Fantasy

Laughing behond control Katie holds her sides as the start to hurt slightly. All she can do is gasp for air and continue to laugh as the whole thing continues to go on.

Finally though as Laura makes her leave Katie throws a wave of goodbye to her. Placing her coffee cup in the sing Katie gives a nod to Ryder.

"Yeah Fantasy Flower is a block away we can swing but there if you like first. Also if you want I have some stuff I could use some help with at work if your up for it. Its not maid work though so it will be a bit harder."

Smiling at Axel as he leave Jess cant help the large smile that spreads across her face. Truring back Liz Jess sits down at the table. Everything that was going on Jess felt better, and she felt so happy.

"Oh there might be, but no matter where Axel is, I think certin people would still be up to the challange of catching the rainbow."

Jess liked Liz she was cute and very insightful young girl. Once she went back to Nevada she new she would miss her but they could always come back and visit sometime.

Pulling into the parking lot and seeing Kyle Alice lays on her horn till she comes to a stop in front of Kyle. Opening the door and jumping out Alice cant help the excitment that was eched on her face.

"Hey whats the hold up we have some road to hit."

Coming over to Kyle Alice shakes her head a little. This was exciting and she new it was gonna be fun, and it sure would be an adventire.

"I think I have everything I need and if not I am sure I can pick stuff up along the way."

Making his way into TJY Nate moves slowly. His eyes looked tired and he was. He'd almost been tempted to call off of work today but he needed the money and couldnt offord to call off.

Getting to his cubicle Nate quickly looks down the way to Laura's desk. Seeing it empty he lets out a sigh. He missed if anything alse at least seeing her at work.

Sinking down in his chair Nate lays his head in his hand for a moment. He hoped today would go by fast or there would be alot of work to keep his mind off things. With any luck that would happen.

Better things

"House maid?" Ryder's eyebrows rise. Spinning around, he grabs a wooden spoon from the counter, holding it like a feather duster. Giving a little curtsy, he bats his eyes, faking a British accent, while speaking in a higher pitch. "Morning, Mum. After I'm done attacking the laundry, wrestling with the dishes and killing dust bunnies, would you like a spot of tea?"

Laura starts to giggle. "All you need is a little black dress and a white apron."

Looking to the counter, Ryder's eyes pop open wide and he shrieks like a girl. "Eek! I'll 'ave you know I won't put up with coffee stains on the counter of a kitchen I'm supposed to be cleaning. "My 'ouse is your 'ouse," she said, but fancy leaving all the crocodiles to me. I'll clean 'enry's catbox, but coffee stains are left to the Missus of this 'ouse."

By now, Laura's face is red as she laughs, her shoulders shaking. "Oh you are way too good at this."

Ryder grins and tosses the spoon over his shoulder, having it land directly into the sink. The look on his face is a sheepish one and he tries not to laugh. "I think I've been cooped up too long. Either of you going into work today or what?"

Laura nods, downing the rest of her coffee. She needed a good day at work to keep her mind busy. "You?"

"Oh I dunno. Yesterday turned into a disaster."

"Yeah, well I'm afraid to leave you here now. Might come back to find you wearing a maid's dress made from a crocodile."

"You don't have to worry about that," Ryder counters. "It would take me at least three days to accomplish that."

Laura grins and shakes her head, looking back over to Katie. "Remind TJY to do a background check the next time we want to bring someone back to the States." She grabs her purse and heads for the door. "Well, Ryder, if you need something, call, and Katie, I'll see you later."

Once the door is closed again, Ryder tosses Katie a wink. "How about I catch a ride with you? I got a stop to make though if you don't mind. Reese gave me some cash yesterday and it's burning a hole in my pocket. Is there a flower shop between here and TJY?"


Axel looks up at Jess with dry humor. "Oh, shut up," he grumbles, though his eyes twinkle. He accepts her hand up, then stretches out tall. "I feel like I've been sleeping on a stiff board."

Liz rolls her eyes. "I wonder why."

Axel gives the back of her head a light whack. "Try to behave yourself while I'm in the shower and unable to bail you out, will you?"

Watching him leave, Liz giggles, calling after him. "By the time you're out, I'll be at school. You still be here when I get back?"

"Yeah, yeah," Axel yells over his shoulder as he ambles down the hall. "I won't leave without saying goodbye."

Hearing the bathroom door close, Liz grins and looks to Jess. "I miss having him around here. I almost forgot how much fun it was." She turns around to busy herself getting a quick breakfast, but she stops once more, still smiling at Jess. "But I suppose there are better things to keep him in Nevada, huh?"


"Kyle, we got half an hour!"

"She'll be here!" Kyle leans against the back of the bus, squinting in the morning light. He knew Alice was about as excited as this trip as he was. There was no way she'd be late.

He puts his hands in his pockets, just thinking for a moment. He'd said goodbye to everyone who he thought cared about it. Even Jason had stopped by to see him off. This was it... it would be several months before he was back. He hoped he'd tied up all the loose ends... He'd still be sending money for bills back to Phil, and Phil would look out for his truck for him. Otherwise though... nothing was keeping him here. He was on a new adventure... maybe he would find a new route in life.

Didnt know

A smile makes its way across Katie's face as she sips her coffee watching Ryder try and help Laura. It was nice to see Ryder trying to fit in and find is place. In the process making another friend. Kaite liked knowing that maybe through helping Laura, and herself Ryder felt like he belonged giving him all the more reason to stick around.

Giving a laugh at Laura's comment Katie stands and goes over to the coffee pot to grab some more coffee giving her head a little shake.

"I can see the headlines now...."

Katie waves her free and in front of her like she was reading a paper heading.

"Croc hunter become house maid."

Looking to Ryder Kaite busts out laughing the mantel images alone making her laughter grow beyond control.

Wwaking and hearing noise in the other room Jess gentil opens the door. Her back acked a little but that was from sleeping in a bed that was not hers.

Slowling making her way through the house she fnids her way to the kitchen. Stoping a giving a blink at Axel on the floor a laugh escapes her lips.

"When you said I could have the extra bed room I didnt know you ment you were going to sleep on the kichen floor!"

Giving a smile Jess trys to find a little humor in the whole situation before going over to Axel and offering a hang.

"Good Morning!"

Shoulder

Laura soaks up Katie's comfort, glad for her friend, glad for the words. It didn't take the pain away, but maybe it numbed it just a little.

Hearing the offer for the bath, she nods. It did sound good. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she sniffs again, then stands up a little shakily. Ryder stands out of the way, letting her wander to her bedroom first, then back to the bathroom.

The bathroom was getting just a bit steamy. Bath oils had been found, and the scent of lilac wafted in the air. It was warm... warm and oh so inviting... Laura slides down into the hot water, her body immediately relaxing. Closing her eyes she just sits for a while, not asleep, but not letting her mind think at the moment. Her aching muscles started to loosen up, and as her body relaxed, so did her emotions.

Ryder quietly wanders the living room, grabbing the blanket he'd been using and preparing the couch for his bed for the night. Hearing the microwave beep, he ambles back to the kitchen.

Laura dries herself off and wraps herself up in her soft robe. She towel dries her hair and gets ready for bed. Though much more relaxed now, she doesn't trust that she'll be able to get to sleep on her own, so she grabs a bottle from the medicine cabinet. Aiming for the kitchen, she enters and goes for a glass of water to accompany the pills.

As she's reaching for a glass though, the bottle is suddenly slipped from her grasp. Giving a little start, she turns quickly to Ryder and blinks in surprise. Then she sees the steaming mug in his hand.

He offers her the hot tea. "Drink this instead," he directs gently. "It'll put you right to sleep." Receiving an unbelieving look, he nods. "Trust me."

Too worn out to fight, Laura accepts. "Thank you," she manages a little hoarsely.

"Go on," he shrugs off the thanks. "Things will look different in the morning."

Laura just looks at him for a moment, still not quite sure where he'd come from or who he was, but grateful nonetheless. He was being so kind. Finally she turns to slowly make it to her room. Crawling onto her bed, she settles back against her pillows and takes a sip of the tea. It slid down her throat, so warm and soothing, and oh it tasted good. In the morning, she wouldn't even remember finishing it off before sliding under the covers and falling asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.


Axel just lets the exchange continue, in no hurry to let it end - not something this sweet, this blissful. Finally though, he withdraws just a bit, knowing that they both needed to go inside. A smile spreads - a full one... a genuine one. No words were needed... they both knew that tonight had suddenly marked the beginning of something new for the both of them... and both were willing to be a part of the adventure.

Pulling her in close again, Axel just gives Jess a tight hug, in thanks for everything. Then pulling away, he moves to open the door. "We better get inside before someone decides to turn the porch light on," he teases quietly.

The morning breaks all too soon. The sun is met with weary eyes that wish for just another hour of sleep. But dawn waits for no one...

Liz's shriek echoes through the house before she slaps a hand over her mouth. Too late, she knew she's alerted probably everyone else in the house.

Axel gives a start and sits bolt upright, hitting his head on something hard. His hand hurt like the dickens, and now so did his head too. Squinting, he tries to bring things into focus, for a moment, feeling an odd sense of panic.

"Oh, oh, it's just me," Liz tries to make up for the rude awakening. "You alright?"

Axel blinks and finally realizes that he's sitting up on the kitchen floor, staring up at Liz. "Um..." He furrows his brow. "I think... I don't know... yes?"

Liz tries not to laugh. "Do you have any idea how long you've been out here?"

Axel shakes his head. "Uh-uh..." He blinks again and tries to stand up, but has just a bit of trouble when his right hand offers no help.

Liz helps instead. "Sorry for screaming. It's been a while since I've just come across you in weird places ya know. Good to know somethings never change though."

Axel smirks at her, finally starting to wake up. "Yeah, it's great," he retorts with sarcasm, wincing as he stretches. Last he knew, he'd given Jess the spare room and had sacked out in the living room for the night. "You try starting out on the couch, and winding up on some hard tile floor, then you tell me how good it is."

A giggle finally escapes. "I'm sorry. Rough night, huh?"

"I have no idea."

"Well at least you didn't end up outside like you did that one time."

"This is true."

Liz looks up at him, a little sly glint in her eye. "Figured you woulda slept like a baby last night though."

"And why's that?"

Liz shrugs, tossing him a crooked grin. "Oh... no reason..." She goes to start the coffee as she'd intended to do, turning her back on him.

He's glad she does as he can suddenly feel heat in his face. Surely she hadn't... he's not even going to ask. "Bathroom empty?"

"Last I checked. Hurry though, Nick was just getting up."


Laura runs a brush through her hair and gives herself one last look in the mirror. That would have to do. She takes a deep breath, then heads out of her bedroom. She felt surprisingly refreshed this morning. Her mind was a little clearer, and she felt like being distracted for at least a while. Some might advise against going to work, but she wanted something to keep her busy.

Arriving to the kitchen, she finds that Katie and Ryder are already up, and she goes for some cold cereal for breakfast. "Morning," she greets. Reaching for a bowl in the cupboard, she pauses to roll her right shoulder, feeling the knot that had formed from sleeping in the same position all night. "What did you put in that tea?" she questions wryly. "That knocked me out cold."

Ryder grins and steps away from the window where he'd been looking out. "Secret recipe. Glad it worked. How you feeling?"

"Better." Laura gives a little nod. "Better..." It was true. She still didn't know what decisions she wanted to make or where she was going, or how to really make it through this, but the immediate breakdown was over, and at least for now, she just wanted to move forward. She would face the emotions again if they spilled over, but for now at least, she felt on an even keel.

"...other than my shoulder killing me," she concludes, pouring milk over her cereal at the counter.

"Mm, which one?"

"Right one. Guess I must have slept on it funny or something." Concentrating on her breakfast, suddenly feeling Ryder's hand on her shoulder makes her jump.

"Oy, steady," he directs with gentle firmness. He runs a thumb down her back around her shoulder blade. "Here?"

Laura scrunches up her nose. "Yeah."

Holding her still with one hand, Ryder moves his other, letting his palm move in a slow but deep movement to release the knot. "How's that?"

Laura rotates her arm, her eyebrows rising. "Much better... wow... thank you." She looks to Katie with a teasing grin. "How come you didn't bring this guy sooner? Can we hire him?"


"Jordan, where's my pack?"

"I threw it in this morning, babe. Got the phones?"

"Hey, did we get the fridge fixed?"

"Incoming!"

"Whoa, Hunter, cut it out!"

"Who's dirty sock is this?!"

"Kyle! You showed up!"

Kyle grins as he ambles toward the buss, duffel bag in hand. "Yo, Chloe, wassup?"

Chloe giggles. "Nothing, other than trying to keep up with this crazy bunch."

"Well then I think I came to the right place."

"Of course you did!" Hunter hollers to him out one of the windows. "Get your hind end in here and claim your bunk before all of Myla's crap ends up on it!"

"Hey!" Myla shrieks from inside. "I packed as light as I could! Mark my words, if I didn't have all this stuff, within an hour of being on the road, Jordan would be complaining that I'd forgotten something."

Hunter is leaning out the window, and he just grins at Kyle, ignoring Myla. "Married couples. I tell ya." He sighs and shakes his head teasingly. "We'll be ready in about an hour. Where's your shadow?"

Kyle turns and looks out from the gravel parking lot to the road, then back to Hunter. "She'll be here. Just look for a jeep."

"And your own gang?"

"I said goodbye earlier this morning..." Kyle pauses for just a minute, remembering the warm farewell, though he could tell that his sister especially didn't want him to go. "I'm all set."

Slice

Trying to console her friend Katie continues to rub Laura's back. She didnt know how she felt, and she couldnt even start to imagen the pain she was feeling. But Katie tryed her best anyways because she had felt pan before even if it was a differnt kind.

"Oh Laura, I know it hurts Hun, but I know that hurt will go away in time if you let it."

Drawing silent again Katie collects her thoughts as she trys to simpathys with Laura. The look in her eyes killed Katie on the inside to see her friend hurting so much.

"As for Nate, I dont think he hates you. Nate dosnt have a hate bone in his body and he loves you so much. He's probley hurting just as much as you are if not a little more in a differnt way. Seeing someone you love hurting and not being able to do anything to take that hurt away. He'll be ok and when its over He will love you just the same if not more."

Tighting her arm around Laura just a little as she runs a hand through Henry's fer. Than hearing Ryder's comment about relaxing with a nice bath Katie gives a nod and smile at Laura.

"I think that would be nice for you and would help. Hows that sound to you?"

The experance was new, the feeling was fresh and Jess could tell the differance. Feeling Axel draw close Jess' sences highter as she can feel herself give a little shiver. Feeling Axel's lips touch her Jess can feel the wave of heat that runs throgh her system.

Looking into Axel's eyes as he pulls away slightly Jess smiles back at him. A million emotions of happyness refelcted in her eyes. Though what she felt she could not call it love it was deffintly an emotion that gave her the hope and will to make this go farward because it just might work out.

"I dont think falling to your death would be worth it, because than I could never look at you again, or match my intelligence with yours."

As Axel returns to continue the kiss Jess wraps her arms around him once more. Feeling him close to her she felt safe, the emotions washing over her. The sweet tast of the moment was like nothing Jess had tasted before. This was perfect, if Jess had to put a name to it, this was what a slice of heaven was like.