Blind spot

At Jess' comment about a double rainbow, a strange pang hit's Axel. And for the first time, a glint in his eye proves he'd been caught off guard. He blinks, then chuckles, backing up to the truck, and just shakes his head.

Getting to the little restaurant, he sits for just a moment, fingering his keys. In the back of his mind there were red flags popping up all over the place. Yet he was sitting here, eating lunch with Jess anyway. Regrets had always been lurking around the corners. He could only hope this wasn't one of those corners.

Finally getting out, he meets Jess near the door, grinning a little. "I hope it purrs like a kitten," he nods. "I worked on it myself."

He opens the front door, letting Jess enter before him, then slips inside as well. Allowed to find their own seats, Axel purposely picks a table near the front window, thinking of Jess. Some might not think a thing of it, while others would note that it was away from the corners with the best lighting, and a clear route to the exit. And though one sitting there might not realize why they felt relaxed, the location was the safest position in the cafe.

After sitting down, a waitress comes to the table to take their orders, and soon after, their meal has arrived.

Axel remains relaxed and somewhat quiet, not fearing silence as some would. Eating a bit of his sandwich, he studies Jess, wondering about the mixed emotions that laid behind her eyes. He wondered how many of them were from the night before, and how many of them had existed there for years. How many had laid there from hurts before.

Pausing once after lifting his glass of water, he hides a wince and rubs his hand where some might notice the scars, one on each side of his hand between his first finger and thumb.

"So..." He cocks his head, his eyes twinkling. "I know your name... I know what kind of car you drive... I know you dance better than you think... and I know you have a hidden light behind your eyes. But that's about it." He lets his implied question hang, wondering if small talk would be accomplished or avoided.


As Wyatt stands up with Aerith and is taken into a hug, he chuckles and returns it, giving her a tight squeeze. "Mm... I don't think I could turn down at date... at least not one with you."

Tilting back to see her face, his smile remains and he leans to kiss the top of her head. "I won't be able to get off until eight tonight, but if you can wait that long, I'll meet you wherever you want."

Jason glances up at the two, his own enjoyment rising at seeing the light romantic interaction. It was nice to see both Wyatt and Aerith happy with their relationship. They deserved it.

His attention diverts to his silent conversation with Katie.

Yeah, okay. Let's swing by his place and at least check on him.

He lets Katie slide from the booth first, then follows suit. Saying goodbye to Wyatt and Aerith, he leaves Mom and Pop's with Katie, following her to Scott's house.

Parking by the curb, Jason gets out of his truck then waits for Katie. "Well... the house looks quiet. I guess we'll just knock. Domino should be around too."

Ambling up the walk, he heads to the porch, then pauses in front of the door. Glancing at the windows, they're dark, the curtains drawn. Giving a shrug, he raps his knuckles on the door. Hearing nothing, he tries again, this time calling out. "Scott?"

Domino's barking greets them from the other side of the door, but nothing else.

"Scott, you home?" Jason calls a little louder, listening intently. Nothing. He turns to Katie, lifting his eyebrows.

Moving to one of the windows by the porch, he puts his hands to the glass to peer in. After a moment, he withdraws, a strong emotion of pity surfacing. Looking down, then back up to Katie, he gestures for her to come look as well.

The window was on the side of the living room, an the curtains were away from the side just enough to see in.

Scott was still sitting in the middle of the floor, his knees drawn up, his face buried, just like he sat in the bed at the TJY infirmary. Domino was scampering back and forth between him and the door, but he wasn't acknowledging her.

Jason's jaw muscles tighten as sorrow mixed with anger rises. Scott had never been one of the strongest people he knew, but he'd had a quiet strength about him nonetheless, and now... to see him like this...

What do we do, Katie? What can we possibly do for him?


Dani enters Mom and Pop’s, and seeing Carson in the back, a smile forms. Spotting Aerith and Mable, she waves and comes up to the counter to take a seat on one of the stools. “Hey, guys.”

Carson perks up at the sound of his sister’s voice, and glances through to the front. “You’re early!” he hollers.

Dani laughs. “By whose clock?”

Carson glances at his watch. “Mine. You’re early by seventy-two seconds.”

“Aww, well then take your time.” Dani shakes her head in amusement, waiting until her brother emerged.

He grins and leans on the counter. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Dani spots his hand and frowns. “What did you do to your finger?”

“Shark bite.”

“What?”

“Went deep sea fishing over my lunch break.”

“Carson!” Dani whacks his arm. “What did you do?”

Carson rolls his eyes. “Spoil my fun, will you? I cut it with a knife. Did a good enough job on it that I got to get stitches and everything.”

Dani smirks at him. “Way to go. Hurt much?”

“Nah. I got someone to kiss it and make it feel better.”

Dani just shakes her head, then gives him a silly grin. “Say that again.”

“What?”

“Say that again.”

Carson quirks an eyebrow. “What? Someone kissed it to make it feel better?”

Dani’s smile widens. “That’s what I thought you said.”

“What about it?’

Dani shakes her head. “Nothing.”

“Oh come on. What are you getting at?”

“Nothing!” Receiving an annoyed look, Dani laughs. “I was just noticing your accent.”

Carson straightens a little. “And what of it?”

“You’re losing it.” Dani’s eyes dance with mischief. “Sounding more and more like an American, Bro, better watch it.”

Carson chuckles and shakes his head, dropping his accent altogether. “Yeah, I know. Pretty soon you won’t be able to tell me apart from any average Joe.”

Dani giggles. “How do you do that?”

Carson grins and grabs a towel to wipe up a water ring he’d spotted on the counter, resuming his natural voice. “Practice.”

Dani lets the conversation pause a moment before getting in to what her main purpose was for being here. “So. Want to move in with me, huh?”

“If you’ll still have me.”

“Of course. Why the change of heart?”

Carson stops a moment, then shrugs. “Guess I want a change of scenery. Something’s got to look up, right?”

Dani eyes him curiously. “Everything alright?”

“Oh… sure.”

Dani cocks her head and waits until her brother looks her in the eye. “You’re a bad liar.”

Carson sighs and looks around the restaurant, making sure no one is paying attention to their conversation. “Don’t know where I’m headed, Dani. I broke up with Jess last night, and this morning I got Misty coming up in the passing lane.

Dani’s eyes widen. “Whoa. I’m sorry. Wow… what happened?”

Carson shakes his head. “Complicated.”

Dani gives him an apologetic look, her tone softening. “No wonder you look worn out. I thought things with Misty weren’t… well… so hot.”

Carson turns around to get Dani the drink of soda pop that he knew she wanted. “They’re not.”

“So why is… I mean… the passing lane?”

“She’s in my blind spot.”

Dani bites her lip. If she didn't know Carson was having such a hard time, she’d find his analogy amusing. “Don’t know if she’s gonna catch up or back off, eh?”

“Not quite.”

“Well…how about you come over tonight and we’ll talk about you moving in, and… maybe a few other things too?” Dani gives him a knowing smile.

Carson nods gratefully. “Alright. Herb’s closing up tonight, so I can be there about seven if that’s okay.”

“Sure. I’ll fix us something for supper if you can stand my cooking.”

Carson laughs. “I cook all day. Letting you do it is fine with me.”

Double

Following Axel out Jess can't help but be a little saprised at the mention of a gift. Than seeing the rainbow air freshiner she cant help that her lips curl up into a smile. He's though about what she said and was not giving her a gift Jess thought that was sweet.

Taking the rainbow from Axel Jess catches his eye for a moment.

"Now when your around to talk to I can see a double rainbow."

Turning Jess gets into her car and starts it up. Taking a moment to hang the gift on her mirror.

Following Axel as he drove the roads Jess' him had time to wonder thinking about many differnt things. Her head was staring to hurt less now, and she didnt quit feel as crappy though the events of what happend with Carson still loomed and weaghed heavy on her mind. It was hard not to think about it.

Finally reaching the restront Jess pulls her car next to Axel's truck and gets out walking over to join him.

"It purrs like a kitten. I think its running better than it was the day I first for it."

Jess offers a smile as she turns to head inside some of her nerves diminishing.

Aerith looks back at Wyatt with an innocent look.

"But if I don't move than you wont go. I miss seeing you as much as before when you could come and go as you pleased."

Aerith lets out a small sigh and than slowly slides from the booth. Reacing out as Wyatt makes his way out she wraps her arms around him in a hug.

"I think we should go on a date tonight."

Watching Wyatt and Aerith for a moment Katie smiles. It was nice to see Wyatt happy, through the hands of fate they themself had there ups and down but to be friends with him still was nice, and to now see him really happy was even better.

Turning her attachen back to Jason and his question Katie gives a little nod.

Yeah maybe watching the house for tonight would be a good idea. Just to make sure he is ok. I think maybe we should bring him something to eat now too. What do you think? I am sure he dosnt have any food or drink at his place.

It's okay

Hearing the door open, Axel swivels in his chair, his bottle of iced tea still in his hand. A slight smile curls just the edge of his mouth and he stays seated.

He gives Jess a nod about the car. “That’s fine. One of the guys will move it later.”

Hearing her repeat offer for lunch, he cocks his head a little, noting that she was now looking at the floor. He’s quiet for a moment, his eyes studying her as he picks up on her awkwardness.

He taps a long finger on his bottle, a grin finally escaping at the mention of the rainbow.

“Well…” He glances down at his filthy work clothes and oil-stained hands. “I haven’t taken my lunch break yet and… I do know a nice little place that’s only about ten blocks from here that won’t mind me not going home and changing first.”

He stands up, setting his iced tea down and accidentally knocking a paperclip holder off the desk, sending paperclips all over the floor.

Staring at it a moment, he is silent, then heaves a sigh, setting his hands on his hips. “Okay. …Well. …That was smooth.” He nods with approval before grabbing the magnetic lid of the holder. Taking a retractable tape measure and hooking it to the end of the lid, he extends it to the floor, sweeping wide to attract all the fallen paperclips. Then letting the tape measure retract, he holds the mess of clips in his palm, turning them so they’ll fit back into the holder, then setting the tape measure back down.

A sheepish look briefly crosses his face, though he remains composed. “Alright. Now that the office is… clean… we can go.”

He spins on his heel and nods to the door, the corner of his mouth quirked. “I’ll lead the way in the truck.”

On their way out, he grabs his truck keys, then Jess’ car keys too, hollering at one of the guys that he was leaving for lunch.

Once outside in the sunlight, Axle tosses Jess’ keys to her. “It’s down on Birch… Sandwich Basket.”

He aims for his truck, but then stops, turning back to Jess. “Almost forgot.” He holds out a little plastic package between his first two fingers. “Courtesy of J & J’s Auto.”

The small extended gift is an air freshener to hang from the rearview mirror, and its shape and color is a rainbow.

Axel cocks his head, looking down into Jess' eyes. "In case you ever forget that after every storm, there's promise of new beginnings."


Wyatt returns a light hug to Katie as she joins them, a smile spreading on his lips. Though their friendship had taken a few odd turns, it was nice to know that they still had a camaraderie.

Jason welcomes Katie's hold on his hand, appreciating her presence and willingness to take the brunt of his negative emotions, even if it hurt. Feeling her grip tighten, he tries to ease off a bit, knowing that in public, they could easily cause much more of a scene than intended.

A pause comes to the conversation as Aerith joins them, and Wyatt gives a short chuckle, returning a kiss to her forehead and slinging an arm around her shoulders. "What else is there to talk about?" he teases. "Comparatively speaking, every other subject seems downright boring."

Jason smirks and throws Aerith a wink. "What your boyfriend is so eloquently trying to say is that venting sessions make for fewer nervous breakdowns."

Wyatt grins. "Couldn't have said it better."

As their food is brought, they try to steer the conversation away from work for a little while, but eventually, Jason brings it back around again.

"So... I think we'd all agree that somebody should keep an eye on Scott's place tonight. I'd be first to volunteer since I don't have to work, unless you have a better idea."

Wyatt shakes his head. "I wouldn't stay too close though. If he knew about it, it would probably just make him feel worse. I'd just feel better with a little security around him, that's all."

"How's he staying there? I mean, TJY wasn't doing anything with his house. He doesn't even have utilities, does he?"

"I don't think so. And I'm sure he knew that, but at this point I don't think he cared. I haven't talked to him much, but I think he just got tired of being in the way, and I think he felt stupid half the time, especially when he'd get scared of things. I'm sure he just figured it would be easier to get away from it. Can't really blame him, but... not sure it was a great idea on his part."

"No..." Jason shakes his head a little, thinking. "Hopefully Rick will have some excuse to get him back to TJY. We've got to save Scott's job."

"I don't know how," Wyatt admits. "It's all over the office now that Austin's firing him." He pauses, looking at Katie and Jason for a moment. "You weren't going to say any more, but... what exactly have you two been up to?"

Jason purses his lips. "Best you don't know details until it's over. I don't want Austin tracking anything back to you. Right now you're halfway out of the mess, so it's better."

"Hey, I'm just as much in the mess as you," Wyatt defends. "Though I guess I shouldn't argue. You two outrank me now."

Jason rolls his eyes. "Right. As if I'd ever pull rank on you."

Locking eyes with Wyatt for a moment, both start to laugh, and Jason grins sheepishly. "Okay, so maybe I would. But not this time. It's just safer."

"Alright, I understand." Wyatt glances at his watch and sighs. "And speaking of which... if I don't get back to work, I'll be late, and get myself into trouble." He gives Aerith a squeeze around her shoulders. "Sorry, but..." He looks around her on the booth. "You have to get up before I can."

Jason grins as he watches Wyatt preparing to leave, though his mind was going a mile a minute in many other directions.

So now what? You want to keep an eye on Scott with me? Is there more we should do than that? Should we go see him before that? Make sure he's okay? Keep him company? I just don't know what to do.


Kyle stares up at the pickup ceiling, his seat tilted back to a more comfortable position. Sitting in the parking lot, his music is still playing, though it’s not loud enough to keep him from hearing his phone ring.

He deliberately lets his voicemail pick up the call, but after a moment, he reaches back over his head to the back seat to find his phone.

Bringing it around to look at it, he sees the number of the caller he’d missed. Thinking for a second or two, he decides to go ahead and listen to the message.

A wry grin curls his mouth and he shakes his head as he hears Misty’s voice. There was a whole lot more in her tone that she wasn’t saying. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he just looks out the window for several minutes. Eventually he turns his attention back to his phone, taking note of where Misty’s call had come from. She was still at work. If he called her landline, he could leave a message on her answering machine that she’d get after work. That was probably the better option today. He could just ignore her like he was Phil today, but he didn’t really want to do that.

Again he takes several minutes to think, then finally dials. He knew how many rings it would take, and automatically counts them before her machine picks up. “Hey, Miss T.” The smile can almost be heard in his voice. “Listen, I, um… I got your message and… you don’t need to make a big deal out of it. I know it, and you know it, so…” A quiet chuckle escapes. “I guess dinner isn’t really necessary. Ever need anything, you know where to find me. So…I’ll see you around… church on Sunday if not before. And I still expect to see you at our next concert,” he teases, then pauses for just a moment. “Thanks for everything, Misty. And… it’s okay.”

Ending the call, Kyle tosses phone back into the other seat again, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.