Looking to Mick and than giving a big smile BJ liked the way it sounded to have a big brother. Continuing to watch home for a long moment BJ gives a little sigh not one of distraught, but more of a contentment.
Hopping out of his chair but keeping the checker bored on the table for a moment though BJ takes a few steps twords Dylan. Reaching his little arms up he wraps them around Dylan's wast and gives him a big tight hug.
"I love you Big Brother!"
Pulling away and giving a smile the space in the front where one tooth was missing shown. Turning to the table and garbing the game and moves away and gives back to Mick's side setting it down and hopping in the chair next to him. Starting to set the game up BJ would wait patiently until Mick was ready.
Giving a nod even though Gunner could see her she did it anyways. Feeling that lump in her throat she pushed herself on to talk to Gunner. Nothing would be the same till he was back, but at least this was a tiny bit of light in the darkness.
"For you I'd do anything. You hang in there too, and give those guards a good run for there money."
Bree new her mood wouldn't change much till she was in Gunner's arms again or at least not living in fear, and being able to see him again but she would try for him to do the best she could. Each day that passed she just had to remember it was a day closer to the end of this whole crappy thing. In a few months they would be back to there normal life, and this would be far in the past.
"Tonight, look at the starts with me ok?"
Looking up into her fathers eyes as he drew away Thirteen kept her arms around him, but seeing the small tear she removed one had. Bringing it up to the side if his face she brushed it away with her finger. Giving a small nod she confirmed she did have a lot of questions.
"When your ready though. I don't want to push you to hard. We have the rest of our life now."
Thirteen gave a smile to her Dad once again. She hopped he would stick around now, and stay in contact with her. Even if she did live far away they could stay in touch on the phone and through the mail.
"Can you promise me we will stay in touch now though? This is really important to me, and even if you don't think you deserve it I know you want to get to know me too."
Dan can't help but laugh just hearing a little about Jade's Aunt he new she was going to be in for a treat. Being pulled once again twords the front door all Dan can do it laugh and shake his head his eyes sparkling very brightly. Almost out of the kitchen Dan gives a wave to Jill and Ben a little laugh in his voice.
"It was nice meeting both of you. If you need any help feel free to rescue me from Aunt Marcy. I think I am going to need it on this one."
Feeling the tug on his arm from Jade Dan dosnt resist anymore knowing she was way to excited to try and slow down. Oh how he loved her life.
2/18/10
Cardiac arrest
Dylan sees BJ out of the corner of his eye and shifts his weight just a little, not getting up and moving, but not showing any warmth either. What did the kid want with him anyway? He was supposed to be enthralled with his daddy, not him.
Eventually, Dylan's eyes move without turning his head, to glance at the little boy who was now sitting like him. Great. That's all his dad would want, for him to be copying him right off the bat. Looking across the table, he throws Mick a glance that said, you've got to be kidding me.
Mick can't help a little grin, though he tries to hide it. It was just a little humorous seeing Dylan in that position. "BJ, this is your big brother, Dylan. I don't think he cares much for checkers though, so why don't you bring that board on over here, hmm?"
Dylan's eyes snap back to the table, his thumb nail finding a small notch to outline. Silence was his friend.
Bree's thanks brings a soft sort of smile to Gunner's face. He could imagine her bent head and wanted to reach out and tilt her chin up with a finger. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat." And he would, too. The holidays were slowing the system down, but he was confident that as soon as things started rolling again, Angelica and David would be able to get him out of here some way or another.
"Just hang in there, alright? For me?"
Thirteen moved too fast for Trent to even react and suddenly he was caught in her embrace. So surprised, he just stands there lamely for a moment, not having a clue what to do. He didn't want to be here. He hadn't wanted this to happen. He'd been ready to walk away from everything. He'd been serious about leaving it all behind. But it was as if some invisible force was unlocking his heart, and quite suddenly, it was his father instincts that were taking over instead of logic.
Slowly, slowly, Trent's arms move to wrap around Thirteen and hold her close. His head bends to rest on top of hers and he closes his eyes, taken back so many years before when her tiny fingers had curled around his thumb. He'd held her so few times before she and her mother had been ripped from his life. A tear travels from his eye and down his cheek, dispersing into Thirteen's soft hair.
"I don't see any dirt and scratches in you," he whispers.
Pulling her away a little, his hands move up to cradle her face, brushing aside her hair so he can see her eyes. It was no wonder she'd pegged Eric... she looked more like a Pent than Trent did himself. "You're beautiful inside and out and don't let anybody tell you different."
Searching her gaze, he just felt so lost, having no idea what to do or what to say. Words of his family, and words of Bree haunted his mind, screaming at him not to walk away like he'd wanted to just minutes before.
"I... I suppose you have a lot of questions."
Ben laughs and shakes his head. "Well more power to ya. If you can handle her, then you're the right man for the job."
Jade looks over to Dan, her eyes sparkling even more, now that she had her mom and step-dad's approval. Sliding back over to him, she gives him a big hug and a kiss just on the cheek in front of her parents, smiling at them so broadly.
Jill chuckles and sighs, obviously realizing that no matter what she said, her girl was totally in love.
The doorbell ringing interrupted the happy little moment and Jill jumps. "Ohh, that's going to be Aunt Marcy. Jade, go greet her but don't let her come in the kitchen."
Jade's eyes widen. "Well how am I supposed to keep her out of here? You know she can't keep her hands out of the cooking."
"I don't know." Jill racks her brain. "Take her to the living room. Tell her a story." Her eyes light up. "Ahh... tell her you're engaged. That will keep her there for a while."
Jade puts a hand over her mouth as she giggles. "Yeah, under cardiac arrest." Grabbing Dan's hand, she drags him back to the door. "Come on. If you can make it past Aunt Marcy, the rest of my family will be a piece of cake."
Eventually, Dylan's eyes move without turning his head, to glance at the little boy who was now sitting like him. Great. That's all his dad would want, for him to be copying him right off the bat. Looking across the table, he throws Mick a glance that said, you've got to be kidding me.
Mick can't help a little grin, though he tries to hide it. It was just a little humorous seeing Dylan in that position. "BJ, this is your big brother, Dylan. I don't think he cares much for checkers though, so why don't you bring that board on over here, hmm?"
Dylan's eyes snap back to the table, his thumb nail finding a small notch to outline. Silence was his friend.
Bree's thanks brings a soft sort of smile to Gunner's face. He could imagine her bent head and wanted to reach out and tilt her chin up with a finger. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat." And he would, too. The holidays were slowing the system down, but he was confident that as soon as things started rolling again, Angelica and David would be able to get him out of here some way or another.
"Just hang in there, alright? For me?"
Thirteen moved too fast for Trent to even react and suddenly he was caught in her embrace. So surprised, he just stands there lamely for a moment, not having a clue what to do. He didn't want to be here. He hadn't wanted this to happen. He'd been ready to walk away from everything. He'd been serious about leaving it all behind. But it was as if some invisible force was unlocking his heart, and quite suddenly, it was his father instincts that were taking over instead of logic.
Slowly, slowly, Trent's arms move to wrap around Thirteen and hold her close. His head bends to rest on top of hers and he closes his eyes, taken back so many years before when her tiny fingers had curled around his thumb. He'd held her so few times before she and her mother had been ripped from his life. A tear travels from his eye and down his cheek, dispersing into Thirteen's soft hair.
"I don't see any dirt and scratches in you," he whispers.
Pulling her away a little, his hands move up to cradle her face, brushing aside her hair so he can see her eyes. It was no wonder she'd pegged Eric... she looked more like a Pent than Trent did himself. "You're beautiful inside and out and don't let anybody tell you different."
Searching her gaze, he just felt so lost, having no idea what to do or what to say. Words of his family, and words of Bree haunted his mind, screaming at him not to walk away like he'd wanted to just minutes before.
"I... I suppose you have a lot of questions."
Ben laughs and shakes his head. "Well more power to ya. If you can handle her, then you're the right man for the job."
Jade looks over to Dan, her eyes sparkling even more, now that she had her mom and step-dad's approval. Sliding back over to him, she gives him a big hug and a kiss just on the cheek in front of her parents, smiling at them so broadly.
Jill chuckles and sighs, obviously realizing that no matter what she said, her girl was totally in love.
The doorbell ringing interrupted the happy little moment and Jill jumps. "Ohh, that's going to be Aunt Marcy. Jade, go greet her but don't let her come in the kitchen."
Jade's eyes widen. "Well how am I supposed to keep her out of here? You know she can't keep her hands out of the cooking."
"I don't know." Jill racks her brain. "Take her to the living room. Tell her a story." Her eyes light up. "Ahh... tell her you're engaged. That will keep her there for a while."
Jade puts a hand over her mouth as she giggles. "Yeah, under cardiac arrest." Grabbing Dan's hand, she drags him back to the door. "Come on. If you can make it past Aunt Marcy, the rest of my family will be a piece of cake."
I know...
Wrapping his fingers around Jade's and entering the house Dan was so nervous himself. His main concern about this whole thing was Jade's parents. He was older than her and he new she was still young. They could not agree and it could turn out very bad. That was the last thing Dan wanted, so he hoped and pray they would at least be open minded. After all it wasn't Jade's mom he was to worried about, it was Mick.
Keeping up with Jade as she almost pulled him down the hall the smile never moved from Dan's face. He felt like he was in high school again. The excitement, the nerves and he was loving every moment. Entering the kitchen Dan stands on one end his arms around Jade. Being introduced to her mother he gives a small wave with a friendly smile.
"How could I not want to stay for dinner when something smells so good already. As long as you have enough to go around and don't mind me just dropping in like this."
Watching as mother and father interact Dan's smile widens just a little. It was nice seeing Jade's mom actually letting her daughter answer and not just telling her no. Both the looks on there faces were hard to explain but it eased Dan's own mind about her mother.
Turning his head to see Ben as he walked up beside him Dan smiles and gives a small nod. I guess he did know how to make an entrance. He never really thought about it till this moment that this really was a romantic thing to do. Even after Katie had said it was too.
"Hey, first impressions right? Whats better than making sure you daughter is happy!"
Returning Ben's hand shake Dan can't help his own beaming smile. It felt good knowing he was accepted, and it felt good to hear what Jade has said without hesitation to her mom about being sure. Hearing Ben's comment about Jade Dan gives another nod, and grin as he looked back over at Jade.
"I know she is, thats what I love the most about her!!"
Standing there with her Dad, having him show her how to brush the horse the right way Thirteen felt a warm feeling in her heart. It was something she'd never felt quite like this. Though it couldn't be seen and some might think it was there, it was a warm loving feeling. He really did care.
"Circle, circle, circle, brush, than scrap. I think I got it."
Thirteen was excited she was getting the hang of brushing the horse. Taking note that she was enjoying just getting brushed and the first out of her coat.
Continuing to brush once and a while Thirteen can't help but glance at her dad's hand on top of her own. It felt so warm to her. Hearing Trent's comment though made Thirteen just a little bit sad. He really did wish he could change anything thinking he wasn't good enough. But she loved him anyways, and didnt care what had happened in the past.
Not being able to help it, and knowing she said she would take it slow Thirteen didn't care. She felt so bad for her Dad and she just wanted him to know she loved him. Turning just fast enough so Trent couldnt move Thirteen threw her arms around him burring her face into his chest. Though her words were muffled she talked loud enough to be hurt.
"Dirt, and scratches are what make us who we are. I can look past yours, if you can look past mine too."
Just listen to Gunner's voice made her feel so good. It was calm, it was full of hope, but at the same time it cracked her heart just a little more knowing it would still be a while till she saw him again.
"I trust you Gunner, I know we will be able to be together again. It just feels so far away."
Bree lets out a sigh as she glances up at the clock. She new there time would be up already so soon, she just wanted a few more minutes. Letting a few more tears roll out of her eyes Bree takes in a breath of air leaning her head against the wall behind her.
"When I come to visit I'll bring a float, and gum. I look forward to see you again, everything just feels so empty without you."
Letting the silence rain for another moment Bree listens to Gunner's breathing on the other end. She could feel it on her skin, like he was standing right next to her, oh how she missed his eyes. Than the though comes to her, through this all she forgot to tell him one thing. He'd given up so much to get her out of the hospital.
"Gunner, thank you for giving up everything to save me..."
Bree snuffs on a few tears that ran hot down her cheek.
"...it means a lot to me that you did that."
Giving a little nod Rosetta understood what Mick was saying without him using words. Dylan was far from being nice, but at least he was here and not putting up much of a fight. Heading into the kitchen Rosetta pulls out some plates to warm up some left over food.
Something between skipping and running BJ goes back into the other room and grabs the red and black checkers from the table. Trying to juggle them and the bored at the same time he goes back to the dinning room table. Stopping for a moment as he see the new body sitting at the table BJ just stands there looking at him.
Finally moving again BJ goes around as if he was going to sit on Mick's side but keeps going till he comes to the extra chair on Dylan. Putting the checker bored and checkers down BJ struggled just a little in the bigger chair but finally makes it up and onto it. Putting his hands and arms on the table like Dylan had it. Just looking and watching him intently it shown in BJ's eyes he was intrested in who this other boy was.
Keeping up with Jade as she almost pulled him down the hall the smile never moved from Dan's face. He felt like he was in high school again. The excitement, the nerves and he was loving every moment. Entering the kitchen Dan stands on one end his arms around Jade. Being introduced to her mother he gives a small wave with a friendly smile.
"How could I not want to stay for dinner when something smells so good already. As long as you have enough to go around and don't mind me just dropping in like this."
Watching as mother and father interact Dan's smile widens just a little. It was nice seeing Jade's mom actually letting her daughter answer and not just telling her no. Both the looks on there faces were hard to explain but it eased Dan's own mind about her mother.
Turning his head to see Ben as he walked up beside him Dan smiles and gives a small nod. I guess he did know how to make an entrance. He never really thought about it till this moment that this really was a romantic thing to do. Even after Katie had said it was too.
"Hey, first impressions right? Whats better than making sure you daughter is happy!"
Returning Ben's hand shake Dan can't help his own beaming smile. It felt good knowing he was accepted, and it felt good to hear what Jade has said without hesitation to her mom about being sure. Hearing Ben's comment about Jade Dan gives another nod, and grin as he looked back over at Jade.
"I know she is, thats what I love the most about her!!"
Standing there with her Dad, having him show her how to brush the horse the right way Thirteen felt a warm feeling in her heart. It was something she'd never felt quite like this. Though it couldn't be seen and some might think it was there, it was a warm loving feeling. He really did care.
"Circle, circle, circle, brush, than scrap. I think I got it."
Thirteen was excited she was getting the hang of brushing the horse. Taking note that she was enjoying just getting brushed and the first out of her coat.
Continuing to brush once and a while Thirteen can't help but glance at her dad's hand on top of her own. It felt so warm to her. Hearing Trent's comment though made Thirteen just a little bit sad. He really did wish he could change anything thinking he wasn't good enough. But she loved him anyways, and didnt care what had happened in the past.
Not being able to help it, and knowing she said she would take it slow Thirteen didn't care. She felt so bad for her Dad and she just wanted him to know she loved him. Turning just fast enough so Trent couldnt move Thirteen threw her arms around him burring her face into his chest. Though her words were muffled she talked loud enough to be hurt.
"Dirt, and scratches are what make us who we are. I can look past yours, if you can look past mine too."
Just listen to Gunner's voice made her feel so good. It was calm, it was full of hope, but at the same time it cracked her heart just a little more knowing it would still be a while till she saw him again.
"I trust you Gunner, I know we will be able to be together again. It just feels so far away."
Bree lets out a sigh as she glances up at the clock. She new there time would be up already so soon, she just wanted a few more minutes. Letting a few more tears roll out of her eyes Bree takes in a breath of air leaning her head against the wall behind her.
"When I come to visit I'll bring a float, and gum. I look forward to see you again, everything just feels so empty without you."
Letting the silence rain for another moment Bree listens to Gunner's breathing on the other end. She could feel it on her skin, like he was standing right next to her, oh how she missed his eyes. Than the though comes to her, through this all she forgot to tell him one thing. He'd given up so much to get her out of the hospital.
"Gunner, thank you for giving up everything to save me..."
Bree snuffs on a few tears that ran hot down her cheek.
"...it means a lot to me that you did that."
Giving a little nod Rosetta understood what Mick was saying without him using words. Dylan was far from being nice, but at least he was here and not putting up much of a fight. Heading into the kitchen Rosetta pulls out some plates to warm up some left over food.
Something between skipping and running BJ goes back into the other room and grabs the red and black checkers from the table. Trying to juggle them and the bored at the same time he goes back to the dinning room table. Stopping for a moment as he see the new body sitting at the table BJ just stands there looking at him.
Finally moving again BJ goes around as if he was going to sit on Mick's side but keeps going till he comes to the extra chair on Dylan. Putting the checker bored and checkers down BJ struggled just a little in the bigger chair but finally makes it up and onto it. Putting his hands and arms on the table like Dylan had it. Just looking and watching him intently it shown in BJ's eyes he was intrested in who this other boy was.
No smile
Jade was so overwhelmed with emotion that she didn't even know how to reply to Dan. He made he feel so good and so very special. Some people might feel as though they were second best since he had had a previous relationship. But knowing Dan's background, Jade couldn't feel more honored that he had chosen her after all that had happened. Any woman would be lucky for his attentions after what he'd been through and after having someone else in his life that meant that much to him. The fact that he had picked her.... another tear forms in Jade's eye and she hugs him again, almost afraid this was all a dream. She was young... she'd hardly yet lived... but she wouldn't give this up for the world. Someone wanted to spend the rest of their life with her and he would be hers forever. This was a Christmas she would never forget.
Finally drawing back, Jade slips her hand into Dan's, her face beaming brightly. Closing the front door she almost drags Dan down to the kitchen where both Jill and Ben were working around the stove preparing the food that smelled so good.
"Mom?"
Jill turns around, her eyebrows rising to see a visitor. "Well hello. Who is this, Jade?"
"This is Dan." Jade's eyes sparkle. "He came all the way up here to surprise me for Christmas."
"How nice!" Jill smiles her approval, seeing how happy her daughter was. "Welcome, Dan. We've heard so much about you. I hope you're planning on staying for dinner."
"Oh, he will," Jade assures. Biting her lip, she can't help the smile that seemed to be permanently pasted on her face. Leaning her back against Dan, she stands in front of him, her face flushed with the excitement she felt. Slowly, she holds up her left hand, showing off the ring.
At first, Jill didn't understand, then she realized what was going on. Her eyes widen in shock and she takes a quick look at Ben then back to Jade. "Wha... he... you..."
Jade nods. "Uh-huh. That was his surprise."
Blinking, Jill isn't even sure how to respond. Her baby girl was home for Christmas and all of a sudden not only did she have a boyfriend they knew nothing about, but he had just proposed to her? And she had accepted? "Jade, I..." She blinks again and holds out her arms. "Oh, honey."
Jade goes to embrace her mom, her excitement bubbling over. "Isn't it gorgeous?" She shows off her ring closer so her mom could get a better look.
"Yes... it is." Jill was still in shock. "Are... are you sure about this? I mean... you haven't known him for that long and.... you're so young still... seventeen..." She reaches out to straighten a lock of Jade's hair, her motherly instincts kicking in. "This is really what you want?"
Jade nods without hesitation. "It's not like we're getting married tomorrow," she assures. She hadn't exactly talked to Dan about that, but she knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't rush this. "But yeah... yeah, it's what I want." Hope shone in her eyes, searching for approval. She might or might not need parental consent by the time she and Dan married, but that wasn't the point. She needed to know her mom would support her and be there for her.
Jill looks over to Dan again, studying him for a moment. He was certainly a handsome young man and he seemed nice. Jade was so excited... and she did have a good head on her shoulders, even if she did seem flighty at times. How could Jill rob her this moment? Even if they would have to have a more serious talk about it later, right now it was a time for joy and she wouldn't steal it from her daughter. Not on Christmas. If this was to be, then it was to be. Heaven knew she'd followed her heart once too. Maybe it hadn't ended well, but at the time, Jill would have followed Mick anywhere, regardless of what her parents thought. And Jade had both her mom's and Mick's strong will flowing through her veins. Jill simply had to trust that she knew what she was doing, even if she was still so very young. Thankfully, it sounded like they would wait a while until they actually got married.
Looking back to her daughter, a smile comes to Jill's lips and she hugs Jade close. "I'm so happy for you, honey."
Watching the scene take place, Ben's own eyes are wide. A little grin quirks the corner of his mouth though and he steps closer to Dan. "Well... you know how to make an entrance, I'll give you that."
Extending hand to shake, he holds Dan's hand firmly. "Congratulations, son. Looks like you've won this young lady's heart. I guess my teasing about her being in love wasn't a joke."
He chuckles and shakes his head. "I hope you know what you're getting into though. Jade's quite the spitfire."
"Mm-hmm." Trent confirms Thirteen's guess about the curry comb. Letting go of her hand, he walks to retrieve the little rubber brush and returns again, still standing behind her. She was small enough and his arms were long enough that it wasn't hard for him to place both his hands on top of hers, showing her the proper way to groom a horse.
Making sure her hands are slipped into the straps on both brushes, he moves her right hand around in circles, gently but with enough pressure to bring out dust that hadn't even been seen. Then with several swift strokes with the other brush and the dust disappears into the air and into the soft bristles. Trent guides her hands together to use the curry to scrape the dust out of the other brush and then return to the starting point again.
"Circle, circle, circle. Brush one two, scrape." His voice was soft and mellow, matching his body language from the evening before - defeated and weary. Now that he was here though, he felt like he couldn't pull himself away. He hadn't planned on talking to her again, but at least standing behind her, he didn't have to get up the courage to look her in the eye. He wasn't so sure he could.
"Sometimes I wish life was as easy as brushing a horse," he admits quietly, still guiding her hands. "To be able to sweep away all the bad... leave a clean slate... but it just doesn't work that way. The dirt is still there... and I see it every day."
He swallows hard, his hands dropping from hers, though he remains standing behind her. "I don't deserve to be a father, Jasm... Thirteen. There's too much dirt."
"Aw... it's not so un-merry," Gunner assures Bree. "Not now that I got to hear your voice."
He does his best to sound positive, though on the inside he'd been feeling low. "I've been looking at the stars too," he confirms. He glances to the tiny barred window. It wasn't much, but he looked out every night. "Our hands have moved by now... we'll have to find them again next time we go stargazing."
Hearing Bree's promise to visit, he lets a long pause linger. He could feel her on the other end of the line and didn't want to let go. He missed her hugs. "I'll look forward to your visit. I've missed you too. They don't have rootbeer floats around here and cinnamon gum is non-existent."
He grins a little. "My three staples. If I get at least to see you then that'll tide me over a while."
Pausing again, he knew that she needed reassurance. "I'm okay, Bree... it's all gonna work out. Can you trust me on that?"
Dylan looks up for just a moment to see Rosetta, then his gaze falls again. He shrugs in response to her offer, but that was all.
Mick intervenes. "Leftovers sound great. Neither of us have had breakfast yet so we both could use a little something if it's not too much work."
Before he can go much farther, he's being run into by a little locomotive. "Whoa, bud!" Mick laughs and ruffles BJ's hair. Though the boy was getting too big to be held, Mick sweeps him up anyway, spinning him around, then just holding him. "You thought, but how could I not come home to you, huh?" He kisses his forehead then sets him down. "Good land, I think you've grown six inches," he exaggerates.
Spying the checkers board, he grins and shakes his head. "Let your dad eat some breakfast then we'll play some, alright?"
Giving the boy an extra hug, he reassures him he's not going anywhere soon. "Go get all the pieces and then come back." Once alone again, Mick motions to Dylan to come sit at the table with him.
Dylan had been watching the interaction between Mick and BJ and one could see the wheels turning in his head. But what conclusions he was drawing were hidden behind his blank stare. There wasn't even a trace of a smile anywhere.
He grudgingly obeys and sits at the table, now having the tabletop to stare at instead of the floor.
Mick gives a little sigh and finds Rosetta's eyes, moving his hands up then letting them drop. He was at his wits end. But at least Dylan was here and not threatening to sneak off.
Finally drawing back, Jade slips her hand into Dan's, her face beaming brightly. Closing the front door she almost drags Dan down to the kitchen where both Jill and Ben were working around the stove preparing the food that smelled so good.
"Mom?"
Jill turns around, her eyebrows rising to see a visitor. "Well hello. Who is this, Jade?"
"This is Dan." Jade's eyes sparkle. "He came all the way up here to surprise me for Christmas."
"How nice!" Jill smiles her approval, seeing how happy her daughter was. "Welcome, Dan. We've heard so much about you. I hope you're planning on staying for dinner."
"Oh, he will," Jade assures. Biting her lip, she can't help the smile that seemed to be permanently pasted on her face. Leaning her back against Dan, she stands in front of him, her face flushed with the excitement she felt. Slowly, she holds up her left hand, showing off the ring.
At first, Jill didn't understand, then she realized what was going on. Her eyes widen in shock and she takes a quick look at Ben then back to Jade. "Wha... he... you..."
Jade nods. "Uh-huh. That was his surprise."
Blinking, Jill isn't even sure how to respond. Her baby girl was home for Christmas and all of a sudden not only did she have a boyfriend they knew nothing about, but he had just proposed to her? And she had accepted? "Jade, I..." She blinks again and holds out her arms. "Oh, honey."
Jade goes to embrace her mom, her excitement bubbling over. "Isn't it gorgeous?" She shows off her ring closer so her mom could get a better look.
"Yes... it is." Jill was still in shock. "Are... are you sure about this? I mean... you haven't known him for that long and.... you're so young still... seventeen..." She reaches out to straighten a lock of Jade's hair, her motherly instincts kicking in. "This is really what you want?"
Jade nods without hesitation. "It's not like we're getting married tomorrow," she assures. She hadn't exactly talked to Dan about that, but she knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't rush this. "But yeah... yeah, it's what I want." Hope shone in her eyes, searching for approval. She might or might not need parental consent by the time she and Dan married, but that wasn't the point. She needed to know her mom would support her and be there for her.
Jill looks over to Dan again, studying him for a moment. He was certainly a handsome young man and he seemed nice. Jade was so excited... and she did have a good head on her shoulders, even if she did seem flighty at times. How could Jill rob her this moment? Even if they would have to have a more serious talk about it later, right now it was a time for joy and she wouldn't steal it from her daughter. Not on Christmas. If this was to be, then it was to be. Heaven knew she'd followed her heart once too. Maybe it hadn't ended well, but at the time, Jill would have followed Mick anywhere, regardless of what her parents thought. And Jade had both her mom's and Mick's strong will flowing through her veins. Jill simply had to trust that she knew what she was doing, even if she was still so very young. Thankfully, it sounded like they would wait a while until they actually got married.
Looking back to her daughter, a smile comes to Jill's lips and she hugs Jade close. "I'm so happy for you, honey."
Watching the scene take place, Ben's own eyes are wide. A little grin quirks the corner of his mouth though and he steps closer to Dan. "Well... you know how to make an entrance, I'll give you that."
Extending hand to shake, he holds Dan's hand firmly. "Congratulations, son. Looks like you've won this young lady's heart. I guess my teasing about her being in love wasn't a joke."
He chuckles and shakes his head. "I hope you know what you're getting into though. Jade's quite the spitfire."
"Mm-hmm." Trent confirms Thirteen's guess about the curry comb. Letting go of her hand, he walks to retrieve the little rubber brush and returns again, still standing behind her. She was small enough and his arms were long enough that it wasn't hard for him to place both his hands on top of hers, showing her the proper way to groom a horse.
Making sure her hands are slipped into the straps on both brushes, he moves her right hand around in circles, gently but with enough pressure to bring out dust that hadn't even been seen. Then with several swift strokes with the other brush and the dust disappears into the air and into the soft bristles. Trent guides her hands together to use the curry to scrape the dust out of the other brush and then return to the starting point again.
"Circle, circle, circle. Brush one two, scrape." His voice was soft and mellow, matching his body language from the evening before - defeated and weary. Now that he was here though, he felt like he couldn't pull himself away. He hadn't planned on talking to her again, but at least standing behind her, he didn't have to get up the courage to look her in the eye. He wasn't so sure he could.
"Sometimes I wish life was as easy as brushing a horse," he admits quietly, still guiding her hands. "To be able to sweep away all the bad... leave a clean slate... but it just doesn't work that way. The dirt is still there... and I see it every day."
He swallows hard, his hands dropping from hers, though he remains standing behind her. "I don't deserve to be a father, Jasm... Thirteen. There's too much dirt."
"Aw... it's not so un-merry," Gunner assures Bree. "Not now that I got to hear your voice."
He does his best to sound positive, though on the inside he'd been feeling low. "I've been looking at the stars too," he confirms. He glances to the tiny barred window. It wasn't much, but he looked out every night. "Our hands have moved by now... we'll have to find them again next time we go stargazing."
Hearing Bree's promise to visit, he lets a long pause linger. He could feel her on the other end of the line and didn't want to let go. He missed her hugs. "I'll look forward to your visit. I've missed you too. They don't have rootbeer floats around here and cinnamon gum is non-existent."
He grins a little. "My three staples. If I get at least to see you then that'll tide me over a while."
Pausing again, he knew that she needed reassurance. "I'm okay, Bree... it's all gonna work out. Can you trust me on that?"
Dylan looks up for just a moment to see Rosetta, then his gaze falls again. He shrugs in response to her offer, but that was all.
Mick intervenes. "Leftovers sound great. Neither of us have had breakfast yet so we both could use a little something if it's not too much work."
Before he can go much farther, he's being run into by a little locomotive. "Whoa, bud!" Mick laughs and ruffles BJ's hair. Though the boy was getting too big to be held, Mick sweeps him up anyway, spinning him around, then just holding him. "You thought, but how could I not come home to you, huh?" He kisses his forehead then sets him down. "Good land, I think you've grown six inches," he exaggerates.
Spying the checkers board, he grins and shakes his head. "Let your dad eat some breakfast then we'll play some, alright?"
Giving the boy an extra hug, he reassures him he's not going anywhere soon. "Go get all the pieces and then come back." Once alone again, Mick motions to Dylan to come sit at the table with him.
Dylan had been watching the interaction between Mick and BJ and one could see the wheels turning in his head. But what conclusions he was drawing were hidden behind his blank stare. There wasn't even a trace of a smile anywhere.
He grudgingly obeys and sits at the table, now having the tabletop to stare at instead of the floor.
Mick gives a little sigh and finds Rosetta's eyes, moving his hands up then letting them drop. He was at his wits end. But at least Dylan was here and not threatening to sneak off.
Alone
Looking up at Jade as she opens the door Dan can't help the smile that formed on his face. The emotions that ran through his veins was something completely new. The feelings he had with Jade, the feels he had now were completely different from anything he had felt before.
Seeing Jade's reaction and the look in he eye Dan couldn't help but feel even more nervous than before. It was a happy look he saw, and thats what he wanted but she still hadn't said yes yet.
Finally hearing the answer that she would be his bride Dan stood taking Jade into a strong embrace and returning the kiss that was filled with passion over and over again as she continued to talk in between. His own laugh emerged as he kept his arms wrapped around her lifting her off the ground for a moment before finally setting her down.
With shaking hands Dan legs Jade go taking the delecit ring from the box and looking her in the eye slips it on her finger. Looking down at her hand he see how it sparkles in the light shining bright and glittering like nothing he had seen before. On her hand it looked amazing, and seeing it there it gave Dan an amazing feeling inside knowing Jade would be his wife. Maybe no in a week, maybe nothing in a month, maybe it would be a year or two but to know she was his, to have that symbol on her finger it made Dan feel so warm.
"I love you Jade, with all my heart, now and forever."
Bringing his finger to her chin Dan tilts it up a little leaning down to kiss her again. Finally looking up as he heard the voice from inside Jade's house. Dan new other family would be over for dinner, and he couldn't help but be a little scared himself but he might as well meet them sooner than later and with such exciting news.
Looking down at Jade and smiling Dan takes Jade's hand in his own giving it a gentile squeeze.
"We can tell her together. You wont have to walk through the fire alone anymore. I'll always be there shield you."
Seeing Jade's reaction and the look in he eye Dan couldn't help but feel even more nervous than before. It was a happy look he saw, and thats what he wanted but she still hadn't said yes yet.
Finally hearing the answer that she would be his bride Dan stood taking Jade into a strong embrace and returning the kiss that was filled with passion over and over again as she continued to talk in between. His own laugh emerged as he kept his arms wrapped around her lifting her off the ground for a moment before finally setting her down.
With shaking hands Dan legs Jade go taking the delecit ring from the box and looking her in the eye slips it on her finger. Looking down at her hand he see how it sparkles in the light shining bright and glittering like nothing he had seen before. On her hand it looked amazing, and seeing it there it gave Dan an amazing feeling inside knowing Jade would be his wife. Maybe no in a week, maybe nothing in a month, maybe it would be a year or two but to know she was his, to have that symbol on her finger it made Dan feel so warm.
"I love you Jade, with all my heart, now and forever."
Bringing his finger to her chin Dan tilts it up a little leaning down to kiss her again. Finally looking up as he heard the voice from inside Jade's house. Dan new other family would be over for dinner, and he couldn't help but be a little scared himself but he might as well meet them sooner than later and with such exciting news.
Looking down at Jade and smiling Dan takes Jade's hand in his own giving it a gentile squeeze.
"We can tell her together. You wont have to walk through the fire alone anymore. I'll always be there shield you."
O.O
Jade could hear a slight tone shift in Dan's voice and she wondered what it was. Nothing sounded wrong or bad, just... different. A serious question? She sits up a little straighter, growing confused.
Had she really meant forever? "Yes..." her answer was hesitant, wondering what he was getting at.
The front door? Jade's heart skips a beat. For a moment, she hardly dared to think Dan had actually come all this way for Christmas. Had he? Surely not...
Hesitating, Jade gets up out of the chair and walks around to the front door. But looking out the little window in the top, she didn't see anything. Nah... he hadn't come. It had to be something else. Doing as told thought, she opens the door.
Seeing Dan on his knee with the ring, Jade barely hears his question. Just staring at him, her eyes are wide and she blinks, her mouth opening slightly. The phone goes crashing to the floor as she puts both hands to her mouth, muffling a little shriek.
Backing up a step, something between another shriek, sob and a laugh comes out, her hands still over her mouth. As tears fill her eyes, she steps forward again, this time daring to reach down and touch Dan's hand as if checking to make sure he's real.
Starting to tremble, it wasn't from the cold. Taking the little box from his hand, she stares at the ring, a tear rolling down her face. But anyone could see it was not a tear of sadness. By no means.
She swallows hard and looks back to Dan, waiting for him to get back up, then gazing up into his eyes. "I... I... it... I..."
Stopping, she can't help but let out a laugh at herself. Throwing herself into Dan's arms, she wraps her arms around his neck, giving a little squeal. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Drawing back, she kisses his lips quickly but with passion. "You turkey! Coming all the way up here and and and...." She kisses him again. "... giving me a heart attack!" Pausing to catch her breath, she just stares into his eyes. "But I forgive you," she concludes a little more calmly.
Still shaking, she kisses him again before pulling away to look at the ring again, still twinkling in the little box. "Oh, Dan..." Another tear escapes. "I love you so much and..." All she can do is hug him again, burying her face against his chest and feeling that feeling she'd only ever had around him and no one else.
From further inside the house, Jill's voice could be heard. "Jade? Where are you? Are you holding the front door open?"
Jade gives a startled jump and looks up at Dan again. "Uh-oh...." A giggle gets caught in her throat. "Who's gonna tell her?"
Had she really meant forever? "Yes..." her answer was hesitant, wondering what he was getting at.
The front door? Jade's heart skips a beat. For a moment, she hardly dared to think Dan had actually come all this way for Christmas. Had he? Surely not...
Hesitating, Jade gets up out of the chair and walks around to the front door. But looking out the little window in the top, she didn't see anything. Nah... he hadn't come. It had to be something else. Doing as told thought, she opens the door.
Seeing Dan on his knee with the ring, Jade barely hears his question. Just staring at him, her eyes are wide and she blinks, her mouth opening slightly. The phone goes crashing to the floor as she puts both hands to her mouth, muffling a little shriek.
Backing up a step, something between another shriek, sob and a laugh comes out, her hands still over her mouth. As tears fill her eyes, she steps forward again, this time daring to reach down and touch Dan's hand as if checking to make sure he's real.
Starting to tremble, it wasn't from the cold. Taking the little box from his hand, she stares at the ring, a tear rolling down her face. But anyone could see it was not a tear of sadness. By no means.
She swallows hard and looks back to Dan, waiting for him to get back up, then gazing up into his eyes. "I... I... it... I..."
Stopping, she can't help but let out a laugh at herself. Throwing herself into Dan's arms, she wraps her arms around his neck, giving a little squeal. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Drawing back, she kisses his lips quickly but with passion. "You turkey! Coming all the way up here and and and...." She kisses him again. "... giving me a heart attack!" Pausing to catch her breath, she just stares into his eyes. "But I forgive you," she concludes a little more calmly.
Still shaking, she kisses him again before pulling away to look at the ring again, still twinkling in the little box. "Oh, Dan..." Another tear escapes. "I love you so much and..." All she can do is hug him again, burying her face against his chest and feeling that feeling she'd only ever had around him and no one else.
From further inside the house, Jill's voice could be heard. "Jade? Where are you? Are you holding the front door open?"
Jade gives a startled jump and looks up at Dan again. "Uh-oh...." A giggle gets caught in her throat. "Who's gonna tell her?"
Did you mean
Giving his own smile Dan walks a little and gives a nod knowing Jade couldn't see him. He always thought it was interesting the different traditions people had.
"Ah, your family opens gifts at night huh? Thats a different way of doing it."
It was so good talking to Jade. He always liked there conversations.
"Ohh...I haven't gotten anything yet. I'm working on it though."
Falling quiet for a moment Dan processed something through his mind that had been bothering him. Maybe now wasn't the right time to ask but after the time away had to think about things he had to know for sure.
"Jade, I kind of had a serous question to ask you. I know this might not be the time but it was kind of bothing me."
Dan lets out a long sigh why did he feel so nervous.
"The other day you said you wish our moment could last forever and well I guess I was wondering if you really meant that?"
A little silence rained again as Dan's heart thumped in his ears.
"If you did, than go to your front door and open it, I can make it possible."
On the other side of the door down on one knee Dan stood a tiny black velvet box in his hand, opened to a silver band with three diamonds on it that same as the necklace and earring he had given her. They matched perfect twinkling in the sun light. The words resting on his life so when Jade opened the door he could finally say them. They might only come out as a whisper but he didn't care as long as he said " Jade will you marry me!"
"Ah, your family opens gifts at night huh? Thats a different way of doing it."
It was so good talking to Jade. He always liked there conversations.
"Ohh...I haven't gotten anything yet. I'm working on it though."
Falling quiet for a moment Dan processed something through his mind that had been bothering him. Maybe now wasn't the right time to ask but after the time away had to think about things he had to know for sure.
"Jade, I kind of had a serous question to ask you. I know this might not be the time but it was kind of bothing me."
Dan lets out a long sigh why did he feel so nervous.
"The other day you said you wish our moment could last forever and well I guess I was wondering if you really meant that?"
A little silence rained again as Dan's heart thumped in his ears.
"If you did, than go to your front door and open it, I can make it possible."
On the other side of the door down on one knee Dan stood a tiny black velvet box in his hand, opened to a silver band with three diamonds on it that same as the necklace and earring he had given her. They matched perfect twinkling in the sun light. The words resting on his life so when Jade opened the door he could finally say them. They might only come out as a whisper but he didn't care as long as he said " Jade will you marry me!"
"Oh, he's alright." Jade giggles. She knew her stepdad had just been playing around and they really did get alone pretty well.
"No, I didn't get everything I wanted," she replies. Flopping down into an easy chair in the living room, her voice had a new happy tone to it, being able to talk to Dan.
"For one, we won't open gifts 'til tonight, but two, you're not here." She pauses, still smiling a little. "Otherwise, my Christmas has been okay. Yours?"
"No, I didn't get everything I wanted," she replies. Flopping down into an easy chair in the living room, her voice had a new happy tone to it, being able to talk to Dan.
"For one, we won't open gifts 'til tonight, but two, you're not here." She pauses, still smiling a little. "Otherwise, my Christmas has been okay. Yours?"
2/17/10
Everything
Not being able to help his laughter Dan new that must be Jade's step dad that had answered the phone. He seemed like a nice guy, and it was nicer to head how he teased Jade. The laughter in her own voice showed that they alone got along good and that made Dan happy to know that. Family was important.
Finally hearing Jade's voice and her comment Dan gives a laugh again. It was nice to hear her happy, and talking to her over the phone had a differnt element to it. He kind of liked it.
"Hey there Beautiful. I think I kind of like you Step Dad."
Giving a smile even thought Dan couldn't see her he really couldn't help it. Even just talking to Jade on the phone made him do just that.
"So, how has you Christmas been so far? Get everything you wanted?"
Giving a little jump not knowing anyone else was behind her and still being edgy in a new place not knowing if the Agency new she was here or not Thirteen turns her head quickly. But seeing it was Trent she relaxed just a little still a look of surprise was on her face.
Looking back to the horse and seeing her father's hand on top of her helping with the brushing a warm feeling seemed to wash over. Even after everything that happened yesterday just having the man that was her father that close to her gave her a new happy feeling.
"The curry brush is that green over over there to get the dust out...right?"
Though Thirteen was bursting with questions she wanted answered to, and different things she wanted to tell her father about herself even though there wasn't much after yesterday if she learned anything it was to slow down a little. She didn't even know if her Dad was going to stick around long, and she didn't want to start thinking about everything if he wasn't. She did really want to get to know him though.
Hearing Gunner's voice on the other end and instant smile formed on Bree's face as she sat up a little straighter on the bed than she had in a while. Her eyes seemed to twinkle as life shown in them again. Gunner seemed to be Bree's medicine.
"Happy Un-Merry Christmas Gunner. I've missed you so much."
Bree couldn't help the small tear that rolled from her eye as she brought her legs up to her chest. It almost felt like she was a child again, but she really did miss Gunner more than she had said though she new her Uncle new.
"I've been look at the starts a lot hoping you were looking too. It helped me feel close to you."
Bree gave another sniff drawing silent as she tried to keep her own emotions in check. The only had a short time to talk she didn't want to wast what little time was there crying.
"I feel like Romeo and Juliet you know only worse. As soon as I can, I am going to come and see you. I promise."
Leaning her head against Mick's her own little chuckle coming out at her brother's comment her eyes don't leave his for the longest moment. Just soaking in everything about him she had missed so much, and feeling close to him again.
"How could I not wait for you? We have a family together, and I love you so much."
Finally breaking the gaze Rosetta turns her head catching sight of Dylan over by the door. Pulling away from Mick just a little bit but not to far like he might vanish again if she did Rosetta gives her step son a warm smile.
"Hey Dylan. Its good to see you again. We have some breakfast left over if you'd like any or I could make you some new stuff."
Looking up and seeing his Dad walk in the door BJ got instantly excited but was told to wait while Mick and Rosetta had each other embraced Wendy held the boy back. Like a rocket ready to be set off the BJ was bursting with energy to see his dad again.
Finally moving her hand Wendy gave a smile and a nod to BJ telling him it was ok now. Giving a little hop BJ runs full speed for Mick but stops turning around and grabbing his checker bored before heading to Mick again throwing his arms around his legs and holding them tight.
"DAD!!!!! I've missed you!!! I sink you would never come home."
Finally hearing Jade's voice and her comment Dan gives a laugh again. It was nice to hear her happy, and talking to her over the phone had a differnt element to it. He kind of liked it.
"Hey there Beautiful. I think I kind of like you Step Dad."
Giving a smile even thought Dan couldn't see her he really couldn't help it. Even just talking to Jade on the phone made him do just that.
"So, how has you Christmas been so far? Get everything you wanted?"
Giving a little jump not knowing anyone else was behind her and still being edgy in a new place not knowing if the Agency new she was here or not Thirteen turns her head quickly. But seeing it was Trent she relaxed just a little still a look of surprise was on her face.
Looking back to the horse and seeing her father's hand on top of her helping with the brushing a warm feeling seemed to wash over. Even after everything that happened yesterday just having the man that was her father that close to her gave her a new happy feeling.
"The curry brush is that green over over there to get the dust out...right?"
Though Thirteen was bursting with questions she wanted answered to, and different things she wanted to tell her father about herself even though there wasn't much after yesterday if she learned anything it was to slow down a little. She didn't even know if her Dad was going to stick around long, and she didn't want to start thinking about everything if he wasn't. She did really want to get to know him though.
Hearing Gunner's voice on the other end and instant smile formed on Bree's face as she sat up a little straighter on the bed than she had in a while. Her eyes seemed to twinkle as life shown in them again. Gunner seemed to be Bree's medicine.
"Happy Un-Merry Christmas Gunner. I've missed you so much."
Bree couldn't help the small tear that rolled from her eye as she brought her legs up to her chest. It almost felt like she was a child again, but she really did miss Gunner more than she had said though she new her Uncle new.
"I've been look at the starts a lot hoping you were looking too. It helped me feel close to you."
Bree gave another sniff drawing silent as she tried to keep her own emotions in check. The only had a short time to talk she didn't want to wast what little time was there crying.
"I feel like Romeo and Juliet you know only worse. As soon as I can, I am going to come and see you. I promise."
Leaning her head against Mick's her own little chuckle coming out at her brother's comment her eyes don't leave his for the longest moment. Just soaking in everything about him she had missed so much, and feeling close to him again.
"How could I not wait for you? We have a family together, and I love you so much."
Finally breaking the gaze Rosetta turns her head catching sight of Dylan over by the door. Pulling away from Mick just a little bit but not to far like he might vanish again if she did Rosetta gives her step son a warm smile.
"Hey Dylan. Its good to see you again. We have some breakfast left over if you'd like any or I could make you some new stuff."
Looking up and seeing his Dad walk in the door BJ got instantly excited but was told to wait while Mick and Rosetta had each other embraced Wendy held the boy back. Like a rocket ready to be set off the BJ was bursting with energy to see his dad again.
Finally moving her hand Wendy gave a smile and a nod to BJ telling him it was ok now. Giving a little hop BJ runs full speed for Mick but stops turning around and grabbing his checker bored before heading to Mick again throwing his arms around his legs and holding them tight.
"DAD!!!!! I've missed you!!! I sink you would never come home."
No circles
Gunner hears Bree's voice and a smile resurfaces. "Hey, you." He pauses, knowing she'd recognize his voice. "It's just your friendly vampire wanting to say merry Christmas."
"Dan? You mean the Dan we've been hearing all about?" Ben had answered Jade's phone and his tone was a teasing one.
"Ben!" Jade's shriek could be heard in the background. "Give me the phone!"
Ben laughs and backs away from her, carrying her phone with him that he'd happened to answer as it had rung. "Now, now, calm down, Jade." He laughs again, talking to Dan once more. "You'd think she missed you or something. Dan this, Dan that... it's nonstop, I tell ya."
"Cut it out!" Jade wails. "I want to talk to him!"
"Hear that?" Ben ducks Jade's flailing arms as he continues to talk to Dan. "If I didn't know better, I'd think she was in love or something."
"Ben!!!" Jade's face was completely red as she begs him to stop his teasing.
"Alright, okay," he relents. "Here you go."
Grabbing her phone, Jade backs into another room before saying anything to Dan. "I want you to know I am completely mortified," she states flatly, then pauses, beginning to smile, her tone changing. "But I suppose if it meant talking to you, it's worth it... Hi."
Eric grimaces, showing that he really would rather get the pain medication then leave. But he knew too well to argue with Angel.
Stripping, he winces a little as she pokes and prods, not wanting to admit how much it hurt. He'd been kicked by a horse on that same leg once and the bruising brought back not-so-fond memories of that experience.
Sighing as he dresses again, he nods reluctantly to wearing a brace. "Yeah, yeah, I know... take it easy, stay off it and all that. At least half will come true since I can't drive and my rig's in the shop, so you can take comfort in the fact that you can watch me like a hawk all you want."
He grins at Angel, showing he was trying not to be grouchy about it. "I'll tell ya if anything gets worse," he promises. "And... thanks. If you weren't here, they woulda kept me at the hospital and I wouldn't have been able to come."
Mick's eyes dance as Rosetta shouts his name and embraces him. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugs her tightly with a soft chuckle. "Mmm.... I missed you too, more than you'll ever know."
Being drawn into her kiss, he doesn't hesitate to return it with deep passion. He'd been gone for too long. His hat slides back on his head, but he ignores it, just wanting to live this moment with his wife.
At a nearby table, Jeff's eyebrows rise and a grin comes to his face. Seeing that his sister and brother-in-law were ignoring present company, he clears his throat, but that does no good. Starting to laugh, he looks over to Sparky and Faith, then back to Rosetta and Mick. "Wooee... I'd say somebody was missed."
Hearing Jeff, Mick can't help but laugh, breaking the kiss. Leaning his forehead against Rosetta's, his eyes were clear and his gaze so strong. "I love you," he whispers. "Thank you for waiting for me."
Dylan shifts his weight uncomfortably, still standing back by the door. His hands were stuffed in his hoodie, his facial expression far from anything close to a smile. His eyes were dark and defiant, yet he was hesitant, almost shy.
Watching his dad and stepmom a moment, his eyes drop again. Was that Wendy in the corner? He vaguely remembered her. Was that baby a new cousin? He wondered. The boy must be BJ, the one Mick had warned Dylan to not be a bad influence or else. Cousin/brother... the whole family was messed up. And who was that over there with Sparky? At least he thought it was Sparky from what he could remember. He felt so out of place.
Leaning back against the wall, his stance is defensive, just waiting to be told what to do next.
Ryder grins as he stands next to Thirteen gently brushing the mare in the barn aisle. Jim had helped them retrieve the mare and had given them a couple brushes to use. The mare stood quietly, sighing deeply and almost falling asleep under the pampering.
Ryder nods to the mare's almost-closed eyes and chuckles, trying to get Thirteen to laugh too. He'd tried extra hard this morning to see her smile. After last night's little fiasco, he just wanted to make it home without too much more damage.
"Hey, Ryder, you still in here?" Jim's voice came from a stall somewhere around the corner.
"Yeah."
"Come here a minute would you?"
Ryder sets his brush aside and nods to Thirteen. "I'll be right back," he assures. "You can keep brushing." Heading off to find Jim, he discovers him remounting a hay rack but needing a second pair of hands.
Trent wipes the remaining oil from his hands and sighs deeply. He'd gladly stay here all day, but his legs were getting stiff. He knew when to quit, especially with the weather as chilly as it was.
Rising from his seat, he stretches then returns the saddle to its rightful stand. Exiting the tack room, he wanders in the direction the the door, figuring on going back to his bunk for a while then coming back to clean some stalls later.
But what he sees, stops him in his tracks. From behind, Thirteen wouldn't be able to see him, but he could see her. She was brushing the mare so gently... timidly. Trent's stomach turns. He wanted to go the back way out now, but something kept him from doing that. Words flew through his mind... words of others that scolded him for his actions and secrets. Condemning words that convicted him and brought on the guilt all over again. He should just leave. But she was so innocent... so alone...
A hand slips around Thirteen, to rest on top of her fingers, curling around the brush she was using. Guiding the brush up to the mare's withers, the brush is drawn back in a firmer stroke.
"No circles with a soft brush," Trent instructs gently. "This kind you just use long firm strokes." He guides her hand back up again and down along the mare's back. Up, and down once more, the bristles combing out all of the dust, making the coat shine. "The rubber curry is her favorite though."
"Dan? You mean the Dan we've been hearing all about?" Ben had answered Jade's phone and his tone was a teasing one.
"Ben!" Jade's shriek could be heard in the background. "Give me the phone!"
Ben laughs and backs away from her, carrying her phone with him that he'd happened to answer as it had rung. "Now, now, calm down, Jade." He laughs again, talking to Dan once more. "You'd think she missed you or something. Dan this, Dan that... it's nonstop, I tell ya."
"Cut it out!" Jade wails. "I want to talk to him!"
"Hear that?" Ben ducks Jade's flailing arms as he continues to talk to Dan. "If I didn't know better, I'd think she was in love or something."
"Ben!!!" Jade's face was completely red as she begs him to stop his teasing.
"Alright, okay," he relents. "Here you go."
Grabbing her phone, Jade backs into another room before saying anything to Dan. "I want you to know I am completely mortified," she states flatly, then pauses, beginning to smile, her tone changing. "But I suppose if it meant talking to you, it's worth it... Hi."
Eric grimaces, showing that he really would rather get the pain medication then leave. But he knew too well to argue with Angel.
Stripping, he winces a little as she pokes and prods, not wanting to admit how much it hurt. He'd been kicked by a horse on that same leg once and the bruising brought back not-so-fond memories of that experience.
Sighing as he dresses again, he nods reluctantly to wearing a brace. "Yeah, yeah, I know... take it easy, stay off it and all that. At least half will come true since I can't drive and my rig's in the shop, so you can take comfort in the fact that you can watch me like a hawk all you want."
He grins at Angel, showing he was trying not to be grouchy about it. "I'll tell ya if anything gets worse," he promises. "And... thanks. If you weren't here, they woulda kept me at the hospital and I wouldn't have been able to come."
Mick's eyes dance as Rosetta shouts his name and embraces him. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugs her tightly with a soft chuckle. "Mmm.... I missed you too, more than you'll ever know."
Being drawn into her kiss, he doesn't hesitate to return it with deep passion. He'd been gone for too long. His hat slides back on his head, but he ignores it, just wanting to live this moment with his wife.
At a nearby table, Jeff's eyebrows rise and a grin comes to his face. Seeing that his sister and brother-in-law were ignoring present company, he clears his throat, but that does no good. Starting to laugh, he looks over to Sparky and Faith, then back to Rosetta and Mick. "Wooee... I'd say somebody was missed."
Hearing Jeff, Mick can't help but laugh, breaking the kiss. Leaning his forehead against Rosetta's, his eyes were clear and his gaze so strong. "I love you," he whispers. "Thank you for waiting for me."
Dylan shifts his weight uncomfortably, still standing back by the door. His hands were stuffed in his hoodie, his facial expression far from anything close to a smile. His eyes were dark and defiant, yet he was hesitant, almost shy.
Watching his dad and stepmom a moment, his eyes drop again. Was that Wendy in the corner? He vaguely remembered her. Was that baby a new cousin? He wondered. The boy must be BJ, the one Mick had warned Dylan to not be a bad influence or else. Cousin/brother... the whole family was messed up. And who was that over there with Sparky? At least he thought it was Sparky from what he could remember. He felt so out of place.
Leaning back against the wall, his stance is defensive, just waiting to be told what to do next.
Ryder grins as he stands next to Thirteen gently brushing the mare in the barn aisle. Jim had helped them retrieve the mare and had given them a couple brushes to use. The mare stood quietly, sighing deeply and almost falling asleep under the pampering.
Ryder nods to the mare's almost-closed eyes and chuckles, trying to get Thirteen to laugh too. He'd tried extra hard this morning to see her smile. After last night's little fiasco, he just wanted to make it home without too much more damage.
"Hey, Ryder, you still in here?" Jim's voice came from a stall somewhere around the corner.
"Yeah."
"Come here a minute would you?"
Ryder sets his brush aside and nods to Thirteen. "I'll be right back," he assures. "You can keep brushing." Heading off to find Jim, he discovers him remounting a hay rack but needing a second pair of hands.
Trent wipes the remaining oil from his hands and sighs deeply. He'd gladly stay here all day, but his legs were getting stiff. He knew when to quit, especially with the weather as chilly as it was.
Rising from his seat, he stretches then returns the saddle to its rightful stand. Exiting the tack room, he wanders in the direction the the door, figuring on going back to his bunk for a while then coming back to clean some stalls later.
But what he sees, stops him in his tracks. From behind, Thirteen wouldn't be able to see him, but he could see her. She was brushing the mare so gently... timidly. Trent's stomach turns. He wanted to go the back way out now, but something kept him from doing that. Words flew through his mind... words of others that scolded him for his actions and secrets. Condemning words that convicted him and brought on the guilt all over again. He should just leave. But she was so innocent... so alone...
A hand slips around Thirteen, to rest on top of her fingers, curling around the brush she was using. Guiding the brush up to the mare's withers, the brush is drawn back in a firmer stroke.
"No circles with a soft brush," Trent instructs gently. "This kind you just use long firm strokes." He guides her hand back up again and down along the mare's back. Up, and down once more, the bristles combing out all of the dust, making the coat shine. "The rubber curry is her favorite though."
Phone Calls
Leaning back in his truck Dan's bags at his sides He watched the soft falling snow. He'd checked out of his hotel already, and would be heading home soon. The time away, the quiet on his own without bars was well spent. He's come to terms with his self, and had started the forgiving process. Something he had put off for way to long. But Dan new now what he wanted in life, and Jade had helped with that. For him to be totally committed to her He needed to let go, Jade's words of forever lingering in his mind.
Giving a smile Dan reaches for his cell phone Dan opens his car door and gets out once again, taking in the cold air. It wasn't often he saw snow, and he needed to call Jade before heading home. It was Christmas after all, and something he couldn't not do. So why not enjoy both at the same time.
Dialing her cell number Dan waits to here the familiar voice answer on the other end. He missed her something fierce, and couldn't wait to see her again. Being away, and Jade being so far away too he understood just how much he missed and cared for her a great deal. Continuing to let the phone ring Dan waited.
Finally hearing the mail voice on the other end of Jade's phone Dan guess it would be her step father, or another family member who had gathered at the house to be with family.
"Hi, this is Dan, and I was wondering if Jade was available to talk."
Eating another peace of bacon Katie couldn't keep the smile off her face. Last night things had been crazy, and there heart went out to a few family members Katie still felt so at home, and stress free away from work Being with Jason, that was icing on the cake.
Feeling his warm and loving emotions come her way it sends a chill up Katie's spine. One she often felt when he left off good emotions, and one she would never tire of. It was such a nice feeling. She could never explain it to anyone else other than it felt good.
I think a Christmas horse ride sounds amazing. Not to mention if we are careful and take the trail that leads a little ways into the mountains there is some snow left and it will look so pretty. Unless you have some where else you would like to ride.
Kaite draws Jason's happy, loving, and content emotions a little more, making them flow to her faster showing she was so happy.
As long as I am with you we could ride down the street and I would be happy.
Holding Chase in her lap Wendy bounced him up and down gently as BJ held the baby's tiny hand as he played with his new toys. Keeping Chase entertained and happy.
Wendy didn't mind keeping watch over Chase and BJ while the others were moving around getting stuff ready, cleaning up, she enjoyed the kids, and watching the two interact was cute.
Smiling at Eric as she see him Angel knows why he was there and had been faxed over his x-rays and other paper work she might need on what happened.
"Ok, before I give you anything I wanna take a look at your leg. Just to make sure it looks ok."
Turning around and grabbing some gloves Angel waits for Eric to lower his pants. She new he didnt want to show her, and she was prepared for the worse but she needed to see it, and there was no saying no to her.
Kneeling down Angel tried to be as gentile as she could lifting Eric's leg. Seeing the purple bruse that ran down his leg Angel could tell his leg took the brunt of everything. Pressing on it in a few differnt places Angel new it probably hurt but she had to do it. Looking up at Eric her eyes say she is sorry.
"Well, you got a pretty nasty bruise on your muscle. I'm going to give to a brace to where. I know you wont stay off it like you need to but it will help at least take some weight off of it. I want you to promise me you will rest it as much as you can. Even if it feels good enough not to. When your sitting down it needs to stay raised."
Standing Angel takes the gloves off and goes to wash her hands grabbing a few painkillers on the way back along with the leg brace. Looking down at Eric her eyes show she really meant what she said.
"I mean it Eric, if you don't you could end up hurting yourself worse ok? If the pain gets worse you need to tell me, and in a few days I wanna take a look again."
Angel gives him a soft smile. She was always a Dr. first even to her friends wanting to make sure she kept them healthy and not worse would go wrong with them.
Looking up as her Uncle comes into the room Bree didn't show much emotion on her face. This was just another day to her, that held nothing much. The others were smiling, and laughing, Bree wished she could laugh to but she just wasn't in the mood.
Seeing the phone in JT's hand Bree eyes held hope, was she really going to be able to talk to Gunner. To hear his sweet voice was her Christmas wish really going to come true. Taking the phone her hand shook, it was to good to be true and thought she hoped with all her heart she didn't want to be let down to hard.
"Hello?"
Standing over the the medium size Christmas tree Rosetta study's the ornaments that were on it. There were many memories on that tree. Home made ones, ones given as gifts, it always made Rosetta smile looking them over and remembering.
Feeling the slight movement behind her before Mick even spoke Rosetta could smell his sent. As strange as it sounded, she had his own smell that Rosetta had come to love and know. But hearing his voice confirmed he was really there.
Feeling chills shoot down her spin Rosetta turned around quicker than she ever had before looking into her husbands eyes.
"MICK!"
Throwing her arms around his neck Rosetta held him tightly her face nuzzled into his neck. She'd missed him so much, she'd felt so lonely, and now he was back. Tears ran from Rosetta's eyes showing how happy she was to see him. It had felt like it had been so long. Pulling away and lookin into his eyes Rosetta moves Mick's head back giving a big smile. He never looked so good in his life.
"Oh Mick I missed you so much."
Leaning in Rosetta's lips press against Micks as she forgets about everyone else in the room. Not caring if they were watching or not. Rosetta's heart raced as she was filled with happiness. Her on arm finding Micks back as the other one ran though his hair. Letting the kiss linger and not end to soon.
Giving a smile Dan reaches for his cell phone Dan opens his car door and gets out once again, taking in the cold air. It wasn't often he saw snow, and he needed to call Jade before heading home. It was Christmas after all, and something he couldn't not do. So why not enjoy both at the same time.
Dialing her cell number Dan waits to here the familiar voice answer on the other end. He missed her something fierce, and couldn't wait to see her again. Being away, and Jade being so far away too he understood just how much he missed and cared for her a great deal. Continuing to let the phone ring Dan waited.
Finally hearing the mail voice on the other end of Jade's phone Dan guess it would be her step father, or another family member who had gathered at the house to be with family.
"Hi, this is Dan, and I was wondering if Jade was available to talk."
Eating another peace of bacon Katie couldn't keep the smile off her face. Last night things had been crazy, and there heart went out to a few family members Katie still felt so at home, and stress free away from work Being with Jason, that was icing on the cake.
Feeling his warm and loving emotions come her way it sends a chill up Katie's spine. One she often felt when he left off good emotions, and one she would never tire of. It was such a nice feeling. She could never explain it to anyone else other than it felt good.
I think a Christmas horse ride sounds amazing. Not to mention if we are careful and take the trail that leads a little ways into the mountains there is some snow left and it will look so pretty. Unless you have some where else you would like to ride.
Kaite draws Jason's happy, loving, and content emotions a little more, making them flow to her faster showing she was so happy.
As long as I am with you we could ride down the street and I would be happy.
Holding Chase in her lap Wendy bounced him up and down gently as BJ held the baby's tiny hand as he played with his new toys. Keeping Chase entertained and happy.
Wendy didn't mind keeping watch over Chase and BJ while the others were moving around getting stuff ready, cleaning up, she enjoyed the kids, and watching the two interact was cute.
Smiling at Eric as she see him Angel knows why he was there and had been faxed over his x-rays and other paper work she might need on what happened.
"Ok, before I give you anything I wanna take a look at your leg. Just to make sure it looks ok."
Turning around and grabbing some gloves Angel waits for Eric to lower his pants. She new he didnt want to show her, and she was prepared for the worse but she needed to see it, and there was no saying no to her.
Kneeling down Angel tried to be as gentile as she could lifting Eric's leg. Seeing the purple bruse that ran down his leg Angel could tell his leg took the brunt of everything. Pressing on it in a few differnt places Angel new it probably hurt but she had to do it. Looking up at Eric her eyes say she is sorry.
"Well, you got a pretty nasty bruise on your muscle. I'm going to give to a brace to where. I know you wont stay off it like you need to but it will help at least take some weight off of it. I want you to promise me you will rest it as much as you can. Even if it feels good enough not to. When your sitting down it needs to stay raised."
Standing Angel takes the gloves off and goes to wash her hands grabbing a few painkillers on the way back along with the leg brace. Looking down at Eric her eyes show she really meant what she said.
"I mean it Eric, if you don't you could end up hurting yourself worse ok? If the pain gets worse you need to tell me, and in a few days I wanna take a look again."
Angel gives him a soft smile. She was always a Dr. first even to her friends wanting to make sure she kept them healthy and not worse would go wrong with them.
Looking up as her Uncle comes into the room Bree didn't show much emotion on her face. This was just another day to her, that held nothing much. The others were smiling, and laughing, Bree wished she could laugh to but she just wasn't in the mood.
Seeing the phone in JT's hand Bree eyes held hope, was she really going to be able to talk to Gunner. To hear his sweet voice was her Christmas wish really going to come true. Taking the phone her hand shook, it was to good to be true and thought she hoped with all her heart she didn't want to be let down to hard.
"Hello?"
Standing over the the medium size Christmas tree Rosetta study's the ornaments that were on it. There were many memories on that tree. Home made ones, ones given as gifts, it always made Rosetta smile looking them over and remembering.
Feeling the slight movement behind her before Mick even spoke Rosetta could smell his sent. As strange as it sounded, she had his own smell that Rosetta had come to love and know. But hearing his voice confirmed he was really there.
Feeling chills shoot down her spin Rosetta turned around quicker than she ever had before looking into her husbands eyes.
"MICK!"
Throwing her arms around his neck Rosetta held him tightly her face nuzzled into his neck. She'd missed him so much, she'd felt so lonely, and now he was back. Tears ran from Rosetta's eyes showing how happy she was to see him. It had felt like it had been so long. Pulling away and lookin into his eyes Rosetta moves Mick's head back giving a big smile. He never looked so good in his life.
"Oh Mick I missed you so much."
Leaning in Rosetta's lips press against Micks as she forgets about everyone else in the room. Not caring if they were watching or not. Rosetta's heart raced as she was filled with happiness. Her on arm finding Micks back as the other one ran though his hair. Letting the kiss linger and not end to soon.
Merry Christmas
Though curious as to where his niece had gone, JT doesn't ask. He never pried into Bree's business and she never pried into his - it was just the way they worked.
Trying to relax wasn't too hard. The family seemed to recover from the little episode a few minutes ago - at least they were trying to enough that it seemed to work. The music picked back up again, the rest of the gifts were handed out, and the absence of the other three was filled in by laughter and chatting once again.
Ryder gives Thirteen an encouraging nod and takes her hand, heading for the door. Bundled up, he takes her to her bunk but doesn't leave right away. Instead, he sits with her and finds a chick flick on television to watch with her. He doesn't make her talk about what had happened, but just holds her, trying to help her relax.
It wasn't until after Thirteen had fallen asleep and Ryder had made sure she had a blanket pulled up over her on the bed that he quietly left. Once in his own bunk, it took quite a while for sleep to overtake his mind. He felt bad for Thirteen, and he felt a might guilty too, for not having told her about Trent sooner. He knew he'd made a promise that he couldn't break, but still, he probably hadn't been fair to her either, and he just hoped that she wouldn't be mad at him for it.
Eric grins and nods. He knew he'd been wrong to hit Trent, but knowing Rosetta forgave him was enough to make him stay up with her.
"Yeah... I guess I've been on the road a lot lately, huh?" He takes another sip of coffee. "Maybe God's gonna use this to tell me to slow down a little."
As the evening wore on, people began filtering to their own homes or accommodations. Cindy left with Wes and a sleeping Kaylee. Clint wanted to stay up but he knew he needed to go with Wendy and get Chase to bed for the night too. JT made sure Bree was able to get to bed and to sleep before he did as well, wishing Amanda a merry Christmas before he did. Jim and Becky didn't stay too long, and Rosalyn ended up almost falling asleep in her chair, so she'd opted to call it a night as well. Luke stuck around a while to help clean up a few things, but as the late hours came, so did the pain, so he and Angel finally left too. Eventually, Jason and Katie were gone, leaving Sparky and Faith in a quiet corner talking, and Rosetta, Eric and Jeff chatting at their table still.
Though some would wish the evening to go on forever, body's eventually needed to rest and the dining hall was left dark and quiet. There was such a mix of emotions, so extreme. There was a happiness for the season and for the family being together and having such a good time. There was a sadness and a bit of anger connected to what was going on with Trent. And there was a longing for some who weren't there with them.
But time is a funny thing in that when the sun rises again, so often the world looks different than the day before. There's a freshness in the air and an opportunity to start again. The bad wasn't the end after all, and there's one more chance for the good to continue... for the warmth to wash over the ready souls again.
Breakfast was over and morning chores were almost done. The first few hours of daylight had been good. There was still a bit of tension in the air, but between Jeff's teasing, Clint's crazy antics at the breakfast table and Jason teaming up with Eric, laughter drove away the storm clouds.
Trent had not been seen yet today, but everyone else had made it in eventually, including the three fugitives and four visitors. It was a new day after all, and it was Christmas. Peace was available to all as each one found their own ways to grasp it.
So I was thinking about a nice ride this afternoon, just you and me. I know it's cold but... A Christmas horseback ride with you is pretty enticing.
Jason looks across the table to Katie, his emotions those of love and just a want to spend some extra special time with her on this special day. They'd have the rest of the morning then all evening with everyone else... gifts had almost all been exchanged already, so they only needed to make sure they were back in time for supper. So that left a little free time - at least that's what Jason was hoping for.
Eric eases slowly down into a chair in Angel's office, having just come over a while after breakfast. He's spoken with her earlier, so she knew he was here for some pain killers.
"I told the doctor at the hospital I didn't need nothin' but..." He grimaces a little. "This leg of mine seems pretty intent on making me miserable."
Trent emerges from his bunkhouse for the first time that morning. He hadn't gone to breakfast, and he hadn't socialized afterward. It was the tack room he was headed for now... the small confines of leather and oil that was his only haven. People would come and go, but for the most part, it was as private as it got, besides cooping himself up in his own bunk.
Stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets, he wanders to the barn, his head bent low. Thankfully, he made it inside without meeting anybody else. Slipping into the tack room, he shuts the door and finds a saddle to work on, setting it up in a warm corner to clean and oil. He could imagine the rest of his family thinking it was about time for him to leave and get out of their hair... and really, he deserved to get kicked out. Maybe it was time. What Bree had said the night before made sense but... in the long run, maybe it would be best if he just tried to start over somewhere else instead of trying to make up for a past that never could be forgiven.
His eyes were sad and tired. He'd hardly slept at all. Maybe even a few tears had been shed. He couldn't help but wonder though... was Thirteen even still here?
"Bree?" JT taps on the spare room door and lets himself in. After getting her up for breakfast, he'd seen her come back here to hibernate again.
"You awake?" He offers her a gentle smile, glad to see that she hadn't fallen back to sleep again. "I got something for ya..." Both knew that this was an abnormal Christmas. Normally they would have shopped til they dropped on Christmas Eve then had their own little party with junk food, gifts and cheesy movies. Today though, they were without all of that - JT only had one gift to give, and it had taken him all morning and a lot of string pulling to make it happen.
Taking his hand from behind his back, it held the room's cordless phone he'd taken earlier. "There's somebody who wants to talk to you."
On the other end, Gunner waits, hearing JT's muffled voice, apparently talking to Bree. He leans back still in his cell, but amused with David's style of getting the job done. He had a phone and he had it for fifteen minutes.
And while the morning progressed, not many would notice a familiar truck coming up the driveway. It was Christmas after all... and sometimes extra special blessings came when no one would thing they would. Especially when secrets had been kept so well over the phone.
Parking by the garage, the two occupants get out, one more grudgingly than the other. A bag or two was retrieved and the driver waits for the younger passenger to come around and trudge up the porch steps.
A few people were still in the dining hall - it was bet upon that the person sought after would be in here and not the main house at this time of the morning. And the assumption was correct.
Mick gestures to Dylan, that he can sit down wherever he likes, though his son remains standing, staring at the floor. It was obvious the teenager wasn't happy, but wasn't a risk to running off either. Mick's own focus was singular at this point. There was just one person he was concerned with seeing. His eyes were tired... he had a weary look about him and had lost a little weight, but he was back... and he was back for good this time.
Setting his bag down, Mick's gaze finds Rosetta at the other end of the room. Her back was turned, so he motions for some of the others to keep quiet and they play along. Coming up behind her near the kitchen, the brim of his hat brushes the back of her head. "Merry Christmas," he whispers.
Snow was falling... again. Jade had enjoyed just the light amount in Texas, but back in Colorado, it was piling up. And after just two days, she was already getting tired of it. She felt like a caged animal. Back in town, she already missed the wide open spaces and being able to roam the ranch. She was back in her bedroom again with all her things... but it just wasn't the same anymore.
Pacing the bay window in the living room, her mother chides her.
"Good grief, Jade... what's your problem?"
"Sorry. Bored."
"Well if that's the case, come help me with the turkey."
It was back to a traditional Christmas. Jade's mom, stepfather, grandparents and a few cousins and aunts and uncles would be coming over. Surprisingly, she and her mom had already had a talk about Dylan and her mom had finally come to the point of admitting she really couldn't offer Dylan anything other than the same old situation again so maybe it really was better for him to be in Texas. She'd made a comment about not really liking Dylan being around Mick, but Jade had let it slide, not wanting to get into it. She wasn't exactly on good terms with her father at this point either. Ben had been okay... he'd always been nice though, so Jade was alright with being around him again. Nobody really wanted her to live in Texas, but her mom had agreed maybe a change of scenery would be good - though she fully expected Jade to eventually return to Colorado for college. The only one totally opposed to Texas was Jade's grandmother, who had nothing good to say about it at all, let alone Mick. Comments were made that Jade never should have had to put up with, but not wanting to be miserable, she'd kept her mouth shut. Seeds of doubt had been planted, but so far none had thwarted any plans too severely.
Then there was Dan. Jade's mom had seemed to find a little romance amusing, but Jade had the feeling that she had no idea how serious she really was about it. She missed Dan something awful just being gone this short amount of time. She liked Texas, she liked the ranch, and she really did want to get on better terms with her father. But it was Dan whom she'd fallen in love with, and he was a pretty major puzzle piece in her deciding to return to Texas for good. She hadn't told her mom about the conflict with her dad and Dan... but she'd already made up her mind that if her dad wouldn't let her live on the ranch as long as she was dating Dan, she'd find a place as close as she could. At least it would be closer than Colorado.
"Jade!"
"Huh?"
"I've been calling you!" Her mother sets her hands on her hips, mildly annoyed though she chuckles. "Where's your head today, hmm? Come to the kitchen and help me."
Trying to relax wasn't too hard. The family seemed to recover from the little episode a few minutes ago - at least they were trying to enough that it seemed to work. The music picked back up again, the rest of the gifts were handed out, and the absence of the other three was filled in by laughter and chatting once again.
Ryder gives Thirteen an encouraging nod and takes her hand, heading for the door. Bundled up, he takes her to her bunk but doesn't leave right away. Instead, he sits with her and finds a chick flick on television to watch with her. He doesn't make her talk about what had happened, but just holds her, trying to help her relax.
It wasn't until after Thirteen had fallen asleep and Ryder had made sure she had a blanket pulled up over her on the bed that he quietly left. Once in his own bunk, it took quite a while for sleep to overtake his mind. He felt bad for Thirteen, and he felt a might guilty too, for not having told her about Trent sooner. He knew he'd made a promise that he couldn't break, but still, he probably hadn't been fair to her either, and he just hoped that she wouldn't be mad at him for it.
Eric grins and nods. He knew he'd been wrong to hit Trent, but knowing Rosetta forgave him was enough to make him stay up with her.
"Yeah... I guess I've been on the road a lot lately, huh?" He takes another sip of coffee. "Maybe God's gonna use this to tell me to slow down a little."
As the evening wore on, people began filtering to their own homes or accommodations. Cindy left with Wes and a sleeping Kaylee. Clint wanted to stay up but he knew he needed to go with Wendy and get Chase to bed for the night too. JT made sure Bree was able to get to bed and to sleep before he did as well, wishing Amanda a merry Christmas before he did. Jim and Becky didn't stay too long, and Rosalyn ended up almost falling asleep in her chair, so she'd opted to call it a night as well. Luke stuck around a while to help clean up a few things, but as the late hours came, so did the pain, so he and Angel finally left too. Eventually, Jason and Katie were gone, leaving Sparky and Faith in a quiet corner talking, and Rosetta, Eric and Jeff chatting at their table still.
Though some would wish the evening to go on forever, body's eventually needed to rest and the dining hall was left dark and quiet. There was such a mix of emotions, so extreme. There was a happiness for the season and for the family being together and having such a good time. There was a sadness and a bit of anger connected to what was going on with Trent. And there was a longing for some who weren't there with them.
But time is a funny thing in that when the sun rises again, so often the world looks different than the day before. There's a freshness in the air and an opportunity to start again. The bad wasn't the end after all, and there's one more chance for the good to continue... for the warmth to wash over the ready souls again.
Breakfast was over and morning chores were almost done. The first few hours of daylight had been good. There was still a bit of tension in the air, but between Jeff's teasing, Clint's crazy antics at the breakfast table and Jason teaming up with Eric, laughter drove away the storm clouds.
Trent had not been seen yet today, but everyone else had made it in eventually, including the three fugitives and four visitors. It was a new day after all, and it was Christmas. Peace was available to all as each one found their own ways to grasp it.
So I was thinking about a nice ride this afternoon, just you and me. I know it's cold but... A Christmas horseback ride with you is pretty enticing.
Jason looks across the table to Katie, his emotions those of love and just a want to spend some extra special time with her on this special day. They'd have the rest of the morning then all evening with everyone else... gifts had almost all been exchanged already, so they only needed to make sure they were back in time for supper. So that left a little free time - at least that's what Jason was hoping for.
Eric eases slowly down into a chair in Angel's office, having just come over a while after breakfast. He's spoken with her earlier, so she knew he was here for some pain killers.
"I told the doctor at the hospital I didn't need nothin' but..." He grimaces a little. "This leg of mine seems pretty intent on making me miserable."
Trent emerges from his bunkhouse for the first time that morning. He hadn't gone to breakfast, and he hadn't socialized afterward. It was the tack room he was headed for now... the small confines of leather and oil that was his only haven. People would come and go, but for the most part, it was as private as it got, besides cooping himself up in his own bunk.
Stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets, he wanders to the barn, his head bent low. Thankfully, he made it inside without meeting anybody else. Slipping into the tack room, he shuts the door and finds a saddle to work on, setting it up in a warm corner to clean and oil. He could imagine the rest of his family thinking it was about time for him to leave and get out of their hair... and really, he deserved to get kicked out. Maybe it was time. What Bree had said the night before made sense but... in the long run, maybe it would be best if he just tried to start over somewhere else instead of trying to make up for a past that never could be forgiven.
His eyes were sad and tired. He'd hardly slept at all. Maybe even a few tears had been shed. He couldn't help but wonder though... was Thirteen even still here?
"Bree?" JT taps on the spare room door and lets himself in. After getting her up for breakfast, he'd seen her come back here to hibernate again.
"You awake?" He offers her a gentle smile, glad to see that she hadn't fallen back to sleep again. "I got something for ya..." Both knew that this was an abnormal Christmas. Normally they would have shopped til they dropped on Christmas Eve then had their own little party with junk food, gifts and cheesy movies. Today though, they were without all of that - JT only had one gift to give, and it had taken him all morning and a lot of string pulling to make it happen.
Taking his hand from behind his back, it held the room's cordless phone he'd taken earlier. "There's somebody who wants to talk to you."
On the other end, Gunner waits, hearing JT's muffled voice, apparently talking to Bree. He leans back still in his cell, but amused with David's style of getting the job done. He had a phone and he had it for fifteen minutes.
And while the morning progressed, not many would notice a familiar truck coming up the driveway. It was Christmas after all... and sometimes extra special blessings came when no one would thing they would. Especially when secrets had been kept so well over the phone.
Parking by the garage, the two occupants get out, one more grudgingly than the other. A bag or two was retrieved and the driver waits for the younger passenger to come around and trudge up the porch steps.
A few people were still in the dining hall - it was bet upon that the person sought after would be in here and not the main house at this time of the morning. And the assumption was correct.
Mick gestures to Dylan, that he can sit down wherever he likes, though his son remains standing, staring at the floor. It was obvious the teenager wasn't happy, but wasn't a risk to running off either. Mick's own focus was singular at this point. There was just one person he was concerned with seeing. His eyes were tired... he had a weary look about him and had lost a little weight, but he was back... and he was back for good this time.
Setting his bag down, Mick's gaze finds Rosetta at the other end of the room. Her back was turned, so he motions for some of the others to keep quiet and they play along. Coming up behind her near the kitchen, the brim of his hat brushes the back of her head. "Merry Christmas," he whispers.
Snow was falling... again. Jade had enjoyed just the light amount in Texas, but back in Colorado, it was piling up. And after just two days, she was already getting tired of it. She felt like a caged animal. Back in town, she already missed the wide open spaces and being able to roam the ranch. She was back in her bedroom again with all her things... but it just wasn't the same anymore.
Pacing the bay window in the living room, her mother chides her.
"Good grief, Jade... what's your problem?"
"Sorry. Bored."
"Well if that's the case, come help me with the turkey."
It was back to a traditional Christmas. Jade's mom, stepfather, grandparents and a few cousins and aunts and uncles would be coming over. Surprisingly, she and her mom had already had a talk about Dylan and her mom had finally come to the point of admitting she really couldn't offer Dylan anything other than the same old situation again so maybe it really was better for him to be in Texas. She'd made a comment about not really liking Dylan being around Mick, but Jade had let it slide, not wanting to get into it. She wasn't exactly on good terms with her father at this point either. Ben had been okay... he'd always been nice though, so Jade was alright with being around him again. Nobody really wanted her to live in Texas, but her mom had agreed maybe a change of scenery would be good - though she fully expected Jade to eventually return to Colorado for college. The only one totally opposed to Texas was Jade's grandmother, who had nothing good to say about it at all, let alone Mick. Comments were made that Jade never should have had to put up with, but not wanting to be miserable, she'd kept her mouth shut. Seeds of doubt had been planted, but so far none had thwarted any plans too severely.
Then there was Dan. Jade's mom had seemed to find a little romance amusing, but Jade had the feeling that she had no idea how serious she really was about it. She missed Dan something awful just being gone this short amount of time. She liked Texas, she liked the ranch, and she really did want to get on better terms with her father. But it was Dan whom she'd fallen in love with, and he was a pretty major puzzle piece in her deciding to return to Texas for good. She hadn't told her mom about the conflict with her dad and Dan... but she'd already made up her mind that if her dad wouldn't let her live on the ranch as long as she was dating Dan, she'd find a place as close as she could. At least it would be closer than Colorado.
"Jade!"
"Huh?"
"I've been calling you!" Her mother sets her hands on her hips, mildly annoyed though she chuckles. "Where's your head today, hmm? Come to the kitchen and help me."
2/16/10
Long Night
Looking back to her Uncle Bree gives a little shrug. For a moment she'd had the energy to get up and go after Trent. Trying to offer words that would help, but now...now she was just back to the state she was before.
"Same old same old. I just had something I needed to do."
Looking out the windows again Bree study the stars some more as the melody Jason's played seemed soothing in the background.
Leaning her head into Ryder Thirteen just soaked up his comfort. She wanted to stay up longer incase Trent came back but her eyes wanted so badly to close over the emotional strain. Maybe it was best if she did go to sleep. She new who her father was now, and if he didn't want anything more to do with her at least she could tell people she new him.
"I guess...I should head back to my bunk. Not sure if I want to sleep yet but...maybe just some time alone with you would be nice."
Thirteen tryed to gives Ryder the best smile she could but it was hard. She was more confused now than she had been before. Would things work out? Would her father talk to her again. Letting out a sigh Thirteen stands, waiting for Ryder to walk with her.
Rosetta new her brother felt bad, She didn't want him to. There had been worse things she had delt with even if she acted like this was the end of the world. Its was just everything going on at once, and trying to hold it all together was hard.
Sitting down across from Eric, she scooted over a little so Jeff could join them if he liked too. The night was far from over, and in a way Rosetta was happy about that even if her eyes showed signs of a little tiredness setting in.
"I couldn't go to bed now if I wanted to. There is to much to do once the others are asleep. Not to mention my brother whom I haven't seen in a while and I though could possible be dead is here again. I think its catching up time."
"Same old same old. I just had something I needed to do."
Looking out the windows again Bree study the stars some more as the melody Jason's played seemed soothing in the background.
Leaning her head into Ryder Thirteen just soaked up his comfort. She wanted to stay up longer incase Trent came back but her eyes wanted so badly to close over the emotional strain. Maybe it was best if she did go to sleep. She new who her father was now, and if he didn't want anything more to do with her at least she could tell people she new him.
"I guess...I should head back to my bunk. Not sure if I want to sleep yet but...maybe just some time alone with you would be nice."
Thirteen tryed to gives Ryder the best smile she could but it was hard. She was more confused now than she had been before. Would things work out? Would her father talk to her again. Letting out a sigh Thirteen stands, waiting for Ryder to walk with her.
Rosetta new her brother felt bad, She didn't want him to. There had been worse things she had delt with even if she acted like this was the end of the world. Its was just everything going on at once, and trying to hold it all together was hard.
Sitting down across from Eric, she scooted over a little so Jeff could join them if he liked too. The night was far from over, and in a way Rosetta was happy about that even if her eyes showed signs of a little tiredness setting in.
"I couldn't go to bed now if I wanted to. There is to much to do once the others are asleep. Not to mention my brother whom I haven't seen in a while and I though could possible be dead is here again. I think its catching up time."
Thoughts
Not having heard anyone come in the barn, Bree's voice causes Trent to jerk to attention. Looking over at her, his eyes hold his surprise. Not only was he surprised anyone was out here, but he was doubly surprised it was her. He knew about her and why she was here, and he had probably exchanged all of three words with her this whole time. What could she possibly have to say to him?
Remaining quiet, Trent just lets her talk. It must have been quite obvious, the situation with Thirteen. For a stranger to pick up on what was going on. But then... what other conclusions could someone draw from seeing a father unwilling to recognize his daughter? The scene had spoken for itself. Realizing that Bree had figured out much of it left Trent with a more severe churning in his stomach. If it had been that obvious, he really must have done a bang up job on the whole thing.
His eyes fall to the floor, but he doesn't move to leave. By now, he felt pretty numb, so Bree's words didn't sting too much. It was apparent that Bree herself had had a rough upbringing and somehow could relate to not being loved. Is that really what Thirteen felt? Unloved? Father or not, Trent was a stranger to her. How could she expect love from a man who didn't even know her? Yet was that the small pang in his heart?
Trent leans his head back to rest against the wall. What did Thirteen want answers to? The past? He probably couldn't answer half of those questions anyway. What could be accomplished by digging it all up again? She'd had a bad past, his hadn't been great... why rehash it? Was it really that important like Bree was assuming? Trent could remember a time that he had wondered about his own parents. But he'd also seen the harsh reality that sometimes parents just don't care enough or have higher priorities than their children. He'd never want to go back and try to build a relationship with that. He'd never want to try just to be hurt again and again and again.
He'd seen it happen with kids who'd come to the ranch from bad family situations. No matter what, they'd always return to their mother or father, just to be hurt again. Trent had always wished he could get them to understand it wasn't worth it. But instead, everyone else who knew better could only stand back and wince as it happened all over again.
It didn't make much sense to him, and here was Thirteen, his own daughter, saying she loved him and wanted to be with him, when it was obvious he had intentionally kept her at arm's length. Didn't she know she was better off keeping her distance? Maybe she wanted answers and she had some romantic idea about what a father should be... but the truth of the matter was that he wasn't father material and there was nothing romantic about this whatsoever. It wasn't a storybook world and Prince Charmings didn't exist. It was reality. And the fact of the matter was that Trent felt in no way to be adequate enough to be a father.
Even so... he couldn't deny that little pang in his heart. He cared and he knew it. That's why he'd gone to her in the first place. That's why he'd sent Ryder money to make sure she was well taken care of. That's why he'd given her a nice Christmas gift. But she had a very childlike view of what a parent should be and Trent wasn't so sure he could live up to any expectations at all.
All of a sudden, Trent realizes that he's alone. For how long, he didn't even know. But Bree had disappeared as quietly as she'd appeared, her words still lingering in his mind.
Sighing, he stands up and wanders to the door. He was beginning to feel the cold and he couldn't remember when he'd felt so weary. Back outside, it's to his bunkhouse this time. Inside out of the wind, he lies down on his bed and pulls a blanket over himself, not bothering to undress.
JT is surprised when Bree excuses herself, but he lets her go, trusting she was safe and knew where she was going. Lost in thought for a while, it's not long before his niece is back again and he offers her a small smile, though again she'd become so quiet. He missed her perky mood.
"You okay?"
"Hey, hey, shhh." Ryder rocks Thirteen a little. "Nothing was your fault, okay? You didn't ruin anybody's evening. See?" He points to where Jason was starting to play his guitar again. "Everything is just fine and nobody blames you for anything." He kisses her head again, wanting her to just have a good time, but that was a lot to ask at this point. "You wanna stay here and sing a little more, or you want me to take you back to your bunk?"
Eric tries to give Rosetta a smile, though he did feel badly about his reaction. He shouldn't have hit Trent no matter how upset he was, and he knew he'd just added fuel to the fire whether his sister would say it or not.
"Thanks... I'm glad to be back...." He looks at her a bit ruefully. "Couldn't you tell?"
Sighing, he takes a sip of coffee, enjoying the warm drink. "Long night or short night, Sis?" He did wonder if they would be staying up late to talk later, or if Rosetta thought it best just to break up for the night.
Remaining quiet, Trent just lets her talk. It must have been quite obvious, the situation with Thirteen. For a stranger to pick up on what was going on. But then... what other conclusions could someone draw from seeing a father unwilling to recognize his daughter? The scene had spoken for itself. Realizing that Bree had figured out much of it left Trent with a more severe churning in his stomach. If it had been that obvious, he really must have done a bang up job on the whole thing.
His eyes fall to the floor, but he doesn't move to leave. By now, he felt pretty numb, so Bree's words didn't sting too much. It was apparent that Bree herself had had a rough upbringing and somehow could relate to not being loved. Is that really what Thirteen felt? Unloved? Father or not, Trent was a stranger to her. How could she expect love from a man who didn't even know her? Yet was that the small pang in his heart?
Trent leans his head back to rest against the wall. What did Thirteen want answers to? The past? He probably couldn't answer half of those questions anyway. What could be accomplished by digging it all up again? She'd had a bad past, his hadn't been great... why rehash it? Was it really that important like Bree was assuming? Trent could remember a time that he had wondered about his own parents. But he'd also seen the harsh reality that sometimes parents just don't care enough or have higher priorities than their children. He'd never want to go back and try to build a relationship with that. He'd never want to try just to be hurt again and again and again.
He'd seen it happen with kids who'd come to the ranch from bad family situations. No matter what, they'd always return to their mother or father, just to be hurt again. Trent had always wished he could get them to understand it wasn't worth it. But instead, everyone else who knew better could only stand back and wince as it happened all over again.
It didn't make much sense to him, and here was Thirteen, his own daughter, saying she loved him and wanted to be with him, when it was obvious he had intentionally kept her at arm's length. Didn't she know she was better off keeping her distance? Maybe she wanted answers and she had some romantic idea about what a father should be... but the truth of the matter was that he wasn't father material and there was nothing romantic about this whatsoever. It wasn't a storybook world and Prince Charmings didn't exist. It was reality. And the fact of the matter was that Trent felt in no way to be adequate enough to be a father.
Even so... he couldn't deny that little pang in his heart. He cared and he knew it. That's why he'd gone to her in the first place. That's why he'd sent Ryder money to make sure she was well taken care of. That's why he'd given her a nice Christmas gift. But she had a very childlike view of what a parent should be and Trent wasn't so sure he could live up to any expectations at all.
All of a sudden, Trent realizes that he's alone. For how long, he didn't even know. But Bree had disappeared as quietly as she'd appeared, her words still lingering in his mind.
Sighing, he stands up and wanders to the door. He was beginning to feel the cold and he couldn't remember when he'd felt so weary. Back outside, it's to his bunkhouse this time. Inside out of the wind, he lies down on his bed and pulls a blanket over himself, not bothering to undress.
JT is surprised when Bree excuses herself, but he lets her go, trusting she was safe and knew where she was going. Lost in thought for a while, it's not long before his niece is back again and he offers her a small smile, though again she'd become so quiet. He missed her perky mood.
"You okay?"
"Hey, hey, shhh." Ryder rocks Thirteen a little. "Nothing was your fault, okay? You didn't ruin anybody's evening. See?" He points to where Jason was starting to play his guitar again. "Everything is just fine and nobody blames you for anything." He kisses her head again, wanting her to just have a good time, but that was a lot to ask at this point. "You wanna stay here and sing a little more, or you want me to take you back to your bunk?"
Eric tries to give Rosetta a smile, though he did feel badly about his reaction. He shouldn't have hit Trent no matter how upset he was, and he knew he'd just added fuel to the fire whether his sister would say it or not.
"Thanks... I'm glad to be back...." He looks at her a bit ruefully. "Couldn't you tell?"
Sighing, he takes a sip of coffee, enjoying the warm drink. "Long night or short night, Sis?" He did wonder if they would be staying up late to talk later, or if Rosetta thought it best just to break up for the night.
...Like Me...
Walking the commotions from the quiet corner she had been sitting at Bree was silent. Her own sorrow, and problems seeming so far away now as she focused on someone else pain. She couldn't help but understand where Thirteen was coming from. Though for a much different reason she new what it was like to not have the love of a parent. And at the same time, she did feel a little bit bad for Trent too.
Looking to her Uncle Bree lets him know she would be back. Why she wanted to go after Trent she wasn't sure but after spending the last week maybe even longer here she had observed in her quiet hours of sitting. Everyone deserved love.
Slipping out of the dinning hall Bree scanned the ranch. Half looking for where Trent might have went, and half making sure it would be safe to go after him. Though the ranch was well lit with everyone still awake, Bree new she had to observe her surroundings anyways. Seeing the quick light from the one far barn as the door opened Bree new where Trent had gone.
Slowly making her way off the porch Bree could feel herself shake just a little. Why she was doing this, she still wasn't really sure but it felt like, like maybe she could help someone else so they didn't have to go through the heartache she did. Finally reaching the barn Bree quietly slips through the door and closes it behind her shutting out the bitter cold. Scanning the area she see Trent on the hay bail and walks to one of the stalls closest to him. Quiet for a long moment she just watches him as her words form in her mind. What she wanted to say she wasn't sure, and where the words came from she didn't know. Bree told herself she wouldn't stay long. Her Uncle would be worried, and she was without her jacket as well. She might be depressed but the last thing she wanted to to freeze to death.
"The love of a family is something we all want to have. To some its right in reach, and to others its so far away. I can see why Thirteen wants to know you so bad, all my life I wanted to know my parents, I wanted there love and I never got it, I know now I probably never will."
Letting out a sigh it was hard for Bree to admit that out loud. She'd never said those words before, not even to her Uncle. Now saying them to a stranger...it felt so odd. Leaning against the stall railing Bree picked at the wood.
"She loves you so much, and she hardly knows you but maybe deep down even if she cant remember, there is a link, a bond that she does know you and she just wants your love in return. She doesn't hate you, she just doesn't understand, she has questions only you can answer and there is nothing wrong with that. If anyone should ease her mind and answer them it should be you."
Bree finally looks up at Trent, her own eyes were dry, and her face held no real emotion. But if one looked deep enough into her eyes they could see the glossy glow, and the power that she really did believe in what she said. There also seemed to be an unknown wisdom there far beyond her years.
"If there was ever a time in your life to make things right again this is the time. Just don't abandon you daughter now that she knows you and deny her the one things she so desperately wants, and needs...if you do...she'll end up like me, and thats not entirely a good thing."
Giving the wood she had been picking at a gentile slap and looking around the barn for a moment. Her words had seemed so powerful that it even scared her a little never saying things like that to anyone before.
Pushing off the railing Bree didn't know what else could be said. She only hoped her words had touched Trent's heart, and he would reconsider getting to know his daughter. Every child needed there dad, every woman needed there father, and it would be horrible for another person to finish there life without.
Turning Bree makes her way out of the barn once again. This time taking in a long deep breath of air ans the wind stung her face. Though it was cold it felt good as a single treat rolled down her face. Taking a quick moment to look up at the stars Bree new Gunner was under the same ones, and it gave her a tiny bit of comfort thought he was far away, he was still with her.
Making her way back to the dinning hall Bree slips back in returning to the table she spend so much time at when she wasn't cooped up in the little room. Returning her gaze to the marks on the table Bree said nothing about where she went it wasn't a conversation that should be spread around.
Sitting so still close to Ryder at the table Thirteen can't help the tears that came from her eyes. She didn't care who was around and who was watching, She'd come so far, and now everything was a mess. She wanted it to happen so much differently.
Seeing her dad get slugged by Eric it had sent chills through her as she tryed to block it out of her mind. She wanted good memories of her family, and so far it hadn't gone at all like she hopped. Did she makes thing worse?
"I'm....sorry...I just..."
Thirteen sniffs between her tears.
"...I...ruined everyone's night."
Turned around and looking over the back of the couch Katie hated to be nosy but this had to do with her family too. Pulling on Jason's strained emotions Katie felt so bad for Thirteen and Trent. In a way she couldn't help this was a little bit of her own fault.
I can't even imagine how she feels right now J. I feel so bad for her.
Turning back around and slidding back down on the couch Katie gives a nod to Jason.
Come on lets try and lighten the mood a little.
Leaning into Jeff a little bit Rosetta felt so numb. She didnt know what to do and her heart ached for Trent, and for Thirteen. What was she to say to them? She didnt know how to fix this mess.
"Ok!"
Hanging Eric his coffee Rosetta lays a hand on her brothers shoulder. They would talk a little later over some more coffee once the other had gone to bed.
"Its ok Eric, I am still happy you home."
Looking to her Uncle Bree lets him know she would be back. Why she wanted to go after Trent she wasn't sure but after spending the last week maybe even longer here she had observed in her quiet hours of sitting. Everyone deserved love.
Slipping out of the dinning hall Bree scanned the ranch. Half looking for where Trent might have went, and half making sure it would be safe to go after him. Though the ranch was well lit with everyone still awake, Bree new she had to observe her surroundings anyways. Seeing the quick light from the one far barn as the door opened Bree new where Trent had gone.
Slowly making her way off the porch Bree could feel herself shake just a little. Why she was doing this, she still wasn't really sure but it felt like, like maybe she could help someone else so they didn't have to go through the heartache she did. Finally reaching the barn Bree quietly slips through the door and closes it behind her shutting out the bitter cold. Scanning the area she see Trent on the hay bail and walks to one of the stalls closest to him. Quiet for a long moment she just watches him as her words form in her mind. What she wanted to say she wasn't sure, and where the words came from she didn't know. Bree told herself she wouldn't stay long. Her Uncle would be worried, and she was without her jacket as well. She might be depressed but the last thing she wanted to to freeze to death.
"The love of a family is something we all want to have. To some its right in reach, and to others its so far away. I can see why Thirteen wants to know you so bad, all my life I wanted to know my parents, I wanted there love and I never got it, I know now I probably never will."
Letting out a sigh it was hard for Bree to admit that out loud. She'd never said those words before, not even to her Uncle. Now saying them to a stranger...it felt so odd. Leaning against the stall railing Bree picked at the wood.
"She loves you so much, and she hardly knows you but maybe deep down even if she cant remember, there is a link, a bond that she does know you and she just wants your love in return. She doesn't hate you, she just doesn't understand, she has questions only you can answer and there is nothing wrong with that. If anyone should ease her mind and answer them it should be you."
Bree finally looks up at Trent, her own eyes were dry, and her face held no real emotion. But if one looked deep enough into her eyes they could see the glossy glow, and the power that she really did believe in what she said. There also seemed to be an unknown wisdom there far beyond her years.
"If there was ever a time in your life to make things right again this is the time. Just don't abandon you daughter now that she knows you and deny her the one things she so desperately wants, and needs...if you do...she'll end up like me, and thats not entirely a good thing."
Giving the wood she had been picking at a gentile slap and looking around the barn for a moment. Her words had seemed so powerful that it even scared her a little never saying things like that to anyone before.
Pushing off the railing Bree didn't know what else could be said. She only hoped her words had touched Trent's heart, and he would reconsider getting to know his daughter. Every child needed there dad, every woman needed there father, and it would be horrible for another person to finish there life without.
Turning Bree makes her way out of the barn once again. This time taking in a long deep breath of air ans the wind stung her face. Though it was cold it felt good as a single treat rolled down her face. Taking a quick moment to look up at the stars Bree new Gunner was under the same ones, and it gave her a tiny bit of comfort thought he was far away, he was still with her.
Making her way back to the dinning hall Bree slips back in returning to the table she spend so much time at when she wasn't cooped up in the little room. Returning her gaze to the marks on the table Bree said nothing about where she went it wasn't a conversation that should be spread around.
Sitting so still close to Ryder at the table Thirteen can't help the tears that came from her eyes. She didn't care who was around and who was watching, She'd come so far, and now everything was a mess. She wanted it to happen so much differently.
Seeing her dad get slugged by Eric it had sent chills through her as she tryed to block it out of her mind. She wanted good memories of her family, and so far it hadn't gone at all like she hopped. Did she makes thing worse?
"I'm....sorry...I just..."
Thirteen sniffs between her tears.
"...I...ruined everyone's night."
Turned around and looking over the back of the couch Katie hated to be nosy but this had to do with her family too. Pulling on Jason's strained emotions Katie felt so bad for Thirteen and Trent. In a way she couldn't help this was a little bit of her own fault.
I can't even imagine how she feels right now J. I feel so bad for her.
Turning back around and slidding back down on the couch Katie gives a nod to Jason.
Come on lets try and lighten the mood a little.
Leaning into Jeff a little bit Rosetta felt so numb. She didnt know what to do and her heart ached for Trent, and for Thirteen. What was she to say to them? She didnt know how to fix this mess.
"Ok!"
Hanging Eric his coffee Rosetta lays a hand on her brothers shoulder. They would talk a little later over some more coffee once the other had gone to bed.
"Its ok Eric, I am still happy you home."
Temper
With every one of Thirteen's words, Trent feels like he's being kicked in the gut over and over. Each heartfelt phrase drove spikes into his heart... his wretched heart that had caused this mess. Oh, if only years ago he had been wiser.
His eyes stay on the floor and he makes no move. He doesn't look up at Thirteen, but stands as a beaten man, the only sign of life being the red heat crawling into his face. What could he possibly say? There was nothing... nothing at all that could even do justice. He had no reasons. He had no answers. He stood here as a man condemned for his ways, in front of the entire family. He had failed. Years ago, and today. And he had no idea how he could ever fix it again.
Seeing that Trent made no move to even respond to Thirteen, Eric gives Ryder a look and toss of his head to signal he should take Thirteen away. Ryder understands and gently takes Thirteen's arms, pulling her back from Trent.
"Come on," he prompts gently. "It's okay. Come with me." Guiding her away, he takes her back to where they'd been sitting, easing her down next to him. Putting his arm around her, he rubs her arm and kisses the top of her head. "It's gonna be okay. You didn't do anything wrong, alright?" He only wished he could take her pain away.
Once Thirteen has moved out of the way, Eric steps up to his brother. "So you're just gonna stand there, huh?" he hisses. "You're gonna stand there and say nothing to your own daughter. Hasn't she suffered enough? Isn't going through heck and back once enough?"
No response. "Look at me," Eric begs, but Trent would not. "You selfish-" Cutting his own words off, he hauls back with his right arm, coming in with a strong fist to Trent's mouth.
Trent's head jerks and he stumbles back a step, but he makes no move to retaliate. Emotions flood his eyes but he still does not look up to meet anyone's gaze. He could feel all of their stares and could feel the condemnation for secrets he had kept. Licking blood from his lip, his head is still bent as he slowly turns around. Not bothering to get his jacket from the other side of the room, he slowly goes out the door into the cold night air.
Eric's fists are still balled at his sides, his temper flaring. Once Trent is gone though, he lets out his breath, feeling stupid. He looks to Rosetta with a mix of sadness and guilt. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I just... couldn't take it." Retreating to his chair, he sits down again, pain shooting through his leg and he winces, trying to settle down again before he injured himself further.
Ryder had heard a continuing argument and had looked up in time to see Trent get slugged. Though a part of him cheered, another part of him felt pain for this man. How could someone live like he had? How far did someone have to let their heart go before denying their own blood?
Sometime amidst the whole episode, Jeff had wandered closer, and now puts an arm around Rosetta's shoulders. They all knew how hard she was trying to make this a good Christmas despite the bad, but it wasn't made easy when things like this happened. "Come on," he coaxes. "Let's sing some more songs and make the best of it, okay?"
By this time, the music had ceased and Jason's emotions were strained.
Well... that went poorly. I never thought Thirteen would come to any conclusions on her own, let alone the one she did about Eric. Crap, she must feel awful.
Clint's eyes were still wide as he looks to Wendy and blinks. Trent had a daughter? Thirteen was his daughter? The older generation didn't seem surprised... apparently they'd known about this? What really was going on? It looked as though Trent had kept everything a secret from Thirteen but it had apparently gone horribly wrong tonight. Clint looks down at Chase who was so tired he'd managed to fall asleep through the chaos. He couldn't imagine not claiming this child as his own. How had Trent done it?
He glances back to Wendy, sadness and confusion in his gaze. He'd thought secrets of the past were over. Apparently he'd been wrong.
Trent closes the door of the barn and leans back against it, holding his breath for longer than he should before letting it out slowly. He felt like he was gonna throw up and he was dizzy.
Wiping his lip again, his hand draws away just a little blood. He'd deserved the punch... he deserved more than that. If Eric had gone further, he probably wouldn't have fought back then either. If he'd been pummeled into the ground, it wouldn't have mattered. The shame he carried with him couldn't just be washed off with a few kind words. No... it was deeper than that. He'd brought disgrace to this family from day one, first by being with a woman in ways he shouldn't have, then by harming the family itself through the Agency, then by scarring the Pent name by being in prison, and now by turning away from his daughter.
Taking a shaky breath, Trent goes to a nearby straw bale to sit down, rest his elbows on his knees and bury his face in his hands. It was cold in here and he was without his jacket, but warmth was the farthest thing from his mind. All he could hope for by now was to leave quietly enough not to make any more disturbances.
His eyes stay on the floor and he makes no move. He doesn't look up at Thirteen, but stands as a beaten man, the only sign of life being the red heat crawling into his face. What could he possibly say? There was nothing... nothing at all that could even do justice. He had no reasons. He had no answers. He stood here as a man condemned for his ways, in front of the entire family. He had failed. Years ago, and today. And he had no idea how he could ever fix it again.
Seeing that Trent made no move to even respond to Thirteen, Eric gives Ryder a look and toss of his head to signal he should take Thirteen away. Ryder understands and gently takes Thirteen's arms, pulling her back from Trent.
"Come on," he prompts gently. "It's okay. Come with me." Guiding her away, he takes her back to where they'd been sitting, easing her down next to him. Putting his arm around her, he rubs her arm and kisses the top of her head. "It's gonna be okay. You didn't do anything wrong, alright?" He only wished he could take her pain away.
Once Thirteen has moved out of the way, Eric steps up to his brother. "So you're just gonna stand there, huh?" he hisses. "You're gonna stand there and say nothing to your own daughter. Hasn't she suffered enough? Isn't going through heck and back once enough?"
No response. "Look at me," Eric begs, but Trent would not. "You selfish-" Cutting his own words off, he hauls back with his right arm, coming in with a strong fist to Trent's mouth.
Trent's head jerks and he stumbles back a step, but he makes no move to retaliate. Emotions flood his eyes but he still does not look up to meet anyone's gaze. He could feel all of their stares and could feel the condemnation for secrets he had kept. Licking blood from his lip, his head is still bent as he slowly turns around. Not bothering to get his jacket from the other side of the room, he slowly goes out the door into the cold night air.
Eric's fists are still balled at his sides, his temper flaring. Once Trent is gone though, he lets out his breath, feeling stupid. He looks to Rosetta with a mix of sadness and guilt. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I just... couldn't take it." Retreating to his chair, he sits down again, pain shooting through his leg and he winces, trying to settle down again before he injured himself further.
Ryder had heard a continuing argument and had looked up in time to see Trent get slugged. Though a part of him cheered, another part of him felt pain for this man. How could someone live like he had? How far did someone have to let their heart go before denying their own blood?
Sometime amidst the whole episode, Jeff had wandered closer, and now puts an arm around Rosetta's shoulders. They all knew how hard she was trying to make this a good Christmas despite the bad, but it wasn't made easy when things like this happened. "Come on," he coaxes. "Let's sing some more songs and make the best of it, okay?"
By this time, the music had ceased and Jason's emotions were strained.
Well... that went poorly. I never thought Thirteen would come to any conclusions on her own, let alone the one she did about Eric. Crap, she must feel awful.
Clint's eyes were still wide as he looks to Wendy and blinks. Trent had a daughter? Thirteen was his daughter? The older generation didn't seem surprised... apparently they'd known about this? What really was going on? It looked as though Trent had kept everything a secret from Thirteen but it had apparently gone horribly wrong tonight. Clint looks down at Chase who was so tired he'd managed to fall asleep through the chaos. He couldn't imagine not claiming this child as his own. How had Trent done it?
He glances back to Wendy, sadness and confusion in his gaze. He'd thought secrets of the past were over. Apparently he'd been wrong.
Trent closes the door of the barn and leans back against it, holding his breath for longer than he should before letting it out slowly. He felt like he was gonna throw up and he was dizzy.
Wiping his lip again, his hand draws away just a little blood. He'd deserved the punch... he deserved more than that. If Eric had gone further, he probably wouldn't have fought back then either. If he'd been pummeled into the ground, it wouldn't have mattered. The shame he carried with him couldn't just be washed off with a few kind words. No... it was deeper than that. He'd brought disgrace to this family from day one, first by being with a woman in ways he shouldn't have, then by harming the family itself through the Agency, then by scarring the Pent name by being in prison, and now by turning away from his daughter.
Taking a shaky breath, Trent goes to a nearby straw bale to sit down, rest his elbows on his knees and bury his face in his hands. It was cold in here and he was without his jacket, but warmth was the farthest thing from his mind. All he could hope for by now was to leave quietly enough not to make any more disturbances.
2/15/10
Why?
Thirteen continued to smile as her just hugs the man she believed was her father. Feeling Ryder's hand on her shoulder Thirteen looks up a little not sure why it seemed like everyone else wasn't as excited as she was. Everything was so quiet, like everyone was waiting to see what would happen next.
Being pulled away from Eric and still smile Thirteen looks into his eyes, trying to soak what she could in. Letting her sudden second guess not pry its way in. This was her dad, it had to be, everything fit, and the feelings where there, they just had to be.
Listing to the words between Trent and Eric Thirteen became confused. She didn't understand what they were talking about, or even what there words meant. Continuing to look at them her eyes finally fall back to Eric again. She was more nervous now than before.
Hearing Eric's words Thirteen's heart sunk, he....wasn't her father? Than why the connections, why did she feel comfortable with him. She didn't understand and it made herself sad. She felt like an idiot now, making a fool of herself, but worse she hadn't found anyone. But as she is turned to look at Trent and hears Eric's words it seemed like as though Thirteen's heart stopped once again. She talked to him, he'd seen her, he new how much she wanted to know her father and yet...he was silent. Looking to Ryder Thirteen's eyes filled with tears, but reaching down she found her strength to take a few steps closer to Trent.
"You new how much I wanted to see you, You new how much I wanted dad and yet, you denied me of that? Why? I dont have a past besides a cold dark cell, because watching people die in front of me, there family begging to see there child again yet they never do. I have to live with those memories, with the dark pictures that run through my mind when I close my eyes. Hate anger, thats what my life was filled with. I should hate you because thats what I was trained to do, but I don't. Even if I don't understand I still love you and..."
Thirteen takes in a deep breath trying to control her emotions. She finally met her dad, she new who he was and she loved him. But still she didn't understand any of this.
"I wanted my own memories, my own family to push those out of my head. Its hard to answer questions truthful when people ask me at work about myself, I wanted to have stores like everyone else. But you denied me of that....Why? Were you ashamed of me? Didn't you love me?"
Being pulled away from Eric and still smile Thirteen looks into his eyes, trying to soak what she could in. Letting her sudden second guess not pry its way in. This was her dad, it had to be, everything fit, and the feelings where there, they just had to be.
Listing to the words between Trent and Eric Thirteen became confused. She didn't understand what they were talking about, or even what there words meant. Continuing to look at them her eyes finally fall back to Eric again. She was more nervous now than before.
Hearing Eric's words Thirteen's heart sunk, he....wasn't her father? Than why the connections, why did she feel comfortable with him. She didn't understand and it made herself sad. She felt like an idiot now, making a fool of herself, but worse she hadn't found anyone. But as she is turned to look at Trent and hears Eric's words it seemed like as though Thirteen's heart stopped once again. She talked to him, he'd seen her, he new how much she wanted to know her father and yet...he was silent. Looking to Ryder Thirteen's eyes filled with tears, but reaching down she found her strength to take a few steps closer to Trent.
"You new how much I wanted to see you, You new how much I wanted dad and yet, you denied me of that? Why? I dont have a past besides a cold dark cell, because watching people die in front of me, there family begging to see there child again yet they never do. I have to live with those memories, with the dark pictures that run through my mind when I close my eyes. Hate anger, thats what my life was filled with. I should hate you because thats what I was trained to do, but I don't. Even if I don't understand I still love you and..."
Thirteen takes in a deep breath trying to control her emotions. She finally met her dad, she new who he was and she loved him. But still she didn't understand any of this.
"I wanted my own memories, my own family to push those out of my head. Its hard to answer questions truthful when people ask me at work about myself, I wanted to have stores like everyone else. But you denied me of that....Why? Were you ashamed of me? Didn't you love me?"
I'm not
Ryder tries to get a word in, but it just doesn't work. Thirteen was too excited and believed whole-heartedly that this was her father. Ryder's eyes drift to Trent, who wasn't making a move, and a slow anger burned deep down. This whole thing never would have gotten this far had Trent just told the truth.
Once Thirteen's announcement hits the air, eyes turn to the direction of the little group. Many knew that Trent was her father, but some had not been told yet, so the confusion was doubled.
Stunned, Eric doesn't know what to do as Thirteen leans down to hug him. The only thing he could feel was his heart being ripped in two. This was his niece and he knew it - and he hadn't been allowed to say so. Trent was standing not five feet away with his lips sealed against a truth he'd hidden all his life. And this poor girl thought she'd discovered a dream.
Gritting his teeth, Eric closes his eyes and slips his arms around Thirteen warmly. How could he give her such a shock as telling her she was wrong? She would heart broken and probably horribly embarrassed. If Eric could, he'd take her as his own right now just so he wouldn't have to break the truth to her.
Ryder opens his mouth to speak, but no words seem to be good enough. He looks to Rosetta helplessly, then Trent, then back down to Eric. Gently, he sets his hands down on Thirteen's shoulders. "Thirteen," he prompts quietly. "Come here, babe..."
Eric looks up at him and knows that the hard truth needed to be told. As gently as he could, he pries Thirteen away far enough he can see her face and he lifts his palm to wipe away some of her tears. So much life sparkled in her eyes.... so much hope... so much excitement at finding the one man she'd sought after. Eric's heart ached like nothing else.
Swallowing hard, he looks to his silent brother. "Well? You gonna just stand there, or are you going to help me out, brother?"
Trent takes a step backward, heat rising to his face. He could feel eyes on him from all directions. One could hear a pin drop. His mouth opens and closes again, the words stuck somewhere in his throat. His eyes drift to the floor.
Eric looks back to Thirteen, trying to shove aside the anger towards his brother so she didn't think he was mad at her too. "Thirteen... hon..." Though painful, he gets to his feet, sliding his arm around her shoulders and bending his neck to be close to her. If his brother didn't have the guts enough to admit he was her father, then he'd step up to the plate himself. Someone had to - it might as well be him.
"I need you to be really brave for me," he encourages. "'Cause sometimes in life... we don't always get what we want... and sometimes what we believe winds up not being quite what we thought it was. But lemme tell you something... It doesn't matter whose blood you have running through your veins. It's your heart that makes you you, and you can't ever let go of it."
Stepping back a little, he turns Thirteen to look her straight on, a hand on each of her shoulders. "I'm sorry... but I'm-."
"Stop," Trent interrupts. "Can you not-"
"What? Mind my own business?" Eric frowns at him. "Like that's easy at this point. You have robbed your family the joy of another member. You have stolen a relationship from the rest of us because you've been too scared or prideful to admit what you should have years ago. It's over, Trent."
He turns back to Thirteen. Emotions rise in his eyes as he looks into hers. This was his family... his niece. "I'm not your father, Thirteen." He shifts her to face Trent, and points to him. "He is."
Once Thirteen's announcement hits the air, eyes turn to the direction of the little group. Many knew that Trent was her father, but some had not been told yet, so the confusion was doubled.
Stunned, Eric doesn't know what to do as Thirteen leans down to hug him. The only thing he could feel was his heart being ripped in two. This was his niece and he knew it - and he hadn't been allowed to say so. Trent was standing not five feet away with his lips sealed against a truth he'd hidden all his life. And this poor girl thought she'd discovered a dream.
Gritting his teeth, Eric closes his eyes and slips his arms around Thirteen warmly. How could he give her such a shock as telling her she was wrong? She would heart broken and probably horribly embarrassed. If Eric could, he'd take her as his own right now just so he wouldn't have to break the truth to her.
Ryder opens his mouth to speak, but no words seem to be good enough. He looks to Rosetta helplessly, then Trent, then back down to Eric. Gently, he sets his hands down on Thirteen's shoulders. "Thirteen," he prompts quietly. "Come here, babe..."
Eric looks up at him and knows that the hard truth needed to be told. As gently as he could, he pries Thirteen away far enough he can see her face and he lifts his palm to wipe away some of her tears. So much life sparkled in her eyes.... so much hope... so much excitement at finding the one man she'd sought after. Eric's heart ached like nothing else.
Swallowing hard, he looks to his silent brother. "Well? You gonna just stand there, or are you going to help me out, brother?"
Trent takes a step backward, heat rising to his face. He could feel eyes on him from all directions. One could hear a pin drop. His mouth opens and closes again, the words stuck somewhere in his throat. His eyes drift to the floor.
Eric looks back to Thirteen, trying to shove aside the anger towards his brother so she didn't think he was mad at her too. "Thirteen... hon..." Though painful, he gets to his feet, sliding his arm around her shoulders and bending his neck to be close to her. If his brother didn't have the guts enough to admit he was her father, then he'd step up to the plate himself. Someone had to - it might as well be him.
"I need you to be really brave for me," he encourages. "'Cause sometimes in life... we don't always get what we want... and sometimes what we believe winds up not being quite what we thought it was. But lemme tell you something... It doesn't matter whose blood you have running through your veins. It's your heart that makes you you, and you can't ever let go of it."
Stepping back a little, he turns Thirteen to look her straight on, a hand on each of her shoulders. "I'm sorry... but I'm-."
"Stop," Trent interrupts. "Can you not-"
"What? Mind my own business?" Eric frowns at him. "Like that's easy at this point. You have robbed your family the joy of another member. You have stolen a relationship from the rest of us because you've been too scared or prideful to admit what you should have years ago. It's over, Trent."
He turns back to Thirteen. Emotions rise in his eyes as he looks into hers. This was his family... his niece. "I'm not your father, Thirteen." He shifts her to face Trent, and points to him. "He is."
Meet Dad
Thirteen couldn't even hear Ryder trying to stop her. She was to excited, and happy, everything else running through her mind. Everything she wanted to talk to Eric about, everything she wanted to ask and share. She couldn't help but shake just a little bit from excitement.
Coming in front of Eric again and smile down at him a little color coming to here cheeks. She was so excited and scared at the same time.
"Hi again. I wanted you to meet a very important person to me. This is my boyfriend Ryder."
Thirteen steps to the side for a moment so Eric could see Ryder better.
"Ryder, after all the searching this is my Dad."
Looking to Eric again Thirteen beams and nods to him.
"Its ok, no one told me...I guess it on my own that this was your gift to me. Thank you so much."
Letting go of Ryder's hand Thirteen wraps her arms gently around Eric in a loving embrace, a few tears roll from her eyes she was so happy.
Bringing Eric his coffee and seeing what was going on Rosetta's own heart sunk. Looking to Eric and than to Trent there was pain in her eyes. The young woman wanted to know her dad so bad, and now she thought she found him. What would it do to her heart when she found out it was not true.
Coming in front of Eric again and smile down at him a little color coming to here cheeks. She was so excited and scared at the same time.
"Hi again. I wanted you to meet a very important person to me. This is my boyfriend Ryder."
Thirteen steps to the side for a moment so Eric could see Ryder better.
"Ryder, after all the searching this is my Dad."
Looking to Eric again Thirteen beams and nods to him.
"Its ok, no one told me...I guess it on my own that this was your gift to me. Thank you so much."
Letting go of Ryder's hand Thirteen wraps her arms gently around Eric in a loving embrace, a few tears roll from her eyes she was so happy.
Bringing Eric his coffee and seeing what was going on Rosetta's own heart sunk. Looking to Eric and than to Trent there was pain in her eyes. The young woman wanted to know her dad so bad, and now she thought she found him. What would it do to her heart when she found out it was not true.
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