In Need

Outside, Erik and Kyle, now by the car, wait. "How'd he look?" Kyle questions.

"Not good." Erik leans back on the hood. "I didn't want to push him so I didn't get a close look, but... I'd say it's the worst it's been."

"Like... need a hospital bad?"

"We'll need Karla to convince him to let us take him to the ER but I would feel better if we did, just to make sure he's okay. The cabin is a shambles... I think he got more than a couple punches to the face and... just speculation, but I doubt he's eaten in over a day."

Kyle shakes his head slowly, unable to believe a father who would do that to his own son... multiple times. At the same time, it was hard to believe how Kip fell for it every time as well. "I'll call Alice," he volunteers. "At least she can let the others know we found him."


Kip hears footsteps again but doesn't look up. Whoever it was, he'd just tell them to go away. He'd recover on his own and leave when he wanted to, not when Erik wanted. Feeling the bed shift, he still doesn't move. Not until he hears Karla's voice.

He hadn't expected her to be there, and his one eye cracks open, his head rising slightly. As she scoots back and slips an arm around his shoulders, he felt his wall of stubbornness start to crack. Her words made it crack even more. Maybe he'd expected a reprimand or at least a gentle chide, but neither were there - not even from Erik, come to think of it.

Hesitating a moment, Kip finally leans a little to the side, his head falling to rest on Karla's shoulder. It hurt to move though, and something like a whimper slips out, his arms tightening around himself. For the longest time, he says nothing but simply sits, knowing that someone who wouldn't judge him was right here.

Eventually though, as the minutes drag on, he knows that he can't stay here like this forever. Something had to give. He either had to make the first move or have Erik come back in and force him to.

Sliding back just a little and shifting to face Karla, his gaze remains glued to the bed, unwilling to look up at her. Slowly, he draws back his hood, revealing the damage to his lip and cheeks, along with both black eyes - his right one that was swollen shut. He knew he looked like he'd been in the boxing ring. He'd tried his best to clean himself up in the bathroom but there were hardly any first aid supplies to begin with, and hurting all over didn't help.

Moving his arms back around his legs, his sleeve rides up to expose his swollen and bruised right wrist, though his wince and sharp intake of air gives away that he was hurt somewhere else as well. "I can't... can't move very much," he slurs. "It... it hurts." His voice cracks as sa tear runs down his cheek, proving the pain was much worse than his physical injuries.

"We had a fight," he manages to explain. "Just like... like everyone else knew." He swallows hard again and shivers a little, still cold. "I tried to... stand up for myself." Another tear trickles down his face before falling to his knee where it soaks into his jeans. "It didn't work."

"I just... want to stay here," he mumbles, his eyes still lowered. "I don't wanna see anyone or talk to... to anyone."


Being brought closer to Chuck, Susanne's cheeks flush but she doesn't back away. His palm on her cheek was rough yet so soft - it seemed an impossible combination. She grins at his comment about payment for the next meal, her eyes twinkling with challenge as if saying, we shall see who wins this one.

A kiss wasn't what she'd expected so when she feels his lips brush against hers so gently, she tenses but doesn't pull back until after he'd retreated. Blinking, her eyes delve into his, searching once more for his intentions. But all she found was simple pleasure - nothing to be frightened of, even if her heart was racing, her pulse pounding.

"Thank you too, Chuck." Her voice was but a whisper and she clears her throat, regaining composure. She lets her hand slip from his and backs up a step, nodding. "Goodnight."


"Ma?" Justin enters the house, slipping off his shoes as the shopping bags rustle in his hands. He'd seen a strange car in the driveway and that always put him a little on edge. "Ma, you here?" He'd let himself in as usual.

"In the kitchen!" Lydia calls.

Heading that way, Justin enters only to stop dead in his tracks. Locking eyes with the other man in the kitchen, his gaze is one of shock. "Jared."

His brother smiles and waves. "Hey, little brother."

Not only was Justin younger, but he was shorter and less broad as well - "little" brother seemed to fit but always irked him anyway. He lets it roll off his back though, and continues his route to set the grocery bags on the counter. "What are you doing here?" He was miserable the way it was, and had hoped for a simple, quiet supper with his mother where he could break the news to her that he and Rebecca were over.

"Well, hi to you too." Jared laughs and folds his arms. "I'm visiting my mother. What are you doing?"

"My job." Justin throws him a warning glance. "Didn't recognize the car. New?"

"Yep. Had it for a couple months."

"Saw Utah license plates."

"Oh, I didn't tell you I moved?"

"Uh... no." Justin retrieves the milk and moves to the refrigerator to put it away.

Lydia seems oblivious to the tension and clasps her hands happily. "My two boys together, here at the same time. This calls for celebration." She immediately moves to the cupboard to see what she had to cook with.

"No, Ma..." Justin continues to put away the fresh groceries, knowing where everything went. "I shouldn't stay. I've got-"

"Nonsense!" Lydia pulls down some canned tomato juice. "Jared's only here for one night. Your dogs can wait."

"Yeah, and so can my mail, yard, phone..." Justin really was not in the mood for any of this. It was bad enough that he was still trying to deal with all of yesterday - now he had this to deal with, too. "I really should go."

Jared snickers. "Those two dogs are still your life, huh? Man, you need a girl."

Justin shoots him a look that could kill. "At least I don't go chasing after three or four at a time."

Jared's smile fades at the insult. Even if it was true that he tended to go after more than one girl at a time, his brother had no right to say that. "At least I have a life," he retorts.

"Justin, did you pick up the celery?" Lydia interrupts, clueless about the spat.

"Yeah." Justin lets the other subject drop and fishes the celery out of one of the bags to hand it to her. As he puts away the rest of the groceries, his ire intensifies. Jared was standing there doing absolutely nothing. He came for one night and everybody rejoiced. Justin was here almost every day, making sure his mother was taken care of, doing her grocery shopping and making sure she had rides wherever she needed to go. But that was normal. Nothing special. He knew all it was was stupid jealousy, and tries stamp it out before it got out of hand. His mother was glad to see her other son - that was natural and she deserved to be happy about it.

"Justin, you look so pale." Lydia reaches up to cradle his face, tucking aside a stray strand of hair. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine, Ma." He'd been feeling a bit lethargic today after waking up dizzy and hoped he wasn't coming down with something, though he'd figured it was just stress.


"...so I'm on my way to Louisiana for that conference." Between mouthfuls of supper, Jared explains him showing up.

Justin sips his water, having barely touched his own meal. "How come you didn't fly?"

Jared grins, waving his fork as he talks. "Why not enjoy the trip if the company's gonna pay for it?"

Justin shouldn't have been surprised. "Ah. A nice joy ride and vacation on company time. Smart."

"I thought so." Jared grins and takes a last bite of food before scraping the remaining bits off his plate. "Mmm have I missed your cooking, Mom."

Lydia beams. "You can have more if you stay longer," she bribes.

Jared laughs. "The offer is quite enticing. I did leave earlier than planned..." He pauses in thought. "I could stick around tomorrow, but I'd have to leave right after supper."

"Oh, could you?" Lydia's eyes light up. "Then Justin can come back and we can-"

"I'm gonna be busy, Ma," Justin interrupts. "I'm sorry."

Lydia lifts a skeptical eyebrow. "You didn't say so yesterday."

"Well, plans change. I got things going on, you know that."

"Still spend your time chatting with the nutcases?" Jared questions.

Justin stares at him in disbelief. That was low, even for Jared. Setting his napkin aside, Justin stands and goes to kiss his mother on her cheek. "I need to go. The meal was great."

Lydia shows her disappointment. "So soon? I have dessert."

"Save me some. Enjoy the rest of your evening and if you need anything, call."

"Oh, I'll be fine." Her smile returns. "I'll have Jared here for the night so you don't have to worry."

"Of course." A new knot had formed in Justin's stomach.

Jared stands as well. "I'll walk you out."

Justin was perfectly capable on his own, but he doesn't argue. Heading to the door, he finds his sneakers and sits down to put them on. Jared leans against the wall with his arms folded. "Since I'm staying an extra day, thought I might visit Dad's grave while I'm here."

Justin bristles but only grunts in response.

Jared persists. "Want to join me, or... do you still avoid the cemetery?"

Justin's blood begins to boil and he ties his shoes tighter than they need to be. "I won't be offended if you go without me," he manages tersely.

Jared chuckles. "Yeah, okay. Sorry I brought it up. Sometimes I forget. I guess if I was in your position I might be the same way."

"My... position?" Justin stands up to face his brother, suspicion on his face.

"Sure." Jared shrugs. "With what happened and all. I mean, I'd feel guilty, too."

"Guilty?"

"Well the only reason I can remember when Dad died is because of your birthday. If it was me who'd taken the blame, I wouldn't want to visit his grave either."

Justin had known there was some bitterness there on his brother's part, but he thought Jared would have grown up by now and moved on. The last few times they'd seen each other, this had not come up, which said perhaps Jared's bitterness was growing. No matter the reason, he'd struck a cord and Justin was livid. "You arrogant fool," he hisses. "Be glad I have self-control right now or you'd be on the floor."

"Whoa..." Jared holds up his hands. "Big talk from the little man. I didn't mean to insult you there - I was just stating the facts. Don't go killing anyone else now."

Anyone else? It was the last straw. "Maybe I don't have as much control as I thought," Justin admits quite calmly - calmly enough that even Jared isn't prepared for the fist flying in his direction. Neither man had ever struck the other - not even as kids. But tonight, blood flew as hard knuckles met soft flesh. Jared's mouth is squarely hit and hard enough that he's thrown off balance and stumbles to the floor.

"Justin!" Lydia had not been seen by either man. She stands in the hall, her face pale and shocked. Hurrying to Jared and kneeling down to press a dishtowel to his bleeding mouth, she looks up at her second son, stunned by his actions. So stunned that she can't even ask why he had done this.

Overcome with anger and guilt, Justin backs away. If he'd wanted to disappoint his mother and make Jared look like a saint, he'd done a very good job. No intelligible words seem to form, so a silent stare is the only communication. Turning around, he exits the house and goes to his truck to leave.

Lydia is trembling as she tries to help Jared even while her wide eyes had followed her other son outside. "Out of character" would be the ultimate understatement, and even she recognized that. Justin never lashed out... never. Swallowing hard, she finally turns her complete attention to Jared. "Are you alright? Do you need a doctor?"

"No, I... I don't think so." Jared blinks and sits up, feeling his lower lip that was still bleeding. His teeth felt like they'd been whacked with a hammer and fingering one tooth along his lower jaw, it falls out into his palm.

"Good heavens." Lydia takes his arm to help him stand up. "Come. Rinse with water. You will have to go to a dentist now."

Jared follows her dumbly to the kitchen where he rinses and spits in the sink, eventually using a cotton swab to try and stop the bleeding in his mouth. Sitting at the kitchen table and being doctored by his mother, he allows it, silently stewing.

"Why did he hit you?" Lydia finally asks as she washes the dishes from supper.

"I don't know. He just flew off the handle."

"Well what did you say to him?"

"Nothing." Jared shrugs lamely. "I said something about him not wanting to be with family and he just slugged me. I don't think he likes spending time over here."

Lydia scrubs a plate, her face furrowed with worry. "Because he didn't want to come tomorrow?"

"Well... that, and..."

Lydia turns. "And what?"

"I wasn't going to say anything." Jared hesitates. "But well... he said he was tired of running errands all the time, like shopping and stuff. That's when I said he apparently didn't see that it was the family's job to stick together and that he obviously didn't want to spend time with you or me. Then he hauled off and hit me. I'm sorry... I guess it's my fault for antagonizing him."

Lydia wipes her hands on a towel and slowly joins him at the table, sinking down in another chair. "He... he never complains." Her eyes were clouded with concern. "If I ever thought he was unhappy, I would find someone else to help me. I do not want to burden him."

Jared shrugs. "Maybe you can hire someone to do your shopping and even help with your cleaning and stuff."

"Oh, but the money..."

"I'd help," he offers. "It's the least I could do."

"I could never ask-"

"You didn't. I'm offering," he states flatly. "I'm the one that lives too far away to visit every day. If it wasn't for my job, you know I'd be right here, spending as much time with you as I could. So since I can't, let me do this for you. Let me help with someone to run your errands, and then Justin will be free as well."

There was more than concern in Lydia's eyes now. There was confusion... and hurt. "If only I'd known..."

"Now... you can't think of it that way. I'm sure Justin loves you the same. Maybe he just got tired over time and didn't want to say anything. But you can't worry about it now. It's over. We can even start tomorrow looking for someone to help you."


Once home, Justin parks his truck but remains behind the wheel for the longest time, just staring out into the darkness. It had been a long time since someone's words had stung as deeply as Jared's had tonight. Unfortunately, Justin's reaction had been just what his brother had wanted. He'd been stupid, that was for sure, and more than likely, he'd have to explain to his mother soon what had happened as well. He'd have to soften it a bit so she didn't think too badly of Jared. Justin hated him right now, but there was no point in hurting his mother by making her see that her eldest son was a jerk.

Finally getting out of his truck, Justin wanders to the house and pats the two dogs on the way, but is less than enthusiastic, despite their wagging tails. It's not too long after that he's lying on his couch, not having made it to his bedroom. He was exhausted and not tired at the same time, keeping his mind wide awake. Unfortunately, Jared's words had brought on a flood of memories - memories that Justin did not like to face. He could tell anyone about the past... he'd moved on and worked through the death of his father. But down deep there was still numbing pain that he was very good at covering up. And the worst part was that he wanted to call Rebecca and tell her what happened so she could comfort him... and he couldn't even do that now. He wanted to talk to someone... to tell someone how he felt so he could get some of this weight off his shoulders. Beth crosses his mind, but he again resists. She didn't need to be concerned with his problems. He hadn't talked to her yesterday or today, but that was probably a good thing anyway.

He tries to sleep and forget, but the pain and guilt press down on him. He would tell anyone that he no longer believed his childish thoughts that the accident had been his fault. But maybe Jared was right. All in all, if it hadn't been for Justin's planned trip with his father, the accident would have been avoided. So really... if anyone needed to be blamed...

Justin scrunches his eyes shut tightly and turns over to slam his head down into a couch throw pillow. Sleep. That's all he needed. These emotions were unjustified. Pointless. Illogical. He knew good and well that the accident had not been his fault. It hadn't... it just hadn't......right?


...A loud clap of thunder rattles the house and makes Justin jump, waking him from his sleep. It takes him a moment to focus and realize that he was still on the living room couch. It had not been a good night - one of the worst in years with tossing, turning and dreams he'd rather have forgotten.

Sitting up, still a little dazed, he sees that it's already eight o'clock and he had no idea when the storm had rolled in. Lethargic and exhausted, he goes to the kitchen to find some apple juice. His stomach didn't feel all that great, and he felt warmer than he should, but he tries to ignore it. Once he'd been able to clean up a little bit and become more alert, he picks up the phone, mustering up the nerve to call his mother. Last night had not gone well at all, but he still owed it to her to check and make sure things were fine. He was supposed to have gone to the butcher for her today and he wanted her to know he'd still do that - he just needed her list. And somehow... he'd manage to avoid Jared when he went to the house.

After several rings, his mother picks up. "Hey, Ma... it's me." He chews on the inside of his lip, remembering the look on her face last night when he'd slugged his brother.

"Justin?" She sounded surprised.

"Yeah. Um... listen, I'm sorry about last night and... I wondered if you still had that list for the butcher. I was supposed to pick up some meat for you today."

"Oh..." Lydia hesitates. "Well, um... it's okay. I mean, it's going to be taken care of. You... you don't have to do those errands anymore. You need a break."

Justin blinks and he suddenly regrets drinking that glass of juice. "But... if this has to do with last night, I'm sorry. I was totally out of line and I'm more than willing to talk to you about it later. I'm fine with running your errands, you know that."


Lydia furrows her brow and looks to Jared who was standing next to her, able to hear what Justin was saying. He shakes his head and whispers to her. "He's just trying to manipulate you. Stop letting him do that."

She frowns and speaks to Justin again. "No, no... I understand, and you need your own time. It's time you didn't have to worry about these things."

Justin was stunned. What was going on? He knew she was upset he'd hit Jared, but why was she acting like this? "I don't mind," he tries again. "How about I just come later tonight at least, and we can talk?"


Lydia looks to Jared again, about to say yes on the phone, but he shakes his head with a warning glance. He speaks quietly again. "Remember what we talked about this morning? What if he gets mad again? What if it's you he decides to swing at? I don't want you hurt. He needs to back off for a while. He shouldn't be coming here if he's going to hurt people."

She swallows hard, her eyes full of sorrow. "I... I'm sorry, Justin. But you..."

When she has trouble saying it, Jared prompts her with a nod and more verbal encouragement. "Your safety comes first," he whispers hoarsely. "You know he's dangerous." He points to his still-swollen lip. "I won't stand for him being here when he's got a temper like that."

A tear rolls down Lydia's face and her voice trembles as she speaks to her younger son again. "You shouldn't come," she states bravely.

Jared points to his lip again with emphasis and Lydia musters up the strength to continue. "I don't want you to come. Not... not when you are so angry and you hurt people."


Something close to panic sets in and Justin runs a hand through his hair as he desperately racks his brain. "It won't happen again. Look, I was mad at Jared and I'm sorry. I'll wait until he's gone so there's no chance of another conflict, okay?"


Jared frowns and shakes his head. "It'll be you next time," he warns his mother.

Lydia's lower lip quivers and she closes her eyes. "Justin... stay away. Please. Do not come."


The fear in his mother's voice cuts Justin like a knife. "You're afraid of me," he states, shocked by the evident truth. "Ma, you know that I would never hurt you." Silence. "Right? You know that."


Lydia looks to Jared as another tear follows the first down her face. Her eyes asked him what to do. Reaching out, Jared takes the phone and while they can both still hear Justin talking, he hangs up. Lydia chokes on another tear and leans against her son as he wraps his arms around her in a hug. Resting her face on his chest, she cries, mourning the necessary rejection.

"You did the right thing," Jared assures. "I'm proud of you."


"I lost my temper with Jared, but that had nothing to do with you. I would never-" Click.

Justin cuts off his words as he realizes that his mother had just hung up on him. Never in all his years and even some spats they'd had, had she hung up on him. He stares at the phone numbly, too shocked to know how to feel.

Hanging up, he lowers himself onto the couch, completely stunned. His mother was afraid of him. And she had told him not to come back. His mother was half his life. He complained about her needs sometimes... and sometimes he complained about her unintentionally smothering him or getting involved in areas she shouldn't. But he loved her to no end and never would he even remotely consider harming her in any way, shape or form. How could she think that?

Looking down at his sore hand, he rubs over the knuckles that had struck his brother. One move... one stupid move and his world had suddenly flipped. If only he had held his temper. If only he had not allowed Jared to get to him. None of this would have happened. His own mother was afraid of him. And he was appalled.

Without warning, Justin's stomach lurches, reacting to the mounting stress. Standing quickly, he aims for the bathroom, making it just in time to throw up. Instantaneously, a splitting headache forms, pounding against his skull. Sinking down to the floor, Justin tries to get a grip, but it all seems too much to handle. He'd failed with Scott and therefore was out of that job and income from Brookshire. Rebecca had broken up with him. His friends really weren't friends at all. The memories and guilt surrounding his father's death were back. The rift between himself an his brother had grown wider. And now his mother had pushed him away out of fear. It was a living nightmare.

Another spasm causes him to throw up again and his body starts to shake. Being stressed out was not something he often did, so he calmly deducts that since he was trying to deal with everything all at once, this was probably a minor breakdown and he really needed to just settle down and think himself through it. He was perfectly capable if he could just sort through the logic and go with the flow. It shouldn't be hard. He walked other people through their problems all the time. Convincing himself of the same things should be a piece of cake.

Throwing up a third time, he wonders if his stomach even has anything left. Unfortunately, it did, and after several more retaliations from his stomach, he still sits on the floor, exhausted. Sweat trickles down the side of his face and his head hurts so badly he thinks he might pass out.

Trying to stand with the aid of the bathroom counter, his knees prove to be too weak and he slides to the floor again. Rain pelts against the window and he can hear the dogs barking their complaints. A loud roll of thunder makes him cringe. With heart still pounding, he crawls out of the bathroom, aiming for the kitchen to get something to drink. He was alert, knowing full well what was going on, able to think through everything and know what he needed to do to take care of himself. But his body just wasn't cooperating. With all of his stress bottled up inside, it had only been a matter of time before it took its toll.

Halfway to the kitchen, Justin stops as the room grows dark and his dizziness increases. He tries to shake it off, knowing that his body wanted to pass out. Fighting it for all he was worth, he crawls a little farther, but it's no use. Leaning against the wall and slowly sliding down until he was lying on the carpet, everything goes black...


...The phone is ringing. Answer the phone. Where is the phone? It's ringing.

Justin's eyes open and he stares into the dimly lit living room from where he was still lying at the edge of the hallway. He comes to just in time to hear his answering machine pick up and a bill collector's voice warn him about his electricity payment before hanging up.

Justin's mouth felt like cotton and he swallows hard. Bringing his wrist around, he checks his watch. He'd been unconscious for several hours. That wasn't good. If only his body were as functional as his mind right now, he'd be fine. He vaguely remembers being around someone a couple days ago who had come down with the a severe case of the flu. Maybe that's what some of this was - most likely it was stress with a bug on top of it, making for a deadly combination.

Getting back on his hands and knees, he finally makes it to the kitchen. Managing to retrieve the bottle of apple juice from the fridge, he sits on the tiled floor and drinks a little bit at a time, trying to rehydrate. Each time he lifted the carton to sip, his hands shook and he was amazed he didn't spill the juice all over the place. Come to think of it, he was shaking all over. Odd. Only now does he realize too, that he's covered in sweat.

Squinting up at the window over the sink, he sees it's still gloomy outside, but apparently the storm had passed. He didn't hear the dogs whining... they were probably on the porch and probably hungry. He needed to feed them. Trying to stand up though, he gives up. They could survive until later. For now, he would take up residence right here on the floor. Apparently that's where his body wanted to be.

Leaning back against the counter, he closes his eyes. What happened after that would later only be a blur. All Justin would remember would be fighting off memories, frustrations, guilt and fears. He would remember feeling as though he were in a dream, facing his father, facing his brother and mother, and even Rebecca. He was failing. He was a failure. He was guilty...


...Nine o'clock at night. Justin lies on the living room floor in front of the couch, not knowing how he got there. The kitchen behind him displayed a war zone. The bottle of apple juice had splattered sticky liquid everywhere. There was broken glass all over the floor and blood from a cut on Justin's hand that he would not remember how he received. The answering machine blinks with several messages but he'd never heard the phone ring. By now, the dogs had given up barking as he'd never heard them either.

Slowly opening his eyes, he glances around the living room. Lifting his head to figure out where he is, he then just lets it rest on the carpet again, too exhausted to move. He was drenched in sweat and his eyes burned. Apparently he'd been crying, but couldn't remember. His head still pounded and his stomach still felt weak. He knew he'd blacked out again and wasn't sure now if he should call Brookshire to come put him in their loony bin, or call 911. He couldn't call Rebecca... he couldn't call his mother. Beth... what about Beth...

He ached all over and was burning up, so he was pretty sure now he'd been right in his deduction of being sick along with having a nice little breakdown. But without the energy to rise anyway, it was a pointless conclusion. Maybe if he would just lie here a little longer, he'd get his strength back. Just... a little longer...

His eyes fall shut again.


Danitza wanders the street and whines, looking left, then right before sniffing the air and turning around to go the other way. Her paws patter on the moist pavement and she jumps out of the way as she's almost hit by a car, its horn honking. It was dark and the headlights were blinding. It had taken her all day, but she'd made it to the right area. After sensing something was not right, and not being able to rouse Justin, she'd broken loose from her chain and collar and had taken off, leaving Zora to lie on the porch, protecting their silent master.

Up on the sidewalk again, Danitza stops once, turns, then aims down an alleyway. Once on the other side, she sniffs around some more and finally finds things that seemed familiar. She stops at a parked car smells the tires and the driver's side door, then follows her nose to one of the many doors.

Sniffing around the crack at the bottom of the door and up near the knob, she whines and scratches at the door. Cocking her head to listen, she barks then scratches again. She remembered this door. She knew it was Beth's. Beth was safe. Justin liked Beth. This was the right place to be. She barks again, whines, paces, scratches and barks again, waiting on the dark doorstep.

Comfort

Sitting in the back seat and looking out the window as Erik got out of the car and headed to the cabin Karla couldn't help her leg bouncing in a nervous manor. Something was wrong, she could fell it in the air that things were just not right.

Seeing Erik come out of the cabin he didn't even need to say anything yet and Karla could see it in his eyes that Kip was here, and it wasn't good. Opening her own door and standing up Karla looks to Erik. Hearing his words her heart broke and picks up the pace.

"I'll see what I can do."

Closing her door and slowly making her way to the cabin steps Karla stops for a moment looking back at Erik and Kyle for a moment Karla was scared but she had to do this for Kip, he needed her. Turning around and heading inside Karla goes slowly steps over the mess on the ground looking around. Seeing the state of the cabin she could only imagine what happened.

Searching the rooms she wasn't sure where the bedroom was but coming to the last door she new this had to be it. Opening it slowly and seeing the figure on the bed Karla's heart broke even more. Slowly entering Karla moves to the bed and sits down on the edge. Catching sight a little of Kip's face Karla could see the marks.

"Kip...I'm here."

Scooting back a little bit to lean against the wall Karla softly slides her arm over Kip's shoulder but doesn't let it rest on them to much. She just wanted to comfort him and let him know she was there for him. Right now she wouldn't push him to come, she wouldn't make him leave yet she would comfort him and give him the shelter he needed.

"I love you so much Kip!"

Giving a smile and reaching out for Susanne's hand Chuck pulls her close enough to him without being on top of him and looks into her eyes. Setting his helmet into his lap he brings his other hand to the side of her face and just runs her thumb over her soft skin.

" I guess maybe the day after tomorrow would be good. I can't dump all my work on Ana all the time."

Chuck gives a laugh and than a smile. He'd have to hold off everything he could not to try and see her tomorrow but he could do it and maybe not hounding her for one day would be a good thing too.

"Picking the place for lunch sounds good, as for paying we will wait and see on that one."

Letting his fingers spread on Beth's face Chuck smiles again looking into her eyes. Leaning in a little bit Chuck brings his lips to Susanne's and kiss them softly before pulling away.

"Thank you for the wonderful night Susanne. Good Night!"

Beat up

Receiving the answer he thought he would, Erik takes a left and heads for Alice's place. It's only minutes before they're there, and even less before they've picked up Karla and are on their way again. The drive was a long, quiet one. Erik and Kyle both kept their thoughts to themselves in the front seats, though they engaged in some conversation every once in a while for Karla's sake. Driving north and into the foothills, the roads grew winding and wooded, and Erik needed a map to ensure they were on the right track.

Eventually, driving down a winding lane, a cabin comes into view, as does Kip's car. There was no other vehicle. Erik's grip on the steering wheel tightens. Just the fact that there was no other vehicle wasn't good.

Parking near the cabin, Erik cuts the engine. Pausing a moment, he looks to Kip, then into the backseat at Karla. "I'm going to go see if he's here." He didn't have to say that he wanted to go in alone in case anything was wrong. That concern was already in the air. Getting out of the car, he walks to the porch and tries the door. Finding it unlocked, he lets himself in.

Kyle unbuckles his seatbelt and waits, glancing back at Karla and giving her the best reassuring smile he could, but it wasn't very strong. He knew she was just as worried, if not more so, as everyone else.


The cabin itself was dark. Some late afternoon sunlight shone through a couple windows, but most glass was covered with curtains. Erik had to pause and allow his eyes to adjust before seeing an overturned chair... a blanket strewn on the floor... broken shards of kitchenware scattered across the room. His heart beats faster. "Kip?" he calls. "Kip, are you here?" He steps over a broken lamp and turns a chair back on its feet. Glass crunches under his soles and he becomes more afraid. Walking to an open door, he finds the bathroom. A bloodstained washcloth lay across the sink. He moves more quickly to the hall, finding the bedroom. "Kip?" He cautiously pushes open the door and squints in the dim light. His eyes land on a motionless figure sitting on the bed, pressed into the corner.

It was Kip. His knees were drawn up to his chest with his arms wrapped around his legs. Though in his jeans and hoodie, he shook just a little from the chill in the air. Erik approaches slowly, unsure what shape his friend might be in, but knowing it wouldn't be good. "Kip? Kip, are you okay?"

Kip lifts his head slightly, his hood covering up the one eye that was so swollen he couldn't open it. He squints at Erik and nods just a little. "I'm fine," he mumbles.

Erik comes nearer and he now sees at least one black eye, bruised cheeks and swollen, split lower lip. He didn't have to ask what happened and he wouldn't pressure Kip for any answers right now. "Let's go home," he prompts gently.

Kip shakes his head.

Erik sighs. "Please... let's get you cleaned up and I'll drive you home."

"Go without me," Kip responds, his words slurred by the swelling.

"I don't want to. I came to get you. Come on... we'll take it slow."

Kip's one eye finally rises to Erik's. "Please," he begs quietly. "Just leave me here."

Erik's heart broke for his friend, like so many times before. It was just worse this time, and he had no idea what to do or say. Backing away slowly, he makes his way back outside. Stepping off the porch, he shakes his head and goes back to the car, opening the back door. "He won't come," he informs Karla, his eyes filled with worry. "He's beat up," he warns. "I don't know how bad, but he doesn't want to leave." It went without saying that Kip was probably very emotionally hurt and most likely quite embarrassed. It wasn't surprising that he would be stubborn and depressed, but Erik was just as concerned about his physical state as his mental state. "You may be the only one who can get him to come without making things worse. Would you try?"


Inside, Kip listens to hear Erik leave the cabin. He knew his friend hadn't really left though - he was too stubborn for that. Were others here or had Erik come alone? Kip wished no one would have come at all.

He shifts a little but winces and stops, just leaning back into the corner again and not moving. One arm slips from around his legs to wrap around his sides instead, holding the ribs that hurt so badly. His other hand loosens its grip on his legs as his wrist screams at him to stop. Swallowing hard, he closes his one eye again and just waits to be disturbed again, letting the hood continue to hide the worse part of his face.


Behind Chuck on the motorcycle once again, Susanne hated to admit to herself that she was getting used to it. But even just the few times she'd ridden with him, her feet already automatically knew where to go, and it felt natural now to put her arms around him and hang on.

As they zip through town, she leans her head against his shoulders and closes her eyes, just feeling the rhythm of the bike. The engine rumbled and the wind whipped at them, making it almost impossible to hear anything else, even under the helmet. But the deafening roar seemed to bring a stillness to anything else, which in turn created a strange sense of peace. For the first time, Susanne wondered if that's why Chuck loved riding his motorcycle so much.

Reaching outside of town and realizing that Chuck was pointing, Susanne looks up to follow his finger and find the bright moon. A smile creases her lips. If she'd been home, she might not have realized how beautiful it was out tonight.

It didn't seem like it had been half an hour when they made it back to TJY's parking lot. Taking her own helmet off too, she sighs a little, feeling very tired but very awake at the same time. Usually that meant she should have been to bed a long time prior, but tonight she almost wished there was no time and that there would be no work waiting for her tomorrow. But reality was reality and she had to acknowledge it whether she wanted to or not.

Glancing at Chuck, she leans forward and rests her chin on his shoulder, her face right up next to his. "Lunch tomorrow, huh?" She closes her eyes and lets her head tilt to rest against his, feeling a whole lot more comfortable than she'd ever think she might. The mixed scent of his skin and cologne seemed to make her melt. Sighing again, she finally straightens and slides off the bike, strapping the helmet to the back so Chuck wouldn't have to get off to do it.

Stepping back, she just studies him for a few moments before a small smile seeps out again. "How about day after tomorrow? And this time you pick the place to eat but I'm buying because you've bought my meal twice now."


"My... aunt needs someone to come live with her... for a while."

Justin looks up across the dinner table at Rebecca. It was just the two of them at her place once again and the meal was almost over. Every night this week had been spent together and Justin wouldn't have had it any other way. Rebecca had had some time off work and with his freer schedule, it made for perfect timing for dinners, movies anda late-night cuddle time on the porch swing.

He'd seen Beth a few times this week as well, but had kept it to coffee or light lunch, and once just at Brookshire for a few minutes. After the other night at her place, he was trying extra hard to keep the boundaries where they needed to be, while still being her friend. It wasn't as easy as he'd thought, but he was managing... at least... he thought so. And Beth's smile meant he was succeeding, right?

Things had been nice this evening with Rebecca, helping clear Justin's mind again, but now the tone in her voice warned him that maybe something not-so-nice was coming. "Oh? Is she not well?"

"She fell and broke her leg recently... She isn't bad enough to go to a nursing home but she hasn't been able take care of herself either."

"So... you're gonna go help her? Like for a while or something?"

"Um... indefinitely." Rebecca's fork hovers in the air as she doesn't take another bite of chicken yet. "Actually, um... there's... that and... and another job opportunity, too. Something really good that... um... I think I'll really like."

Justin eyes her with suspicion. It all sounded great, so why was she hesitating? "I don't think I know where your aunt lives," he muses.

"She... she lives in Maine."

Justin's fork drops onto his plate with a clatter. He tries not to show his shock too much, but he doesn't do a very good job at it. "Maine? So you're... moving to Maine? Indefinitely?"

Rebecca's eyes finally drop. "I wanted to tell you sooner... I've been debating for several weeks now and... and I just couldn't tell you. I... I wanted to enjoy our time together so much that I didn't want this to put a damper on things."

"Several weeks? Or more like a month, like you knew about this before we started going together?"

"Um, well y...yes. I just..."

Justin couldn't believe it, and he braces himself for what he knew was coming next. "You're moving soon, aren't you?"

"Next week."

The rest of the meal is forgotten and Justin toys with the napkin in his lap. So many things ran though his mind at once. He really did like Rebecca and was starting to care about her more and more. Whether he'd resisted his mother's little scheming to get them together or not, he really had fallen for Rebecca, unplanned as it was. "I could... move too," he suggests.

Rebecca shakes her head. "I can't do that to you, Justin. I know you love it here. This is your home... your family, friends... your mother - and you know she wouldn't move. I can't ask you to follow me all the way across the country like that. It wouldn't be wise."

"Well can I at least help you move?" Thrown completely off guard by this whole thing, Justin was beginning to feel desperation.

"I... I have help already. I have a friend up there who is flying down to help with driving."

"Oh? Do I know them?"

"He's... he's someone I knew from high school. He heard about the situation with my aunt and so... he offered to help."

"He." Justin waits until Rebecca will look him in the eye again. "Is he someone special to you?"

Rebecca's cheeks flush even though she shakes her head.

Justin could read her all too well. "But he was once, wasn't he?"

"Just... just in school. He's a friend, that's all. And I... well he offered to help and it was very nice of him and..." Rebecca stops, tears welling in her eyes. "So what if he's a special friend? That has nothing to do with me going."

Justin's gut churns and he moves his unfinished plate aside. He could feel an odd anger growing... an anger born of an unexpected hurt. "If he has nothing to do with it, why can't I help you move instead?"

"Because I already said yes to him. Don't make a big deal out of this, Justin, please."

"How can I not?" Justin's voice rises just a little. "Not only are you moving across the country, but you've known about this since we met and you said nothing, you're not coming back and now I know there's another man in the picture too! What's there not to make a big deal out of?"

Rebecca's eyes narrow slightly as a tear rolls down her cheek. "And what's the difference between that and you spending so much time with Beth Parker?"

Justin's jaw drops. "I help her out as a counselor. How dare you imply that I've been cheating on you."

"Well it's true isn't it? Half your heart and mind belong to her, whether you admit it or not, and I'm always left trying to pull you back over so your eyes will see me instead of her." She keeps going, not allowing Justin to interject. "You don't even see it in yourself, Justin, but don't think I'm blind. You see every emotion in people you meet, but you refuse to acknowledge the ones in your own self. You have denied me your full attention, and now you dare to blame me for accepting the help of another man."

Justin blinks and stares back at her in total shock.

Her eyes drop, realizing from the look on his face that what she'd just said had been harsher than intended. "I'm sorry... that was a foolish thing to say."

"No... no, it's obviously how you feel." Justin's tone was quieter now. He stands up and sets his napkin aside then pushes in the chair. "I've apparently made you miserable, and for that, I'm sorry."

Rebecca sees him starting to leave and she stands up. "Please don't go yet. I didn't want to argue... I just wanted to enjoy our last few days together."

Turning around slowly, Justin's eyes glimmer with pain. "That would only make things harder now. I'm sorry if you thought I didn't care enough about you. Apparently I didn't express well enough that I... that I loved you." Heading back through the kitchen and living room, he slips on his sneakers before making it to the porch. Before he can step down onto the sidewalk though, Rebecca's hand on his arm stops him.

"Please, Justin... don't be mad at me." Another tear falls as she waits for a response but receives none. Slipping in front of him, she stands on her tip toes and kisses his lips. But even more hurt comes when she feels he does not return the gesture. Sliding away, she searches his dark eyes, wondering if it was her who had put that cloud there. "I'm sorry," she whispers.

Justin finally looks at her and shrugs. "Me too." Stepping off the porch, he wanders to his truck. After a couple tries, it starts up and he pulls away, heading back through town. The street lights create a glare and he squints, his eyes burning slightly. Or was it really the lights?

He'd intended on going straight home, but now he wasn't so sure he wanted to sit alone in the dark and have time to think about what had just happened. He felt like a chunk of his heart had just been torn out and being alone didn't seem to be the solution. He needed to calm down before he could think through this clearly. The thought of calling Beth entered his mind, but he quickly pushed it aside. He wasn't going to burden her with his problems, let alone this one. He was here to be a shoulder for her, not the other way around.

His eyes burn a little more and his hands grip the steering wheel tighter. He knew what night of the week it was and knew where there would be people. His friends usually hung out at Jack's, the diner/bar/club - or whatever anyone wanted it to be - on the edge of Crossdale. It usually didn't get too crazy there - pretty low-keyed, and while Justin didn't drink, they had good food. He didn't usually like the atmosphere, but tonight... tonight he wanted it. He felt a bit warm and woozy, but it was probably just from the stress and some chill time would help.

It took a while longer before he finally arrived and parked in the half-full lot. It wasn't unusual for it to be this late and still have a good crowd. It probably wouldn't be empty until they closed at two in the morning. Justin spotted several cars he recognized and saw that at least Lane, Nichole and Jake were here. Truth be known, it really wasn't his favorite group, but it was better than nothing.

Heading inside, he pockets his keys and glances around the first room of people. The bar was plenty busy, but with the colored lights, it was a little hard to distinguish faces. He glances around the tables and still doesn't see anyone he recognizes, so he heads around the corner, nodding to a waiter to let them know he was fine on his own.

Still looking for his friends, he finally spots a nearby round table with some people he knew and some he didn't. There were a few empty chairs and Justin knew they wouldn't mind extra company. Coming up behind most of them, his ear catches his name, so he stops, cocking his head to listen.

"...invite Justin?"

Lane shakes his head at Nichole. "Nah - you know he doesn't like the night life."

"You mean he's a stick in the mud."

Lane snickers. "Feeling blunt?"

"Well he is!"

Jake laughs. "Lane, she's right and you know it. Last time I saw Justin actually kid around, it was after Paula stuck three ice cubes down his shirt and he was forced to get up and do a little dance." He whacks the arm of a guy sitting next to him. "Justin's this counselor we know that-"

"Not any more," Nichole informs.

"He is, too."

"Well, not officially. He doesn't like working under the rules, remember?"

"Oh, yeah." Lane grins at the woman across from him. "So I guess he's a stick in the mud and doesn't like rules."

The woman quirks an eyebrow. "Sounds like a real winner."

The others laugh and Jake downs the rest of his drink. "He is... when his head is out of his butt."

"Ha!" Nichole lifts her glass. "That'll be the day. When Justin Hawks isn't judgmental towards the person he's conversing with, I'll change my ways forever."

Lane throws up his hands. "You mean that will be the day! How many boyfriends did you say you had this week?"

"Oh, shut up." Nichole glares at him, but it turns into a grin. "Three."

"Aw man." Jake looks at his glass. "I need a new drink. Bartender!" He stands up, waving his glass around to be silly. "I need a-" His words come to a dead halt as he turns and realizes that Justin is standing right behind him. All the others look up and know the same thing - that Justin had just heard their little conversation about him.

Justin stares Jake in the eye, his gut twisting in all sorts of uncomfortable directions. "Oh, don't stop now." A wry grin emerges. "Keep going. I'm learning all kinds of things about myself." When all he receives is an awkward silence, he waves a waiter over. "They need some more drinks at this table here. Thanks." Nodding at his friends, he gestures to the door. "I'm gonna go figure out how to drive home while my head is stuck up my butt. You guys have a good time and feel free to make jokes about me - laughter is good for the soul." He turns and aims for the door.

Nichole's face was beet red. "Justin, wait, we... we..."

Lane purses his lips and takes a sip of his drink. "Well... that, uh... calls for a round of stronger drinks, I think."


Justin sinks down in his truck seat, feeling sick. Now he knew. Now he knew what his friends really thought of him. He knew what Rebecca really felt, and he knew what his friends did. So much for relationships. He spent years studying people, communication and interaction. He helped others get along with each other and deal with life. And here he was, the biggest idiot on the planet, blind and feeling more alone than he'd ever felt.

Beth crosses his mind again and he shakes his head, starting his truck engine. No... no, he was having a hard enough time keeping his feelings where they needed to be with her - he couldn't go to her now. At least his still had his mom who loved him. But he couldn't exactly go to her at this time of night. It looked like he was going home alone after all.

Half an hour later, he was home and flopping down on his bed, still dressed. And a tear finally surfaces.

Please Be

Just continuing to look at Susanne and blinking here and there as she tried to talk her own self out of going for a ride. Though he tried to hide the smile it did slip out a little as he just shook his head. He couldn't help but find it amusing because in the end he new she would say yes.

"Right, just a half hour, thirty minutes and nothing more."

Getting the bill and paying it Chuck was ready to head out not wanting to keep Susanne out to long, but wanting to be able to get there ride in. Getting outside and suited up doesn't take long the bike coming to life as Chuck checks to make sure Susanne was holding on.

Weaving in and out of traffic Chuck let the nice night air follow over them. He loved being able to share these rides with Susanne. It was something special to him and seeing she seemed to be getting use to it more and more made him happy.

Finally making it to the small part Chuck slows it down a little bit as it was darker here but the sky could be seen more clearly. Pointing up for Susanne to look he thought she might enjoy it. The moon was bright tonight and the starts just seemed to glow a little more than normal.

Taking a little time to just enjoy it Chuck new they couldn't stay there forever even if he would like too. Making his way out of the park and hitting the main road again he picks up the speed driving them back to Susanne's car.

It doesn't take long to get there and soon he was cutting the engin and slipping his own helmet off. Looking over her shoulder and grinning his eyes twinkle a great deal.

"Thank you for joining me. It would of been fun a lone but so much better with someone else. The sky was perfect for it tonight. See you tomorrow for lunch?"

Standing at the window Karla had been up early this morning, and hardly got any sleep last night. Almost every hour she had tried Kip's phone and every time she got the voice mail. Now the she was worried a great deal and hearing Erik's voice on the phone revealed her a little it still was not enough.

"Yes please I would like to come as well. I'm ready to go so once you get here you wont have to wait for me. Thanks Erik."

She was thankful Erik had called and asked her to come along. He didn't have to do that but it was really nice that he thought about her. Pacing the house Karla couldn't help her nerves before finally heading outside to sit and wait. Trying Kip's phone once more she lets out a sigh only getting a voice mail.

Kip...were are you? Why haven't you called or answered your phone? Please be ok!

Still Nothing

"Aw, Chuck..." Susanne lets her eyes fall to his and sighs. "Why does it feel like I've known you for years, when it's only been two days?" She shakes her head. "And why do you have to offer a ride, of which you know I'll have a hard time resisting?" She smirks at him, scrunching her nose a little. "It's late and I really should get back, I..."

She rolls her eyes away from his alluring gaze. "My birds will wonder where I've been and... and I still have to go get my car and..." She sighs again. "Okay fine. But just half an hour."


Justin gives Beth one last smile and nod before finally exiting her apartment. Walking slowly to the truck, he pauses at the driver's door and looks at the little container in his hand that held the extra piece of pie. She really was sweet. Once the hard shell was peeled away and the cobwebs of fear and timidity were brushed aside, she did have a kind heart. Justin only hoped that it would continue to grow so that she could fly on her own one day - it would only be fair to her.

Sighing, he opens the door and lets the dogs in before sliding in behind the steering wheel. The engine sputters once then roars to life and he heads out of town. Once the lights had been left behind, he fishes his cell phone and dials, only afterward checking the time.

"Hey, you." He smiles. "I didn't wake you, did I? Okay, good. Listen, um, wondered if you wanted to meet me for a coffee or something? Yeah, I'll be up for a few hours yet. Sure, sounds great. See you in a few minutes."

Flipping the phone shut again, he sets it aside and settles back to continue driving. It would be nice to spend a little bit of time with Rebecca tonight since they hadn't done supper together like usual. Perhaps they hadn't been dating for long, but already, Justin was getting used to his free time being spent with her, so not having it felt odd. Not to mention, he really wanted to focus on her for a while too, after being with Beth the entire evening. He'd been fine until just before leaving when he'd realized how closely they'd been sitting together, not to mention, he now wondered if it had even been appropriate for him to have his arm around her. Why he'd even been comfortable enough to do that in the first place, he didn't know. But he'd certainly let his guard down, that was for sure. Maybe it was just because he'd been tired.

No matter the reason, Justin was sure it had been a bad move. He knew he needed to be Beth's friend, but he needed to remember where the lines were. He'd never had trouble with that before and it bothered him that apparently he'd let it slip tonight, but regardless, from now on, he'd be more careful.


Erik's eyes shift over to Karla and he nods, even if he didn't agree. He knew Kip wanted his space and wanted to be trusted, but the problem was that with his record, it was hard to believe that everything was fine and that he'd made the right choice. "Yeah, okay... we'll give him some more time. If he does call you, let one of us know."

And they did give Kip more time. Though the whole group was worried, no one made any moves, but no one heard from Kip either. By that night with still no word, Erik was worried enough that he barely slept. And by the next morning, he was unwilling to wait any longer...

"Karla? It's Erik." He spoke on his cell phone as he drove against the morning sun. "Still nothing from Kip. I'm driving to the cabin - Kyle's with me and the others are staying. We want to know if you want to come, too. We can be to the apartment in ten minutes." After that, it would be a six-hour drive. Erik and Kyle had opted to go to the cabin themselves before taking any drastic measures such as calling the police. No one knew that anything at all was wrong, but in this situation, they would rather waist hours on the road than find out later they should have gone. And it was agreed that Karla should be given the chance to go.

Half Hour

Sitting quietly over in her own corner of the couch Karla listens to the chatter around of her. Kip wasn't back yet, everyone was worried and though she was trying to keep her head on straight she was worried inside as well everyone else just adding to it.

"I'm worried too Eric, its not like Kip to not call me but we can't jump to conclusions right away either. Even if we don't want to believe it we have to give Kip his space and that we know he knows what he's doing. At least lets give him to tonight."

Karla tried to smile even if her eyes showed her worry. But Kip's words from a few days ago still played in her head. He didn't want to babysat and he wanted to do this and show everyone he was smart. They had to give him that no matter how worried they were.

Placing his fork down on the plate as his own meal was done Chuck leans back in the booth. The chatter had been light but it was good non the less and so was the food. It felt nice to just have a nice time out with Susanne and enjoy the meal.

"Stick a fork in me I am done. Man was that a good meal."

Glancing down at his watch and seeing what time it was Chuck was a little surprised himself how much time went by. But the night was still young to him and he only hoped he could spend a little more time with Susanne.

"I doubt you boss will kill you. He needs you to much but if you need to head out I understand. But I ask if we can at least take a half hour and go for a ride."

Looking back at Justin Beth's smile stayed on her face as she stood up too. Going into the kitchen Beth grabs one of her plastic container and puts some pie into it before bringing it to Justin.

"Here takes some pie with you. There is no way I could eat it all by myself and you like it so you might as well enjoy more of it as well."

Getting to the door with Justin Beth gives both dogs a pat on the head and a scratch behind the ears before looking to Justin again and giving a nod. She hoped they would see each other again soon.

"Have a great night Justin. Drive safe and sleep well. Hope to see you again soon, call anytime."

Lost

Justin grins and shakes his head. "If you do call, yell at the answering machine. I'm a heavy sleeper."

Yawning again, his body really didn't want to get up. The couch was warm and sitting here for two hours had made him a little bit drowsy. Beth's thanks makes him shrug. "No thanks needed. I had fun, and hey, I got your cooking out of it."

His eyes search hers for a moment in the dim lighting. And for a moment, he got lost.

Blinking, he looks away and retracts his arm, heat crawling up the back of his neck. "I gotta go get these girls home." He stands a little quickly and trudges around the living room to find his sneakers. Slipping them on and tying them, he finds the dogs leashes and calls them over, getting ready to go.

He pauses at the door though and looks back at Beth once more. "Thanks... I'll see you soon."


Susanne bites her lip to keep from laughing at Chuck's second answer. It wasn't that she was making fun of him - she just hadn't expected it. Her eyes danced with humor, showing that she was beginning to relax. "You must still be a child at heart," she muses. "Why does that not surprise me?"

As the waiter comes back to the table with their food and isn't sure where to put the plates, Susanne puts as hand on Chuck's arm to keep him there. She rather liked him right next to her.

After a prayer and beginning the meal, Susanne does her best to contribute to at least a little bit of small talk, though it's hard for her to come up with much that was interesting - in her opinion anyway. By the time the food was gone, the restaurant was even quieter as it became late. Leaning back against the wall, almost sideways in the booth, she cocks her head and just studies Chuck. "I should have gone to bed an hour ago," she comments wryly. "I'm so dead at work tomorrow and if I'm not, Reese will kill me anyway."


Monday. Erik was pacing the floor while the rest of the band hung out for lunch at Phil and Kyle's place.

"Dude, settle down," Theo chides. "He'll be here."

Erik doesn't stop pacing around the kitchen. "We should have heard something. He was supposed to be back last night."

"Look, he's fine." Theo takes another bite of his sandwich. "You gotta give him his own space sometimes."

"But-"

"I know you're like his big brother but you can't always protect him." Theo looks to Erik with seriousness. "I'm worried about him, too. But there are just some things we can't fix." He finishes his sandwich then sighs. He might chide Erik, but he was just as concerned. "Did you try calling him again?"

"Yeah. Same thing. Voicemail. I know he took his charger with him because he mentioned almost forgetting it. So either he shut it off, or it's broken."

"Or there's no service at the cabin." Twila intervenes from her place by the counter and looks at him knowingly. They couldn't jump to any conclusions, nor did she want to in front of Karla who was probably more worried than anyone.

"He said he'd be back last night," Erik states flatly.

Phil sips his coke and looks around at the group. He didn't know them all that well, other than Kyle and Alice and he didn't know Kip's background either. "Maybe they had a great time and they decided to stay an extra day," he suggests.

Russ smirks. "Wishful thinking. His dad's a-"

"So what do you want to do?" Theo asks Erik, cutting off Russ from saying something he shouldn't. His eyes glance over to Karla for a moment, then back to his other friend. "What can you do?"

"I don't know I just..."

"Got a bad feeling?"

"Yeah." Erik sighs. "Kip left Thursday morning to get to the cabin that night. He was gonna stay Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, then come home."

"Let's say they wanted an extra day. Maybe he'll show up tonight."

"Why would they want an extra day?"

"Father/son bonding?"

Erik gives Theo a withering look. Neither believed that theory.

"So we wait," Kyle suggests. "Just relax and let the time roll by. It's all we can do."

safty

Susanne was sure making this hard on him wasn't she? Not that she meant to but Chuck just found it humorous and even better for him. This ment he could show Susanne some new things and not have to worry about it being the same old same old for her.

"Thats ok, least I know I wont pick something you don't like to eat, and as for the experiencing things we will just have to change that. I think it will be fun to be able to show you some new stuff."

Taking a sip of his drink Chuck takes the moment to think about the question Susanne threw back at him. He new what he liked to eat, and as far as a dream of his...well he had a few even if he new they were far out of reach.

"Well, as far as food goes I like anything. Put it in front of me and I'll eat it but if I had to pick one I'd say Greek. And dream...I'd like to go to Disney World one day."

Chuck couldn't help but let his cheeks get red for a moment. It was kind of embarrassing saying that out loud but its always been something he wanted to do with Ana and never got a chance too.

"I'd always wanted to be able to gather the money to go with Ana, even since she was little. I'm still saving but other things keep coming up and so the dream gets pushed back more and more. It's nice to have something to work twords though."

Being close to Justin with his arm over her shoulders Beth could feel the safety in his touch. It was something new for her. To look for safety in someone else arm, but the feeling was warm, and it made her feel good. She could relax a little but know she was safe all the same.

Continuing to watch the movie and using Justin's side every now and than to bury her face from something on tv Beth was enjoying this time with Justin. It was different it was nice.

As the movie is over Beth lets out a sigh and gives a stretch. The movie, pie, and dinner was good. Beth couldn't help but feel a little sad too that Justin was going to be leaving now though she new he had too.

"Don't worry, I think if I had bad dreams I'd be calling you in the middle of the night and asking you to come over."

Beth gives a smile as her eyes twinkle a little. She new Justin was a good enough friend that if she did have nightmares he would at least say on the phone with her till she was ok again. That alone made for a nice feeling friendship.

"Thanks Justin for coming over tonight. It's really nice having someone to fill in the cracks of my time. Not to mention your a good friend to hang around with on top of it. We will have to do it again soon."

Bad dreams

Justin was on edge enough the way it was from the movie alone, so when Beth shrieks and is suddenly next to him, it makes him jump all the more. "Jeepers!" Glancing down and realizing that she was clinging to his arm, a grin seeps out, then a laugh. "You think I'm gonna keep you safe?"

He rescues his arm and puts it around her shoulders instead, pulling her even closer back behind his curled legs. "I think I'm the one that needs you," he teases, "and I've already seen this a bazillion times." Later, he would justify his action as one that Beth needed to make her feel better, so she really didn't get scared. But was there a reason closer to the truth than that? If there was, it was going ignored.

Keeping Beth next to him as the movie played on, Justin still flinched at surprising scenes, though that in itself was funny enough to dispel any actual fear in the room. Once even Zora barked at a scream from the television, so what would have been an intense moment was again a funny one as Justin had to quiet her.

By the time the credits were rolling to some eerie music, it was getting late. Though having been on edge from the movie, Justin yawns and starts to stretch but stops before getting in Beth's way. Instead, his hand drops down to give her shoulder a squeeze. "Don't have bad dreams tonight. You might not let me come back again."


Chuck saying he knew about someone being emotional made Susanne chuckle and she shakes her head. "I'd forgotten - I'm sure raising a girl has been quite an experience for you." Even most fathers had a wife to absorb and handle much of a girl's oddities, but Chuck had been on his own.

His question makes Susanne think and she sits back, turning a little to face him better in the same booth. "For some people those two questions might be one in the same." She grins. "I don't have a favorite food and..." She purses her lips for a moment then shakes her head again. "I... I don't know what I'd like to do," she admits. "I just... live life how I can and must, not always how I want. I suppose I've never really entertained thoughts of much else." That much was true. She was too practical to have let herself dream much in her life. There was however one thing...

Her cheeks redden slightly and she glances down, her hands back in her lap again. "And if I were to tell you anything else, it would either be a lie or I'd be too embarrassed to say, so we'll just leave it that I don't have anything."

She looks back up again, the humor returning to her eyes as he tries to steer things back to him. "What about you?"

Fear

Karla continues to listen and give a nod of her head. She could see where he was coming from who the whole thing, and she new how important this was to him. Maybe he was right, and after all he was the one who talked to his dad.

"Well either way I'm excited for you and I hope it goes well."

Wiggling her fingers in Kip's hand Karla gives a small giggle. As they stop and Kip looks across the street Karla could almost read his mind before he said anything. Doing anything with Kip would be wonderful even if it was just sitting in the park how could Karla not agree.

"Well, I guess Mountain Dew this once would be ok and ice cream....you think I want to pass that one up? Hardly."

Sitting the movie up and sitting down to the pie Beth pulls her feet up onto the couch getting comfortable. Munching on the pie and jumping at some of the parts Beth does her best to keep her own nerves down. Though once the pie is finished and the plates are in the kitchen she sits back on the couch again.

Looking to Justin once as she can see him jump out of the corner of her eye she gives a small smile as her own though a small fear lays behind but she would press on anyways. Right as she turns back to the TV though the bag guy comes from around the corner with his knife draw Beth can't help the shock than ran through her vain as she jumped. A swift moment Beth is beside Justin so close she was almost in his lap. Clinging to his arm as she shakes a little bit a shriek that echoed. Seeking safety next to him.

Closing her eyes tight and keeping her face pressed against his arm before turning it a little and peeking at the move once again. Though that part of the movie was over Beth didn't move knowing another part would come and just being close to Justin made her feel safe. The small quiet pitter patter of her heart being pushed off for now as just the rush of the movie.

Feeling Susanne's hand on his own once again this time out of her doing Chuck couldn't help the nice warm feeling that went up his arm that was followed by tingles. Her touch was so light so soft. Closing his eyes and letting out a small sigh he just let the silence linger as he enjoyed the moment.

Finally opening his eyes again Chuck giving Susanne a smile again as his eyes search hers. This was a start, a step in the right direction and even if it was a small one it was a step and for that he was happy.

"It's ok, I can handle emotional. I've gone through the stages of a baby, toddler, child, teenager, and even an adult now with my niece.. Emotional is something I've come to terms with and can handle."

Giving a small laugh he was trying to make Susanne feel better but he really did mean what he said as well. When he first got Anastasia it took some getting use to but as she grew so did his understanding and now, tucked away was that soft side she had created in him.

"Mmm...How about....your favorite foods? Or if there was one thing in the world you would like to do...what would it be?"

It might have sounded like a few silly questions but they were important. Some times just knowing what someone liked, or there dreams was a good way to understand and get to know the person even more.

Loop

Glancing down at Karla as they paused their walk, Kip looks at her with almost surprise. "Thanks... for your support. I really appreciate it." He bends to kiss her forehead and returns the squeeze to her hand. "I know the others are just trying to protect me and all but... I just wish they'd trust me."

Starting forward again, he sighs, swinging Karla's hand a little. "I know not to let my guard down." He pauses, remembering though, the last time and how Karla had helped him get through it. It wasn't as if he could deny it had ever been bad. "The others just treat me like I don't know what I'm doing. But they didn't hear Dad on the phone. They didn't hear him apologize and say he wanted to set things right. And Erik... he just thinks he can tell me what to do all the time, whether it's with this or the band or whatever." He sighs again, agitated at the situation. "I suppose it's my own fault, always getting myself into trouble."

He stops, this time across the street from a convenience store. "I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for a Mountain Dew." Practice was over, he was in a sour mood, and he wanted a pick-me-up. He'd been doing his best to avoid too much sugar or caffeine lately, along with trying to eat better, and it had helped his concentration just like Karla thought it would - tonight though, he was just tired of not doing what he wanted. "And some ice cream."


Wandering further into the living room and seeing the movie Beth had chosen, Justin quirks an eyebrow. He'd thrown that one in there just to add variety but was surprised that she'd picked it. Noting the hesitance in her eyes though he wonders if perhaps this was another step to conquer. He didn't mind a bit of a scary movie, and this one at least had a good ending.

"Alrighty then. I'm more than ready. Pop it in." Flopping down on one end of the couch, he tucks his feet up beside him and soon the movie is playing and the pie is being eaten. "Mmmm... you still know how to make it," he compliments.

It doesn't take him long to polish off his piece of pie and set the plate on the coffee table and by that time, the movie is well under way. With the overhead living room light off, it did create a bit of a creepy atmosphere and like always, Justin still jumps when the kidnapper comes around the corner, even though he's seen the movie many times.


Susanne doesn't pull away when Chuck joins her on her side of the table. Though part of her was scared of his arm around her, another part of her just wanted to soak up the warmth and strength he offered. His openness and willingness to share whatever she asked of him was unusual, but assuring. He was so different from any man she'd ever met. It would have seemed he was trying too hard, as if someone who would want to take advantage of her. But no matter how she looked at him, she did not feel the slightest danger. She'd learned well through the years to read people, especially while working at TJY. And unless she'd lost all of her skill, Chuck was safe. More determined than she could understand, but safe nonetheless.

As he retracts his arm, she almost wishes he wouldn't, but she doesn't move. She felt quite silly at the moment and she wipes under her eyes to make sure her makeup wasn't running all over the place. Dabbing her face with a napkin, she continues to listen, finding Chuck's suggestion most gracious of him.

Finally she turns to face him and sniffs, rolling her eyes. "How could I tell you to go away, when you put up with a blubbering mess like me? You're probably the only man who would, so I better keep you around for at least a little while." She gives him a rueful grin. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me."

Her eyes drift downward again as she fiddles with her napkin. Maybe she did know and just didn't want to admit it. She eventually nods in agreement. "I...I do like being with you, Chuck. It was just so sudden, it... threw me for a loop."

Seeing his hand on the table, she bites her lip then reaches out to place her palm over his fingers. "I never would have thought after a silly fake date you would have wanted this but... but it's nice." She traces up along his fingers to his knuckles then back down again absentmindedly, perhaps testing to see what it felt like under her fingertips. "Thank you."

Looking back up at him again, the tears were gone and her small smile was one that said perhaps she still didn't believe he'd stick around, but she was willing to live it out as long as he was there. "It's your turn for a question," she muses. "And I promise not to burst into tears this time around."

Nothing inbetween!

Walking with Kip Karla didn't mind the silence much just letting Kip talk here and there. Even if it didn't make much sense she still just let him talk and get what he needed off his chest. Continuing to walk till they stopped again Karla turns to Kip a little bit giving a small nod of her head. She could see the look, the longing in his eyes.

"Nah, quitting not the answer. They just care about you is all and don't want to see you get hurt. Sometimes its hard for other to stand by and watch someone get hurt over and over again, they really have to see someone changed."

Giving Kip's hand a little squeeze she smiles to him her eyes giving a small twinkle. She new a lot about Kip and his dad. She also new people could change. Maybe he was changing and maybe this was Kip's chance to make up for lost time.

"I think it's great you might get to spend this time with you dad. Just don't let your guard down. I'm behind you thought on going to see him. I really do hope you have a nice time and he is changed."

Giving a little laugh as Danitza nuzzles Justin's hand Beth couldn't help but think she was cute and loved seeing how Justin and the dogs got along. Watching as he got up and took the two dogs outside Beth gives a smile before standing and clearing the table off and placing dishes into the dish washer.

Once done with that Beth makes her way into the living room and opens the bag of movies with a soft rustling noise. She really didn't know what she was in the mood for. Just reaching into the bag and just fishing around Beth pulls out a movie to see what one it was. Seeing it was a scary movie Beth thinks for a moment about putting it back in the bag but stops. Justin would be with her, was there really anything to fear?

Looking up from the couch as Justin comes in again Beth holds up the movie. There was a little bit of hesitance in her eyes but she wanted to do this.

"I got the movie and our pie is here waiting. So I am ready when you are."

Just watching Susanne from across table and feeling her hand slip into him Chuck looks down for a moment. Her skin was so soft against his, it felt so nice a contrast to what he thought his own felt like.

Looking up again and hearing Susanne's words it hit home for Chuck and his eyes showed sympathy. How anyone could not show love and affection twords Susanne was something he didn't understand. She was a very pretty woman, and any man should be lucky to have her.

Shifting a in the booth and sliding in next to Susanne Chuck softly puts an arm around her shoulder and pulls her into a hug. Not a tight one, or to close but a soft friendly one it just seemed like something he had to do.

"Yeah, It can be a hard time to try and open up letting yourself take the risk. But I can assure you, I am not going anywhere unless you ask me too. I am who I am, I have no secrets, and nothing I would hide. I am an open book willing to give answers when asked."

Taking his arm from around her Chuck didn't want to make Susanne uncomfortable by leaving it there for to long. Reaching across the table Chuck grabs his drink and takes a sip before giving Susanne a glace. He wanted to make sure she was ok with him sitting here. If now he'd gladly move back to the other side.

"How about we take things slow since your leery. We don't have to put a title on us right away. Were just friends....till your ready, or till you get to know me better. I won't change anything I do, and I'll keep asking you to lunch and dinner, but there is nothing official not yet anyways. That way you can feel me out, and not have to worry about anything else in between. I'm willing to work with you on this one Susanne, as long as your not telling me to go away forever."

Terrifying

Noting the change in Chuck's eyes and tone, Susanne was almost sorry she'd asked. She really did want to know what had happened though... she wanted to understand him more and find another piece to the mysterious puzzle.

As she listens, she nods a little, assuring she was paying attention. Though her hands fidget with her water glass, her eyes remain on him. Hearing that Erica wasn't who Chuck had first thought made Susanne's heart hurt just a little. It was something like that she was so afraid of - finding someone and giving them her heart, only to find out later they weren't who she'd thought.

Interrupted by the waiter, she places her order but quickly turns her attention back to Chuck. Learning just what Erica had done and the lies she'd told, Susanne's eyes show sympathy. What a horrible, horrible thing for someone to do. "Oh, Chuck..." Her voice was soft and caring. "I'm so sorry." Now it was obvious why he wouldn't have dared choose another woman all these years. If it had been her, Susanne was pretty sure she would have vowed never to love again.

The strange thing was, after that bad experience and after all these years, out of the blue, he'd chosen her? Why? Why did he want to form a relationship, let alone so quickly? Why would he rush into this after everything he'd gone through? And her, of all people. He didn't even know her. Surely there were plenty of other women who would catch his eye more than she...who were better suited for him.

She opens her mouth to question him, but it seemed he'd already read her mind. Almost stunned by his words, she can only listen and soak in all he says. Somehow, for some reason, he really did see more in her than anyone else. The things he'd observed... what went on inside of her... he was right. Sometimes she did want someone to protect her, even if she was capable on her own. She did try to be true to herself and not wear a mask. She did want to branch out so badly and be loved. He had seen further into her in two days' time than others who had known her all her life.

Quite unexpectedly, tears spring into her eyes and she looks down to see his hand. She hesitates at first, then slowly slides her hand over to meet his, her fingertips coming to rest on his palm. Still looking down, a tear rolls down her cheek. "No one's ever said they thought I was pretty. No one's ever said any of those things to me before." She'd craved words like those for years, but no one had ever been there to offer them.

She swallows hard and sniffs, feeling a might silly, but unable to help it that her emotions were all topsy-turvy. "When... when I was a little girl, I remember trying so hard to get my dad's attention. I knew he loved me, and he was a good man. But when all I wanted was for him to say I was pretty or... or just give me a hug when something went wrong... it just..." She shrugs. "...Never happened." Her toughness had formed long before she'd joined TJY.

Her gaze remains glued to the table, now unable to look up at Chuck. "In school, I was always the one without a date. My friends would always convince me to go to the dances anyway and try to socialize... I got used to sitting in the corner alone. And after that..." Another tear falls and she wipes it away with the back of her other hand. "...No man ever took notice of me. I... I figured I was being selfish and... and I needed to just accept the fact that I'd... I'd always be alone."

Her fingers tremble slightly in his grasp and she finally finds the courage to look up at him again. her voice is but a whisper now. "Being with you is terrifying." Her eyes glisten with all of her mixed feelings. "You make me feel like a princess but... but that's what scares me. I'm afraid I'll let myself like it too much and get used to it, only to have it end. And then I'll be alone again but even more lonely because I'll have tasted what I've always really wanted."


Kip isn't surprised when Karla joins him. He lets her link arms with him, though his hands stay tucked in his pockets and his eyes remain on the sidewalk. Her question makes him shrug. "I dunno."

A few more steps and he sighs. "Yeah... I'm always okay." Again, he falls quiet for the length of one block. Eventually, he takes his hand from his pocket and intertwines his fingers with hers. "If it's not one thing with me, it's another, isn't it? First I'm doing a lousy job with the band and so we figure out my problem with all that. Now that that's going right, they're all against me again just because I want to see my dad. Maybe I shoulda just quit when I had the chance. At least then I wouldn't have them all breathing down my neck all the time."


"I bet painting would be a good hobby for you," Justin agrees. "Someone told me once that there's a little bit of an artist in all of us." He quirks an eyebrow. "I think I'm the exception. All I can draw are stick figures and you don't want to see what I make out of modeling clay." He grins teasingly. "Thankfully, the only artwork my job requires is paint splotches."

Finishing up the meal, Justin cleans his plate - evidence that he'd told the truth that he liked Beth's cooking. With a full stomach and good conversation, he was feeling a little more relaxed too, and enjoying the evening.

"Don't forget you get to choose which movie to watch from the ones I brought."

A cold, wet nose on his hand makes him look down quickly and he smirks at Danitza before scratching her head. "Was I talking to you? Hmm? Do you think I'd let you pick a movie? I'd be watching 101 Dalmatians twenty-four/seven if that was the case."

Clueless, but sensing her master's good mood, Danitza wags her tail and nuzzles into his hand, licking his fingers.

"Naw, now, come on. I told you to stay in the living room."

She looks up at him and gives a quiet little whine.

"Well why didn't you say so?" Justin stands up and stretches, glancing to Beth. "I gotta take her out. I'll just be a minute." He ends up taking both dogs out on their leashes but it doesn't take long before he's back inside, slipping his shoes off again and having the dogs lie down in the living room once more.

Lies

Hearing that Justin liked just about anything makes Beth smile. Knowing he would want her to cook for him more often would be nice. She could try more recipes and fine new stuff to try and make. Justin would be the perfect one to taste it for her and she new he wouldn't tell her it was good when it was not.

Looking away from Justin and taking a bit of her food Beth couldn't help the smile on her face. It felt nice to be sitting and having dinner with someone. Not to be alone at the table and let the was nice, and she hadn't realized how lonely it really had been till she has spend some time with anyone else.

"I'll have to keep looking through Mom's cookbook for the next meal to try than."

Glancing back up as Justin again Beth is silent for a moment. Thinking she tries to think if she had picked up anything new and nothing new really came to mind right away.

"I've gone through more pictures and set a lot a side for putting into farms or maybe even get stuff to start a scrapbook. Thats all thats been new really. Just trying to take baby steps to branching out."

Taking another bit of food and savoring it Beth really did enjoy the taste. From what she could remember it tastes just like her mom herself had made it and it but a little bit more of a smile on her face.

"I was thinking about maybe getting some paints or something and next time I go to see Sarah I would bring them and maybe get her to paint a little, or maybe I could paint her. I thought that might be something nice to do."

Beth had run across some old old pictures she had drawn when she had been much younger and they looked like they were done well. It had made her wonder if she could still paint just as good.

Giving a laugh and moving her own leg slightly against Alec's Ryan's eyes sparkled with a softness rarely seen. She felt good today, happy, calmer than normal and it was nice.

"Mmmmm...Ice cream sounds good. As long as we can put some whip cream on top too."

Moving a little bit Ryan stands and holds her hand out to Alec to help him up as well. Ice cream did sound like it would hit the spot tonight and Ryan wasn't going to let the idea go to wast.

Looking down at his glass of water and thinking for a long moment about Susanne's words Chuck's expression changes slightly. Though the smile was still on his lips his eyes had a small gloss to them now. His thoughts so far away reaching back into his mind where a scared past lied. One that had been forgiven and gotten over, but still left a little hurt when thought about.

"About fifteen years ago, I though I was in love. Found the woman of my dreams. She meant a lot to me and made me feel so wonderful. She accepted me for who I was, accepted Ana, and the business I had built. She loved the lord, and enjoyed going to church with us on Sundays. I'd always been a good judge of character, but love can be blind sometimes."

Letting out a long sigh Chuck looks up at Susanne and searches her face for a long moment. He was over Erica, he didn't have feelings for her anymore, he forgave her but still...it still stung to talk about it and relive everything that happened. He'd been so sure of himself back than, ready to give his life to this woman but than was betrayed, taken to be a fool.

"I was wrong though. After only a few months Erica was changing. The mask she wore was starting to ware off. When I wouldn't pursue singing and try to make it big it hit her wrong. My life revolved around Ana and making my home the best for her like she deserved. She's like a daughter to me, and family always comes first."

Pausing just a moment as the waiter came over Chuck smiled and gave his order before letting Susanne give her own. Asking for a refill on his drink and making sure Susanne was ok Chuck gave a smile across the table before starting his story again once they were a lone.

"Erica didn't like it much that I spent most my time with Ana, and she made horrible lies, about horrable things I must be doing to my niece to be spending so much time with her and be so close. I almost lost Ana, if it hadn't have been for my church family standing behind me I would have. So Erica walked out of my life, and I was left with a large scar."

Letting out another sigh Chuck looks down and than up at Susanne again. Searching her eyes he new what question would be next before she even had to ask it.

"So, your wondering why do I trust you? Your different Susanne, your not full of yourself or trying to doll yourself up to be perfect. You look good with your unruly hair as you do with it brushed nicely. You don't want someone else to fight your battles because you can stand up for yourself but still...you wouldn't mind having someone there to rescue you once and a while too. From the moment I saw you, you lite up the room, you lite up my heart again and every time after that its been the same. I can see God's love in your eyes, and I can see life in them. Your straight forward and don't try to mask anything. You are different and amazing. When I look at you, I don't see a plain Jain I see a lovely woman waiting to branch out if given the chance and love she deserves."

Chuck smiles again as his hand slides across the table his palm up offering his hand to Susanne so he could hold it. This time asking instead of just taking it. He's opened his heart up to her and told her probably wont of the deepest things about himself. He wondered now, how she would take it.

Looking up as Kip came into the room again Karla gave him a smile. It only had been a short while he'd been gone to take the phone call but she had missed him already. Scooting a little bit closer when he sat down Karla locks her fingers with his.

As the conversation continues between everyone she stays fairly quiet. Just listing and looking back and forth between everyone. She new enough about Kip's dad to understand everyone's concern, but she could see where Kip was coming from and the hope in his eyes as well.

When the conversation comes to an end, and Kip gets up to leave Karla can feel her own heart break for him. He wanted so bad to have a relationship with his father, and though his friends were trying to help, because they weren't standing behind him it hurt.

Once he was gone and looking to Twila for a moment Karla moves forward on the couch and stand giving a stretch. She new Twila wasnt being mean with what she called Kip.

"He's not a moron, he just...wants a relationship like most people have with there family so he's blinded by it. I think I'm going to pass on pizza and make sure he's ok. I'll catch you back at home."

Leaning the small room and grabbing her jacket on the way out Karla heads outside and looks down the street. Kip hadn't gotten far and she was thankful for that. Giving a little joge to catch up she lips her arm around Kips.

"I thought maybe you could use some company. It's a nice night out for a walk, and I've gotten lazy since Rin had been gone. So I might as well take this chance to get a little walk of my own in. Are you going to be ok?"

Then something happened once

Seeing Beth laugh too did Justin's heart good, and he grins at her, not teasing anymore, but not trying to ignore the humor either. Her comment of food brings him back down from the laughter and he shrugs, taking a bite of meatball. "Well, to be rightfully honest, I don't have a whole lot of favorites." He pauses. "Except cherry pie," he adds. "I'll eat most anything... but I guess food's never been a priority. Ma always gives me a bad time for not eating enough."

He grins again. "She's always leaned towards her Greek cooking, but I like anything from that to Chinese to Mexican to good old American to..." He holds up a forkful of spaghetti. "Italian. I guess I just never keep regular meals, come to think of it." He cocks his head a little, giving her something like a reassuring smile. "So I guess whatever you decide to cook will always be a winner."

For some reason, as soon as those words were out of his mouth, he felt heat crawling up the back of his neck. He complimented her all the time to help build her confidence - why was this time any different? His eyes lock with hers before he drops his gaze and concentrates on his food. "So, um... found any hobbies lately?"


Alec's smile widens as he hears Ryan's words. Wrapping his arms around her, he just hugs her tightly. He couldn't remember when he'd heard those words before, least of all from someone who actually meant it. So this is what it felt like.

Kissing the top of her head, he draws back a little so he can see her eyes. "Ya know... if someone would have told me a few years ago that I'd be here right now, feeling like I do... I would have reported them and had 'em shipped to the loony bin."

His foot moves to run up and down her lower leg. "I got some ice cream in the freezer... wanna share a bowl?"


Susanne grins back at Chuck and shakes her head. "I don't know what to ask," she admits. She stares into those dark, luring eyes and can feel herself falling into his gaze all over again. "If your eyes were a stream of those questions, it would last an eternity and I'd never reach the end no matter how fast I rowed."

She would have blushed again at her poetic words, but she meant them. Still resting her chin on her hand, she blinked slowly, though her eyes went back to his. "Yesterday you denied treating every woman like this. I still find that hard to believe." She cocks her head slightly, remembering the hint of lost love. "But if what you said was true..." Her voice becomes even softer. "Then something happened once that snuffed out a spark, because someone like you can't naturally keep that charm hidden."


The band was sitting around the living room of Erik and Theo's , hanging out for the evening. They'd had practice again earlier, and again, it had gone well. After a little more working with Kip, things really had improved, and now, a week later, the group was back to their laughing selves, no secrets and no awkward silences at practice.

Chattering and laughing, it was good down time to sit back, relax and be themselves for a while. Though they were with each other almost 24/7, no one seemed to tire of being together, and it was apparent that God was blessing them daily with the close-knit bonds.

Though Kip leaves the room when his cell phone rings, the chatter doesn't cease and some start talking about going out to a movie tonight, or pizza or maybe even both. Once Kip wanders back in though with a smile on his face, the conversations naturally quiet.

"It was my dad." Kip announces, seeing a few questioning glances. He flops down on the hand-me-down couch next to Karla again, enthusiasm in his voice. "He's planning a camping trip and he wanted me to go with him for the weekend!"

Erik blinks and looks to Russ, Twila, Kyle then back to Kip. He'd told Kip when he'd gotten the new phone not to give his dad the number. "How did he find you?"

"Oh, I sent him my number a few weeks ago."

Erik could strangle him, but he holds his tongue. "So a camping trip... this weekend? Seriously?"

"Uh-huh." Kip nods and grabs a pillow to hold on his lap, giving Karla a happy sidelong glance. "Since we're done recording and on a short break from the studio, it's perfect timing and everything."

Kyle can sense the tension in the others and he gives Alice a wary look before clearing his throat. "Where... is he going camping? Somewhere around here?"

"Naw - Wyoming. My uncle's got a cabin up there."

Erik tries not to pounce. "So there will be others there?"

"No, just Dad and me." Kip beams. "He really wants to spend time with me. I think me being gone from home and stuff, maybe he got thinking, ya know?"

Twila bites her lip as she sits on the floor and her eyes glance over to Karla, hoping she understood what was really going on like the others did. "Kip... you think that's a good idea?"

"Sure, why not?" Kip shrugs. "I think he's really changed his mind. He sounded different on the phone this time. He even apologized to me and everything."

It wasn't true. Erik could feel it in his gut that Kip's dad really hadn't changed. But how could he just out and say it without upsetting Kip? "How are you getting there?"

"I'll just drive up there there myself." Kip had been saving up, and being supported by the band helped. "I mean, I'm not doing anything else, and I figure it's worth it, right? It's right close to the southern border so it should only take about six hours."

"Mm." Erik doesn't agree or disagree with that one. It seemed an awfully long road trip for his friend to be taking alone, not to mention the whole other issue of Kip's dad. "Well, camping is always fun. Maybe your dad wouldn't mind some company and a few of us others could tag along or something."

Kip's eyes dim slightly as he looks at his older friend. He suddenly realized what was going on, and his smile fades. "I'll be fine by myself, thank you very much."

"I didn't say you wouldn't, Kip. I was just suggesting that-"

"That I bring my babysitters along with me," Kip retorts. "No, thank you. You didn't hear my dad on the phone, alright? I know he's changed. It's different this time, so forget about talking me out of it. I'm going and I'm gonna have a good time with my dad for once."

Erik opens his mouth then closes it again. There was nothing he could do.

Though Theo works hard at picking the chatter back up again, the atmosphere in the room had shifted and it wasn't quite as carefree anymore. Kip sits a bit sulkily, his hand finding Karla's, though he doesn't look at her directly. While the others still talk of supper and an activity for the evening, Kip stands. "I think I'm just gonna go back to Gram and Gramp's."

Russ' eyebrows rise. He'd just happened to give Kip a ride today. "Want me to drive you back?"

"Naw. I'll just... walk."

"But it'll take you-"

Kip throws him a glare then looks over his shoulder to give Karla an apologetic look. "I'll be fine, Russ. Thanks." He'd talk to Karla more later... but not here... not in front of anyone else. No one else understood.

As he walks out, Twila sighs and looks to Karla, whom she'd brought with her from Alice's. "Wanna stick around for pizza or are you gonna go after that moron?" She didn't intend it in a mean way... but Kip could be stubborn and sometimes just didn't think straight. They all loved him, but it was hard watching him run into the same brick wall over and over again. Maybe they could still convince him not to go camping with his dad.