Getting ready

Jason smiles and gestures with his head to the mess hall. “Alright. Come on.”

The day progresses slowly and the tension in the air begins to dissolve on its own. No more arguments ensue, helping with the situation, though Jason and Austin do not converse.

Time rolls on. Research continues, but no headway is made. Some are discouraged, though there is reassurance in the fact that the Agency is lying dormant for the time being.

Jason takes several trips back and forth to the hospital for therapy, Clint continues to help Wes, and routines proceed as normal.

Austin and Jason avoid discussion about the recent episode, both drifting further apart, but neither feeling strong enough one way or the other to do anything about it.

The weeks come and go, those who go to church, continued to be encouraged that there will be an end to this trial. Work persists, and weather begins to warm slightly. Jade and Jason do more together, winding up together on several picnics and an outing to town.

Before anyone knows it, the day for the winter social has arrived, and spirits are lifted in anticipation of a fun evening. Deciding to gather in the mess hall to figure out who’s riding with who before they leave, everyone who’s going disperses to get ready.

By five o’clock, several are already ready to go and waiting in the mess hall. Cindy stands near the kitchen and smoothes out her simple blue dress with long skirt, feeling strangely nervous for some reason. Clint hangs around one of the tables as Rosalynn points out things he should straighten or change, giving him a bad time.

Jade sits near the door, her green dress accenting her features, her hair pulled back with strands loose around her face.

Jason gives himself one last look in the mirror and turns to head for the door. Thinking for a moment, he passes by his crutches and takes the cane instead that JT has suggested he use. Easier on the arms, and helping him use his knee a little more, at least it wouldn’t be as much of a pain as crutches. With his collard shirt tucked into his black jeans, his good boots and his hair gelled just so, he figures he can’t be any more ready than this, and he heads for the mess hall.

Mick tucks in his shirt and buckles his belt, grabbing his cowboy hat. All in black, he heads out the door. It’s been a long time since he’s looked forward to something like this, and he anticipates a fun night with everyone…and Rosetta.