Sun Rise

Shaking her head Katie opens the door and throws the wet towl at Ryder a quirky smile on her face.

"Oh I guess I can. I mean your clothing are starting to smell a little."

Katie scrunches up her noise a little before giving a heartly laugh again and giving Ryder a pat on the arm and a laugh again.

"I'm kidding you smell as pretty as roses? I'll drop you off at the mall on my way to work if you like. You still have enough money and all? I can lend you some."

Quietly steping out of the spair bedroom Jess makes her way through the quiet hours. The sun was just starting to make its way over the harizon and Jess wanted to see it in a differnt light.

Unlocking the front door Jess moves with care stepping out on to the pourch trying not to make any noise and wake them.

Leaning aganst the railing Jess looks out at the harizon where the dark night sky was turning pink, to orange to a soft purple.

Taking in a deep breath the fresh air felt good in Jess lungs. She liked it here, it was nice, it was peaceful, and worry seemed to be non exsistent. Jess wondered if things would always be like this now, or if this was something that would not offten be found. This would defintly go in her memorie book next to her Rainbow.

Reaching Morning

Carson works his jaw muscles, proving that on the inside there was a whole lot more going on than the outside. "No..." He shakes his head slowly. "No, it's best this way. Seeing her won't matter. I think that social worker would be better off setting the girl straight and putting her foot down instead of giving in, but... I guess that's just me."

His eyes roam the kitchen. "Flesh and blood or not... the kid deserves a family and that's what she's getting. The system is only involving me because she's throwing a fit, not because they really want me to do anything. I'm just... here to prove that there's something better than me."

He thinks for a moment and shakes his head. "No... I should just get this over with and be done with it. They're not asking me to do anything but stand and look incapable of being a parent... that shouldn't be too difficult." Though his words seemed to reflect logic, the tone of his voice was strained, as if already he didn't really know what was right.

Giving another sigh, he turns back to Misty and slings an arm over her shoulders. "I'm sorry... I just... needed some company. Thanks for listening." He squeezes her a little, and guides her out of the kitchen, flipping off the light. "Can we go get some late night ice cream before you go back to work? Guess I just wanna wind down before going home, or Dani will be all over me."


A folded blanket comes out of nowhere, landing on top of Ryder's head. "Umf!" Ryder sits up, dazed after being in a deep sleep. "What in the..."

"Oh, Ryder!" Laura puts a hand over her mouth, stifling a sheepish laugh. "I'm so sorry. I was cleaning up the living room and forgot you were there."

Ryder runs a hand through his disheveled hair. "Henry... you... I really do need to be quick about finding my own place."

"I am sorry," Laura apologizes again. "You can stay as long as you want, you know that."

Ryder quirks a grin. "Yeah, I know."

Laura comes around the couch and sits down, folding her hands between her knees. "Ryder...?"

He cocks his head. "Yeah?"

"Um... thank you... for being so nice. I... needed that." She gives a little nod. "I got a boyfriend that loves me to death and I almost forgot that. I know I'm taken care of. But... it was really nice of you to do those special things and... and give me the flowers and all that."

"I think I mighta made Nate a little unhappy," Ryder admits ruefully.

Laura grins. "He got over it. But really...I needed to remember that there were others who thought I was worth their time and effort... not just those who I was closest to... and... you reminded me of that. So... thank you."

Ryder lowers his head, his face reddening just a little. He was never after any thanks. But he would accept it anyway. "Well... you're welcome. Thanks for letting me stay here... even if you do forget I'm here."

Laura laughs and shakes her head. She felt better today. There was still a lot of turmoil, a lot of hurt and a lot of anger inside of her. But the sun was just a little bit brighter today. She had someone who loved her... and more friends than she'd remembered. "Breakfast?"

"Mm... that sounds good." Ryder gets up and ambles down the hall, coming to the closed bathroom door. He bangs his palm on it, though not as obnoxiously as the other day. "Hey, you're the resident hero," he hollers. "I need a ride somewhere to get some clothes. Drop me of on your way to work?"


"You alright?"

Carson looks across the kitchen table at his sister, coffee mug cupped in his hands. "Yeah... yeah."

Dani looks at her brother with compassion. He'd come home very late last night, but she'd been awake, reading. The conversation that had followed had been a calm one, but surprising. She could tell that this whole thing bothered Carson, but there was nothing she could do. A part of her had gotten just a little excited, thinking that she had a niece. But she knew that Carson had no intention of doing anything but what the social worker said. Then there was the issue of Alec. She'd been shocked, and she almost wanted to go see him, but better sense warned her not to for a while. Though more sentimental than Carson, the thought of another brother did stir something in her heart.

The phone ringing prevents any talk on the subjects, and Dani gets up to answer it. "Hello? Yes. Yes, he's here. Hang on." She holds out the phone. "It's Reese."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "I'm gonna be late for work."

Dani puts a hand on her hip. "Be nice."

Carson gulps down the rest of his coffee and stands up, taking the phone, but first wrapping it around his sister.

"Hey, hey, watch it!"

Carson grins, just letting Dani find her own way out of the tangled mess. "Yeah, Reese. Whatcha need?"

"Hi, Carson. Sorry to call so early, but I wanted to catch you before work. Listen, um, there's a couple things. One, I wanted to apologize about yesterday. I should have found out a few more facts before calling you in to see Alec. I guess I made an assumption that you'd want to see him, but I understand if you wouldn't."

"It's alright." Carson sighs. "I just got enough going on right now. I was curt with you too.... I figure once things settle down, and when he's more cooperative, I'll come talk to him. I know its' the right thing to do. I think my sister might want to see him too."

"Well, I'll leave that up to the both of you."

"Has he said any more?"

"No, we haven't worked on him any more yet after Ryder. This morning we're going to try again."

"Alright. Well... thanks for calling."

"I got one more thing."

Carson sees Dani getting ready to leave, and gives her a smile and wave, still talking to Reese. "Yeah?"

"How would you like to be back on the team?"

Carson straightens, his eyebrows rising. "What... you mean back on the Elite? How's that possible?"

"Oh, it's been long enough now, and I'd say you proved yourself with that Australian mission."

"You're talking full time?"

"If you want it. We could use you back, Carson. They don't call us the Elite for nothing."

Carson swallows hard. The adrenaline automatically started pumping. He opens his mouth, but then stops. Herb came to mind. Mabel. Aerith. The restaurant. His haven. And for the first time, he didn't jump at the chance to get back into the action. It was one of the strangest sensations he'd ever experienced. But he couldn't deny its presence. "Um... can I think about it?"

Reese chuckles. "You bet. The offer stays open as long as you don't go and do something stupid, and I have a feeling you won't."

"I'll think about it then. Thanks."

"Sure thing. Take it easy and I'll be in touch."

"Yeah, okay. Bye." Hanging up the phone, Carson lets out the breath he'd been holding. "God, what am I supposed to do?" He shakes his head. A half-brother. A daughter. Action on the field. What else? "I just don't understand why I'm getting all this at once." But he knew deep down that he didn't have to understand. He just needed to have the faith that everything would turn out for good.

The phone rings again and Carson groans. "Yeah?"

"Mr. Banks?"

He bristles. "Heather."

"Very good, I'm impressed."

"Don't be. What do you want?"

"You. Tomorrow. To meed your daughter."

"Tomorrow?!" Carson blinks. "I thought it would be..."

"Well, then you thought wrong. I want to get this over with as much as you do. I have a flight for myself and Mackenzie and we'll be in tomorrow, then back out again a couple hours later. Can you meet us?"

How could he say no? "Um... yeah. You want me to pick you up at the airport or what?"

"No, I'll have a rental car. You just name the place, as long as it's appropriate for a little girl."

Carson rolls his eyes. "City park?"

"That will do. Two pm?"

"Sure."

"Great. I will see you then, and we can get this little episode over with."

"Yeah." Carson hangs up without a goodbye. He looks up at the ceiling. "You really do like putting pressure on me, don't you? Guess I deserve it. But why this?" Suddenly, he realizes the time. "Aw shoot." It's a rush to get ready for work, and his walk became a run downtown.

Getting into the back of Mom and Pop's, he slides into the kitchen. He'd have to call Misty later. "I'm here, Herb," he calls. "Where we at?" He grabs an apron, then peeks out behind the counter, throwing Mabel a smile. "Morning, Mum."


Scott stands on his porch, looking out at the gray morning. Domino's leash was in his hand, his little friend, waiting at his heel for the signal to walk. He hesitates. Last night had brought little sleep. But no one had come. He'd been safe. The security cameras had helped ease his mind. But something else had too. The fear... it wasn't as great.

He stares out to the sidewalk and finally takes a step forward. His white t-shirt was hanging loose over his jeans, and his flannel shirt was unbuttoned. His contacts in, and his hair finally grown out, no one would guess what had happened to him.

Gripping Domino's leash, he steps down off the porch and walks toward the sidewalk. It would take him about half an hour to get to Hope's, and that would make him on time for his appointment. Today... today he was going by himself.

Make sure

Listin still Misty cant help a lump that rises in her throat. She couldnt imagen having to deal with this herself. But would is really be bread and butter like Carson described?

"I think after everything, you would make a great father and I dont think you should second guess yourself on that. But as for being stable enough, thats up to you and I cant talke about that."

Misty lets out a sigh as her mind works. In the past she had seen so many kids and what the system did to them, but if she had a family maybe that would be ok.

"Once you see her though Carson is it going to be that easy to let her go? I mean she is your flesh and blood."

Giving another sigh Misty didnt know what to say. This was a hard situation for anyone, and a hard desition to make.

"This is your desition to make though Carson and no matter what I'll be behind you in it. Just make sure you make the right one you believe in so later your not kicking our own butt."

Misty looks up at Carson and smiles. That really was the only advice she could give him. And she did want him to know she carded and would be behind him. THAT was important.

All over

Carson doesn't move, still trying to get his own mind to wrap around this whole mess. But finally giving in, he pulls Misty a little closer, giving her a hug and just holding her for a moment, wanting to know everything was okay. He didn't often feel weak... but this was one of those rare times.

Pulling away, he shakes his head and leans back against the counter. "No... no, it's different than that. And yeah, there was no reason for me to believe there were lies here. The names and dates were right, and they had written word that I'm the father."

He sighs, folding his arms across his chest. "June... that was the mother... she died about a year ago. The social worker said that the girl has been looking for her real father and won't give up. Apparently she's been quite the handful with the silly notion. So... the social worker wants to bring her here... too meet me. And then... when Mackenzie finds out that I'm not the fairytale father she envisioned, she'll give up the whole idea and go home again."

Carson pauses, his thumbnail finding a notch in the surface of the counter. "She's got a family that wants to adopt her, so... I guess the social worker is right. I mean... I certainly can't take her on, let alone claim her after all these years." He tries to talk himself out of any other avenues. "It would be ridiculous, not to mention, I don't need a kid hanging on me. I don't like it that the social worker judged me, but... she's right. I'm not the type, and apparently the agency is satisfied with giving Mackenzie a stable home with two parents. Obviously that's the right choice."

He gives a nod, then looks back to Misty. "And then... then it will all be over."

Why

Sliding out of the booth and following Carson Misty says close just listing to him. She did know about Alec and how that must of been a shot for Carson. But something alse..Misty could tell something else was bothering him.

Continuing to listen Misty leans aganst the table in the back watching as Carson pours the liqued down the drain. A spark lit in her as she watched smile. Proud that Carson had done that on his own.

But the smile is short lived as Misty hears what Carson says next. What...a daughter?

"Your sure she was for real? I mean you saw a picture and everything?"

A million throught ran through Misty's mind. Why was this being braught to Carson's attachen now? What was to come of this and where did it put her?

Trying to clam her own emotion down Misty trys to think of Carson and not herself. This had to be more of a blow to him and it was no time to be selfish.

Coming closer to Carson again Misty places a hand on his arm if for anything just to feel close to him and maybe bring him some comfort too.

"So why now did this lady come? Does the mother want money or something? Or was there another reason?"

She's my...

Liz gasps. "You're taking my job! Oh, the horrors!" Then she blinks. "Oh, wait. Yes! Aha!" She grins evilly at Axel. "Take that, you lawyer, you. Now who's gonna make the big bucks, eh?"

The microwave beeps, making Liz jump. "Ooh, the popcorn is done. Who wants some?"

"Me!" Nick raises his hand. As soon as Liz is up and has her back turned, he reaches across the board, stealing his sister's money to hide under the board, just to be ornery.

Axel keeps a straight face, knowing better than to blow Nick's joke.


Carson’s eyes stay glued to the table, not even looking up as Misty joins him. He leans into her a little bit as she puts an arm around him, but doesn't shift his weight.

"I suppose you know about my brother. Or half brother. Or whatever." He gives a little sigh. "Guess maybe that whole thing bothers me more than I thought."

But that wasn't the only thing. There was something much greater. He could rationalize his way through the issue of Alec. But this... no... he just couldn't seem to. Fidgeting with the bottle in his hand, he stares at it. The battle hadn't gotten much easier as he'd waited for Misty to arrive. It had only worsened.

“A woman paid me a visit today. She, um… she’s from Arizona. She… works with social services.”

Swallowing hard, Carson gestures for Misty to get up, and slides from the booth as well. Taking the bottle, he slowly wanders to the kitchen, knowing Misty will follow. Flipping on the light, he goes to the sink, staring at it for several moments, unwilling to look up at Misty.

“She showed me a picture of… of a little girl who is… around ten years old, and…”

He stops, tipping the bottle up and letting the whiskey pour out into the sink and down the drain. Watching it circle around and down, he lets it go, knowing good and well that if Misty had not come, he would eventually have given in.

Once the alcohol is gone, he finally looks up, the emotions running wildly through his eyes. “The little girl... she’s my daughter.”

Job

Trying not to pry Mable over hears Carson and the lady that had come to see him. Her went out to her young employee. She felt bad for him and couldnt image how he felt. Mable wished she could help some how but new there really was nothing she could do.

Laughing as the fun continues Jess face turns red. Starting to play the game was proving to be alot of fun so far. She was really enjoying herself. It was another fun adventure she had now experinced.

As Nick starts in with his comment about Axel getting married her eyes widen just a little. A hot flash washes over her at the thought, the heat coming to her cheeks. Looking up again as Axel says him and Rocky are going on a camping trip she gives a smile.

"Hey camping trips are always fun, and if you squint at the bored enough I bet it says that too."

Taking her own turn Jess squeal a little landing on the space to change jobs with anyone. Looking over to Liz she nods at her.

"I think I'll take your Photography job Liz and you can have my Dr. Job."

Grabbing her purse and keys Misty hopes into her car without saying much. She had let Rick know that she was leaving but would be back and brefly explained to him what she new Carson had said on the phone and that was all. Not wasting time she her could tell by the tone in Carson's voice he did need her.

Within minutes Misty is heading into Mom and Pop's. The bell that hung over the door seemed to be less cheerful then normal as she could feel something was wrong.

Scanning the booths Misty's eyes finally fall to where she saw Carson sitting still with the bottle in his hand. Walking over to him quickly Misty slides into the booth with him but dosent take the bottle from him. Wrapping an around around his shouler Misty gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"Carson, Whats the matter? Whats happend?"