Unvoiced questions

Kyle catches the slightly odd but very brief tone in Alice's voice, and wonders again about it. This wasn't the first time he'd heard it. While Alice had very quickly become a good friend, he really didn't know her background at all. He hadn't thought much of it up until recently. But he had decided not to pry... the time just hadn't been right yet.

He laughs and accepts the treats. He holds up his Mountain Dew can to toast. "To sugar highs!" Downing a mouthful, a belch erupts, but he doesn't even miss a beat. "Wooee, that sugar's got some kick!"


Jason's jaw drops as he looks at Katie across the table.

You sneak, it was so you!

Grabbing a straw no one had used yet, he fires right back, but the wrapper goes whizzing past Katie's head, hitting the passing waiter instead.

Jason quickly drops his straw and looks around, not to be found as the guilty one. But the laughter being held in forms tears in his eyes.

Oops.

Looking back at Katie, Jason lets his enjoyment and humor flow as freely as it wanted to. It had been a long time since they'd laughed like this, and it felt good.


Scott turns quickly, almost startled by Hope speaking to him. It takes him just a moment to register what she was saying. "Oh, um..." He thinks, glancing down to Katie. She was his ride home. But the night was far from over for her and some of the others. He didn't want to make her leave early... but he really didn't want to stay either. "I did, but... if you don't mind, that would be great."

Rising with Hope, Scott takes a few steps to Katie, quietly thanking her and letting her know that she wouldn't have to worry about taking him home.

Heading out of the restaurant, the refreshing night air is welcomed. Scott settles into the passenger side of Hope's car, grateful for the escape route she'd given him. The ride is quiet. Anything needing to be said seemed to have already been voiced. It doesn't take long to get to Scott's house.

Parked alongside the street, the night has grown dark. A bright moon is out, casting its light shimmering down to cradle everything in a soft glow.

Scott unbuckles his seatbelt and rests his hand on the door handle, but stops and turns back to Hope. He opens his mouth to say something, but suddenly catches himself. What was he thinking? Inwardly, he kicks himself. The question would go unspoken. He changes subjects instead.

"I'm... supposed to come see you tomorrow..." He pauses, unsure just what he's asking. "After that... I mean..." He'd improved so much lately. He knew that the time was drawing close that he wouldn't need counseling sessions anymore. Would tomorrow be the last time he'd see Hope?

Scott stops and shakes his head, dropping the whole thing. "Goodnight, Hope. Thank you for the ride."