Talk

Going into the kitchen and seeing Lydia Beth can't help but smile just a little more. Justin really did look like his mother where Jared didn't that much so she could only guess He was more like his father. Sitting down on one of the island chairs Beth sits and folds her hands in her lap. Doing her best not to wring her fingers because she was nervous she looks around the big kitchen for a moment before looking to Jared. Should she ask him to leave or would he no start anything?

"My name is Beth Parker. I know you don't know me...and maybe...maybe I shouldn't even be here. But I'm a friend of your son Justin. I just came today because I wanted to let you know Justin was pretty sick recently. For a little bit there I was pretty worried about him. He's not one hundred percent but He's getting stronger with each day again."

Looking back to Lydia Beth couldn't help but be nervous a little bit. She wanted her to take everything she said good and at least not freak out but it was something unknown and it was scary to her. This wasn't her own ground anything could happen but Beth had to be strong. She just wanted to help her friend like he helped her.

"I just wanted to say that he really miss you too. He told me he miss helping you around the house and going to the store. He always loved helping you with the odd jobs around the house. When I saw him he would always talk about how he helped you and was able to see you smile. I guess I am here to tell you that he loves you and he's sorry since he can't tell you himself and he doesn't know I am here at all. I came on my own, I just though you should know was all."

Seeing Rocky look up and give a big smile Michaela can't help but return the wide smile. From the reaction alone she new this had to be Rocky and she was happy she'd stayed after all. Not only did he look alot cuter than his pic online but it was always nice to get to know a new friend.

"Hi Rocky, I am Michaela White."

Giving his hand a firm shake she could feel her own tension letting up a little bit. She's talked to Rocky before even if it was just online, the only part that had tension was actuality meeting him and now the rest was a cake walk.

"You guys did really great tonight. I'm happy I ended up coming. You have a really nice voice too. I bet Puzzle enjoys hearing you sing at home."

Just standing next to Quinn for a long moment Anastasia looks up at the sky too. It was nice to be under the night sky. It felt like they were free and nothing else mattered. Even if the city light seemed to drowned them out just a little bit. Looking back at Quinn she smiles.

"It doesn't have to end yet. If you want to come over we could sit out in the back yard and look at the stars a little bit longer. I think my Uncle is out with his girlfriend so you don't have to worry about him bothering us."

Anastasia loved being able to spend time with Quinn. Her Uncle was starting to warm up to him a little bit too. Though he still kept his eagle eye out, he'd been a little busy with his new interest so she was kind happy about that. Having some alone time with Quinn was always nice.

Leaning back in her chair and thinking for a long moment Angelica taps her pen on the desk a little bit thinking. She new where Reese was coming from in keeping Alec out of jail but at this point it was hard. His attitude was bad and she even wondered if he would cooperate in court. If not than it would go south very quickly.

"I think sticking with his original story would be the best key but without proof he had changed before this its going to be hard. If there was a way we had some proof, a witness or evidence. Do you think Ryan would come in and answer some questions in court about how Alec changed?"

Angelica new this case was going to be hard. How did you convince people someone had changed when in didn't reflect it anymore. If only people could see what they saw, and understand how they understood it would make it so much easier.

"Well, I think maybe we can see if Hal can look through some old video's and see if we can catch anything Alec might of done that way. See if Ryan will come in, and than try to form a plan. There might be a way while at court we can get him to show his softer side. If we can get him upset or use the people he loves him how."

What to do

Jared cocks his head, trying to figure out why Beth wanted to see Lydia. Was she selling something? Was she from Lydia's church? Was she asking for something? He couldn't tell.

"She's home," he confirms. He stands for another moment or two, sizing her up before he moves to the side with another smile. "Come on in." Bringing Beth inside, he leads hr back to the kitchen. "Mom? This is Beth... she said she wanted to talk to you."

Lydia turns from the counter again while wiping her hands on her apron. Her expression is one of surprise, but not annoyance. On the contrary, she loved visitors, so that alone brings a welcoming smile to her face. "Hello, Beth." She gestures to the tall chairs at the kitchen island. "Please, sit, sit. What can I do for you?"


Lost in thought again, Rocky kneels next to one of the boxes and doesn't see anyone approaching. Hearing a female voice though, his head snaps up. Hearing the words, he just blinks for a moment, almost wondering if he'd heard correctly. What on earth... and who on earth... Then the recognition flashes in his eyes. Michaela.

Rocky's smile spreads slowly until it was from ear to ear. Rising to his feet, his eyes twinkle with humor and the pleasure he felt that she had actually shown up. "No, I haven't found my marbles. I do think they rolled out the door and... maybe you're rhyming because a few of your marbles are gone too?"

A soft laugh makes his eyes twinkle even more. Closing the gap between them, he extends his hand. "I'm Rocky Sanders... You must be Michaela."


Quinn smiles his thanks to Anastasia, then gives Axel one last look before walking away and heading in Phil's direction. He would meet Phil... be given a chance to audition the following day, and they would be in touch about him temporarily taking Jason's place as JetStream's lead vocalist. It all seems to go by quite fast, and soon, Quinn is walking beside Anastasia to his car in the parking lot.

He takes a deep breath of the night air and looks up to try and find a few stars beyond the city lights. "Mmm... it's a nice night out," he muses. "I almost hate for it to end."


Watching Quinn walk away, Axel tries to get his mind back on his work, but it was hard. Tossing the extension cord into one of the trunks, he sighs and just stares at it for several moments. Finally, he wanders back down to the sound booth to take it all down.

Trying to keep his focus on task, he fiddles with all the parts and pieces, only to have his hand start to go numb. It didn't do that often anymore - usually just when he'd used it a lot during the day, and today he had, plus stress. He'd questioned Misty about it and she'd said it was normal to have a bad day every now and again, just like with any injury. The main thing was that he still had use of his hand and if he experienced pain or numbness every once in a while, the positives far outweighed any discomfort.

Rubbing his hand, he sighs. He pauses his work, forgetting that Jess was nearby. Maybe Quinn's visit bothered him more than he wanted to admit. There was so much unresolved... Would they ever be able to meet without the awkward pauses and the distrust? He wondered.


"Brown is waiting for me to call him back... We're supposed to take Alec down for a meeting." Reese sighs deeply and sinks down further into the chair in Angelica's office. "The prosecutor is breathing down his neck... he thinks Alec ought to just be locked away... the judge could give a flying flip about the whole thing..."

His eyes rise to meet Angelica. "I don't know why I want to keep Alec out of prison. I just do. Petty criminals, murderers and thieves should be put away - I'll agree to that. But people like Gage... Carson... even people like Phinox, Ryder and Misty... where would we be if we'd decided to lock them all away? I just... people who have been stuck in the Agency... they're different."

Reese sighs again, this time in frustration. "Other people wouldn't agree with me. They'd say they're just like any other criminals. But if they knew what the Agency was like... if they knew about the brainwashing and manipulation... It's not like some street gang that says stay or die. It's more than that. And Alec... he's a handful right now. But I saw a change... I did... we all did. And if we can't convince Brown and the judge that the change was there, they're gonna kill the whole program and no Agency victim will ever be saved again."

His eyes are desperate as he looks at Angelica. "I don't know what to do. The best thing Alec has going for him is his original intention - saving lives of people he cared about. But I don't think that's gonna be enough for the judge."

I know

Slipping out before she could have a chance to be seen Michaela doesn't walk to her car right away. She felt silly being so nervous about something like this. It was just like meeting a new friend anywhere else, but this was the first time she'd ever met someone from online. What if it didn't work out, what if that wasn't really Rocky?

Michaela new it was silly to think of all this stuff. Worst that could happen is it wasn't really Rocky and she walked away. There were other people here too so its not like she had to worry about much else happening.

Going back inside and walking along the back wall and around to the front of the stage she just stood there for a long moment watching Rocky work. Finally though she clears her throat a little before giving a friendly smile.

"Have you found your marbles there on the floor? I really hope they didn't roll out this door! I didn't see them as I was coming in, but you see marbles can be a tricky thing. Why on earth am I singing again?"

Standing with Quinn as he talked to his brother Anastasia just remained quiet and listened. For this being the first conversation after everything had gone down they were really both doing a good job. Even if there was a little bit of awkwardness that really was a normal thing. As the introduction goes out Anastasia gives a smile to Axel and a nod.

"Hi Axel, Its very nice to meet you."

She holds her smiles as she keeps a hold of Quinn's hand with her own. She could tell when the tension was growing and lowering by the grip he held on her. Though she would never complain it just told her how he was feeling without saying it.

Once the conversation was over Anastasia looks to Quinn and gives a small nod. She didn't mind going with him while he talked to Phil. She was always interested in what was going on and knowing what would be happening in her boyfriends like was important.

"Of course I'll go with you. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

Stacy gives a small nod as to Mick looking back to him after watching Eric walk out the door. She new...there was something about him that she new. But where and why couldn't she remember? She was good with remembering people but for some reason Eric just...

Stopping short Stacy looks to the door again before going to the window and looking out. Seeing the truck that was still parked in the drive way it comes back to her. Eric was the same guy on the highway speeding she pulled over that had coped an attitude. Great....now she had to try and live here with him?

Stacy was she he wouldn't cause any trouble but would it be slightly awkward. She was a professional though and she would continue to act as one. Now she only hoped that Eric wouldn't give her any trouble.

As the door opens and Beth comes face to face with who she could only guess was Justin's brother she shifts her weight for a moment. She hadn't expected him to be here, and now that she was having to talk to him she could feel her hands go kind of clammy.

"Is Lydia Hawks home? My name is Beth Parker and I just wanted to talk to her for a few moments if that was ok."

Beth does her best to smile at Jared even though she felt a little uncomfortable. Hearing him be so enthused to know who she was made her a little nervous. but she did her best to hide it away for now.

Grin

Hearing someone at the door, Lydia gives a little cry of dismay, turning from the counter with flour all over her hands. "Jared? Jared, can you see who is here?"

"Yeah, okay." Jared wanders from the living room and to the door. He opens it but stops short, his eyebrows rising at seeing the visitor. "Well, hello. Can I... help you?"

"Who is it?" Lydia calls from the kitchen.

"I don't know yet," Jared answers over his shoulder. A grin creases his lips as he looks back at Beth. "But she's a very pretty young woman whose name I'm dying to know."


Ashlee's little teasing makes one of Eric's eyebrows quirk, but a crooked grin accompanies it. His gaze remains on her for several moments, looking beyond the silly glint in her eye. There was something about her. Something... special.

Glancing back to Stacy as she talks, he nods. "Yeah... and who better to take the job than a cop with sharp eyes? If anybody tries to run, I'm sure you're just the person to pull them over."

Mick gives him a sidelong glance. He'd never told Eric that Stacy had been with the police.

Eric shifts his weight off is sore leg and looks to the door. "I, um... gotta go. Nice to meet you two. I'm sure I'll see you around."

Mick watches as Eric leaves, then looks back to Stacy and Ashlee. "He's... been through a lot lately." Maybe that would explain his odd behavior. Or maybe not. But it was all Mick could think of to say.


The concert plays on until the last notes finally die away and the band bids the audience goodnight with a thanks for being there. The crowd begins to disperse and with the lights on, everything is much easier to see, though the noise continues as a wave of conversations and background music that plays through the speakers.

Quinn stands and glances around, though doesn't follow the crowd out. Instead, his eyes go to the doors to the stage where the band was already starting to clean up and pack up. There were a few security people wandering around - looking just official enough to keep anyone from trying to bother the band, but it was nothing unapproachable. A few other people had already been let through... Quinn thought he recognized them from another band, JetStream.

He looks to Anastasia then back to the stage again, then back to her. "I... think I'd like to stick around for just a few minutes, if that's okay." He didn't need to tell her why... she would know. Taking her hand, he prompts her to come with him so he wouldn't just be leaving her stranded.

Axel is coiling up some extension cords on the stage when his eye catches someone being let through by the security. Looking in that direction, he pauses his work. He was a bit surprised to see Quinn. His brother had come to listen to the concert? Interesting. Axel guessed he wasn't even sure if Quinn was still in town, but apparently he really had stuck around.

Quinn approaches a bit hesitantly, still with Anastasia's hand in his. He gives Axel a little wave. "Hi."

"Hi." Axel continues coiling the extension cord around his arm. "Been here all evening?"

"Yeah. Good music. You guys all sound really good. Thought it was neat how you sang part of the time too, while still running sound. Still got a good voice."

"Hmm." Axel nods a little and waits as an awkward pause follows. "You, um... want something?"

Quin swallows hard and his fingers fiddle a little with Anastasia's. "No, I just, um..." What did he really want? He still wasn't completely sure of his brother's innocence, and he didn't know what was supposed to happen between them now. "This, um... this is Anastasia." He pulls her a little closer. "She's... a pretty important person in my life. Anastasia, this is Axel... my brother."

Axel gives Anastasia a nod and a small smile. She seemed nice enough. He was a little surprised his brother had a girl from around here, but maybe she was connected to the fairytale he'd mentioned when they'd first seen each other. "Hi, Anastasia. Nice to meet you."

Quinn manages his own little smile, but doesn't know what else to say.

Axel swallows and fingers the cord in his hands. He looks down a moment, then back up again. Was this an opportunity for Quinn to get him into trouble? Or was this an opportunity from God to keep trying to mend a relationship? He clears his throat. "You... got any gigs lately?"

"Just... a few little ones. Coffee shop type deals. Enough to help me buy a few groceries, but that's about it."

"Ah." Axel's mind begins to work and he looks over to where Phil was talking with Logan. "You... might want to talk to Phil over there. He's with JetStream. They don't make much either but their lead singer's having some health issues... they may need someone to fill in for a little while."

Quinn raises his eyebrows. Money or not, singing with a band could be fun and might help him get his name out there, locally at least. "Thanks... I might do that."

Axel finishes coiling up his cord but still stands for a few moments, not knowing now what else should happen. Did Quinn want more? Was he ready to try and talk some more? "So... since you're still in town..." He shrugs. "...You wanna get together or something sometime?"

Quinn's stomach gives a little lurch and he doesn't realize that his grip had tightened around Anastasia's hand. "Um... I... it, um..."

Axel forces a sorry type of smile. "It's okay. I'm sure hanging out with someone like me wouldn't do much for the image."

"It's not that," Quinn responds quickly. "I just..." He sighs. "Okay. How about if I stop by the auto shop sometime and... we do lunch?"

Axel couldn't help the surprise in his eyes. Was this as setup? Or a genuine offer? He didn't like the risk, but there was only one way to find out what Quinn's intentions were. "Okay. I do lunch with my girlfriend a lot but... if you call the shop first and set up a day, that would work."

"Okay." Quinn takes a deep breath, feeling that this conversation had gone about as far as it could. He glances to Anastasia. "Want to come talk to Phil with me?"


Rocky helps Max load some of the equipment into the pickup's trailer then goes back inside to pack some cords in boxes. Kneeling in front of a tote, he finds cords and some extra mics that he puts in their right places.

"Think fast!"

Rocky looks up just in time to see Taylor toss him a roll of duct tape. He catches it before it bonks him in the head and he smirks at her. "Thanks. One of these days you're gonna kills somebody."

"Me?" Taylor's jaw drops. "Never! Especially not you. You're too nice. I might not warn Joel though."

"Your own cousin? I'm shocked." Rocky grins and packs away the tape. "Anybody call Mom and Pop's yet?"

"I did!" Max hollers at them. "Carson said he can handle us tonight."

"Ha!" Rocky scoffs. "Nobody could ever be ready for this rowdy bunch." His eyes roam out beyond the stage to where there was hardly anybody left, and a janitor was already starting to clean. He couldn't help but wonder if there had been a new pair of eyes here tonight. It wasn't like him to meet someone online, let alone actually want to meet them in person... but he did wonder if Michaela had come tonight.

A new day

Looking over at Quinn and giving a smile Anastasia tightens her grip in his for a moment before letting her fingers relax again. Since he had deiced to stick around she spent more and more time with him. Weather it was sitting with her at the store, or going out places just spending time with him was nice.

Knowing his brother hadn't called him again Anastasia did all she could to keep encouraging Quinn and keep his head on his shoulders. It might be a slow process but she had faith that God would bring them together stronger each day till they could talk more. They just had to have faith, and trust God new what he was doing.

Sitting in the back of the crowd Michaela can't help the smile that formed on her face. She'd told Rocky next time there was a consent than she would be here to see him and here she was. After the show would she go back stage probably not but she was here non the less.

Continuing to watch Rocky as he sang Michaela couldn't help but notice that he really was good looking like his picture online portrayed. Under the spotlight it just seemed to make him shine even more too. He was deffintly made for the stage and she really was enjoying about able to see it.

Smile as Mick comes over with someone she wasn't to sure who it was Stacy turns a little and gives a nod. Having the introduction take place She takes Eric's hand in her own and for a long moment she just study's Eric's eyes. She felt as though she new him from somewhere but from where?

"Hello its very nice to meet you Eric."

Seeing Eric Ashlee perks up just a little bit. Before even being told it was Rosetta's brother Ashlee could of guess that. He looked alot like her. Giving a big smile Ashlee takes Eric's hand in her own. His eyes were sad and she cocked her head a little bit just trying to work through the look in his eyes.

"Hey. Its great to meet you. Yeah mom is not me. Oh, you were talking to her weren't you."

Ashlee couldn't help sly little smile that formed on her face. Eric seemed like someone who seemed like he could take a joke and if she could crack a little smile from him that was a good start. Just something about him seemed...soft hidden behind the sadness right now.

Giving a nod to Eric Stacy looked away for a moment. She couldn't have known him maybe he just had one of those faces. Hearing his question she looks up at him again and gives a smile.

"Yeah I am. This will be Ashlee and I's home for a while, and maybe even permanently if Mick thinks we fit it well. Having and extra set of eyes here to make everyone safe not just Dylan is a good thing."

Pulling outside the small hour and seeing a car in the driveway Beth just sits there for a long moment. Her stomach was in knots and her hands seemed to shake just a little bit as she wondered if what she was doing was really smart or not.

Justin loved his mother, and she could see how much it pained him to not talk to her. He didn't say it, or admit it to her but the longing look in his eye was clear that it did bother and hurt him that he couldn't right now.

Parking and getting out of the car Beth makes her way up the sidewalk and to the steps. This was might forward...even for her. But after Justin had been helping her she just wanted to help him out again. Giving a knock on the door Beth shifts her weight for a moment waiting for someone to answer the door. What she would say Beth wasn't sure but she would think of it.

Awkward Introduction

Watching Hope, Justin nods as she talks, studying her eyes and her movements. He could see the pain and he wished there was more he could do for her. He hoped as well that Scott would one day revive their relationship, but Hope was right - it was Scott's choice and his alone.

"You're welcome. And I'm sure everything will work out the way God intends. I'll...let you know how things progress." Justin hoped that he'd brought more good than bad by telling Hope about Scott. He thought he had. He knew she was sad, but he didn't think talking about Scott had upset her so that was good.

After leaving her office, it was finally time to leave TJY for the day. It wasn't a short drive back home, but the Elite was paying him well for working with Alec, and if he actually did some good too, then it was worth it. He wasn't convinced he'd be able to succeed with Alec, but he hoped so. He could see the good man behind the veil... it was just getting to it that was the problem.

Getting out to his car, Justin heads out of town. Driving gave him time to think, and after everything with Alec, Scott and Hope, he really didn't need anything else. But his mind didn't seem to care. It had one more thing for him to think about, and it was a situation that was still unresolved after too much time had passed. Maybe... maybe today was the day he should stop at his mother's house. He'd tried calling her several times lately but had only gotten the answering machine. He'd heard from someone else that she was fine, so he knew he shouldn't be worried, but it still bothered him to no end that she wouldn't have anything to do with him.

Eventually, he does find himself driving down the quiet street, only to stop at his mother's house and feel dismay. His brother's car sat in the driveway. Again. What was he doing here? How long had he been here? Why?

Justin's fingers grip the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white. Finally he drives away again. Today was not the day to try and get into that mess. The rest of the drive home was a tiring one and by the time Justin gets there, he just feels drained. Though the dogs were happy to see him, he pays little attention to them, letting them loose but then going inside the house. The couch was his destination and he flops down, holding a throw pillow tightly. Beth was coming over for supper tonight... he couldn't fall asleep... he just needed to rest his eyes... for a few minutes... Unfortunately, resting his eyes turned into sleep, and sleep turned into much longer than just a few minutes. He wouldn't even hear Beth's car pull up.


Eric sighs but nods at Angel's instructions. "Yeah, okay." He cringes as he's given the shot and is glad when it's over. "Thanks. I'm, um... gonna be around for a while probably so I'll have plenty of time to take it easy."

Able to get down off the table and put himself back together again, he waits for the painkillers and slips them in his pocket. "Yeah, I'll be back. If I don't show up, just send your husband after me or something." He gives Angel a weary sort of smirk. He was trying to be funny, even if he didn't feel like laughing right now. "See ya later... thanks again."

Exiting the office, he aims for his bunk again, but then glances to the dining hall. He saw a few people headed in that direction and he knew breakfast was probably just about ready by now. He hadn't planned on seeing too many people this morning but... maybe it would be better to just get the initial greetings over with, rather than prolonging the inevitable. Once everyone knew what happened, he could move on again, right?

Changing his route, he limps to the main building instead, slowly making his way inside where the smell of coffee makes his mouth water. A few waves are tossed in his direction... some hesitantly and some that proved word was spreading already. He's polite and returns the silent greetings before ambling to the kitchen. Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he finds a place to stand by the window alone for now.

Mick had just come in the back and spots Eric. His brother-in-law looked... tired... sad. It wasn't a happy picture at all. Mick had been angry at Eric at one point through the whole Dana thing but now... now that feeling had been replaced with pity.

Grabbing his own cup of coffee, he comes over to Eric and just stands quietly for a few moments. "Morning."

Eric fiddles with his coffee cup and nods. "Yeah." His eyes roam to the side to find Mick. He knew Rosetta would have told him everything. "Look, I... I'm sorry. I-"

Mick holds up his hand. "It's over. Water under the bridge."

"Yeah, but-"

"No buts. I'm fine. We're all fine. It's time to move on."

Eric bites his lip, feeling even more humbled. "I shouldn't have-"

"Eric." Mick turns to face him sternly but gently. "If you want to share your story sometime, you can. I don't mind. But we're not gonna stand around and discuss what we could have or should have done differently. Okay?"

Eric sighs deeply. "Yeah, okay. Your mouth alright?"

Mick rubs his jaw and grins a little. "Takes more than one punch to keep me down. That was so long ago, I forgot."

Eric's lips curl slightly and he looks down at his coffee before taking a sip. He could feel the tears wanting to come again... but not for himself. He was so overwhelmed to be a part of this family... a family that never held grudges... a family that was always forgiving. He was so undeserving.

The sound of the front door opening catches both men's attention. Eric looks to see a woman and a young girl entering. Who were they? Guest breakfast wasn't served until later... and he didn't recognize them as friends of the family.

"Hey." Mick touches Eric's shoulder. "Come here. You need to meet someone."

Eric shrugs and follows slowly, still favoring his leg and carrying his coffee with him. As they near, he continues to look at the woman. She looked... familiar. But he didn't know her, did he? Mick was introducing them, so it wasn't like Eric was supposed to know who she was. A few more steps though and it suddenly dawns on him. Stopping short, he spins around to put his back to them, his eyes going wide.

Mick stops with him, wondering what on earth was wrong. "Eric? What is it?"

"Who is that?" Eric hisses.

"Well that's why I'm introducing you." Mick furrows his brow in confusion. He looks over to catch Stacy's eye and nods to have her wait for a moment, signaling that he wanted her for something.

"Yeah but who is she?" Eric continues hoarsely and gestures with his hand, forgetting that he was holding his coffee. Out sloshes the hot liquid and straight onto Mick, soaking into both his jacket and shirt.

Mick jumps back, his eyes going wide. "Eric!"

Eric's face grows red and he grabs a napkin off a nearby table and tries to help, but Mick slaps his hands away. "I'm... I'm sorry."

"Give me that." Mick swipes what was left of Eric's coffee from his hand, and sets it on the table, cleaning up the mess himself. Rosetta was going to have fun getting this stain out of his shirt. At least his jacket had enough other stains on it that a little more would never be noticed. "That's our new security," he explains impatiently. "On account of Dylan. An extra pair of eyes - Reese sent her. Why?"

"Security? As in staying here? Living here?"

Mick was getting pretty frustrated by now and he sighs. "Yes. What is wrong with you?"

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"Eric!" Mick looks at him sternly. "What is wrong? Do you know her?"

Eric's eyes narrow. "In a manner of speaking."

"Well tell me about it later. For now, act your age and let me introduce you so she knows who you are and doesn't draw a gun on you."

"I wouldn't put it past her," Eric mutters.

"Come on." Mick grabs his arm and pulls him back en route. Finally approaching Stacy and Ashlee, Mick smiles, trying to act as though everything was fine. "Good morning," he greets. "I'd like you to meet my brother-in-law, Eric Pent. Eric, this is Stacy Cullen and her daughter Ashlee."

Eric forces a smile. Maybe Stacy wouldn't recognize him. She probably pulled over a bazillion people all the time - maybe she wouldn't remember he was the truck driver that gave her such a bad time. He reaches out his hand. "Hi. Nice to meet you." He looks next to Ashlee and offers her a handshake as well before glancing back to Stacy. "Mick says you're the new security around here?"


"We bear a heavy load,
Down a broken road.
And they don’t seem to understand,
Why we keep on trying.
But the best is yet to come.
We know it in our hearts.
So we just keep on pushing toward,
Our one-day perfect home.

They don’t understand why we,
Care to make a stand.
They don’t understand why we,
Lend a helping hand.
They’re blinded by the darkness,
While we hold the light.
Let’s show them the new way,
Give them new sight.
Help them understand."

Logan's voice rings out as the Cryptic concert continues. Axel sits a ways from the stage, keeping a close eye on everyone else and a close ear on the sound as his fingers continually tweak the output. Rocky's voice blends behind Logan's as he stands behind his keyboard. The song ends and another begins, this time with Rocky leading vocals.

"I don’t wanna see the change.
I don’t wanna recognize the uncertainty,
That clouds my mind.
I don’t wanna see the years.
I don’t wanna see the time,
That’s left me behind.

Come to me. Tell me it’ll be okay.
Hold me. Tell me I’m gonna shake this lie.
Speak to me. Tell me this won’t last forever.
Come to me. Tell me they’ll be brighter days."

Rocky's eyes roam out into the audience, but his eyes couldn't make out much through the bright lights. Cryptic wasn't often the main event anymore, but tonight they were, and it felt good.

"I don’t wanna see the rain.
I don’t wanna see the flood that’s rising,
Filling my soul.
I don’t wanna see the dark.
I don’t wanna see the lies,
That strike my heart.

Come to me. Tell me it’ll be okay.
Hold me. Tell me I’m gonna shake this lie.
Speak to me. Tell me this won’t last forever.
Come to me. Tell me they’ll be brighter days.

I don’t wanna face the world alone.
Come to me. I don’t wanna be the only one,
Fighting on the battle field.
Hold me. I don’t wanna take a stand alone.
Speak to me. I don’t wanna be the only one,
Crying in the night.

Come to me. Tell me it’ll be okay.
Hold me. Tell me I’m gonna shake this lie.
Speak to me. Tell me this won’t last forever.
Come to me. Tell me they’ll be brighter days."

Spotting Axel's thumbs up, Rocky grins as the song comes to a close. He usually got the spotlight once or twice during concerts... it wasn't what he sought, but it was kinda fun.

About halfway to the back, Quinn leans back in his seat by the aisle, cocking his head so he could see the stage. He could just make out the back of Axel's head, too. Ever since he'd decided to stay in town, the two brothers hadn't talked. Quinn wasn't sure if it was his lack of effort or if Axel really didn't want to have anything to do with him. Maybe it was just coincidence and busy schedules. Or maybe both brothers knew their last meeting had ended better than either expected, and neither wanted to ruin that. Even so, Quinn had decided to come here tonight and watch the concert. One, it was good music. Two, it was an excuse to hang out with Anastasia. And three, if the opportunity to see Axel presented itself, then maybe he'd be ready this time. He still wasn't convinced about Axel's innocence... but... too much had happened lately for him to deny at least the possibility.

Glancing to the side, he catches Anastasia's eye and grins. His hand crawls over to find hers and give it a squeeze. Most likely, she knew exactly what was running through his mind, and... he was okay with that.

Few days

Looking up from her desk and seeing Justin Hope gives a small little smile. She'd remembered him from at the hospitable before but now he was here and she wondered why.

"Hi Justin its good to see you again."

Standing and holding her hand out to Justin to give him a handshake Hope motions to one of the chairs to let him know he was more than welcome to sit and get comfortable. Even if he wasn't here for a counseling she still wanted him to be comfortable.

"What can I do for you?"

Cocking her head a little bit as Justin starts to talk Hope's smile seemed to change a little. She was happy Scott was doing well but it still made her sad at the thought that she was no longer his. She missed him, and missed being able to know when Scott got out, they were still together. But Hope did her best not to seem upset and to listen to Justin. It was nice knowing Scott was ok.

"It's good to hear Scott is progressing Justin. I had hoped he would, and would be able to leave Brookshire soon. We even hope that in due time he will return here to work. Everyone miss him yet we know..that is his choose and no matter what we would stand behind him."

Giving a sigh and leaning back in her chair Hope thinks for a long moment about what Justin said about the fire in his eye and how he hoped it would return one day. She could only hope the same. She like it to be because of her but she new that is was Scott's choose now...and she would be waiting.

"I can only hope that Scott will let the fire return to him. After his letter...I know I can't push for it. It needs to be on his term but when and if he does I will be waiting. After being with Scott and knowing the feelings I have for him I can't see myself with anyone else."

Leaning back in her chair a little bit and looking back at Justin Hope's eyes roam his face. She new Scott would no longer be the same, but he would still be her Scotty even if they had to get to know each other all over again. After her own near death experience she felt as thought she was different not too. Maybe all in all...this was a good thing and God's way of bring them back together before they were torn apart.

"Thank you again Justin I do appreciate you keeping me informed and as much as I know what I want, I hope it works out how God has intended it."

Looking up as Eric enters her office Angel gives a smile. She had a hunch that Eric might come to see her. Rosetta had filled her in that Eric had hurt his leg and might need a visit if he didn't come to see her. Seeing he came on his own though so so much easier than having to go track him down and than dealing with what might happen from Rosetta telling her.

"Hey Eric, its nice to see you like always and its definitely not to early. Not around here anyways."

Standing and going over to Eric she lays a hand on his arm before going to the table and patting it for him to sit down. She wanted to take a look at his leg before giving him anything.

"Hope up here. I want to take a look at you leg before I give you anything. I want to make sure you didn't damage it any worse before I dull the pain on you."

One he was up on the table Angel set to work trying to make it quick for Eric as she examined it. Poking, pushing and prodding it she new it couldn't feel good, but she had to do it to check and make sure what was damaged, torn, or just swollen.

Once finished Angel gives a nod to Eric before going back to the counter and prepping a syringe. Eric would be ok, that was a good thing. He's just be sore for a little while.

"Eric...your going to make it. You just twisted and bruised it pretty good again. I'm going to give you a cortisone shot to try and get rid of some of the swelling. I want you to take it easy and not move to much, ice it, and take some hot bath's to keep the muscle relaxed. Also going to give you some pain killers too but not to many. In a few days I want you to come back and see me again...ok?"

Guilt

Tal wasn't expecting Ryan to pull him back down, but he lets her and a smile spreads on his lips. Her sleepy words made him feel good. He was doing what he set out to do and succeeding at helping her feel better. And lunch... would be a bonus.

He chuckles and pulls the blanket up a little further for her. "Lunch it is." Knowing that Ryan was almost in a world of dreams again, he backs away slowly, then leaves her room, shutting the door quietly behind him.


Having Rosetta come up behind him in the kitchen, Mick smiles. Turning around and sliding his arms over her shoulders, he rocks side to side. "Mmm... probably. But I have a bad memory, so I like hearing it again." Leaning in, he gives her lips a soft kiss.

The microwave beeps and he glances over his shoulder. "That would be the hot water, ready for a tea bag of your choice. I thought we'd keep the couch company for a while." What he really wanted was to just sit up and talk about their day... about Stacy... about Dylan... and he wanted to know what she learned about Eric too.

So talk they did... quietly and comfortably on the couch. It was their time together to wind down and they talked about everything from Dylan to a horse being trained, to fixing fences, to Eric. And when they did get to Eric, Mick wasn't surprised to hear what Dana had done, but it did make him sad to know that Eric had to go through that. While part of him knew Eric had been unwise to begin with, he wouldn't wish that kind of punishment on anyone, so he did feel compassion. And part of him... was glad Dana was gone. Eric would survive and he'd be better off without someone like that.

By the time Mick and Rosetta headed to bed, it was late, but peaceful. The night hours of rest were welcomed.


As the sun sets, so too must it rise. As life turns and twists and brings both good and bad, so too must it continue.


Eric slowly limps towards Angel's office. It was early enough that breakfast hadn't yet been served, but late enough that chores were being done, providing a clear shot to Angel's without having to see anyone else yet. Eric's leg hurt... a lot. It seemed to have gotten even more stiff overnight, and he regretted not taking the hot bath he'd been tempted with before bed the night before. It hurt from above his knee to his hip... right where he injured it before, so he knew he must have just bashed it really good when he'd fallen. He'd probably bruised it pretty good since it was a weak spot now anyway. Angel could probably just give him some pain killers and something for the inflammation and he'd be good to go again.

Knocking on the office door, he waits, then slips inside. He knew she was an early riser so it was a pretty safe bet she'd be in. And she was.

Giving Angel a crooked little smile and a brief wave, he greets her. As silly as it was, he hoped she wouldn't notice he'd been gone for so long and was now back. "Hi, Angel." He clears his throat. "Sorry to barge in on ya this early, but, um, I was just wonderin' if you had any pain killers or something. I sorta bumped this leg of mine and it isn't too happy with me right now."


"Oh come on." Alec sits in the corner of his cot with his knees up to his chest. He rolls his eyes as he sees Justin enter the little room. "I thought I'd finally gotten rid of you."

Justin grins and leans back against the table, half-sitting on the edge. "Takes a whole lot more than your bad attitude to keep me away." Since Alec's confession that he'd thought of Ryan when gone, sessions hadn't been going well. Justin holds out a styrofoam cup. "Lemonade?"

Alec's mouth waters. He'd been dying for some lemons. Giving in, he stands up and accepts the drink without a thanks. The sour flavor makes his eyes squint just a little, but it was the best thing he'd tasted since being brought back here. "How'd you know?"

Justin shrugs. "Someone told me about the Agency drug and how it dulls the tastebuds. Thought by now you could use a little something that you could taste."

"Yeah." Alec sits back down on his cot. "So what are you gonna dig for today?"

"Oh, I don't know. How about we get right down to the guilt?"

"Ha! What guilt? You know dang well that I turned myself over to the Agency - the only thing I could be guilty about now is letting you people keep me alive just to hold me prisoner."

"You admitted guilt about Yvette."

"That was then. This is now."

Had they actually taken a step backward? Justin sighs. "How about I tell you my theory and we'll go from there?"

Alec shrugs. "Go for it. Not like I gotta be anywhere."

Justin starts to pace slowly, opting to stay on his feet, rather than sit - Alec was still unstable and if Justin said anything he didn't like, he preferred to not be sitting down. "Alright. First off, I think the intentions you started out with are true and are the real you. You entered back into the Agency and did things that you despised, for the sake of others. Whether or not there were better options, you did what you thought was best. Wrong or right - indifferent - your intentions were to keep people safe. But then something changed. You surrendered. No matter if you were pushed towards it or not, in the end, it was your own choice. You surrendered to the Agency, body and soul. But that's not yet when your guilt began."

He walks a little more, mulling things over. Sometimes it was better to let the client say things on their own... but in this case, he wanted to see more reactions than hear a story he already knew. Alec was stubborn and he probably wouldn't admit things on his own. But if he heard it and could digest it, it might do some good. So he continues.

"No, your guilt began when you started to enjoy bits and pieces of what was happening. Maybe you despised being manipulated by the Underground and the Agency... but you still had a fresh feeling of freedom didn't you? Maybe your heart despised what you were doing with Yvette... but did your body? Maybe you knew getting back on the drug was stupid... but getting that rush of feeling as though you could conquer the world felt good, didn't it?"

Alec swallows hard and finds himself unwilling to look Justin in the eye anymore. This was stupid. This whole thing was just plain stupid. The feelings that were stirring inside of him right now... they shouldn't exist at all. "Enough," he states tersely.

But Justin wasn't finished. "That's when you realized that what had started out as trying to save lives had turned into something you wanted... something you enjoyed. You were partaking of the forbidden fruit and there was a part of you that liked it - you liked it enough that you actually wanted to stay with the Agency. Not because the Underground wanted you to, but because it felt good and you were tired of being under the Elite's thumb."

"Stop it!" Alec glares up at him. "Just shut up already. You don't know what you're talking about so just... just go away."

Justin shakes his head slowly. "And that's why you stepped in front of a bullet. Because you knew it wasn't right for you to be enjoying where you were. Killing people... you knew it was wrong, but it was a thrill. Being with Yvette... you knew it was wrong, but it felt good. Everything gave you an adrenaline rush and a wave of guilt at the same time and you just didn't want to deal with it anymore - so you figured you'd just take the easy way out and let someone else kill you and be done with it."

"I said stop it!" Alec stands swiftly and slams Justin back against the wall, pinning him with his forearm. Glaring, he just stares him in the eye for several tense moments. "You have no idea what I went through," he hisses. His shoulder and chest scream at him to relax, but he ignores the pain. "Just because you think you're some high and mighty shrink doesn't give you the right to come in here and spew what you think is my life's story."

Justin remains calm and doesn't fight back. "The truth can hurt, Alec. But make no mistake - it's still the truth, and the truth is the only thing that's gonna save you from the miserable pit you've got yourself in."

Slowly, slowly, Alec releases Justin, though his glare remains. "And what gives you the right to say you know what the truth is?"

"If I'm wrong, tell me. If you have a different story, please share. If what I've said is not the truth, then tell me what the truth is."

But Alec couldn't. He couldn't deny the things Justin had said, because... they really were true. He'd fought it, he'd hid it, he'd tried to ignore it. But somehow Justin had figured it all out and Alec simply couldn't deny it.

"Alec!" Hal bursts through the door, having seen the little scuffle on the security camera. "Back off."

More from fear of being put back in handcuffs than willingness to obey, Alec takes a step or two backward, giving Justin a clear route to the door.

Justin waves off Hal. "It's okay. We were just having a little chat. And I was just leaving." He throws Alec a parting glance. "I'll see you soon." Exiting the small room, he takes a deep breath, but doesn't take time to stop and regroup. He'd have to do that later. Heading upstairs and down the hall, he starts to pass by one of the offices, but then stops. He'd had this on his mind for a while now, and though he hadn't acted on it, it still bugged him. Maybe he shouldn't but... if it helped at all...

"Hey, Hope?" Justin knocks lightly on the open door, not stepping into her office until invited. He studies her for a moment and offers a warm smile. He might not talk to her much when he came to work with Alec, but he observed a lot, and even if he never said so, he felt a twinge of compassion every time he saw her. Though she wore a smile and was working the best she could, there was a sadness in her eye that Justin could see and he knew why it was there.

He clears his throat and hooks his hands in his jeans pockets. "I, um... I'm sure I'm breaking some kind of rules or something, but as you probably know about me, that hasn't stopped me in the past." His mouth forms a new wry grin. "Anyway, I guess I just wanted to let you know that Scott's doing alright. I... kinda imagined you didn't get news from anyone else and I suppose if I were in your position, I'd be feeling a bit left out of the loop."

He nods a little, shifting is weight from one foot to the other. "He's taken some very good steps forward with learning to control the Agency data. Still having nightmares, but otherwise, he's starting to be able to deflect the intel pretty regularly now when it's thrown at him. Physically he's... doing okay. It doesn't look like his eating disorder is going to go away - one of the doctors said it has to do more with how his brain is processing the need for food. He just doesn't ever feel hungry, and he still has a hard time keeping things down when he does eat. They're experimenting with some different diet options for him to see if anything will help." Justin pauses and nods again with reassurance. "The good news is that he hasn't been resisting the help."

Biting his lip, he's unsure if he should say any more or not, but something prompts him to keep going. "The... the only thing that still worries me is when I look in his eye and I see no life." His gaze roams Hope's face. "He wants to get out of Brookshire so he's finally fighting to make it happen but... there's just something missing... like a fire has somehow died out. And I just hope that one day... that fire will be rekindled."

His eyes stop directly on Hope's. He knew she would know he was talking about her relationship - or lack thereof - with Scott. "And I believe that fire has a good chance to return... but it's just gonna take a lot of time and a whole lot of patience." He didn't know if Hope would want that again... he didn't know if she'd want to put herself through trying to regain a relationship with Scott - a man that was no longer the same as he had been. Justin didn't know. But he felt he was right in telling her that he felt there was a chance, should she want it. Scott never spoke of her, but that didn't mean Justin didn't see the longing down deep.

Thank you

Pulling away from the hug Rosetta trys to give her brother the best smile she can. She felt so bad for her brother and she wished she had words to tell him but nothing she could think of seemed good enough.

"Alright I will let you be. If that knee doesn't get better have Angel take a look. I love you bro. Welcome home."

Standing and heading out Rosetta stops at the door turning to look at her brother again before turning and heading out again. Moving across the yard Rosetta thinks of many things her mind on her brother the most. Looking at her watch to see what time it was she new Mick would have just finished putting BJ to bed.

Entering the house and looking into the kitchen Rosetta see Mick and for a long moment she just watches him before coming in. Bringing her hands around his wast she leans her head on Mick's shoulder giving his back a kiss.

"Did I ever tell you how much I loved you?"

Feeling Tal move a little big Ryan gives a sleepy little mermer but doesn't open her eyes but holds on to Tal. Had she heard Eli's voice? Was he home? Maybe this all was a dream and Ryan was still tucked comfortable in Tal's arms on the couch.

Dozing again in his arms Ryan doesn't slightly wake till she is laying on her bed. Opening her eyes just a little as a blanket goes over her and Tal comes down to kiss her Ryan wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him close to her giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you Tal."

Ryan's whisper was soft in his ear. As she just continued to hug him for a long moment taking a deep breath and taking in his sweet smell to remember in her own mind. She was half a sleep but it was a smell she would remember forever.

"Thank you Tal for spending the night with me, and for being wonderful. Tomorrow....maybe we can do lunch."

Leaning down again and letting her head sink into the pillow Ryan's face wore a smile. Tonight had been a good night full of laughter and fun. Being with Tal was so peaceful how could she not enjoy spending time with him.

With in mintues of setting her head on the pillow Ryan was out again dreams of what was to come through her head.

Goodnight

Having Rosetta hug him, Eric didn't respond at first. But slowly, he returns her hug, his head going to her shoulder. A deep sigh follows as he tries to believe her words. He was so sorry... he felt so stupid... and he knew he was depressed over the whole thing. Tears enter his eyes but he holds them back. He'd cried enough by himself - he didn't need to do that in front of Rosetta too.

Pulling back, he's brave enough to look her in the eye. "Thanks. I know there's plenty else you could say but... thanks for not making me feel any more an idiot than I already do."

He sighs again before glancing to the window then back. "I think... I'll see the others tomorrow. I haven't had a good night sleep in a few weeks and I should probably keep my leg up a while." He knew that Rosetta would tell at least Mick about all this... and maybe he'd prefer it that way so he wouldn't have to repeat his story as many times.

"I, um... I'll see you tomorrow too." He didn't want to dismiss his sister, but there wasn't a whole lot else he could say right now. He might talk more about this at another time, but right now... right now, he just wanted to rest and forget for a few hours until the sun came up again.


Dylan cocks his head and though he doesn't respond to Ashlee, he does watch her as she leaves. For a kid, she seemed to have some pretty deep things to say. Or at least he took them that way. Whether she knew it or not, she was making him think. Sometimes he didn't like that but... he was pretty sure she didn't mean any harm, and she didn't seem the type to want him to feel stupid or tell him what to do. She just seemed... to innocently share her thoughts.

Still watching her, he leans his head against the porch railing. He didn't want to assume anything, but he wondered if maybe she liked him in a kid sort of way. He guessed he didn't mind. She seemed nice enough. And hey... if he got a friend out of this whole thing, that would be one less reason to be irritated with Stacy's presence, right? Ashlee was pretty smart though... and Dylan wasn't. Or at least he didn't think he was. When she found that out, would she really want to be spending time with him? Then again, she was the one talking about enjoying the ride. If she really had that perspective, maybe she saw him as a new kind of adventure.

Shaking his head, Dylan finally gets up to take his dishes inside. He'd return them to the dining hall to wash them in the morning. Or...

He turns and looks to the dining hall. After a moment, he steps down off his porch. Maybe he'd take his dishes back now and say hi to Dan while he was there.


Eli wanders into the dim apartment and throws his keys off to the side before shedding his jacket. Ambling into the living room, he's about to loudly proclaim his entrance just to annoy his sister, but as he sees Tal look his way and put a finger to his lips, he stops.

Coming closer, more carefully, he cocks his head, then grins. Ryan looked so comfortable and peaceful, curled up on Tal's lap. "How long she been out?" he whispers.

Tal grins. "Almost a whole movie ago."

Eli chuckles softly. "I thought you woulda been gone home by now."

"I didn't have the heart to move her."

Eli smiles and shakes his head. "If she ever finds out how badly she's got you wrapped around her little finger, she'll-"

"Probably just wrap me around another one."

Eli laughs again. "You big softy."

Tal just grins. "I do need to get home... but I didn't want to move her until you were here... didn't want her waking up to a quiet house."

"Awww." Eli bats his eyes. "You're too sweet."

"And you're a pain in the butt."

"I am. But you have to admit I'm pretty good at it."

Tal just smirks, even though humor twinkles in his eyes. Looking down at Ryan, he knew he really did need to leave. Poor Holly hadn't been let out since this afternoon. Keeping one arm around Ryan while slipping the other under her legs, he easily stands up while keeping her in his arms. "Her room is down the hall, right?" he whispers.

"Yeah." Eli thumbs towards the hallway. "After the bathroom."

Tal nods and heads in that direction. Getting to her bedroom, he nudges the door open with his foot, then carries her to her bed. Setting her down gently so her head was on a pillow, he squints in the dark to find a blanket and pull it up over her. His hand brushes her cheek and he leans down to kiss her forehead. "Goodnight, Ryan," he says softly. "Sweet dreams."

Past or Future

Still sitting on the bed with her brother she looks down at his knee and cringes just a little bit hearing about his fall. She'd slipped on ice before and knows it never a good feeling. She'd never been injured by it but had been left sore. Thinking about twisting a knee or anything else on top of hurt just thinking about it.

Just continuing to listen to her brother as he talked Rosetta could see the very sad longing look in his eye and it broke her heart. She'd known her brother had always felt out of place here and than being on the road had been his out to feel like he belonged some where.

As Eric's hand comes up and Rosetta see his finger a peace of her heart chipped off more. Hearing his words about them getting what they wanted sent another pain through her heart. This is not what they wanted, and even if many they saw this coming she could almost guess everyone hoped they were wrong. But knowing now there fears had come true it hurt so very much.

Not saying anything right away Rosetta moves up on the bed a little closer to her brother. Reaching out for him she wraps her arms over him and just holding for a long moment as she leans her head on against his a little. He's been so happy her heart broke now for him.

"Oh Eric, this is not a wish I wanted to come true at all. I am so sorry for everything you've gone through. You can stay here as long as you need to and than some. This is your home you know that. I love you no matter what."

She new he was probably feeling low right now but she wanted him to know this was his home and just because they had that silly fight didn't change the fact that she loved her brother. Sometimes people fell down and she wasn't about to kick him and tell him to get out just because of it. Goodness only new she'd done it enough in her own life too.

"From what Eli says you head is already big."

A smile spread across Ryan face as she looks up at Tal but doesn't move her head from his shoulder. She liked teasing him just a little it was fun, and she new he could take it. Just continuing to look up at him Ryan takes in Tal's eyes and can't help the smile that grew bigger across her lips. It was nice being here with Tal. So comfortable, and it just...felt good.

Moving her head a little again to look back at the tv once more Ryan focus on the movie but comfort for how she was sitting right now seemed to over rule she want to see the movie and before she new it she'd fallen asleep right in Tal's arms.

Letting her smile grow even more again Ashlee was happy to at least not have Dylan tell her out right no she couldn't sit with him. In his own way he was saying that he'd like that and it made her feel good.

Looking over at him again Ashlee's eyes search him for a long why. He really was good looking, and he'd said in so many words she could sit with him. She couldn't help but let her heart beat a little faster in her chest.

"Well, I guess I better go get something to eat. It was good seeing you again."

Standing and brushing her pants off Ashlee sticks her hands in her pockets before walking down the steps. Getting to the bottom she turns and looks back at Dylan again before moving forward once more.

"It's not about what happened in the past, or what you think might happen in the future. It's about the ride. There is no point in going through all this crap, if your are not going to enjoy the ride. And you know what... when you least expect something great might come along. Something better then you even planned for. So, maybe sometime try and set you own trend, you never know who might follow along."

Giving a wink Ashlee turns again and makes her way across the lawn. Not going to fast so she could just enjoy the nice air. Her head moving from side to side as she took everything in along the way.

Who's to stop you

Knowing that he'd made Ryan feel good made all of this worth it to Tal, and he can't help but smile. If she only knew how good it made him feel.

With Ryan crawling closer and giving him a kiss, Tal returns it lightly. He's about to say something, but stops as Ryan surprises him by coming the rest of the way onto his lap. Not minding it in the least though, his arms slip around her to hold her close. Her words of thanks only prove to bring another smile. "You keep saying things like that, I'm liable to get a big head."

He turns his gaze to look down at Ryan's face as she rested on his shoulder, and he grins. Giving her another soft kiss, he settles back into the couch and puts his feet up on the coffee table with a contented sigh. If asked a month ago if he thought he'd ever be holding Ryan McKade in his arms, he would have laughed outright. He had to admit though... it was an even nicer feeling than he'd imagined.


Dylan quirks one of his eyebrows at Ashlee's suggestion of sitting together. Was she trying to suggest something to make him feel better, or her? He couldn't quite tell. But maybe she hid her insecurities as well as he did.

Taking another bite of his HoHo, he licks some chocolate off his finger. "It's not very easy for someone like me to have fun around here. Besides, I've never been much of a trend setter." He tosses her a glance, rethinking his reply. "But I told you before you could sit wherever you wanted to." It still didn't seem to sound right though, especially when he looked over at her again. She did look just a bit lonely. Maybe she loved adventure, but it still had to be hard to move out here.

A little smile turns up just one corner of his mouth and he shrugs. "So next time I eat in the dining room, who's to stop you from sitting at my table?"


Part of Eric wanted Rosetta to go away and leave him alone. And part of him just wanted to get everything off his chest and out of the way. His eyes rise just a little to see her when she sits on the bed, though he's still quiet.

Shifting a little, he winces and readjusts his ice packs. "Fell while I was comin' down outta my truck," he mutters. "Ice on the step and I didn't see it. That was almost a week ago and it still won't leave me be." But his deep bruising was not what was really bothering him and the long silence that follows proves it. As his right hand fidgets with the bedspread, his eyes lower again.

"Ya know... I look around at everybody here, and what y'all have." His tone was quiet... subdued. "You got someone to love... someone to love you back. Even Jeff and Trent have their daughters. Everyone just... fits. It's like... like one big puzzle put together." His fingers still fiddle with the blanket. "Except I'm an extra piece."

Eric eventually lifts his eyes again. There were unshed tears there. There were emotions that were so much deeper than simple sadness. It was loneliness. Misery. Guilt. Disappointment. "That's all I wanted," he almost whispers. "Just a sliver of what everybody else has. But I guess we don't always get what we want, do we?"

Finally bringing up his other hand, he wriggles his empty ring finger for Rosetta to see. "Y'all got your wish on this one." A wry sort of grin sadly comes to his lips. "The good thing is I've finally proved to everyone just how stupid I am so now there'll never be any more doubt."

Sighing, Eric knew this all was far from funny... but he wasn't really joking anyway. He looks at his sister's eyes, just wishing he could go back in time and change everything. "She disappeared a few days after we were married," he finally explains quietly. "I looked everywhere, but she never showed up. When I realized my bank accounts had been drained, I new she was gone for good. I... thought I was helping her pay off a loan, but I guess I was giving her access so she could take everything." And it was everything. It was no secret that Eric had his life's savings stored up for whenever he quit driving truck. And now, every penny was gone.

He purses his lips and shrugs. "I followed a couple leads. Found out she's probably in Mexico with her partner - a man... con artist she's been with for years. There's also nothing I can do since I willingly gave her access to my accounts." It was a little easier to say out loud than he thought it would be. But maybe that was the result of working through it for several weeks.

Eric nods slowly. "So... I am... officially broke, which unfortunately means I'll be mooching off you guys before I can somehow scrape together enough to get out of your hair again. But... I'm sure that won't come as a surprise to all of you who knew what a fool I was being."

He looks down once more. "And I should probably apologize to you while I still have the guts."

Free

Popping in a movie and sitting down to start eating Katie new Jason was probably tired but if he just eat a little bit than that was all that mattered to her. Something was better than nothing. Once finished with her food Katie gets comfortable on the couch allowing for Jason to lay his head in her lap.

Letting her fingers link with his Katie brings her other hand to his hair and just runs her hands thought it slowly. It was soothing for her to do that and she new that Jason liked it as well. If Jason fell asleep that was ok. His body needed the rest to relax.

Trying to continue to watch the TV things were starting to get a little blurry as Katie's own eyes wanted to droop. She must have been tired herself more than normal too. Though she wasn't to surprised they had been through alot.

Continuing to just study her brother Rosetta could see the glint of sadness in his eye and it made her wonder. His tone seemed to match what his eyes said, and than it all kind of came together as she wondered if Dana not being here was part of it too.

Not wanting to pry Rosettta comes in a little more and sits on the edge of the bed. She felt bad seeing her brother so sad and it hurt.

"Eric...I see that look in your eye...I've had it myself before. You can tell me whats wrong you know that. Your my brother and I love you."

Looking over to Dylan as he holds out the Hoho Ashlee gives a smile. It was nice of Dylan to share with her and maybe another step twords friendship. It made Ashlee's heart flutter a little bit that Dylan wanted to share. Reaching out and taking it from him she smiles again with a little nod.

"Thank you!"

Taking a bite of the sweet treat listing to Dylan again Ashlee turns a little more and leans against the railing so she could face Dylan and see him a little better. Watching Dylan as he spoke and looking into his eyes Ashlee can't help but wonder about the lonely look. Why did Dylan keep himself away from other? Why did he choose not to have fun?

"But maybe if you sat with the other instead of by yourself than you could have a little fun too. It's not a bad thing to have fun. Maybe I could always start sitting with you too. Since I am new its kind of strange being at the table with everyone else. We could start our own trend."

Turning her head a little to look out across the yard again Ashlee lets out a small sigh. As confidant as she did feel sitting with people she didn't know having them all be adults was a little strange. At least Dylan was closer to her age.

Ryan's eyes twinkle as she continued to look at Tal. There was just something about him that made her feel so good. Maybe because his words were pure...but she liked it, and she liked the way it made her feel too.

"I don't know how you do it Tal, but you make me feel so good inside. Its warm and fuzzy...defiantly a good feeling."

Letting her feet slip from Tal's lap Ryan moves a little to reposition herself so she was closer to him. Pulling a hand on his chest her just rests it there for a long moment feeling his heart beat. he almost seemed to good to be true.

Leaning in a little Ryan brings her lips to his and press them there for a short moment before moving again and now slipping into his lap sideways wrapping her arms around his neck the movie seeming to be drowned out. Placing her head on his shoulder close enough to his ear so her soft breath could brush over it Ryan is silent for a moment before finally speaking.

"Thank you Tal, for setting me free again."

Tired

Tal chuckles at Ryan's warning not to tickle her feet, and he rubs a little more firmly. "It's okay. I've been kicked in the face before and survived."

Ryan's question doesn't even shift his concentration and he simply continues to massage her feet, his thumbs hitting all the good spots. His signature grin curls his lips and he doesn't look up right away.

"Well... I guess I figure you deserve to have someone be nice to you."

He didn't want to make it sound like he just felt sorry for her or that he pitied her - those were far from the truth. He simply felt compassion for her, didn't like what had been done to her and he wanted to give her some well-deserved attention.

Tal finally pauses his hands and looks over at Ryan, thoughtful for several moments. "I've seen you at races, Eli talks about you all the time... I guess I've seen what kind of a person you are and I just want to prove that you're more than..."

He pauses again, afraid of it not coming out the way he wanted it to. "...more than what you've been dealt. Nobody should take a woman like you for granted." He shrugs and looks down again as his fingers wander up the tops of her feet to her ankles then back again. "And I like seeing you smile."


Something like a wry grin tugs at the corners of Dylan's mouth as he finishes up his plate of food. "I still keep a fan going at night in my bunk for noise. Otherwise I just lie awake for hours."

Setting his plate down on the porch, he takes a long swig from his water bottle. "I used to live in a small town," he explains. "Nothing like the city, but there was noise. Had a street light that shone right in my bedroom window. Now I still keep my blinds open so the yard light can come through." He cocks his head a little. "You get used to living out here after a while though."

Reaching to the side, he continues to listen as he retrieves a little package of two Hostess HoHos he had for his dessert.

"Yeah, there's lots to explore around here. All I have time for is chores and homework. Mick likes it that way though. When you're someone like me, people tend to want to keep you within eyesight."

Ashlee's question makes him pause. He concentrates on his HoHos and opens the package before tossing a new glance at her. Taking one of the little frosted cakes he holds it out to her, quirking an eyebrow to ask her if she wanted it.

"I eat alone 'cause sometimes I'd rather not be just ten feet away from everybody else having a good time."


Eric doesn't hold Rosetta's eyes for long and readjusts one of his ice packs. She wasn't mad at him? Really? After the last time he'd been here with Dana? He almost wished she would be mad at him so his conscience wouldn't be nagging him as much.

Rosetta's question only brings more silence. How was he? He could say he was fine and just pretend for a little while longer. He could spill the whole truth and admit how miserable he was. Physically he was doing alright, other than his leg. Mentally, he was so messed up, he couldn't even think straight. Still looking down, he shrugs. He felt like a kid who was afraid to admit he'd done something wrong.

"I don't even know how to answer that," he finally admits. He couldn't tell her why... he just couldn't.

Still not looking up, he reaches to his bedside table and pulls out the drawer to retrieve a bottle of pain killers. Unfortunately, it was empty. He sighs. But he doesn't ask Rosetta for any help... he felt too rotten to ask any favors.

Eric's eyes were full of misery, even though he didn't want it to show. But there was no fooling his sister... there never was. And yet the words that would explain everything just wouldn't come out. Maybe it was pride. Maybe it was fear. Maybe it was shame.


Jason lifts his head to see Katie come in with the food, and he straightens a little. He didn't feel like eating, but he'd try for her. At the moment, he kinda wanted to be alone... he just wanted to lie down and sleep and try to forget about all of this. But instead, he forces a smile.

"Thanks, Katie. A movie sounds great."

He does manage to eat a little bit, though can't quite get it all down if he wanted it to stay down. And he does manage to start watching a movie with Katie too. But less than halfway through, he was just too tired for anything else.

Lying on the couch with his head in Katie's lap, Jason gives up on trying to keep his eyes open. His hand finds hers though and he gives it a weak squeeze.

How come

Seeing Dylan move his legs so there was room on the top step for her now Ashlee gives a smile. Going up the steps and sitting down at the top Ashlee puts her legs on the next step down she pulls her knees into her wrapping her arms around them.

"Oh, I'm doing alright. Just trying to get use to everything. I like the country but its an adjustment after being use to a noisy city the quiet it hard to get use to."

Ashlee can't help but give a little laugh to herself letting a small sound out. It sounded funny saying that and she new it. She only hoped that Dylan didn't find it to silly himself.

"I wasn't to hungry tonight so I figured I would do a little exploring first. Didn't go to far, but it just so amazing here. Everywhere you turn there is a new place to see, or figure out where it goes. Maybe in a few days I'll explore the woods. How come your not eating with everyone else?"

Once eating and making there way into the living room to just relax. Sitting on the couch and having Tal take her feet and start rubbing them Ryan can't help but give a little mermer. It felt good, and she'd never had someone rub her feet before.

"Mmm...Tal that feel good, I think your the first one to even rub my feet. Just be careful I get ticklish and I don't want to kick you in the face."

Just smiling and leaning her head back on the couch tilting it to the side the movie on tv was forgotten as Ryan just watched Tal. It felt strange to be pampered like this. She was always the rough one that not one though maybe she liked the little girly things too but Tal had...and that made him special.

"Your really good to me and you hardly know me...not that I mind but I guess I'm just wondering...why?"

She'd never known someone who had been so nice to her before when they didn't even really know her. Ryan didn't mind it she just couldn't help if there was a hidden catch somewhere she couldn't see. She'd been wrong about Alec, maybe now she was seconded guessing herself and just wanted to make sure.

Getting back to the house Katie tried to give Jason his space not wanting to smother him but keeping an eye on him anyways. She couldn't feel him now so it was the only way she could tell if he was pushing himself or not. Seeing he was starting to get tired Katie was going to say something to him but saw him head into the living room to sit so she didn't call much attachen to it and kept cooking some dinner for them.

Finishing up the food Katie brings the grilled cheese and soup out into the living room setting it down on the table. Looking to Jason Katie gives a small smile. She new he hated this. She only wished there was something more she could do. But just being there for him was all she could think of.

"I made us some dinner, and maybe we can put in a movie if you want? I think the rest of the night you should try and relax. I can finish up some of the stuff around the house for ya. Thats why I am the nurse/maid after all."

Hearing Eric let her know it was ok to come in Rosetta opens the door and steps in before shutting it behind her. She felt a little awkward but not enough to turn and just walk away. She really had missed her brother this time around maybe because she didn't know if he would be coming back or not.

"Hey. I saw you pull in and I thought I would come and say Hi. I guess....I just didn't want you to think I was mad at you still and I missed you."

Glancing around the room for a moment before letting her brother's eyes link with her once more she could see almost a dull cold look in them. Much different from the look that had been there the last time she had seen him when he was filled with life. Was everything really ok?

"How...are you?"