Can't

There is no shame. No guilt. Only questions.

Scott looks back at Katie, accepting her tightening grip by holding her hand firmer as well. He draws it back from the popcorn and glances down to see their fingers interlocked, then resumes his stare into her eyes.

Her eyes revealed that she did not resist Scott’s sudden display of affection. Her smile showed she had enjoyed it. The look she gave him implied she wouldn’t balk at the idea of this one incident evolving into more.

But… Scott searches deeper. Did she not think about Jason? Even he had considered that. But there was something in Katie’s eye…a void that had not been filled. Everyone around had seen her and Jason happy and in love…they had done everything together…they had an unexplainable connection – even Scott knew about that. Yet there was something Katie had been lacking…something that allowed her to enjoy Scott’s company now.

Receiving her whispered thanks, Scott shakes his head a little, his grin returning. He doesn’t respond, but shifts in his seat to place his concentration back on the movie again, though keeps his hand in hers.

An hour later, the credits are rolling, the music playing. The others in the theater filter out until Scott and Katie are the only ones who remain.

Heaving a sigh, Scott finally lets go of Katie’s hand and stands up, stretching. He picks up their trash, and cocks his head to the exit, signaling for Katie to follow him…

The parking lot is lit, as the sun has set, the sky dark and dotted with stars barely seen against the town lights.

Scott walks slowly towards his and Katie’s vehicles, his hands hooked in his pockets, his gaze to the ground. Reaching his car, he turns around to lean against it, crossing his arms casually across his chest, and studying Katie again. He knew that his actions tonight…his words…his attitude…they were parts of him that other people normally didn’t see. But he didn’t mind revealing them around her.

“Katie…” He forces a slight laugh, almost sheepishly. “I’ve liked you since the day I got to pick you up at the airport and bring you to TJY for the first time.” He smirks, a little embarrassed. “You were claimed pretty quick though, and I figured you were out of my league anyway…you were the smart newcomer who was an immediate asset to TJY, let alone the one we needed to keep an eye out for trouble we couldn’t see.” He shrugs. “And I was…am…the office nerd who runs into doorframes, breaks glasses at least twice a month and whose only talent lies with temperamental computer equipment.”

He scans Katie’s face. “Not to mention I must surely be crusin’ for a bruisn’ for kissing someone else’s girlfriend…”

Scott pauses again. “…And yet…you’re not resisting my affections.” He squints one eye and cocks his head. “I don’t want to make your life more complicated, Katie. So if you prefer me to stop right now, I will comply without any hard feelings. But if you’re really entertaining thoughts of something between us, then…well, I guess I’d like to know before I get slugged for it.”


Feeling Nate’s hands on her shoulders, Laura tenses for just a moment, but then relaxes. His whispered words reliever her of the feeling that she needed to speak.

As he moves around her in an embrace, she feels as though she’s in the most sheltered spot on earth. His strong arms felt good and her hands reach up to hold them. His forehead resting on her sends a warmth into her veins.

Swallowing hard, Laura’s inner battle just gets worse. When Nate straightens and turns her around, she stares into his eyes, noting the tear, and feeling pained because of it. His dropped-off sentence leaves her hanging. She doesn’t understand. What were the words he was finding so hard to speak?

Seeing his face…seeing that tear…Laura’s lower lip starts to quiver again, and she reaches up slowly with a trembling hand to wipe it off his cheek. “I’m hurting you, Nate.” Her voice is but a quiet whimper. “Please don’t let me do that to you anymore.” Her own tear slips out, running down the side of her face, proving the hate she has against herself and her fear. “I just can’t do this…I've tried to win and just can't.”


Wyatt is a bit surprised that Aerith accepts his invitation, but an invite is and invite, and he heads towards the center of town. He lets the quiet rule for a while until he pulls up to the little café on main street.

After parking, he gets out and leads the way inside, picking a corner booth. Their coffee ordered, Wyatt offers Aerith a smile. “So…how long are you planning on being in this area?”

Conversation is light, and before they know it, time has slipped away and both coffee mugs are empty. Wyatt couldn’t help but admit that he’d enjoyed his time tonight. It was something different…not exciting, but enjoyable.

Glancing at his watch, he nods to the door. “Guess I better get you back home.”