chuck drives a little slower than normal letting Susanne gets use to the feel and everything that went with it. Finally though after a short while Chuck picks up the speed a little bit and starts to head out of town. Making sure he was aware of what was going on and though wasn't looking at Susanne made she he new she was ok and enjoying herself.
Sitting down and saying a short prayer Misty takes a bite of the food and savers the taste. This time around it really had turned out great and she was happy. Giving Alec a nice meal was important to her since he probably didn't get it a lot.
Taking a drink of her water and looking up at Alec's question Misty gives a small smile. She wondered how long it would take him to ask for she did know it would be coming.
"Because, you haven't given me any reason why not to trust you. I hear what everyone else says but I can look past it. Deep down I know your not a bad guy and somewhere you want to get to know your family."
Twirling her spaghetti with her fork Misty takes another bit savoring it again giving her a chance to get her thoughts together. She new what she wanted to say but now she just had to word it.
"Not only that but I know its what God would want me to do. Keep my heart open to you, and see the good."
"We all make mistakes Gage, it's learning from them that matters. I've seen you learn from yours and you will continue to learn as we walk through life."
Giving Gage's hand a gentil squeeze Sapphire doesn't resist as he pulls her to him closer. Knowing he was awake and going to be ok Sapphire was happy to be close and to be able to feel him knowing he was there.
Pressing her lips to his lightly and returning the feelings and how happy she was. Just letting the linger moment Sapphire can't help the smile that formed on her lips as Gage said he loved her. Just wanting to stay close till the Dr. go there Sapphire shifts a little and lays on the bed with Gage. Her one hand in his and the other tucked under her with her head on his check. She just wanted to be close to him for a while.
Hearing the ultimate question Amanda sits down in one of the chairs and opens Hope's folder looking over the paper work. There was nothing there that would tell her anything different than what she already new, but it was habit and maybe even a hope she would catch something they'd missed.
"Her body is failing on her face, I would say she only has a week if not two left. We are going to continue to do all we can. To keep her comfortable, to continue to find some way to help Hope but the reality of this more is....Hope is dieing, and there isn't much left we can do. I'm so sorry Reese."
10/11/10
But please...
Taken aback by Chuck's own shocked look, then coming to the realization of how wrong she had been, Susanne sucks in her breath and puts a hand over her mouth. She couldn't remember a time she'd given someone such an insult, unintentional or not.
Remaining in stunned silence as Chuck continues, Susanne can't believe he's still standing here asking her to go out. Any man with a brain would have tucked tail and run by now, after all she'd done.
A strange sound comes from her throat, almost as if she were choking. Turning her back on Chuck, she buries her face in her hands as the silent laughter causes her shoulders to shake. Drawing in her breath and attempting to compose herself, she turns back around, her face completely red all over again. Her eyes glimmer with moisture from her laughter and she shakes her head. "You, sir, are a unique individual, deserving far more than what I've given you today."
She sighs deeply and closes her eyes for a moment, speaking to herself. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
Looking at Chuck once more, she takes a deep breath and finally reaches out to take his hand. It was such a warm hand... one that made her own hand seem so small, but so protected at the same time. And she couldn't help but wonder if she could see the invisible, what that touch would really look like.
Her eyes lock with his and she nods decisively. If she didn't take a few risks once in a while, what was the point? "I'll ride with you," she agrees, despite the fear behind her gaze. "On your motorcycle," she reemphasizes, biting her lip to keep from laughing again. "But please... don't tell my boss. Let's just go before someone else walks in and I have to explain this whole thing."
Alec listens to Misty's answer, perhaps not having expected there to be no malice in her tone. The whole thing seemed a little foreign to him. If he cheated on Ryan, he knew that would be it right there. But then... he would have thought the same thing about Misty, too.
Turning around and leaning back against the counter, he continues to play with the long kitchen knife, testing its sharpness with his thumb turning it in his palm. "When people are meant to be, huh?" Were he and Ryan meant to be? He wondered.
Seeing that supper was almost ready, he sets down the knife and sighs, not having retrieved what he'd wanted from that conversation. It wasn't as bothersome as he'd thought though. Not gaining the upper hand didn't seem so bad right now. He's about to say more when his stomach growls loudly. Giving Misty a sheepish grin, he shrugs. "My tastebuds might not work right but my nose does. I guess maybe I'm hungrier than I thought." He often ignored his hunger, not bothering to eat some meals that he should, but tonight, he really was hungry.
Watching Misty closely as she finishes preparing supper, he wonders if her and Carson being religious people had anything to do with the strange sense of peace in this house. It wasn't something he felt at Ryan and Eli's, and he hadn't felt it anywhere else before either. It was... calm... warm. The whole atmosphere was unlike what he'd expected.
Finally sitting down to wait just a few more minutes, he plays with a napkin, keeping his hands busy. "How come you give me a chance when Carson and Dani won't?" he finally asks. He's asked Dalton basically the same question earlier, but he wanted to see what Misty would say too.
Gage's eyes snap to Sapphire's as she rebukes his depressed statement. It was more of a look of awe that passed through his eyes this time. For how someone could love him really was beyond his understanding. He swallows as his look turns to one of apology again.
His fingers crawl over to her hand to hold it weakly, his strength not having returned yet. "I don't know if I'll ever know why you picked me," he responds softly. "The world is foreign to me. I make mistakes. The only skill I have is one that shouldn't be used. And yet... yet you won't let me go."
Though having little strength, he pulls Sapphire closer, forcing her to bed enough that his hand can reach to the back of her head and draw her face nearer his. Kissing her lips gently, his fingers run through her short hair. "I love you too," he whispers.
Reese sinks down in his chair, mirroring what his heart was doing on the inside. Putting his forehead in his free hand, all this work that needed to get done just didn't seem important anymore.
"I understand... thank you, and the prayers will keep coming."
He hated to ask, but he needed to. "If people ask... how much time do you think Hope has left? I know some might want to see her one last time, even if she can't respond." He was thinking mainly of Scott, whom he would see to it that he would make it back to the hospital if he wanted to.
Remaining in stunned silence as Chuck continues, Susanne can't believe he's still standing here asking her to go out. Any man with a brain would have tucked tail and run by now, after all she'd done.
A strange sound comes from her throat, almost as if she were choking. Turning her back on Chuck, she buries her face in her hands as the silent laughter causes her shoulders to shake. Drawing in her breath and attempting to compose herself, she turns back around, her face completely red all over again. Her eyes glimmer with moisture from her laughter and she shakes her head. "You, sir, are a unique individual, deserving far more than what I've given you today."
She sighs deeply and closes her eyes for a moment, speaking to herself. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
Looking at Chuck once more, she takes a deep breath and finally reaches out to take his hand. It was such a warm hand... one that made her own hand seem so small, but so protected at the same time. And she couldn't help but wonder if she could see the invisible, what that touch would really look like.
Her eyes lock with his and she nods decisively. If she didn't take a few risks once in a while, what was the point? "I'll ride with you," she agrees, despite the fear behind her gaze. "On your motorcycle," she reemphasizes, biting her lip to keep from laughing again. "But please... don't tell my boss. Let's just go before someone else walks in and I have to explain this whole thing."
Alec listens to Misty's answer, perhaps not having expected there to be no malice in her tone. The whole thing seemed a little foreign to him. If he cheated on Ryan, he knew that would be it right there. But then... he would have thought the same thing about Misty, too.
Turning around and leaning back against the counter, he continues to play with the long kitchen knife, testing its sharpness with his thumb turning it in his palm. "When people are meant to be, huh?" Were he and Ryan meant to be? He wondered.
Seeing that supper was almost ready, he sets down the knife and sighs, not having retrieved what he'd wanted from that conversation. It wasn't as bothersome as he'd thought though. Not gaining the upper hand didn't seem so bad right now. He's about to say more when his stomach growls loudly. Giving Misty a sheepish grin, he shrugs. "My tastebuds might not work right but my nose does. I guess maybe I'm hungrier than I thought." He often ignored his hunger, not bothering to eat some meals that he should, but tonight, he really was hungry.
Watching Misty closely as she finishes preparing supper, he wonders if her and Carson being religious people had anything to do with the strange sense of peace in this house. It wasn't something he felt at Ryan and Eli's, and he hadn't felt it anywhere else before either. It was... calm... warm. The whole atmosphere was unlike what he'd expected.
Finally sitting down to wait just a few more minutes, he plays with a napkin, keeping his hands busy. "How come you give me a chance when Carson and Dani won't?" he finally asks. He's asked Dalton basically the same question earlier, but he wanted to see what Misty would say too.
Gage's eyes snap to Sapphire's as she rebukes his depressed statement. It was more of a look of awe that passed through his eyes this time. For how someone could love him really was beyond his understanding. He swallows as his look turns to one of apology again.
His fingers crawl over to her hand to hold it weakly, his strength not having returned yet. "I don't know if I'll ever know why you picked me," he responds softly. "The world is foreign to me. I make mistakes. The only skill I have is one that shouldn't be used. And yet... yet you won't let me go."
Though having little strength, he pulls Sapphire closer, forcing her to bed enough that his hand can reach to the back of her head and draw her face nearer his. Kissing her lips gently, his fingers run through her short hair. "I love you too," he whispers.
Reese sinks down in his chair, mirroring what his heart was doing on the inside. Putting his forehead in his free hand, all this work that needed to get done just didn't seem important anymore.
"I understand... thank you, and the prayers will keep coming."
He hated to ask, but he needed to. "If people ask... how much time do you think Hope has left? I know some might want to see her one last time, even if she can't respond." He was thinking mainly of Scott, whom he would see to it that he would make it back to the hospital if he wanted to.
Wide Eyed
Chuck's own eyes go a little wide as he gets the slap to the arm and his eyes go even wider as he hears her remark. He certainly in no way meant what she was thinking at all and he can't believe he had said it the way he did.
"No no...I...I ment...going for a ride, a real ride on my bike. Its outside and I have an extra helmet just for you."
His eyes still wide they slowly go down to normal as his mouth turns into a smile and finally a chuckle bursts free. He really couldn't believe this whole crazy thing and why he was so determined to go out with Susanne.
"So lets see, I got insalted by you, than you hide from me, and now you just slapped me for no reason all in one day. I do think thats a new record. Now I think you owe me that ride, and dinner."
Chuck can't help but throw a wink at Susanne as he holds out his hand to her and gives a little bow.
"I'll even ask you boss if its ok you leave early on an important matter if you want."
"No no...I...I ment...going for a ride, a real ride on my bike. Its outside and I have an extra helmet just for you."
His eyes still wide they slowly go down to normal as his mouth turns into a smile and finally a chuckle bursts free. He really couldn't believe this whole crazy thing and why he was so determined to go out with Susanne.
"So lets see, I got insalted by you, than you hide from me, and now you just slapped me for no reason all in one day. I do think thats a new record. Now I think you owe me that ride, and dinner."
Chuck can't help but throw a wink at Susanne as he holds out his hand to her and gives a little bow.
"I'll even ask you boss if its ok you leave early on an important matter if you want."
Assumption
Perhaps the look on Susanne's face was pure amazement. How anyone, any man, could want her in the state she was in was beyond her.
Looking up at Chuck, she blink, feeling for a moment a strange emotion. The attentions of a man were something she didn't think she'd ever have, let alone to this extent. Was he really for real? He seemed it. Susanne would hate to think she'd misjudged his character and he really was a sleezeball or something. But when she looked into those eyes... everything just... felt... right.
Bringing her mind back around in time to hear Chuck's suggestion to pass the time, her eyebrows rise and her eyes grow big again. She didn't mean for that kind of thought to enter her mind, but what else could he mean but... but that?
She would later blame pure instinct that caused the back of her hand to reach out and whack Chuck's arm with a good hearty slap. Surely she hadn't been that wrong about him.
"Are you kidding me?" she hisses. "I should call the whole thing off right now, just for that. But I'm still willing to meet you there at seven if you can convince me you'll behave yourself and not think such nonsense."
Looking up at Chuck, she blink, feeling for a moment a strange emotion. The attentions of a man were something she didn't think she'd ever have, let alone to this extent. Was he really for real? He seemed it. Susanne would hate to think she'd misjudged his character and he really was a sleezeball or something. But when she looked into those eyes... everything just... felt... right.
Bringing her mind back around in time to hear Chuck's suggestion to pass the time, her eyebrows rise and her eyes grow big again. She didn't mean for that kind of thought to enter her mind, but what else could he mean but... but that?
She would later blame pure instinct that caused the back of her hand to reach out and whack Chuck's arm with a good hearty slap. Surely she hadn't been that wrong about him.
"Are you kidding me?" she hisses. "I should call the whole thing off right now, just for that. But I'm still willing to meet you there at seven if you can convince me you'll behave yourself and not think such nonsense."
Ride
Looking at Susanne Chuck does what he can to keep from smiling. He found this those thing funny even if Susanne didn't think so. Maybe sometime later on she could look back and think it was funny too.
Thinking for a moment before replying Chuck takes a step back and looks Susanne up and down for a moment bringing a hand to his chin in a deep thinking manor. Finally holding his hand up a little he gives a smile.
"I think you look absolutely beautiful the way you are right now, and you don't need to change a thing. After all you didn't want me to change anything, I don't want you to change anything either."
Dropping his hand to his side Chuck can't help but chuckle his own face turning a little red. He enjoyed seeing Susanne's own face turning red a little bit the color was nice. But in turn he was feeling himself a little silly too.
"Hmmm...we could go for a ride for a few hours. I think you might like that, I know I would."
Thinking for a moment before replying Chuck takes a step back and looks Susanne up and down for a moment bringing a hand to his chin in a deep thinking manor. Finally holding his hand up a little he gives a smile.
"I think you look absolutely beautiful the way you are right now, and you don't need to change a thing. After all you didn't want me to change anything, I don't want you to change anything either."
Dropping his hand to his side Chuck can't help but chuckle his own face turning a little red. He enjoyed seeing Susanne's own face turning red a little bit the color was nice. But in turn he was feeling himself a little silly too.
"Hmmm...we could go for a ride for a few hours. I think you might like that, I know I would."
Just about anything
Chuck's teasing only proves to make Susanne more flustered, and she's about ready to pray that the floor would just open up and swallow her. Focusing on the money she was retrieving, she doesn't look up right away as Chuck nears, his hand moving to rest on hers. His mere touch sent her heart racing and she just stares at their hands for a moment. Swallowing hard, she finally lifts her eyes again.
"None of my friends will be at Mom and Pop's until seven," she reasons quietly. "I am a total mess unfit for public viewing, and if I don't file this report, my boss is gonna kill me."
Still looking into those eyes that went on forever, she dares to move her hand just a little, feeling his warm palm shift on her knuckles. It was a rough palm that held strength yet it was gentle to hold compassion.
"But... but if you meet me there later..." She hesitates, wondering what on earth she was doing. Was she actually going to say yes to him? Well, he was right that she'd win, no matter the outcome of the evening. If she wasn't careful, she'd just keep right on melting right here and say yes to just about anything. She couldn't leave work now... and she really was a sight. "I need to go home and clean up," she reasons weakly. "And... and find my marbles before I embarrass myself any more." Her gaze lowers again and her stomach does a little flip. "Besides, what's there to do for two hours?"
"None of my friends will be at Mom and Pop's until seven," she reasons quietly. "I am a total mess unfit for public viewing, and if I don't file this report, my boss is gonna kill me."
Still looking into those eyes that went on forever, she dares to move her hand just a little, feeling his warm palm shift on her knuckles. It was a rough palm that held strength yet it was gentle to hold compassion.
"But... but if you meet me there later..." She hesitates, wondering what on earth she was doing. Was she actually going to say yes to him? Well, he was right that she'd win, no matter the outcome of the evening. If she wasn't careful, she'd just keep right on melting right here and say yes to just about anything. She couldn't leave work now... and she really was a sight. "I need to go home and clean up," she reasons weakly. "And... and find my marbles before I embarrass myself any more." Her gaze lowers again and her stomach does a little flip. "Besides, what's there to do for two hours?"
Just One!
Watching Susanne again Chuck couldn't help the smile on his face grow even more. He thought it was kind of cute she was getting so flustered and the shades of red looks very nice on her completion.
Hearing about the dustbunnys and marbles Chuck can't help the laugh that escapes his lips. Susanne's humor even if it was dry was good. That was a good quality in a woman specially one that would ever be with him.
"You have to becarful with those marbles. I'm told they like to run away with the dustbunnys sometimes."
About to say something else Chuck stops as her eyes grow. They were so pretty it was hard to take his own eyes off them but hearing her mumble something about the chef he can't help but start to turn around to look. Not given much time and being shoved into the courner is was a natural reaction for his arms to go around Susanne slightly to hold her close to him.
Catching a whif of her hair Chuck's smile grew even more. She smelled as good as she looked. It was just another thing to add on the perfect list. As Susanne backs away though Chuck lets his arms fall from around her.
"When you said dinner, this is not what I expected. Not that I am complaining."
Seeing Susanne continue to turn read and than head back to her desk Chuck followed slowly. Hearing her ask about the CD he thinks for a long moment before reaching out and placing his hand on top of her to close the purse pushing the money back in.
"Its not to early. Its five o'clock. The cd is the cost of one meal with me. If you hate it I'll never come around you again or even talk to you. Than you get the meal, to show me off to your friends, and a cd. but if your do enjoy yourself...well...than we both got some good company and maybe could do it again sometime, you got a meal, and a cd. Either way its a win for you. "
Chuck smiles down at Susanne his eyes giving a twinkle.
"After all you did just shove me into a corner. I think one meal is owed for that."
Hearing about the dustbunnys and marbles Chuck can't help the laugh that escapes his lips. Susanne's humor even if it was dry was good. That was a good quality in a woman specially one that would ever be with him.
"You have to becarful with those marbles. I'm told they like to run away with the dustbunnys sometimes."
About to say something else Chuck stops as her eyes grow. They were so pretty it was hard to take his own eyes off them but hearing her mumble something about the chef he can't help but start to turn around to look. Not given much time and being shoved into the courner is was a natural reaction for his arms to go around Susanne slightly to hold her close to him.
Catching a whif of her hair Chuck's smile grew even more. She smelled as good as she looked. It was just another thing to add on the perfect list. As Susanne backs away though Chuck lets his arms fall from around her.
"When you said dinner, this is not what I expected. Not that I am complaining."
Seeing Susanne continue to turn read and than head back to her desk Chuck followed slowly. Hearing her ask about the CD he thinks for a long moment before reaching out and placing his hand on top of her to close the purse pushing the money back in.
"Its not to early. Its five o'clock. The cd is the cost of one meal with me. If you hate it I'll never come around you again or even talk to you. Than you get the meal, to show me off to your friends, and a cd. but if your do enjoy yourself...well...than we both got some good company and maybe could do it again sometime, you got a meal, and a cd. Either way its a win for you. "
Chuck smiles down at Susanne his eyes giving a twinkle.
"After all you did just shove me into a corner. I think one meal is owed for that."
10/10/10
Yes
An incredibly amazing looking woman? Her? Susanne didn't think her face could get any hotter, but it did and her heart thumped in her chest. Why this man was getting to her like this, she really didn't know. Maybe it was simply the combination of her embarrassment and his good looks. Whatever the case, she knew she was acting completely out of character for her and yet it was as if she was helpless to do a thing about it.
Still silent and not having a clue how to respond to Chuck on the phone, she suddenly sees a slight shadow and hears his voice right over her head. She lifts her face from her knees and stares wide-eyed at the back of the office, not moving a muscle for several moments.
Swallowing hard, she finally gets up enough nerve to turn and cock her head to look up. Her eyes lock with his as if they are magnets, drawing her in. Her face turns another shade of red. "Yes," she answers quietly. "My marbles."
Glancing down, she points under the desk. "I think they rolled somewhere under here with the dustbunnies."
Realizing that she was still clutching the phone, she manages to stand up clumsily, bumping into her chair and getting the phone cord all wrapped around every which way. No one would believe she'd been able to fend off a robber with a knife only hours earlier. Finally hanging up, her eyes return to Chuck's, everything from embarrassment to unrealized hope showing in them. Clearing her throat, she brushes herself off, straightening her blouse and tucking her rebellious strands of hair behind her ears. Her eyes fall again, her demeanor becoming more shy now.
About to say something, her line of sight suddenly catches a figure coming towards the offices. She lets out a gasp, her eyes widening. "Chief Brown," she whispers in a panic. She was a total mess - she couldn't let him see her like this, and she certainly didn't want him asking who this stranger was. She would die right where she was if she had to explain. "Quick - over here."
Without thinking, she grabs Chuck by the arm and pulls him into the corner of the office away from the door so anyone walking by could not see them. Pushing his back against the wall she cautiously peers around the corner to see Chief Brown walk past the office in order to engage Gunner in a conversation. It was probably about the case that Gunner was working on. With any luck, Brown would leave without having to come through this office at all.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Susanne straightens, only to realize that her hands were pressing against Chuck's chest to hold him in place. She may very well have broken a record for how many times her face could grow red as it did turn shades once more.
Quickly dropping her hands, she clasps them behind her back, looking at him with wide eyes again. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I just... the chief... um..."
Spinning around, she walks back to her chair and sits down, reaching for her purse to retrieve her wallet. "It's early," she states flatly, drawing out several bills. "I can't leave yet, I have too much work to do." Trying to compose herself, she refuses to look back up at Chuck. "How much for the CD?"
"What's wrong, Justin?" Rebecca lays a hand on his shoulder as they sit on the porch swing at her place. It was evening and the sky was turning into a rainbow of colors. "You've been so quiet all night."
Justin looks to her and gives her a small smile. "I'm sorry." He usually wasn't talkative anyway, but he must have been extra quiet this time for her to have noticed. It had been a long day, running errands, finishing some odd jobs and helping out his mother. All in all though, he was still pretty upset about losing Scott, and then there was Beth and the odd feelings she was evoking lately. His mind had dwelt on that subject for much of the day. "Lots on my mind, I guess."
Rebecca cocks her head. "Wanna talk about it?"
Justin stares into her eyes, something inside screaming at him to say yes. He needed to talk through what he was feeling, and he knew he could trust Rebecca. She was one of the easiest people to talk to that he knew. Sighing deeply, he leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "It's Beth."
"Ah." Rebecca withdraws her hand and leans back in the corner of the swing to get a better look at him. "Something go wrong?"
"No... no, on the contrary, maybe it went too right."
"I don't follow."
"I was... with her all night last night."
Rebecca's eyebrows rise while she tries not to jump to any conclusions. "You mean you...?"
"Naw." Justin shakes his head. "It wasn't like that - you know me better than that." His tone wasn't chiding, just informing. He knew what he'd said hadn't come out right. "She broke down and fell asleep with me on the couch so I stayed until this morning. Figured it was the best option since she'd been so upset."
"Oh, I see. Well, what's wrong with that? It sounds like you were a perfect friend."
"Yeah." Justin can feel his gut twist again and he gets up to lean on the porch railing and look out into the yard. "It's just... I broke the rules, you know? I shouldn't... I shouldn't get that close to her."
"Why not? Isn't that what friends do?"
Justin bites his lip as he remembers the feeling of holding Beth in his arms. "It's just... dangerous." He scratches some dirt off the railing with his fingernail. "I mean when I looked at her, I... I... I could have slipped and fallen and that would have been a disaster."
"Slipped and fallen? I don't understand."
It was rare for Justin to feel so discombobulated and he wasn't even sure why. His voice lowers to a quieter tone. "The more time I spend with her, the... the more... I get close. And the more I get close... the more..." He stops, unsure how to say what he wanted.
Rebecca rises from the swing and slowly comes up beside him. "Do you... have feelings for her, Justin?"
His eyes snap to hers and for a moment, he felt as though he might be sick. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I shouldn't be going on like this." He reaches up to rest his palm against her cheek. "I put you in an awful position."
"It's okay." She smiles and puts her hand over his, leaning into his warm touch. "I really like you... if it's not obvious." She blushes and chuckles. "But that doesn't mean you feel the same and I understand that. If you have feelings for Beth then I can't stand in the way."
Justin locks eyes with her, his emotions doing things they'd never done before. Last night, he'd loved feeling as though he were a strong shelter for someone who needed him. Tonight, he loved feeling as though he had someone to support him. Rebecca's cheek was soft beneath his palm and he moves closer, closing the gap between them. As he looks down into her eyes, his other hand finds hers, curling their fingers together. "I like you too," he responds quietly.
A smile creases her lips and her own free hand slides up his arm to cradle the back of his head and pull him down close. "Then why don't you finally kiss me?" she whispers.
Justin grins and allows the gap between them to grow smaller before his lips brush hers.
Still silent and not having a clue how to respond to Chuck on the phone, she suddenly sees a slight shadow and hears his voice right over her head. She lifts her face from her knees and stares wide-eyed at the back of the office, not moving a muscle for several moments.
Swallowing hard, she finally gets up enough nerve to turn and cock her head to look up. Her eyes lock with his as if they are magnets, drawing her in. Her face turns another shade of red. "Yes," she answers quietly. "My marbles."
Glancing down, she points under the desk. "I think they rolled somewhere under here with the dustbunnies."
Realizing that she was still clutching the phone, she manages to stand up clumsily, bumping into her chair and getting the phone cord all wrapped around every which way. No one would believe she'd been able to fend off a robber with a knife only hours earlier. Finally hanging up, her eyes return to Chuck's, everything from embarrassment to unrealized hope showing in them. Clearing her throat, she brushes herself off, straightening her blouse and tucking her rebellious strands of hair behind her ears. Her eyes fall again, her demeanor becoming more shy now.
About to say something, her line of sight suddenly catches a figure coming towards the offices. She lets out a gasp, her eyes widening. "Chief Brown," she whispers in a panic. She was a total mess - she couldn't let him see her like this, and she certainly didn't want him asking who this stranger was. She would die right where she was if she had to explain. "Quick - over here."
Without thinking, she grabs Chuck by the arm and pulls him into the corner of the office away from the door so anyone walking by could not see them. Pushing his back against the wall she cautiously peers around the corner to see Chief Brown walk past the office in order to engage Gunner in a conversation. It was probably about the case that Gunner was working on. With any luck, Brown would leave without having to come through this office at all.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Susanne straightens, only to realize that her hands were pressing against Chuck's chest to hold him in place. She may very well have broken a record for how many times her face could grow red as it did turn shades once more.
Quickly dropping her hands, she clasps them behind her back, looking at him with wide eyes again. "I'm sorry," she apologizes. "I just... the chief... um..."
Spinning around, she walks back to her chair and sits down, reaching for her purse to retrieve her wallet. "It's early," she states flatly, drawing out several bills. "I can't leave yet, I have too much work to do." Trying to compose herself, she refuses to look back up at Chuck. "How much for the CD?"
"What's wrong, Justin?" Rebecca lays a hand on his shoulder as they sit on the porch swing at her place. It was evening and the sky was turning into a rainbow of colors. "You've been so quiet all night."
Justin looks to her and gives her a small smile. "I'm sorry." He usually wasn't talkative anyway, but he must have been extra quiet this time for her to have noticed. It had been a long day, running errands, finishing some odd jobs and helping out his mother. All in all though, he was still pretty upset about losing Scott, and then there was Beth and the odd feelings she was evoking lately. His mind had dwelt on that subject for much of the day. "Lots on my mind, I guess."
Rebecca cocks her head. "Wanna talk about it?"
Justin stares into her eyes, something inside screaming at him to say yes. He needed to talk through what he was feeling, and he knew he could trust Rebecca. She was one of the easiest people to talk to that he knew. Sighing deeply, he leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "It's Beth."
"Ah." Rebecca withdraws her hand and leans back in the corner of the swing to get a better look at him. "Something go wrong?"
"No... no, on the contrary, maybe it went too right."
"I don't follow."
"I was... with her all night last night."
Rebecca's eyebrows rise while she tries not to jump to any conclusions. "You mean you...?"
"Naw." Justin shakes his head. "It wasn't like that - you know me better than that." His tone wasn't chiding, just informing. He knew what he'd said hadn't come out right. "She broke down and fell asleep with me on the couch so I stayed until this morning. Figured it was the best option since she'd been so upset."
"Oh, I see. Well, what's wrong with that? It sounds like you were a perfect friend."
"Yeah." Justin can feel his gut twist again and he gets up to lean on the porch railing and look out into the yard. "It's just... I broke the rules, you know? I shouldn't... I shouldn't get that close to her."
"Why not? Isn't that what friends do?"
Justin bites his lip as he remembers the feeling of holding Beth in his arms. "It's just... dangerous." He scratches some dirt off the railing with his fingernail. "I mean when I looked at her, I... I... I could have slipped and fallen and that would have been a disaster."
"Slipped and fallen? I don't understand."
It was rare for Justin to feel so discombobulated and he wasn't even sure why. His voice lowers to a quieter tone. "The more time I spend with her, the... the more... I get close. And the more I get close... the more..." He stops, unsure how to say what he wanted.
Rebecca rises from the swing and slowly comes up beside him. "Do you... have feelings for her, Justin?"
His eyes snap to hers and for a moment, he felt as though he might be sick. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I shouldn't be going on like this." He reaches up to rest his palm against her cheek. "I put you in an awful position."
"It's okay." She smiles and puts her hand over his, leaning into his warm touch. "I really like you... if it's not obvious." She blushes and chuckles. "But that doesn't mean you feel the same and I understand that. If you have feelings for Beth then I can't stand in the way."
Justin locks eyes with her, his emotions doing things they'd never done before. Last night, he'd loved feeling as though he were a strong shelter for someone who needed him. Tonight, he loved feeling as though he had someone to support him. Rebecca's cheek was soft beneath his palm and he moves closer, closing the gap between them. As he looks down into her eyes, his other hand finds hers, curling their fingers together. "I like you too," he responds quietly.
A smile creases her lips and her own free hand slides up his arm to cradle the back of his head and pull him down close. "Then why don't you finally kiss me?" she whispers.
Justin grins and allows the gap between them to grow smaller before his lips brush hers.
Dropped
Continuing to stand in the middle of the room with the cubicles Chuck see Susanne's head look his way and than look away again. Her words seemed panicked and a little lost. He hadn't though it would of bothered her that much.
Trying to get some kind of words in Chuck can't and he just walks forward and into the room where Susanne had hide behind the desk. A grin spread across his lips.
"I can't forget about the whole thing. What kind of fool would that make me to turn down an increadably amazing look woman? I think dinner is a must now."
Chuck taps his fingers on the desk before leaning over it a little and looking down at Susanne on the other side. He couldn't help the chuckle and just teasing her a little bit.
"Did you drop something down there?"
Pouring coffee for herself and for Justin Beth gives a smile and a nod of her head. She though he would like the coffee and was happy he had. Chatting a little more as they enjoyed there warm drink time seemed to pass to fast.
"I'll see you soon Justin, if not at the same old bench than I will call again."
Following Justin to the door and following him out Beth gives a wave as he drives down the street. Once he is out of sight Beth gives back inside drinks her own coffee before heading to the bathroom and getting ready for the start of the day. Today...it seemed...she wasn't scared to face the unknown as much as normal.
Misty can't help the beam that showed on her face even if Alec hated he had been quoting his brother. She loved Carson's sensitive side, and she would always like the little post it notes he would leave her. It was nice and helped her feel close to him even when he was not home.
Stopping for a moment from cutting the bread Misty thinks for a moment on Alec's question about why she stayed with Carson. It hadn't been easy and the road was long and hard even though she had forgiven Carson, and no longer thought about it, it did still leave a ping.
"Well...I guess its because I love Carson very much. I have since day one. The road certainly has not been an easy one, and a few times a long the way I thought I had given up and let him go. Not wanting anything more to do with him."
Misty finishs cutting the bread and puts the knife down. Picking the bread slices up and place them on a bigger plate Misty walks over to the table and sets them down before going back to the stove and stiring the sauce.
" But what mattered the most was when I needed him he was always there. He's been the one to save me many times. So I stuck it out, and I continued to wait. I saw something in him, I saw the good. We dated other people once and I though I was happy, but my heart always came back to your brother."
Pulling the meat balls from the over next Misty take some tongs and puts them into the sauce to cook with it for a little bit. It seemed odd talking to Alec about this but maybe he just simply wanted to know about his family.
"So the last time we got together I told him this was it. No more chances after this because I couldn't take it anymore. He tattoo my name on his arm, and well here we are now. That last time I think he new I was searus. When people are ment to be, they will be."
Till holding Gage's hand Sapphire manages to smile through her tears. Gage was saying sorry, and yes maybe it was a silly thing to do but she couldn't blame him. There was still so much in the world he didn't know.
"It happens Gage and sometimes we think we are doing whats best. I can't blame you for just wanting more time."
Hearing his last comment the smile on her face fades a little and if he hadnt just woken from a coma she would of whacked him over the head.
"Don't you ever say that again Gage. If you hadn't of woken up I would be lost. Your everything to me and I love you with all my heart. To lost you...I...I don't know what I would do."
Hearing Reese voice on the other end of the phone Amanda gives a small sigh. When she got a free moment she was going to call him even if she hated too. Giving bad new, and than worse news was never on her list of best things to do. It came to times like this she hated being a Dr.
"Hi Mike, I was going to be calling your later. Hope's finally fallen into a coma like we new should would. We are still doing all we can for her for this is just another step down the road that we new it would come too."
Amanda lets out another sigh as she leans aganst the counter and rubs her hand along her temple. She felt bad for Hope. After having the visit from her boyfriend she was doing her best to hold on. Even now in the coma her brain activity was amazing and she was still hanging in there but her body was just simply taking to much and giving in.
"Keep praying...God's healing powers are amazing, and I believe its in his hands now."
Trying to get some kind of words in Chuck can't and he just walks forward and into the room where Susanne had hide behind the desk. A grin spread across his lips.
"I can't forget about the whole thing. What kind of fool would that make me to turn down an increadably amazing look woman? I think dinner is a must now."
Chuck taps his fingers on the desk before leaning over it a little and looking down at Susanne on the other side. He couldn't help the chuckle and just teasing her a little bit.
"Did you drop something down there?"
Pouring coffee for herself and for Justin Beth gives a smile and a nod of her head. She though he would like the coffee and was happy he had. Chatting a little more as they enjoyed there warm drink time seemed to pass to fast.
"I'll see you soon Justin, if not at the same old bench than I will call again."
Following Justin to the door and following him out Beth gives a wave as he drives down the street. Once he is out of sight Beth gives back inside drinks her own coffee before heading to the bathroom and getting ready for the start of the day. Today...it seemed...she wasn't scared to face the unknown as much as normal.
Misty can't help the beam that showed on her face even if Alec hated he had been quoting his brother. She loved Carson's sensitive side, and she would always like the little post it notes he would leave her. It was nice and helped her feel close to him even when he was not home.
Stopping for a moment from cutting the bread Misty thinks for a moment on Alec's question about why she stayed with Carson. It hadn't been easy and the road was long and hard even though she had forgiven Carson, and no longer thought about it, it did still leave a ping.
"Well...I guess its because I love Carson very much. I have since day one. The road certainly has not been an easy one, and a few times a long the way I thought I had given up and let him go. Not wanting anything more to do with him."
Misty finishs cutting the bread and puts the knife down. Picking the bread slices up and place them on a bigger plate Misty walks over to the table and sets them down before going back to the stove and stiring the sauce.
" But what mattered the most was when I needed him he was always there. He's been the one to save me many times. So I stuck it out, and I continued to wait. I saw something in him, I saw the good. We dated other people once and I though I was happy, but my heart always came back to your brother."
Pulling the meat balls from the over next Misty take some tongs and puts them into the sauce to cook with it for a little bit. It seemed odd talking to Alec about this but maybe he just simply wanted to know about his family.
"So the last time we got together I told him this was it. No more chances after this because I couldn't take it anymore. He tattoo my name on his arm, and well here we are now. That last time I think he new I was searus. When people are ment to be, they will be."
Till holding Gage's hand Sapphire manages to smile through her tears. Gage was saying sorry, and yes maybe it was a silly thing to do but she couldn't blame him. There was still so much in the world he didn't know.
"It happens Gage and sometimes we think we are doing whats best. I can't blame you for just wanting more time."
Hearing his last comment the smile on her face fades a little and if he hadnt just woken from a coma she would of whacked him over the head.
"Don't you ever say that again Gage. If you hadn't of woken up I would be lost. Your everything to me and I love you with all my heart. To lost you...I...I don't know what I would do."
Hearing Reese voice on the other end of the phone Amanda gives a small sigh. When she got a free moment she was going to call him even if she hated too. Giving bad new, and than worse news was never on her list of best things to do. It came to times like this she hated being a Dr.
"Hi Mike, I was going to be calling your later. Hope's finally fallen into a coma like we new should would. We are still doing all we can for her for this is just another step down the road that we new it would come too."
Amanda lets out another sigh as she leans aganst the counter and rubs her hand along her temple. She felt bad for Hope. After having the visit from her boyfriend she was doing her best to hold on. Even now in the coma her brain activity was amazing and she was still hanging in there but her body was just simply taking to much and giving in.
"Keep praying...God's healing powers are amazing, and I believe its in his hands now."
Mortified
Amidst the chaos, Susanne hears the ringing phone and growls before setting her paperwork aside to answer it as she stands behind her desk. Her hair was falling out from where she'd had it pinned, sweat was running down the back of her neck and her mascara was starting to smear. Just another typical day in the office. "Elite headquarters, how may I help you?" Hearing the male voice, she furrows her brow, trying to distinguish who it belongs to. Then when he says who it is, her heart stops. The man from the shop. He'd... changed his mind? But... why? And why was he asking about her office?
Leaning forward over her desk so she can see out onto the main floor, she suddenly spots him. Snapping back out of sight, her eyes are wide and her face already beet red. Her confidence from earlier in the day was completely gone, now replaced with panic. "I um..."
Looking around, she sees there's nowhere to go and she was absolutely mortified. She had embarrassed herself to no end earlier, acting like some stupid teenager or something, all over him with her hairbrained idea. Remembering how she'd actually run her fingers through her hair, a chill runs down her spine and she swallows hard. And now Chuck was here? Why, why, why?
Turning around, she sinks down behind her desk and out of sight to sit on the floor, the phone still clutched in her hand. Not only was she utterly embarrassed, but she was a hideously unkempt sight at the moment. "I'm... I'm not here. I mean I'm busy. Just... just go away before I tell someone you... you..." She racks her brain. "...you're stalking me." Cringing at herself, she figures that couldn't have been any more lame. "Forget about tonight. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking... I was stupid. I'll... I'll come pick up the CD tomorrow and... and..." And what? She swallows hard, her heart racing. An incredibly gorgeous man was asking to see her, willing to go out tonight even though she was basically using him, and she was still scared spitless? She was an Elite agent for crying out loud! She faced murderers and she couldn't bring herself to go on a silly little date? Where was her confidence from earlier? Maybe it was because before, she'd had the upper hand. Now he'd caught her off guard and her true reaction was coming through.
Bringing her knees up to her chest, she pounds her forehead on them before hiding her face completely. "...and we can forget this whole thing," she mumbles.
Not hearing any more from Karla, Kip figures she'd accepted his response. It was better that way. He wasn't sure he could hide his misery today like he had yesterday. Tomorrow... tomorrow would be better.
Rolling onto his side, he faces the wall. But that made him feel claustrophobic. Turning over again, he lies on his other side, staring at the open doorway. Then he rolls onto his stomach... then his back... then his side again. He sighs.
Finally getting up, he wanders to the living room and flops down on the couch. Flipping on the television, he finds a cartoon marathon. Twila would tease him to no end if she found him watching these, but at least he didn't have to think while they were on.
Stretching out, his attention is diverted and though his eyes droop, he didn't sleep. It was an odd feeling... not wanting anyone around, yet being so lonely at the same time. He wanted to see no one, yet a hug would be nice. Would things ever make sense?
"Right." Justin points down the hall too before he heads that way to clean up. He doesn't take a shower though - he would do that at home. He does splash some cold water on his face, rinse his mouth and wet his hair though, at least feeling halfway presentable now.
He's only a couple minutes before he's wandering back towards the kitchen. Smelling the coffee, he smiles. "Mmm... you figured out how to wake me up." He decides he has a time for one cup before he leaves, so he sticks around a little bit longer.
Soon though, he knows he really does have to go, and he's slipping on his shoes by the door. Giving a last look at Beth, he offers her another warm smile. "I'll see you soon, okay?"
Feeling an odd sort of tingle on his spine, he makes sure not to look into her eyes for too long. "And if you need anything, call."
"Agh... I've been quoting my brother." Alec gives Misty a queer look. "That's just not right."
Standing in the kitchen and still feeling a bit lame, he doesn't mind when Misty engages him in more conversation. "Um, things are good... I think... as far as I know."
He furrows his brow, realizing that it just didn't sound correct. "I mean..." His cheeks redden slightly and he laughs. "Yeah. I guess Ryan's the only girl I've ever stuck with so... I don't have anything to compare it to. So I guess as far as I know, it's good."
He feels stupid and turns around to fiddle with a knife on the counter, his face turned away from Misty. "How come you stayed with Carson?" he questions out of nowhere. "I mean, there aren't many girls who will stick it out with a guy that cheats."
Gage blinks, still squinting in the light and trying to focus. It had been the pills? Now on top of everything else, he felt like the stupidest person on the planet. "Oh..."
Seeing Sapphire's tears, he bites his lip, feeling horrid. Without asking, he knew he must have scared the wits out of her. Those tears were his fault. Lifting his hand, he puts it to her face, using his thumb to wipe away a few of the salty drops. "Please don't cry," he asks hoarsely. His eyes beg for her forgiveness. "I'm so sorry."
He swallows hard and tries to ignore the pain in his head. "I guess I just... wanted..." He gives up. It was all his silly fault anyway, so it really didn't matter why he'd done it. "I know it was stupid," he resigns, his hand falling from her face. "I can't win no matter what, can I? I was probably meant to never wake up."
"Yes, Doctor Fuller..." Reese paces his office, phone in hand. "I was just calling to inquire about Hope Garrison and her condition." The last he'd heard, there wasn't much time left. "I wondered how she was."
Leaning forward over her desk so she can see out onto the main floor, she suddenly spots him. Snapping back out of sight, her eyes are wide and her face already beet red. Her confidence from earlier in the day was completely gone, now replaced with panic. "I um..."
Looking around, she sees there's nowhere to go and she was absolutely mortified. She had embarrassed herself to no end earlier, acting like some stupid teenager or something, all over him with her hairbrained idea. Remembering how she'd actually run her fingers through her hair, a chill runs down her spine and she swallows hard. And now Chuck was here? Why, why, why?
Turning around, she sinks down behind her desk and out of sight to sit on the floor, the phone still clutched in her hand. Not only was she utterly embarrassed, but she was a hideously unkempt sight at the moment. "I'm... I'm not here. I mean I'm busy. Just... just go away before I tell someone you... you..." She racks her brain. "...you're stalking me." Cringing at herself, she figures that couldn't have been any more lame. "Forget about tonight. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking... I was stupid. I'll... I'll come pick up the CD tomorrow and... and..." And what? She swallows hard, her heart racing. An incredibly gorgeous man was asking to see her, willing to go out tonight even though she was basically using him, and she was still scared spitless? She was an Elite agent for crying out loud! She faced murderers and she couldn't bring herself to go on a silly little date? Where was her confidence from earlier? Maybe it was because before, she'd had the upper hand. Now he'd caught her off guard and her true reaction was coming through.
Bringing her knees up to her chest, she pounds her forehead on them before hiding her face completely. "...and we can forget this whole thing," she mumbles.
Not hearing any more from Karla, Kip figures she'd accepted his response. It was better that way. He wasn't sure he could hide his misery today like he had yesterday. Tomorrow... tomorrow would be better.
Rolling onto his side, he faces the wall. But that made him feel claustrophobic. Turning over again, he lies on his other side, staring at the open doorway. Then he rolls onto his stomach... then his back... then his side again. He sighs.
Finally getting up, he wanders to the living room and flops down on the couch. Flipping on the television, he finds a cartoon marathon. Twila would tease him to no end if she found him watching these, but at least he didn't have to think while they were on.
Stretching out, his attention is diverted and though his eyes droop, he didn't sleep. It was an odd feeling... not wanting anyone around, yet being so lonely at the same time. He wanted to see no one, yet a hug would be nice. Would things ever make sense?
"Right." Justin points down the hall too before he heads that way to clean up. He doesn't take a shower though - he would do that at home. He does splash some cold water on his face, rinse his mouth and wet his hair though, at least feeling halfway presentable now.
He's only a couple minutes before he's wandering back towards the kitchen. Smelling the coffee, he smiles. "Mmm... you figured out how to wake me up." He decides he has a time for one cup before he leaves, so he sticks around a little bit longer.
Soon though, he knows he really does have to go, and he's slipping on his shoes by the door. Giving a last look at Beth, he offers her another warm smile. "I'll see you soon, okay?"
Feeling an odd sort of tingle on his spine, he makes sure not to look into her eyes for too long. "And if you need anything, call."
"Agh... I've been quoting my brother." Alec gives Misty a queer look. "That's just not right."
Standing in the kitchen and still feeling a bit lame, he doesn't mind when Misty engages him in more conversation. "Um, things are good... I think... as far as I know."
He furrows his brow, realizing that it just didn't sound correct. "I mean..." His cheeks redden slightly and he laughs. "Yeah. I guess Ryan's the only girl I've ever stuck with so... I don't have anything to compare it to. So I guess as far as I know, it's good."
He feels stupid and turns around to fiddle with a knife on the counter, his face turned away from Misty. "How come you stayed with Carson?" he questions out of nowhere. "I mean, there aren't many girls who will stick it out with a guy that cheats."
Gage blinks, still squinting in the light and trying to focus. It had been the pills? Now on top of everything else, he felt like the stupidest person on the planet. "Oh..."
Seeing Sapphire's tears, he bites his lip, feeling horrid. Without asking, he knew he must have scared the wits out of her. Those tears were his fault. Lifting his hand, he puts it to her face, using his thumb to wipe away a few of the salty drops. "Please don't cry," he asks hoarsely. His eyes beg for her forgiveness. "I'm so sorry."
He swallows hard and tries to ignore the pain in his head. "I guess I just... wanted..." He gives up. It was all his silly fault anyway, so it really didn't matter why he'd done it. "I know it was stupid," he resigns, his hand falling from her face. "I can't win no matter what, can I? I was probably meant to never wake up."
"Yes, Doctor Fuller..." Reese paces his office, phone in hand. "I was just calling to inquire about Hope Garrison and her condition." The last he'd heard, there wasn't much time left. "I wondered how she was."
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