Axel was grateful for Jess' words. It didn't change anything. It didn't fix anything. But at least she believed in him. She didn't think he was a monster. She wasn't afraid of him. At least he had her to rely on for that. If no one else believed him... she did. And if he wanted anyone to believe him, it was her.
"Thanks." Reaching over, he takes her hand in his, running his thumb through her palm. "You're pretty special, you know that? Most people... well... they'd tuck tail and run from someone with a reputation like mine, true or not. I guess that's the only thing that worries me. I want to let it go... but it keeps following me. Right now things are quiet. But what about a month from now? A year?" He shrugs. "Next time I'm exposed or accused... what will it do to me then? To us?"
He sighs. He knew there wasn't an answer. He knew Jess was ready to stick it out with him no matter what. But it did still gnaw at his gut.
Shifting a little to sit a bit more sideways, he cradles her face with his hand. "I don't mean to push you away when I get worried. I just didn't want to scare you or take out my frustrations on you. I'd rather yell at a mirror than you and I didn't want you to get the brunt of it. You're too special to me for that."
Smiling a little, he leans in closer. "No matter what happens... no matter if I need time off... know that it's never because of you, and I will always return. Always."
Closing the gap, his lips brush hers lightly before returning with a firmer kiss. His one hand slips around her waist, the other crawling to the back of her head. Deepening the kiss, he doesn't pull away. Not this time. Not yet. Right now he wanted to show her how much he cared. So he lets the passion go.
Carson's head snaps up at Misty's comment and it takes him a strange moment to smile. "Of course not, love."
"Hey!" Con swats Jamie's hand as she elbows him. "Not on a full stomach." Grinning, he leans over and gives her a kiss. "But since I apparently twisted your arm, I guess that makes us even."
...Playing cards was a nice relaxing distraction from the day. Just being able to fellowship and laugh felt good, and the time was ignored...
Pursing his lips and studying the cards in his hand, Carson is about to make a play when his phone gives a short ring from his pocket. Smirking, he pauses the game and fishes his phone from his pocket to flip it open. He grins then shakes his head as he reads the text message. "Apparently Dani left a mess in the kitchen for me to clean up in the morning." Opting not to reply to her now, he tucks his phone away again and looks back at his cards. "I'm gonna need two."
Con tries not to look at Jamie. He knew his eyes would betray him if he did. He hadn't heard Carson's phone, but it was obvious he'd received a text message. It was also obvious that Carson had not plugged in his phone after arriving - it had been in his pocket this whole time. Yet... he'd said that the battery had died and that's why he hadn't called when he'd wound up late. Maybe Con had just heard him wrong - that wasn't out of the ordinary with his bad hearing. But... it was a bit hard convincing himself that that's all it was. He didn't want to think Carson had lied. What reason would he have? Wondering what the answer was bothered Con... a lot.
Realizing it was his turn in the game, he tries to focus and forget about that other issue for now. It was probably all just his imagination anyway...
... Con yawns as he lays down his cards, starting a chain reaction of yawning. No one wanted to quit, but it really was getting late. He looks to Jamie just a little sleepily and with a wry grin. "I don't know, but I think I've about had it."
"Party pooper," Carson teases. He shakes loose an ice cube from the bottom of his glass to chew on.
Con smirks and yawns again. "Yeah well... okay. I guess I am."
It takes a few more minutes to wind things down and actually decide to leave, but eventually Con and Jamie do depart, with plans to do this again soon.
Leaning on the open doorway, Carson gives a final wave to their friends before turning and stretching, now yawning too. "Mmm... that was fun." He closes the door and pulls Misty in for a hug and a kiss to the top of her head. "Thanks for making supper too - it was great."
3/16/12
Cheat
Letting the night continue on Misty lets the odd feeling she had slide. Maybe she was just being overworked and there was nothing more to the situation. Maybe everything Carson had said really did happen. She had to believe him, he had no reason to lie.
Misty gives a small laugh at Carson's mention of cards and raises her hand too. She was ready to stay away and have a little more fun herself. Tomorrow she didn't have to be to work till a little later in the afternoon so this was perfect.
"I am as long as you don't cheat."
Standing up Misty heads into the kitchen to get refils of the drinks and the desks of cards they had stashed away for a time like this.
Giving a laugh and an elbow to Con Jamie's eyes twinkle. She new he was only joking and she didn't mind. The extra time with Con was always nice and Jamie would never rush that.
"I guess you twisted my arm enough. We can stay."
Sitting down again with Axel and listing to what he had to say Jess could feel her heart break for him all over again. She new how much this bothered him from day one and to know the whole scab had been ripped away again hurt.
"Axel, that might be something you never will be able to prove. It happened so long ago, and it was such a horrible thing yes but its time to just let it go."
Jess gives a smile to Axel doing he best to be soft and understanding but trying to give him encouragement at the same time. She new this was hard for him, and even if she told him she still loved and cared for him it would both him. Thats was just how Axel was.
"If it means anything I believe, and you have proven to me you didn't do it. I believe it in here..."
Jess puts a hand over her heart. She new Axel now and even if he had changed since back than she had gotten to know his heart and it was pure, and she would never do anything like that to hurt someone. Not now, not than, not ever.
"...You'd never hurt anyone Axel and I believe that whole heatedly."
Giving a nod Trey follows Pete inside. He was satisfied with his answer and would not help him with paper work. But this gave him extra time to think about what to say to Ariel tomorrow. Time he would need to try and put his thought's together.
Misty gives a small laugh at Carson's mention of cards and raises her hand too. She was ready to stay away and have a little more fun herself. Tomorrow she didn't have to be to work till a little later in the afternoon so this was perfect.
"I am as long as you don't cheat."
Standing up Misty heads into the kitchen to get refils of the drinks and the desks of cards they had stashed away for a time like this.
Giving a laugh and an elbow to Con Jamie's eyes twinkle. She new he was only joking and she didn't mind. The extra time with Con was always nice and Jamie would never rush that.
"I guess you twisted my arm enough. We can stay."
Sitting down again with Axel and listing to what he had to say Jess could feel her heart break for him all over again. She new how much this bothered him from day one and to know the whole scab had been ripped away again hurt.
"Axel, that might be something you never will be able to prove. It happened so long ago, and it was such a horrible thing yes but its time to just let it go."
Jess gives a smile to Axel doing he best to be soft and understanding but trying to give him encouragement at the same time. She new this was hard for him, and even if she told him she still loved and cared for him it would both him. Thats was just how Axel was.
"If it means anything I believe, and you have proven to me you didn't do it. I believe it in here..."
Jess puts a hand over her heart. She new Axel now and even if he had changed since back than she had gotten to know his heart and it was pure, and she would never do anything like that to hurt someone. Not now, not than, not ever.
"...You'd never hurt anyone Axel and I believe that whole heatedly."
Giving a nod Trey follows Pete inside. He was satisfied with his answer and would not help him with paper work. But this gave him extra time to think about what to say to Ariel tomorrow. Time he would need to try and put his thought's together.
3/15/12
Game
Carson returns Misty's kiss and grins. "Thanks for waiting - this has been one ridiculous day."
He reaches to the cupboard to retrieve some glasses before getting some ice as well.
In the living room, Con stands and returns Jamie's glance. He gives a little shrug. He had no idea why Carson was acting so odd, but he figured it would be best just to try and enjoy the evening now that they could proceed with supper. Putting his arm around Jamie's shoulders, he walks with her to the dining room table.
The evening seems to go well and the atmosphere is rather pleasant, despite the late start. Carson and Con get to laughing at the dinner table over something, winding up in soda pop needing to be cleaned up after the laughter with a mouthful didn't work so well.
Once dinner was over and the four were just sitting around chatting, a few yawns start, but it was rather early to call it a night yet.
"Okay, who wants to play some cards?" Carson raises his hand.
Con looks at Jamie, hoping she didn't want to go home yet. "I'm in, if my wife will let me," he teases.
Axel grins and kisses Jess' nose. "Thanks... for being patient with me. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Dancing slowly for a few more minutes in silence, Axel finally comes to a stop and takes Jess' hand to lead her to the living room. Easing down on the couch, he puts his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.
"I'm sorry, Jess... I haven't been fair to you lately."
Sighing, he thinks a little bit more. "When Liz was here... you know she spent the night. And um... she caught me sleep walking. Not a surprise - I still do it all the time. But she caught me going outside right through my little alarm system."
It didn't seem like much. Someone who didn't know his background wouldn't understand. But to Axel... it was an extremely important detail. He swallows hard. He doesn't realize his fingers were lightly rubbing Jess' shoulder with nervousness.
"Back when... that day I was arrested. I had a similar alarm rigged. Remember I told you that I finally realized I was innocent because the alarm was still intact? That I couldn't have gone out without knowing it?"
He shrugs lamely. "When Liz caught me there... that blew my whole theory. I could have left that night. I could have done what they all said. I could have come back and reset my alarm without even knowing it."
He bites his lip, feeling again the desperation. "I want to believe I'm innocent, Jess... but I still can't prove it, even to myself."
Pausing at the TJY door, Pete cocks his head, listening to Trey. He wanted to smile, but he refrains. He really was surprised, though. In just one evening, Trey had made a big step. What had Ariel done last night? He wondered.
Crossing his arms, Pete thinks for several moments. "Well... I can certainly try. I haven't known Ariel to hang out anywhere but he beach parties since they tend to be calmer but... maybe I can think of something to convince her to come."
He finally grins. "I'll figure out how to get here there and you can figure out what to say. But take my advice... honesty is always best and knowing Ariel, that's all she'd want."
He reaches to the cupboard to retrieve some glasses before getting some ice as well.
In the living room, Con stands and returns Jamie's glance. He gives a little shrug. He had no idea why Carson was acting so odd, but he figured it would be best just to try and enjoy the evening now that they could proceed with supper. Putting his arm around Jamie's shoulders, he walks with her to the dining room table.
The evening seems to go well and the atmosphere is rather pleasant, despite the late start. Carson and Con get to laughing at the dinner table over something, winding up in soda pop needing to be cleaned up after the laughter with a mouthful didn't work so well.
Once dinner was over and the four were just sitting around chatting, a few yawns start, but it was rather early to call it a night yet.
"Okay, who wants to play some cards?" Carson raises his hand.
Con looks at Jamie, hoping she didn't want to go home yet. "I'm in, if my wife will let me," he teases.
Axel grins and kisses Jess' nose. "Thanks... for being patient with me. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Dancing slowly for a few more minutes in silence, Axel finally comes to a stop and takes Jess' hand to lead her to the living room. Easing down on the couch, he puts his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.
"I'm sorry, Jess... I haven't been fair to you lately."
Sighing, he thinks a little bit more. "When Liz was here... you know she spent the night. And um... she caught me sleep walking. Not a surprise - I still do it all the time. But she caught me going outside right through my little alarm system."
It didn't seem like much. Someone who didn't know his background wouldn't understand. But to Axel... it was an extremely important detail. He swallows hard. He doesn't realize his fingers were lightly rubbing Jess' shoulder with nervousness.
"Back when... that day I was arrested. I had a similar alarm rigged. Remember I told you that I finally realized I was innocent because the alarm was still intact? That I couldn't have gone out without knowing it?"
He shrugs lamely. "When Liz caught me there... that blew my whole theory. I could have left that night. I could have done what they all said. I could have come back and reset my alarm without even knowing it."
He bites his lip, feeling again the desperation. "I want to believe I'm innocent, Jess... but I still can't prove it, even to myself."
Pausing at the TJY door, Pete cocks his head, listening to Trey. He wanted to smile, but he refrains. He really was surprised, though. In just one evening, Trey had made a big step. What had Ariel done last night? He wondered.
Crossing his arms, Pete thinks for several moments. "Well... I can certainly try. I haven't known Ariel to hang out anywhere but he beach parties since they tend to be calmer but... maybe I can think of something to convince her to come."
He finally grins. "I'll figure out how to get here there and you can figure out what to say. But take my advice... honesty is always best and knowing Ariel, that's all she'd want."
Comfort, Love, Content
As Carson comes into the house Misty perks up a little bit. Tossing a smile in Carson's direction Misty lets out a sigh of re-leaf he was ok. Hearing his reason for being late Misty gives a nod but almost finding it hard to convince herself that it made sense but she let it go.
"I'm happy your ok sweet babe. I was getting worried."
Going into the kitchen Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss before baking up again and yelling into the living room.
"Well the table is set if you guys want to sit down. I'll bring the stuff out. Hun can you find the drinks please."
Standing throwing a strange look to Con. Something felt off though she wouldn't say anything. Maybe it was just her imagination but Carson was extra chipper almost in a nervous say and seemed to ramble a lot too. Strange.
Taking Axel's hang Jess smiles standing and just letting his wrap his arms around her. Jess felt so safe in his arms. The comfort, the love, everything she needed to feel completely content.
Looking up into his eyes Jess own sparkle in the dim light as she leans up and gives him a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away.
"How could I turn you down humm? I think thats just not possible. I'm always here when you ready, and willing to give you space as long as I know your ok."
Jess new Axel needed his alone time sometimes and it could streach for days on end, but she was willing to give him that as long as he did let her know he was ok and he always did. It was just part of the relationship they had come to an understanding on and it seemed to work out for the most part.
Seeing they were back at TJY Trey lets out another sigh. This time is was more of a here we are again. He new he should be thankful he had a place to say but this...this was not what he was use to this was not home.
Giving a chuckle and a smerk at Pete and his comment for a moment it was almost like he could read his mind. Getting out of the car and closing the door behind him Trey walks to catch up. Getting to the door he stops again and looks to Pete one more time.
"I'll help with you paper work if you...can do something for me."
Trey swallows hard for a moment before looking to Pete again. It was kind of hard to admit this. But he new he would need Pete's help.
"There is this girl I think I owe an apology too and...."
Rubbing his hand along the back of his neck for a minute Trey wasn't sure what he was gonna do.
"...I need you to convince her to come to the party tomorrow too but...don't tell her I am gonna be there. She might not come. I...I was pretty bad to her yesterday. Than I gotta....figure out how to say sorry and mean it."
"I'm happy your ok sweet babe. I was getting worried."
Going into the kitchen Misty leans in and gives Carson a kiss before baking up again and yelling into the living room.
"Well the table is set if you guys want to sit down. I'll bring the stuff out. Hun can you find the drinks please."
Standing throwing a strange look to Con. Something felt off though she wouldn't say anything. Maybe it was just her imagination but Carson was extra chipper almost in a nervous say and seemed to ramble a lot too. Strange.
Taking Axel's hang Jess smiles standing and just letting his wrap his arms around her. Jess felt so safe in his arms. The comfort, the love, everything she needed to feel completely content.
Looking up into his eyes Jess own sparkle in the dim light as she leans up and gives him a soft kiss on the lips before pulling away.
"How could I turn you down humm? I think thats just not possible. I'm always here when you ready, and willing to give you space as long as I know your ok."
Jess new Axel needed his alone time sometimes and it could streach for days on end, but she was willing to give him that as long as he did let her know he was ok and he always did. It was just part of the relationship they had come to an understanding on and it seemed to work out for the most part.
Seeing they were back at TJY Trey lets out another sigh. This time is was more of a here we are again. He new he should be thankful he had a place to say but this...this was not what he was use to this was not home.
Giving a chuckle and a smerk at Pete and his comment for a moment it was almost like he could read his mind. Getting out of the car and closing the door behind him Trey walks to catch up. Getting to the door he stops again and looks to Pete one more time.
"I'll help with you paper work if you...can do something for me."
Trey swallows hard for a moment before looking to Pete again. It was kind of hard to admit this. But he new he would need Pete's help.
"There is this girl I think I owe an apology too and...."
Rubbing his hand along the back of his neck for a minute Trey wasn't sure what he was gonna do.
"...I need you to convince her to come to the party tomorrow too but...don't tell her I am gonna be there. She might not come. I...I was pretty bad to her yesterday. Than I gotta....figure out how to say sorry and mean it."
Apology
Con smiles warmly at Misty and shakes his head. "It's fine. I bet something last minute happened at the restaurant." He was a bit more worried than hungry though. It wasn't like Carson to be more than five minutes late...
Ten minutes later, Carson's car pulls into the driveway...
"Honey, I'm home!" Carson slides through the front door, carrying a grocery sack. He immediately spots Misty, Con and Jamie in the living room and his wide smile turns rather crooked. "I am soooo sorry, guys." He kicks off his sneakers and sheds his jacket. "Got out of the restaurant later than I wanted, then I got stuck behind a car accident on the way to the store. By the time I got there, I was already late but I couldn't call 'cause my cell phone had died." He rolls his eyes and heads to the kitchen, still talking over his shoulder. "Then on the way here, would you believe I'd forgotten about the accident so I took that route here and wound up waiting again? I think I left my brain at Mom and Pop's."
Putting the soda pop on the counter, Carson sees that supper had been held, and his gut twists a little. "Holy cow, you guys must be starving. I'm hungry and I haven't been sitting here smelling supper for the last hour."
"Juice, I got." Axel nods and sets about pouring them both glasses of juice. Joining her at the table, he cocks his head and just looks across at her for several moments before reaching over to take her hand and pray for the meal.
Conversation was light while they ate. Axel keeps the topic mostly on Jess and how she was and what she was doing at work. He suggested going to the lake for a picnic over the weekend, or going to a concert - where he wasn't needed as part of the band.
Once the meal was over, Axel clears a few of the dishes but doesn't leave the kitchen. Instead, he turns off the overhead light so just the light above the sink is on, leaving the room in a soft glow. The music was still playing softly, and Axel goes to Jess, holding out his hands. Grinning, he pulls her close to him and sways gently to the music. With his hand around her waist, his eyes gaze down into hers.
"Thanks for coming over." His voice was quiet and just as gentle as the music. "I thought maybe you'd turn me down since I haven't been around much this week."
Trey's mention of the party makes Pete's eyebrows rise. He was certainly surprised at that. He would have been relieved if he would have gotten back to TJY without a fight - Trey's lack of temper was much more than he'd hoped for.
Before he can answer though, he hears Trey's final comment, and it reminds him just where this young man really was - in a pretty tough spot, as far as trust and family and friends were concerned. And that... was why Pete had not informed Reese of what had happened.
Reaching TJY and finding a free parking space, Pete shuts off the car and finally turns to look at Trey, setting his sunglasses on his head. A smile curls his lips. "Don't expect to figure out the trust thing overnight... I still haven't gotten there completely and I've been working on it for years." He gives a short chuckle. "As far as the party goes... yeah... yeah, I think I'll come. You won't be the only one not drinking though - I got an early morning tomorrow."
Giving Trey's arm a friendly light punch, he opens his door. "Come on. If you want, I got some paperwork I could use some help with unless you'd rather go down to the dungeon."
Ten minutes later, Carson's car pulls into the driveway...
"Honey, I'm home!" Carson slides through the front door, carrying a grocery sack. He immediately spots Misty, Con and Jamie in the living room and his wide smile turns rather crooked. "I am soooo sorry, guys." He kicks off his sneakers and sheds his jacket. "Got out of the restaurant later than I wanted, then I got stuck behind a car accident on the way to the store. By the time I got there, I was already late but I couldn't call 'cause my cell phone had died." He rolls his eyes and heads to the kitchen, still talking over his shoulder. "Then on the way here, would you believe I'd forgotten about the accident so I took that route here and wound up waiting again? I think I left my brain at Mom and Pop's."
Putting the soda pop on the counter, Carson sees that supper had been held, and his gut twists a little. "Holy cow, you guys must be starving. I'm hungry and I haven't been sitting here smelling supper for the last hour."
"Juice, I got." Axel nods and sets about pouring them both glasses of juice. Joining her at the table, he cocks his head and just looks across at her for several moments before reaching over to take her hand and pray for the meal.
Conversation was light while they ate. Axel keeps the topic mostly on Jess and how she was and what she was doing at work. He suggested going to the lake for a picnic over the weekend, or going to a concert - where he wasn't needed as part of the band.
Once the meal was over, Axel clears a few of the dishes but doesn't leave the kitchen. Instead, he turns off the overhead light so just the light above the sink is on, leaving the room in a soft glow. The music was still playing softly, and Axel goes to Jess, holding out his hands. Grinning, he pulls her close to him and sways gently to the music. With his hand around her waist, his eyes gaze down into hers.
"Thanks for coming over." His voice was quiet and just as gentle as the music. "I thought maybe you'd turn me down since I haven't been around much this week."
Trey's mention of the party makes Pete's eyebrows rise. He was certainly surprised at that. He would have been relieved if he would have gotten back to TJY without a fight - Trey's lack of temper was much more than he'd hoped for.
Before he can answer though, he hears Trey's final comment, and it reminds him just where this young man really was - in a pretty tough spot, as far as trust and family and friends were concerned. And that... was why Pete had not informed Reese of what had happened.
Reaching TJY and finding a free parking space, Pete shuts off the car and finally turns to look at Trey, setting his sunglasses on his head. A smile curls his lips. "Don't expect to figure out the trust thing overnight... I still haven't gotten there completely and I've been working on it for years." He gives a short chuckle. "As far as the party goes... yeah... yeah, I think I'll come. You won't be the only one not drinking though - I got an early morning tomorrow."
Giving Trey's arm a friendly light punch, he opens his door. "Come on. If you want, I got some paperwork I could use some help with unless you'd rather go down to the dungeon."
Bare
Jess can feel her cheeks turn a little red. It was nice to get such a good comment from Axel. She new he always though she looked good but it just felt good when he noticed he had just done a little extra. Axel always made her feel good, and she liked it.
"You looks pretty dashing yourself tonight."
Looking twords the table where Axel pointed to the flowers Jess smile grew even more. Going over and leaning closer to smell the aroma of the flowers Jess already new right where she was going to put them. On her night stand so she could go to bed looking at them and wake up the same way.
"I think I'll take some juice if you have some."
Sitting down at her spot at the table Jess smells the flowers again. It had been so sweet of Axel to do this. He just made her heart melt all the time. The feelings she got when he would surprise her it was just amazing. Now that the mood was set Jess didn't want to ask about his strange mood lately. Maybe after dinner would be a better time?
Sitting and just listing to Pete Trey fiddles with the coffee cup before taking another sip. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to be angry and yell at Pete. If it had been yesterday he was sure he would, but today...something about today he didn't feel much like yelling.
Looking out the window and letting out a sigh Trey wasn't quite sure how to feel. He'd enjoyed his time with Ariel and Pete, than last night with Ariel being so sweet and now Pete not telling Reese he was even gone and drunk off his butt it made Trey wonder if he even had a right to be mad anymore.
"Thanks for not telling Reese."
Just continuing to look out the window Trey falls quiet again as they drive. The silence was something Trey welcomed normally, being alone was something he was use to but now...he'd tasted what it was like to have people around, to have friends, to have someone care and being alone just...didn't feel the same anymore.
Letting the silence linger a little more Trey lets out another sigh as he finally looks to Pete. He new he looked like crap, and he felt it. Not just pyscaly but emotionally too.
"Got wind that tomorrow there is going to be a really killer party down town. I doubt I'll drink but wanna come with me?"
Trey is silent again for a moment before speaking again. He new he was skipping around but its how his brain was working right now.
"Bare with me...this whole people caring thing and putting trust in them...its new."
Fingering her phone Misty gives a smile to Con and Jamie. She felt bad that they were kind of just sitting there. She was hungry they must be, she wanted to do something a little more entertaining they probable did too. Some fun night this turned out to be.
As Misty looks down at the phone again she only hopped Carson was ok. It was unlike him not to call if he was going to be late and it made Misty worry. She'd tried calling him but it went right to voice mail.
"I'm sure Carson will be here any second. I'm sorry about this guys."
"You looks pretty dashing yourself tonight."
Looking twords the table where Axel pointed to the flowers Jess smile grew even more. Going over and leaning closer to smell the aroma of the flowers Jess already new right where she was going to put them. On her night stand so she could go to bed looking at them and wake up the same way.
"I think I'll take some juice if you have some."
Sitting down at her spot at the table Jess smells the flowers again. It had been so sweet of Axel to do this. He just made her heart melt all the time. The feelings she got when he would surprise her it was just amazing. Now that the mood was set Jess didn't want to ask about his strange mood lately. Maybe after dinner would be a better time?
Sitting and just listing to Pete Trey fiddles with the coffee cup before taking another sip. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to be angry and yell at Pete. If it had been yesterday he was sure he would, but today...something about today he didn't feel much like yelling.
Looking out the window and letting out a sigh Trey wasn't quite sure how to feel. He'd enjoyed his time with Ariel and Pete, than last night with Ariel being so sweet and now Pete not telling Reese he was even gone and drunk off his butt it made Trey wonder if he even had a right to be mad anymore.
"Thanks for not telling Reese."
Just continuing to look out the window Trey falls quiet again as they drive. The silence was something Trey welcomed normally, being alone was something he was use to but now...he'd tasted what it was like to have people around, to have friends, to have someone care and being alone just...didn't feel the same anymore.
Letting the silence linger a little more Trey lets out another sigh as he finally looks to Pete. He new he looked like crap, and he felt it. Not just pyscaly but emotionally too.
"Got wind that tomorrow there is going to be a really killer party down town. I doubt I'll drink but wanna come with me?"
Trey is silent again for a moment before speaking again. He new he was skipping around but its how his brain was working right now.
"Bare with me...this whole people caring thing and putting trust in them...its new."
Fingering her phone Misty gives a smile to Con and Jamie. She felt bad that they were kind of just sitting there. She was hungry they must be, she wanted to do something a little more entertaining they probable did too. Some fun night this turned out to be.
As Misty looks down at the phone again she only hopped Carson was ok. It was unlike him not to call if he was going to be late and it made Misty worry. She'd tried calling him but it went right to voice mail.
"I'm sure Carson will be here any second. I'm sorry about this guys."
Late
Jess' greeting makes Axel smile and he returns the hug. "I did have to do this," he corrects. Pulling back a little, he searches her eyes. "Because all I've done this past week is disappoint you." Leaning in closer, his kiss to her lips is long and slow as he holds her tightly.
Drawing back, he rests his forehead against hers, another smile appearing. "Besides... the way you look tonight, I'm not so sure I would have wanted to take you out anyway. I might have ended up with some competition."
Grinning, he lets her go and gestures to the table. "The seat with the flowers is yours. What would you like to drink?"
Pete sighs and shakes his head. "Maybe it's just a lame attempt at saying we're sorry." He keeps his eyes on the road. "Thing is, Trey, we both always cared. We didn't know you, and we didn't know what kind of a guy you are... and we wanted you to trust someone so we could make sure you were safe to be around TJY.... but that doesn't mean we didn't genuinely care."
Reaching a stop sign, he slows the car to a stop and shrugs. "It's twisted, I know. But it's the truth. And today... well, I guess we both found out that you're not a threat, and somewhere along the way we really did start to consider you a friend. Maybe what we... what I... did was wrong. Maybe I shouldn't have gone about things the way I did. Maybe you didn't need the little show of me being on your side and against Reese when really, he knew everything I was doing."
Pete knew that this part of it was new information to Trey, which could make things worse. But at this point, truth was more important. "Ariel and I - we never meant to hurt you. For all we knew, you weren't even going to stick around this long. To be honest, I didn't think you'd still be at TJY at this point. I thought you woulda split or your parents woulda called for you to go back."
Taking a right turn, he opts for a slightly longer route back to TJY. "That's not an excuse, but it's all I got. I'm sorry you got hurt. It was no one's intention, and you deserved better." He gives Trey a sidelong glance before looking back at the road. "You probably hate my guts - I know I would. But for what it's worth, the show's over and... I still want to be your friend. Me not telling Reese about all this... First off, while I think you were stupid, there's no point in getting you in trouble for it. And second, it's the best and only offer for a truce that I've got. But whether you take it or leave it, my lips are still sealed."
Jason helps himself to a slice of pizza, only now realizing how hungry he was. Katie's day seemed rather boring. What had made days so interesting before? Their constant communication? Surely there had been more to it than that. Surely they had more connecting them than just a stupid drug-induced phenomenon.
Her question brings a shrug. "Taking it as easy as my sanity will allow. I'm just glad the surgery wasn't as extensive as Rick had thought it might need to be, so I can at least be home and not at TJY or the hospital. And yes - he's called me a million times. I think he's afraid I'm gonna go run a marathon or something."
Reaching the crust on his pizza, he nibbles at it but really doesn't want just bread. Tossing it in the box, he retrieves another piece.
Quiet. Silence. No words. It was driving Jason mad. It wasn't so much of a lack of connection, but that he knew they both had things to say they weren't saying. Whether they were afraid or just didn't want to face the truth, he didn't know. But he knew she knew it too.
Five-forty-five. Con offers Misty a smile as he sits with Jamie on the couch in the living room. Carson hadn't shown up yet... forty-five minutes after he should have been home. Con felt badly - he knew Misty was trying her hardest to keep supper warm and have fun anyway. But Carson hadn't called, and there was a tension in the air.
Drawing back, he rests his forehead against hers, another smile appearing. "Besides... the way you look tonight, I'm not so sure I would have wanted to take you out anyway. I might have ended up with some competition."
Grinning, he lets her go and gestures to the table. "The seat with the flowers is yours. What would you like to drink?"
Pete sighs and shakes his head. "Maybe it's just a lame attempt at saying we're sorry." He keeps his eyes on the road. "Thing is, Trey, we both always cared. We didn't know you, and we didn't know what kind of a guy you are... and we wanted you to trust someone so we could make sure you were safe to be around TJY.... but that doesn't mean we didn't genuinely care."
Reaching a stop sign, he slows the car to a stop and shrugs. "It's twisted, I know. But it's the truth. And today... well, I guess we both found out that you're not a threat, and somewhere along the way we really did start to consider you a friend. Maybe what we... what I... did was wrong. Maybe I shouldn't have gone about things the way I did. Maybe you didn't need the little show of me being on your side and against Reese when really, he knew everything I was doing."
Pete knew that this part of it was new information to Trey, which could make things worse. But at this point, truth was more important. "Ariel and I - we never meant to hurt you. For all we knew, you weren't even going to stick around this long. To be honest, I didn't think you'd still be at TJY at this point. I thought you woulda split or your parents woulda called for you to go back."
Taking a right turn, he opts for a slightly longer route back to TJY. "That's not an excuse, but it's all I got. I'm sorry you got hurt. It was no one's intention, and you deserved better." He gives Trey a sidelong glance before looking back at the road. "You probably hate my guts - I know I would. But for what it's worth, the show's over and... I still want to be your friend. Me not telling Reese about all this... First off, while I think you were stupid, there's no point in getting you in trouble for it. And second, it's the best and only offer for a truce that I've got. But whether you take it or leave it, my lips are still sealed."
Jason helps himself to a slice of pizza, only now realizing how hungry he was. Katie's day seemed rather boring. What had made days so interesting before? Their constant communication? Surely there had been more to it than that. Surely they had more connecting them than just a stupid drug-induced phenomenon.
Her question brings a shrug. "Taking it as easy as my sanity will allow. I'm just glad the surgery wasn't as extensive as Rick had thought it might need to be, so I can at least be home and not at TJY or the hospital. And yes - he's called me a million times. I think he's afraid I'm gonna go run a marathon or something."
Reaching the crust on his pizza, he nibbles at it but really doesn't want just bread. Tossing it in the box, he retrieves another piece.
Quiet. Silence. No words. It was driving Jason mad. It wasn't so much of a lack of connection, but that he knew they both had things to say they weren't saying. Whether they were afraid or just didn't want to face the truth, he didn't know. But he knew she knew it too.
Five-forty-five. Con offers Misty a smile as he sits with Jamie on the couch in the living room. Carson hadn't shown up yet... forty-five minutes after he should have been home. Con felt badly - he knew Misty was trying her hardest to keep supper warm and have fun anyway. But Carson hadn't called, and there was a tension in the air.
3/14/12
Just the same
Knocking on the door Jess checks to see if its unlocked and just walks in. Looking into the living room and not seeing him in there Jess heads to the kitchen.
"Axel I'm here."
Seeing the set up in the kitchen all Jess can do is stand there with a big smile on her face. Axel was always sweet. No matter what he always did his best to make her feel good.
"You didn't have to do this Axel..."
Jess comes up to him and puts her arms around his neck pulling him into a hug. He sure did make her feel special.
"...But thank you just the same."
Looking to Pete with a bit of surprise Trey wondered why Pete wouldn't bother to tell Reese. Between him and Ariel he just couldn't understand them it was so confusing...could they...really care?
"Why Pete? I don't understand why. Ariel says she care, and but I dont understand why when you guy were just pretending. I just don't get it."
Trey just continues to look at Pete before taking another sip of coffee. He was tired, his head hurt and he felt stupid and confused.
Sitting down next to Jason Katie gives a laugh. Even though it came out a little dry she tried to just roll with it. Leaning forward she grabs a slice of pizza and takes a bit just letting the silence linger. Some people might think the slince was nice but Katie hated it, yet it was almost welcomed because she didn't know what to say.
"Umm...It was alright. Not really busy today. I had a lot of computer work to do. Other than that...nothing."
Taking another bite Katie still felt so strange trying to figure out small talk, trying to express things it seemed so difficult. Things were getting a little better though right? Her and Jason were alright and were working through this right?
"How about you? Taking it easy on that leg? Rick call you a million times yet?"
"Axel I'm here."
Seeing the set up in the kitchen all Jess can do is stand there with a big smile on her face. Axel was always sweet. No matter what he always did his best to make her feel good.
"You didn't have to do this Axel..."
Jess comes up to him and puts her arms around his neck pulling him into a hug. He sure did make her feel special.
"...But thank you just the same."
Looking to Pete with a bit of surprise Trey wondered why Pete wouldn't bother to tell Reese. Between him and Ariel he just couldn't understand them it was so confusing...could they...really care?
"Why Pete? I don't understand why. Ariel says she care, and but I dont understand why when you guy were just pretending. I just don't get it."
Trey just continues to look at Pete before taking another sip of coffee. He was tired, his head hurt and he felt stupid and confused.
Sitting down next to Jason Katie gives a laugh. Even though it came out a little dry she tried to just roll with it. Leaning forward she grabs a slice of pizza and takes a bit just letting the silence linger. Some people might think the slince was nice but Katie hated it, yet it was almost welcomed because she didn't know what to say.
"Umm...It was alright. Not really busy today. I had a lot of computer work to do. Other than that...nothing."
Taking another bite Katie still felt so strange trying to figure out small talk, trying to express things it seemed so difficult. Things were getting a little better though right? Her and Jason were alright and were working through this right?
"How about you? Taking it easy on that leg? Rick call you a million times yet?"
Not gonna
"I don't know." Dani shakes her head at Aerith. "He's been such a grouch lately. I woulda thought he and Misty were having trouble, but every time he talks to her or sees her, he's all Mr. Happy again. Not that it's any of my business, but I'm kinda tired of his moodiness."
She sighs and picks up some glasses that needed to be washed. "Maybe it's as simple as him not sleeping well, but one of these days, I'm gonna kick him in his seat if he doesn't quit taking it out on the rest of us."
Jason gives Katie a wry grin. "Guess he couldn't. He was crossing his legs - figured I better let him out. It was either that or let you walk through a puddle when you got here."
Humor? Jason had barely cracked a joke since everything had happened. Was it an improvement now? Did that mean he was slowly gaining something back?
His grin remains, but his eyes don't twinkle. Humor? Whether he'd said something funny or not... he didn't really feel it.
Moving to the side, he lets Katie in, then whistles for Trooper, who obediently returns. Closing the door, he hobbles back to the living room, following the scent of pizza. Wincing, he eases down on the couch again, putting his leg back up on the footstool that had been made taller with a couple folded blankets.
"Pizza smells good," he comments. Why did small talk seem difficult? And why did such an annoying thing not... feel... annoying? He tries to just relax. "So, um... how was your day?"
As Trey removes her hand from him, Ariel catches a rather irritated look in his eye, and she retreats. She hadn't meant to annoy him. She was just worried about him was all. Had she said too much? Had she gone too far by calling Pete? Maybe it wasn't her place to worry at all, or be concerned for Trey's welfare. He was a grown man and could take care of himself. Maybe she really had been stupid. But she hadn't meant to be patronizing, and she hoped that his annoyance didn't mean that he'd thought she'd done anything on purpose. All she'd done on purpose was care.
Giving him a nod and wave goodbye, she remains quiet until Trey is gone. "No... it's not okay," she agrees quietly.
Sighing deeply, she turns to look at the breakfast that wasn't going to stay warm much longer. Wandering down the hall to her office, she taps on the half-open door before pushing it open. "Hey, Colt, are you..." Her sentence trails off when she sees him lying on the floor, fully dressed with his hands behind his head. His eyes looks up at her with curiosity. She sets a hand on her hip. "I thought you were still asleep."
"Nah. I've been awake for a while."
"How come you didn't come out?"
"Figured you'd rather have me out of the way until Trey was gone."
Ariel bites her lip. "Hear everything?"
Colt grins and sits up. "Maybe."
"Did I do too much?"
Colt sighs. Standing up, he gives her shoulder a pat. "You only did as much as anybody who cares that much would. If he took it the wrong way, that's his problem. But you don't have anything to apologize for, if that's what you mean."
Ariel looks down and turns to follow him back to the kitchen. "He gave me a look that warned me I was acting like a mother or something."
Colt chuckles. "Let me put it this way..." He wanders to the coffee pot. "You could have treated him like a two-year-old this morning and he would have deserved it after last night. He owes you big time for being so nice to him. He's got a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. I doubt anything you could have said this morning would have induced a different reaction."
"Maybe." Ariel shakes her head and sits down at the table. "Well, no matter. I doubt I'll hear from him again anyway after all this."
"You're not gonna go see him?" Colt snitches a link of sausage before sitting across from her. "After all you did?"
"That's just it." Ariel shrugs. "I don't think he cares. He was irate yesterday, downright mean, and if he's going to be that way then, so be it. I did all I could, but... I can't go begging him to stay friends."
Colt studies his sister for a moment. He knew her well enough to know that there were quite a few conflicting emotions churning in her. But he knew better than to press her. "Okay then."
Pete is rather relieved when he sees Trey coming out of the house. He'd wondered if he'd even show at all, let alone be willing to ride with him.
Waiting until Trey was in and buckled up, he pulls away from the curb without a word. The first few blocks are silent as Pete drives, his sunglasses hiding his gaze. Finally though, he speaks.
"Reese doesn't know," he states flatly. "So unless you tell him, he's not gonna know either." He falls silent again.
Ending the call with Jess, Axel felt rotten. She'd gotten dressed up for tonight. He knew good and well that first, she didn't do that often, and second, any woman would be disappointed if they'd gone to all that effort just to have plans change. She could have declined on coming to his place, but she was too kind. No... he'd just disappointed her... again. Way to go.
Signing, Axel dials his phone again, this time calling for Chinese. And... maybe there would be another call after that so the night wasn't a complete bomb.
A while later, some soft classical music was playing and Axel is dishing Chinese food out of the cartons and onto several plates at the kitchen table. The curtain was drawn so it was a softer light, and a bouquet of bright colored flowers were in front of Jess' seat. Though Axel was in his bare feet, he had on a nicer pair of jeans at least, and a white collard shirt that he'd tucked in.
Continuing to set the table, he knows Jess will be here any moment and... he hoped that he could make up for at least a little bit of her disappointment. She deserved better.
She sighs and picks up some glasses that needed to be washed. "Maybe it's as simple as him not sleeping well, but one of these days, I'm gonna kick him in his seat if he doesn't quit taking it out on the rest of us."
Jason gives Katie a wry grin. "Guess he couldn't. He was crossing his legs - figured I better let him out. It was either that or let you walk through a puddle when you got here."
Humor? Jason had barely cracked a joke since everything had happened. Was it an improvement now? Did that mean he was slowly gaining something back?
His grin remains, but his eyes don't twinkle. Humor? Whether he'd said something funny or not... he didn't really feel it.
Moving to the side, he lets Katie in, then whistles for Trooper, who obediently returns. Closing the door, he hobbles back to the living room, following the scent of pizza. Wincing, he eases down on the couch again, putting his leg back up on the footstool that had been made taller with a couple folded blankets.
"Pizza smells good," he comments. Why did small talk seem difficult? And why did such an annoying thing not... feel... annoying? He tries to just relax. "So, um... how was your day?"
As Trey removes her hand from him, Ariel catches a rather irritated look in his eye, and she retreats. She hadn't meant to annoy him. She was just worried about him was all. Had she said too much? Had she gone too far by calling Pete? Maybe it wasn't her place to worry at all, or be concerned for Trey's welfare. He was a grown man and could take care of himself. Maybe she really had been stupid. But she hadn't meant to be patronizing, and she hoped that his annoyance didn't mean that he'd thought she'd done anything on purpose. All she'd done on purpose was care.
Giving him a nod and wave goodbye, she remains quiet until Trey is gone. "No... it's not okay," she agrees quietly.
Sighing deeply, she turns to look at the breakfast that wasn't going to stay warm much longer. Wandering down the hall to her office, she taps on the half-open door before pushing it open. "Hey, Colt, are you..." Her sentence trails off when she sees him lying on the floor, fully dressed with his hands behind his head. His eyes looks up at her with curiosity. She sets a hand on her hip. "I thought you were still asleep."
"Nah. I've been awake for a while."
"How come you didn't come out?"
"Figured you'd rather have me out of the way until Trey was gone."
Ariel bites her lip. "Hear everything?"
Colt grins and sits up. "Maybe."
"Did I do too much?"
Colt sighs. Standing up, he gives her shoulder a pat. "You only did as much as anybody who cares that much would. If he took it the wrong way, that's his problem. But you don't have anything to apologize for, if that's what you mean."
Ariel looks down and turns to follow him back to the kitchen. "He gave me a look that warned me I was acting like a mother or something."
Colt chuckles. "Let me put it this way..." He wanders to the coffee pot. "You could have treated him like a two-year-old this morning and he would have deserved it after last night. He owes you big time for being so nice to him. He's got a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. I doubt anything you could have said this morning would have induced a different reaction."
"Maybe." Ariel shakes her head and sits down at the table. "Well, no matter. I doubt I'll hear from him again anyway after all this."
"You're not gonna go see him?" Colt snitches a link of sausage before sitting across from her. "After all you did?"
"That's just it." Ariel shrugs. "I don't think he cares. He was irate yesterday, downright mean, and if he's going to be that way then, so be it. I did all I could, but... I can't go begging him to stay friends."
Colt studies his sister for a moment. He knew her well enough to know that there were quite a few conflicting emotions churning in her. But he knew better than to press her. "Okay then."
Pete is rather relieved when he sees Trey coming out of the house. He'd wondered if he'd even show at all, let alone be willing to ride with him.
Waiting until Trey was in and buckled up, he pulls away from the curb without a word. The first few blocks are silent as Pete drives, his sunglasses hiding his gaze. Finally though, he speaks.
"Reese doesn't know," he states flatly. "So unless you tell him, he's not gonna know either." He falls silent again.
Ending the call with Jess, Axel felt rotten. She'd gotten dressed up for tonight. He knew good and well that first, she didn't do that often, and second, any woman would be disappointed if they'd gone to all that effort just to have plans change. She could have declined on coming to his place, but she was too kind. No... he'd just disappointed her... again. Way to go.
Signing, Axel dials his phone again, this time calling for Chinese. And... maybe there would be another call after that so the night wasn't a complete bomb.
A while later, some soft classical music was playing and Axel is dishing Chinese food out of the cartons and onto several plates at the kitchen table. The curtain was drawn so it was a softer light, and a bouquet of bright colored flowers were in front of Jess' seat. Though Axel was in his bare feet, he had on a nicer pair of jeans at least, and a white collard shirt that he'd tucked in.
Continuing to set the table, he knows Jess will be here any moment and... he hoped that he could make up for at least a little bit of her disappointment. She deserved better.
Dress
Looking to Dani as another shout comes from the kitchen Aerith throws a look over her shoulder and than back to Dani shaking her head a little. There was a part of her that was happy Thirteen wasn't here. She was doing really good but was still a little skidish around yelling. That was probable something she might always have a problem with.
"What bee got in his pants today? think everything's ok?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Carson's voice a smile spreads across Misty's face. When ever Carson called her it always seemed like that. She always loved his voice his words just nothing seemed to compare.
"That sounds great. If your home by fiveish that would be good. If you could pick up some soda one your way home too that would be great. Thanks Babe I'll see you than."
Hanging up the phone Misty stands and walks out to Con's cubicle where Jamie was sitting with him. Leaning on the wall she gives a smile her eyes sparkled a little more than normal today.
"Carson was cool you guys coming over. He's gonna be home about fiveish and is gonna grab some soda if you guys wanna bring some french bread. We can have dinner and than maybe play some games or something tonight."
Misty really was happy they were getting together. It had been a while and the fellowship would be nice. It was funny to think of how close Carson had gotten with Jamie and Con, out of all people but stranger things had happened and it was one more way to see the amazing power of God and forgiveness.
Pulling into the driveway Katie see Trooper shoot out the door and Jason just standing in the doorway. Giving a shake of her head she wondered how Jason did it. He's had leg surgery, and now he was in the hosue all the time, yet he had gotten up and taken the dog out. If it had been her she would....Katie wondered trying to reach into the deepths of her mind. She would what?
The lack of emotions where still there though she tried her best to find them or act like she though she should but the truth was...it just wasn't the same and it was slightly lonely inside her own mind...alone.
Shaking her head, grabbing the pizza and heading up the sidewalk till she was facing Jason Katie pushed the questions out of her mind for now as she gave a smerk at him.
"He just couldn't wait a few more seconds till I got here huh?"
Getting in her car Jess answers the phone. She couldn't help but fear it was Axel canceling again. Hearing that he wanted her to come over instead she let out of small sigh but part of it was releaf too. At least he wasn't canceling again.
"As long as you don't mind me coming over in the dress I put on for the restront sure. Chinese sounds pretty good to me. I'll see ya in a little bit."
Hanging up the phone Jess taps her fingers on the searing wheel. It wasn't often she put a dress on and she practily had to force herself to put this one on, but now that it was she didn't feel like taking it off. She was disappointed about not going to the restront but she wouldn't lead on to it. Maybe tonight she could find out what was going on with Axel.
Taking the cup of coffee from Ariel Trey takes a sip. Looking back at Ariel again as she mentions Pete was waiting for him Trey can't help but roll his eyes and let out a long sigh. He could of walked and he would of been fine even if he was tired. Why she didn't think he couldn't get home safe was beyond him and it annoyed him slightly.
"Great, should be a fun ride back to the dungan. Thanks anyways I guess."
As she reaches out to play with a peace of hair Trey looks into her eyes again. With her words that followed he almost felt like he was a kid again and the teacher wouldn't let him walk home because he missed the bus. He was use to taking care of himself and having someone almost baby him...he wasn't to sure if he liked it.
Reaching up and taking her hand Trey hold it for a second before bringing it down from his hair. He needed time to process everything that had happened, he needed time to just think things through but he felt more level headed than he had yesterday before drinking.
"Ya, I'll let him."
Turning Trey heads twords the door to leave but stops a moment before looking over his shoulder. Letting out another small sigh.
"Sorry about yesterday. Showing up here drunk and everything. Don't say its ok either because I know its not. Just...sorry."
Continuing on his way Trey exits the house and squints into the sunlight. Figures the one day he needed his sunglasses he didn't have them. Seeing Pete car Trey stops for a moment. He wanted to run, he wants to walk, he didn't want to be close in a car with Pete, but he'd already promised Ariel he would.
Getting down the side walk and opening the door Trey gets in before closing it behind him and taking another sip from his glass. Looking at Pete and than looking out the window Trey didn't know what to say if anything.
"What bee got in his pants today? think everything's ok?"
Picking up the phone and hearing Carson's voice a smile spreads across Misty's face. When ever Carson called her it always seemed like that. She always loved his voice his words just nothing seemed to compare.
"That sounds great. If your home by fiveish that would be good. If you could pick up some soda one your way home too that would be great. Thanks Babe I'll see you than."
Hanging up the phone Misty stands and walks out to Con's cubicle where Jamie was sitting with him. Leaning on the wall she gives a smile her eyes sparkled a little more than normal today.
"Carson was cool you guys coming over. He's gonna be home about fiveish and is gonna grab some soda if you guys wanna bring some french bread. We can have dinner and than maybe play some games or something tonight."
Misty really was happy they were getting together. It had been a while and the fellowship would be nice. It was funny to think of how close Carson had gotten with Jamie and Con, out of all people but stranger things had happened and it was one more way to see the amazing power of God and forgiveness.
Pulling into the driveway Katie see Trooper shoot out the door and Jason just standing in the doorway. Giving a shake of her head she wondered how Jason did it. He's had leg surgery, and now he was in the hosue all the time, yet he had gotten up and taken the dog out. If it had been her she would....Katie wondered trying to reach into the deepths of her mind. She would what?
The lack of emotions where still there though she tried her best to find them or act like she though she should but the truth was...it just wasn't the same and it was slightly lonely inside her own mind...alone.
Shaking her head, grabbing the pizza and heading up the sidewalk till she was facing Jason Katie pushed the questions out of her mind for now as she gave a smerk at him.
"He just couldn't wait a few more seconds till I got here huh?"
Getting in her car Jess answers the phone. She couldn't help but fear it was Axel canceling again. Hearing that he wanted her to come over instead she let out of small sigh but part of it was releaf too. At least he wasn't canceling again.
"As long as you don't mind me coming over in the dress I put on for the restront sure. Chinese sounds pretty good to me. I'll see ya in a little bit."
Hanging up the phone Jess taps her fingers on the searing wheel. It wasn't often she put a dress on and she practily had to force herself to put this one on, but now that it was she didn't feel like taking it off. She was disappointed about not going to the restront but she wouldn't lead on to it. Maybe tonight she could find out what was going on with Axel.
Taking the cup of coffee from Ariel Trey takes a sip. Looking back at Ariel again as she mentions Pete was waiting for him Trey can't help but roll his eyes and let out a long sigh. He could of walked and he would of been fine even if he was tired. Why she didn't think he couldn't get home safe was beyond him and it annoyed him slightly.
"Great, should be a fun ride back to the dungan. Thanks anyways I guess."
As she reaches out to play with a peace of hair Trey looks into her eyes again. With her words that followed he almost felt like he was a kid again and the teacher wouldn't let him walk home because he missed the bus. He was use to taking care of himself and having someone almost baby him...he wasn't to sure if he liked it.
Reaching up and taking her hand Trey hold it for a second before bringing it down from his hair. He needed time to process everything that had happened, he needed time to just think things through but he felt more level headed than he had yesterday before drinking.
"Ya, I'll let him."
Turning Trey heads twords the door to leave but stops a moment before looking over his shoulder. Letting out another small sigh.
"Sorry about yesterday. Showing up here drunk and everything. Don't say its ok either because I know its not. Just...sorry."
Continuing on his way Trey exits the house and squints into the sunlight. Figures the one day he needed his sunglasses he didn't have them. Seeing Pete car Trey stops for a moment. He wanted to run, he wants to walk, he didn't want to be close in a car with Pete, but he'd already promised Ariel he would.
Getting down the side walk and opening the door Trey gets in before closing it behind him and taking another sip from his glass. Looking at Pete and than looking out the window Trey didn't know what to say if anything.
Phone Calls
The kitchen phone rings out but is barely heard above the clatter of pots and pans. Carson growls as he tries to keep a stack of dishes from falling over, while juggling two pans of pizza. "Dani! Would you- gah." Once he's finally able to get everything on the counter, the ringing stops. He rolls his eyes. Sure. Go figure.
"Yes?" Dani sticks her head in through the door.
He tosses her an annoyed glance. "Too late now."
She recoils slightly. "Well I'm sorry. I was busy with a customer."
"Meaning you were standing there gabbing while I needed you back here."
Dani's eyes narrow. "I don't know whose cactus you sat on, but pull out the nettles an get on with your day."
If Carson hadn't been in such a sour mood, he would have laughed. As it was, he just glares at the door after she'd gone. Just as he's throwing another pizza in the oven, his cell phone goes off. Wiping his hands on a towel, he wanders over to the basket on the counter where he kept his phone. Misty. He sighs. His thumb twitches, wanting to flip open the phone. But he doesn't. Shutting off the sound, he lets it go, knowing she'd leave him a message...
"...no, not tonight.... I can't.... No, Misty wants to invite some friends over. I gotta be there." Carson paces the kitchen. It was twenty minutes later and he was on his cell phone. "No! Not like this. It... come on, don't give me that. I can't do that, don't you understand?!"
Out at the counter, Dani smiles sweetly at a customer before throwing Aerith a worried glance. She knew she wasn't the only one who could hear her brother on the phone while he raised his voice, and it was rather embarrassing.
Carson groans and runs a hand over his face. "Not yet. It's not the right time..... Okay... fine.... Yes, soon... Yes. .... Alright, okay.... but not the whole time.... Yeah, I can be late. Alright... see you later." Shutting his phone, he leans back against the refrigerator to take a moment and collect his thoughts before dialing Misty. His voice was happier, but still strained.
"Hey, Babe... got your message. That's fine with me if you want Con and Jamie over tonight. I'll either close up here early or have one of the girls close up for me. What time you want me home?"
"Yes, Rick... yes.... yes..." Jason sighs. He's lying on his couch with his leg elevated, his cordless phone cradled between his ear and shoulder. "I'm fine. Yes, I'm doing everything you told me to do." He shifts and winces. "Right. I'm exercising it but not walking on it. Quit worrying about me." He rolls his eyes. "Okay. Yeah, Katie's going to be here any minute so I'll be quite well taken care of. Stop worrying and do something more productive." He smirks. "Yeah, talk to you tomorrow."
Hanging up, Jason leans his head back and closes his eyes. His knee surgery had gone very well a few days ago, and now it was just going to take time to recover. He was going to be on crutches for a short while, but he was already ordered to exercise his leg to assist it in healing, and that, he could do. He felt like going crazy, being stuck at home, and he couldn't wait until Rick at least let him go back to work, even if it was just for paperwork. If he did everything right, his recovery time could potentially be far shorter than anticipated, and that's what he was aiming for.
Now though - it was evening and he was weary and cooped up at the same time. He knew Katie was coming over but he had no idea if they were going to do supper or watch a movie or what. Either way was fine with him.
Trooper's whine makes him look towards the door to see the giant dog waiting to be let out.
"Seriously? Now?"
Trooper wags his tail.
"Your timing is great, ya big brute." Jason looks around for his crutches, but for some reason, they were in the kitchen. He had no idea why or how he'd left them there, but he wasn't amused. He wasn't going to hobble in there just to get them though. It was only a short distance to the door.
Managing to get up and leaning on the couch for support, he makes it, quite gingerly to the door to let the dog out. Just staying there, he leans against the doorframe so he didn't have to go back and sit down just to get up again.
It was getting late. Well... late if Axel was planning on going out tonight. After postponing dinner yet again last night, he should be changing his clothes now and cleaning up to go. But he wasn't. He was still sitting on the floor of his living room. He fingers his cell phone.
Part of him still wanted to be alone. Part of him longed for company. Part of him felt it was safer to be by himself. Part of him just wanted a hug. Part of him wanted to continue hiding what was going on with him. Part of him needed to talk it through with someone.
After thinking about it for several more minutes, he finally opens his phone. He hoped Jess hadn't yet left to go to the restaurant. When she answers, he bites his lip. "Hey, it's me. Um..." He couldn't break their date again. He just couldn't. "You wanna come over to my place tonight instead of going out? I can order chinese or something... Not exactly elegant but..." He really didn't want to go out in public tonight. "Would that be okay with you?"
By the time Trey returns to the kitchen, breakfast was on the table, along with a fresh pot of coffee in the maker. Ariel rinses out the skillet before wiping her hands and turning to look at Trey. He looked a whole lot better. He still looked tired, and it was obvious he'd had a rough evening before, but he was at least more alert now.
"You're welcome." She smiles and goes to the cupboard, pulling down a little travel mug. Filling it with coffee, she puts the lid on and brings it over to him at the table. "At least take one for the road."
She stands near him and sets her hand on his shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. "Pete's outside in his car," she explains gently. "I have to go to work and I didn't want you to have to walk all the way to TJY."
She waits for him to look up so she could catch his eye. She knew he probably didn't want to have anything to do with Pete, but there had been no one else, and she wanted to make sure he was safe. She could only hope that Trey wouldn't be too upset with her. "He's not mad. No one is. And this is all I'm going to ask of you today." Her voice remains soft. "Let Pete drive you back so I won't worry about you." She reaches out to fiddle with a few wet strands of his hair, combing them back with her fingers. "Can you do that for me?"
"Yes?" Dani sticks her head in through the door.
He tosses her an annoyed glance. "Too late now."
She recoils slightly. "Well I'm sorry. I was busy with a customer."
"Meaning you were standing there gabbing while I needed you back here."
Dani's eyes narrow. "I don't know whose cactus you sat on, but pull out the nettles an get on with your day."
If Carson hadn't been in such a sour mood, he would have laughed. As it was, he just glares at the door after she'd gone. Just as he's throwing another pizza in the oven, his cell phone goes off. Wiping his hands on a towel, he wanders over to the basket on the counter where he kept his phone. Misty. He sighs. His thumb twitches, wanting to flip open the phone. But he doesn't. Shutting off the sound, he lets it go, knowing she'd leave him a message...
"...no, not tonight.... I can't.... No, Misty wants to invite some friends over. I gotta be there." Carson paces the kitchen. It was twenty minutes later and he was on his cell phone. "No! Not like this. It... come on, don't give me that. I can't do that, don't you understand?!"
Out at the counter, Dani smiles sweetly at a customer before throwing Aerith a worried glance. She knew she wasn't the only one who could hear her brother on the phone while he raised his voice, and it was rather embarrassing.
Carson groans and runs a hand over his face. "Not yet. It's not the right time..... Okay... fine.... Yes, soon... Yes. .... Alright, okay.... but not the whole time.... Yeah, I can be late. Alright... see you later." Shutting his phone, he leans back against the refrigerator to take a moment and collect his thoughts before dialing Misty. His voice was happier, but still strained.
"Hey, Babe... got your message. That's fine with me if you want Con and Jamie over tonight. I'll either close up here early or have one of the girls close up for me. What time you want me home?"
"Yes, Rick... yes.... yes..." Jason sighs. He's lying on his couch with his leg elevated, his cordless phone cradled between his ear and shoulder. "I'm fine. Yes, I'm doing everything you told me to do." He shifts and winces. "Right. I'm exercising it but not walking on it. Quit worrying about me." He rolls his eyes. "Okay. Yeah, Katie's going to be here any minute so I'll be quite well taken care of. Stop worrying and do something more productive." He smirks. "Yeah, talk to you tomorrow."
Hanging up, Jason leans his head back and closes his eyes. His knee surgery had gone very well a few days ago, and now it was just going to take time to recover. He was going to be on crutches for a short while, but he was already ordered to exercise his leg to assist it in healing, and that, he could do. He felt like going crazy, being stuck at home, and he couldn't wait until Rick at least let him go back to work, even if it was just for paperwork. If he did everything right, his recovery time could potentially be far shorter than anticipated, and that's what he was aiming for.
Now though - it was evening and he was weary and cooped up at the same time. He knew Katie was coming over but he had no idea if they were going to do supper or watch a movie or what. Either way was fine with him.
Trooper's whine makes him look towards the door to see the giant dog waiting to be let out.
"Seriously? Now?"
Trooper wags his tail.
"Your timing is great, ya big brute." Jason looks around for his crutches, but for some reason, they were in the kitchen. He had no idea why or how he'd left them there, but he wasn't amused. He wasn't going to hobble in there just to get them though. It was only a short distance to the door.
Managing to get up and leaning on the couch for support, he makes it, quite gingerly to the door to let the dog out. Just staying there, he leans against the doorframe so he didn't have to go back and sit down just to get up again.
It was getting late. Well... late if Axel was planning on going out tonight. After postponing dinner yet again last night, he should be changing his clothes now and cleaning up to go. But he wasn't. He was still sitting on the floor of his living room. He fingers his cell phone.
Part of him still wanted to be alone. Part of him longed for company. Part of him felt it was safer to be by himself. Part of him just wanted a hug. Part of him wanted to continue hiding what was going on with him. Part of him needed to talk it through with someone.
After thinking about it for several more minutes, he finally opens his phone. He hoped Jess hadn't yet left to go to the restaurant. When she answers, he bites his lip. "Hey, it's me. Um..." He couldn't break their date again. He just couldn't. "You wanna come over to my place tonight instead of going out? I can order chinese or something... Not exactly elegant but..." He really didn't want to go out in public tonight. "Would that be okay with you?"
By the time Trey returns to the kitchen, breakfast was on the table, along with a fresh pot of coffee in the maker. Ariel rinses out the skillet before wiping her hands and turning to look at Trey. He looked a whole lot better. He still looked tired, and it was obvious he'd had a rough evening before, but he was at least more alert now.
"You're welcome." She smiles and goes to the cupboard, pulling down a little travel mug. Filling it with coffee, she puts the lid on and brings it over to him at the table. "At least take one for the road."
She stands near him and sets her hand on his shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. "Pete's outside in his car," she explains gently. "I have to go to work and I didn't want you to have to walk all the way to TJY."
She waits for him to look up so she could catch his eye. She knew he probably didn't want to have anything to do with Pete, but there had been no one else, and she wanted to make sure he was safe. She could only hope that Trey wouldn't be too upset with her. "He's not mad. No one is. And this is all I'm going to ask of you today." Her voice remains soft. "Let Pete drive you back so I won't worry about you." She reaches out to fiddle with a few wet strands of his hair, combing them back with her fingers. "Can you do that for me?"
Strange
Looking for the hall for a moment Trey doesn't move almost as if still not sure this was all just innocent kindness or a set up for something else. Shaking his head he new he did need to show and look halfway decent for when he return to TJY for his whipping.
Walking down the hall and finding the bathroom Trey enters and shut the door behind him. Looking in the mirror for a long moment he really did look a mess. He had a five a clock shadow going on and he looks like he had been through the ringer.
...A few minutes later after a nice warm shower Trey felt somewhat clean but he still felt pretty crappy. Walking into the kitchen in his bear feel he runs a hand through his wet hair and just lets it fall where it wants. His hair was short enough to be able to do that.
"Thanks for the shower, aspirin, and place to sleep."
Sitting down at the table Trey puts his shocks and shoes on. He might be rough around the edges, he might be broken but he still had manors. His parents had taught him that and it was something that had always stuck with him and always would.
"I should probable get going. I need to face the dogs sooner or later and I'd rather it was sooner to get it over with."
Trying to restront phone there was no answer. Strange. Trying Carson's phone still no answer double strange. Maybe it was just that busy at Mom and Pop's today. As the voicemail kicks on she leaves a message anyways.
"Hey Lover. I was wondering if you had any plans tonight and if not if you would mine Jamie and Con coming over for dinner. Jamie is itching to do something and I figured this would be good fellowship for us all. Give me a call back and let me know. I love you Carson."
Hanging up the phone Misty lets out a little sigh. She hopped everything was with Carson. The last few days he seemed high strung, and just stressed. She didn't know if it was work or what but she hopped he was alright.
Shaking her head and going back to work Misty just dug herself into her work. Once Carson got back to her she would let Con and Jamie know what was going on. It would be a fun might is Carson agreed maybe something they all needed.
Sitting at the kitchen table Jess plays with her phone for a long moment. It had been a few days since she had seen Axel and even longer since they had really been on a date. She hopped everything was ok. Sometimes he needed his free space and she new that but it was unlike him to call into work so much.
She wanted to call him but would that be invading. To Axel it might be. Maybe it was just better to let him call her first. If he canceled there date tonight she'd ask him about it. Jess worse fear though as that she was losing him.
Walking down the hall and finding the bathroom Trey enters and shut the door behind him. Looking in the mirror for a long moment he really did look a mess. He had a five a clock shadow going on and he looks like he had been through the ringer.
...A few minutes later after a nice warm shower Trey felt somewhat clean but he still felt pretty crappy. Walking into the kitchen in his bear feel he runs a hand through his wet hair and just lets it fall where it wants. His hair was short enough to be able to do that.
"Thanks for the shower, aspirin, and place to sleep."
Sitting down at the table Trey puts his shocks and shoes on. He might be rough around the edges, he might be broken but he still had manors. His parents had taught him that and it was something that had always stuck with him and always would.
"I should probable get going. I need to face the dogs sooner or later and I'd rather it was sooner to get it over with."
Trying to restront phone there was no answer. Strange. Trying Carson's phone still no answer double strange. Maybe it was just that busy at Mom and Pop's today. As the voicemail kicks on she leaves a message anyways.
"Hey Lover. I was wondering if you had any plans tonight and if not if you would mine Jamie and Con coming over for dinner. Jamie is itching to do something and I figured this would be good fellowship for us all. Give me a call back and let me know. I love you Carson."
Hanging up the phone Misty lets out a little sigh. She hopped everything was with Carson. The last few days he seemed high strung, and just stressed. She didn't know if it was work or what but she hopped he was alright.
Shaking her head and going back to work Misty just dug herself into her work. Once Carson got back to her she would let Con and Jamie know what was going on. It would be a fun might is Carson agreed maybe something they all needed.
Sitting at the kitchen table Jess plays with her phone for a long moment. It had been a few days since she had seen Axel and even longer since they had really been on a date. She hopped everything was ok. Sometimes he needed his free space and she new that but it was unlike him to call into work so much.
She wanted to call him but would that be invading. To Axel it might be. Maybe it was just better to let him call her first. If he canceled there date tonight she'd ask him about it. Jess worse fear though as that she was losing him.
Just...
Having Rosetta come to him, Mick doesn't pull away. There had been so much lately... so much stress... so much pain... this news just put it all over the top and he just couldn't handle it alone.
Resting his head against her, he didn't care about the time that passes or how many tears were shed. He hurt for Cindy. He hurt for Wes. He hurt for himself and the rest of the family. He hurt for Kaylee.
Eventually the small couch in the office is where Mick and Rosetta end up, pulling comfort from each other through hugs, tears and prayers together. But as the time does move on, the inevitable comes, and others must be told.
The information hits most hard. Some remain hopeful. Others don't believe there is hope. The women call on Cindy if she needs them or to take Kaylee off her hands for a while. The men grieve in silence as the work of the day continues. The ranch must function. The work must go on. But it's hard when a vital limb of the family's body has been lost.
Turning quickly from the stove, Ariel gives Trey a crooked grin. He looked terrible. Not that it was surprising. "Yeah." She nods to the hallway. "Down the hall on the right is the bathroom. There's aspirin in the cabinet above the sink."
Her grin becomes a gentle, understanding smile. "And if you want to use the shower, there's a clean towel hanging up there too. After that, I'll have some coffee made."
Axel remains seated on the floor in front of his couch. He'd finally worked half a day yesterday but had called in again today. He hadn't seen Jess in three days and kept putting off their dates. She'd asked if he needed anything - he'd said no. Carson had called - he'd put him off. No... there was nothing anybody could do.
Sighing, Axel's eyes flit back to the droning television. What was he supposed to do now? What if he really was wrong? He didn't think so. He'd been so sure. But the proof had dispersed before his eyes. Now what?
His eyes glance to his phone. He really did want to see Jess. She was probably worried about him and maybe even hurt that he'd been pushing her away. He hadn't wanted that. It was just...
He sighs again.
It was just hard.
Resting his head against her, he didn't care about the time that passes or how many tears were shed. He hurt for Cindy. He hurt for Wes. He hurt for himself and the rest of the family. He hurt for Kaylee.
Eventually the small couch in the office is where Mick and Rosetta end up, pulling comfort from each other through hugs, tears and prayers together. But as the time does move on, the inevitable comes, and others must be told.
The information hits most hard. Some remain hopeful. Others don't believe there is hope. The women call on Cindy if she needs them or to take Kaylee off her hands for a while. The men grieve in silence as the work of the day continues. The ranch must function. The work must go on. But it's hard when a vital limb of the family's body has been lost.
Turning quickly from the stove, Ariel gives Trey a crooked grin. He looked terrible. Not that it was surprising. "Yeah." She nods to the hallway. "Down the hall on the right is the bathroom. There's aspirin in the cabinet above the sink."
Her grin becomes a gentle, understanding smile. "And if you want to use the shower, there's a clean towel hanging up there too. After that, I'll have some coffee made."
Axel remains seated on the floor in front of his couch. He'd finally worked half a day yesterday but had called in again today. He hadn't seen Jess in three days and kept putting off their dates. She'd asked if he needed anything - he'd said no. Carson had called - he'd put him off. No... there was nothing anybody could do.
Sighing, Axel's eyes flit back to the droning television. What was he supposed to do now? What if he really was wrong? He didn't think so. He'd been so sure. But the proof had dispersed before his eyes. Now what?
His eyes glance to his phone. He really did want to see Jess. She was probably worried about him and maybe even hurt that he'd been pushing her away. He hadn't wanted that. It was just...
He sighs again.
It was just hard.
3/13/12
Aspirin!
As Cindy enters the office Rosetta looks up from her desk. Giving a smile it soon fades seeing the look on Cindy's face. It makes her heart race and her stomach churn. It was a look that said something was wrong and Cindy was in a great deal of pain.
Hearing the news about Wes Rosetta's stomach crunches even more and it almost feels like she is going to be sick. After everything, everything that happened it was something like this that had take Wes down. Rosetta wanted to stand she wanted to go and hug Cindy but her legs just wouldn't work. They felt like jello as he skin went cold and a tear runs from her own cheek. Rosetta couldn't imagine what Cindy must be feeling.
"Please, if you need someone to talk to I am only a phone call away."
Rosetta wanted to say more but before she could Cindy was gone. Just sitting there for a while longer what her and Mick had been working on before was now gone. Her heart hurt and as she looked over at Mick it hurt even more. He very well could have just lost his brother and seeing the tears from him it make her heart hurt even more.
Finding the strength to stand Rosetta goes over to Mick's hand and sets a hand down on his shoulder before kneeling in front of him and wrapping her around around him. Letting her own tears just flow she comforted her husband at the same time. No words could ease this pain, only time, and hope two things that would not come easly but they would come. As for night now, tears and sarrow is what they were left with.
Moving on the couch Trey realized if can't roll one way and he can't move his legs either. Put on guard he sits up with a start. Sitting up and looking around he see a bundle of fur on his legs, and other can't at his side, and one on the back of the couch staring at him. Trying to remember what was going on a sharp pain courses through his head and the smell of coming cooking seems to making his stomach churn. Quickly he remembers what was going on and where he was.
Shaking his head he can't help but think about how much of an idiot he was. It was apparent though three of the five cats liked him. Laying back down and putting an arm over his eyes his hand comes to the cat that was next to him letting his fingers run through its fur. Did it really have to be morning? How much trouble was he going to be in when he got back to TJY? What did Ariel think of him now?
"Come on puss you gotta move. All of ya."
Shooing the cats down off of him Trey sits up holding his head still before standing and swaying again trying to regain his balance. He felt slightly drunk still but not nearly as bad as last night. Following the smells into the kitchen he stands in the doorway a moment just watching Ariel. Why...why did she care? The question still lingered in his mind.
"Do you have any aspirin?"
Hearing the news about Wes Rosetta's stomach crunches even more and it almost feels like she is going to be sick. After everything, everything that happened it was something like this that had take Wes down. Rosetta wanted to stand she wanted to go and hug Cindy but her legs just wouldn't work. They felt like jello as he skin went cold and a tear runs from her own cheek. Rosetta couldn't imagine what Cindy must be feeling.
"Please, if you need someone to talk to I am only a phone call away."
Rosetta wanted to say more but before she could Cindy was gone. Just sitting there for a while longer what her and Mick had been working on before was now gone. Her heart hurt and as she looked over at Mick it hurt even more. He very well could have just lost his brother and seeing the tears from him it make her heart hurt even more.
Finding the strength to stand Rosetta goes over to Mick's hand and sets a hand down on his shoulder before kneeling in front of him and wrapping her around around him. Letting her own tears just flow she comforted her husband at the same time. No words could ease this pain, only time, and hope two things that would not come easly but they would come. As for night now, tears and sarrow is what they were left with.
Moving on the couch Trey realized if can't roll one way and he can't move his legs either. Put on guard he sits up with a start. Sitting up and looking around he see a bundle of fur on his legs, and other can't at his side, and one on the back of the couch staring at him. Trying to remember what was going on a sharp pain courses through his head and the smell of coming cooking seems to making his stomach churn. Quickly he remembers what was going on and where he was.
Shaking his head he can't help but think about how much of an idiot he was. It was apparent though three of the five cats liked him. Laying back down and putting an arm over his eyes his hand comes to the cat that was next to him letting his fingers run through its fur. Did it really have to be morning? How much trouble was he going to be in when he got back to TJY? What did Ariel think of him now?
"Come on puss you gotta move. All of ya."
Shooing the cats down off of him Trey sits up holding his head still before standing and swaying again trying to regain his balance. He felt slightly drunk still but not nearly as bad as last night. Following the smells into the kitchen he stands in the doorway a moment just watching Ariel. Why...why did she care? The question still lingered in his mind.
"Do you have any aspirin?"
Tears
Ariel almost grabs the glass as Trey just about drops it, but relaxes when he sets it down before spilling it. Seeing him suddenly conk out, she sighs. "You'll be okay," she murmurs. "If you just let someone in... you'll be okay." She knew he'd had a rough life. And she knew that no one's life was easy. But if he'd just allow people to help him and be his friends... he'd still be okay no matter what trials were thrown his way. Ultimately, she prayed that one day he'd also let God in his life.
Finally standing, Ariel reaches to Trey and gently moves him so he's lying down. Picking up his feet, she takes off his shoes and tucks his legs on the couch too, giving a wry grin as she realized just how long his legs really were. Grabbing a nearby blanket, she spreads it over him before running her fingers through his hair. She knew he'd be dead to the world for the night. "Sleep well, Trey."
"Now what?"
Ariel looks up at Colt who had just come back to the living room. She shrugs. "He stays. He just passed out."
"He's going to feel lovely in the morning."
"No kidding."
Colt cocks his head. "Shall we sit in the kitchen so you can give me the whole story?"
Ariel sighs. "Yeah." Following him to the kitchen, she pours them both a glass of Mountain Dew before sitting down across from him at the table. "You get a hold of Pete?"
"Mm-hmm... He sounded ticked - apparently he'd been looking for Trey? Glad to know he was here though and I convinced him not to come."
For that, Ariel was grateful. She hadn't told Colt about Trey, just because it was supposed to be someone secret, as far as her role, and she didn't want her brother to worry about her either. Though they saw each other all the time, they did have separate lives. It wasn't always that they hung out or spent an evening together like today. When adding all that up, she was sure Colt was utterly confused now. He didn't know who Trey was, he had no idea why Pete or the Elite were involved, or why on earth Trey was drunk to begin with. He really had been patient. And Ariel gives him a weary smile. "Well, a while back, Pete called me..."
That night, Colt bunked down on the office floor, refusing to leave Ariel alone with Trey. She was just as glad - not scared, but feeling better that her big brother was there. Resting well, the next morning she rose first and started cooking a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage for anyone who wanted it.
Dylan hoped he was actually welcome in the barn. He hadn't felt up to going out there earlier but now...
"Yeah, okay..." He backs into his bunkhouse and grabs his socks and boots. Returning, he sits on the porch step he finishes up before standing again. "I'm... not sure what anybody will want be doing but... I'll go with ya." He shrugs. "Probably if my dad sees me, he'll put me to work cleaning stalls."
Mick looks up from his desk in the office where he'd been working with Rosetta on some finances. Having a heard a knock, he now sees Cindy waiting to be invited in. "Hey, Cindy." He smiles. "Come on in."
She accepts. Slowly. And steps inside, her eyes drifting from Mick to Rosetta and back again.
Mick tenses. She wasn't smiling back. Something wasn't right. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Cindy swallows hard. She'd dropped Kaylee off at Becky's without explaining why yet. She wanted to tell Mick first. And Rosetta there was okay too. "I, um... I needed to come tell you something."
Mick gives Rosetta a worried glance before he stands up and goes around to be closer to his sister-in-law. "Go on..."
Cindy can't look him in the eye. He looked too much like his brother. "Yesterday... last night... Someone came to see me. He was a military officer."
Mick's gut twists. "And?" he prompts.
"And..." Cindy takes a deep breath and finally has the strength to look up again. "There was an explosion, and... they're doing all they can - which probably isn't a whole lot... but, um... Wes is... missing in action."
Stunned silence. Mick's breath catches in his throat an he looks to his wife as if hoping she were still in the room lest he not be able to stand. Looking back to Cindy, he sees her eyes reflecting pure agony. And it hurts. "Oh, Cindy..." He hurt. His brother was missing in action. That meant he was more than likely dead. His brother. Their family had stuck together and survived through trial after trial... and Wes had been the first to fall. All that could run through Mick's mind was, "Dear God, why?"
Cindy grits her teeth, trying so hard to remain strong. "I'm sorry..."
She was sorry? Mick had probably lost a brother... but Cindy was losing her husband. And she looked like she was ready to fall apart. "Don't be..." Stepping closer, he pulls her into a strong hug - to offer her comfort, but to also hide the tear that ran down his cheek.
Cindy rests her head against his chest, but doesn't stay for long. She was grateful for Mick's comfort, but it wasn't his comfort she longed for. Pulling back, she gives him a little nod. "I'm going to go back home now if... if you don't mind telling the others."
"Of course not." Mick gives her shoulder a squeeze. "If you need anything... at all... you let us know, okay?"
She nods. "Thanks, Mick." Looking to Rosetta she musters up a small smile before retreating. It was obvious that she did not want to stay.
Mick stares at the closed door for several moments before retreating to his desk chair again. Bending forward with his elbows on his knees, he takes a deep breath, but it didn't matter - the tears were going to come anyway. Putting his face in his hands, his shoulders tremble.
Finally standing, Ariel reaches to Trey and gently moves him so he's lying down. Picking up his feet, she takes off his shoes and tucks his legs on the couch too, giving a wry grin as she realized just how long his legs really were. Grabbing a nearby blanket, she spreads it over him before running her fingers through his hair. She knew he'd be dead to the world for the night. "Sleep well, Trey."
"Now what?"
Ariel looks up at Colt who had just come back to the living room. She shrugs. "He stays. He just passed out."
"He's going to feel lovely in the morning."
"No kidding."
Colt cocks his head. "Shall we sit in the kitchen so you can give me the whole story?"
Ariel sighs. "Yeah." Following him to the kitchen, she pours them both a glass of Mountain Dew before sitting down across from him at the table. "You get a hold of Pete?"
"Mm-hmm... He sounded ticked - apparently he'd been looking for Trey? Glad to know he was here though and I convinced him not to come."
For that, Ariel was grateful. She hadn't told Colt about Trey, just because it was supposed to be someone secret, as far as her role, and she didn't want her brother to worry about her either. Though they saw each other all the time, they did have separate lives. It wasn't always that they hung out or spent an evening together like today. When adding all that up, she was sure Colt was utterly confused now. He didn't know who Trey was, he had no idea why Pete or the Elite were involved, or why on earth Trey was drunk to begin with. He really had been patient. And Ariel gives him a weary smile. "Well, a while back, Pete called me..."
That night, Colt bunked down on the office floor, refusing to leave Ariel alone with Trey. She was just as glad - not scared, but feeling better that her big brother was there. Resting well, the next morning she rose first and started cooking a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage for anyone who wanted it.
Dylan hoped he was actually welcome in the barn. He hadn't felt up to going out there earlier but now...
"Yeah, okay..." He backs into his bunkhouse and grabs his socks and boots. Returning, he sits on the porch step he finishes up before standing again. "I'm... not sure what anybody will want be doing but... I'll go with ya." He shrugs. "Probably if my dad sees me, he'll put me to work cleaning stalls."
Mick looks up from his desk in the office where he'd been working with Rosetta on some finances. Having a heard a knock, he now sees Cindy waiting to be invited in. "Hey, Cindy." He smiles. "Come on in."
She accepts. Slowly. And steps inside, her eyes drifting from Mick to Rosetta and back again.
Mick tenses. She wasn't smiling back. Something wasn't right. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Cindy swallows hard. She'd dropped Kaylee off at Becky's without explaining why yet. She wanted to tell Mick first. And Rosetta there was okay too. "I, um... I needed to come tell you something."
Mick gives Rosetta a worried glance before he stands up and goes around to be closer to his sister-in-law. "Go on..."
Cindy can't look him in the eye. He looked too much like his brother. "Yesterday... last night... Someone came to see me. He was a military officer."
Mick's gut twists. "And?" he prompts.
"And..." Cindy takes a deep breath and finally has the strength to look up again. "There was an explosion, and... they're doing all they can - which probably isn't a whole lot... but, um... Wes is... missing in action."
Stunned silence. Mick's breath catches in his throat an he looks to his wife as if hoping she were still in the room lest he not be able to stand. Looking back to Cindy, he sees her eyes reflecting pure agony. And it hurts. "Oh, Cindy..." He hurt. His brother was missing in action. That meant he was more than likely dead. His brother. Their family had stuck together and survived through trial after trial... and Wes had been the first to fall. All that could run through Mick's mind was, "Dear God, why?"
Cindy grits her teeth, trying so hard to remain strong. "I'm sorry..."
She was sorry? Mick had probably lost a brother... but Cindy was losing her husband. And she looked like she was ready to fall apart. "Don't be..." Stepping closer, he pulls her into a strong hug - to offer her comfort, but to also hide the tear that ran down his cheek.
Cindy rests her head against his chest, but doesn't stay for long. She was grateful for Mick's comfort, but it wasn't his comfort she longed for. Pulling back, she gives him a little nod. "I'm going to go back home now if... if you don't mind telling the others."
"Of course not." Mick gives her shoulder a squeeze. "If you need anything... at all... you let us know, okay?"
She nods. "Thanks, Mick." Looking to Rosetta she musters up a small smile before retreating. It was obvious that she did not want to stay.
Mick stares at the closed door for several moments before retreating to his desk chair again. Bending forward with his elbows on his knees, he takes a deep breath, but it didn't matter - the tears were going to come anyway. Putting his face in his hands, his shoulders tremble.
Help
Siting on the couch with his head back Trey tilts it a little bit to look at a cat in the face than had been sniffing his hair. Rolling his eyes he was to tired from being drunk to bother shooing the car away. Not even realizing it though he's started to nod off.
As Ariel sits down Trey gives a little jump waking up. Looking to her and taking the water his gives a small nod before taking a sip. The liquid went down hard but he had to force it. If he could head off even a little of the hangover he as going to feeling in the morning than it was worth it.
"Thanks."
Looking around the room for a second Trey trys to get his eyes to focus. It was hard at the moment but he wanted to know about his surroundings. Taking everything in Trey sips the water again before looking to Ariel.
"You....have a nice place."
Would he remember in the morning he had a feeling he would. If he's remember how to get to her place that would be another story all together. Giving a yawn Trey can feel himself start to nod off again. Almost dumping the glass of water he wakes a moment and leans forward to putt the glass down on the table.
"I just...gotta rest a second than I'll leave."
Closing his eyes again and leaning his head back Trey was out like a light. The alcohol taking over and finally knocking him out.
Ashlee understood what Dylan was saying but she didn't really understand what it was like but the good thing was he was home now again and for that she was happy. She kept the smile held on her face. If just being happy he was back helped Dylan than that was good and it made her happy.
"Well I'll have to thank Dan too. But you made the choose to come back and thats great too."
She wasn't sure how things would be. How her mom would be, or Mick but she hoped they would let them be friends still. Dylan was an ok guy and she enjoyed spending what little time they did spend together again.
"Want to come to the barn with me? I have some work to do but I bet Eric wont mind if you come either."
As Ariel sits down Trey gives a little jump waking up. Looking to her and taking the water his gives a small nod before taking a sip. The liquid went down hard but he had to force it. If he could head off even a little of the hangover he as going to feeling in the morning than it was worth it.
"Thanks."
Looking around the room for a second Trey trys to get his eyes to focus. It was hard at the moment but he wanted to know about his surroundings. Taking everything in Trey sips the water again before looking to Ariel.
"You....have a nice place."
Would he remember in the morning he had a feeling he would. If he's remember how to get to her place that would be another story all together. Giving a yawn Trey can feel himself start to nod off again. Almost dumping the glass of water he wakes a moment and leans forward to putt the glass down on the table.
"I just...gotta rest a second than I'll leave."
Closing his eyes again and leaning his head back Trey was out like a light. The alcohol taking over and finally knocking him out.
Ashlee understood what Dylan was saying but she didn't really understand what it was like but the good thing was he was home now again and for that she was happy. She kept the smile held on her face. If just being happy he was back helped Dylan than that was good and it made her happy.
"Well I'll have to thank Dan too. But you made the choose to come back and thats great too."
She wasn't sure how things would be. How her mom would be, or Mick but she hoped they would let them be friends still. Dylan was an ok guy and she enjoyed spending what little time they did spend together again.
"Want to come to the barn with me? I have some work to do but I bet Eric wont mind if you come either."
3/12/12
Rock bottom
Glad that Trey had agreed to stay, Ariel hangs on to him so he won't fall. "I got plenty of water. Just come on in and I'll get you a nice tall glass, okay?"
Helping him inside, she aims him for the living room, her arm around him to keep him from stumbling into furniture.
Colt is pacing the living room, still holding the purring cat and he looks up in surprise as Ariel brings Trey in. He frowns and quirks one eyebrow in disapproval.
Ariel throws him a look that warned him to be still. Bringing Trey to the couch, she lets him ease down to sit. "I'll be right back - just sit tight." She heads quickly to the kitchen to pour a glass of water. Turning from the sink, she almost runs right into her brother. Gasping, she barely keeps from spilling the water. "What are you... please move."
Colt stands in her way. "Are you really sure about this? I mean, do you really think this is smart?"
Ariel sighs. "No. It's probably not. But he's my friend. It's a long story, Colt... but please trust me... And give Pete a call."
"Pete? What for?"
"Tell him Trey's here and convince him not to come."
"Are you kidding me?" Colt throws up his hands, forgetting he was still holding Baby and almost dumping her on the floor. "What are you gonna do? Let that guy spend the night?"
Ariel shrugs. "If he falls asleep, I'm not going to wake him up just to kick him out."
Colt scowls. "Then don't expect me to leave tonight."
Ariel smiles and pats his arm. "I thought you'd never offer." Sidling past him, she continues on her way to the living room.
Colt smirks and rolls his eyes, realizing that his sister had been planning for him to stay this whole time. Sighing, he heads for the hallway to make the phone call from Ariel's office.
Ariel eases down on the armrest of the couch and hands Trey the glass of water. "Here you go. How you feeling?"
Dylan knew that question would come, but it didn't make it any easier. His eyes fall and attach themselves to the porch. He shrugs. "I dunno..." That wasn't really true. But how was he supposed to explain it to Ashlee?
He shifts his weight and swallows hard. "I guess... um..."
He finally looks back up at her and takes a deep breath. She thought a lot of him... and if she knew the truth, all that might change. But he didn't want to lie to her either. If she decided not to be his friend anymore then... he'd just have to accept it.
"I was with some people that... weren't so great, ya know?" He shrugs again. "I guess Dan reminded me that it's not so bad here. I..."
Dylan stops, suddenly finding it very difficult to talk about this. Staring up at the sky for a moment, his jaw muscles help him work through his jumbled emotions. Finally glancing back at Ashlee, he shakes his head. "I haven't been in a very good place, Ash. And I've done some pretty stupid things." He bites his lip. "I... well, I suppose you've got Dan to thank for me still being here at all." It was true. He'd been so very close to ending it all. So close that it still scared him, and the look in his eye proved it. "I guess I came back because I hit rock bottom."
His eyes roam the area before landing back on Ashlee. What would she think of him a few days from now? When he would hate everything and everyone around him? When he would want nothing but to escape for one more dose? He'd gone through it before. He knew what was coming. What would she think of him then? His apprehensive gaze lingers.
"I'm not very far from that bottom now but... thanks for being glad I'm back. It, um... it helps."
Helping him inside, she aims him for the living room, her arm around him to keep him from stumbling into furniture.
Colt is pacing the living room, still holding the purring cat and he looks up in surprise as Ariel brings Trey in. He frowns and quirks one eyebrow in disapproval.
Ariel throws him a look that warned him to be still. Bringing Trey to the couch, she lets him ease down to sit. "I'll be right back - just sit tight." She heads quickly to the kitchen to pour a glass of water. Turning from the sink, she almost runs right into her brother. Gasping, she barely keeps from spilling the water. "What are you... please move."
Colt stands in her way. "Are you really sure about this? I mean, do you really think this is smart?"
Ariel sighs. "No. It's probably not. But he's my friend. It's a long story, Colt... but please trust me... And give Pete a call."
"Pete? What for?"
"Tell him Trey's here and convince him not to come."
"Are you kidding me?" Colt throws up his hands, forgetting he was still holding Baby and almost dumping her on the floor. "What are you gonna do? Let that guy spend the night?"
Ariel shrugs. "If he falls asleep, I'm not going to wake him up just to kick him out."
Colt scowls. "Then don't expect me to leave tonight."
Ariel smiles and pats his arm. "I thought you'd never offer." Sidling past him, she continues on her way to the living room.
Colt smirks and rolls his eyes, realizing that his sister had been planning for him to stay this whole time. Sighing, he heads for the hallway to make the phone call from Ariel's office.
Ariel eases down on the armrest of the couch and hands Trey the glass of water. "Here you go. How you feeling?"
Dylan knew that question would come, but it didn't make it any easier. His eyes fall and attach themselves to the porch. He shrugs. "I dunno..." That wasn't really true. But how was he supposed to explain it to Ashlee?
He shifts his weight and swallows hard. "I guess... um..."
He finally looks back up at her and takes a deep breath. She thought a lot of him... and if she knew the truth, all that might change. But he didn't want to lie to her either. If she decided not to be his friend anymore then... he'd just have to accept it.
"I was with some people that... weren't so great, ya know?" He shrugs again. "I guess Dan reminded me that it's not so bad here. I..."
Dylan stops, suddenly finding it very difficult to talk about this. Staring up at the sky for a moment, his jaw muscles help him work through his jumbled emotions. Finally glancing back at Ashlee, he shakes his head. "I haven't been in a very good place, Ash. And I've done some pretty stupid things." He bites his lip. "I... well, I suppose you've got Dan to thank for me still being here at all." It was true. He'd been so very close to ending it all. So close that it still scared him, and the look in his eye proved it. "I guess I came back because I hit rock bottom."
His eyes roam the area before landing back on Ashlee. What would she think of him a few days from now? When he would hate everything and everyone around him? When he would want nothing but to escape for one more dose? He'd gone through it before. He knew what was coming. What would she think of him then? His apprehensive gaze lingers.
"I'm not very far from that bottom now but... thanks for being glad I'm back. It, um... it helps."
Water
Stepping back and looking up at Dylan Ash still smiled. Her felt good seeing her friend again, even if she had changed a little bit now that he was here things would get better for him again.
"No not really. I've been working in the barn more helping, and my ankle still gives me some greaf but all in all nothing has changed much."
Leaning against the door frame Ashlee found the silenct a bit odd but she didn't want to draw to much attachen to it. Maybe it was just because Dylan had been gone a little that it made it strange.
"So why did you come back?"
Turning to look at Ariel again and search her face Trey wondered just how much truth to her words. It was hard to wrap his mind around anything right now but without the liqueur would it be worse? He didn't know.
Seeing Ariel give a shiver Trey relized it must be cold of. Being drunk made him warmer but it was easy to see she was not. Giving a nod he stands maybe if he stayed put Reese wouldn't come down on him to hard.
"I...I geuss I'll come inside...no....no coffee though."
Trey could feel his stomach churn at just the thought. Standing and swaying a little Trey could feel his eyes starting to getting heavy. He did need to drink some water though before he passed out he was going to have to have a killer head ach in the morning.
"Think I couldsh get a glassh of water?"
"No not really. I've been working in the barn more helping, and my ankle still gives me some greaf but all in all nothing has changed much."
Leaning against the door frame Ashlee found the silenct a bit odd but she didn't want to draw to much attachen to it. Maybe it was just because Dylan had been gone a little that it made it strange.
"So why did you come back?"
Turning to look at Ariel again and search her face Trey wondered just how much truth to her words. It was hard to wrap his mind around anything right now but without the liqueur would it be worse? He didn't know.
Seeing Ariel give a shiver Trey relized it must be cold of. Being drunk made him warmer but it was easy to see she was not. Giving a nod he stands maybe if he stayed put Reese wouldn't come down on him to hard.
"I...I geuss I'll come inside...no....no coffee though."
Trey could feel his stomach churn at just the thought. Standing and swaying a little Trey could feel his eyes starting to getting heavy. He did need to drink some water though before he passed out he was going to have to have a killer head ach in the morning.
"Think I couldsh get a glassh of water?"
Sack out
Dylan had not expected a hug. At most, he'd thought Ashlee might just say hi, give him a look of disdain and ask him a bunch of questions. But a hug? He hadn't been prepared.
Caught off guard, he just stands lamely for a moment, unsure what to do as Ashlee buries her face against him. His eyes widen slightly but he manages to give a rather awkward hug in return. Sure they were friends but... well maybe he hadn't realized just how much Ashlee really did like him.
Pulling back a little, his hands rest on her shoulders for a couple seconds before they return to his pockets. "Um... thanks." He shakes his head. "You're not invading."
Falling silent again, he has no idea what to say. "So, um... anything new happen since I've been gone?"
Drawing back a couple inches to study Trey's face, Ariel gives him a crooked grin. She was flattered that he found her attractive, though she wondered if he'd feel the same once he was sobered up again.
His apology makes her sigh and she pats his back. "Well... I guess I'm kinda disappointed - not that you came, but that you went out and got yourself in this state. I... wish you would have come before getting that far." She looks him in the eye. "You do have friends, you know. Whether you believe it or not."
Inside the apartment, Colt quietly steps closer to the door to pick up a purring ball of gray tabby fur before she escaped outside. Slinging Baby over his shoulder he steps back again, making sure none of the other cats got any ideas either. He wasn't so sure he approved of whatever friend this was of his sister's, but he wouldn't interfere. Amazingly, it looked like she had things under control, and he had to respect her for that.
Ariel gives Trey another pat before standing up and offering him her hands. "Come on," she prompts. "I'm getting cold. If you wanna stay up I'll make some coffee, or you can sack out on the couch if you like."
Caught off guard, he just stands lamely for a moment, unsure what to do as Ashlee buries her face against him. His eyes widen slightly but he manages to give a rather awkward hug in return. Sure they were friends but... well maybe he hadn't realized just how much Ashlee really did like him.
Pulling back a little, his hands rest on her shoulders for a couple seconds before they return to his pockets. "Um... thanks." He shakes his head. "You're not invading."
Falling silent again, he has no idea what to say. "So, um... anything new happen since I've been gone?"
Drawing back a couple inches to study Trey's face, Ariel gives him a crooked grin. She was flattered that he found her attractive, though she wondered if he'd feel the same once he was sobered up again.
His apology makes her sigh and she pats his back. "Well... I guess I'm kinda disappointed - not that you came, but that you went out and got yourself in this state. I... wish you would have come before getting that far." She looks him in the eye. "You do have friends, you know. Whether you believe it or not."
Inside the apartment, Colt quietly steps closer to the door to pick up a purring ball of gray tabby fur before she escaped outside. Slinging Baby over his shoulder he steps back again, making sure none of the other cats got any ideas either. He wasn't so sure he approved of whatever friend this was of his sister's, but he wouldn't interfere. Amazingly, it looked like she had things under control, and he had to respect her for that.
Ariel gives Trey another pat before standing up and offering him her hands. "Come on," she prompts. "I'm getting cold. If you wanna stay up I'll make some coffee, or you can sack out on the couch if you like."
Welcoming
As Dylan opens the door Ashlee can't help the big smile that spread across her face. Studying Dylan for a moment Ashlee takes in how thing he looked, how tired he looked and how the last month had taken its toll. Her heart ached a little bit. Putting that behind her though she can't help but reach out and put her arms around Dylan burying her face into his shirt.
"I'm so happy your back."
Just staying in the hug for a long moment Ashlee really did mean what she said. She was happy he was home, safe, and she was just happy. Though her time had been filled with other things she still had missed Dylan the most.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to invade your space I just...I'm really glad your back."
Beth thinks for a moment taking her coffee back into the living room and sitting. She was feeling slightly tired from the events of the day but wasn't ready to get off the phone just yet.
"Well it sounds like a plan to me. Tomorrow you cook and I'll pick the movie. I'll maybe even bring over the dessert."
She did think that sounded like fun and spending some time with Justin would be nice. She had only tried his cooking one and it was pretty good so she didn't mind trying it again.
Trey mumbles something that couldn't be made out. Maybe it was something to do with what Ariel said maybe not but the words were unable to be made out. Finally looking up into Ariel's eyes Trey's own were glazed over. He's had way to much to drink tonight and he new in the morning he was going to be sorry/
"Your afshly pretty you....know that."
He's had girls before, but there was just something about Ariel she was different and she just felt different around her. He didn't understand it just like he still didn't understand why she cared for him so much. All he new is he made himself look like an idiot tonight.
"I'm sorry I came....came here like this. I...truly am."
"I'm so happy your back."
Just staying in the hug for a long moment Ashlee really did mean what she said. She was happy he was home, safe, and she was just happy. Though her time had been filled with other things she still had missed Dylan the most.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to invade your space I just...I'm really glad your back."
Beth thinks for a moment taking her coffee back into the living room and sitting. She was feeling slightly tired from the events of the day but wasn't ready to get off the phone just yet.
"Well it sounds like a plan to me. Tomorrow you cook and I'll pick the movie. I'll maybe even bring over the dessert."
She did think that sounded like fun and spending some time with Justin would be nice. She had only tried his cooking one and it was pretty good so she didn't mind trying it again.
Trey mumbles something that couldn't be made out. Maybe it was something to do with what Ariel said maybe not but the words were unable to be made out. Finally looking up into Ariel's eyes Trey's own were glazed over. He's had way to much to drink tonight and he new in the morning he was going to be sorry/
"Your afshly pretty you....know that."
He's had girls before, but there was just something about Ariel she was different and she just felt different around her. He didn't understand it just like he still didn't understand why she cared for him so much. All he new is he made himself look like an idiot tonight.
"I'm sorry I came....came here like this. I...truly am."
Nobody
Ariel sighs, keeping her arm around Trey and rubbing his shoulder gently. "Yeah... running away is usually easier." She cocks her head forward, trying to get a look at his face. "But I never figured you to be a coward who would run from a fight." She gives him an extra little squeeze.
"Don't worry about your curfew. I'll handle Pete myself."
Falling quiet for a moment, she mulls over everything Trey had been saying. She knew very little about his past. About his home life. About his lifestyle. She knew he was kept at TJY for protection because his family was involved in drug dealing - she could only assume he himself had been into all sorts of stuff. Her mind ran wild with thoughts of drugs, alcohol, girls... But she'd envisioned all of that ever since Pete had asked her to befriend Trey. And it had changed nothing. That first night at the beach when he'd put his arm around her... she'd seen not a criminal, but someone who had perhaps been misled yet still had a good heart underneath it all. He'd been let down... felt unloved... felt abandoned... It was a wonder he'd been as much of a gentleman with her as he had. She'd prepared for him to try and take advantage of her - but he'd never once made any kind of inappropriate moves. No... there was a good man under it all. And tonight... while some might just see a drunken bum, she was getting a glimpse of the real Trey.
"Not everybody will let you down." She speaks softly, her voice a soothing tone. "You've been wronged, no doubt." She wasn't sure by whom or how, but it was an obvious fact. "And I'm truly sorry for everything you've been through. It's no way to live."
She keeps rubbing his shoulder, just praying that he would stay and not try to leave again. "But eventually... eventually you have to stop running. If you keep on running, I'm going to be left behind and that would make me pretty sad. Whether you want to believe it or not, people around here do care about you. We all disappoint each other at some point, but that doesn't mean we care any less for you. We're just human and make mistakes. But that's why we say we're sorry and we forgive each other. When we do that, it just makes us stronger. It's the warrior's way of life, not the coward's." Would he even remember her words in the morning? She had her doubts.
Reaching over with her free hand, she wraps her fingers around his. "You're going to be alright, Trey... it's all going to be alright. You're safe here, okay? Nobody's gonna hurt you."
"Don't worry about your curfew. I'll handle Pete myself."
Falling quiet for a moment, she mulls over everything Trey had been saying. She knew very little about his past. About his home life. About his lifestyle. She knew he was kept at TJY for protection because his family was involved in drug dealing - she could only assume he himself had been into all sorts of stuff. Her mind ran wild with thoughts of drugs, alcohol, girls... But she'd envisioned all of that ever since Pete had asked her to befriend Trey. And it had changed nothing. That first night at the beach when he'd put his arm around her... she'd seen not a criminal, but someone who had perhaps been misled yet still had a good heart underneath it all. He'd been let down... felt unloved... felt abandoned... It was a wonder he'd been as much of a gentleman with her as he had. She'd prepared for him to try and take advantage of her - but he'd never once made any kind of inappropriate moves. No... there was a good man under it all. And tonight... while some might just see a drunken bum, she was getting a glimpse of the real Trey.
"Not everybody will let you down." She speaks softly, her voice a soothing tone. "You've been wronged, no doubt." She wasn't sure by whom or how, but it was an obvious fact. "And I'm truly sorry for everything you've been through. It's no way to live."
She keeps rubbing his shoulder, just praying that he would stay and not try to leave again. "But eventually... eventually you have to stop running. If you keep on running, I'm going to be left behind and that would make me pretty sad. Whether you want to believe it or not, people around here do care about you. We all disappoint each other at some point, but that doesn't mean we care any less for you. We're just human and make mistakes. But that's why we say we're sorry and we forgive each other. When we do that, it just makes us stronger. It's the warrior's way of life, not the coward's." Would he even remember her words in the morning? She had her doubts.
Reaching over with her free hand, she wraps her fingers around his. "You're going to be alright, Trey... it's all going to be alright. You're safe here, okay? Nobody's gonna hurt you."
Big Trouble
Turning his head a little bit Trey just looks at Ariel for a moment. Trying to wrap his drunken mind around her words. He still didn't understand, she hardly new him, or the things that marked his past.
"You...will just leave likke eveyone elsh. They shaid they all...all cared too but...but they alll left too."
Looking back down again Trey didn't know if be believed that or not. Everything was so mixed together he wasn't sure what to believe anymore.
"Running awaysg is eashier than being a let down it having shome one else leave first."
Leaning into Ariel a little Trey just looked down at the ground. He could feel his eyes starting to get heavy but his mine was racing to much to sleep.
"I'm in big trouble...its past my cerfew by..a lot."
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