Avents

*As Jason's hand goes to the glass one last time so does Katie's as she mouths "I love you." As Jason is pulled to the door Katie's eyes stay locked with his as she stands. Trying to keep her shoulders up and her head high giving him the strangth he needed knowing she was trying to stay strong. After Jason is gone Katie's shoulder slump alittle but she still trys to remani strong for Jason. Closing her eyes Katie can still feel Jason in the room and smell his unoticed by many sent. Finally Katie opens her eyes and turns for the door sucking in her tears she exits.*

*As the door opens Lockheart stands and goes to Katie.*

"Are you ok? how did it go?"

*Katie turns to Lockheart and smiles geting a tiny bit of life back in her eyes but still weary.*

"Everything is going to be ok Lockheart. Can you take me home please?"

*Lockheart smiles down at Katie and puts her arm around her shoulder. They had to work hear to get Jason out. For Katie and for him.*

"Ok Hun. Lets go."

~*~A few hours later~*~

*Nate stands and streaches it was six and time to get Laura. Standing he walks over to Laura cubicle only to find it empty and her computer shut down. Nate lets out a sigh she had left. Walking slowly back to his desk he slumps down. Who was he kidding even when he tryed to force Laura to go out with him she wouldent. As he sits at his desk Laura's words enter his head and a sence of curage thought his vains. No...He wasent going to give in that easly. Standing Nate grabs his jacket and his keys making his way to his car. Within minutes Nate is pulling into Laura's driveway. Jumping out of the Car Nate makes it to the door and knocks.*

*Katie yells from her room to Laura.*

"Laura I think the door is for you."

*Misty looks up from her desk and smiles at Wyatt noding.*

"Ya he said he needed to do laundry and a few other things. He should have his cell on him. If you want on my way home I can take a deture and stop by his place fast leting him know you need him to call you if you want."

*Misty smiles at Wyatt happy for any excute to see Carson.*

Test

Laura bites her lip as she grins a little, watching Nate walk away. His antics made her smile...it was so hard for him to push her, and as such, she knew his intentions were honorable.


Katie's stare takes Jason's breath away, and he struggles to hold her gaze. Like a warm breeze is suddenly washed over him, he can sense the comfort she offers, and he absorbs it like a sponge longing for that refreshing water. He can almost feel her, could swear that for but one instant, the glass barrier between them does not exist.

As the exchange disperses into dialogue, Jason keeps his hand on the glass. This bond with Katie...it had started out so small...almost unbelievable and perhaps considered insignificant. But the more they worked at it, the stronger it grew. Nothing could explain it, and nothing could take it away. They were connected, and together, they had a gift. She needed him, and he needed her. There could be no denial.

"I'll hang on," he promises softly. "As long as I know you're okay, the stay is bearable." His eyes plead with her to stay strong too. "I can't stand knowing you're miserable. Focus on the future and don't let this get you down either, okay?" Though he has lacked hope, he forces strength for Katie. "I won't be stuck here...I know they'll get me out."

The allowed time passes more quickly than Jason wants, and too soon the hour is up. But it was more than he could have asked for. He got to see Katie...got to talk with her...got to see her smile as she showed him pictures and filled him in on his forgotten life back home. His arms ached to embrace her, leaving him feeling so full and yet so empty at the same time.

"Come on, Stevenson."

Jason doesn't take his eyes off Katie, but slowly forces himself to stand from his chair. "I'll write," he assures. "Tell Reese I'm okay, and if you can get a hold of my mom somehow, let her know too."

He hesitates, despite the guard's hand on his arm. "I'll see you soon," he promises, despite the unknowns. He reaches out one more time to put his fingers to the glass before blowing her a kiss.

As he's guided to the door, he walks backward, never looking away from Katie until he's out of sight.


Five forty-five. Laura looks at her watch. Her eyes drift across the floor to where Nate was still working. How badly did he want to go out to a movie tonight? She was learning to trust him...but just what was he made of?

Laura switches off her computer and grabs her purse. Stealing away quietly, she slips to the exit unnoticed and heads for her car. How this would play out would be interesting...and she wasn't sure which results she would bet on...but the outcome would help her know which direction to take from here on out.

Before she knew it, she was pulling into her drive, and turning off her cell phone. "You know where I live, Mr. Driers," she says aloud. Getting out of the car, she heads inside, changing into a comfy pair of jeans and t-shirt, running around in bare feet.


"Hey, Misty?" Wyatt sticks his head through the infirmary door. "I guess Carson already left for the day, but I had a question for him that we need an answer on right quick about something happening up in Montana. I tried calling his cell but he's not picking up, and I got the answering machine at his apartment. Do you know if he was going somewhere tonight?"

Cheesy :-p

*As Nate hears Laura's refusel something inside of him gives alittle causing him to once again Coming up behind Laura he spins her chair around and puts on hand on each arm.*

"Laura Gibbs, your coming to a movie with me tonight weather I have to drag you away from this computer or not is up to you. I'll be back around six. If your not ready you go looking however."

*Nate cant help the playful smile on his face as he backs away and heads to his own desk.*

*As Katie looks back into Jason's eyes she can feel him. Feel his emotions, his pain his anger. The emotions inside Jason were great and they made Katie's heart ake. She wanted to turn away, to get rid of these feelings that hurt so much but she kept her eyes on Jason. He needed her and she wouldent turn her back on him. Jason needed her strangth and she was there to offer it to him. As Jason keeps his emotions going Katie's eyes stay locked with his for a moment Katie's vision become blurry, as if the glass in Katie's mind suddanly disapeared she clasps her fingers around Jasons. Her other hand finding his face and running her fingers along it. Bring him the comfort he needs leting him feel the warmth from her skin. Leaning Katie gives him a kiss than draws away. Katie vision become clear again as Jason's emotions start to calm. As her vision is clean again is shows the cold truth that the glass was still there infront of them. Slowly Katie looks as Jason's hand pressed aganst hers on the glass. Katie again looks up at Jason and gives alittle nod. Softly she speaks again.*

"Hang in there alittle bit longer J. I'm here still waiting. I wont leave you. "

*Katie takes her other hand and points to the glass to Jason's chest where his heart is.*

"When you need or you feel like giving up. Look there J and I will know and I will be thinking of you to. Hang in there for me and I will hang in there for you. We will give eachother strength. I love you Jason. Dont forget that."

*Katie's eyes dont waver from Jason's. As they stair deep into his soul bringing as much comfort as they can for Jason.*

Open door

Carson chuckles and agrees to Misty, sidling out of the infirmary to head back to his desk. Heaving a sigh, he starts in on his work for the day, rolling his eyes at something Reese had returned to him...he'd done it wrong again.


Laura quirks an eyebrow at Nate as he orders her to the movie, then turns around and asks please. She can't help her grin, but calls to him as he comes back by. "Sorry, but I've got too much work to do today...I'll be working late, and then I'll be beat, I doubt I'd be much company at a movie." She keeps her eyes towards her computer, talking over her shoulder.


No words seem right...nothing Jason can think of wants to come out of his mouth. Seeing the tears in Katie's eyes cut him to the quick, seeing how she's suffered through all of this too.

Looking at her hand on the glass, he slowly puts his hand up to hers, his broader palm and longer fingers hiding hers from his view. The warmth of their skin warms the glass, giving a false sense of touch.

Jason just studies Katie's eyes. "I've missed you too," he says quietly. But he can see her suffering...she needed to feel him to reassure her of his presence...she had felt his pain, but he'd desperately tried to mask it for her this last month. ...But he couldn't hide from her. He couldn't keep her in the dark. She needed him to let her see inside.

Sending his piercing gaze into Katie's eyes, he consciously lowers his walls. Like a movie playing, he purposely cycles through the emotions that have plagued his heart this last month. The scenes brought to mind bring forth the driving feelings...his sheer pain at being apart from the ones he loved...the frustration at being behind bars...the fear of the other inmates...the desperation to get out...the anger towards the Agency...the hate of the system...the depression of nights filled with nightmares.

Jason's pulse quickens and his breath grows shallow as he forces himself to relive the emotions, his eyes still locked on Katie's. Words could not express what he had gone through, but Katie would know.

Slowly Jason calms his heartrate, beginning to feel the longing to hold Katie again...the hope that kept him alive in here...the peace of now knowing that she was okay...the confidence that his friends would get him out of here...the love that sustained his heart...

Exhausted from running the gamut of emotions, Jason blinks, breaking the moment. His new stare holds, begging Katie to be assured he is okay.

Thick Glass

*Musty smiles at Carson and nods. Stoping to think for a moment. Carson never talked about any of his friends outside of The Agency. She addmits to hersefl that she is a bit saprised but lets the feeling pass trusting Carson to do whats right.*

"Well doing laundry is imporant so I guess."

*Misty gets a saucy smile on her face and thinks for a moment.*

"Like could be good if you dont mind. Till than I know I got alot of studing to do. That test I was telling you about is coming up. So...let up from not till lunch Rick dosent have alot for me to do. So untill that lunch stay out of trouble will ya."

*Misty smiles and gives another kiss before turning and heading back to her desk.*

*Katie sits behind the glass waiting for Jason to come. She was nervouse and excited to see him. It had been alittle mover a month since the last time she saw him And how she missed him.

As Jason appears Katie's heart jumps at seeing him. Most would think he looks so differnt, skinny noew, a differnt hair cut, but in Katie's eyes she still looked like Jason. The Jason she loved. For a moment Katie cant speak ver voice lost as her eyes scan over Jason. Now seeing him she relized just how much more she had missed him. Katie wanted to touch him, cress his face, touch his lips be able to give him a hug. But she new she couldent. Finally finger her voice Katie spreaks softly knowing her voice comes out in quivers as her tears well in her eyes. Everything she planed of saying and talking about flew out the window the moment she layed eyes on Jason. Katie gives the best smile she can for Jason's sake.*

"Hey J. Its good to get to see you again. I've missed you so much."

*Katie studys Jason for a long moment trying to find the words to say.*

"I'd ask you how your doing but I think I already know the answer to that....Oh J...I dont know what to say but I'm just happy I got to see you. I've been so lonly and I can imagen its been 10x worse for you. I cant wait till this is all over."

*Slowly Katie slips her hand up and press it aganst the glass. She knows its not the same as it would be for Jason but that closeness she yerned for it. Even if there was a thick peace of glass behind her hand to Katie it dident matter.*

*Lockheart waits outside the desanated room for when Katie is done. She new Katie wanted as much alone time with Jason as she could get and Lockheart understood that.She was happy that even if glass proved a barrer between the two they would still feel close to one another and to see the little spark Katie had in her eye this morning was good.*

*Nate fiddles around his office signing papers, going over files, sifting though old case files. Reaching for a marker his hand finds non. Looking up he relizes he is out. Lets a sigh out Nate stands and heads for the sapply closet. As he pass Laura's desk he stops and smile. Before he speaks he thinks what to say. Order dont ask Order.*

"Laura, your gonna come out to a movie with me today."

*Nate starts to walk away and for some reson ordering her dident seem right. Stoping he turns back around to her once again.*

"Please."

*Again he makes his way to the sapply closet feeling better now. No matter how Nate tryed he was still having a hard time ordering Laura to do stuff wth him. Every time he did he felt bad, but its what she wanted so Nate tryed anyways.*

Raincheck

A grin spreads on Carson's face as Misty approaches him. He puts his arms around her, returning the kiss. "Mm, rough night." He rests his head against hers, looking her in the eye as he holds her. "Had an old buddy of mine over last night," he admits. "He kept me up later than planned."

He straightens up a little. "Not part of the Agency," he assures quickly before any assumptions are made. "Then my alarm didn't go off so it was mad dash just to get here when I did." He rolls his eyes. "I'm sure I'll get yet another warning from Reese about it."

After sealing another quick kiss, Carson lets Misty go, to head back to his own desk. He stops in the doorway though, turning back around. "Oh, hey, can I take a raincheck on dinner tonight? I know we were gonna go out, but I realized this morning I gotta go to the laundromat sometime, along with running a couple other boring errands. Or, we can do lunch today instead if you want."


"Hey, Con!" No answer... "Con! ...Conrad!"

Con finally turns his head from the mess of two-by-fours he was stacking. "Huh?"

Leonard puts his hands on his hips. "I've been yelling at you for the last three minutes."

"Sorry." Con turns completely around, feeling bad every time he hadn't heard someone.

Leonard sighs a little. "Anyway, I need you at the other end today, Jake called in sick."

"Again?"

"Yep."

Con's shoulders drop a little. It had started out as an easy day...but Jake was the one that was going unload the lumber from the truck today, and half of it hadn't been secured during transit which meant it was a mess and the forklift wouldn't be much help. It was going to have to be done by hand...and they always came to him first. "Alright," he relents. He didn't have much choice. "Soon as I'm done here, I'll get on it."


Lockheart and Katie are accepted without problems, and a guard escorts them down a short hall into a secure room. There are several small 'stations' with half walls for a minimum amount of privacy between visitors. Each narrow section is divided from the other side by a counter-like table to sit at, with a glass partition, allowing for speech but no physical contact with inmates, for security sake.

The guard gestures to a chair that Katie can sit at and wait until they bring Jason in...


"Stevenson!"

Jason looks up from the corner of the outside basketball court where he'd been sitting by himself for the last hour. "What?"

"Visitor," the guard barks. "Come on."

Jason gets up slowly, not quite sure what was going on. He knew sometime around here he might get to see somebody...it was probably Lockheart. He didn't dare hope for good news on the case.

Trudging in front of the guard, he knows which way to go, taking turns without having to be told. The compound had become familiar enough that he could make his way around with his eyes closed if he wanted to.

Heading for the visitor's room, he tries to walk a little straighter, attempting to look better than he felt. Still sporting a short haircut, he knew that wasn't the only thing that made him look different than a month ago... He'd lost a lot of weight, forcing him to wear a belt, and his face had grown thin. Though keeping in fair shape by way of the weight room, his broad shoulders were now a contrast to his wiry frame.

Nevertheless, he takes a deep breath before entering the room, pulling out one of his masks to prove he was just fine.

Led inside, he's pointed to the corner and left alone, the security cameras the only eye kept on him. Ambling across the floor, he finally makes out the face behind the glass pane. Suddenly his heart stops, and all masks crumble.

Katie.

Stopped in his tracks, he simply stares. He hadn't expected her...he hadn't prepared to see her. Emotions build up rapidly, threatening to erupt. His legs yearn to run to her...his arms long to hold her...his heart screams at him in anger for being caged in without the ability to do so.

Jason swallows hard and moves forward again, his eyes still on Katie. A rush of joy, relief and sadness hit him all at once, confusing his heart and mind in a torrent of conflicting feelings. Easing down into the chair, he finally manages the best crooked grin he can offer, his voice quiet and hoarse. "Hey, Hero."

Intisapation

{Time slips away the grains of sand through ones fingers. Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keepit, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back. So one must move on and hope for the best...and so the time in Navada and Texas did just that. It moved on waiting for no one and before anyone new it a months time was gone.}

*Katie's eyes flutter before they open. For along moment after Laura leaves Katie just looks around her room as the sun beams in. Finally the words Laura spoke before she left sand in. Today she was going to get to see Jason. Her heart raced with excitment. A month was ages in Katie's mind. Jumping out of bed she rushs around taking a shower, geting dresses, geting something to eat. Finally she was ready. Placing her sunglass on and placing her keys in her hand Bag Katie remembers some pictures from her room to show Jason. Ones of Carson and Misty, Laura and Nate, Con and Jame. Katie though Jason would like to see them. She even had some of Jetstream with Jen holding up a we miss you sign. Puting them in her purse as well. Looking at the clock Katie notes it 8:40. Lockheart would be there soon and they would be on there way.*

*Lockheart drives down the road a certin excitment of her own running thought her. Today was the long awaited day for Katie to see Jason. She new they both missed eachother very much and it would do them good. Lockheart herself was excited to see him and see how he was doing.

As Lockheart pulls into Katie's driveway it takes not time for Katie to exit the house and get into the car. Pulling out again they are on there way to the jail. Lockheart fills in Katie how things will go. She also informs Katie she is not sure how long they will let they stay and talk, but she dosent exspect it to be over an hour.

After about three hours the jail finally comes into view. Katie's heart starts to beat faster and her tummy does flip flops. She was excited to see Jason but a bit scaired too. After Lockheart parks the car Katie steps out and waits for her to exit as well.

Making sure she has everything she needs Lockheart steps out of the car as well and steps alongside Katie leting out a long sigh of her own. Both ladys make there way to the door. Once inside Lockheart stops at the desk and informs them they are here to see Jason.*

*Misty looks up from her desk as Carson peeks in. Smiling up at him. Lifting her hand she points a playful finger at him leting Carson's barlet jinggle on her wrist as she points.*

"I am early and you are late again."

*Standing she smiles and goes over to Carson puting her arms around his neck and stealing a quick kiss from him.*

"What am I going to do with you Carson Banks? How come you were late again today?"

*Misty cant help but hold her smile as she keeps her arms around his neck. The last month had passed so fast and Misty had enjoyed every moment of it with Carson. Soon her test would be coming up that ment the end of her internship and she would be staying in Navada to finish out school. She had everything she wanted here now. There was no way Misty could leave it all behind now.*

*Jamie makes her way acorss the TJY floor giving a small wave to Nate as she pass. Heading to her desk she lets out a long sigh. There was another pile of paper work on her desk. Its seemed in the last month the paper work was coming in more and more. The bases for TJY that were scattered about seemed to be much busyer than normal. Seeing as the Navada base was headqourters there paper work came there and that ment more work for Jamie. She was happy she had Katie to work with her though or she would never get anything done.

Siting down at her desk she starts to sort through the pile. Opening envilopes and sorting papers in todo piles so she could get everything done at one time. Quickly Jamie jots down on a post it to call Con around noon and see what he was doing for lunch. Over the last month is Jamie wasent at work she was with Con. It just seemed a normal rutean now to be with him and Jamie loved it. Her best friend had become so much more and it felt so good.*

*Wes lets out a yawn and rolls over in bed streching an arm out to wrap around his sleeping wife. Only to be greeted by the empty space where he new she had layed the night before. Siting up in bed Wes throws on a t-shirt and makes his way to the kitchen smelling the new brewed coffee knowing Cindy was there somewhere. As Wes pours his coffee his mind goes back over the last month. Shortly after Cindy and he were married Rosetta had cleaned up the unused bunk that was more of a min hour for Cindy and Wes to use till the own home was complete. It was tiny but it fit for right now and Wes was happy. His simple life had seemed to have gotten so much better. Taking his coffee mug in his hand he makes his way to the open door and looks out. A smile crossing his face as he see Cindy siting on the step. Opening the door it squeeks alittle than shuts. As Wes sits down on the step he slids his free arm around Cindy giving her a quick kiss.*

"Good Morning. I was thinking if you havent eaten already I could make us some breakfest."

*Wes keeps his arm around Cindy as he leans his head aganst her and looks out over the ranch where people were starting to wake and move about ready to start the new day. Leting out a content sigh Wes couldent picture a place he would rather be. Soon they would be in there new home, they would start collecting fernature, they already had a few pictures painted by Wendy to hand around there place, and some other items given to they for there wedding. Everytime Wes though about another thing he could do with Cindy, and the moments they would get to shair together his heart raced like they did the first moment he layed eyes on her. It seemed so long ago, yet like it was just yesterday and the feeling was still there never changing and Wes new it never would. Cindy was the woman he would spend the rest of his life with and he couldent ask nor did he want anything but that.*

Time

Clint laughs and turns back around. “Thanks, Angel.”
Heading to the shop he finds Wendy, amused that they’d crossed paths. “Alright, Beautiful, I’m ready.”

The evening is fun, peaceful…enjoyable. Clint treats Wendy to dinner and then a movie, going out late for ice cream before finally returning back to the ranch. By that time, most everyone is already in bed, so they part, Clint simply giving Wendy a kiss on the cheek, and promising to see her tomorrow.


Laura gives Nate a sidelong glance every once in a while as he nudges or teases her, showing amusement, but not returning the actions, only giving in to the smiles he prompts from her.

As Con receives the ice cream to his face, he stops, his jaw dropping in mock shock. Throwing an arm around Jamie, he brings her head close and gives her a kiss, rubbing his face on hers as he pulls back, smearing the ice cream on her as well.

Carson grins a little at Misty. “Yeah, well, the wheels will suffice.” Hearing the laughter, he looks to the nearby table, seeing the others apparently still having a very good time. Swallowing his unexplainable nervousness, he nods to Misty. “Alright, Sassy, lead the way.”

Though welcomed, Carson still is a bit awkward, though tries his best to join in the fun of the group. When they part ways, he takes Misty in his new ride back to TJY for her to get her own car and go home for the evening. Parting with a kiss, Carson winds up back at his apartment, tired, but having a strange feeling of peace somewhere deep down.


Time has a way of evading even the most avid of trackers, who are bent on saving it, preserving it, using it or trying to slow it down. But no matter what, it passes, paying no heed to human efforts to manipulate it. Hours morph into days, days into weeks, and weeks soon become a month, providing but a window in the mind to look back and realize what has passed without so much as slowing down…

JetStream: Contacting Katie soon after Con’s return to town, it’s explained that they didn’t realize the severity of the situation, and were afraid to try contacting Katie, for fear of doing something wrong with TJY information. Kyle had to sheepishly admit that he’d misplaced Katie’s cell phone number, not to mention his truck had been in the shop, preventing him from driving anywhere. Schedules for the band to play are light, without a strong effort to promote until they know the future better.

Carson: Though still struggling to fit in at TJY, settling into his job does come eventually, providing him with opportunities to mingle a little bit more and interact outside of work. Though keeping to himself most hours away from the office, in and around, he spends most free time with Misty. Getting into trouble with Reese is a given, however getting fired just doesn’t ever happen.

Con: Removed from TJY, he keeps tabs on Jason through Laura or Katie. Despite no longer working at the office, he comes for frequent visits, joining his friends and sister for lunch, or just hanging out over break times in order to keep up the relationships he has. His efforts to help Katie remain, though he worries about her. Spending time with Jamie is a given, and most evenings are spent together out to eat and afterward. Now working at the local lumberyard, he is growing a bit weary with the physical work, though has built a relationship with Phil, proving to be a benefit to both. Enough trust is built that Phil offers to take Jason’s motorcycle out to Mike’s for safe keeping, and Con agrees.

Laura: Work remains her priority as the days go by. Her fears of Bryce are not realized as she does not see him around town, and eventually her peace of mind returns. Most interaction with Nate occurs at the office, rarely venturing out for evening excursions, but most of the time heading home for early bedtimes as tiredness wears on her.

Jason: As a month passes, he resolves that he most likely will not be getting out any time soon. Getting picked on by some of the other inmates is a daily routine that he continually tries to ignore. Secretive meds at night are what keep him asleep…usually an emotionless, dreamless sleep that place him in a void through the night. Weary from day-in and day-out routines, each day mixes with the last and the next, and time doesn’t seem to matter very much anymore.


…And so it is that the present has become the past…a mere reflection of what has occurred, reminding us that ironically everything changes, yet some things never change…


“Psst….Katie…” Laura opens the bedroom door a crack. “I’m off to work…” She smiles big. “You get to go see Jason today, hun. You might want to get up for that…don’t forget Lockheart’s coming at nine.”


Carson trudges into TJY, late for the third day in a row, a bit disheveled and downing a cup of coffee.

Wyatt passes him on the main floor and gives him a humorous smirk. “Late night?”

“Mmm.” Carson mumbles as he swallows the last bit of coffee, throwing the styrofoam cup in a nearby trash can. “Alarm didn’t go off. I got ready in five minutes this morning.”

Wyatt chuckles and shakes his head. “That’s what they make new ones for.”

Carson gives him a rueful grin and slides into his cubicle, sitting down and flipping on the computer. The necklace Misty gave him is tucked under his shirt as usual, though today he’s unkempt enough to consider going back home at lunch to take a nap.

While his computer starts up, he stands back up again and heads down the hall, sticking his head around the corner of the infirmary door to spot Misty, giving a wolf whistle. “Hey, early bird.”


Con slaps his alarm clock and groans, rolling out of bed. His shoulder was still sore from the beams he’d carried the day before, and today wasn’t going to be much better. He was glad for the exercise his job provided, but it was rough on the body, and the lumberyard took advantage of his height and size, putting him to work on most of the physical tasks.

On his way out the door a while later, he makes a mental note to call Jamie to see if she wants to get together for lunch today.


Cindy sits on the porch of Wes’ place near the shop, a coffee cup cradled in her hands. Though the days were warm now, this morning was a bit brisk, and the hot drink felt good. She leans her head against the railing, sighing with content. She could hardly believe she’d been Mrs. Henson for a month now. It was a feeling she couldn’t get over, nor did she want to. She was living a fairytale, and as far as she was concerned, it could stay that way. In a few weeks the house would be finished, and her new life would simply get even better, though it was hard to imagine how. Smiling to herself, she waits for the sun to rise, knowing that Wes would probably come out soon, wondering where she’d gone to.

Poop

*Wendy makes her way across the lawn and to the shop entering seeing if Clint was around there first.*

*Angel goes to the door hearing someone coming up the steps. Opening the door and seeing Clint a smile crosses Angel's lips.*

"Sorry Clint, you just missed her. She went looking for you. I believe she was walking twords the shop."

*Angel leans on the doorframe.*

*As Katie sits with Con and the other she turns her head twords the icecream shop. Geting a mental immage of when her and Jason had been here. As quick as the memorie enters her mind it leaves again as a single tear rolls down her cheek and Con toss a new joke making her smile and laugh again.*

*Nate sits across from Laura teasing her here and there Laughing with the other. Everyonce and a while bumping Laura's foot with his own. Giving her a smile.*

*As Jamie goes to bite her icecream and Con elbows her she thorws him a look and grins. As he goes to bite his own Jamie hits his hand and smushes his icecream into his face. Jamie rours with laughter.*

*Misty sits with the other staying quiet. Now and than chiming in with a joke or a laugh. She dident know these people and she dident want to over do it with being herself.

As Misty hears a truck pull she she looks up from her ice cream. As she studys is she see a family you person get out of he car. Standing she smiles and waves at Carson. Running over to him.*

"You made it after all. Nice ride."

U-turn

A dirty shirt flies across the bunkhouse room along with Clint’s off-key, mumbled singing. Grabbing the nearest shirt from the closet that looks decent, he throws it on, preceding his good black jeans. After buttoning up the black shirt and tucking it in, he slaps on some cologne, runs a comb through his wet hair and heads out the door, skipping down the steps, a borrowed set of keys jingling in his hands.

Jumping up onto Angel’s porch, he knocks on the door.


The six make their way out of TJY and take Con’s and Nate’s cars, heading for the ice cream place at the edge of town. Arriving, there aren’t too many other people, so it’s quick to order and find a round table with six chairs outside to sit and gab. Talk is kept light, and laughter is frequent. Con sits between Jamie and Katie, teasing them both in turn to bring more laughter.

Taking a lick of his cone, Con elbows Jamie, bumping her arm that holds her ice cream just as she’s trying to take a bite. He looks to Laura with innocence, and she rolls her eyes, though can’t help her giggle.


Reese emerges from his office and scans the main floor, his eyes widening. “Where on earth…”

“Playing hooky,” Wyatt informs dryly as he looks at some papers. A grin tweaks his mouth. “I believe Con was the ringleader, so there’s not a whole lot you can do.”

Reese throws his arms up in the air. “How can I run a place with no staff?”

Wyatt chuckles. “Well I’m here…and Scott… Sapphire… Trish… Hal… Rick… what more do you want?”

Reese rolls his eyes. “Nobody cares what I think. Why do I even need to be here? Everybody just does what they want!” He turns around and goes back into his office.

Wyatt just laughs and shakes his head.


Carson ambles down the sidewalk, heading for the car dealership that’s only about ten blocks away. He takes a deep breath of the outside air, noticing for the first time that his lungs seem to be clearer now…maybe he could resume his morning jogging routine.

Reaching the dealership, it isn’t too hard to find what he’s looking for…there wasn’t much that was in his price range. Within an hour, he’s driving out of the lot in a small two-seat, gray pickup. It had a few miles on it, and it had a lived-in look, but the engine was in good shape, and it would serve its purpose.

Carson heads for his apartment, parking on the curb, but keeps the motor running. For some reason, he doesn’t shut it off. He just sits contemplating…his mind was going a million directions at once, landing on nothing. Why did he keep thinking about the group from TJY? Something pulled him…something was like a magnet, drawing him back. But surely they’d all be dispersed by now…

Disgusted at his own indecision, Carson puts the pickup in gear and pulls back out, doing a U-turn and heading to the edge of town. He was crazy…but ever since he’d met Misty, that seemed the norm.

In minutes, he’s pulling into the gravel lot at the ice cream place. Parking, he shuts off the motor and sighs deeply. It was bad enough he’d been asked to go with the group, if they were still here, he’d be making an entrance – which was worse?

Getting out, he shuts the door and scans the outside tables, unsure if anyone is even still there.

The Talk

*Wendy giggles as she steps away from Clint her eyes having a certin twinkle in them.*

"Well I will have to keep in mind when Cindy and Wes get back about asking for an assistents assistent job."

*Wendy takes a few steps back from Clint and smiles.*

"I am gonna go wash up and than we can go out. I think you should do that same. Some how you got grease on your face."

*Wendy giggles and heads out of the shop aiming for her house.*

*Misty looks down at Carson as he declines. A certin sadness and hesatence showing in her eyes. She dident want to go by herself but Carson's own eyes reflected that he would be upset if she dident. *

"Ok...I'll go."

*Misty bends down and gives Carson a hug whispering.*

"You better come see me tonight."

*Misty smiles and runs her hand along Carson's face as she turns to leave and join the others.*

*Katie stays close to Con and Jamie trying her keep her spirits high. The should be a fun time and she wanted to make the best of it. Ice Cream always helped everyones problems right. Katie could only hope that maybe a bit of laughing would do her good.*

*Wendy runs about though the differnt rooms franticly looking for something to wair. In and out of the bathroom trying to make her hair look ok. In and out asking Angel is she looked ok.

Angel watches her daughter run around between the rooms. A questioning look on her face. Finally she cant take it any longer.*

"Wendy...its not like you havent gone out places with Clint before whats so differnt this time."

*Wendy enters the bedroom again and than out to the bathroom.*

"Nothing mom...nothing at all."

"Than why on earth are you so frantic? and acting like a chicken with your head chopped off"

"I'm not."

*Wendy comes out of the bedroom with a pale blue sundress on and white sandles.*

"Hows does this look?"

*Angel eyes her daughter.*

"You look the same as the last 4 you tryed on you look fine."

*Wendy runs back into the bedroom. A few moment later the sound of draws slamming.*

"MOM...I cant find it where is that white shall?"

*Angel rolls her eyes. Something was differnt with her daughter but she couldent put her finger on it.*

"Wendy you dont need the shall you look fine how you are."

*Wendy comes out of the room again looking at her mom.*

"But mom...."

*Angel holds a finger up to her daughter as she stands and walks over to her puting her hands on her shoulders. Looking her in the eyes a smile forms on Angel's lips. So thats what it was.*

"Mom...why are you looking at me like that?"

"hmmm...oh..sorry. I was just remembering."

"Remembering what?"

"The first time I was kissed."

"How did you know? Am I that obveouse?"

"Hunny I am your mother I am ment to be able to tell these things. Not to mention just everything about you seems...brighter."

*Wendy's cheeks turn a slights shade of red.

Angel steps away from her daughter for a moment and goes into her own bedroom. After a few moment she emerges with a string od pearls she puts around Wendy's next.*

"You look wonderful and Clint is going to think so too. He's liked you this far just be yourself and he will like you even more. Now go have fun."

*A smile forms on Wendy's face as she gives her mother a hug.*

"Thanks mom."

*Wendys exits the house and goes to find Clint. Giving a sigh Angel walks back over to her desk and sits down. Picking up a picture from her desk Angel smiles. It was a picture of Wendy at age 4. How she had been unexspected, and so little. And how Angel loved every moment with her. God truly did work mericles. It seemed like just yesterday Angel was holding Wendy in her arms and now....now her baby was grown up and making her own choises. Angel was confadent that Wendy would always make the right chooise. And Clint was a great guys. She couldent think of anyone alse she would rather see Wendy with.*

Eat a scoop

Clint gives a hearty laugh, pulling Wendy into a rambunctious hug. “I can’t promise there won’t be any attacking chairs, but I’ll be there to defend my fair lady, how’s that?”

After pulling back, he gets a silly grin on his face and reaches into his back pocket for his rag. Bringing it to Wendy’s face, he wipes off a smudge of grease that had transferred from his own face to hers. “You’re looking more and more like an assistant to the assistant every minute,” he teases. “You better get out of here before you look like me! We don’t want to go to town looking like two grease monkeys.”


Laura can’t help her laugh as Nate takes her hand. “Alright. You both win. I’ll go.”


Carson grins mischievously at Misty. “Playing taxi for you? Mm, now that doesn’t sound so bad.”

As Jamie comes up with her offer, Carson’s hand slowly slides from Misty’s back, his concentration shifting. He looks at Misty as she makes him do the choosing.

Swallowing hard, he glances back to Jamie, daring to look her in the eye. Not only had she come to him…offered a hand to him…forgiven him…tolerated his presence here… but now she was inviting him to go along with her and the others on a fun outing. The last time Carson had been invited to anything in a group it had been to a bar, and only because he was the one with the wallet. This was so different…it was almost a little scary.

Carson was a strong individual…he could take a man down in the blink of an eye, say what he wanted when and where he wanted without remorse, handle just about anything in the heat of battle, and could throw is weight around with confidence. But here…around these people…there was a part of him, deep down that was constantly coming to the surface…and that was the little boy that had never found his place. He could feel the childlike longing to belong…the silly little desire to have someone give him a pat on the back for an accomplishment…the timidity when facing those he’d wronged.

His eyes fall from Jamie’s as confusion rises within him for the heat in his face. Why he felt so intimidated by this, he wasn’t sure. He finds himself declining. But he didn’t want to take the fun away from Misty.

“Eh, I’ll probably head on down to the car lot, actually.” He gives Misty a nudge. “But you should go.” He nods to her with insistence, indicating that he’d be upset if she didn’t. “If I get a set of wheels, maybe I’ll stop on by your place to see you tonight.” He throws her a wink and slides her off her lap. “Go on. Eat an extra scoop for me.”

Ice Cream

*As Wendy and Clint second kiss continues the feeling inside Wendy bubble as her tummy gets butterflys and does flip flops. After the kiss is finished and there forheads are rested together Wendy trys to catch her breath that was lost. So fast Clint had come into her life, become her bestfriend and stole her heart. Lifting her up into the clouds making her feel as though she was floating. Finally finding her voice Wendy speaks softly her head still wrested agasnt Clint as she gently moves it up and down to nod.*

"If you promise no chairs will attack us I think a date would be great."

*Wendy's eyes stay locked with Clints as her heart still twitters. Oh how everything seemed perfect and wonderful.*

*Nate smiles and nods his head to Con. He new Con was still leery of him and now that he understood why he dident blame him he only wanted to protect his sister. Looking back at Laura he gives a grin.*

"I guess I'll have to work on telling you to come out with me."

*Nate gives alittle grin and holds his hand out to Laura as if offering her to take it. Stoping to think for a moment Nate takes a step closer and just interlocks his fingers with her.*

"Come on let go get that ice cream with the others."

*As Carson takes Misty in his lap she wraps her arms around his neck receving the kiss. Drawing back Misty smiles up at her eyes burning.*

"I think dinner at the place by the lake would be great."

*As Carson mentions about geting a car she cant help but throw her head back alittle and laugh loudly.*

"You just cant handle a woman driving you around can you? Alright Alright I guess we can stop and get you a car, but be warned I might make you play taxi for a while as payback."

*Misty laughs again as she leans in and gives Carson another quick kiss.*

*Jamie stands from her desk as Con enters and orders them all out for ice cream. Seeing Katie with him she smiles. It was nice to see Con braught a little bit of peace to Katie. Jamie new Katie did look up to Con alot and was happy that this girl thats words was turned upside down and sent spinning could find the comfort she needed.

As Jamie steps out of the cubicle to join the other she hears Misty's laugh a few places over and thinks for a long moment. Jamie throws a look to Con trying to convay something and hoped he was ok with it. Slowly she walks over to where Carson and Misty were and lets out a sigh pushing a few emotions that still remained away. Clearing her throt to get there attachen off eachother she smiles.*

"Carson, Misty...A bunch of us are going out to get Ice cream and I know you both are still pretty new and havent really had a chanse to get to know more people yet. We would really like it if you both would come to get ice cream with us. So we can all mingle and get to know eachother better."

*As Jamie clears her throt Misty looks up at her and listens to the offer. Misty herself was a bit saprised. Since she had goten here not many people had talked to her. And now this woman was standing in front of them and asking them to come out with the group. Misty's gaze falls from Jamie to Carson she smiles only fading a bit.*

"I'll go if you go Carson. If you dont than we can keep out planes to go to the lake. I am cool eather way."

*Misty keeps her arms wraped around Carson neck as she waits for his reply. Misty new Carson needed more friend but she dident want to push. He would when he was ready.*

Threat

Wendy's words and the return of the embrace send Clint's pulse racing again. Knowing she was okay with his affection, he holds her a little tighter, allowing more passion to influence his kiss. This time he lets it linger, testing the waters of this new adventure with Wendy.

Jim ambles toward the shop, seeing the door open, and assuming he'd find Clint. Stepping inside the dim interior, he squints for a moment, then widens his eyes as he sees his son and Wendy together. A slight smile turns up the corner of his mouth. Not wanting to embarrass anyone, he quietly backs out and takes the return route to the mess hall. He could remember the first time he'd kissed Becky...it was so long ago...he'd been right around Clint's age... The smile on his lips widens as he thinks of his son and Wendy together. They made a good match. Along with that thought, a dull ache still resides in Jim's heart as he thinks of his wife. Soon...how he hoped and prayed that soon she and Rosalynn could return.

Clint gradually pulls back from Wendy, and rests his forehead against hers, a grin forming. "I think you and I need to go on a date tonight, what do you think?"


Laura bites her lip as Nate compliments her and offers to go out. Looking at him, she knows he's trying to make her smile, and she resists at first. She didn't feel like smiling...there were so many things going wrong right now. But his eyes seem to pull without regard to her hesitance, and she can only hang on for so long.

Finally breaking down, the smile emerges and she gives Nate a playful punch to the arm. "You big goon. You're supposed to tell me to go with you, remember? I won't say yes if you keep asking me so politely."

Suddenly she looks away, seeing Con and Katie coming back through the door, and she catches her brother's eye for just a moment.


Con stands up and smiles down at Katie knowingly. He was going to miss seeing her at work too. "Alright. Ice cream it is. Come on." He offers the crook of his arm as a gentleman to a lady. "We shall go."

Back to TJY, they walk slowly, Con taking his time for Katie's sake. Reaching the main floor again, he scans the desks, spotting Laura with Nate and catching her eye, then seeing Jamie. He lets out a shrill whistle through his teeth. "I'm taking my three favorite ladies out for ice cream!" he announces loudly. "That means you," he he elbows Katie, "you," he points to Jamie, "and you," he ends with his sister. "Nobody's allowed to say no." His eyes linger on Nate for a moment, just a little bit of hesitance there, though he lets it pass. "And if you behave yourself, you can come too." He lets a wry grin show. "If anyone dares to oppose this afternoon excursion, you're gonna have to go through me, and I don't think anyone wants to do that."

Laura glances back to Nate with a little laugh. "Now that's how you ask me out for ice cream."


Carson's eyes narrow as a grin slips across his mouth when he sees Misty's necklace and hears her words. "I think I can handle them," he replies with sly confidence. Reaching up, he takes the locket in his hand, fingering it for a moment. She never gave up. Slipping it around his neck, he tucks it under his shirt before spinning his chair around. He grabs Misty by the waist and pulls her onto his lap. "Well, miss Carson's girl, I don't think we can get away with not going out tonight, do you?" He leans in to plant a quick kiss on her lips.

Hearing the commotion of the others on the floor, for but an instant, he longs to join in, but knows he shouldn't. Jamie and Con were tolerating him - he couldn't ask more of them than that.

Without missing a beat, he concentrates on Misty again. "How about that little joint down by the lake? But on the way we're gonna have to stop by that used car lot...'cause this is the last night I'm gonna have to let you do the driving."

Again Please

*As Clint's lips brush her own her heart races even faster, the nervouce feeling making her hand go cold. As Clint's hand goes to her face and she feels his lips press aganst her more this time her boyd turns from the nervouse cold to a warm feeling. A new feeling fills Wendy something she had never felt before. Her arms go around Clint to hold him accepting his kiss and kissing gently back. As Clint draws away Wendy opens her eyes. Eveything now seemed to be brighter, and everything around her was spinning. Her eyes focus on Clint, looking deep into his eyes. A smile forms on Wendy's face. Clint was so gental, soft and sweet Wendy's nervouse feeling melt away replaced with the feeling of comfirt and protection. Softly Wendy whispers.*

"I dont think a kiss was the only thing the thief stole. I think he made off with my heart too."

*Wendy herself leans in and press her lips softly to Clints her arms still wrapped around him.*

*Katie smiles up at Con. The first true smile she has hand in a while. As fast as it comes it goes. But non the less it was still there.*

"Thanks Big Brother for being there for me."

*Slowly Katie stands streching alittle.*

"I..dont think I want to go home. Maybe we can go get some ice cream? Maybe Laura and Jamie, maybe even Nate would like to come too. I've been so focused on myself and being sad about Jason I havent even thought about anyone alse. I bet she could use some comfort too."

*Katie could go for some ice cream, but somewhere in her heart she new she was asking to stall Con's leaving. She new it would happen anyways but if she could stop it for the moment she could get use to the though before he left.*

*Nate smiles at her see Laura walks across the floor. Standing he makes his way over to her puting a playful arm yet gental arm around her shoulders. She looks down in the dumps and he wanted to cheer her up. Where did this yurning come from to reach out to want to make her smile. Nate dident know but he couldent deny the feeling of wanting to help her.*

"Laura, Laura, Laura its a nice day out, you look nice as always, and I was wondering if you would like to grab some ice cream with me. I'll deal with Reese, its just to nice to be stuck inside."

*Nate remove his arm from Laura's. Cocking his head to the side a bit to look Laura in the eyes his smile holds searching her eyes for the smile he so longed to see.*

*Misty re-enters the infermary going over to her desk she sits down. Her mind on a million other things her face in a book again. As her arm moves along the desk it bumps into comething cold. Puting the book down Misty see the braclet and the note. A smile crosses her face as her fingers run of the steel and Carson's name. Picking the braclet up Misty puts it around her write and facens it in place. Misty stairs at it for a long moment thinking of a way to tell Carson she accepted it. Standing her grabs something from her desk and walks out of the infermary. Slowly Misty walks up behind Carson who is at his desk. Bringing her hand ove his head she let her locket dangel from her fingers and slowly float in front of Carson's face it was on a thicker and longer chain now. One fit for a male other than the locket that hung on it. As she dangles the locket in front of him she bends down and rests her chin on Carson's shoulder her lips close to his ear.*

"As long as you think you can handle me and my adventures I'm all yours too."

*Misty draps her free arm over Carson's shoulder revealing she had the braclet on.*

Gift

Clint's heart begins to race as Wendy stares into his eyes. He knew that if he were the thief, she would allow it, and the thought sent a tingle down his spine.

Slowly, cautiously, he cocks his head, leaning his face towards hers. Closing his eyes, he lets his lips brush Wendy's, feeling her breath on his skin. His hand drifts to the side of her head to cradle her gently. Tenderly, he moves back to press his lips softly on hers, only for a moment. He draws back just slightly, his face still almost touching hers. He searches her gaze for her desire for him to break the moment or to return, his own question reflected in his eyes.


Con gives Katie a squeeze. "I know, Kat...I know. It's a long road. But I know you can do it." He looks at her with compassion. "The pain just doesn't go away that easy, does it... but God won't give you anything more than you can handle. It hurts...but you have strength enough to endure. When this is over...and I promise you it will be...you'll be stronger and you'll look back, seeing good things that happened."

He offers her a small smile. "Now...I don't want you walking home, so either I drive you, or we go back to TJY where we both can keep a stiff upper lip."


Laura pauses in the doorway of Con's office, her eyes seeing the box...seeing the emptiness on the walls. Her heart sank. Con really was leaving. He'd said he was...but just about everyone here had said that at least once and had always returned. But it was obvious that Con really was serious.

Turning around, she slowly ambles back out onto the floor. She missed her brother...All the years they'd spent together, him taking care of her...then they'd moved apart, but at least they still worked together and hung out constantly. Then he'd been assigned to the case in Texas....things at TJY got rough...Jamie was now in the picture...he was leaving TJY... it felt almost like she was losing him. She knew she really wasn't...but she just wasn't sure she was ready for this change yet.


Carson leans back in his chair, thinking for several minutes. He'd been thinking a lot the last couple days...maybe it was time he really made up his mind. Standing, he swaggers toward the infirmary in search of Misty. Finding the room empty, he goes to her desk, a sly grin on his face. He takes a piece of paper and pen, jotting a quick note. 'I'm yours.' Setting it down, he reaches into his pocket, pulling out his steel ID bracelet that had CARSON engraved on it. He lays it on top of the note and leaves it, turning on his heel and heading back towards the main floor.

Sunday

*As Clint draws Wendy close she can feel her face turn probley 2 more shades of red. Sure she had been close to Clint before to dance, or to even give him a hug. But this time it was differnt the embrace and the look in Clint's eyes told Wendy this was a whole new ball game. As Wendy stairs back into Clint's eyes her pulse quickens a sence of nervouseness running through her. She had never been this close to a guy before let alone had one ask outright to kiss her. A Smile creeps across her face and her eyes show a certin softness.*

"I guess it would depend on who the thief was that was stealing the kiss."

*Wendy can feel her heart flutter with antisapation of what was to happen next.*

*As Katie sits down with Con her tears slow alittle but they are still there. Heer body tired, her heart in pain and the feeling of being sick in her tummy again.*

"I know they are all there for me Con, I know they are my friends. But this feeling of being alone is there anyways. and No, I know Jason wouldent want me to be sad. I dont want this to get me down, I want to be myself again I just dont know how to make the pain stop."

*Katie draws silent for a moment and her tears finally stop for now. Katie ears perk up and her eyes gain alittle glint at the sound of hearing Jason will be able to visiters. Katie sperits try to lift at the feeling of seeing Jason. The darkness still in her heart but that tiny ray of life pounding at the wall waiting to break free.*

"I'll try big brother to stay strong. For Jason, For you, and for all my friends. I just dont think I will be myself for a long time."

*Katie goes silent for a long while just stairing at the grass swaying in breeze. Katie new her statment was true she wouldnet be the same for alone time. The darkness had taken over, and though there was a ray of light, a shine of hope that she would see Jason again the darkness was still looming like a blanket.

In a bref moment Katie thinks of something that she puts in the back of her mind to bring up later. She would have to ask Wyatt if this sunday he could swing by her apt and pick her up for church. Katie had been going to her own church with in walking distince of her apt but this week Katie dident want to go alone. But she did want to go. If there was one person that could help sooth her pain and chanse away the shadows Katie new it would be God. With God and her friends Katie hoped it would be what she needed to make this long road alittle less painful.*

If you don't...

Clint jerks away from Wendy's hand but isn't quick enough, and receives the smudge on his face. He laughs, straightening up to grab Wendy's wrist, and without even thinking, he draws her close to him with a teasing look. "Well you got the getting dirty part down pat, though it's not me you're supposed to get the grease all over..."

As his eyes lock with hers, suddenly his teasing fades. He lefts go of her wrist to move to her shoulder in a gentler grip, his other hand finding her waist. He's held her before, but today it's with a subtle passion that up until his point had remained subdued. His voice lowers to a soft tone. "...but would you allow that stolen kiss?"


Con wraps his arms around Katie, enveloping her in his tall frame. His hand rubs her back as he tries to soothe her. "Shh...it's alright, Kat. It'll all be alright." Emotions pool behind his eyes and he lifts them to the sky, unafraid to to speak in his mind his frustrations. Why? Why are you letting this happen? This girl doesn't deserve this... please...just take this pain away.

After just holding Katie for several minutes, he pulls her away, though keeps one arm around her, steering her down the sidewalk a little ways to a secluded little spot under several trees where there was a park bench. Sitting down, he pulls her down next to him, keeping her close to offer himself as a shelter.

"You can't let this get you down, Katie...you cant let it stop your life." Con racks his brain for something he could say...something that could bring comfort, but nothing seems good enough. "And you're certainly not alone," he chides gently. "What are Laura and Wyatt? Chopped liver? And Nate? And who knows the million and one reasons why the band hasn't come to see you - they probably don't know what to do or how to act in a situation like this, with TJY being on the line."

He gives her shoulders a squeeze. "Do you think Jason would want you to be down like this, hmm? I know it's hard...and I know it hurts... your pain is doubled because you're feeling his too, and I can't imagine the weight that must be on your heart."

Pausing a moment, he wonders if maybe he can relate just a little...but when he'd lost the one he'd loved, he'd turned to anger, not sorrow. But he still remembered the feeling of dread...the wonder if he'd ever see Jamie again...the unknowns...

"Katie, you've got to be strong...if not for you, then for Jason. Reese told me just today that he's been in touch with Lockheart, and in a little over three weeks, Jason's gonna have a short window when he can see somebody."

Con cocks his head and leans forward a little to try and see Katie's face. "If you don't hold on, who's going to go see him?"


Jason slouches on the bench in the corner of the weight room, staying away from the other inmates. He'd already had a run-in with Tucker this morning and had the bruise on the side of his face to prove it.

All he wanted to do was sleep, but rest just wouldn't come. His nights were spent either thinking of his family and friends, or being tormented with nightmares. He had no way of knowing if anyone was alright... His mom was married now...he'd missed the wedding...he had a stepfather now... What about those back at TJY? What was happening? Where was Con? How was Katie?

Jason glances over to Leroy. They said he could get anything from the outside. If you had enough to barter with, he'd get you what you wanted. All Jason wanted was to sleep, and he knew Leroy had already slipped some of the others something to help with that...

Rollercoaster

*As Wendy listen to Clint her smile grows. As she cross her own arm and brings a finger to her mouth thinking. As once again her face turns red at the mention of a kiss. Wendy never told anyone but she had never kissed anyone before. Just thought made her heart race with wonder and a bit of shyness.*

"Well...thats sounds kind of intresting. It seems like something I could handle. Except for the geting dirty part..."

*Wendy keeps her finger to her mouth as her other finds a bit of grease from the car with her other hand. With one quick movement she bring her grease hand to Clint's face making a smudge mark on his cheek. Wendy brings her clean hand to her mouth and lets giggle out.*

"....on second thought maybe I can handle the geting dirty part too."

*As Katie feels Con's touch and hear his words. Her heart clings despretly to them wanting to believe and be pulled from the darkness. Katie keeps her eyes to the ground for a long moment. The darkness, the sadness, the pain was so great her mind just wouldent let her believe what he heart new. Katie cant take it...everything piled up. Con was the next person in line from Jason that Katie cared so much about and felt safe with. Breaking down Katie throws her arms around Con embrassing him.*

"Oh Con...I tryed to stay happy, to be me...but I cant it hurts so much and I feel so long and alone even if I know I have people there. I feel like I am losing people left and right. What do I do Con? How do I make the pain go away? I feel like I am falling and I cant grab onto anything to pull me through. I miss him so much and it hasent even been that long yet."

*Katie clings to Con like a child would a teddy bear after a nightmare. Katie once so strong, now felt so valnrable and scaired...so fragel her emotions running rampid. It felt like a rollercoast she could not controll.*

Don't

Clint laughs at the mental image Wendy paints. “Well if I stop, I’d have to hold all this inside and then I’d burst, and you’d be sad then too, so we better find a better solution.”

He straightens up and turns around to lean back against the car, half sitting on the hood, and folding his arms across his chest. “Hmm, well, the assistant to the assistant would lend a hand with tools…keep the assistant company so he didn’t get lonely…they’d probably get just as dirty…” Clint glances at his filthy hands and arms. “But that would be okay because then the assistant wouldn’t feel so bad about his greasy hands if he ever decided to steal a kiss.” He still refuses to look at Wendy, the corner of his eye the only thing keeping track of her face.


Con looks up from his box and sees Katie in the doorway. The look on his face warns him not to even hope for a happy reunion. As her words are hurled in his direction, they feel like a kick to the gut. His shoulders drop as he listens, and for a moment he feels like dirt. He’d left at the worst time possible, then he had returned just to leave again. The look in Katie’s eyes stung…the tone of her voice cut him to the quick…and he can’t even think of a single thing to say.

As Katie walks away, Con desperately tries to understand everything. “Katie, wait…” But it’s too late. She’s already gone. Con lowers his eyes to the box on his desk. “Dang it,” he mutters. It wasn’t supposed to be this hard. He’d made up his mind…it was something he had to do…he couldn’t turn back now…

Glancing at the last photo on the wall, it’s one of him, Jason and Laura several years prior…when things had been simpler. He sighs deeply. He couldn’t let another friend just walk away…not like this.

Leaving his packing, he heads out onto the floor and looks around for Katie, but doesn’t see her. He spies Laura, who points to the exit. “Aw, no…” Con quickens his pace, barely pausing at Jamie’s desk. “I’ll be back,” he informs over his shoulder.

Once outside, he squints in the sunlight, and just makes out Katie already leaving the parking lot. “Katie!” he yells, but he’s too far away. Not allowing himself to give up, he sprints into a run. Skidding around the corner as he hits the sidewalk, he catches up to Katie, skirting in front of her and stopping to face her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Kat, look at me,” he orders sternly. “Don’t do this to yourself. Just because I’m leaving TJY does not in any way, shape or form mean that I’m walking out of your life. Do you understand me?” He bends lower to see those tear-filled eyes that cause him pain. “I know you’re hurting like mad right now, and I know that me leaving isn’t helping matters any, but it has nothing to do with you. You are not alone, and you are not being abandoned. Don’t fall into that lie.” His eyes beg Katie to understand. “Please…”

Alone

*Wendy leans in a bit closer touching a few things trying to look like she knows what she is doing when she had no idea what so ever.*

"And what would this assistent of the assistent do? I know how to change the oil in a car...and put gas in thats about it."

*Wendy can feel her face turn red again at Clint's comment. Wendy always felt so comfortable with Clint. He was her best friend and she really enjoyed every moment spent with him. There never had been a bad moment in time. Teasingly she leans in again and gives Clint alittle shove trying to knock him off balance.*

"Well I've never met anyone like you eather. and if you dont stop your gonna give me a big head and I will flot away and never see you again and THAT would make me sad."

*Wendy's cheeks stay slightly flushed.*

*Misty gives a laugh as she hugs Carson before pulling away. Her heart races like it always did when she looked into Carson's eyes. Her own showing her sassy firey side.*

"Mmmmm....I think I can handle seeing you after work again. After all I am sure you will need a ride home. "

*Misty turns at a sounds and see Con. Her own wave of fear running through her. Last time she herself saw Con he was beating the crap out of Jason. But now...now something was differnt. After the exchange in words with Con and Carson Misty look to Carson herself.*

"For a moment there I was actully scaired I was gonna have to break up a fight. I guess today is just full of excitment after all huh?"

*Kaite looks up from her cubicle as she see Con disapear into his office. For a moment Katie feels a bit of joy. The first bit in a while. Standing her hurrys to Con's office but stops in the doorway her heart sinking again as the joy is gone as fast as it came. Katie knows Con dident hear her and watching him for a moment it dosent take rocket science to see what he is doing and whats going on. Knocking loudly on the door so Con hears Say speaks in a cold lifless tone. Her eyes holding the emptyness.*

"So big brother your leaving to now? I guess thats just what happens around here huh? Jason's gone, now your going to be gone, my friends or the people I thought were my friends from Jason's band havent even tryed to contact me since he's been gone eather."

*Katie shakes hear head.*

"I guess thats just the story of my life. That in the end, I'm ment to be alone."

*Katie turns from the door and heads back across the foor. Passing by Laura's desk.*

"I'm going home Laura. I'll walk."

*Katie keeps heading for the elavator alittle limp in her walk. Finally making it outside her tears break free and she starts her lonly walk home.*

Truce

Clint keeps his eyes on his work. “Oh, just checking out a few of these hoses, and sparkplugs…getting some of the fluids changed…” He sees Wendy leaning in for a closer look. “Maybe Wes can hire you as an assistant to the assistant,” he teases.

Leaning down, he rests his elbows on the front of the open car, scanning the engine. “Never though I’d get involved with mechanics,” he muses. “Course…I never thought I’d meet someone like you before either.” His eyes stay focused on the car, his tone carrying all the implication it wants on its own.


Carson chuckles at Misty, his arms going around her waist. “Mm…I’m not sure. But how about I try repeating it so I can get the same results?” His eyes twinkle with mischief, but he doesn’t wait for Misty, instead initiating his own kiss, pulling her even closer to himself and letting it linger for several moments. Drawing away, he nods. “Okay. I think the neglect is gone. But you better see me before I leave today just to make sure I’m really cured.”


Con gives Jamie’s hand a little squeeze, appreciating her support. Finally entering the main floor, his eyes scan the room. It feels different than it has before…like he’s a stranger…but not.

He looks to Jamie with a little nod. “I’m gonna go see Laura, then get a few things taken care of. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

Heading his own way, he aims for his sister’s cubicle…

“Oh, Con.” Laura gets up from her desk and throws her arms around her brother, standing on her tiptoes.

Con grins and returns the hug affectionately. “Hey you.”

Laura pulls away and looks up into his eyes. “How ya doing?”

“Good.” Con nods. “I needed the time out.”

“I know.” Laura smiles. “How is everyone?”

“Great. I had a real good time with them, and we had a blast when Jamie came along too.”

Laura’s smile widens. “That’s good to hear.” She allows a short pause. “Sticking around today?”

“Um…” Con hesitates. “For a bit.” He refrains from saying what he really wants to. It was best if he just got things over with, and he didn’t want to endure any arguing. He forces a smile. “I’ll catch you later, alright?”

“Alright.” Laura watches her brother walk away, and gives a little sigh. He had peace again…of that she was thankful.

Con makes his way through the cubicles, waving at several people. He glances around at the desks, his eyes landing on the one that had been empty the last time he’d been here. He instinctively knew whose it was now. But it was empty. Heading down the hall, Con passes Jason’s office and pauses, a sadness filling him for his friend who wasn’t there. After a moment though, he moves on, willing himself to complete his mission.

He hesitates as he reaches the infirmary. He can hear voices. He knows he’s hit the right place. Opening the door, he steps inside, spotting Carson and Misty together. Noting they don’t hear him, he clears his throat.

Carson takes his time shifting his gaze from Misty, but suddenly realizes just who was watching. Letting Misty go, he quickly takes several steps backward, his eyes widening. The big man was the last person he’d expected to see, and he wasn’t ashamed to admit that he was afraid of him.

Con sees Carson’s fear and for just a moment enjoys it. But he suppresses it, pursing his lips in solemn thought. “Carson.”

Carson swallows hard, his eyes not leaving the larger man. “Con?”

“That’s right.” Con nods slowly. “I heard you’re part of the team now.”

“Uh, yeah…I guess I am.” Carson realizes he better not act wishy-washy around Con, and shifts his wording. “I mean, yeah…helping Reese get some stuff on the Agency.”

After an awkward pause, Con crosses his arms. “Look, Carson…I’m not gonna say I like you, because that wouldn’t be the truth. But I know you’re on our side now and just for the record, I’m not gonna come after you. I don’t like what you did, and I still get angry when I think about what happened. But every man deserves a second chance, so…you got it.”

Carson lifts an eyebrow skeptically. “Why the change of heart?”

“Time has a way of healing wounds,” Con replies evenly. “Lets just leave it at that.” He steps forward, extending his hand. “Truce?”

Carson looks at the hand, then back up to Con’s face. He wasn’t quite like the others around here, but it was evident he was really trying…once again, Carson is confused as to why. Con, of all people… Bewildered, but not one to pass up a truce when he was on the losing side, Carson accepts the handshake firmly. “Truce.”

Con breaks the handshake and throws a glance in Misty’s direction, giving her a slight nod. “Misty.” Not allowing time for conversation, Con turns around and leaves.

Carson turns to Misty, his eyes still wide. “Okay…that was…a relief.”


Con walks to his own office, letting out a deep sigh, but not allowing himself time to stop and think. Entering, he pulls the folded papers from his back pocket, spreads them on his desk, and picks up a pen, adding his signature to the bottom. Pausing just a moment, he folds them back up, exits the office and heads back to the main floor, aiming for Reese’s office…


…”Con, don’t do this!” Reese stands at his open door, calling after Con. “Come on!” He holds up the papers with exasperation.

Con doesn’t turn around, but continues his route back towards the hall his jaw set firmly, keeping himself from returning. Reaching his office once again, he moves without taking time to think about it…he’d thought about it enough, and had made up his mind.

Picking up an empty box from the corner, he sets it on his desk and begins to take pictures off the wall.