Trying

Carson is grateful for Herb's words, but he doesn't know what to even do with them. So without saying more, he takes off his apron and heads out. Moving across the floor, he can't even meet Aerith's eyes, or Mabel's. He doesn't even bother saying goodbye. They would know what had happened by tomorrow, if they didn't already. He could feel the heat on his face...his embarrassment and guilt was overwhelming.

Getting back to his apartment, he lets his door slam behind him. The place he called home felt empty. So many times after work, Misty had been here waiting for him, planning to go out to eat, or just stay and watch movies. Was that gone for good? Was it really over? Could he fix what had happened? He couldn't go back in time...but could he apologize? Could he make it right?

Carson heads straight to his kitchen cupboard where he'd stored his bottle of whiskey, out of sight from Misty. Taking a swig, he lets it settle, trying to clear his mind. Thoughts of last night haunted him. How could he have done what he had? He'd completely pushed the thought of Misty out of his mind...he'd convinced himself that it was alright...he'd convinced himself that he was his own man, able to do whatever he wanted to do and that no one else was in control of him. He'd shoved aside his guilt and his conscience's warnings.

Pulling the locket out of his shirt, Carson flips it over to look at the young face of Misty. He'd lost her once before...Couldn't he go to her now and apologize? Couldn't he at least try?

...Misty's car was not at her place. Next stop, TJY. Carson hated the thought of going there now...if Misty had gone back to work, would others know yet? How would he be treated? But he had to go see...he had to try. He'd been a fool and he knew it. He was so mad at himself he didn't know what to do.


Rick and Jason look up as Misty enters the infirmary. Their little argument is halted as they greet her casually. But something was wrong. Rick quirks an eyebrow and Jason's gaze follows Misty to her desk. He throws Rick a questioning look, but Rick only shrugs. The look on Misty's face indicated something was wrong, but he knew nothing.

Jason eases down off the bed and makes his way over to Misty cautiously. He didn't want to overstep his bounds, but she didn't look good at all. Why was she even here if something was that wrong?

"Hey..." He lays a hand on her shoulder before squatting down to be just below her eye level. "Misty...what's wrong?"