Never have

*Once home Katie warms up some food for herself and than heads into the bathroom getting ready for bed. Taking her food into her room she shuts the door slightly and throws her PJ's on before sitting down at her computer desk and opening her email. Taking a bit of her food she starts to type.*

"Dear Dad,

It's been a little bit since I wrote to you last, I guess you could say memorie loss got in the way. I'm sure you new about that though. Everything is pretty much back to normal now. We as normal as it can be. I remember everything, and though I lack some emotions still I remember the important ones. Like the ones connected with my friends and with the one I love.
Oh yeah good news, Scott and I have decieded to give it another go. I know I wrote to you letting you know how confused I was and how I thought I was hurting him but Dad I saw how he was after I left him and I relised that hurt him even more. My love for Scott is so differnt from any other its hard to explain. So we are starting over, from the start and are going to give it a go one more time.
Jason is doing well, we are funcitoning well together now as friends. He's really grown up alot Dad and come along way.
Well I better get going. I'll write again soon. I love you dad!

Katie"

*Sending the email Katie leans back in her chair and finishs off her food. As if she was suddinly slapped Katie drops her plate with the food on it and lets out a shreek as emotions bombard her all at once out of no where. It was Jason, the emotions, something was wrong, he was in a great deal of pain to not be blocking anything from her. Katie's mind races as it trys to catch up and process the information being thrown at it, buts its to fast...its coming to hard.

Tears from in Katie's eyes as the information keeping coming the pain running through her. It hurt, it hurt alot and Katie dident know what way was up. Pulling herself from the ground to witch she had slumped to Katie trys to open her eyes, as everything spins. One emotion after another over flowing, Katie's head felt like it would pop if it dident stop. Reaching for her phone Katie is about to dial Jason's number when a new emotions is immited. Everything for a split second stoped and fear, and pain entered. A shooting pain runs through Katie's let, as she grabs for it. The emotions once again being throw at her. If she dident stop them, if she dident get to Jason things could end bad.

Standing Katie gives her head a little shake trying to clear it enough to get to Jason. The flex of the emotions were great and Katie needed to move fast. Slipping on her sandles Katie forgets she is in her PJ's and heads out the front door and down to her car. By time she is inside the rain is coming down pretty good and she is drenches. Geting in Katie can feel Jason's emotions calming but still running wild. Katie had to go to him...He couldent just sit there forever.

Starting her car Katie pulls out of the driveway and heads across town, making turn after turn, till finally she could feel the emotions of Jason stronger and slows keeping an eye open.

Finally Katie sees a figure on the side of the road and can make it out to be Jason. Pulling over to the side of the road Katie parks her car and gets out as the rain continues to fall soaking her pajams and hair. Going over to Jason Katie bends down on the ground next to Jason. Reaching out she touches his arm lightly.*

"J...?"

*Looking down at his knee Katie see the blood and reflex kicks in. Tearing off the bottom of her shirt she wets is alittle and than places it on top of the cut before looking back to Jason and seeing the pain in his eyes.

Gently Katie reachs out and wraps her arms around her friend. Offering herself to now be his shelter as he was hers. Katie contiuens to hold Jason gently swaying. Trying to offer as much comfort as she can.*

*Misty slowly turns her head to Kyle hearing his voice. Why she had come back inside the Pizza Box she wasnet sure. Had she hoped maybe Kyle would talk to her again she dident know. All she new is she was here now, and Kyle was in front of her talking.*

"I guess I did. The food was pretty good and the comapny wasent so bad eather."

*Misty looks away from Kyle again and looks out the window for a moment letting Kyle's question go unanswered for a little bit. Misty's mind still raced as she processed the question along with the other emotions she felt. She dident want to go, but she dident want to stay and Kyle seemed so adamint about making her feel better.

Letting out a small sigh Misty turns back to Kyle and trys to give a smile.*

"I'm a docture remeber? Pneumonia is pretty easy to cure is caught right away."

*Misty stands and grabs her purse.*

"I've never walked in the rain before other than to my car. That might feel nice. I can drive if you want."

*Misty felt strange about going somewhere with Kyle, she dident know him all that well but she new Jason new him and he seemed like an ok guy who was trying to cheer her up. Maybe this was the discration for new Misty needed. Being with friends was said to be the way to heal a broken heart, Misty could only hope it would heel fast. Though she new it was going to be a slow painful process.*

*Nate's eyes fly open as he hears the loud thump. Blinking for a moment he remembers where he is and gets to his feet as he hears Carson throw up.

Going into the kitchen Nate searches several cubords till he finds the cups. Grabing some water he heads into the bathroom givnig a light tap. Entering Nate flushes the tolite for Carson and than kneels down next to him holding out the glass.*

"Here, drink this it will help you feel a little better."

*Nate stays with Carson in the bathroom not saying much but just being there if he needed him. Nate wasent sure what to say or how to make him feel better all he could do was be there for his friend. God would plan the rest out. Slidng to the floor Nate cross his legs as he watches his friend with worry.*

Emotions

Scott sits for a long while in his office after Katie had left. His head resting on his hands on his desk, just thinking...praying...thinking. He felt leading...he felt this was right. He didn't know what the future held...and though he and Katie still shared a deep love for one another, he knew that this time around it would be different.

"What do you want from me, God? Where do I belong?"

Thinking about the future, Scott wondered if it really could work again. He wanted it to...but what if it didn't? What would he do then? Something deep down nudged his heart. Something deep down prompted the courage that God had given him. If he and Katie did in fact break up again...he would survive. It would be hard, and he certainly didn't want it to happen and wasn't planning on it happening. But if it did...he was confident that it would be God's leading this time. And if that were true, then he and Katie both would be taken care of.

It's late by the time he goes home, but for the first time in weeks, a smile is on his face.


Kyle looks up from the back as he hears the door again, and raises his eyebrows while returning the wave. He'd just seen Jason and Misty both leave. Odd. Cocking his head he just looks at Misty for several moments, contemplating his options.

He glances up at the clock. "Hey, Sue, we're not too busy, mind if I take off early?"

The assistant manager shrugs. "Whatever. Just clock out."

"Alright." Kyle undoes his apron and clocks out, grabbing his backpack and throwing his watch and leather bracelet back on. Heading out onto the dining area, he gives Misty a quirky smile and plops down in the seat across from her without even asking. He didn't know Misty all that well, but he couldn't stand anyone hurting. Many a time he'd gone out of his way to try and make someone smile, who maybe even had been a complete stranger. But Misty wasn't a stranger, and he'd already opened up a dialogue with her. "Decide you liked it in here or what?"

He glances out the window, then back at Misty, his grin remaining. "You know the park downtown with the fountain? You ever been out there at night in the rain?" He lets the implication linger. "If you're not afraid of pneumonia, we can go check it out."


Carson numbly follows Nate's directions, and staggers and trips his way up the stairs to his apartment, grabbing hold of Nate to keep from landing on the floor. By the time he's inside, he's become a bit pale, proving the liquor is doing a number on his insides.

Getting into bed, he groans and mumbles several sentences that don't make a bit of sense at all. His eyes closed, he seems to be asleep before Nate leaves.

Half an hour later though, a loud thud can be heard from Carson's bedroom, alerting anyone that he'd fallen out of bed. Not half a minute later, he's crawling across the floor to the bathroom, barely making it before he gets sick. Without having had any supper, too full of alcohol and wound up from his walk and the drive, his stomach revolts. Leaning over the toilet, he doesn't even know how many times he throws up or even what time of night it is. And he doesn't care. Nothing makes sense, and he's not even sure he knows where he is at the moment. All he knows is that he hurts in more ways than one.


All of a sudden, rampant emotions are released in rapid motion to the only one who could sense them. Scattered and patterned illogically, they prove the host is trying to keep them back…to keep them hidden, but there are too many and they are too strong to hide all. Like someone trying to plug a hole in the bottom of a boat with their hands, it simply can’t be done.

Another gear, another speed. Jason doesn’t care about the pain in his leg, or about the rain that falls from the sky like arrows, blurring his vision and creating hazardous driving conditions.

“My…my parents showed up unexpectedly yesterday.”

“Oh? You didn’t tell me that.”

“I didn’t…well…it wasn’t important.”

“So…what’s wrong then?”

“They…didn’t know I was engaged.”

“What? You said you told them months ago.”

“I…I didn’t.”

“Why?”

“I was scared…I didn’t want them to put a damper on things.”

“So you preferred to lie to me.”

“I’m sorry, okay? It was wrong of me to lie. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

Jason grits his teeth, shifting gears up again as bits and pieces of the conversation continue to play over in his mind.

“Look, Jason. I’ve done a lot of thinking… I’ve really searched my heart, and… I just don’t think this is going to work.”

“What? But…we… We have to try. I know it can work. I know we can do it. Just give us time to find a solution.”

“But…I don’t think we can. I’ve thought this thing through and…I think this is best…for both of us.”

“I don’t want to walk away, Cam…not like this. Just…we have a future…I thought you…I thought you wanted to be with me.”

His words had hit a brick wall. He changes lanes to speed around a slower vehicle on the highway.

“My parents are right…”

“Great. So first you don’t tell them about me, then when you do, you let them change your mind about us.”

“I’m sorry! But they are right. What kind of future do we really have, Jase? Love conquers a lot of things, but how can you possibly expect us to survive through all of this?”

The motorcycle continues it’s pace down the road, no destination in mind, other than to get as far away from his negative thoughts as possible.

“We agreed we could work around this!”

“I thought we could!”

“Then what changed?”

“…Look, what kind of life would we have? Whenever you going down, Katie has to come? You always having to watch what you do because you might hurt her feelings?”

“So that’s it, huh? You’re calling everything off because of Katie and me.”

“…that’s part of it.”

Jason passes another vehicle on the road, swerving around them just in time before an oncoming car speeds by. The rain increases, soaking the pavement.

“What else have you not told me?”

“It’s nothing I haven’t told you! I just…I got to thinking about things and…I love you, Jason. There’s no doubt of that. We’re just so different and…and this whole thing with Katie, and…my dad, he… Well he helped me realize some things. I…I jumped into this thing with you so fast. That’s the way I do things. I don’t think first. And then…you know my faith is important to me, but you show no desire to share it, and when I add all this up, it just…”

“So you didn’t think about any of this before you actually said you’d be my wife.”

“I’m sorry!”

The emotions run wild through Jason’s veins. They surge through him, intensifying with each second. He was angry, he was upset, he was hurt.

“I…I just…”

“Don’t say you’re sorry again.”

“But I am! I didn’t want this to happen…it just…I…I love you and…”

“Don’t say that either, because it’s obviously not true.”

“Can you have no understanding? Can you not see it from my angle?”

“Of course I can! I’m not good enough for you. And you got scared. You’re afraid and pessimistic, and apparently you would rather please your parents than anything else. If you want to walk away, go right ahead, because if this is how we’re gonna start out, then I hate to see us three years from now when you decide it’s just too hard.”

Jason squints through the rain. He’d been angry. He’d been harsh. He’d raised his voice. He had not offered any comfort for the tears streaming down Camryn’s face. He hadn’t wanted to listen. And he’d felt as though his heart had been ripped in two.

Alone on the road, the motorcycle’s speed increases. A curve comes up fast and Jason leans his weight to carry the bike through.

A flash of lightning envelopes the sky, blinding Jason for a moment. Blinking, he cringes at the thunder he can feel. Before he can react, an object is suddenly seen in the middle of the road. A tree limb had come down in the wind.

Too late, Jason has to swerve to avoid hitting the limb. But the road is slick, and it happens too fast. The bike goes down.

Sliding on the asphalt, sparks fly. Jason’s reflexes kick in and he throws himself away from the dangerous machine. For what feels like an eternity, it’s only seconds that pass.

The bike skids down the highway and off the side of the road, hitting the curb and flipping to roll into the ditch.

Jason’s body slides on the road, tearing his jeans and scraping his jacket. For a moment, he’s not sure which way is up or down as his momentum slows and he begins to roll off onto the shoulder.

Finally coming to a halt, he just lies dazed, making sure he’s still alive and can actually move. Testing out his muscles, he comes to the conclusion that amazingly enough, nothing is broken, though his knee had taken a bad hit, and he hurt in more places than one – his ribcage hurt and he could feel that his shoulder had hit hard too.

His mind halts for a brief moment as he concentrates on sitting up and taking off his helmet. The rain comes down in sheets, cooling his skin and soaking his clothes.

Jason looks down and winces as he draws his leg to the side revealing some blood that surrounded the tear in the knee of his jeans. Sighing, he remains sitting, totally drained, emotionally and physically. He didn’t even want to go see if his bike was okay. The crash was a perfect ending to his day…a perfect example of what was happening to his life.

He just sits. Unmoving. Apathetic. A car zooms by, spraying him with water, the driver not even noticing him. His boots are scuffed and wet and he doesn’t care, and doesn’t move. Finally he draws his knees up to his chest even though it hurts, and wraps his arms around his legs. Resting his forehead on his knees, he shuts out the world. Too tired of fighting, he just lets his emotions do what they will. Camryn’s words played through his mind. His own he heard again. And somewhere in the distance, he thought of Katie. She’d know what had happened…she’d be the only one who would know where he was. But instead of worrying about it, he just let it go. Whatever happened would happen. He couldn’t fight anymore.

Dead Man

*Katie cringes a little bit at the comment of another ring and can't help but feel bad. She hadent know Scott tossed it. But that comment told it all and it hurt. The feeling pass though as Scott kiss her and she returns it back. Letting him know through it just how happy she really was.

Maybe starting over would be a good thing. If they started from the beginning and on the right foot it might just work out this time. No ill feelings, no hidden feeling, Scott will know about her connection to Jason, it just might work.

Katie smiles up at Scott and gives him another hug. Pulling away Katie takes Scott's hand in her for a moment.*

"You let that pup know I owe her ice cream and you too."

*As Katie backs away she keeps her hand in Scott's and her eyes on him as long as she cant. Exstending her arm as far as it will go to hold his. Till finally she couldent any longer and she was out the door. A smile on her face she holds up her hand in an "I love you" sign and turns making her way back down the hall a smile on her face.

Katie felt good, she felt happy, she new things would be ok. She's never felt like this before about someone. This love she had for Scott was differnt than most and she liked it.*

*Giving Jason a little friendly hug Misty reasures him she will call if she needed anything and that she would see him tomarrow. Stands on the sidewalk watching Jason leave Misty lets the rain fall on her not minding one bit. In a way it felt good.

Walking to her car Misty is about to get in and go back to work when she stops turning back to the Pizza box. They were open for at least another hour and she really dident want to go back to work but she dident want to go home eather. Maybe the next hour she could kill here.

Opening the door to the pizza box again the little chime goes off making her presence known. Giving a wave to Kyle again Misty seats herself and just stairs at the table for a long moment and than out the window.*

*Nate gives alittle shake of his head as he listens to Carson. It made him upset and sad to see his friend like this, and to listen to his words. He new Carson was hurting because whether he said it or not He did love Misty.

Fixing his mirror after Carson hits it he lets out a sigh.*

"No your not Carson Banks, your just a dead man laying on a carpet. And you should be sad, because no one will ever be Misty."

*Pulling down Carson's street Nate goes a little ways and than pulls into Carson's apartment complex. Getting out of the car he goes over to Carson's side and helps him out saportng almost if not all of Carson's dead weaght. Finally getting him in the door and up the steps Nate makes it to the door which he finds open. Nate guess in Carson's state he forgot to lock it.

Getting Carson inside Nate dosent even try to give him some water knowing he isent coharent enough. Guilding him to the bed room Nate helps Carson down on the bed and takes his shoes off. Kneeling down next to him for a moment Nate says a silent prayer, and than pats Carson's shoulder.*

"If you need anything I'll be out on the coutch ok."

*Nate stands again and heads out into the living room leaving Carson's bedroom door open. Sitting down on the coutch Nate turns the tv on softly and watchs it. Than pulls out his phone to call Janit.*

"Hey Janit, I just wanted to let you know I wont be home tonight so if you could check on Maggie for me in the morning. No, no everything is ok. Just a friend needs me right now, and I dont want anything bad to happen. Yeah I am a softy I know. I'll probley be home sometime in the morning to get ready for work. Ok, ok thanks Janit."

*Nate hangs up his phone and turns the tv mute off. Watching it till finally sleep comes to him.*

My street

Scott lets silence rule for several moments as he tries to process everything. His whole world had come crashing down, and now he was faced with an opportunity to rebuild it. "Okay."

He leans his face into Katie's hand and closes his eyes for a second or two. "We'll start over." Opening his eyes, he sees her, and sees the love. No matter what the future held, he couldn't deny her now.

Cocking his head, he kisses her again with passion, pulling her close to him once more. Moving back a little, he gives her a wry grin. "Besides...I can't afford another ring right now anyway." Giving her cheek one last brush with the back of his hand, he finally releases her.

There was so much to say, so much to discuss...but right now, he just wanted to stop while he was ahead. He needed to think...needed to pray. "You should get going," he suggests quietly. "Tomorrow we can talk more."


Kyle smiles at Misty's order. "Mm, good choice." After taking Jason's order too, he take their menus and promises to be back.

The meal is fairly quiet. Jason doesn't force Misty to talk, though they do discuss work a little bit, and Kyle returns several times to crack jokes and make them laugh.

As the evening draws on, Jason finally gets ready to leave, knowing that Misty will probably head back to work. "I'll see you at work in the morning, alright?" He stops on the sidewalk outside just for a moment as it's still raining. "You need anything, don't forget you can call."

Taking his time, he goes to his truck. Just as he's starting the engine, his phone vibrates on his belt. Looking at it, he quirks an eyebrow. Camryn. "Hey, you, I'm just on my way home."

"Okay good. Can I meet you at your place?"

Jason's not sure he likes the tone of her voice. "Of course. What's up?"

"Nothing. Well...something, but...I... I just want to talk to you."

The hair on the back of Jason's neck bristles. "Okay...I'll be there in a few minutes."


Carson looks in disappointment as Nate empties the bottle, and gives a sigh. "Alwys gotta ruin my f'n.... dn't y'...."

Dumbly following Nate's lead, he has to lean heavily on the taller man to make it down the porch steps, almost falling once, and finding it funny. Staggering along, he's finally in Nate's car, but needs help with the seatbelt, unable to line up the buckle.

On their way, Carson leans his head against the window. "Sh' s'd it's ov'r...." He nods. "Yep....all ov'r an' done with an' th'ts it." He throws a hand in the air accidentally hitting the rearview mirror. "But I g't s'meone else anywy, so I sh'dn't be sad, nope." He shakes his head. "N' one c'n tell me whatta do, ya kn'w... 'cause I'm C'rs'n Banks."

He glances out the window, his eyes widening and he points. "Hey...this's....this's my street."

Friends

*Katie looks up at Scott searching his eyes. She did not want to hurt him, she did love him to much for that. But if Scott could understand, if they could work around this could it work.*

"I want to be happy Scotty, and I was when I was with you."

*Katie brings her hand to the side of Scott's face running a finger over his cheek and jaw.*

"I want to try again Scott, I want you. I made a horrable mistake and now, I am asking I am begging for a second chanse to make us both happy. "

*Katie continues to search Scott's eyes for his emotions. For what he was thinking and feeling.*

"There will be some things we need to work through but if your willing to try, than I want that. If you can understand, and trust me than I want us. I want to try again Scotty. I'd like us to start over at the beginning and try again."

*Misty gives a small jump as Kyle sits down next to her. She dident know him all that well and it saprised her that he would sit down, put his arm around let alone talk to her. Misty turns her head listing to Kyle, trying to keep stuff the rest of the tears stuffed away.

Listing to Kyle's kind words Misty is greatful and a little intreged by some of the things he said. Offering him a smile Misty gives a nod.*

"Thank you Kyle."

*Looking to Jason and than to Kyle again Misty lets out a small tired sigh. She was drained all the crying today but she dident want to sleep, she dident want to close her eyes, or be left in the darkness alone. Misty new she had some friends who cared and it felt good. But would it be enough to get her through this?*

"...I know I do have a few friends who care. Its comforting to know that."

*Looking down at her menu again Misty's smile slowly fades as everything goes quiet again. She wasent very hungry, but she new if she dident at least attempt to eat something Jason and Kyle now would probley get on her case.*

"I'll have a six inch salmi sub with everything and mayo and some french frys on the side."

*Misty closes her menu and hands it to Kyle.*

*Nate brings a hand to his head as he trys to make sence of what Carson is saying. Picking up bits and peaces he understands. For a moment a suddin anger rises inside of him at Carson but as soon as it rises it dies conserned for his friends state at the moment more than anything alse. Knowing drinking and a drepresstion for the situation was not a good combanation and is worryed Carson would make a stupid chose.

Looking down at the bottle in Carson's hand Nate reaches out and takes it knowing Carson wouldent have the energy to fight him. Turning the bottle over in the grass Nate dumps what is left out tossing the empty bottle in the trash. Than turning back to his friend he shakes his head.*

"Oh Carson...When will you learn huh?"

*Nate lets out a sigh and goes next to Carson slinging his arm around his neck and heading to his car.*

"Come on, lets get you home before someone calls the cops on you."

*Nate helps Carson into the car and than heads around to his own side getting in.*

Slurred explanation

Scott’s eyes close as he feels Katie’s hands. He had missed her so much…not just her touch, but her voice…her presence.

Finally he draws away enough he can see her face. Taking a gentle hand, he wipes away her tears.

“I don’t know what to do, Hero…is it possible to start again? Is it possible to start from the beginning?” He swallows hard, so unsure about the future…so unsure about his own decisions. He’d thought once he’d made the wrong choice…was this meant to be or was he just making a stupid move all over again? “I need to know what you really want.”


Kyle catches note of Misty’s tears and it dawns on him the only thing that could have happened. If there had been some accident or something, Jason would have said so. There was only one reason Misty would be crying after the mention of Carson, and Kyle felt terrible for bringing up his name, even if he hadn’t known. He simply nods at her request for water and leaves to go get the drinks.

Jason offers Misty a knowing smile. “I didn’t ask you to come so you’d be great company.” He leans back in the booth and sighs deeply, wishing he had some comforting words to say, but he was drawing a blank. Figuring it was best then to simply remain quiet, he does.

It’s a few minutes before Kyle returns with their drinks. Setting the glasses down, he turns, but then pauses a moment, glancing at Misty.

Thinking for just a second or two, he glances at Jason, then back to Misty before easing down in the booth next to her. He didn’t know everything…most of it was an assumption. But he knew he wasn’t on the wrong path with this one. He didn’t know the details, but he didn’t need to. He didn’t know who was to blame, but it didn’t matter.

As only Kyle could do, he reaches over and puts an arm around Misty to give her a gentle hug. “It’ll be okay,” he assures softly. “You got a circle of friends here who love ya and aren’t gonna let you stay out in the cold.”

He leans forward a little and cocks his head so he can see Misty’s face, the tears in her eyes not bothering him. “God has a plan for you, Misty, no matter what’s happening. He’s got you here for a reason even if you can’t see it, and if you trust in Him, He’s not going to let you down.”

Kyle knows that he’s talking in front of a man who doesn’t believe, and he’s not even sure if Misty does or not. But the conviction to say the words are heavy on his heart, and he won’t deny the Spirit’s leading. “If you ever need to talk or anything, me, Phil, Jen or Mike are always around, alright?”

He gives her another little squeeze before withdrawing and standing back up. “Alright…” He grins. “What’s for supper, you two?”


Carson’s eyes fly open and he gives a jolt, slow on the uptake that Nate is there. He blinks, just staring at him lamely for several moments, trying to understand the questions being asked of him.

He looks down like a little boy who knows he’s done something wrong, and fidgets with the bottle. “I’s j’st c’mn t’ see Misty ‘s all.” He takes another swig of whiskey, almost missing his mouth.

Drinking too quickly, he coughs and wipes his mouth with his sleeve, leaning his back up against the door and staring into nothingness, his eyes glazed over to prove the state he’s in.

“I did s’mth’n bad, Nate.” He nods emphatically. “Ch…cheat’d r’ght then, there w’th Velvttt, an’ Misty fnd ‘t.”

He stands up straighter, but sways unsteadily and goes back to leaning on the door. “’ts ovr, sh’ said… ‘vr f’r g’d an’ I think it’s th’ trth…”

He swipes at his stinging eyes.