Amazing

Kyle forces a laugh to the surface even though what his emotions really wanted to do was be embarrassed and withdraw from this conversation.

"Well then... I guess if you haven't noticed, then the meds are doing their job, wouldn't you say?"

He takes the bottle to slip it back into his pocket again. "As far as I know, no one else has noticed either, and I'd like to keep it that way." His request wasn't sharp, but it was firmly implied that he wished no one else knew of this.

All that thinking about this did was remind him of what had brought him to this point in the first place, and that seemed to be counter-productive as it only brought the depressing feelings to the surface. He just wanted to feel happy again, and that's what he was trying to accomplish. He was oblivious to the mood swings that those on the bus had noticed, and therefore was content with believing that he had the help he needed.

"So... anything fun and exciting in this next article of yours?" Kyle eyes the notebook in Alice's hand.


Yeah, yeah... everything is great.

Jason swivels in his chair, rising to rummage through his filing cabinet.

Just tired I guess.

He knew the lie was a lame one, and rolls his eyes at himself. He flips through some folders and papers, trying to concentrate, but it doesn't work very well.

Maybe "inadequate" is the right word to describe how I feel, I don't know.

The drawer slams shut and Jason flops back down in his chair. Trooper's head rises from the floor, looking at him in question.

"What?" Jason shakes his head. "We're not going yet." Trooper lays his head back down.

Oh, never mind. I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm fine.


Axel stands quietly, his heart beating all the stronger as Jess places a hand on his chest. It had been too long since he'd dared take a chance with someone, but the wait seemed to be worth it.

As Jess embraces him, he automatically wraps his arms around her, and plants a gentle kiss to the top of her head. It all felt so awkward, but so natural at the same time.

"It's amazing my heart beat at all before knowing you."