Gift

Jason leans against a tree to catch his breath after hiking up a steep slope. “Katie, why did you have to go so far?” he pants.

Feeling his muscles starting to go weak, and slightly dizzy, he reaches in his pocket for the bottle of sugar pills. Thank goodness for Misty.

Regaining some strength, he pushes off the tree, standing for a moment with his eyes closed. Ignoring everything else around him, he groped for any sign that he was closer to his target. It was still so faint…she had truly shut him off almost completely. But it was there…and ever-so-slightly stronger. He was still heading the right way. It would be hard to tell when he was near. He didn’t know how strong it would feel once he could see her, since she’d never done this before.

Trudging on, his feet felt heavy, his boots caked with mud. Though the rain had stopped sometime in the night, the trail was left slick, and he continually had to grab onto tree branches or rocks to keep from sliding or falling.

Reaching a small clearing, Jason sheds his backpack, stopping to catch his breath once more. It was a cold morning, and he could see his breath as steam against the air.

Setting his hands on his hips, he looks up to the morning sky. Clouds rolled by, each one painted with brilliant pink and gold. The sun was just over the horizon, not having yet shown itself. Even the most unobservant person would notice this beautiful scene.

Jason lets his mind wander for a few minutes, contemplating where he was and what he was doing. What was he really doing anyway? Con was right…this was about more than just seeing if Katie was okay. Going through with this proved what he’d been avoiding all along… His feelings for Katie ran deeper than friendship. He knew that Katie had felt it not all that long ago when she’d pressured him about it. But the fact that he’d denied it, made it seem less real.

Could he really just let go for once? Could he forget about the past enough to move on and show Katie what he really wanted to? The thought really was something he feared… But maybe Con was right about that too… maybe he really was holding himself back by not moving forward and getting back on his feet again.

He sighs, still feeling the battle within him. Perhaps it was time…perhaps this wasn’t a mere chance happening. Whether Katie was hurt or not… maybe this had been the wakeup call he’d needed. He missed Katie…he missed their connection, and he missed just seeing her, even though it had only been a couple days. He couldn’t deny those feelings… And maybe it was time he let go of the past. Maybe it was time he started being the man he was supposed to be, and quit with the lame excuses, and childish behavior. That wasn’t who he was…and he knew it.

Giving one last glance to the sky, Jason suddenly wonders if there really was a God up there, looking down on him. Was this really chance and fate, or was this something that had been planned?

Shaking his head, Jason moves on. He couldn’t waste any more time…

…Jason can feel the pull strengthening as he reaches the small plateau near the cave. It was still faint…but he knew he was close. Coming out from the stand of trees, his eyes scan the area. Mid-morning, the sun was warm, but at this height, the air was still cool. Seeing nothing, his heart sinks again. How far had Katie gone? Was this searching useless? Had his feelings really led him in the right direction?

He almost heads off to the north trail, when suddenly his eyes catch sight of a figure sitting at the edge of the cliff. His heart leaps into his throat. Though slow and cautious, Jason makes his way closer, close enough that he could see Katie was crying. The scene tore at his heart.

He’d known Katie had been working through a lot, and had known that her coming here had probably just been her way of getting away from people to clear her head. But maybe Jason hadn’t been sensitive enough… perhaps he hadn’t seen just how hard a time she was going through… and maybe he had been a little calloused.

Jason tries to be quiet as he approaches, looking at Katie intently to see if he could tell whether or not she was hurt. He could see she wasn’t in the best of shape. What had happened? Had she fallen? Run into an animal? Worse?

Setting his backpack down quietly, Jason comes up behind Katie cautiously. He didn’t want to scare her, but didn’t want to barge in on her time either. Would she even want him here? Should he just wait and see that she was okay, then leave without talking to her? He didn’t want to do that, but if that’s what she would prefer…

Walking a little further, he began to hear Katie’s words, and stops, listening to her heart being laid bare. Her words of Scott made a lump rise in his throat. Her words about her feelings for him make it even harder to control the emotions surrounding his own heart.

He really had done a good job of making her feel badly…perhaps unwanted. This whole thing was partly his fault. Losing Scott wasn’t, but her misery was. She really had believed he would never return love to her. And maybe before today, that had been true. But he couldn’t keep going like this…he couldn’t keep things as they were. It wasn’t fair…it wasn’t right… for either of them.

Swallowing hard, he walks closer, fingering the object he’d brought from his pack. His shadow makes its way up beside Katie, and he knew that she’d see it and know someone was there. Come on, Katie… Her crying broke his heart. Feel me here…open up…please…

Kneeling down behind her, Jason simply reaches a hand around her to reveal his gift. He had no words to say. He didn’t know what to say. His emotions were pounding at the door with nowhere to go. The red rose was the only thing he had to give.


Already showered and dressed, Bret stands at the little stove of the hotel suite. It had enough amenities one could live here if they wanted to.

Stirring up the bacon in the pan, it sent a sizzle through the kitchenette, the smell of breakfast wafting on the air.

Setting several strips of bacon on the plate next to the eggs, and pouring a small glass of orange juice, he sets it all on a little tray. Finishing it off with a white rose, on the side, Bret makes his way to the bedroom, pushing the door open with his foot.

Entering, he walks quietly to the bed, setting the tray down on the table and easing down next to Charlotte. Just watching her sleep for a moment, a smile spreads on his face. He reaches down to softly move a strand of hair from her face before leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“Hey,” he whispers. “How would Mrs. Parker like some breakfast?”

*Rosetta rolls over and mumbles again as there is a knock at the door and Mick answers it. Opening her eyes just a little she strains to listen in the dark to what was said. Finally as Mick comes back into the bedroom again Rosetta sleepily talks.*

"Was that Jason I herd? Now whats going on?"

*Finally reaching the cave it is nearly dawn. Feeling over exhausted Katie's muscles hurt and her head is pounding. If she didn't get sick from this than she would believe she was invincible. Finding a nice dry spot Katie sits down and leans her head against the wall and finally falls asleep.*

And when the rain is gone the sun comes out. The clouds roll away and the light can be seen. Sometimes it takes long than other and sometimes its not so long. Depending on the day will depend what is written. But sooner or later the sun will come, the light will break through the darkness can't linger forever.

*Katie wakes as the sun peeks through the cracks the sun felt worm on her skin. Slowly standing Katie eaks all over from the position she was sleeping. Walking it off Katie leave to the cave and starts to walk twords the edge. Getting half way there Katie stops as her mind starts to play memories of Scott and her. The tears slowly show themself.

Slowly Katie walks to the edge of the cliff and sits down her tears still coming. It was time....It was time to let go.*

At times life is wicked and I just can't see the light
A silver lining sometimes isn't enough
To make some wrongs seem right
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"Scott, I miss you like no other. Even if we were ending it again I new this time we would of been friends and you would of been ok. We were through a lot you and I. Maybe not like most people but still it was alot."

*Katie swings her legs absintmindedly as she is quiet for a moment. Collecting her memories as the tears still fall.*

At times life's unfair and you know it's plain to see
Hey God I know I'm just a dot in this world
Have you forgot about me?
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"I'm ready to move on now Scott. I'm ready to let you go and let you be at peace. Even if that means I have to walk alone for a while. I'm sorry that I in a sence cheated on you as well. I had feelings like you said for someone who would never love me back. But like you also said I guess you can't help who your heart belongs to. I'll be ok, and hopefuly move on from that as well sooner or later and just try and look at Jason and I as friends. Its gonna be hard but I'v got to try right."

*Katie lets out a long sigh more memories of Scott make there way through and a few of Jason as well. She had to move on, she'd be ok.*

Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"GoodBye Scott, I'll see you again one day. Stop worrying too, Domino is in good hands."

*Katie can't help the small smile that slips through her tears. It felt as though a waght had been lifted. One of a few, so she felt a little lighter now.*

Right way

“You realize that this is totally illegal.”

Jason looks out through the rain, seeing the road below. “You realize by obeying my orders, you’d get in trouble with me, yet you’re doing it anyway.”

Ben grins. “I sure do. See anybody coming?”

“Nope. It’s a quiet road – anybody out here this time of night, and in this weather is crazy anyway.”

“Alright. Hang on.”

The plane circles around, the area and Jason can make out the lights of the ranch. It was the middle of the night, and obviously, no one would be up. But he wasn’t sorry about waking someone up. This was important enough.

His stomach does a flipflop as the plane starts to descend. It never failed.

The plane hits the ground with a lurch, the pilot skillfully keeping it straight as they head down the center of the road. Slowing down, they pass the sign to the ranch before coming to a stop.

“Sorry. Misjudged that one.”

Jason looks to Ben and rolls his eyes. “Yeah. You did a terrible job. Now I have to walk, what…. A few hundred feet?”

Ben grins. “TJY Airlines at your service. Now get out before some poor car comes along and we get called in.”

“Right.” Jason gets up from the seat and heads to the back. “Thanks, Ben!”

Within minutes, he’s walking in the rain. He was glad he’d brought a baseball cap to at least keep the rain from hitting his face directly, but it was still cold. Pulling his jacket tighter, he bends against the weather, heading up the driveway.


Mick’s eyes fly open as a roll of thunder passes, followed by a knock at the door. “Since when does thunder stop on our doorstep?”

He sighs and sits up. “I’ll go see who it is,” he speaks quietly. Pulling on a pair of jeans, he finds his handgun, sticking it in the back. At this time of night, he didn’t trust anything.

He goes cautiously to the front door, resting his hand on the knob. “Who is it?”

“Jason.”

Mick’s eyebrows raise and he immediately opens the door, ushering Jason inside. “What on earth…”

“I came to look for Katie,” Jason explains lamely.

Mick sees his boots and backpack, and gives a nod. It looked like it. “How on earth did you get here so quickly?”

“Uh…” Jason can’t help a crooked grin. “Did you know your road makes a perfect runway?”

Mick rolls his eyes. “Great. Well now what? You really think something is wrong?”

“I don’t know. But I figure better safe than sorry, right?”

“I suppose. You want someone to go with you?”

Jason shakes his head. “No. I’ll go alone. I got my phone if I need help, and if everything is fine, there’s no need to take anyone else along.”

“How you gonna find her?”

“I don’t know.” Jason shrugs. “But I gotta try. I just wanted you to know that I was here and looking for her. Don’t spread the word though. I don’t want to stir up worry, especially if everything is just fine.”

Mick gives a tired nod. “Alright. Whatever. Give a call if you need something, and be careful. It gets mighty slippery out there.”

“Yeah, thanks, Mick.” Turning back around, Jason heads out into the rain once more. He’d tossed around the idea of asking to take a horse, but the ground was too unstable, and that would be unwise. On foot it would have to be. At least for now, his knee was holding up.


Mick stands in the doorway for a few minutes, watching Jason disappear into the dark. Whether the man admitted it or not, his actions proved he did care for Katie deeply. Mick could only hope that Katie really was alright…he couldn’t worry until he heard otherwise.


Jason slips and slides up the back trail, not even sure where he was heading, but up. He stops again, reaching down deep for any feelings….that faint pull had to be there somewhere… otherwise he’d be dead by now.

There…Jason almost cringes…. There it was… so faint. He walks a while longer, ignoring the time, ignoring the rain. It had subsided a bit, though the trail was left dangerous. An hour later, he stops again, digging down deep and trying to sense anything. It was stronger. Not much, but he could feel it. He was going the right way.

Love

*Hearing the phone ring herself Rosetta rolls over her eyes slowly opening. Why was the phone ringing now? She'd finally gotten BJ to bed after being scaired by the thunder and lighting and now the phone was ringing and could wake him up again.

As Rosetta hears Mick talking a little of her own consern shows through. Proping herself up on her elbows she listens to the one side of the conversation and gathers what is going on. Once the conversation is over Rosetta falls back on the pillow holding Mick's hand as he draps it over her.*

"Everything ok?"

*Rosetta lets out a tired sigh. Even though Katie new is out there well it still worryed her to think she was out there for so long and in weather like this. Gaining a small smile Rosetta rolls over and wraps her arm around Mick.*

"You know, you use to worry about me too before we ever dated. Do you remember why? I think its kind of the same thing with Katie and Jason."

*Rosetta can't help but nuzzle her face into Mick as she closes her eyes and trys to let the rain drift her back to sleep.*

*Jamie lets out a groggy grumble as Con gets out of bed. Rolling over to see him she squints in the dark.*

"Give him a swift kick for me too I was comfortable."

*Jamie can't help the tired smile on her face anyways and leans up to give Con a kiss.*

"Be safe and hurry back."

*Once Con is gone Jamie shakes her head and rolls over closing her eyes and trying to fall back to sleep though it wasnt easy now that she was up.

Minutes pass and Jamie finally falls asleep only to wake up again as Con gets into bed. She didn't mind though knowing he was home and back in bed was a good feeling. Bringing her hand to Con's arm Jamie gives it a squeeze.*

"I love you too."

*Finally standing from the ground after getting caked in dirt and wet from rain Katie stands. Panting Katie trys to catch her breath still quite shaken from what had happend. Gathering her things again Katie slings them over her back. Starting up the moutain again Katie take it slower and it more carfel. If she was luck she would reach the cave by Morning and clean up a bit in the stream.*

Wakeup Calls

Jason’s eyes fly open and he sits bolt upright on the couch. The tv was still droning, casting an eerie light through the living room. But it wasn’t the sound or light from the latenight movie that had woken him. It had been something else. Something bigger. Something worse.

His heart still races, a bead of sweat running down the side of his face. For a split second, once more, the connection between him and Katie had been released. Like a dam had been opened. But again, it had been shut tight. Except this time…this time it was different, and it scared him.

Not only had Jason’s emotions flowed for a moment, but he’d felt something as well. It hadn’t been a direct communication. It hadn’t been a pointed effort at telling Jason something. It had been one big ball of negative emotion, hurled up the emotional current like a comet.

There was no language… no message. Just…emotion. Fear? Hurt? Pain? Panic? Whatever it was, sent chills down Jason’s spine. Something was wrong.

Reaching for his phone, it takes Jason a minute or two to find the number he wants, but finally sees it.


Mick gives a jump as the bedside phone rings. Squinting in the dark, it takes him a minute to figure out that it really was the phone ringing. It felt like he’d just gotten to bed… oh… he really had just gotten to bed. But he’d been out like a light.

Rolling over, he accidentally whacks Rosetta on the head with his elbow, and cringes as the tingle goes up his funny bone. “Mm – sorry,” he mumbles.

Finally grabbing the receiver, he tries to clear his head. “Yeah, hello?”

“Mick?”

“Yes. Who is this?”

“Jason…Stevenson. Sorry, bad timing?”

Mick pulls himself up a little, propped up on his elbow. “Um… that depends on how you look at it. What’s up?”

“I, um…well, has Katie come back yet?”

“No…why?”

“I don’t know, I just… have you heard from her at all?”

Mick quirks an eyebrow, and glances over to Rosetta. “No…but we weren’t too worried. It’s been raining pretty good here, but she knows this place like the back of her hand.”

“Yeah, I know.”

There’s a pause, and Mick waits. “Jason…What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. I just got a funny feeling was all… So you don’t know where she went?”

“No. We just assumed she went up on the mountain…it’s her favorite spot. It seems logical. She could be a million and one places up there though. Do you think we need to do anything?”

“Like you said, she could be anywhere. It would take forever to find her. I guess….no….maybe it’s just me.”

“Get some rest, Jase. Quit worrying.”

“Yeah. Thanks. Sorry to bother you, Mick.”

“No bother. Talk to you later.” Mick hangs up the phone, sighs and rolls over again, burying his head in his pillow, while letting his arm flop back over Rosetta again. “For a guy who isn’t her boyfriend…” he mumbles, “…he sure worries like one.”


Jason hangs up his phone, but he can’t shake the lingering feeling he had. Maybe it really was just his imagination though. But…it had been such a strong feeling…one that had really set him off. He could have told Mick that someone needed to go look for Katie… but where would they go? It was pointless. Katie could be anywhere. They wouldn’t be able to find her, especially if she didn’t want to be found, not to mention in the rain, they wouldn’t be able to find any traces of her trail or where she’d been.

Maybe Mick was right. Maybe it was nothing, and he just needed to quit worrying.

Unable to sit still on the couch, he finally picks up the phone again.


Lying on his left side, Con’s good ear picks up the sound of the bedroom phone. He was tired enough that he was tempted to just take the thing off the hook for the rest of the night.

Not wanting Jamie to have to answer it though, he reaches over her to get it, keeping her curled in front of him, too comfortable to move. He brings the receiver to his ear. “What.”

Jason cringes. “You in bed already?”

Con rolls his eyes. “Jason… what on earth do you want?”

“Sorry. I didn’t think you’d be in bed yet.”

“It was a long day. I’d like it to be a long night too, so say it fast.”

“Well I just… it’s a long shot, cuz I know she left her phone behind, but like, you haven’t heard from Katie or anything, right?”

Con finally opens his eyes. “No, why?”

“I just got the feeling something was wrong.”

“Did you call the ranch?”

“Yeah, Mick said I just needed to quit worrying.”

“You think he’s right?”

“I don’t know.”

Con sighs. “Jason…you and Katie have sixth senses about each other. If you think something is wrong, don’t you think you should trust it? Why don’t you have someone from the ranch go look for her?”

“’Cause no one would be able to find her like that. Too many variables. They don’t know where she went, and on top of it, Mick said they’ve been getting rain. All anybody would be doing, would be putting themselves at risk.”

Con keeps his groggy eyes open. “Then why don’t you go?”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Well who says I could find her?” Jason argues.

Too annoyed at the hour, Con’s voice reflects no emotion. “You have a connection with her.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Use it.”

“It doesn’t work that way!” Jason gives a frustrated sigh. “Everybody thinks they got it figured out, but they don’t. Katie can find me – I can’t find her. Well… not really.”

“You did once though.”

“Yeah, and I took a crazy ride around town, trying to pinpoint her. I can’t do that on the side of a mountain, not to mention, she’s shut me out, Con. I can barely feel a thing.”

A small bit of worry forms in Con. He didn’t like the idea of Katie being out alone and in trouble. Jason was right though, that anyone from the ranch going to look for her would pretty much be pointless. Any search and rescue team would agree. “Well what other options do you have, than going yourself? No matter how little you can feel her, it’s more than anyone else. You’re the best bet to find her.”

“I…I can’t.”

“Why? What now?”

“It would just be… I mean…. She could be perfectly fine. Then there would be no reason for me to go, and I’d just upset her all over again and…”

Con’s eyebrows lift. “And what? At least you’d know she was okay! If she gets mad someone looks for her, then I think she’ll get over it.”

“But it’s…” Jason groans. “It’s more complicated than that. I just don’t want her to think…”

“What? That you love her?”

“Con!”

Con shakes his head. “Look. You know as well as I do, that the reason you’re sitting on your butt is because you don’t want to face your feelings for Katie.”

“That is…”

“So just don’t go.” Con cuts him off. “Let her stay up there. Keep worrying, and keep bugging people about it.” Without waiting for a response, Con hangs up the phone, bringing his arm back around Jamie to pull her even closer.

He heaves a sigh and just wants to go back to sleep. But now his conscience wouldn’t let him. It’s several minutes before he gives a groan and rolls over. “This is ridiculous,” he grumbles. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he gropes for his jeans. “No one is ever going to get any rest until he gets his head on straight.” Standing up, he pulls on a t-shirt, hoping it’s on the right way around, unable to see it in the dark.

He reaches over to give Jamie a light pat. “Sorry. I have to go do something about that moron before I go crazy. It won’t take me long. Keep the bed warm.”


Jason hangs up the phone with frustration. Why was everybody laying into him? First Misty, now Con! Could no one keep their noses out of his personal life? Could no one quit trying to pry these feelings from him?

He stands up, pacing the living room. One minute, he was ready to go, the next, he wasn’t. If he went, and Katie was perfectly fine, then she’d just think he’d invaded her space, and would probably get upset that she couldn’t even spend a little time alone. Jason knew if it were him, he’d probably wonder if privacy even existed anymore. She had a right to do what she wanted, and was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Besides all that, if she’d really been in danger, wouldn’t she have kept the connection open? Or asked for help?

Jason keeps pacing. But what if she couldn’t? He didn’t know how this thing really worked… what if she was really hurt, and lying somewhere unconscious, unable to send him a message? Would their connection automatically open if she passed out, or did it have to be a manual thing? He wasn’t close enough to an answer to be sure that Katie wasn’t hurt…that she wasn’t in need of help…


“Jason!” A fist pounds on his front door. “Open the door.”

Jason’s eyes widen at the tone in Con’s voice. Great. He’d made his friend mad. Now what?

He goes to the door and cautiously opens it, letting Con inside. “What?”

Con sets his hands on his hips. “You know what. I’m tired of watching you play these little games. Get your jacket. You’re going to find Katie.”

“But I told you why I can’t!” Jason throws up his arms. “Sorry, but your trip was wasted. I gave you good reasons why I shouldn’t go to Texas.”

“I don’t care!” Con shakes his head. “This isn’t about Katie’s physical condition, and you know it. It wasn’t all that long ago, you would have dropped everything and run, not caring about what she thought when you got there. Who gives a rip if she’s perfectly fine and gets upset? At least you would have cared enough to check on her.”

“But I don’t want her to think I’m invading her space!”

“No, you don’t want her to think that you actually care.” Con crosses his arms. “Get over it, Hotshot.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” Con shakes his head, unwilling to back down. “Do you love her?”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Why does everybody keep asking me that?”

“Because we’re waiting for you to be honest for once! Everybody knows the answer, but you’re not willing to give it!”

Jason starts to glare at him. “Just drop it. You don’t understand.”

“I understand that you’re scared,” Con states flatly. “You’re scared of being vulnerable and getting hurt again. You’re scared that you’ll hurt Katie again. You’re probably a little scared that you’ll end up like your own father and do something stupid.”

Jason takes a step back, his emotions spiking. “That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair? That I know you so well?” Con shakes his head again. “You’re like a little kid learning to walk, Jase. You got up once, and fell down. You got up a second time and fell down again. So now instead of trying it again, you’ve decided to stay on all fours and crawl the rest of your life because it’s safer. You know good and well you’d be better off on your feet and walking, but you’re sacrificing that freedom just so you don’t get hurt.”

Jason’s anger boils. The truth was painful. “That…”

Con doesn’t let him interrupt. “Fear is no excuse. You think I wasn’t scared to marry Jamie? I was terrified! I’m still scared that I’ll go and screw something up! But I’m not going to allow it to ruin my life. Sure, a ton of things could go wrong. But I’m not going to let that stop me from enjoying the freedom of being with the one I love. Living in fear is no way to live at all.”

He pauses, searching his friend’s eyes. “You know that song? Life’s a dance, you learn as you go… sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don’t worry ‘bout what you don’t know – life’s a dance, you learn as you go.” Con begs Jason to listen. “We fall down and we get hurt, yes. And we still will, no matter how old and wise we get. But life’s not about getting it right every time. It’s learning as we go. Sometimes we’re in control and sometimes things just happen that there’s nothing we can do about. But we can’t quit living, Jase. We can’t.”

Jason’s eyes drift to the floor, his anger starting to subside. Con was truly speaking from his heart as one who cared. How could Jason refuse to listen to him?

Con reaches over to put his hands on Jason’s shoulder, and waits until he looks him in the eye again. “Now I’m going to ask you one more time, and you better tell me the truth.” He stops, forcing Jason to pay attention. “Do you love Katie?”

Jason swallows hard, the emotions running rampant through him, and surging through his eyes. “Yes.”

“Then for pity sake, get out there.” Con turns around to grab Jason’s jacket off the couch. “Get your stuff. The plane is waiting.”

“What?”

“I called them on my way.”

“And they took orders from you?”

“Once a TJY agent, always a TJY agent.” Con nods down the hall. “Come on, get going! I want to get back to bed.”


Con flops back down in bed, feeling better to know that Jason was on his way, and though still worrying about Katie, at least he know Jason would be looking for her.

Pulling Jamie close, he gives her cheek a kiss. He couldn’t imagine not showing his love for her. Despite his annoyance towards Jason’s attitude, part of him pitied his friend for holding out for so long. He had to be miserable hiding something as powerful as love.

“I love you,” Con whispers.


Jason looks out the cockpit window, staring into the dark. It was the smallest plane this time, but he kind of liked it, being allowed to sit up here. He would have enjoyed it more, had his mind not been wandering every which way, still full of worry. What if Katie was perfectly fine? What if he was getting all worked up for nothing? Then he’d be the fool. But maybe Con was right…maybe it was better to make sure. Not to mention…there was another purpose to him going.

Burst

*Jamie smiles at Con and gives a small nod. It was getting late and she herself had a long day at work.*

"You know I am kind of tired myself. These days just seem longer and longer I tell ya. I think I will head to bed myself with ya babe."

*streching and standing Jamie gives Con a kiss before heading into the kitchen for a moment o get a glass of water, than use them bathroom before finally making it to bed.*

*As the rain continues to fall Katie looks out the open Tent door just watching it. The Sky almost complete dark as night had fallen. It had been raining since late last night and surly by not the river on the mountain was start to over flow. If that was so it would be reaching where so was in no time and who knows how much water was coming. Katie had to get above the river itself. She did not really want to get out in the rain and get wet but she new if she didnt there would be bigger problems.

Letting out a long sigh Katie starts to pack up everything that was inside the tent in her back making sure to cover that with the extra poncho she braught to keep it try. Than venturning out Katie exits the tent and starts taking that down. As the last peace is put away Katie look up the hill only to see water start to come pouring down. It would be slippery and a little dangerouse to walk up seeing as the side had no pertection only a cliff that droped and you would fall to your death. But she had to keep going, all she needed to do was get to the cave and she would be fine.

Starting to make her way up the moutain Katie strugles to keep her footing ans slips a few times going down on her hands and knees but ends up catching herself. Continuning her way up the hill Katie trudges forward.

Suddanly a big stream of water starts to come down the hill knockng into Katie's feet as she walks and throws her off balance once again. Going down to the ground Katie goes to catch herself but grabs nothing this time. Tumbaling Katie continues to fall as she loses her train of thought and the emotionaly block is lifted a little. Finally Katie stops tumbaling but what was worse is she no longer felt and ground under her eather. Katie had gone off the edge of the cliff and was now falling. Reaching out for anything in panic Katie grabs on to the ledge and his the wall with force. The block open all the way up and the burst wave of panic coming with such a force as Katie hangs from the edge and in a split moment Her life pass before her eyes. From her mother and baby brother, to her father, to her ex boyfriends, to the ranch, to Jason, than Scott. Lingering there for a moment the scenes play in her head reminding her of the good times this in any other situation would bring a smile, than her mind goes back to Jason and scenes of him flash through her mind. As Katie hanges from the ledge her keeps her eyes closed shut hoping she could hold on. Till finally she knows she cant hang there any longer. Closing off the emotions again Katie trys with all her might and pulls herself up. Once up and safe Katie callapes on the ground leting the rain hit her in the face and cools off her skin. In that split second of coming so close to death everything changed for Katie. God had opend her eyes and showed her there was more to life and more people. Now, she wasnt going to continue up the moutain because she wanted to be alone but because she wanted to reach her destination and remember. It was time to let Scott go so he could rest in peace.*

From: Arizona Tech
To: Mike Reese
RE Subject: Help
Mike,
It was good to get your message and know you guys are doing ok. We just so happen to have an extra guy and he said he liked the idea of coming on out. I'll send Dalton out the day after tomarrow. Take care.