Mountain dew

Rocky’s eyebrows lift just a little at Jess’ remark about not going out to lunch with the delivery man, and for just a moment, he believes her until he sees her trying to hide her smile.

Leaning against the desk, he folds his arms across his chest and waits until she looks up again. Her mention of a rock star makes him laugh. “Well, I don’t see any rock star around here.” He looks over his shoulder as if making sure. “But if you don’t mind me as a substitute…”

His smile is aimed at her. “Chinese buffet… at noon.” The beeper on his belt goes off, and he looks at it quickly. “In the meantime, I gotta scoot. I expect to see you there.”

He throws Jess a wink before heading out the door.


Jason stares at Katie, letting her suggestions sink in. And at first, it sounds great. But then something else appears in his mind, and he stops himself from getting too excited.

“I don’t know, Katie, I mean… maybe I need to think about these things first, ya know? I don’t think anybody is gonna throw me to the wolves when they find out what happened here, but… I think maybe I should be a little more cautious about things. Maybe sit on it a while.”

An old pride had suddenly emerged through the other emotions. It was an old feeling that had at one time driven him to excel and driven him towards the ultimate goal of leadership. He’d settled eventually, satisfied with his other roles. But today… today that old goal had been handed to him free and clear. There were things even Reese had done that Jason hadn’t liked. Could he now change those things? Wouldn’t bringing Reese back just complicate things? A part of Jason wanted to see if he could do this on his own first. He liked Reese, but he wasn’t sure he’d like all the free advice that would come along with rehiring him.

Jason’s eyes suddenly meet Katie’s again, and he knew that these thoughts and feelings had seeped out. He didn’t mean them to be bad, or arrogant… they were just what he felt, and he didn’t want to be too hasty in making decisions.

“I… I don’t want to tell everybody yet. I want to think first.”


Carson enters the Mom and Pops kitchen quickly, out of breath from hurrying in through the back. “Sorry I’m late, Herb,” he apologizes. It had been quite a while since he’d been late, so he knew he’d be forgiven this morning. He hadn’t needed to be here early, but he was still a good hour late.

Throwing on his apron, he tries to get his bearings. It looked like a busy morning. His mind is tired though, and it’s hard to concentrate. The night had been long. After finally getting to bed, his mind hadn’t wanted to shut down. Thoughts were of the holdup, and of the words Axel had spoken to him.

The mess in the front still bothered him. Though the plastic over the window didn’t seem to bother customers any or slow them down. And at least this time it wasn’t his fault. And at least Herb hadn’t seemed worked up over it.

But really, that whole situation wasn’t nearly as troublesome as what Axel had said to him. Had Axel been right? And even if he had been, what did it mean?

A small pang hits Carson’s heart. A longing stirred – one that he’d succeeded in thwarting… one that he’d succeeded in burying deeply enough that it would quit bothering him. But now… now he questioned everything.

He pauses a moment while chopping peppers. He’d meant to call Misty this morning, but had forgotten in his mad rush to get here. Maybe he’d call her for lunch. Or maybe… he didn’t know. He wasn’t sure of anything anymore.


Kyle sits on the park bench, bent with his elbows resting on his knees. He should go home. But he didn’t want to. He should be out searching, but he had no motivation. After five years… after building up trust and a good reputation… after earning his way up to management… this morning felt like more than a slap to the face. It was more than a hit to his ego.


Phil runs a comb through his hair, and heads for the answering machine. He’d heard the phone ring a few minutes ago, but had been in the shower. Hitting the play button, he waits, then is confused as he hears the male voice for Kyle. It was Shane. But… what did he want? Phil didn’t know their old friend had been hanging out with Kyle at all, but… He lifts his eyebrows at the mention of “tonight’s workout.” Then it hits him. Shane used to do karate. The pieces suddenly begin to fall into place. Kyle hadn’t been with Rocky all these late nights. He’d obviously been physically active. But… he hadn’t taken an interest in karate since he’d been a kid, and even then, it hadn’t been all that serious. Why this, why now?

He shrugs and leaves the message for Kyle. His brother had been quiet and evasive lately. It was odd, but… who was he to stick his nose in? His questioning had only led to arguments thus far.


Finally arriving home, Kyle walks in the door and simply heads to the living room, sinking down into the couch, not even bothering to take off his jacket.

Phil is just ready to head out for the lumberyard, but stops, looking at the clock. “Kyle?” He himself was heading in for a later shift than normal, but Kyle was supposed to be at the Pizza Box right now. “Kyle, what are you doing home?”

Kyle leans his head back to stare up at the ceiling. “I’m sitting on the couch. What does it look like I’m doing?”

Phil frowns. “Why aren’t you at work? Off early?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Phil doesn’t trust his brother’s tone. “What do you mean?”

“I got fired, alright?”

Phil’s jaw drops. “What? Why? What happened?”

“Somebody stole some cash. Nothing could be proved. No one came forward. It was either me or the other guy, so we both got sacked.”

“Aw, Kyle.” Phil was genuinely sorry. His brother had held that job for quite a while. But faithfulness meant nothing to new management. “Now what?”

Kyle shrugs lamely. “They’re not pressing charges, so… I guess I find another job.”

Phil sighs deeply and eases down across from his brother, forgetting about his own work right now. It could wait. This was more important. “So you’re with two bands now, you quit the worship team at church, you’ve picked up karate again…”

Kyle lifts his eyes. “Figured it out, huh?”

“Yeah.” For the first time in a long time, Phil felt the opening to talk. Perhaps it was because Kyle was low from losing his job. “What’s really going on? Why all the changes?”

Kyle shrugs again. “Just… looking for something different I guess. Trying to get out of the same old mold.”

“I get that. But why all the secrecy?”

Kyle lets silence fill the gap for several seconds. “Guess I just wanted to do things on my own terms. I’m me… I do the things I want to do, and quit worrying about other people’s opinions or criticisms.”

Phil frowns. “I’m sorry you feel that way about me… and Jen… and Mike… and Jason.”

Kyle sighs. “I didn’t mean it was your fault. I just… I don’t know. I was wrong, and I’m sorry.” He gets to his feet, taking off his jacket. “Now I need to look for a job.”

Phil’s window of opportunity was gone. “You be alright?”

Kyle lets out a laugh. “As if I’m the first person to ever lost his job.” He smirks. “I’m fine. You better go though, or you’re going to be out of a job too.”

“You sure you’re alright?”

Kyle approaches his brother, leaning down to look him closely in the eye. “Phil Mitts… I am fine.” Humor sparks in his eyes. “Don’t make me wrestle you to prove it, because I’ll win.”

Phil relents and laughs, shaking his head. “Do you ever settle down?”

“Nope.” Kyle straightens and bounds into the kitchen. “But I do need some mountain dew to help me through!” He skids to a stop in front of the refrigerator. “Hey… that rhymes. Phil! I got our next new song!”

Phil rolls his eyes and heads for the door. “Great, Kyle. Don’t take too much sugar, alright? I want this place in one piece when I get back.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Kyle holds the fridge door open, until he hears Phil leave. But once alone, he lets the door fall shut, his shoulders dropping again. Instead of getting on the internet, or looking a the paper for jobs, he goes to his room and flops down on his bed.

Rock Star

Hearing about the new developments is almost like a ton of bricks to Katie. Slowly moving to one of the chairs Katie sinks down almost stunned. This had happend so fast and non of it made sence. Looking into Jason's eyes Katie trys to look for answers but comes up with nothing.

"Your...in charge?"

Katie lets the information sink in for a moment before saying anything alse. So much could change again.

"J do you know what this means? We can higher Reese and Ty back again. No one has to worry about getting fired. J...things can go back to normal. We can fix things."

A big smile spreads across Katie's face as she thinks about everything. About how less stressful things will become again.

"First thing first I think we should tell everyone whats going on."

Giving a smile Jess shakes her head. Rocky certinly did have a good sence of humor she did have to give him that.

"Yeah I could see how a nice day can help. Though I wouldnt know, I was here at 5 am this morning and it was a bit cold than."

At Rocky's invatation a small sassy smile forms on her lips. Lunch would be intresting and might even be fun. Though she couldnt give in so quick, she wanted to make him think a little first.

"Well I am not so sure about lunch. Its not normal for me to go out with the delivery men."

Looking back down at her paper work another smile forms on her lips though she trys to keep a straght face. Looking up again her eyes meet Rockys as her own softness lays behind them in a misterous mannor.

"But a certn rock star...I might be intersted in having lunch with him."

Better

Jason is still sitting behind Austin’s desk when Katie comes in. He looks up at her, his eyes searching for anything that made sense.

“I…I don’t know,” he answers lamely. For a few moments, his shock overrides the other emotions he’s feeling. He was too confused right now to be angry. "I..."

He blinks and just stares up at Katie. "How did... what...." He tries to clear his mind. "I'm in charge of the Elite." His own tone indicates the confusion, and amazement that he was suddenly in this position.

"I'm... in control? Chief?" He pauses again, thinking. "What... I mean... holy cow, Katie."

Despite the tenseness, a bit of humor slips through. "Guess I can change the rules about making it to work early every day."

He tries to laugh a little, but then just shakes his head. "What do I do?"


Rocky chuckles and takes the small clipboard back. "Well, my day is going w..." His voice trails off and he quirks his eyebrow as he stares at Jess' signature. "I take back what I said. I really did forget your name. This says Jemmmm Ferchen..."

Looking back at her, he grins, the humor twinkling in his eyes. "My day is going just fine. The weather is nice out there, so that helps."

Pausing for just a moment, he cocks his head. "It would be going even better if you agreed to meet me for lunch."

Good Luck

Smiling as Katie receves the rose a smile spreads on her face. Jason and herself hadnt talked this much since this morning but she didnt mind to much. She was still pretty tired fomr the preious events.

No need to thank me J. I'd go to the end of the earth for you. You mean alot to be and it has just become second nature.

Smiling up at him Austin's harsh voice makes her jump. She turns her head fast just eyeing him for a moment. So much stress had beening happening as of late and most of it had started when Austin had taken over.

As Jason turns to leave Katie relays a quick message.

Good luck J keep you cool.

As Jason leaves Katie lets out a long sigh. She couldnt help he feeling of dread that came over her. She felt like something was going to happen, something bad. Trying to get back to work Katie just cant consintrat as many feelings were ranging inside Jason but where not being shaired. Katie hated the feeling of running into a wall and that was just as bad as getting to many feelings to fast but there really was nothing alse she could do.

...Looking up quickly from her desk again as the door to Austin's offince slams Katie is saprised to see Austin storming out of the TJY building. A wave of worry flashs over Katie. Searching her feeling fast she trys to find out what happend but only gets bits and peaces along with Jason message.

J...what happend? Whats going on? Got yourself into what?

Searching a little more Katie looks for more answers finally gathering enough infor to understand what was going on. Almost stunned Katie is silent for a moment before relaying anything to Jason.

Austin...quit? Wha....

Quickly getting up from her desk Katie is to tired to try and relay anything more to Jason through emotions as she was still getting his own feelings she had to save her strangth. Heading for Austin's office Katie enters and closes the door behind her.

"Jason...what..what now?"

Looking up from her desk Jess see the delivery man enter into the office. Thinking nothing of it she goes back to work like normal. Its not untill Jess hears Rocky's voice does she relize who it is.

Lifting her head slowly a smile spreads across her face. Shaking her head she gives a small chuckle.

"No your not going crazy nor have you forgotten my name, but I guess to make sure I can sign for you."

Taking the pen and the bored Jess signs her name fast. If someone didnt know who she was they would still wouldnt know after she signed. Her signature was hard to even read.

"There you go, but good luck trying to make out what it says."

Leaning over the desk just a little Jess smile grows. It was good to see Rocky again so soon. He made her smile and that was a good thing. Not to mention seeing him broke up her dull day.

"It's good to see you again Rocky! You get to see me in my work zone and now I get to see you in yours. How is your day going?"

Turn of events

Austin keeps a close eye on Angel, unable to help a little worry. There was a nasty flu bug going around right now - he hoped she hadn't caught it.

Getting her to her hotel, he walks her inside and to her room, making sure that she was okay before he left. Driving around for a while, he doesn't go home right away. He just thinks... letting his mind drift from the past to present and back again. When had things become so complicated?


Rocky flips his phone shut, a grin still on his face. Parking his car in his driveway, he gets out and ambles inside, greeting his calico cat by picking her up and giving her some loving. The day had been long... and a lot of bad had happened. But good had happened too... and ending on that note, he was at peace.


Late the next morning....

Jason wanders back into TJY. He’d left early that morning after waking up, still in the infirmary. Leaving Katie to sleep a while longer, he’d gone home to shower and change and take care of Trooper, bringing him back with him. Now he was late in getting started on work… an hour late, though he didn’t much care if anyone didn’t like it.

This morning he had a headache. No hot shower or dose of sugar had helped it, and he knew it would probably last all day. He felt drained after the night before, but was beginning to realize the truth of it all. He had so much on his mind that even not twenty-four hours later, he could feel his emotions starting to build back up again. He knew it was because he was harboring them. Most of them related to Austin. Now some related to JetStream and Kyle. They were confusing, and he didn’t know how to deal with them. He needed to let them go. But he just…couldn’t. So instead, he closed the valve just enough that Katie wouldn’t have to feel everything. She had enough to worry about.

Ambling down across the main floor, Jason knows that by now, Katie is up and going as well. He’d only conversed with her briefly a short time later, not having the energy to rehash anything that had happened yet. He knew they would, but for this morning, it felt better to just try and move on.

Slipping up beside her cubicle, he offers a gentle smile, knowing she was probably as tired as he was.

Thanks for sticking by me, Hero. You always manage to save the day.

Reaching down, he sets a red rose on her desk, his eyes meeting hers.

You deserve more, ya know. You’re too good for me.

“Jason!”

Jason turns around to see Austin standing near the offices. “Yeah?”

“In my office. Now.”

Jason gives a nod, though his eyes have turned to an annoyed stare. Sighing, he turns back to Katie. “The tyrant beckons. He’s probably mad that I’m late again.” He shakes his head. “If I’m not out in half an hour, send in the troops. One of us might be dead.”

Though meant as a joke, the humor is lacking. Jason takes a deep breath and heads to Austin’s office, not looking forward to whatever it was.


Austin paces his office, his nerves shot. He’d hardly gotten any sleep at all last night. Too much had been on his mind. Angel, the ranch, Jason, the Elite… nothing felt right anymore. Nothing made sense. But his grandson certainly wasn’t making things any easier.

This morning, Austin was more mad at himself than anything, but it had turned into a bad mood that seemed to affect everything he touched. Would anything go right ever again?

He looks up quickly as Jason enters his office, his hard stare returning. “Jason, you’re late. Again.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Yeah, so what?”

"I specifically told you to be at that meeting today, and you deliberately disobeyed orders!”

“I don’t care,” Jason shoots back. He folds his arms across his chest, his eyes narrowing at Austin, while his chin was lifted in defiance. His grandfather had no idea what Jason and Katie had been through last night, but he wasn't about to explain - it would only be viewed as an excuse or something to be pitied, and the last thing Jason wanted was pity from Austin.

Austin glares at him. No matter what they talked about anymore, it was always an argument. “You should. You’re pushing it, Jason. One more blatant disobedience, and you’ll be looking for another job.”

“Go for it,” Jason dares him. “Tell me I’m fired.” After a pause, he nods. “That’s what I thought. So if there’s nothing you can do about me, why are you wasting your breath? I don’t respect you anymore, Austin. You lost that respect the day I learned just what kind of person you really are. You’ve got no respect from me, and you’ve got no respect from the others around here either. Oh, we all put up with you, but when it really comes down to it, the only reason we don’t retaliate is out of fear.”

Austin’s hand slams down hard on his desk. “How dare you speak to me like that!”

“How dare you treat the people around you like you do! If you think that I’m going to back down just because you throw a temper-tantrum, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“You don’t know how hard this job is,” Austin hisses. “You don’t know what it’s like to run an organization like this – to be responsible for everyone and the well-being of all these people. You’re too thick-headed and naïve to realize just what kind of person it takes to run the Elite!” His voice raises with every word. “I’ve worked hard to bring myself to this point, and make this place what it’s become. Carter and I have been working for years to streamline this place into the best law-enforcement in existence! And you have the nerve to insult me to my face!”

“If you’d…”

“I’m not finished!” Austin barks. “You think you know so much about the way this place should run? You think you have all the answers?” He reaches onto his belt to pull off his badge, tossing it down in front of Jason on the desk. “Here.”

Jason grits his teeth, trying to maintain control of his temper. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Call it chief for a day. Or better yet, for as long as they let you stick around.” Austin turns to grab his jacket and car keys. “All yours, Hotshot. Good luck.”

“Austin what are you…”

Austin whirls around as he reaches the door, staring at Jason with a cold gaze. “Maybe you’ll realize just what kind of position I’m in and learn some respect.”

Jason stares at the doorway, even when it’s empty for several minutes. His shock felt just as great as his anger. What on earth…

Turning back around, he looks down at Austin’s badge. Chief. Slowly, he walks around and sits down in Austin’s chair. He was hurt, he was confused, he was upset.

Katie, what on earth have I gotten myself into?


Austin slumps down in his seat, not wanting to get out of his car and go into his house. He wasn’t even sure there was a word to describe how he was feeling. He'd had intentions of checking on Angel today, but now all motivation was lost. Besides that, he didn't want to tell her what he'd just done.

His ringing phone makes him jump and he rolls his eyes, tempted to not even answer it. Giving in on the fourth ring though, he picks it up. “Yeah, hello?”

“I called the office and you weren’t there.”

“Hi, Jerry. No, I wasn’t there.”

“Did you do it?”

“Yeah. Didn’t think I’d have the opportunity this soon, but he pushed my buttons.”

“Now what?”

“Wait and watch. Jason’s gonna learn the hard way what life is all about. I know him. He’s too cocky not to take the position I just gave him. He likes power. He’ll take it and he’ll get a good taste of what it’s like to be in control, then he won’t want to give it up. He'll like the authority too much. The teams like him well enough that they’ll let him go for a while. They’ll help him along…put up with his novice moves.”

“The Elite is allowed to vote on a leader though. You don’t think they’ll choose someone else?”

“They like Jason too much. He’s popular and respected. Even guys like Rick will let him run, thinking that he’ll probably let them in on some decision-making anyway. And for a while, it will probably look like Jason’s doing a good job anyway."

"You don't think he'll bring back anybody you canned?"

"You mean Reese? Why should he? You think he'd want Reese back to tell him what to do? No, he won't - he's too proud."

“Then what?”

“Then one of these days, he’ll hit a point that makes him realize it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. He’ll realize that he’s not strong enough and not wise enough to be in that position. His pride will get the best of him and get him caught in a jam that he can’t get himself out of.”

“And he’ll come crawling back to you for help.”

“Exactly.”

“And you’ll go back to being chief, without that thorn in your side.”

“Exactly.”


“Want to try some breakfast?” Rick offers.

Scott is back on the infirmary bed and he shakes his head. He was back in the safe confines in this room after Jason and Katie were gone, but it didn’t seem to matter a whole lot. He hadn’t slept well, and he was tired. He didn’t feel much like doing anything, let alone trying to eat.

Rick sighs. “Just a little? A piece of toast shouldn’t bother you too much.”

Scott shakes his head again. “I’m not hungry.”

It was the same line over and over. Rick gives up. He could only push Scott so far. Last night he’d seem to take a step forward. This morning he seemed to have taken two steps back. “Are you going to see Hope today?”

Scott nods lamely. He knew he had an appointment. But he didn’t want to bother Katie. She had enough things to worry about.

Rick reads his silence. “You want me to take you?”

Scott nods again. “But…”

“But what?”

“I need to stop first…” Scott’s eyes roam to his camera. “One-hour developing before…before I go.”

Rick gives a small smile, glad to see at least some motivation still existed. "Sure. No problem."


Axel leans against the wall in the garage, an open book in one hand, an apple in the other. Taking a bite, his eyes roam the pages. A mid-morning break felt good today. The shop was busy.

"Man, you need to get a life."

Axel looks up to quirk an eyebrow at Leo. "Why's that?"

"You have no fun. All I ever see you do is stand around and read books. Don't you have any hobbies?"

Axel gives him a wry grin and holds the book up higher. "You think I read because I hate it?"

Leo smirks and goes back to his car. "At least you got a girlfriend."

"I do not!"

Leo's head snaps up at Axel's defensive tone. He'd never gotten a rise out of him before, and his eyes widen slightly, a small grin forming. "Sure you don't."

Axel relaxes and just shakes his head, going back to his book. "You got oil leaking."

"Wha..." Leo looks down and mutters to himself as he tries to find the leak.

Axel grins and takes another bite of his apple.


Rocky steps down from the blue truck, his eyes shielded by the baseball cap that bore the courier’s logo. Checking the address on the small box to the number on the glass door of the business, he steps forward. Clipboard and package in hand, his dark blue uniform signaled he drove for Shipping Smart.

Stepping inside the office, he looks around, then spots the secretary at her desk. A smiles forms and he ambles towards her, his eyes showing pleasant surprise.

He looks at the package, then back at Jess. “Well you’re certainly not Monica Baddger, unless I was sorely mistaken about your name.” He grins at her. “I’m not usually that bad at names though.”

He sets the package down on the counter. “I’ll wait until you sign for this though so I can make sure I’m right.”

Peaceful

Not having much energy to argue with Austin Angel accepts his help. She hated this feeling of helplessness and she hated not knowing what was wrong with her.

"Ok, I know you have changed but you havent changed that much. There is no point in arguing with you, you hard headed brut."

Angel gives a small laugh as she accepts Austin's arm as stands steadying herself before trying to move leaning mostly on Austin for support.

Getting into Austin's car Angel leans her head back and closes her eyes once again. A headack was now forming and any light just seemed to bother her. Seeming like she was asleep Angel was only deep in thought till finally she whispers horsly.

"Thank you Austin for the ride. I'm not sure whats wrong with me today."

A smile spreads on Jess face as she accepts Rocky's reply. It was nice to have someone alse that she would now be able to talk with. Hearing Rocky's flirting tone Jess cant help bu laugh a little wondering if he even new himself he was. But not minding it to much reply reply.

"I think you just might be right, and I look forward to it."

Haning up the phone Jess shuts her light off. Tonight she would dream of the good. Tonight maybe would be a peaceful night.

Prediction

Feeling Angel’s hand against his face, Austin closes his eyes for a moment, soaking in her gentle warmth. How much had he missed out on, because of his own foolish mistakes?

Her words of advice fell on his ears as truth… but even truth sometimes has a hard time penetrating a heart hardened by time.

His eyes open again and he gazes at her with a look that had lost so much. There was so much lately he could never take back. It wasn’t as easy as just easing up.

Austin is ready to say something, when he sees Angel falter and have to sit down. His intent immediately shifts, his sorrow turning into worry. Searching her face, he shakes his head. "Let me take you back to your hotel," he offers. His tone indicates it was not a request. Their conversation was left behind, there to be revisited later. But for now, he would not dwell on it. This took priority.

Reaching down, he helps Angel back to her feet. "Come on. You can't fool me... you're not feeling well, and you probably shouldn't have even gotten out tonight."

Without waiting for acceptance, he slips on a pair of shoes and grabs a jacket with his keys. "The last thing I'm gonna let you do is get in some whacked taxi driver's cab."


Rocky's ringing phone startles him, and he fishes in his pocket as he waits for a red light. Seeing the number, he furrows his brow, not recognizing it. After answering and hearing Jess' voice though, a smile spreads on his face and he gives a soft chuckle.

"You didn't have to thank me, but you're welcome anyway." He pauses as he makes a turn towards his house.

He didn't mind the silence on the line. It wasn't awkward. He knew Jess was waiting for him to say more, but he teases with letting the pause linger before finally giving in. "I'm just about home, so I guess that puts us both safe and sound for the night. You get some sleep. And... unless my predictions are off, I think I'll probably see you again soon."

Spinning

Seeing the look of enjoyment in Rocky's eyes Jess is pleased. She wasnt ashamed to admit that she had, had a blast as well. It was nice to enjoy the movie and some laughs with a new friend. Jess had missed this interaction with people and for a moment it made her relize just how alone she was. Straghting for a moment and pushing the feeling away Jess just smiles.

As She feels Rocky looking down on her Jess leans back a little and looks back up at him. Her eyes meeting his as they linger for a long moment, and the smile staying on her face. His eyes were so luring and soft Jess felt like she could look into them forever. Finally as Rocky pulls away Jess stands walking slowly to the door. Taking Rocky's number in her hand she can feel her cheeks turn a shade of red. This was the first time a guy had given her his number and though it might have been nothing more than a friendship thing the color came anyways. In a soft voice she reply.

"Ok, thank you. Have a good Night Rocky"

Closing the door behind him Jess just stands in her quiet apartment for a moment holding the paper in her hand. Turning Jess goes into her room and sinks down on the bed. Everything seemed so quiet now and for the first time Jess felt very alone. Picking up her phone she she dials the number that were written on the paper. Feeling a bit strange she trys not to pay attachen to it. Waiting for Rocky to answer Jess cant help her nervouse laugh.

"Hi, sorry to be calling you so soon but after you left I relized I forgot to thank you for the fun time as well so....thank you Rocky."

Hearing Austin's words hit a spot in Angel's heart. She had known at one point in time her and Austin had a strong attraction for eachother but differnt sercomstances always stood in the way of anything more than a friendship with him. Wendy was even named after a child Austin would of named his own. But over the time Angel had thought that, that feeling that they had so long ago had died but now it was clear for Austin it did not.

Standing Angel didnt want to go but she could feel her tiredness growing stonger as her head started to spin. She had to go before she passed out infront of Austin and made him worry but she couldnt just leave him there not like this...a little more time....she could stay a little more. She had to pushed herself and keep herself with it. Stepping a little closer to Austin Angel brings her hand to his face a brushs some hair from his eyes as she smiles.

"The point of staying in touch is I am your friend Austin and you need to stop letting the ghosts of the past follow you around. Life happens, and crap happens but we need to deal with it. I'll always care a great deal for you..."

Angel can feel herself growing weaker but she had to finish what she was saying she had to stay strong.

"..that will never change Austin. At work you know what your doing, but maybe your trying to hard. Ease up a little and just, let everyone be who they are ment to be there. Your a good guy and a bit a great boss, but your trying to...h..."

Trying to finishs her statment Angel withdraws her hand from Austin's face and brings it to her own head and everything starts to spin and the room goes out of focue and black than back in again...No not like this....

"I...I have to go."

Taking a step forward Angel's knees buckel as she can feel herself falling twords the ground though she sinks into the coution of the coutch for a moment just falling silent. Keeping her eyes closed she trys to regain her equilibreum and stop everything from spinning. Finally after a few moments she opens her eyes again and looks up at Austin. Worry layed in her eyes as if crying for help because there master wouldnt ask.

"I'm ok. I guess I am just more tired than I thought. Probley should be heading back now. Maybe tomarrow we can do lunch?"