Even when you lie

Smiling broadly, Jeff looks over at Katie and winks. "And thank you for being you." 

He knew that this trip had been particularly difficult for her, but was so glad she'd come. He didn't know if she was going to leave having accomplished what she wanted, but he could see a spark in her eye again. It might be small and maybe it was still a bit deep, but it was there, and he would pray that it would surface again so she could once again be happy and live life to the fullest. 

Making it back to the ranch, Jeff was a bit tired, but feeling well enough to take care of Hawk then join everyone for supper. Sitting with Katie and Hunter tonight was enjoyable, then when the meal was over he knew he needed to go rest for the evening or he'd be paying for it tomorrow. 

Hunter's glad to spend more time with Katie after supper, telling her about the kitten, but keeping his conversation with Mick to himself. His mind was still quite full and he was still processing a lot of things - too much to be verbalized yet. He does push most of it aside for a while though, enabling him to enjoy a card game then a short walk with Katie before calling it a night.

And as the day passes on to the next, the sunshine is born once more, giving hope that darkness cannot last forever... 

"...about once a week, Rosetta, BJ and I have a family night at home, and we'd like to invite you both over for supper tonight." Lunch had just been finished, but Mick had caught Katie and Hunter before they'd left the dining room.

Hunter's eyebrows rise slightly, a bit surprised at the invitation. Mick had just said that it was a family night. It made sense for him to ask Katie over, but him too? He glances to the side at Katie. "Well with a bum leg, it's not like I've got very many plans... I'm okay with that, if you are." 

Mick's eyes drift between the two, waiting for a solid answer so he could tell Rosetta. He'd been thinking a lot about Hunter, especially after yesterday, and he just felt that this was something he should do - invite the young man to be closer to their family. Everyone needed a family, even if they weren't connected by blood. 

Axel grins a little, knowing good and well that if any of the guys had sensed Ryan was in any kind of trouble, all of them would have pounced on Alec full force. Nobody bothered their Ryan - that's just the way it was. 

Wondering if there was any more to what Ryan was feeling, Axel remains where he is for just a few more seconds. Her next words didn't surprise him, and he did feel badly for her. He knew it had to be difficult after all she'd been through with Alec. He'd gained bits and pieces from her, Eli and Carson along the way - enough to know most of the story. 

He nods slowly, and gives her a reassuring glance. "You're welcome. If you need anything, just let me know." Concentrating on his wrench again, he turns and wanders back to his own bay to finish his job...

The next day in the shop, things were busy, but pretty normal. The air was full of friendly bantering, most of which was won by Axel's quick wit, but sometimes Leo got his own upper hand. Usually the topic revolved around who was working on what, and who was going to finish first today. Never a day went by without some kind of competition - which was most likely to be won by either Ryan or Axel, the reigning queen and king of the shop, as it were. 

The only time things seem to be interrupted is late morning when a delivery car pulls up and a man emerges with a gift in hand. Wandering to one of the open bays, he looks around, confused for a few moments before clearing his throat, trying to be heard above the rattle of an air compressor and clanging of tools. "Um... I'm looking for a...." He checks his clipboard. "Ryan McKade?" 

Realizing Ryan was the only woman in sight, he automatically approaches her, noticing her name on her shirt and sighing with relief. "Hi, I have a delivery for you." 

Handed to her was a dainty bouquet of three long-stem roses - one pink, one yellow and one red. Tied together with a red ribbon, a note was also attached, handwritten by the gift-giver.

You're beautiful, even when you lie. 

Thanks.

A whistle comes from Jed's direction, while Leo gives a teasing cat call. "Ooooh, flowers for Ryan," Miles teases. "Tal's getting all mushy on us." 

Hard

Katie can't help as she smile grows just a little more. Her and Jeff they were always close and now she new why, but even before that there just had always been something there maybe it was the something a father and daughter were meant to have. If she had to pick someone to be her secret father though she would always have picked Jeff. Though she still did love Jay and looked up to him as a dad, knowing the truth explained a lot.

   "Well if you did move closer I would love that. Even if it was like a split thing I would get to see you more than I do now and just thinking about that makes me really happy."

As the soft wind blows it warms Katie and if they wernt riding at the moment she'd give Jeff a big hug. She was happy she made the desition to come here. This was her safe haven, this was home and Katie couldn't think of a better place. Maybe she hadn't worked through as much as she wanted too but she was getting there and feelings were slowly becoming easier to feel. It didn't seem like she was high wire anymore and the craving to have emotions fed to her were slowly going away.

   "Thanks Dad, for...just being you!"

Continuing to tinker with the car she had been working on it seemed she was just going a little slower now but she couldn't help it that her mind was else where. Alec coming, his words, giving her a kiss on the cheek it was just a million thoughts running through her head but she always came back to one thing, and that was though all this stuff with Alec is happing she had Tal, she loved Tal, and he was what was important.

Not even realizing someone had come over to her car Ryan gives a little jump but recovered quickly looking to Axel and giving a small smirk. He was like the dad in the family shop and no one seemed to mind. He always like to make sure everyone was ok, and doing alright, surviving, and in good moods. 

   "Yeah, Yeah I'm alright. Alec just needed his bike to be looked at thats all. He didn't bother trying to start anything else. Witch it probley a good thing so I didn't have to sick you guys on him."

Turning back to the car for a second Ryan new that Axel would be able to see there was more there. He was always like that able to look deeper and see what people meant, or how they felt it was just this gift he had. Though he would never prey he new it was there. Looking back at him Ryan new her eyes would betray her.

   "It's just hard still seeing him. I mean, I do ok, but ya its just hard. Thanks for asking though Axel."

Leftover

"You're more important than where I live." Jeff's answer comes quickly as he glances over to Katie. Yes, he'd miss it here. He'd miss it dearly. This ranch was his life. If he didn't live here, he didn't know what he'd do to make a living, and not being around the family or horses every day would really be hard. But he'd do it if it would keep him in a close relationship with his daughter. 

"This is my home but... things and places are just temporary." His eyes drift back to the clearing. Nothing in this world lasted forever. That was something he'd experienced over and over. "Yes, I'd miss it here," he finally admits aloud. "But it would be worth it if I saw you more often." 

He eventually turns Hawk around to head back towards the trail. "Something to think about," he concludes. He had no idea whether or not he'd end up moving, but at least now he knew Katie wouldn't mind if he did. 

Back at the ranch, Hunter finds himself on the porch swing of the main building, the kitten in his lap. He wasn't sure when Katie and Jeff would be back, but whenever they were, they were both bound to come to supper, so if he stayed here, he should see them. 

With both legs up on the swing, Hunter leans back and closes his eyes, letting himself sway back and forth just a little. His mind takes him back to his conversation with Mick as he continues to mull over everything they'd discussed. 

Soon though, the warm breeze had put both him and the kitten to sleep. 

As Ryan comes back into the garage and starts working, it would seem as though everything were normal. The guys were busy bantering and talking about hanging out after work, and the clock was being watched so they could get out of here. 

It doesn't take long though for Axel to have made it over to Ryan. Leaning against the car, he uses a rag to clean off one of his wrenches. He keeps his voice quiet and casual simply so he would draw no attention from the others. "You alright?" His eyes remain on his wrench. He wasn't going to pry, but he did want to make sure she was okay. Alec had come and gone, and it appeared without incident, but something just felt... off. 

Standing at the gas pump in town, Alec fills up his bike. Since he didn't have to pay for repairs, he actually had money for this now. He'd also have leftover. 

Glancing across the street, he tries to convince himself it was a bad idea. But deep down, his mind was already made up. He knew where just a little of that extra money would go. 

Miss

Hearing Alec's words it sends a pang to Ryan's heart. Alec still loved her, he was having a hard time letting her go, she'd known that but there was something about how it said it now, it was different. She couldn't explain it but it was different and she could tell.

As Alec comes near to her and places the kiss on her cheek Ryan was a bit surprised but she could feel the chill. She hadn't been expecting that and it was...soft. Much different than she would be use to with Alec, there was just something different even if she couldn't put her finger on it.

Not able to say anything maybe it was best seeing as Ryan didn't know what to say. Just watching Alec walk away Ryan waits to go back into the shop for a moment as she trys to compose herself. Her cheek felt warm and her eyes burned a little. Taking in a deep breath Ryan cleans her thoughts, she had to, she still had more work to do.

Returning to the shop Ryan say nothing else to the guys but just gets back to the next car that rolls in. She had more work to do a little time to do it. Not to mention if she threw herself into work maybe no one would notice the small tear in her eye.

Katie gives a big smile to Jeff. She liked hearing about her mom even if it did make her sad a little bit that she had left them. It was nice though knowing about her mom and being able to at least get to know her though him.

 Hearing that Jeff had been thinking about moving to Nevada Katie perks up a little bit. That sounded like a good idea to her. She missed her dad very much and if he was closer...that would be nice.

   "Like you really think you could smother me? I would love it if you moved closer. I miss you very much! But...wouldn't you miss it here? This is your home."

Dang it

Alec shakes his head before glancing back over his shoulder. "Right." He knew good and well Ryan had fixed his motorcycle, but there was obviously no arguing with her. 

Wandering back to the counter, he retrieves the keys and stops for one last moment to look at Ryan. It was the wrong thing to do, because tears suddenly spring into his eyes before he can stop them. Oh how he hated himself for the choices he'd made. 

"Dang it, Ryan." His voice was but a hoarse whisper. "Why do I have to love you so much?" 

Stepping towards the door, his feet seem to have a will of their own as he stops right beside her. And in the blink of an eye, he'd planted a soft kiss on her cheek. 

Turning quickly, he exits the building and aims for his bike.


Jeff grins, knowing Katie was right - if Hunter did her wrong, he'd have this whole ranch on his tail. He seemed too smart for that though.

As quietness lingers while they ride, the last thing Jeff expected was for Katie to choose the new subject that she did. A lump rises in his throat, and he fiddles with his reins for a few moments. He knew exactly what she was referring to. Was it that obvious where his mind had been.

"Yeah..." A weary sort of sigh slips out before he can stop it. Spotting a clearing along the trail, he turns Hawk towards it, stopping just short of the small field of tall grass and wild flowers. The sun shone down warmly on the scene, creating an almost surreal picture.

Leaning forward to rest his arms on the saddlehorn, Jeff's eyes roam the clearing. "Some days are harder than others," he admits. "Especially when I forget I'm surrounded by family and I get to feeling lonely." He couldn't help it that there were days it just didn't matter how much family he had around or how much they loved him. There was just a hole in his heart that left him lonely in ways the others here couldn't remedy.

Watching a butterfly flit from flower to flower, he gains a small smile. "She would have loved it here. Your mother, I mean. I think she would have taken to the ranch just like you have."

Swallowing hard, he looks down for a moment, finding it just a little difficult to keep a handle on his emotions. "I'm so glad she left me you," he continues softly. "I've even thought about moving to Nevada just so I could be closer to you but... I wouldn't want you to feel smothered."

Talking

Hearing Alec's comment Ryan looks up at him and blinks. It would seem as though everything she just had told him meant nothing and everything was not heard. Letting his eyes lock with his for a second Ryan can feel her heart beat even faster than it was as she smells the sweet smile of Alec's soap, or it could have been his shampoo.

   "I still don't know what your talking about. I did as you asked and looked over your bike and there is nothing wrong."

Feeling his hand on her face Ryan's instinct was to lean her head into it but she did her best not to do so. She shouldn't, she couldn't, no She was with Tal she reminds herself once more and she was happy, she was safe with him and things were good.

As Alec takes a step back Ryan was glad in a way. She didn't know how much longer she could stand like that with Alec. Him stepping away had been the breaker and Ryan was happy, she never wanted to cheat on Tal. He was to good of a guy for that, and she cared for him way to much.

   "Umm...Your welcome and don't worry about paying me back, it was just a simple evaluation."

Danger

As Ryan comes around the counter to stand next to him, Alec can feel an awkwardness rise. He shouldn't have come. He never should have come here, and he knew it. As she explains the job slip, her words fall on deaf ears, and his eyes have no intention of looking at what she was showing him. Instead, he's caught gazing at her face... listening to her voice... watching her stand there with graceful confidence. He had no idea what she was saying about his bike. He was overcome with confusion, awe, gratefulness, and more humility than he thought he'd ever have. He had broken this woman's heart and harmed someone she loved... yet here she was, having just done one of the nicest things for him. 

Not caring what she'd just tried to explain, he reaches out with a gentle finger under her chin to turn her face towards him. Staring into her gaze, his eyes were the eyes of a broken man, overwhelmed by her kindness. "I thought nothing would ever amaze me again," he mentions softly. His thumb moves to brush her cheek lightly. "But you just can't help it, can you?" 

Only now does he realize that his heart is racing. His arms ached to hold Ryan. His lips burned to kiss hers. His soul cried out for her companionship. 

Sensing the danger of his position, Alec quickly lets his hand drop and he retreats a couple steps before turning his back on her. Setting his hands on his hips, he takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. His eyes stare out the window as he tries to keep his thoughts together. 

"Thank you," he finally concludes. "You've been most kind. If I can ever repay you... let me know." 

No Idea

Looking back at Alec Ryan lifts an eyebrow at him and his words. Holding out the paperwork to him most of the boxed were check as nothing was wrong. Except for one and that was a dirty filter that was replaced but it said no payment was needed because Ryan had dumped something on it to make it dirty.

   "I have no idea what your talking about and you can't pay for something that wasn't broken. If you look at the paperwork there is clearly says nothing is wrong."

Ryan comes around the counter and moves closer to Alec pointing at the paper work. Going through each thing showing her nothing was wrong. Her heart raced as she stood next to Alec but she did her best to ignore it.

   "So anyways you can take your bike now. There's nothing else I can do with a bike thats already fixed. Sorry Alec."

I can't

Alec would never admit he was bored out of his mind while waiting. After a couple hours, he'd gone through all the magazines, read all the posters on the wall, and had even dozed off a time or two. What he really wanted was to go in the garage and see how things were going, but he refrained when he remembered the looks he'd received.

Finally when Ryan comes back, Alec stands up quickly, anxious to hear what she'd found out. But hearing what she had to say, he blinks. Furrowing his brow, for several moments, he was totally confused.

"But it... I..." Then he realizes just what Ryan was saying. Taken aback, his eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, his awkwardness flees, freeing up his tongue.

"Ryan, there was something wrong with that bike and I know it..." He shakes his head, bewildered at her actions. "How long did you spend on it? I have to pay for it. I can't let you just do this for nothing." His eyes lock with hers, his gaze full of questions.

Wast

Waiting for Alec to push the Ryan watches him for a long moment as her stomach did flip flops. She didn't want it to show so the others saw it she did her best to hide it but just having Alec here...remembering the time they spent together sends chills down her spine.

Watching as Alec than walks away Ryan lets out a long sigh before turning. Feeling eyes on her still Ryan looks around the room at the other guys that were there as well. Rolling she eyes and crossing her arms she looks at each of them.

   "What...what do you want from me? He needs his bike fixed and your the ones who told me to do it."

Grumbling under her breath Ryan turns and goes back to her work on the car. It wasn't till a few hours later Ryan got to Alec's bike and started working on it. Tinkering with a few different things and figuring out a few other things Ryan finally was finished with the bike.

Taking her rag and whiping her hands off Ryan goes back to the waiting room. Seeing Alec she stands there for a moment before shaking her head. She shouldn't look at him for to long, staring, gawking, no she shouldn't at all. Clearing her throat to get his attachen she puts the paper down before jotting a few things.

   "Well, I'm sorry I wasted a few hours of your time but I can't fix your bike."

Ryan hesitates for a few second searching Alec's face. He still looked so sad, so thing...he still looked horrible and it wrenched her heart. Even if she wasn't dating him she'd never wish anything bad on him and he was not doing good at all.

   "...Because as far as I can see there is nothing wrong with it. Started up fine and everything looks great to me. Maybe it just wanted to give you a fit, and it could use a bit of gas."

Just another customer

Alec was glad that Ryan wasn't being offish. Not that he expected her to, but... maybe he'd been a little worried about that. Besides, she could probably just as easily pass on this job to one of the guys, right? So... her offering to look at the bike herself was... a good thing?

Ryan's prompt to "make himself comfortable" brings another little smirk to his lips as he drops his gaze again, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah..." He bites his tongue from the comment that was dying to be let loose, and he clears his throat, choking down the nervous laugh. 

"Yeah, I'll bring her around and wait." Slowly raising his eyes again, they meet Ryan's with an intense stare. Had she really missed him? "I've got all the time in the world..." 

Turning quickly, he goes back outside. Guiding his bike to the open bay, he does as instructed, careful not to get in anybody else's way. He could feel the eyes on him and knew that he was not welcome here. As a customer yes, but not as a friend. 

Wiping some more sweat from his brow, it's only now that he realizes he must look a sight after pushing his bike this whole way. Oh well. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he trudges back to the waiting area. He remembered a time when he'd hang around inside the garage and chat or sit on the work bench while Ryan worked, just to tease her or simply watch her work. Today though... today he was just another customer.

Comfortable

Taking a few more step farther into the waiting room Ryan moves behind the front desk and gives a slight nod to Alec. Though she thought it was odd there was a problem with his bike that he couldn't figure out. Alec was good when it came to his own things and she wondered could he really not figure it out or was it a good reason to come visit.

   "I can take a look at it for you and see if I can find whats wrong. It might take a little bit though I have to finish up with the car I am working on and than I can look at yours."

Seeing Alec smile just a little bit Ryan could tell he was trying and it felt a little awkward but at the same time it was kind of not that bad. Clearing her throat and writing a few things down on the paper Ryan looks up at Alec once again.

   "You can bring your bike around to bay three if you want than if you want to make yourself comfortable you can."

Missed

Realizing that the task was suddenly on Ryan, Axel rolls his eyes. These guys were impossible. "Hang on, I'll..." Too late. Ryan had taken it. Axel throws Jed a withering look only to receive a blank stare in response.

Alec really hadn't expected to be waited upon by Ryan. Maybe he'd hoped he might see her... just for a moment... which might explain why he hadn't chosen an auto shop closer to home. But as Ryan approaches and smiles, he can't help it that his stomach does a flip. How many times had he shown up here to take her to lunch? How many times had he been greeted right here in front of all the guys, with a hug and a kiss? Today there could be... nothing. And though Ryan smiled, she was doing her job, and that was it.

Lowering his gaze, Alec rolls a pebble around under his foot. "Um... it's just my bike." He thumbs to the parking lot. "I can't figure out what's wrong with it and... just wanted an estimate I guess. I can't.... well, I can't afford much."

He looks back up to her again, trying to give her a small smile, but not knowing if he succeeded. Oh how he missed her.

Suprised

Letting out a groan as she works on the car Ryan glances to the side at Miles before looking back to the engine. Shaking her hear a grin spread across her lips. She could be rough even when she was kidding around and sometimes that was the best thing about her.

   "Oh sure and you guys would love it if I did turn it down so you could call me a quiter thinking I couldn't handle my work, hummmmm...?"

Going back to the car Ryan tightens the nut she had been working on before standing up and walking over to her table putting her wrench down. Not turning to look out at the customer Ryan picks up her notebook and pulls off some paper grabbing a pen. 

   "Alright Alright, I'll grab it."

Starting to write things down on the new ticket its not till Ryan is out the door that she looks up. Seeing Alec she is a bit surprised but she smiles anyways looking at him. She wondered why he was here and in a way she hoped it wasn't just to see her.

   "Hey Alec, hows it going? What can I do for you?"

Customer Service

Jeff grins, knowing Katie was right - if Hunter did her wrong, he'd have this whole ranch on his tail. He seemed too smart for that though.

As quietness lingers while they ride, the last thing Jeff expected was for Katie to choose the new subject that she did. A lump rises in his throat, and he fiddles with his reins for a few moments. He knew exactly what she was referring to. Was it that obvious where his mind had been?

"Yeah..." A weary sort of sigh slips out before he can stop it. Spotting a clearing along the trail, he turns Hawk towards it, stopping just short of the small field of tall grass and wild flowers. The sun shone down warmly on the scene, creating an almost surreal picture. 

Leaning forward to rest his arms on the saddlehorn, Jeff's eyes roam the clearing. "Some days are harder than others," he admits. "Especially when I forget I'm surrounded by family and I get to feeling lonely." He couldn't help it that there were days it just didn't matter how much family he had around or how much they loved him. There was just a hole in his heart that left him lonely in ways the others here couldn't remedy. 

Watching a butterfly flit from flower to flower, he gains a small smile. "She would have loved it here. Your mother, I mean. I think she would have taken to the ranch just like you have." 

Swallowing hard, he looks down for a moment, finding it just a little difficult to keep a handle on his emotions. "I'm so glad she left me you," he continues softly. "I've even thought about moving to Nevada just so I could be closer to you but... I wouldn't want you to feel smothered." 

Lydia smiles broadly, her eyes twinkling. "I would like very much to do this again. Thank you... for everything." 

It didn't take long to drive back to the house, and Lydia returns to the kitchen to look after her bread. Today's baking had been for a needy family in church, and she wanted to include a few cookies too. 

Back in the bedroom, Jared was sitting up just a little. He'd made it to the bathroom and back on his own - a feat worthy of pride. He wasn't all that proud today though. He felt too low for that. But... he'd left the curtains open just how Grace had set them earlier. 

Hearing car doors, steps on the porch and the front door, he knows his mother and Grace must be back. Sighing, he lets his eyes fall shut once again. If he was Grace, he wouldn't want to come see a moping body like him. 

Pushing his motorcycle across the parking lot, Alec pauses for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow. It had not been a short walk, made even longer by pushing his bike the whole way. He knew he could have asked Jason for help, but he hadn't really wanted to impose. He'd been working on his motorcycle but something was still wrong with the engine and it was beyond his knowledge. He didn't have a whole lot of money, but he had a little since Misty had just paid him again, and maybe it would be enough to at least get an estimate and maybe get the repairs started. But it wasn't really the money or time that made him hesitate, seeing the open bays where cars were being worked on.

Bypassing the urge to go that way, he brings his bike around front instead and sets it on its kickstand before going inside. It must have been a slow day because the customer waiting area was empty, as well as the front desk. Ringing the bell brought no one, and Alec glances to the glass door into the garage. He wondered for a moment if he should just turn around and go to the other auto shop another eight blocks away. But...

Straightening from the engine in front of him, Axel flexes his hand, feeling a little tingle in his fingers. He hadn't told anyone about it... he'd hoped it would go away. But it hadn't, and he knew he needed to go see Misty again.

Turning to find a different wrench, his eyes happen to glance over to the door. Stopping, his eyebrows rise and he automatically bristles.

Alec pushes the door open and waits, glancing around the garage. His eyes stray past a couple guys he recognized before landing on Ryan, who looked as though she was deeply involved in an engine problem. This was definitely a bad idea.

"Somebody want to help a customer?" Axel suggests loudly.

Jed scoots out from under his car, not bothering to look at the door. "Ryan's closest!" he hollers teasingly. "I'm sure she needs a break anyway."

"You just want to win the race," Miles quips. "Come to think of it, so do I. Ryan! Customer service is needed!"

Do you

Continuing to ride and hearing her dad's approval Katie was happy about that. She wasn't sure what the future would hold or how long her and Hunter would be together. It could be forever, or only a few years. The only thing Katie did know was that she was happy now and would take one day at a time.

   "Thanks Dad. Hunter knows if he ever hurt me there would be quiet a few people who'd beat him to a pulp."

Riding on Katie falls quiet again but glances at her dad once and a while. Seeing the sad look in his eye she new what he was thinking about. She'd seen that look before and had been able to connect it with the thoughts of her mother. How it must hurt for him, the pain she felt was a pain of not knowing, she never new her mother so she didn't know what to miss. But his pain was from lose, because he new what he was missing.

   "Do you think about her a lot?"

Listing to Lydia Grace continues to smile and at some parts her lips give a little frown too. Some things were sad to talk about and some where happy. But through it all Grace could see the love in Lydia's eyes and how much of a big soul this woman had no matter what she went through. God certainly had his hand in her life.

   "I think you right. God did have this whole thing maped out long before we even new what was going to happen."

Taking the last sip of her coffee and setting the cup down Grace sits back and lets out a long sigh. Talking with Lydia had really felt good and almost like a weight had been lifted. Grace never really opened up to many people but today Lydia had been a  good choose.

   "Thanks for coming for coffee today. I enjoyed it and we should definitely do it again."

As well as you deserve

Settling it at the coffee shop with Grace, Lydia wore a smile, proving that she really did like getting out of the house for a while. It wasn't often she got out, other than to go to church. Justin did most of her shopping and though she did have lady friends come visiting, actually getting out of the house was nice. 

Engaging in conversation, Lydia hadn't expected Grace to open up like she did, but she didn't mind in the least, and listened quietly while sipping her hot coffee. Every once in a while, she'd give the younger woman a compassionate look, or reach over to pat her hand. It was such a sad story, but it did explain why Grace was so passionate about her work to help other people. It helped explain perhaps why she was so determined to help Jared - another victim of being hit with a vehicle. 

Wiping her own little tear away, she smiles. "Don't be sorry. I understand more about you now. Your heart is so big." 

Reaching into her purse, Lydia retrieves a little handkerchief to hand to Grace. "I have to carry these," she explains before retrieving a second one for herself. "I cry at everything." She chuckles. "My husband used to say that he could not even watch a movie with me because I would cry at every sad moment. Or even the happy ones." She dabs her eyes. "Mama told me once that a woman's tears are her greatest weapon against any man. I guess I have... what you call... a whole arsenal." She laughs again and shakes her head before reaching over to pat Grace's hand again. 

"I am very sorry for the loss of your brother. I can see that it was hard on you. I know what it feels like to lose someone you love. But I can also see that God has healed your heart and made it even bigger to help other people. And that is very admirable. You are a strong woman and I am glad that you are here, helping Jared." 

Retreating, she takes another sip of her coffee. Perhaps Grace's story of the past brought up Lydia's own thoughts of years gone by. "There was a time when I remember Jared as a happy child. But so quickly he grew up. He took things too seriously, and I think a part of him was always jealous of his brother. You see, Justin was warmer. Softer. He made friends easily with just being himself. But Jared..." Lydia shakes her head slowly. "He always thought he needed to prove something, or pay to get what he wanted. So he would show off to make friends. Or he would buy them ice cream so they would like him. And when he would do those things, Justin would be left out. That made Jared satisfied, but it put a... a... a rift between them. A divider? Yes."

She blows on her coffee before taking another sip. "We tried to help them get along and love each other, but somehow they were too different, with two completely different hearts. And when their father died... it seemed... how you say... the last straw. Jared blamed Justin for what happened. They were so young. To see them fight and learn to hate each other... it was very difficult." She shrugs. "And it never stopped. But now... now is the first time I have seen Jared sorry for what he has done. He had such a bad life." 

Her frown indicates her displeasure. "He did not think I knew about his cheating for money or about all the women. But I knew. When he came here, he tried to turn Justin and me against each other. Thankfully, we worked it out. But after all of this. The accident. It is the first time I see the heart I saw in my son when he was just a small boy. He is good. I know he is. It is just... buried." 

Studying Grace's eyes, she nods slowly. "I believe you are the right person to be here. I believe that when your brother died, God planted a seed in your heart to help others. And I believe He knew that you would be here today, helping my Jared."

Jeff smiles a little as he hears the difference in Katie's voice as she talks about Hunter. "I think he's a good guy too," he agrees. "I can tell he has some things he needs to work through, and... I hope he can get right with God again." 

He did hope that - for Hunter's sake and Katie's too. He knew that his daughter's faith was much stronger now than it had been at one time, and he would not wish for Hunter's lack of faith to affect hers. She needed to be closer to God now more than ever - not further away. Despite that though, Jeff really did like Hunter. There was something about him that spoke of a good heart, no matter the trouble he'd been in. That heart just needed to take over his actions. 

"I'm glad he makes you happy." He glances over at Katie again, just watching her for several moments. She looked like her mother today. How proud Crystal would be. So many days he just wished to talk to her again... to tell her all about their daughter and all the accomplishments in her life. About how proud he was of her. About how beautiful a woman she'd become, inside and out. Oh to cure the ache in his heart. 

As Hawk heads under a tree, Jeff ducks to avoid the low-hanging branch, bringing his concentration back to riding again. "He seems to really care about you too." Were she and Jason really done for good? Jeff did wonder. Though it seemed so, he wondered if it was really that easy to separate two people that had shared so much. "And I hope he treats you as well as you deserve," he concludes.

Carryed away

Giving a nod and retrieving her keys from her purse Grace stands. She really did like Lydia a lot, she was nice, down to earth and the way she talked about her boys and her late husband, you could not only see the love but really feel it too and something that outed that was her love for God. Grace could see why the boys might be drawn here no matter who they were or what they had done. It was a safe place filled with peace and love.

   "Alright than lets head out."

...It wasn't a long drive to the little coffee shop and one there with a table sitting comfortable Grace didn't feel odd at all. For not knowing the woman to much one might  think the meeting was strange or there was lack of stuff to talk about but that was not the case. 

   "So, when I finally got out of high school my brother was in a pretty back football accident and the Dr. told him he would never walk again. They wouldn't even try to give him PTand see if maybe just maybe it would help. They didn't believe in mericles and the power of God's will."

Taking another sip of her coffee Grace continues to smile. It was hard sometimes to talk about the past but it was where it got her today and without that she would be on a completely different path in life. God had chosen this one for her and who was she to be sad about it.

   "I didn't believe this was if for my brother so at home I worked with him. He didn't want to tell anyone since he was older than me and getting help from his kid sister. We worked every day doing everything we could to get him to talk again. Than one day finally he started to move on his own. We got him up and walking. He couldn't do it for long but it was a start and for at least three minutes he could walk with no help."

Grace takes in a deep breath before letting it out again. Looking down at her cup she runs her finger along the rim. It was easy to tell there was much more on her mind.

   "Than one day while I was inside getting some heating pads for my brother was outside while out baby sister. A drunk driver was coming down the road and lost control of his car. It was aiming for my sister and Sean saw it coming. With all high might he stood right as I stepped out onto the porch and and ran for my sister pushing her out of the way. Than his legs gave out and he couldn't get out of the way too."

A few tears for in her eyes as she looks up at Lydia and than she looks out the window. It was still hard to think about it sometimes. Sean had been her best friend, her brother, the protector of the family.  He'd meant everything to her and in that one single moment he was gone.

   "He was killed on impact. If the Dr.s had started right away working with him on his legs and getting them strong again Sean might had been able to get out of the way of the car, he might still be here today. It was shortly after that, that I decided I wanted to become a PT. I wanted to give hope to the hopeless, and I wanted to do it for my brother."

Whipping a few of her tears away Grace shakes her head before looking back to Lydia. She hadn't meant to go into the long detail of her story. It just kind of happened and she felt really comfortable.

   "Sorry to ramble on like that...I got carried away."

Jeff was right about what he said and thats why Katie liked talking to him. Most of the time he was and she never doubted his words or gave it second thought. Katie always hoped that one day she would be as wise and offer just as good advise.

As her father brings up Hunter Katie can't help the smile that spread across her face. She just couldn't help it Hunter really did have that affect on her. Continuing to pay attachen to what she was doing Katie glances out of the corner of her eye at her father.

   "Mmmmhmm....I think we are. At least I don't have any attachen of breaking it off. I never exspected to date Hunter, or even get so close to him. He was just...there when everything with Jason and I went down. He's really a good guy under everything and he just makes me feel special again."

Date?

Left alone again, the room becomes quiet once more. Glancing to the window, Jared stares at the sunlight streaming through. In a way, Grace herself brought sunshine, whether she realized it or not. He was sorry that he wasn't much of a friend right now, and he was still so unsure how to deal with all of the bad things stored up in his heart. But... deep down... under it all... he really didn't want to be alone. He'd been lonely enough before without all this piled on top. He didn't particularly want anything to eat or drink but... he wouldn't mind too much if Grace really did come back to keep him company for a while. He knew for his health's sake that he needed to let her start back up on his legs again too... it was just... getting motivated that was the problem. 

Sinking back down into his pillow, he closes his eyes once more. He'd hear when they came back. 

Lydia is just setting the loaves of bread on the counter to cool when Grace enters the kitchen. Hearing about her short visit with Jared, tears glisten in her eyes and she smiles. "Thank you... thank you for taking time to see him. I know it will help."

She nods with surety. "Both of my sons have their father's spirit. I know Jared's has been buried, but... I know that his heart will not let him give up. Under all of his pain is the stubbornness of a mule." She rolls her eyes. "How many times my husband showed that stubbornness." Despite the tears, she chuckles. "And if you and I keep on praying, how can Jared not get well?" 

Taking off her apron, she hangs it up and pats her hair into place. "Okay... I am ready." 

Jeff listens quietly to Katie, keeping his eyes on the trail and his ears on her tone. He knew that all of this had been so hard on her, and if he could change it, he would. But he knew that even as her father, he couldn't keep away all of the pain. 

Nodding slowly, he agrees with her. "If you think that you were in the wrong or reacted in a way you shouldn't have, then yeah, apologizing is probably a good idea. No matter how Jason feels, I'm sure he'd appreciate it. He might even believe you're still angry with him. And... if he's still angry with you, then at least you've done the right thing anyway." 

Pausing as Hawk steps over a log, he continues to think. She'd mentioned Hunter... and as he father, he was a bit curious, if she was willing to talk about it. "So... you and Hunter... looks like you two are getting pretty close, huh? Like maybe you're still gonna date once you're both back in Nevada?" 

Ok

Still keeping her hand on Jared's Grace gives a little sigh but no one that anyone would hear or notice. She had a feeling Jared would say no but she wanted to ask anyways. Maybe if she continued to ask one of these times he would say yes. She could only hope it would work that way.

   "Alright I wont force you, I am going to bring you a pastry, or coffee home. Once I get back I'll even sit a little bit longer with you. We don't have to talk if you dont want but I'll keep you company. I promise I'm not going anywhere."

Grace new she better get going if her and Lydia were going to go out for coffee. Her bread should be done for now and a little time out would do them both good. Than after Grace really would be back to sit with Jared. She'd started this, now it was time to stick with her friend through the rough seas that was to come.

   "I'll see you in a little bit ok?"

Giving his hand a pat Grace stands before heading to the door and exiting. Making her way to the kitchen she could just follow the smell of the fresh baked bread to know where it was in case she forgot. Entering and seeing Lydia Grace gives a smile setting down at the table.

   "I'm ready when you are, and its going to be rough for Jared for a little bit but...I think I broke through and he is going to be ok as long as we have patents."

Walking along side Jeff Katie was happy he'd asked her to go out for a ride today. Not that she wanted to get away or anything but riding with someone else was always more fun than riding alone. Riding always provided a way to think as well and being with her dad just made it that much better.

   "Mmmm...yeah in a week or so I will be. I've got to call Reese tomorrow to let him know when I am coming back. Kinda glad to be going back to work, but bummed out too. I hate having to leave this place behind."

Katie had the best of both words being able to come here when she wanted to and than being able to go home and work for the Elite too but she still missed the ranch. It was fun being here, and she felt so at home because it was her home. On the days she had to leave it, it always sucked and the only comfort was waiting till the next time she got to come again.

   "I guess I am not sure how its going to be seeing Jason again too. I've been doing some thinking over the last few weeks after almost seeing Hunter die and...I feel like maybe I owe him an apology. Maybe I jumped to quick into thinking something bad was going on I don't know but I think I handled things wrong because I didn't know how to handle anything."

Continuing to slow pace on her horse Katie stays right next to Jeff and doesn't mind going slower than normal. It was a nice relaxing walk and they didn't have a time limit so she could walk all night and not really mind at all. 

Jeff was a great person to talk to too. Even before Katie found out he was her dad he's always been the easiest one. He never judged her for her way of thinking or her mistakes. He did always offer some good advise though and try to help her without pushing and thats what Katie liked. 

   "I'm happy with Hunter he is a great guys, under all his problems, he really is. I just...I know Jason deserves to have the apologie too even if we have gone our own ways now. I don't know how I'll do it, or when but I know sooner or later its gonna have to be done. Right?"

Orphan

Feeling Grace's hand on his face, Jared can't help leaning into it a little and his eyes close. He felt so incredibly undeserving, it was overwhelming. How could someone like Grace find anything in him that she would want to befriend? It as something he simply couldn't understand. 

Her hand resting on his sends a strange warmth up his arm and another tear escapes. Without realizing it, his fingers had curled around hers, almost like a little child, searching for comfort. 

With eyes still closed, he shakes his head slowly. He didn't feel like getting out and going anywhere. "You go," he answers quietly. 

Hunter gives Katie a silly grin before starting to laugh along with her. Slinging his arm around her shoulder, he leans over to give her forehead a kiss. "I don't know... I think this is kinda fun." He laughs again before reaching down to tickle her ribs, not caring if they made a scene or not. Despite the heartaches and troubles... every once in a while, there was a moment of sunshine, and this was one of them...

...During the next few days, things didn't change a whole lot. Hunter found himself alone for chunks of time, mostly because he wanted it. His request for some quiet time though, was handled a little better, and he avoided any misunderstandings with Katie like he'd had before. He loved her company, but he was still trying to sort through everything in his mind, and it wasn't easy. He often found himself out near the pastures or under "their" tree, just sitting and thinking things through. It was odd how his time here seemed to bring up the past in his mind. There were things he hadn't thought about in years that suddenly seemed to need rethinking. It was as if his near-death experience was making him reevaluate a lot of things - past and present. But what it all meant, he just wasn't sure...

...Hobbling down the barn aisle, a soft but high-pitched sound catches Hunter's ears and he pauses his route. He'd just come from sitting out by the pasture fence, left to his own devices while Katie and Jeff went on a leisurely father/daughter horseback ride. Listening, he hears the sound again. Approaching a short stack of hay bales, he cocks his head, following the sound around the hay until his eyes fall on a little black and white ball of fur.

Grinning, he sets one crutch aside before he reaches down and scoops the mewing kitten up with one hand, holding it closely to his chest. Tiny claws grip his shirt and the mews continue until the kitten feels safe in his hands, and loud purring starts instead. Hunter cradles her for a few minutes before taking another look around the stack of hay. He hadn't seen any other kittens or a mama cat, so where had this little one come from? "Where's your family, hmm?" he asks her softly. He's answered only with bright blue eyes that silently study his face while her purring motor continues. Searching the rest of the hay in the barn aisle wasn't easy with the fuzzball clinging to his chest, and he still comes up empty.

"Made a new friend?"

Hunter grins at Jim. "Looks that way. Found her in the hay but I can't find the rest of 'em anywhere. You seen a litter?"

"Yeah, down by the office, actually. That empty stall we've been storing straw in." Jim steps closer, reaching out to stroke the kitten's head with a finger. "Could be that Mama started moving her kids to a new place but got interrupted somehow."

"Maybe." Hunter wasn't convinced. The mother cat surely would have come back here sooner. "Guess I've got some more hunting to do."

Jim chuckles. "Good luck."

"Mm thanks." A thorough search of the barn only brings more doubt to Hunter's mind that there was a happy story here. Out back behind the barn, it looked as though a different kitten had met its sad fate in the pasture. Now Hunter began wondering if perhaps Mama herself had not been able to make it back to the barn, leaving the kittens to fend for themselves. An hour later, it was obvious that the tiny critter still nestled against Hunter's chest was the only one left...

...Sitting just outside the barn in the grass, Hunter soaks in the sunshine while a happy kitten with a full tummy sleeps in his lap. At Jim's suggestion, Hunter had asked someone in the kitchen for a small dish, some milk and a little bit of bread. The kitten had been hungry enough to eat, and it didn't take long for the exhausted ball of fur to fall asleep.

Leaning his head back against the barn, Hunter's finger absentmindedly strokes the kitten's head. His mind was far away though. Even though he hadn't talked about it to anybody - even Katie - thoughts of his accident still plagued his mind, bringing him no answers or conclusions. It was frustrating, and he didn't like the strange emptiness he felt deep down. Every day here he loved it more, and yet...

"Well now... looks like Katie better come back quick."

Hunter looks up at Mick, squinting in the sunlight. "And why's that?"

"She might think she's been replaced by your new buddy there."

Hunter grins. "I'd hardly say Katie's been replaced, but it does seem as though I've got a new buddy."

Chuckling, Mick eases down next to him, taking off his hat and running a hand through his sweaty hair. "Jim said you'd rescued her."

"Yeah..." Hunter shrugs. "Guess I just got a soft spot for orphans."

"Mm." Mick reaches over to scratch the tiny furry head. "You're not an orphan, are you?"

"Naw." Hunter forces a short laugh. "Not technically."

Mick lifts one eyebrow. "But...?"

Hunter smirks. "Oh, I guess I'm as close to an orphan as you can get with still having both parents alive - at least last I heard they were."

"Ah, I see. Not a good relationship?"

"Hardly." That unwanted churn was back in Hunter's stomach again.

Letting a pause linger, Mick wonders about this young man's past. "Well, I guess I know how the other end of a bad relationship works." He sighs, thinking about Dylan. "It's not fun."

Confused, Hunter turns his head to look at him. "You got more kids than those who are here?"

"No... no, it's just Dylan, Jade, and of course BJ. Dylan and I though..." He shakes his head. "If we have a conversation lasting more than ten words, we're doing well."

"Oh." Hunter furrows his brow. "But he lives here..."

"Yeah, he does. He left not all that long ago. We had quite a fight and he took off. Came back though. I suppose things have gotten a little better but... well, like I said, I guess I know how it feels being the father in a bad relationship."

Hunter found himself even more curious now. He didn't want to be nosy, but something drove him to ask more questions. "How long was he gone?"

"Hmm... a few weeks? Ended up he had Dan bring him home. I wasn't so sure I'd see him again, but sure was glad when he came back."

"Wait, so you mean he left and you let him come back?"

Mick's eyebrows rise. "Of course I did. He's my son."

"Yeah but... he chose to leave. And you just... let him come back?"

"Well sure. Why wouldn't I?" When Mick doesn't receive a response, he opts to be a little more bold. "Was it like that with you and your dad?"

Hunter's eyes snap up to Mick's. He never talked about his past. With anyone. Not even Katie. Not even Kyle. But something about Mick felt safe. Something stirs within Hunter to answer the question. "Only partly," he admits. "We had a fight but... I didn't go home."

"Ah. I see."

Hunter drops his gaze to look at the sleeping kitten. Why all of a sudden he felt like talking about this, he had no idea. It wasn't his norm, for sure, but... he almost felt he owed Mick an explanation. "I was seventeen."

Mick purses his lips. "Mm. Dylan's age."

"Yeah. My dad wasn't abusive, but he was... tough, I guess. I don't remember too many good times with him, like father/son stuff. Mostly it was him and his work, and me doing my own thing and we'd see each other at supper. Nothing bad, but nothing great either. Then one time there was this party I wasn't supposed to go to, but... I went anyway." Hunter remembered it as if it were yesterday. "There was lots of drinking and drug use going on. I didn't do either, but I was there when the cops showed up."

Mick cringes. "Ouch."

"Yep. That was the first blemish on my record. Well, needless to say, when Dad came to bail me out, he wasn't happy. He didn't even speak to me all the way home. Once we got there though..."

"All hell broke loose?"

"Yeah pretty much. Even though I hadn't actually been involved with the bad stuff, he was appalled that I'd been there at all, and he was going to do everything save not letting me go to school anymore." Hunter rolls his eyes. "We were both angry and shouting and I was dumb and swore at him. Next thing I knew, I'd been slapped across the mouth - hard."

Mick's fingers toy with the brim of his hat while he listens. That sounded all too familiar. He still regretted ever having struck Dylan, and most assuredly it had helped nothing.

Hunter continues. "I guess that was the last straw for me. I was more angry than I'd ever been before. Stomped inside the house, grabbed my backpack and a few clothes and walked out again. Went to a friend's house." Actually, it had been Kyle's house. A lump rises in Hunter's throat. "Stayed with them about a week until I'd cooled off and I realized I wanted to go back home. So I called and... I was told I... I wasn't... wasn't welcome anymore." Struggling to maintain control of his emotions, Hunter almost laughs, embarrassed. "Wow... I guess that still gets to me."

By now, Mick's eyes were staring at him with compassion. "Well sure it does. Nobody's father should turn them away like that."

"Well mine did." Hunter shrugs lamely, bypassing the sudden pain in his heart. "My mom got me some of my stuff out of my bedroom and left it on my friend's porch for me, but that was it. I saw her a couple times after that, and... never did see or speak to my father again."

"Even after all these years?"

Hunter shakes his head. "Guess I always figured if he didn't love me then, he wouldn't now, ya know? I just... moved on."

Mick frowns, sorry to hear about such a tragedy. It wasn't that others hadn't suffered worse in their lives, but to have your own father reject you like that... it was terrible. Things about Hunter were falling into place now though, such as why he liked it here so much. "Did you?"

Hunter's eyes move up again before narrowing in question. Of course he'd moved on. He'd forgotten, gotten his own life and left his old life with his parents behind. But what about deep down? What about in his soul? Had he ever really moved on? Was that what Mick was asking? He finally looks back down at the kitten. "I thought so. Then I came here."

"You don't like it here?"

"No, I love it here," Hunter clarifies. "Too much maybe. I've... I never had a close family, then no family at all since I've been older. Seeing how everybody functions here... how they love each other... get along... work alongside each other... it's... well, I guess I'm jealous."

"I can understand that." Mick nods slowly. "This place is a haven for a lot of people, and we work hard to be a loving family. That's not to say we don't have our problems." He chuckles. "We've had our fair share of differences. But... we've always come back and forgiven. We're close-knit, rare or not."

Hunter looks down as the kitten stirs and stretches. "Maybe I really have felt like an orphan all these years," he muses quietly.

Mick knew that was probably true, and he felt badly. It really was a shame. "Most of us here - my generation - grew up in orphanages," he explains. "So I guess in a way, maybe I know a little how you feel. Things get screwed up... not how we want or plan..."

Hunter cuddles the now-awake kitten, keeping her in his lap. "Aren't you ever bitter about it?"

Mick shakes his head. "Not anymore."

"How?"

"I guess at some point, we've all learned to live for the good we have. Look for the brighter days and stop looking back. We've learned to let go."

Let go. Hunter's pulse automatically quickens as he recalls the voice in the river. Let go. Let go of what? His past?

"Well, I better get back to work." Mick slaps his hat back on his head and rises with just a little trouble, brushing off his jeans. "Take care of that little critter now."

Hunter manages a smile and nod. "I will." Left alone once more, his churning emotions return. He could hardly believe he'd told Mick about him and his father, but... in a strange sort of way... it almost felt... good. Maybe... maybe he wasn't so alone after all. And for the first time, he felt nearer an answer to what had happened in that cold river. He didn't know why, but... it was connected... somehow. 

Jeff gives Hawk his head as they amble down the wooded path. It was an easy trail - wide and smooth. Though Jeff's spirit wanted to take off and race across the fields, he knew he shouldn't. It was just as well though... spending time with Katie was a perk of taking it easy and... he knew that she couldn't stay forever. 

Glancing to the side at his daughter, he just studies her for several minutes as the horses walk. She seemed happier now than when she'd arrived a month or so ago. But he wasn't sure if she'd worked through what she'd came here for or not. He really couldn't tell. Usually he could read her, but this time... this time, it was more difficult. Perhaps Hunter's presence had something to do with that. The man seemed to have swept Katie off her feet, and Jeff was glad to see her smiling again. But just because she smiled, he didn't know if that meant deep down she had worked through her emotions or not. A month had passed though, and perhaps with time, she'd been able to feel again... to read her own emotions again... and to recover from the loss of her connection - and relationship - with Jason. Jeff could only hope it was so. The thing he wanted most was to see his daughter happy. 

Straightening out his reins, he sighs deeply. "I expect you'll be needing to get back to Nevada soon, huh?" 

Would you

Sitting down on the edge of the bed Grace continues to smile at Jared. She felt so bad but maybe just maybe there was a glimmer of hope in his eye too. Bringing her hand to the side of Jared's cheek Grace whips away the tear that rolled down his face before just settling her finger on his jaw before retreating.

   "Maybe people think they don't deserve friends and sadly there not enough people who push back to show them they they do, but I guess today if your lucky day because your stuck with me."

Laying her hand on top of Jared's for a moment she thinks. Maybe Jared would like to come out with them too. She guessed he'd say no but it was worth a shot to ask at least and see maybe.

   "Would you like to come with your mom and I out for coffee. I bet she would like that and...I would too."

   "Ah, right right keep him alive. Sound good or me, got it."

Looking back down to her plate as her dad walks away Katie shakes her head before Hunter returns the kick to her. Looking up at him again Katie wares a shocked face even if her eyes danced.

   "Me...ME...Your the one that...that...that smelled so good. I blame you for this, and...myself I guess lol.

Taking another sip of her water Katie can't help the laugh that come out slowly before turning into a full fledged laugh. The whole thing was a little crazy and now thinking about it, it was funny too. Maybe next time Katie would think twice about leaving her mark on Hunter.

   "Remind me next time to not save you from my uncles teasing."

Bug Spray

Jared's ears listen, signaling Grace had drawn nearer his bed - not walked away. Remaining still, her words seem to drive straight to his soul. She didn't care who he'd been... she really did want to stay his friend. Was she right? Was he really different than he had been? Was caring about her really a sign he didn't have to be who he'd been? 

Finally opening his eyes and turning his head again, he looks up at Grace. His eyes glisten with the tears of a thousand emotions. Never had he felt such guilt... such shame. To think of all the wrongs he'd done... He deserved for no one to ever want to be around him again. He didn't deserve any second chances with as many horrible things he'd done. Yet here was Grace... telling him she would not abandon their friendship. 

He tries to swallow the lump in his throat as one of the tears escapes to trickle down his face and be absorbed by his pillow. "I... I don't really want to be alone," he admits softly. "I just... I don't deserve a friend like you." 

Watching his daughter's face turn red, Jeff can't help his grin. While he trusted both Katie and Hunter, and knew they'd probably just been having a good old fashioned make-out session earlier, it was just too easy to tease. "Ahhh, I see..." He folds his arms and nods. "Yummy smelling stuff, huh?"

Hunter chokes on a laugh he was trying to swallow. 

Jeff quirks an eyebrow. "I've got a cure for that." He nods. "Bug spray. Haven't found a women yet who likes the taste of that. They could just as easily call it hickey repellent." 

Hunter can't help his laugh. "That might work. Although..." 

Jeff waits. "Yes?"

"Never mind."

"That's what I thought." Jeff gives him a backhanded whack to the arm for good measure. "Just don't get too carried away. We have what we call boyfriend repellent around here as well."

Hunter holds up his hands in surrender. "You have my word. Of course if I get all the blood sucked out of me, it won't make much difference."

"You have a point." Jeff points as finger at Katie. Though he was teasing, there was just a slight bit of fatherly chiding in his tone. "Don't suck out all his blood. We want to keep him alive." He tosses her a wink before finally moving on to his own table. 

Having felt Katie's kick to his shin, Hunter takes the opportunity now to return it by kicking her own leg lightly. "See all the trouble you got us into?"

Hope

Hearing Jared's words they were pretty much the same as they had before only said a different way this time. Something new though was admitting that he didn't want Grace hurt. That seemed to spark something and give Grace a little bit of an upper hand.

Coming closer to the bed Grace gives a soft smile looking down on Jared. His eyes where closed, blocking out the word, maybe blocking out her, but she new her words would not fall on deaf ears.

   "Look at that Jared, your already becoming someone different than you use to be. You care if I get hurt or not....would the old you have cared? More than likely no but you do now. That's just proof right there you can change who you are now."

It made Grace feel excited inside to actually have and example for Jared. Even if he still denied it or tried to argue with her it still made her feel good that she had something to work with now.

   "You can tell me to go away a million more times Jared, as me why I don't understand but I will still remain you friend. It's just how it works and I have no fear of you hurting me. Take the good times with the bad, well I am ready for the bad, and walking with you through the good."

Sitting down for dinner and having Jeff hit up chat Katie hoped just a little that maybe the mark on Hunter's neck would go un noticed. But as Jeff turns and stops turning Hunter's head Katie can feel a little heat on her face as she does everything to not look at her father. Right now she kind of wanted to sink away. She felt embarrassed having never done something like that before.

Having Hunter pass the blame off on her all to easy. Letting her eyes go wide Katie looks and him before blinking and looking up at her father for a long moment. There was a laugh that wanted to slip out somewhere but at the moment she was to mortified.

   "Well you see I umm...ah....well...it happened a week ago....I...got vampire teeth yes and...I just...couldn't help myself. Hunter's neck was there....tell him to stop wearing that yummy smelling stuff and it wont happen again."

Katie blinks again looking up at her father. Reaching for her glass of ice water Katie can't help it her mouth went a little dry. Moving her foot under the table she gives Hunter a little kick as a thank you very much before a small grin forms on her lips.

Countless

"You kidding?" Hunter gives Katie a sly grin. "I wear all my battle scars proudly. Besides, now nobody will have to ask if I'm your boyfriend, 'cause I'm wearing your mark."

Giving a teasing growl, he leans down to kiss her neck, laughing as he pulls back. "Lets head to the dining room so somebody sees us and knows we didn't kidnap each other." Hobbling along with her, they make it to the mess hall together to find that supper was just beginning in the kitchen so very few people had gathered yet. Those in the kitchen wave their hellos and Becky make sure to ask Hunter how his leg is.

Getting settled at a table, Hunter confiscates a spare chair to set his leg up on, knowing that he'd have to ice it after supper if he was going to be able to move at all tomorrow. Besides that, his arms were just a bit sore from his crutches.

It wasn't long before others started filing in for dinner and the noise of conversations filled the room.

"Hey, Hunter." Jeff pats his shoulder. "How ya doing?"

"Hi, Jeff. I'm alright. What about you?"

Jeff nods, looking to Katie to give her a wink. "I'm alright too." He was still quite exhausted, and it showed in his eyes, but with everything he'd been through, he was doing okay. "Keeping occupied with that bum leg of yours?"

Hunter smirks. "Sure. Feels an awful lot like being lazy to me."

Jeff chuckles. "Now you know how I feel." About to turn and leave, something suddenly catches his eye and he stops. "Wait, wait..." He reaches out and turns Hunter's head before his eyebrows rise. "Lazy, huh?"

Hunter clears his throat. "Uh.... yes, sir."

"Mm-hmm, and... just what is "lazy" in your book?"

Hunter can feel a laugh wanting to surface and he doesn't dare look at Katie. "Lazy is being... um... unproductive... but isn't... necessarily... not enjoyed?"

Jeff thumps the back of Hunter's head. "Perhaps enjoyed a little too much?"

"Well don't look at me... I wasn't the vampire..."

Jeff's eyes move to Katie. He wasn't going to let this prime opportunity for teasing go to waste. "So when did you grow vampire's teeth, oh daughter of mine, hmm?"

Hearing Grace's voice, Jared's eyes quickly move to the door. Grace? Grace was here? It had been a week and... he hadn't called her... but she had come back? 

Not responding at first, he watches her move to the window, and his eyes squint a little as light is let in. He hadn't wanted much to do with sunlight lately. Darkness made it easier to sleep. 

Looking up at her, his gaze is dim. Lifeless. Her words make him glance away from her. "It has nothing to do with whether or not I want you to stay," he responds quietly. He didn't know why she'd even come back to see him after he'd yelled at her. She shouldn't have. She should know better. 

"You have no idea who I am." His words were almost whispered. Hollow. "I have lied, cheated and stolen, and all without batting an eye." He swallows hard as the memories flash through his mind. "I have taken advantage of countless women during countless one-night stands... for nothing more than to satisfy myself." That thought alone made him feel sick. But it was the truth. "I'm a despicable creature, knowing only how to please myself and get what I want by any means possible." 

His eyes finally move back to Grace. "Don't you understand? I don't want you to end up like the others. I have hurt... so many people." His voice quivers. "I don't want to hurt you too." 

Closing his eyes, he turns his head away from her.

Battle Scar

Katie can't help but finally let her laughter break free. Though for sure there was going to be some repercussions and teasing the whole thing really was funny. Not to mention the feeling like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar made the whole thing even more funny because Katie really hadn't done anything wrong.

   "Something tells me your going to get teased now and not killed. The lesser of two evils?"

Shaking her head and starting to walk back with Hunter Katie helps support him but leans into him a little too with his arm over she shoulder. Laughter was shared, more down to earth talking, but there was one subject Katie hadn't brought up yet that she new in the next week or two she would have too. It was just a topic right now she didn't want to talk about and that was going back to Nevada. If it wasn't for her job there and the friend she had made Katie would consider staying here. This was her home, the place she loved to be. 

But she new that was just not possible. She had to face what she had been running from and she had to return to work soon. Reese said take as much time as she needed but there was only so much time that could really be taken before one wondered if she would be coming back at all or not. Maybe tomorrow she would talk to Hunter about it. 

   "So, clean up or head to the dinning hall first? I might have some cover up for your neck unless you want to wair you battle scar proudly."

Continuing to hold her smile Grace gives a small nod. She did want to see how Jared was doing because she did miss seeing him. It had only been a few days but with in those days she was to see Jared for therapy and had not.

   "Alright, I wont be to long than we can go. Thanks Lydia."

Making her way down the hall and getting outside the room she had been to many times before Grace just stands there for a long moment. Taking in a deep breath and than letting it out slowly Grace finally knocks before poking her head in the door.

   "Hey Jared I was just inn the neighborhood and I was going to take you mom out to coffee but I didn't want to now say Hi...so...Hi."

Entering a little farther and once again seeing the room so dark Grace wondered if Lydia had tried to open the shades and Jared told her no or what happened. Letting the door fall shut Grace goes over to the windows before opening the shades to let a little sunlight in. Turning and seeing Jared he looked so thin with dark circles under his eyes. It made her sad to see him like this oh how she really wished she could do something more for him.

   "Anyways, I just wanted to say hi and I missed seeing you...so I didn't want to pass up the opportunity. I guess I wont keep you if you don't want me to stay."

There was  little hope in Graces heart that maybe just maybe Jared would want her to stay and talk. She missed that and she really did just want to make sure he was going to be ok. He really had become her friend and no knowing bothered her even if she new she couldn't push.

Eating a little bit of her own food and just listing to Justin again Beth gives a small nod. She did understand what he was saying and it made sense. She couldn't say herself if she would do things differently from him or not.

   "Maybe you could try taking little baby steps in being his brother like maybe just bringing him something that might bring him comfort. Nothing big but something that would help you both in becoming brothers again."

Taking a sip of her water and thinking again for a second Beth looks to Justin and gives a small smile. She could see how hard this was for him it was written all over his face. There was a want there but something that was holding him back still too. She new how that felt if for a different reason.

   "I don't think you would be the only one bitter with something like that. In a way when we are hurt by someone that badly feeling bitter is normal. But it's letting God heal us that matters right?"

Too hot

Hunter's eyes widen, but there wasn't much he could do without a mirror. A laugh slips out though, especially at seeing Katie's red cheeks. "Vampire, huh?" He runs his hand over his neck but isn't quite sure where the mark is at. 

"Well, at least it's me and not you. Otherwise, I might get it from your father and band of uncles. They can't say anything about it being my fault now..." Grinning, he ruffles Katie's hair. "Watch out next time though... I might get even with you and it's too hot to wear turtlenecks..." 

Lydia's smile widens at the invitation, and she nods. "Oh thank you, I would love to." She  glances over her shoulder a the kitchen. "My bread should be finished very soon, so if you want to see Jared first, when you are finished, we can go." 

Her smile fades just a little bit. "He... has not been well. It is not getting better and I do not know what else to do. Maybe you will help bring him some sunshine." 

Justin mulls over Beth's words, knowing she was right. Taking advantage of the silence, he waits until she's said more before finally nodding. "Yeah... I know..." He sighs. "I guess I never figured me to be the bitter one. But when I look at him, all I see is the brother that hurt me."

Taking a bite of spaghetti, he grins. "Mm... this is really good. I'm glad we chose to stay in tonight." He knew good and well that Beth was hesitant to go back out again, but he wouldn't pressure her - not with this. If it lasted too long, he would interfere, but if she could work through it on her own, that would be best, and he would try to be patient. 

Sipping his water, his mind goes back to Jared again. "I don't know... part of me feels like I should do more to help him, but there's nothing I really can do right now with as depressed as he is. All I do is kick into counselor mode and I shouldn't, especially with him. I guess I'm having a hard time just being a brother." 

Vampire

Cocking her head a little bit and looking at Hunter Katie eyes him for a second before her eyes make there way to his neck and go wide for just a second. Bringing a hand to her mouth she wanted to chuckle but she was in to much shock not even realizing she had done it herself.

   "Ummm...no...no I think they are going to know still Hunter. I'm really sorry...but..."

Katie gives a little snicker but trys to compose herself again. What on earth was everyone going to say back at the ranch. She'd never done that before and hadn't even realized this time she had either. She'd never even been compelled to do that before either. Katie couldn't help the bit of red she could feel coming to her cheeks.

   "I ah....left a mark there on your neck...and...you can just tell people a vampire got you. Yes that will work...a vampire."
As the door opens and Lydia asks her inside Grace smiles she was please that she was still welcomed here and happy it was with such excitement. It really did make her feel good and not like she was intruding at all. Giving a deep sniff the smell of bread filled her nose, it smelled so good and reminded her of when she would visit her grandma. There was always a fresh loaf than.

   "It's good to see you again as well. I came because I want to say Hi to Jared, but the main reason for coming was to see if you would like to come to coffee with me."

Grace had no idea what they would talk about as she new very little about Lydia but she was sure they could find something. Getting out of the house for Lydia might be nice too since Grace had gotten the impression she didn't much.

   "It's a pretty nice day out and I thought getting out of the house might be nice for you, that is if you would like to."

Finishing up at the stove Beth turns and sets both plates of spaghetti down on the table before filling there glasses with some water and ice. Returning once again with a basket of fresh warm bread she sets it down as well before joining Justin at the table. She'd chosen to cook tonight instead of going out anywhere with Justin. Her reason she liked to cook and didn't do it enough, but it was just an excuse when really she would of loved to have gone out but was still leery about eating anywhere but the safty of her own home where she new what would happen and when.

   "I can see why you're having a problem forgiving Jared He hasn't been the best of people for the last years of you life but...he does deserve a second chance right? Maybe he can change who he use to be if people can let him know they love and care about him."

Saying a quick prayer the table is silent of conversation for a moment. Once done taking a bit of her food she lets it continue to linger for just a few second gathering her words and figuring out what she wanted to say and how.

   "Not saying you have to forgive him right away, but maybe if you see him changing slowly it will help you each day maybe heal what was damaged."

Even Worse

Justin enters the bedroom slowly... cautiously. He didn't particularly want to be here at all, but for his mother's sake, he had come. The news that Jared had regained his memory had been a bit of a surprise, and Justin had no idea how this would affect him. Despite having had lunch plans with Beth, he'd canceled and come here instead to see what was really going on. His mother had said Jared was terribly depressed about the past - was it true?

"Jared? Can I come in?"

Jared's eyes move briefly to the door before returning to the ceiling.

Receiving no response, Justin approaches the bed, taking the one chair and moving it closer to sit down. Studying his brother's still form, his first impression was that what his mother said was true. But really? Having known his brother before, it was just hard to believe that Jared would be depressed over anything, let alone his own past actions. "So... I hear you got your memory back."

Jared's fingers toy with his bedspread. "I did."

"Mm-hm. Guess I figured you might be a little more excited than this."

Jared's eyes grow even dimmer. "Excited? About realizing what kind of person I am?"

Justin leans back in his chair, honestly surprised. Was that really... remorse he saw? "Well why not?"

Jared's gaze finally moves over to look at his brother. The brother he had hurt so many times in so many different ways. The brother he'd been jealous of almost all his life. The brother he had despised. "I bet you like this, don't you?"

"What?"

"Finally watching me suffer. Bedridden. Miserable. Hating myself for who I've been."

Justin sighs deeply and glances down at the floor for a moment. He couldn't help his human side that wanted justice, even if he did feel pity for his brother. Though he'd doubted his mother's observations, he knew now she'd been correct - Jared was visibly depressed about regaining his not-so-pure memory. And in a way... Justin was glad. It was the first time he hadn't seen Jared proud of his dirty deeds. "I guess I can't deny finding some sort of twisted pleasure in seeing you actually miserable about things you've done."

Jared's eyes move back to the ceiling. "Yeah well... I know now why you hate me so don't feel obligated to come anymore. I get it now."

At this point, though having only been there a couple minutes, Justin did feel like getting up and leaving. He didn't know what to say or do. He knew he should feel more compassion than he did, but it was difficult after all Jared had put him through in the past. If Jared was actually feeling badly about all his wrongdoings, then he deserved every bit of it. Yet Justin also knew that wasn't a very Christlike attitude. "I don't hate you." He gets to his feet, giving in to his flight from conflict. "I just wish the past hadn't happened like it did." Returning the chair to its place, he knew this had been a very short visit, but without knowing what else to say, he should go before getting into an argument or making things worse.

Watching his brother leave, Jared's heart hurt. "Justin?"

Justin stops at the door and looks over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

"I'm... I'm sorry." Jared's voice wavers. "For everything."

Justin nods slowly before turning back around and closing the door softly. 

Left alone once more, a tear trickles down Jared's face. It was his own fault he was so lonely. It was his own fault he had no friends. It was his own fault no one had shown up or cared after his accident. He'd hoped perhaps it was a fluke or that people just didn't know about it. But he knew now it was all him. So much bad and so little good. And this... all this... it was all just a consequence. Even his accident in the first place - it wouldn't have happened, had he not been at that woman's house. But he'd just been giving in to temptation to satisfy himself like always.

Closing his eyes, he just wanted to fall back asleep so the hours would pass quickly. That's all the days had to offer anymore. Just hours that needed to pass. 

"...Did he talk to you?" Lydia kneads the dough on the counter after sprinkling a little more flour over it. 

Justin leans on the peninsula behind her and snitches a couple chocolate chips from the bowl. "A little." 

"Is he going to be okay?"

"I don't know." Justin shrugs. "I guess that's up to him." 

Lydia pauses her work on the cookies and turns around. "But what do you think?"

"I don't really know." 

"But you must think something about-"

"I said I don't know!" Justin straightens up and runs a hand over his face, sorry for snapping at her. "Yes, you're right, he's apparently depressed, now remembering what a jerk he was." 

"Justin!" 

"Well he was!" Justin throws up his hands. "You know it as well as I do. He was a jerk and worse, and now he's paying for it by finally seeing it too. It's about time he felt sorry for all the stupid stunts he's pulled. The lies, women, and who knows what else. I'm sorry, but I just..." He pauses to sigh. "I guess I don't  feel all that badly for him. He's just gonna have to work through this and find his own peace."

Lydia's eyes lower and she turns back to the unbaked cookies. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to upset you." 

Feeling badly, Justin comes up to her and rests his arm over her shoulders. "You didn't. I'm just having a hard time forgiving him and I'm mad at myself for it." He leans over and kisses her head. "It'll work out somehow. There's just not a whole lot I can do right now." 

Lydia nods and pats his hand. "I understand. I should not have expected you to do anything. You are just so good with people, I thought..."

As her sentence trails off, Justin shakes his head. "I know. But I'm not the one for this job," he explains gently. "Just give it time, okay?" 

Whether time would actually heal any wounds or not, that's all they had. And the hands of the clock traveled...

Turning from the oven where bread was being baked, Lydia wipes her hands on her apron and heads for the door. Odd. She wasn't expecting any visitors today. 

Opening the door and seeing Grace, her eyes light up and a smile forms on her face. "Grace! Come in, come in." She ushers her inside, wondering why she was here. Lydia knew Jared hadn't called her - she'd asked him about that just yesterday and he'd given her a firm reason why. So seeing Grace now was a surprise. 

"I am so happy to see you." Lydia's smile remains. "What are you doing here though?" 

In the bedroom, Jared lay on his back, unable to sleep at this time of day. His television was off, and lunch sat cold on his nightstand. Hearing the knock at the door, his ears listen. He could hear his mother's voice, but everything was too muffled. Maybe it was one of the ladies from church. Or maybe Justin. Although he doubted it. This past week, the days all seemed to just meld into one, leaving Jared in an even worse state of depression. He had nothing to do but think of the past, and none of it was good. In just a week, his legs had grown weaker and he'd also lost weight from not eating. But it would take quite a boost for him to even care. He might not have a death wish, but he wouldn't mind if he left this world either. Yes... the world could do without someone like him. The only positive thing that ran through the back of his mind were Grace's last words to him, and his mother's words of love. Yet even they seemed...distant.

"...So, that's that." Justin straddles the chair backward in Beth's kitchen as she prepares supper. The whole thing had been too much to explain over the phone, so he'd waited until making up for their canceled date. As it ended up with conflicting schedules, it had taken a few days until they were able to see each other again.

"I guess maybe I'm having a harder time forgiving Jared than I thought," he admits. "Now that he actually feels bad for the past, I just don't know what to do with that." 

Sighing, he shakes his head. He didn't particularly like being the topic of conversation, but Beth had seemed rather quiet still since the restaurant incident, so Justin didn't mind doing most of the talking. It just so happened that this subject wasn't the easiest.

Heaving a sigh, Hunter takes Katie's hand. "Yeah, I suppose..." Trying to get himself up off the ground proves more difficult than anticipated, and he needs both Katie's hands. Finally on his feet and back on his crutches though, he rolls his eyes. "Next time, we make out on the couch... it's easier to get up." 

Grinning, he reaches over and plucks a couple blades of grass from Katie's hair. "There. No one will be the wiser."