Haywire emotions

"Mmm..." Sparky swallows another mouthful of soup. "Well, you do a good job. And lemme tell ya, I've had a lot of different food in my time. I think I could handle this soup any day."

Glancing up now and again, he would catch Faith's eye and just look at her for a moment as if trying to see what lay behind her gaze. Indeed he was. He wondered what it was about her that drew him in. What was it that made him unable to keep his eyes off her for too long? What was it about her voice that made him want to listen, just to hear it? What was it that made her eyes shine with joy, even though she faced many trials? Perhaps simply knowing that she had sacrificed the last few days to help care for him was what intrigued Sparky.

Engaging himself in a bit of small talk, he chats while he eats, telling Faith about some of his horseback riding adventures, tales of where he used to live, and how God had helped him and this family through so much. Long after his soup bowl was empty, he wonders if he's ever talked so much in his life and hopes he hasn't bored Faith to death.

Even so, his body was growing more tired after it had been through so much the last few days. Eventually, he has slid back down on his side with his head on his pillow once more. The small talk was continuing, but it was Faith's turn, so Sparky listens, but his eyes grow heavy. He tries to keep them open because he wanted to listen, but before he knew it, he had slipped into sleep.

His chest moves in and out slowly in a gentle rhythm, his hand slowly sliding down to hang off the bed. Thankfully, his mug was empty of tea and it hung from his fingers instead of crashing to the floor.


Kyle chuckles as he likes hearing Alice's dreams, no matter if they were realistic or not. "Who knows... with the way things are going, nothing should surprise me anymore. Not to mention, it's all backward. How many guys get asked to head up a band that's already established? And to go with his name? It's crazy. Then to blend so well that one would think they'd been together forever... not to mention the chance for a record company to hear you?" He shakes his head. "That's God for ya though, huh? Always full of surprises and nothing that seems logical."

Pausing, he cocks his head to see Alice's face, a quirky grin forming. Wriggling his weight around, he pulls her up on top of him so he can wrap both arms around her in a tight squeeze. "Kind of like us. Totally illogical."

Still grinning, he brushes her hair from her face before gently pulling her closer so he can give her a kiss. It was only in the quiet moments alone that he let his passion through, and today he was just happy to be with his best friend.

Drawing back, his eyes carry on his smile. "Wherever this band ends up going... you'll come with me, won't you?" It wasn't the first time he asked her, and probably wouldn't be the last. But her assurance that she wouldn't leave was something that he clung to.


William strides to the door and opens it halfway, peering out to see who was there. Though his face was somewhat stern, there was a softness to his eyes. A smile was hard to find, but if one looked close enough, they could see it. "Hello, Karla." He also had a good memory. "Come in, please."

He opens the door wider and ushers her inside out of the chilly air. "I heard you might be coming," he muses. "You must be here to see Carol. Follow me, please."

His step is long but slow as he leads Karla down one hall, down a couple steps, up a few more, then down another hall and finally into what appeared to be a large study. "Someone to see you," he announces.

Carol had yet to meet Karla officially, though she had seen her spending time with the others last night. Looking up from her desk, a wisp of blonde/gray hair flutters on her cheek. Her eyes twinkle as a smile comes to her lips. "You must be Karla. Hello."

Standing, she walks across the room, nodding to William. "Thank you."

Nodding back, William takes his leave.

Carol looks back to Karla, still smiling. She was a tall and slender, elegant woman, fitting the this wealthy house, yet not holding any fake airs about her. "Kip told me you might be coming." She chuckles. "I couldn't tell if he wanted more for me to have the help or for you to have the job."

Wandering to a small table to the side, she motions for Karla to join her and sit. Folding her hands on the table, she gives a little sigh before explaining. "While we have a big house here, we don't keep as many employees as a lot of people would. We like to put our money to better use and so we all pitch in with upkeep. We do have a cook though, and a butler." She pauses, her eyes seeming to laugh. "He thinks being called a 'butler' sounds too stuffy though so we just call him William. Anyway, for some time, we've also had someone here every day who keeps things clean and in order. However, the last woman hired needed to leave suddenly, and this poor house is getting dustier by the day."

Pausing to collect her thoughts, Carol studies Karla a moment before going on. "It's really not hard work - nothing heavy. It's just dusting, cleaning floors and windows, maybe doing some laundry, and on occasion helping in the kitchen. Hours are flexible though in all honesty, it will take about thirty hours a week. You wouldn't have to work weekends, though if you'd rather have a different day off than Saturday, we can work that out too. Sunday's off are a must though - the whole house rests."

She stops again, her swarm smile returning. "If you like, I can walk you through the house so you know what all is involved."


Laura sits at the dinner table, picking at her food. Maggie was so sensitive when it came to other people's feelings that Laura really didn't want her to see her like this tonight. She felt miserable... and a little sick to her stomach too. Part of her problem though was that her husband was sitting right across from her and she had yet to tell him the news. Come to think of it, she'd barely made eye contact at all with him tonight.

Unable to stand the unusual silence any longer, she gets up from the table, taking her plate to the sink. She could feel Nate's eyes watching her, and could sense the questions he wasn't asking as he allowed her to have her own space. It wasn't like her not to talk to him... but tonight, she just didn't know how.

Not even bothering to clear off anything else from the table, Laura wanders to the living room. Sinking down on the couch, she hugs a throw pillow and pulls her knees up to curl into the corner. Right now, all she wanted was a hug... to be held... to bury herself into Nate's strong arms and forget how weak she felt. But knowing she was terrible company tonight, she didn't want to ask. He'd had a hard day himself, and she didn't want to burden him with trying to make her feel better.

Pulling herself up a little tighter, she closes her eyes, wishing for a moment that she were someone else... someone stronger... someone more grateful for what she had. She wished she were a better wife... someone more deserving of this life. With her emotions going haywire, it took all she had not to cry again. And a secret corner of her heart hoped that even though she'd been less than sociable tonight, that she would feel the couch move and know that Nate was near.

Paper

Alice's eyes twinkle as she sits with Kyle. Just having time to be the two of them again felt good. It was easy to get lost in the glits of everything, but when time came along like this it really made you appreciate being long once more.

Leaning her head on Kyle's chest Alice just listens to him talk. His voice, words so soothing. A grin on her own face as she invasions a house like Kyle explained.

"Mmmm...my own room for writing...that would be amazing. Set up everything just how I want, have desks for everything...I couldnt even start my own paper."

Alice gives a little giggle knowing she was going over bored with the whole idea. But it was fun to dream.

"Yeah, that would be nice."

Coming up to the front door Karla lets out a long shaky sigh. She felt nervous, not sure why but she did. It might be that today she would find out if she had a job or not. Or it could be the odd feeling of working for her friends, friends mom that put the feeling in her stomach. But eather way she could us the money so she had to try.

Reaching out to push the doorbell Karla just waited shafting her weight from one foot to the next. Not sure who would answer the door, or what to even say when they did Karl waited.

Just looking back into Gage Sapphire can feel her heart start to pound louder as he draws closer. Her eyes never leaving his, as they seemed to capture his and she fell into them. His breath on her skin, it felt so nice, so warm.

As Gage draws in even closer Sapphire's eyes fall shut, feeling Gage's lips press aganst her it felt like a million volts ran through her at once. His lips so gentile, his passion so great even in such a little kiss. Letting her own emotions go and letting the kiss become more deeper Sapphire had never felt a feeling and a tingle like this before and she liked it. Her own emotions, and return kiss proving she did enjoy it.

As Gage pulls away Sapphire can't help the smile the was placed on her lips. Keeping her eyes closed for a few moments longer just trying to charis what was just shared. Finally opening her eyes to look at Gage feeling his finger run along her cheek there was a twinkle in her eye of the emotions she felt.

"The defiantly was a memorie worth making."

Just searching Gage's face, and his eyes his hand still on her face Sapphire wouldnt mind making another memorie. Leaning in wanting just one more kiss, her stomach makes a loud growl and her face turn red as she pulls away again.

"I guess my stomach is warning me again that I better eat."

Keeping her hand linked with Gage's she gives a soft smile to him.

"How about we grab some food?"

As the bathroom door opens and the smell of soap fills the air Faith looks up from the table. Seeing Sparky and how well he cleaned up Faith had to look away quick before finding herself stairing to long once again.

With in no time Faith has the food ready and and was serving it to them both. Hearing that Sparky liked the food made Faith feel good on the inside and she couldnt help the smile that spread on her lips.

"I made it myself. Its one of the few things I remember my mother making in Thailand. I braught some spice and stuff with us when I came here because I new I couldnt find it here. I was hopping it would come in handy and I...guess it had."

Taking her own spoon of soup Faith sips it quietly before looking back up at Sparky. Something about him just made her feel so at ease. She just felt...comfortable with him, and his voice was so soft yet strong at the same time. Faith loved listing to him talk.

Rosetta gives a nod even though Mick cant see her. She always hated when there conversations came to an end.

"I will tell him. I love you Mick. I can't wait for you to get home."

Hanging up the phone Rosetta lets out a long sigh. She did miss him, and she new BJ did too. Standing she goes and makes her way to the kitchen to start something for BJ to eat.

Imagine

Mick falls silent, hating the things that separated him from his family right now. It was his own fault though, and he was paying for it. But it wouldn't be forever. If he could just hold out for a little longer... just a little longer.

"Mick?"

He turns quickly to see Brenda's gentle nod. Sighing, he focuses back on his phonecall. "I gotta go... I'll call back as soon as I get another chance. Tell BJ to keep the checkers board out."


Once showered and dressed, Sparky realizes just how sick he's been. Even this little bit of activity had him exhausted, and he was ready for more sleep. But he wanted to eat first.

Exiting the bathroom, he had on clean jeans, a t-shirt and socks, his hair still wet. He'd managed to get his face shaved, thankful to be rid of the itchy scruff. He wanders to the bed to sit again, bypassing the table for now... the bed was just so much more comfortable. He props himself up with pillows and closes his eyes a moment. "I feel better and worse at the same time," he muses.

Sighing, he opens his eyes again to watch Faith getting the soup ready. Cocking his head a little, he wonders again why she chose to be here, rather than outdoors or spending time with Annie.

Once he's set with the soup in front of him, he has a silent prayer then takes a bite. He cringes just a little as the hot liquid hits his one tooth... he still hadn't seen a dentist. But the pain was quickly replaced by the good taste of the meal. "Mmm... I don't know if I'm just that hungry or what, but this is really good." He takes another bite, eating slowly. "Who made it?"


Gage's eyes don't break from Sapphire's. He liked the feeling of her hand on his face... it was warm and soft. The far corner of his mouth upturns just a little, but he takes his time responding to her permission. He wanted these times with her burned into his memory, not rushed.

Mimicking her own movement, Gage takes his hand to cradle the side of Sapphire's face. It was even softer than he'd imagined against his palm. To be so close to those sparkling eyes was like being close to the stars. She'd accepted him when no one else did... she'd willingly been his friend when he deserved so much worse. And he couldn't help the feelings he had towards her now. Maybe he hadn't planned it, and maybe she didn't even feel quite the same way towards him... but he wanted to show her how grateful he was... and what his feelings really meant. 'Thank you' just didn't cut it anymore.

Leaning in close, Gage pauses with his eyes inches from hers. He searches them again, as if almost afraid she'd change her mind. But not seeing resistance, he cocks his head and gently touches her lips with his own, his eyes falling shut.

Still holding her one hand, he shifts his palm towards her own, interlocking her fingers with his. His other hand continues to cradle her face, keeping her chin tilted towards him. Letting himself be drawn into the moment, he ventures a deeper kiss, finding it sweeter than he'd imagined.

He lets the exchange linger for several quiet moments before he pulls away, his eyes opening again as his thumb gently runs along her cheek. "Thank you."


Laura sits in her car in the police station parking lot as another tear runs down her cheek. Her afternoon break was over before her late work day was finished out... she needed to go back inside now, but even more, she needed to compose herself first. She didn't need the others asking her what was wrong.

But sitting several more moments, her silent tears turn into sobs as she leans forward to rest her forehead on the steering wheel. She'd hoped that her doctor's visit would not confirm her fears... but it had. She wasn't ready for this. She hadn't planned this. She knew Nate wanted kids before either of them got too much older... they'd talked about it, but had not planned anything. She'd thought they were safe. But apparently their intentions had not been enough.

Now what would happen? She'd wanted to spend at least a couple more years in law enforcement - it was her passion. She and Nate had planned several trips for this coming year. They were doing okay financially, but things had been a little tight lately. Now her career would be forced to come to a sudden halt. The trips would have to be canceled - she either couldn't go that late in the game or they wouldn't be going with a baby. And finances... they just weren't ready for this.

Still crying, Laura lifts her face and pushes her hair back behind her ears. Grabbing some leftover napkins she kept in the car, she blows her nose and tries to dry her eyes. Deep down she knew that this was a blessing. Deep down she knew that if she and Nate had tried to avoid this at this point in time, that it must be God's plan. But that didn't take away the shock. From this point on, her life would never be the same. And it was a change she had not been prepared for. It wasn't her timing... it wasn't even her choice.

She liked where she was at... she liked her job, she liked her freedom of being able to go where she wanted, whenever she wanted. Now she would be staying at home, taking a baby with her wherever she went, or forced to hire a babysitter, which they couldn't afford anyway. The nights would be long and their homelife would be completely turned upside down. Nights out with their friends would be reduced to a minimum. Her time alone with girlfriends would be close to naught. All focus and energy would have to go towards one thing. Quiet nights would end... and there would be a whole new batch of serious responsibilities. Raising a child... raising it right and raising it in the Lord... talk about a burden she wasn't prepared for.

Taking a shaky breath, Laura swallows all the fear she could, in order to make herself presentable. Like it or not, she had a job to do right now. She had to set aside this discovery at least for today. She had to figure out how to deal with it all and figure out how she was going to be able to accept this change. Because she knew that there was no turning back now. From here on out, she had a completely different life. Like it or not, they'd passed the point of no return.

Her phone rings, making her jump. Seeing it was Con, she hesitates, but answers it anyway. "Hello?"

"Hey, Laura, it's me. Need a favor, if you're at work."

Laura sniffs. "Yeah... yeah, I'm here. What do you need?"

There's a pause. "You alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine."

Tears pool in Laura's eyes again and her voice cracks. "I'm fine, Con... just tell me what you need."

"Well I needed some files transferred over here... but I'd rather know what's wrong."

"Nothing!" Laura didn't like not telling Con. But if Nate ever found out that Con knew this news before him, he'd be more than upset. "Email me what you need and I'll get you the files today."

Con hears a click a the other end of the line and blinks at the dead phone. There was a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach that he'd never felt before. Laura had never cut him off like that before... ever, that he could remember. And even if she couldn't resolve her problems right away, she'd always told him what was wrong, whether she shouted at him or just needed a hug from her big brother. This was so unusual that it really threw him for a loop, and it hurt just a little bit too. Trying to forget about it, he hangs up and goes back to his work.

Drying her eyes again, Laura grabs her purse to put her phone away and finally gets out of her car. Throwing on her sunglasses, she heads into the station, prepared with an excuse for her red eyes.


The long day of practice was over. More would come tomorrow. Everyone needed to buckle down and get in all they could before presenting themselves. They'd come amazingly far in a short amount of time and for having Kyle as a new member, but all could only credit it to God. He had blended their personalities and talents just right so that anyone listening would think all of them had been together for years.

Kip paces around in the living room, bored. It was his day off as far as maintenance went, practice was done, and he didn't dare take a ride across town lest he be wallopped by Erik again. He looks at the clock. No one had said anything to him... had Karla called? Would she come? He couldn't help but hope she'd accept the job offer and at least come to see if Erik's mom would hire her.


In the back sunroom, it was quiet. Kyle sat in the corner of the couch, curled up with Alice as they took a breather alone. Kyle was tired from all of the activity, so relaxing felt good.

"This has been nice," he comments. "Unfortunately, I think I could get used to this." He doesn't move his head, but his eyes roam the room. His one hand absentmindedly rubs Alice's arm. He chuckles lightly. "Maybe when I hit it big, we could afford a place like this, eh? Plenty of room... indoor pool... throw in a white picket fence for good measure." He grins. "Can you imagine having your own room just for your writing?"