Is it just me..

*Jamie stays in front of Jess so she is between and shielded by both herself and Carson just in case. Once everyone is in the car Jamie trys to help Wyatt keep the talk light knowing not only did Jess feel uncomfortable but Carson probley did too.*

*Jess is thankful that Carson said he would come along. She would of been ok going alone but just having someone alse there made her feel that much safer. Jess hadent known Carson long, and now she was seeing a differnt side of him, but she new one thing that showed true about Carson was if he said something he ment it. Jess had no doubt in her mind that if Peter showed up not only the two from the Elite would protect her but Carson would too.

Once inside the car and on the way Jess just looks out the window. A far off look in her eye as the scenery pass by. Her mind went to many places and dident stay for very long. Jess just couldent consintrate on one thing. She continued to second guess herself was she really going to be ok? Should she really have asked for these people's help?

Finally as they reach the TJY building Jess is thankful for Carson's help, not being able to do something on her own, or feeling weak was something Jess hasent experinced in a while. She swore she never would again but yet here she was.

As they enter the building Jess eyes rome the many people that were looking there way. She hadent the attachen, she hated the way she looked infront of them. She hated showing she was weak.

Moving closer to the room where she was told Rick would be Jess can't help but jump a mile high as the young man with the cruches calls Carson's names. She new she was safe in these walls there was a certin air, but the tone in his voice, the suddon call made her jump anyways.

Entering the room that looked to be the infermary Jess looks around till her eyes look to Rick and than to the floor. Taking a few steps back Jess just looks to the ground for a moment before letting out a shuttering sigh and than finally looking up. Mustering up the strangth to whisper though the hurt.*

"Hi, I'm Jess."

~*~A little while later~*~

*Misty cant help but let out another laugh at Kyle's antics as they pull into Mike's driveway. Kyle couldn't talk but that dident stop him from being funny. He still could get his jokes across just fine.

Getting out of the car Misty gives a wave to Phil as she shouts to them. Though she dident know the full storys seeing the photo book Misty felt alittle bit closer to her new friends and felt like she now fit a little bit better.

Heading inside Misty was happy that Kyle wanted her here it felt good. Her own spark and smile differnt from what once was normal was now good and true showing she was gonna be ok. Giving her greeting to everyone she finds a seat for Kyle and herself than turn to asking him a question only to forget it and let out a laugh as she see Katie go into a head lock.*

*Giving a playful struggle Katie gives Kyle a tiny wack.*

"Kyle, I'm warning you...Kyle."

*As Scott pips up and Kyle lets go of her, Katie cant help but smile and laugh.*

"Kyle Mitts your luck Scott holding me back here and...and....Jason too or I would of tickled you to death."

*Misty trys to hold in a laugh the best she can but a little slips out anyways. It was nice to see this interaction, to see this fun between friends.

After everyone is seated and the burgers are set on the table Misty turns a little to Kyle with a grin and whispers loudly.*

"Is it just me or does it feel like we just had hamburgers?!"

Lunch

Carson didn’t feel anywhere near comfortable going to TJY, but he’d implied the offer, and for Jess’ sake, he would. She needed help, and if him going along would be a part of that, then so be it. It was strange to see her like this…she had always been so strong. But what had happened could bring any woman down.

He finally nods. “I’ll go. If it’s okay with these two.”

Wyatt can sense Carson’s discomfort, and in a way, he doesn’t feel a bit sorry for him. He knew it would be awkward for Carson to come to TJY…his original offence that had gotten him fired had been bad enough, then the stunt he pulled with Misty was just icing on the cake. Though that one had been against Misty herself, the whole department knew about it, and there wasn’t one person at TJY who wouldn’t take Misty’s side. Wyatt only hoped that Carson’s actions now proved he genuinely cared and that he didn’t have an ulterior motive. “It’s fine by me.” He catches Jamie’s eye, and knows that she’ll be okay with it too, and also reads her own look to take their time. This was a delicate case that needed soft hands.

“I’ll, um…” Carson glances down, then back up again. “I’ll need to ride with you guys.”

Wyatt nods. “I know.”

Carson swallows hard. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think he was in a small town where everyone knew everything about everyone. Unfortunately for him, his working at Mom and Pop’s provided a direct line back to TJY through Aerith and Wyatt. “Okay. Just let me clear this with Herb and I’ll be ready to come.”

He steps closer to Jess, gently and cautiously laying a hand on her shoulder to let her know it was going to be okay. He’d seen so many women like her…so many times he’d seen that look of fear…that look of helplessness and smallness in their eyes. And almost every time…it had been him who had caused that damage. He could see it now…he could see what destruction that carelessness could make…what abusive behavior could make…what taking advantage of someone could cause. Jess was just one of many. And it was about time he started helping put lives back together instead of shattering them. If only he had realized these things sooner. He’d still be in a position at TJY where he actually could be put to use.

But now…now he had a chance nonetheless and it was worth any discomfort at being seen at TJY again.

Going over to Herb, he lets him know what’s going on and gets permission to leave for as long as needed.

Taking their time, the four are able to head back outside. Wyatt catches Aerith’s eye again and tosses her a wink, letting her know that they were still on for their date tonight, then holds the door open for the women.

Carson sits in the back with Jess, the ride to TJY quiet. Wyatt strikes up a little bit of small talk to try and keep things fairly light, and before they know it, they’re parking at the large factory building.

Getting out first, Carson gives Jess a hand out too, knowing that she must be pretty sore, and guides her too the door. He knew the route well and doesn’t miss a beat, going inside and down the elevator, not thinking about the fact that it might seem a little strange to Jess that he knew this place so well.

Keeping Jess close to him, Carson makes his way across the main floor, dodging the looks of surprise from others, and their eyes filled with questions. It was bad enough they were seeing him back here again – worse was the shape he was in to boot, not to mention, with a battered woman. At least Wyatt and Jamie were with them so no one thought he was involved with foul play.

Heading down the hall, Carson directs Jess to the infirmary. “Now, we’re gonna have Rick just make an official report of your condition,” he informs her quietly. “Then Wyatt and Jamie will talk to you more about pressing charges, alright?”

“Carson?”

Carson stops, seeing Jason come out of his office. He hesitates, not knowing quite how to act.

Jason studies Carson’s rough features, then eyes the woman with him. “What…”

“It’s okay, Jase.” Wyatt waves him off. “They’re with us.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow as he fidgets with his truck keys. “Ah…okay…”

Carson ducks his head and keeps on walking to the infirmary.

Rick looks up from his work as he hears the door open, and a look of surprise crosses his face at seeing Carson. “Wh….” Then he spots Jess and the others, and immediately realizes that it was this woman who was here to see him. He would have to save his questions until later.

A gentle smile spreads on his face and he approaches the woman slowly. “Well hello there. I’m Rick.”


Scott looks up from his desk and grins at Katie. “You know when you order me around it drives me crazy.” Chuckling, he gets up and grabs his keys. “Alright, this white rabbit is starving too, so lets get going. If I know Mike, he’ll have hamburgers waiting.”


Kyle laughs with Misty and heads outside, adjusting his sling and trying to get used to it. Though mid-morning by now, they still go to Burger King as promised, and even though lunch is waiting, Kyle doesn’t care, living up to his reputation of being able to pack it away.

Relaxing a while at the park, it’s then off to Mike’s, Kyle giving Misty directions as they go. As they reach the country house outside of town, Kyle spots the other vehicles. He gives Misty a sheepish grin and points, showing that even though this meeting was because of him, they’re the last ones to arrive.

Parking in the gravel drive, they’re met by some enthusiastic barking as Mike’s golden retriever comes bounding around the house. Kyle squats down to give her some loving, showing Misty that Lacey was friendly.

“Yo, Kyle, what’s taking you so long, Bro?!” Phil yells at him from the porch, giving a wave to Misty too. “Hurry up and get in here. Jen insisted we didn’t eat until you arrived and we’re starving!”

Kyle gives Misty a sidelong glance and cocks his head toward the house. The spark in his eye proved he enjoyed having her here and showing her where a good portion of his time was spent when not at work.

Getting into the house, though there’s only eight people, the kitchen seems a bit crowded before everyone gets seated. Kyle comes up behind Katie, swinging his good arm around her to put her in a teasing headlock, dragging her to the table.

“Hey, watch it, bud,” Scott warns good naturedly. “Don’t forget who you’re dragging around there.”

Kyle looks down at Katie, then to Scott, presenting a cheesy grin before letting his captive go. He holds up his hand in surrender, and gestures to Scott that he’s free to set Katie down at the table wherever he wants to.

Jason slaps Kyle upside the head. “You ought to know better than that.”

Kyle shrugs, then sees Jen and reaches down to ruffle up her hair, receiving the annoyed but amused look he was aiming for.

“Are we ever going to eat?!” Phil asks desperately.

Ready

*Jess looks away from Carson for a moment back at Jamie and than Wyatt trying her best to show at least a little bit of comfadence, though she dident feel much. She felt lower than low, and like she dident deserve this help, but they were hear and if something wasent done Peter would be back and this would happen again, and again.

Standing slowly Jess takes the plate so she can put it into the skin.*

"I..I think I would be safe going with them but Carson can you come too? I'd feel better having someone around I know. At least just...just to get me there."

*Jess sets her plate back down as she gets a cold chill and wraps her arms around herself. She hated feeling like this. It had been along time since this feeling had made itself present and now it was back just bring her down even more. Having a strong attatude portrayed to everyone was easy, but on the inside she new the truth. She wasent as strong as she played to be.*

*Jamie stands again and looks to Wyatt. Giving a nod and convaying they just needed to give Jess the time she needed. It was easy enough to tell Jess was hurt not only physicaly but emotionaly as well and it was better to go with the flow and not push.

Jess looked strong but in her eyes Jamie could see her falling apart.*

*Slowly Misty spys the photo album on the coutch picking it up and thumbing through it. As she pass over the pictures a smile crosses her lips.

Trying to peace together in her mind who the people where, and where the storys lied. Going over the smiles, and the sadness in the eyes of the Mitts to the smiles again.

The coming and going of faces of people fills small gaps in Misty's mind as to who these people were and what might of happend.

As Misty comes to the more present and see Katie and Jason another smile forms on her face. Misty was never one to have many friends, let alone have a photo album filled with them so it was nice to see through others what it was like.

Letting out a small sigh Misty puts the photo book down again and starts to think a little bit. The picturs had braught up questions but answered many as well. Misty wondered if one day she would know the whole story but if not the pics had satisfied her cureosity.

As Kyle enters the livingroom Misty watches him intently not offering help yet. Seeing him eventuly tie his shoe she makes a claping motion with her hands and giving a crooked grin.

Standing Misty gives a small shake of her head and grabs her keys from her purse.*

"Lets blow this popcicle stand. We've got food to eat, and something something something?"

*Misty laughs at her stupitidy and she heads out the door.*

*Katie sits at her desk and taps her pencile impashently. 20 min seemed like a million hours when she dident know what was going to happen at the band meeting.

Finally as the clock ticks another minute Katie jumps up from her desk and hurrys to Scott's office peeking her head in.*

"Twenty minutes is up, you me, food now, lets go slow poke."

*Katie cant help her grin as she enters Scott's office and leans aganst the wall.*

Pictures

Scott smirks and waves Katie away. "I would finish up here if some redhead didn't insist on distracting me." He tries to hide his grin, but can't, and tosses Katie a wink. "Be back here in twenty minutes. I'll drive."


Wyatt's heart goes out to Jess as he sees her and hears her talk. She had obviously had a rough time for a while before this...perhaps this was just the straw that had broken the camel's back. Either way, she was scared to death, and it made Wyatt feel even worse. This is why he hated these cases. He always felt as though he wanted to go find the man and beat him to a pulp so he could get a taste of what it felt like.

Containing a sigh, he waits patiently, glad that he had brought Jamie with him. Catching Jess' look at Carson, Wyatt himself eyes Carson for just a moment, silently questioning him.

Carson catches his look and knows good and well that it was asking him if this was another one of his women. His first reaction is defensive, but logic reminds him that quite frankly it was a fair question. He'd made his own reputation and Wyatt wasn't stupid. Relenting, he shakes his head slightly. No, Jess was just a friend.

Wyatt receives his answer and is satisfied that it's an honest one.

Carson sees Jess look at him and gives her a reassuring nod and small smile. "It's alright, Jess. you can trust these guys. Believe me...I know." Jamie's comment about the past had hit him a little harder than he would have liked...he wondered if Jess knew what his own past was, if she'd even trust him.

He cocks his head a little. "You feel okay going with them by yourself?"


On his way to the bathroom, Kyle hears Misty's comment, and comes back, sticking his head back out of the hallway. He opens his mouth, but then decides better of it, and clamps it shut again, just shaking his head and rolling his eyes. Waving her off, he turns back around to trudge to the bathroom and a shower.

It takes longer than Kyle likes, maneuvering with the use of just one hand. It wasn't as easy as it might seem, and just getting dried off after his shower was a task in itself.


On the living room couch, lies an open photo album. One might believe that after Kyle’s accident, Phil had taken time to reflect. Or one might discover Jen had been there and she was the one prone to reflecting during the hard times.

The thick album starts with family photos of the Mitts family. Phil could have been no older than seven, and Kyle and Jen about five. There were pictures of birthday parties and vacations, the family full of smiles. Dad, Mom and the three kids. Older couples appeared as well, obviously grandparents.

In one frame, Kyle and Jen stare up at the camera, beaming as they’re decked out, ready for a Karate lesson. Another pictures shows Phil with another boy who looks about his age, and from the way they have their arms slung over their shoulders, one would guess they were best friends.

The ages grow older as slowly the years pass. Fewer birthday parties, but just as many smiles. Kyle and Jen appear together often, obviously as close as twins might be.

Photos of Jen show her gymnastic activities, while others show Phil and Kyle starting their interest in music with instruments, and what looked like a garage band. Phil’s best friend was often present in those photos.

As the years go by, graduation pictures show Phil out of high school with smiling parents and a teasing younger brother.

Then changes start to take place. The pictures are still many, but Phil appears less, and eventually one shows how much he had changed, his smile had faded, and he was thin, his eyes dim. Though having a silly brother by his side, the life was no longer contagious.

More graduation pictures, this time of Kyle and Jen both, the celebration a grand one. Now only one set of grandparents appeared, though others who looked to be family members showed up every once in a while.

Then the smile on Phil’s face returns as if something had been overcome and the life was back. Mike starts to appear in many photos, and some pictures show the three guys together with their instruments as JetStream is born. A woman is there too, often linking arms or hands with Mike, wedding bands appearing on their hands. Another young man is there as well, appearing with JetStream – one might figure out that he had been their lead singer.

Kyle can be no more than sixteen, when suddenly their father no longer appears in the photos. Family pictures are taken, but he is absent. And for a while, something in Kyle has now changed. The smiles are forced…the laughter caught on film no longer there. Gradually though, the spark returns, proving again, changes in life.

Happy photos show Mike together with his wife and baby along with the band. Jen doting on the baby girl, the guys just being guys.

Then suddenly Mike is alone. His little family is absent, never to return to the album, and his wedding ring disappears.

A new man appears, and wedding pictures are taken of the Mitts’ mother and her new husband. The smiles indicate that all love him and accept them as their step father.

Kyle is constantly involved in antics caught on camera, Phil often joined right in, while Jen is either trying to pry them apart, or laughing on the sidelines.

As the album comes to it’s end, Jen appears in her wheelchair, evidence of an accident. Now there are fewer family pictures and more of JetStream. Jason appears…Katie appears, and in a more recent picture, Scott is even present.

The last photo in the album is a black and white one of Kyle, Phil and Jen together at the beach, just the three of them, probably three years ago. And that picture in itself portrays the very closeness that the family still relies on.


Kyle trudges back down the hallway, trying to pull on his tennis shoes as he walks, and not having a very easy time of it. His hair is still wet, and his cologne is fresh.

Flopping down in a living room chair, he attempts to lean down and tie his shoes, but with one hand, it seems impossible. Quirking an eyebrow, he glances up to Misty, then back down at the shoe. Slipping it back off, he sets it on his lap and ties a knot with one hand and his teeth. Satisfied, he then shoves his foot into the already-tied shoe. Looking up with pride, he shines his knuckles on his shirt, the look in his eye, saying that he shall not be outwitted by a shoe.

Grinning, he does the same with the other shoe until he’s ready to go. Managing a whisper, he cocks his head at the door. “Alright, are we going to get out of here or what?”

For once

*Katie gives Scott a strong Nod.*

"Chinese tomarrow, you got it. Now finish up here so we can do and my stomach wont eat itself."

*Katie laughs and sticks her toung out at Scott. She really apresheated that Scott was trying his best. She new it was hard, but it was nice seeing him try. It really proved he did care. and thats all Katie could ask for.*

*Jess forms the best smile she can as Carson sets the plate down in front of her. Softly mouthing the words.*

"Thank you."

*Slowling picking up the fork with a trembaling hand Jess picks up some eggs and eats them. They almost melt in her mouth and than taking a sip of the OJ the pain for a moment is forgotten. Jess hadent lived all that good in the last few years and this simple meal to her was fit for a king. As she eats more and more she relized just how hungry she was an starts to eat a bit faster pushing the pain away as the meal tasted so good.

As Carson leaves and than comes back in with Jamie and Wyatt she quickly puts the fork done and stops eating. Jess had never been one to be scaired of anyone but after what happend the other night she couldent help but be skidish and jumpy.

Looking from Carson to Jamie and than to Wyatt she trys to calm her nerves.*

"Maybe...maybe I shouldent have called. I..."

*Jamie feels her heart go out to the woman the sat in front of her. She was pretty skinne and look like she was in bad shape. The bruses, the cuts and the look in Jess eyes telling there own story.

Slowly steping closer to Jess Jamie bends down to be on eye level with her and offers a friendly smile.*

"No, you did the right thing in calling. What happend to you isn't right and it shouldent happen again. We will do our best not to let it happen again. It was Wyatt here's dad you talked to on the phone, and Wyatt asked me to come along because at one point in time, I got roughed up pretty bad too. So I understand how you feel and I hope that you can trust me, and let us try to help. you."

*Jess looks at Jamie wearly and studys her face for a moment as her gaze goes to the scar on Jamie's face. Maybe this woman in front of her did understand and maybe not, but not Jess was still having second throughts. Replying everything in her mind she hated having to explain this to people. It felt strange and it wasent that Jess was scaired but more like she felt hurt, and shamed. She was always made herself the strong one and now this happend and she wasent strong enough. Did she not deserve this like Jamie had said? Or was the just the price she had to pay for the past.*

"I...I can come with you. But I can't talk to much it kind of hurts at the moment."

*Jess eyes drift back to Carson. Trying to find comfort in him that things would be ok, and that these strangers indeed would be willing to help her.*

*Entering the apartment Misty smiles and gives a nod.*

"If you need any help give a yell. I am a dr after all so its not like its going to faze me or anything."

*Misty cant help but giggle as a grin plays on her lips her joking air showing. Heading into the living room she sits down on the coutch and flips the tv on to wait for Kyle to return.*