Deeper

Kyle just grins at Katie's comment about her cheeks, showing no embarrassment at all for what he'd said.

The three guys laugh at her crack about being an FBI agent, though Kyle's eyes widen. "I knew it! The FBI really does have a plot to take over the world!"

Phil and Mike flop down in the sand near the others, the sun shining warm and the breeze combing their hair. They and Kyle exchange a brief glance before actually answering Katie, creating a momentary pause that is strange. But it's quickly gone as Phil smiles. "Unfortunately, you know how we act before getting to know us. That's one count against us."

Mike chuckles. "Though it's fortunate that you don't scare easily."

"Alright, alright." Phil tries to stay on track. "Since I'm the only one with sense around here, I'll start." He receives a blast of sand down the front of his shirt, flung from Kyle's hand. "What did I tell ya?" He grins at Katie. "I am the only one who acts his age."

Kyle's jaw drops. "I didn't know you were only three."

"Watch it, or I'm gonna sick that seaweed back on you."

"Oh, don't worry, he's still there." Kyle reaches down to scratch his leg. "Next time, I'm bringing a change of clothes."

"That would be wise," Mike quips, "especially since we'll be making you ride in the back if you're still wet."

"What?!"

Phil sighs in mock annoyance. "My name is Phil...and I'm surrounded by idiots."

Jen looks over at Katie with a giggle. "How they function so well on stage, I'll never know."

Phil finally breaks through the banter in order to satisfy curiosity. "Okay, well...I lead a boring life apart from JetStream. I live in town, I work at the lumberyard...I like music obviously, I like to fish, I play he bass in my church's worship team, I'm twenty-five... um..." He shrugs. "I like good food, good company and having good clean fun."

Kyle shoots up into a sitting position, raising his hand. "Oh, oh, I'm next!"

"Yes, Kyle, you can go next," Phil agrees in a tone as if he were talking to a child. "You did very well at waiting your turn."

Kyle swings his head back around to Katie with a silly grin. "I'm Kyle, and I'm surrounded by those with bigger heads than me." He receives a kick to the shins. "And those who also know how to kick...hard." He grimaces. "Well, I'm twenty-three, single and looking-"

"For trouble," Mike intervenes.

Kyle doesn't miss a beat. "Always. I room with Phil, which is an adventure in itself, I work down at The Pizza Box in town so I can pay my brother rent. I like a good sci-fi movie, I love fun company, I write music, my favorite color is green and....I hate seaweed!" He leans down, trying to reach up his pantleg from the bottom in an attempt to clear out the wet weed.

Mike rolls his eyes. "Ever thought maybe you attract the stuff?" He laughs and shakes his head, turning his attention to Katie. "I live outside town, and it's where the band usually gathers for practicing and hanging out. Um...I'm a manager at a music store downtown...I play drums in my church with Phil, and Kyle forgot to mention that he fills in with vocals and keyboard there too..." He pauses, thinking. "I'm the old-timer of this bunch at twenty-six...I have a golden retriever named Skipper...my favorite kind of icecream is plain vanilla and..." He shrugs. "I guess I lead a boring life, too."

"And I'm hungry." Kyle finishes.

Jen laughs. "Mike's the one who brought the snacks."

"I did indeed." Mike pulls over the grocery sacks that he'd brought in his insulated bag. "I've got either pop or water to drink, I've got some potato chips...pretzels...and for those health nuts, I've got a few veggies with dip."

Phil gives him a teasing pat on the shoulder. "You take such good care of us, Mikey."

Food is eaten, jokes are exchanged, and banter continues, with brief moments of halfway-serious conversations. Before they know it, the afternoon is getting late, and the sun has made its way far across the sky.

There's a bit of a pause in the chatter, and suddenly there's a strange quietness to the air, as if the gaiety has been sucked out of the atmosphere, though peace still remains. Without warning, Phil jumps up and stretches. "Well, since we'll be heading out here soon, guys, I'm gonna take one last look at that water."

As if on cue, Kyle and Mike rise as well without saying anything, brushing off the sand and following Phil a ways down the beach to the water's edge, their backs to Jen and Katie.

Jen grows a little somber as she watches them, and she finally turns to Katie. "You don't realize it, Katie, but you've given these guys quite a gift by allowing them to bring you here today."

She pauses, just looking at her two brothers and Mike as they simply stand. It doesn't appear that any words are being said as they look out on the water. Jen gives Katie a little smile. "The laughter and fun you see in them is their outlook on life, driven to the surface by so much more than they say."

She purses her lips in thought, making the decision to share. "You see...right around this time of year is an anniversary for all three of them. For Mike, it's been four years since he lost a wife and baby girl...he was gone one night and someone broke into their house." Tears glisten in Jen's eyes. "For Phil, it's been six years since he tried to take his own life after his best friend turned on him. For Kyle, it's been seven years since he saw our dad drown in a storm on their fishing trip in Canada." Jen forces a smile as a tear runs down her cheek. "If it weren't for the grace of God, I don't think any of them would be here today...and they know it. Since working through those trials, they've become so sensitive to others in pain...because they know what it feels like...and I've never met any guys with more compassion than these three right here." She nods towards the men. "JetStream started as an outlet for them while getting back on their feet. It's still an outlet, giving them something fun to do and they just love every part of it...though now they love it even more because they found out that they can bring enjoyment to others with their music, humor and energy on stage. And their little 'sunshine project' fund gives them the opportunity offstage to just do little things when they can, to make someone else feel good."

She stops for a moment, and studies them. Their backs still to the women, they move close to each other and put their arms around each other's shoulders with Mike in the middle, forming a picture worth so much more than a thousand words. Jen knew they were praying.

"You've let them bring a smile to your face and you've let them make you laugh," Jen comments quietly to Katie. "You've given them the distraction they needed to focus on someone else so they don't think so much of the past. You've allowed them to ease someone else's pain, if only for a moment." A smile forms. "Thank you, Katie...you've made their day, and I truly hope that this is just the beginning of all of us spending more time together."


Cindy's eyes widen as she and Wes approach the little scene. "Oh, Wes..." She can't remove the smile from her face as he sets her down at the table. "Of course I'm not disappointed...this is so nice..."

She just stares after him as he goes to tie up the horse, feeling as though she's the luckiest woman in the world. The butterflies in her stomach make her feel like a little girl again, so happy and so in love. She couldn't have asked for anything more than God had given her. She had her prince charming she'd always dreamed of...and he was so much more.

As Wes returns to the table, she stands up and throws her arms around his neck, giving him a long, tender kiss, then just rests her head on his shoulder as tears fill her eyes. "I love you, Wes," she whispers. "Don't ever leave..."


Jason eases down in the chair at the desk in the cabin. He'd had a rough afternoon trying to get his energy back, and had given Clint a few more pointers, but hadn't tried anything more than that. Now everyone was gathering for supper, and he knew he should join them whether he wanted to or not.

He'd thought a lot about his conversations with both Austin and Clint. He wanted to stay here and put his foot down about his decisions, just because he didn't want to feel any more stupid...but they made too much sense. Austin had been right on every count...and so had Clint.

Jason knew that right now, in his mind, despite any emotional feelings that drove him down other paths...right now, he and Katie were simply supposed to be friends. He could not afford to risk giving away any more of himself right now when there was so much else going on...if he did, he would fail and end up losing everything. It was better for him to love Katie as a close and dear friend, than try to push anything else. He would have to deal with Wyatt...and if Wyatt and Katie thought that he was too involved, or around too often, he would back off...but he would not back away completely unless it was Katie who asked. Wyatt might have been jealous...but Jason was still Katie's friend, and he couldn't leave for good. He would be more careful...he would be more sensitive to the situations and circumstances so that he did not cross any tempting lines.

In all reality, it had not bothered Jason so much to have Katie dating Wyatt...it had felt a little strange, but he had been okay with that... and knowing that feeling brought to mind the reality that he really was okay with just being her friend. They were close, no doubt. They had a bond, no doubt. It was unavoidable. But at this point in time, Jason would be happy with what they shared, no matter if she was dating someone else or not. Even if she was not with Wyatt, Jason was confident that he would be making the same decision. It just wasn't time. If the future changed their relationship, so be it. If not, then he was still happy.

Jason sighs and flips on the computer. He would need to talk with Wyatt...he would need to apologize for perhaps making some stupid decisions, even if he'd done nothing wrong. He could only hope that Wyatt understood and would not continue to push him away. He hoped that Wyatt understood, as he did, that fighting just made things harder on Katie, and if she was the center, and the point of all this, then they needed to work out their differences away from her, not through her.

Jason's quirks an eyebrow as he sees he has an email...from Katie. Had she written to chew him out? He's almost afraid to read, but he clicks it open. Beginning to scan the words, he starts to relax a little bit.

Guilt comes back as he reads she was having a hard time being alone. He'd been with her almost constantly since she'd been in the hospital, and really had left her high and dry when he'd taken off, no matter if he'd felt he needed to or not.

He reads on.

JetStream? That was interesting...they'd been looking for him? He knew he was suppose to call them Monday... He sighs again. So much else had been going on, that he hadn't wanted to think about JetStream, but he had to make a decision. He'd loved the time spent with the band...he'd loved being on stage...he'd loved connecting with the crowd...he'd loved being able to sing for a purpose. He wanted to join them...it was fun, it was a great group of guys...after just one hour with them, he'd felt as if he'd known them for years. They were so open and honest...

Jason shakes his head. He just didn't know what to do. There were so many unknowns...so many things that could go wrong. So many variables. It would take more than a simple "yes" to settle things. It would take a heart-to-heart conversation...one of which he would need approval for first.

Pausing his reading, he grabs his phone and dials. "Yeah, hey, Susanne. Yes, I know, I know...no, don't transfer me to Reese. Not right now. Actually, don't even tell him I called.... no, honest. But there's something I want you to do. Either you, or Laura.... I want you to run a background check on Phil and Kyle Mitts, and on Mike Kelly. ...Yeah, they're local. Hmm? Yeah, just do that, and save the results for me when I get back... yes, I'll be back. Thanks, Susanne, you're a gem."

Ending the call, Jason takes a deep breath. It had started.

He turns his eyes back to his computer and a smile slowly forms. He wasn't surprised that the guys had taken so quickly to Katie. They were just those kinds of people, and no one could help but enjoy Katie's company too. He hoped she had gone with them on an outing today... she could use the time away from the hospital, and though knowing JetStream only a short time, he was one hundred percent confident that they would take care of her. And in a way...Jason felt just a little bit of warmth, thinking about sharing this new adventure with Katie. If there was anyone he'd want to share it with, it would be her.

As he reaches the end of the email, his eyes widen. Katie and Wyatt had broken up? A wave of guilt hits him before Katie's words reassure him that it wasn't his fault. But...what had happened? It sounded like it had been Wyatt's move...that was interesting. If it had been Wyatt's decision, it couldn't have been Jason's fault, right? Wyatt had been pretty strong in his feelings for Katie in order to make him so upset with Jason...so what had really happened?

Jason tries to understand...Katie said it wasn't his fault...it didn't appear to be...but in a roundabout way, was it really? He almost wonders if Katie had reacted to him leaving in such a way to make Wyatt reconsider her feelings for him. He'd obviously been aiming for a deeper relationship with Katie...but if she had reacted to Jason's absence as severely as Con had indicated, perhaps the truth of the matter had come to light.

In a way, Jason was sad for them...he wanted Katie to be happy...and despite these conflicts, Wyatt was still his friend. It couldn't have been an easy decision. Goodness knows any decision to part with someone like Katie wasn't easy.

Jason closes out his email, and thinks for a long moment. He had a lot of pride to swallow. He still needed to apologize to Wyatt, whether or not the breakup was his fault or not. And he needed to apologize to Katie. Maybe he really had needed this time away, but he could have done it differently.

He picks up his phone again and involves himself in a conversation with the shop in Nevada. "Yeah...just a single red rose to Katie Pent at Franklin Hospital, Room 305. ....sure, have it delivered tonight, and have the note say, "Friendship is what binds us. See you tomorrow." Yeah, thanks."

True Love Is

*Once again Katie's face turns hot as the color changes to red. Kyle sure was a smooth talked. She had never met someone like him before. He was so open and carefree. He dident care what people though about the way he acted. Katie could tell he was a guy who liked to have fun and show it. Katie smiles softly at Kyle as she sits up.*

"You know, if you keep paying me so many complament I think my cheeks are gonna fall off from how red they keep geting."

*Katie breaths deep. It smelled alot cleaner here to her. The water, flowers, the smell of the cut grass. Katie never bother stoping to pay attachen to that kind of stuff before but now, it all seemed to mean alittle bit more. Maybe since her accident lossing the loss of her legs help her gain so much more. The time to actully stop and apresheate the little things in life.*

"Well...since we are all siting here, and seem comfortable enough with eachother. I'd like to know more about each of you. I mean, I know your names, and I know how you act and what not...but I'd like to know more to help me know you guys better."

*For a moment Katie makes a scruntched face as she almost confusies herself.* "If what I just said made any sence to you guys what so ever." *Katie shoots a look at Kyle laughter dancing in her eyes.*

"Unless you really are worryed I am an FBI agent and I am collecting this info for my plot."

*Katie smiles, and for a bref moment her mind goes back to Jason and wondering how he is. How Katie wished he could be there now shairing this moment. Now Katie understood the look in Jason's eyes after the consert, he's been happy to shair a moment with this small group of people. He had found his happyness of where he belonged. Katie new, no matter how much her mind told her Jason wouldent be back. He would be. He couldent stay away for long. If he dident come back for her, he would come back to Jetstream. They were in his blood now and there was no turning back for eather of them.*

*Wes wraps his one arm around Cindy as she gets settled into the saddle with him. Giving a gentil kiss to the top of her head Wes smiles.* "Off and away we go." *Taking the rains in the other hand Wes clicks alittle and Savior starts to move forword. Wes keeps him at a gentl walk not wanting to rush or rune this moment he had with Cindy. Wes takes one of the paths behind the horse barn. It was the best one he could think of to take. Flowers lined both sides of the path. There were many trees and bushes that as well had flowers growing up them. Wes could think of nothing better right now than to be with Cindy, the smell of the flowers his arm wraped around her and the should of his horses hoofs on the path was all he needed.

After riding for about an hour they come out at the far end of pond. As they draw closer to the waters edgh there is a small table with flowers and candles on it. Two little chair set up next to it as well. A small white canves also cover the chairs and table to shelter from the bugs. Jumping off Savior's back Wes comes around to the front to help Cindy off as well. A smile on his face and his eyes dancing with delight.*

"Well look at that, it looks like everything is set up thats strange."

*Wes cant help but let his smile grow even bigger. Gently scoops Cindy up and walks over with her to the table seting her down in one of the chairs.*

"Let me go tie Savior to that tree over there and grab the food. I'll be right back my love."

*Wes throws Cindy a wink as he leads Savior over to a tree and ties him up. Taking the back off his back Wes makes his way back to Cindy.*

"Lets see what we have in here now. We have, Chips, Subs, some Soda, and Jello. I know this looks romantic and all but I still wanted it to be a picnic so I hope your not disapointed."

*Wes takes the food and drinks out of his bag and sets it all on the table. Wes heart gives a jump as it relizes this will be one of many to come picnic's with Cindy. That though alot was enough to make Wes smile bigger than ever. How happy he was, and how lucky he was that God sent him an Angel to love for the rest of there lifes. The feeling that grew inside of him could not be explained, or discribed, but simply put, this was true love. A feeling that had no words. Yet you new what was being said. Wes new...

True love was/is:

Cindy and himself...unexspected, but thanful and happy, ready to start there lifes together.

Angel and Luke...Determened, Always there for eachother and never gave up hope, trusting and honest, willing to help, going the extra mile.

Rosetta and Mick...Neverending, Never losing hope and always trusting, never doubt, stanging by eachother no matter what.

Yes this is what was ment to be.*

Cool off

Kyle continues to stare at the sky, though a sly smile forms. “What? If I said I was running from the FBI, would you suddenly show me your badge?”
He laughs at her plain cloud. “Amazing… funny how a bunch of dust and water can make something so…fluffy looking.”

“Oh, that was deep,” Mike teases.

Kyle rolls his eyes and points. “Ah, and there’s my dream boat…ooh, and over there is that fat little guy who runs the newspaper stand downtown!”

Mike actually has to roll back to look at that one, and starts to laugh. “Hey, you’re right!”

Kyle grins and turns his head to look at Katie. He can sense her peace of mind…it was different than yesterday. Propping himself up on his elbow again, he studies her face. “Well I’ll be…and here’s a beautiful young lady sitting right beside me.”

Phil quirks an eyebrow and exchanges a glance with Mike, who gives a little nod, his eyes twinkling. Phil gets up, and grabs Kyle’s still-wet shirt. Coming up behind his brother, he holds the shirt over Kyle and wrings it out.

Kyle doesn’t move as the water is deposited onto his head, though his eyes narrow with amused annoyance. “Thanks, Phil. I really needed that after I’d just started to dry off.”

Bunny?

*Katie can feel her face turn a red color at Kyle's comment. He sure did know how to make a girl feel good. What a charmer.* "What on earth Kyle." *Katie lays on her back next to Kyle and looks up at the sky turning her head alittle bit.* "It looks like a Bunny to me. Or maybe a silly guy with seaweed up his pant leg." *Katie giggles alittle. and than turns her head to look at Kyle.* "So whats with you and FBI agents anyways. Are you running from them or something?" *Katie smiles. Point up at the sky again Katie says.* "Hey look over there, it looks like...a cloud. Go figure." *Katie makes a funny face and laughs. The moment with her new friends was perfect. Though much still raged on inside Katie she felt at peace. She had never had this much fun in her life. Let alone hit it off with a group of people that fast. And to think when they first showed up they were looking for Jason and now...now she had made 4 new friends. Maybe life was looking up again after all.*

Cloud

Jen smiles at Katie’s comments but doesn’t say much, only enjoying the moment.

Kyle laughs and stretches out on his side, propping himself up on an elbow to face Katie. “There comes a point in time in every man’s life when he must choose between bearing with seaweed or going pantless, and I dare say the aforementioned is the route I will take, lest I embarrass myself further in front of you ladies.”

“Oh, Kyle.” Jen grimaces.

“What’s he doing? Scaring away the company?” Phil plops down in the sand.

“Just about.”

Mike walks by and slaps Kyle upside the head. “Quit it or Katie will never want to come back.”

“Well that wouldn’t be good.” Kyle winks at Katie. “We wouldn’t want that to happen, now would we? Especially now that’s she’s free?”

All three voices come at him at once. “Kyle!”

Kyle laughs and rolls over to lay on his back. “Hey!” He points up at the sky. “That cloud looks like an FBI agent!”


Cindy smiles from ear to ear as she takes Wes’ hand and gets herself up onto Savior’s back. “You sure do know how to make a girl feel special, ya know that?” She leans back so she can feel Wes behind her and settles in for the ride.

Seaweed

*Katie giggles at she watches the boys.* "There is never a dull moment with them is there." *Katie puts her arms behind her and leans back.* "Ya know its strange. I havent known you guys for long and I feel so comfortable. The only other person I have attacked to gast was Jason. Everyone alse, I was so leery about. You guys are just so....care free. I love it." *Katie smiles and looks at Jen.* "Someday we are gonna walk again, than we can beat those three up ourselfs." *As Kyle comes back over and sits down next to him she laughs.* "One of these days Kyle Jen is gonna kick the crap out of you and I want to be there to watch." *Katie smiles and lets out a content sigh.* "So...did you get that seaweed monster out of your pant leg? Or is he still hiding?"

*Wes gets on his horse and smiles holding his hand out and sliding back so Cindy can get on infront of him.* "This horse. We ride together today."

Wet

Kyle cocks his head at Katie, the corner of his mouth turning up into a slight grin as she looks at him. He makes her break the gaze first, then sighs with content. “Yeah…it’s peaceful… I think it’s kinda like life though… you get storms, and the waves can be high…so high you can’t even see over them. But then one morning you wake up, and the water is like glass, with the sun reflecting off of it just right to bring warmth to every fiber of your being, reviving the soul and refreshing the spirit.”
He stops and just soaks in the moment before finally giving a short laugh. “Okay, I’m gonna have to do something about that seaweed.” He trudges back through the water and walks across the sand to deposit Katie gently on the blanket near Jen. He goes back over to the waters edge and starts to shake one of his legs, trying to get the stray seaweed out.
Mike and Phil burst out laughing at his antics and go to “help” him.

Jen watches wide-eyed as Mike and her other brother go to Kyle. She and Katie are just far enough away not to be able to hear what’s being said, but it doesn’t take long before Mike has Kyle by the feet, and Phil has his arms and head. Within two swings, Kyle is airborn, landing in deeper water with a huge splash.

Mike and Phil’s laughter rings out as Kyle comes up sputtering and spitting out lake water. Glaring at the other two he’s quick to exit the water and start after them. All three make a mad dash along the beach. Kyle’s wet clothes hold him back, though his quick legs get him almost within reach of his brother. Pulling off his sopping shirt as he runs, he flings it at Phil’s head.

Smacked in the back of the head with the wet shirt, Phil staggers just enough slow him down, though by now Kyle has given up and just stand, panting, and leaning over to try and catch his breath. Mike is already far ahead and skids to a stop, spinning around and still laughing. “Give up, Kyle?!”

Kyle waves him off. “For now…for now. One of these days, when you least expect it….” He lets his humorous threat linger and turns around to walk back to the girls. This time it’s him who receives the shirt to the back of his head, and he grimaces, simply slinging it over his shoulder.

Reaching the girls, Jen is in stitches. “Kyle..you look so….ridiculous!”

Kyle smirks and goes over to her, shaking out his wet hair on her.

“Oh, stop!” Jen shrieks, holding up her hands.

Kyle grins and flops down next to Katie, still trying to catch his breath. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. I’m sure such a horrific scene will traumatize you for weeks to come.”


Cindy finishes getting ready, and heads out to the barn. Arriving, she sees Wes ready to go. “Guess I’m the one who’s late today, huh? Which horse should I take today?”

It's Amazing

*Katie giggles as Kyle takes her to the water. Any other time a guy has picked her up she usaly would object but in this case she dident. It was one of her only ways around not to mention she felt comfortable leting Kyle do it. Katie reaches down to touch the water.* " It feels so nice. Back at my Aunts ranch she has a pond but...nothing like this. The water is clear and cool." *Katie's hand still runs through the water. Looking up at Kyle she smiles with her arm wraped around his neck. For a moment gazing into his eyes she gets lost. Relizing she quickly looks away out at the water harozen.* "Its amazing no matter how rough if gets, or dark it might look there is still a pritty,calm, and brightside that can make anyone feel good."

*Wes smiles and nods to Cindy.* "Sounds good to me. I'll be in the barn geting my horse ready. Just mean me out there when your ready." *Wes heads to the barn a smile on his face. He had already told Clint that the shop was all his for the day and if he wanted to close up early he could. It was such a nice day out he dident want to keep him inside, figureing he might want to do something with Wendy. Once geting to the barn he goes over to Saviour's stall.* "Well buddy, its time for you to strech your legs." *Taking him out Wes grabs his saddle and slings his pack with the blanket and food onto the horse as well. Today he was only going to need the one horse. Cindy was gonna ride with him.*

*Jamie smiles as Con leave. She sure did miss him while he was gone and was happy to have him back.*

friends

Kyle grins at Katie, cocking his head. “Jason, eh? Well…I’d like to hear about that sometime.” He sees that something isn’t quite right, and decides better of asking her about it now. But she certainly had piqued his interest. “As for now….we’re going to give you that sunshine you’ve been missing.” He goes to the back of the wheelchair and grabs hold. “Geronimo!” Finding the smoothest path, Kyle gives Katie a fast speed ride down to the little beach, stopping near Jen. “Ahhh…here we are.” He takes a deep breath. “Smell that salty air.”

Mike rolls his eyes. “First it was Lake Erie, now it’s the ocean. I’m still not convinced it was the map that had us going in the wrong direction.”

“He had us going towards Bedford,” Phil adds.

“Beauford,” Kyle corrects.

“I thought it was Hampton.”

“No, that was Hillside.

“But it was supposed to be east.”

“South.”

Jen groans and throws her hands up in the air. “We’re here, okay?!”

“Hmm?” Kyle chuckles, looking down on Katie. “Well, young lady, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you need a pick-me-up. So, that said, I’m going to be the one to pick you up.”

Before any objection can be made, Kyle easily sweeps Katie up out of her wheelchair and into his arms. “If I’m not mistaken, someone wanted to get their feet wet.” He grins mischievously and heads for the water.

“Kyle!” Jen calls after him, noting he may be in bare feet, but he’s still fully clothed. “You dweeb!”

Kyle just ignores his sister and wades into the cool water just enough so Katie can’t get wet unless she wants to. “Ahhh…” He looks out over the small lake, the sun sparkling off the water. “Now that’s a sight.” Suddenly his eyes get wide. “But I think I shred of seaweed just went up my pantleg.”


Jason sits for several minutes at the mess hall table, his mind slowly becoming clearer as his headache and dizziness disperse. Finally looking up, he sees Clint is still standing there, his arms folded across his chest. “Sorry…”

Clint shrugs it off. “No worries, man. But you better start watching that. I had a friend like you…he didn’t take care of himself, and now he’s got diabetes really bad. I doubt you want that to happen.”

Jason scoffs a little, and buries his face. “Was that really Katie on the phone?”

“Yup.”

“Great.”

“Yeah, you did a good job with her.”

Jason rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair. “I did, didn’t I.”

“Why don’t you just go back?” Clint shakes his head. “You know it’s the right thing to do.”

“But what about Wyatt?”

“Forget about it. If you just throw your friendship with Katie down the garbage disposal, you’ll regret it the rest of your life.”

Jason sighs deeply. “Maybe you’re right…maybe I was stupid to leave.”

“Eh…you needed time to think. Can’t blame a guy for that. But quit moping. You’ve got answers staring you in the face.”

“That easy, huh?”

Clint grins a little. “Why not?”

Jason looks up at him for just a moment, changing the subject. "So when did we become friends anyway?"

"Beats me." Clint shrugs and aims for the door. "But I got work to do. Come get me when you're up to finishing our session."


Cindy laughs. “Oooh, lots of energy, huh? That could be dangerous.” She grins. “I would love to go for a ride with you. Just let me get my boots on.”


Con chuckles at Jamie’s punch to his arm. “Alright. I’ll catch you later, Jamie.” As he’s walking away, he calls back over his shoulder. “Need anything, you know my number.”

Smiles

*Katie sighs at Jason's attitude. She knows his sugar was low and he dident know what he was talking about but the word still stung.* "No problem Clint. Just keep an eye on him. If anything alse dosent seem right go to Angel at once than call me. I'll talk to ya again soon. Call anytime. Bye!" *As Katie buts her phone away she sighs again. Seeing Kyle coing over she smiles and starts to push herself half way.* "Hey you. Sorry about that. When I comes to Jason I have a gift and sometimes a curse. Maybe sometime when you have time you can hear about it." *Katie smiles up at Kyle.*

*Jamie smiles at Con.* "I'll see what I can do with Reese, but I know your needed here so its not a problem." *Jamie dosent addmit it but she really did want Con's help but she wasent going to push it.* "I'll be here tomarrow. Bright and early. A big all of sunshine." *Jamie giggles and throws a playing punch at Con.* "See ya tomarrow."

*Wes grins back at Cindy giving a small bow.* "Well my dear its a wonderful day out, and I am full of energy, I was wondering if a lovly lady as yourself would go for a horse ride with me and have a picnic lunch."

Reluctant Compliance

Con raises his eyebrows as Jamie mentions him helping out. “Ohhh, I get it,” he teases. “Now I know why you chose me to mention this to.” He shrugs. “If you can convince Reese to give me the time off, I might be able to come down and help out.” He offers only a wry grin at her statement of him being sweet, then shakes his head. “If you told me you were doing something exciting, I’d ask which town you were going to other than this one.” He sighs and looks to the door. “Guess I’ll head out myself. See you tomorrow, I suppose.”


Clint does as Katie tells him to, not really sure what’s going to happen.

Jason’s head still rests on his arms at the table, and his eyes are half-closed, but he raises his eyebrows at the familiar voice. “What the…” He finally brings the phone into focus, hearing Katie talking to him. He rolls his eyes, the sugar low affecting his mood. “Oh, great, now I’ve got two mothers. Jason do this, Jason do that…why can’t anyone just leave me alone?!”

Clint cringes. He knows that Jason isn’t acting himself, though he feels a bit sorry for Katie.

Jason retaliates against the instructions. “Yeah, well I do feel like crap, and no matter how much orange juice is pumped into me, I’m still gonna feel like crap. Ya wanna know why? Because I’m an idiot, that’s why! I haven’t done a dang thing right since the day I was born.”

Clint sighs in disgust. “Well then start by drinking the stupid juice before you say anything more you’ll regret.”

Growling a curse, Jason snatches up the juice and downs it quickly, letting the glass clank back down on the table. His head falls back to his arms, his voice muffled. “Just hang up the phone.”

Clint picks the phone back up, turning the speakerphone off. “Well he’s not happy, but he drank it. I’d give him about five minutes and he should start perking up again. Thanks, Katie.”


Jen settles down on the blanket on the small strip of sand along the lakeshore. Phil and Mike go to the edge of the water to see how cold it is, and Kyle heads slowly back to the truck, his hands in his pockets. He takes his time, seeing Katie still on the phone. Something was wrong somewhere…maybe it had to do with Wyatt. Or maybe the breakup was why she’d seemed upset the day before. At any rate, he hoped the phone call didn’t ruin her day. She’d been so excited.


Cindy hears the knock at the door and finishes putting up her hair in front of the mirror. “Just a minute,” she calls. The task done, she goes to the door, a smile spreading as she sees Wes. “Hey, Handsome. Can I help you?”

Please

*Jamie smiles at Con.* "Ya I could ask them. Maybe a certin someone standing with me right now might help out too. Its not hard to run a grill." *Jamie cant help but giggle at Con.* "Your a sweet guy yourself Con." *Looking down at her papers Jamie groans.* "Well I better get this stuff done before I head out. Not that I am doing anything exciting." *Jamie giggles again.*

*Katie listens to Clint coaking Jason as she watches the guys and Jen find a spot for the picnic. Katie hoped the would understand when she was done what had happend.* "Clint put the phone up to Jason's ear. Hold it for him...just put it up there and put me on speaker phone ok." *As Katie hears the click on the static in the background she know she is on speaker. In a very soft tone Katie speaks.* "Jason...listen to me J. Its Katie. You need to drink you OJ ok. Its important. I am sure your feeling like crap right now, and if you dont drink that OJ your just gonna feel worse. Please drink it for me." *Katie pauses for a moment.* "Clint hand Jason the OJ again." *As Katie waits she hopes Jason will drink it. If not Clint would have to go get Angel. But Katie wasent geting off the phone till she new he was ok.*

*Wes smiles as he breaths the fresh air. What a nice day out it was. Wes was happy for these days. No storms coming it. It was warm yelt not to hot. This was perfect riding and picnic weather. Not knowing where Cindy was at this point in time Wes walks to her bunk and Knocks on the door waiting.*

Can't

Con rolls his eyes at Jamie's mention of Jason. "Yeah. I don't know what his problem is. If it's something Wyatt said, I've never known Jase to back down like this before, so I don't know what it is. I have a feeling he was trying to resolve the whole mess by removing himself from it, but it just made things worse. Anyway..."
He listens to Jamie talk about her parents, and when she finally ends, he chuckles. "I bet you could find somebody to help you out down there if you want to give your parents a break. Ed's got some vacation time backed up, I know, and so does Gary. You might check with them - I know they like Mom and Pop's as well as I do." He smiles. "You're sweet to do something like this for your parents...they deserve it...always giving of themselves."


Kyle lifts an eyebrow, at Katie's odd behavior, but he respects her privacy and continues to help the other guys and Jen as they argue about where to go on the little beach.

Clint heads to the refrigerator as he talks. "Jason? That butthead is in the mess hall here ready to pass out." He grabs the orange juice carton and shakes it up as he walks to the cupboard for some sugar. "He and I were out back - he's been showing me a thing or two about defending myself, and his sugar crashed big time." Clint has to open several kitchen drawers before finding a spoon, fumbling just a little as he tries to hurry. He doesn't want to worry Katie, but he knows he needs to act fast. "Hasn't eaten all day. He's plum miserable, as I would be, so I'm assuming he just wasn't paying attention to himself."

Clint pours some juice and adds a teaspoon of sugar, stirring it up well. "I'd hand you over to him, but I seriously doubt he'll make much sense at this point." He knew the truth was that had Jason been lucid, he probably wouldn't have wanted to talk to Katie anyway, but Clint holds his tongue. He may have razzed Jason, but good sense told him not to say so much to Katie. He aims back for the other room, his jaw tight with concern at seeing Jason's weak form. If he couldn't get him to drink this juice, he'd would have to go get Angel. He tries to keep his conversation casual though, masking his fear. "I heard you were up and walking a bit - congratulations."

He nudges Jason's arm and holds out the juice to him, but Jason shakes his head, as he's to the point of not even thinking straight. Clint removes the phone from his mouth and speaks to Jason hoarsely. "Come on, Jason. Don't give me a bad time or I'm gonna force it down your throat."

Jason kind of knows what's going on, but his mind is in a fog. He knows he feels stupid for some reason, and he's pretty sure that he should be doing something different, but his stomach doesn't feel like taking on anything, so the thought of a glass of orange juice is simply nauseating.

"Jason!" Clint holds the phone out to the side, trying to avoid Katie hearing too much. He tries to rouse Jason again, but it's not working. "Good grief." He puts the phone back to his ear. "Katie, I can't get him to take any sugar. I'm gonna have to go get Angel."

Is he ok?

*Katie is alittle saprised Clint answers Jason phone.* "Hey Clint. Its going I guess. Where is Jason?" *Katie holds her hand up tp Phil telling him one moment.* "Is everything ok? I got one of my feelings something was wrong." *A worryed look pass through Katie's eyes. It wasent like Jason to let someone alse answer his phone. Katie mouths to Kyle.* "Sorry....I'll explain in a second."

*Jamie smiles up at Con.* "Ya I figured I should. I am alittle behind and If I dont get these papers to Reese monday he is gonna kill me." *Jamie finishes up what she was working on.* "I was having a hard time typing I was thinking about so much. I was thinking how it was good Katie made some new friend, but I still wish Jason would come back for her. Its just not fair ya know." *Jamie lets out a sigh.* "I was also thinking about doing something for my mom and dad. I havent in a long time but I just couldent think of what. I know since the opend "Mom and Pop's" they havent had much time away. I was thinking maybe I could run things for alittle bit for them, but there is no way I could do it alone. and its not like I could pick someone right off the street I'd have to know and trust them. Blah blah blah..." * Jamie gets a silly look on her face relizing she was babbling. She laughs.* "Sorry Con dident mean to get carryed away."

Answering

Con tries to work, but he just can't concentrate. Finally he finishes off his pop, throws his folder to the side of his desk and leaves his office. He doesn't want to go back to his apartment, but what else is there to do...
Ambling back out onto the floor, he spies Jamie at her desk and lifts an eyebrow. Walking over, he leans on the top of the cubicle. "Hey...didn't know you were here today."


As the guys get a couple blankets out of the truck, get Katie settled in her wheelchair, and do the same with Jen, Kyle suddenly notices Katie going for her phone. The look on her face was worried. He elbows Phil and nods to her. Phil goes over to her with concern, though doesn't want to interrupt a call. "Everything okay?"

"She mentioned Jason," Mike informs him quietly as he grabs a bag from the back seat.


The mess hall is deserted, and Clint deposits Jason into a chair at the table. Jason leans forward to rest his head on his arms, the world spinning as he fights not to pass out. Way to go, Jason. This isn't exactly the first time this has happened. When will you learn?

Clint turns to go to the kitchen, but hears Jason's phone go off on his belt. When Jason makes no move to answer it, Clint impulsively reaches out and flips it open. Katie's name appears. "Speak of the devil." Not caring about consequence, he answers the call a he walks to the kitchen. "Yo, Katie! This is Clint. How's it hangin'?"

Not now

*Jamie walks out of the break room and see Con.* "Hey Con!" *As Con keep walking Jamie shrugs figuring he was probley busy. She heads to her desk so many she can leave early today but he dident think would happen. With Katie in the hopetal her work was backed up.*

*As Wyatt's name is braught up Katie's face hangs alittle. She better let them know now so they dont keep bringing him up. Katie just wants to forget for now.* "His name is Wyatt, and you dont have to worry about him anymore. He broke up with me the other day." *Katie pasts a smile on her face the best she an thanful for Mike kind arm of friendship.* "Its ok though. I'll deal today I just want to have fun." *Katie looks at Kyle.* "Witch I am sure I will." *As they drive alittle farther they finally arrive. Katie stairs out the window in awww.* "Ohhhh...it looks so nice. Look at that water, and the flowers." *KAtie cant help but feel like alittle kid again finding something new. As Katie is out of the truck a wave hits her. Jason...his sugar was droping.* "Oh man...not now." *Katie pulls out her phone and dials Jason's number.* "Come on J, Answer you idot."

Reasoning

Con wanders down the hall, a can of pop in one hand, an open filing folder in the other. He sighs and closes it, tucking it under his arm as he heads for his office. He didn't normally work on Sunday afternoons unless he was called in, but there wasn't much else to do, and he wanted to keep his mind occupied. Jason hadn't called him back, and it worried him just a little. Maybe he'd been too harsh...
Con stops walking and rolls his eyes with a little groan. He'd walked all the way down the hall, having passed his office. Where was his mind? Turning around, he heads back the other direction.


As the crew gets out onto the road, Mike sees Katie out of the corner of his eye, his instincts kicking in. He recognizes that look. As casually as can be, he slings an arm back behind Katie to rest on the seat and shifts his weight a little closer, acting as though he simply wants to see out the windshield, though his slight movement forms a sheltered cove in the seat. "Phil, you just missed our turn!"

"Oops."

"See?!" Kyle slaps the map. "Told you, you shoulda listened to me."

Jen shakes her head and leans back in her seat, turning to see Katie. "It's not the greatest beach in the world, but for a lake, it's not bad. It's got a lot of sand."

"Rocks," Kyle intervenes.

"And sand!"

"More rocks than sand."

Phil looks in his rearview mirror. "It has both."

'There's a nice spot where we have picnics every once in a while," Jen continues. "And actually, the end of the lake where we go, not to many people venture there, so it's usually pretty quiet."

"Which is good, when we have Kyle with us," Mike quips. "We don't like scaring other people away."

"Ah, but Katie doesn't get scared!" Kyle exclaims. "She even gave me her phone number!"

Phil smirks at him. "Better not tell Jason."

"Not Jason," Mike corrects. "It's Wesley."

Kyle shakes his head. "Will."

"Walter."

"Wayne."

"What?"

Mike stops at Kyle's question. "Huh?"

Jen slaps a hand to her forehead. "It's going to be a long day." She shakes her head at Katie. "But I promise no one will let you drown. Kyle's trained as a lifeguard."


"Alright, so when someone comes at you like this, counter by taking there arm, bend down low, and shift your weight." In one movement, Jason kneels down, tossing Clint over his shoulder. Austin was being insistent about Clint getting some intensive training as long as he had the chance, so this afternoon came another round. He was learning quickly and his body mass was making Jason's job just a little difficult.

Clint catches his breath and rolls over to get up. "Like this?" He mimics Jason, winding up doing a pretty good job of getting Jason to do a summersault over his shoulders.

Jason is quick to get up. "Exactly." He takes a deep breath, feeling just a little dizzy. He was tired this afternoon, and working up a sweat like this wasn't helping any.

The two continue their sparring session, Jason guiding Clint as much as he can.

Clint takes a punch to the gut.

"Watch that move," Jason reminds. "You gotta watch my whole body." He wipes some sweat from his brow, feeling a little light headed.

"So when you going back?" Clint takes a shot at Jason's ribs and succeeds.

Jason winces just a little. "Good one. And I don't know. Eventually."

"Still scared, huh?"

"No."

"Ah." Clint spins around to try and take Jason's feet out from under him, but Jason jumps over his swinging foot. "So it's not her boyfriend that's got you running away?"

"I'm not running away!" Jason manages a slap to the side of Clint's head.

"So he's not the reason you left?"

Jason rolls his eyes. "Clint, will you just pay attention and let it drop?"

Clint shrugs, and ducks a punch. "Just asking. I figured if that was your reason, then you really were being stupid."

"Now what's that supposed to mean?" Jason tries to catch his breath, paling just a little.

Clint succeeds in sidestepping a kick. "Well if you're Katie's best friend, then it's stupid for you to give that up."

"Well Wyatt's the one who told me to back off."

"Wyatt, eh?" Clint receives Jason's knuckles to his chin. "So he can just tell you what to do?"

"That's not it."

"Then what is it? He told you to back off and you went hight tailing it out of there like a whipped puppy. That shows real guts."

Jason swings his leg at the back of Clint's knees, sending him to the ground. "I left for Katie's sake."

"I thought we already discussed that." Clint rolls over and gets up, starting to get used to being knocked down. "If she cares about you that much, it's probably harder for her that you're gone than for her to deal with you and whats-his-face."

Jason remembers Con's phone call, and grits his teeth. He had a headache, and wasn't in the mood for Clint to be giving him the fifth degree too. "Just pay attention to my hands."

Clint ducks a blow. "I just figured that if you really cared, you wouldn't let her boyfriend push you around like that. I'd say it's his job to work things out with Katie if he's that jealous, not yours."

Jason sighs, cringing at a wave of dizziness.

"Hey, you all right?"

"Yeah, yeah." Jason pauses for a moment, putting a hand to his head as he begins to see double. His hands start to shake, and his knees begin to buckle.

"Whoa, whoa." Clint reaches over to support Jason. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

Clint sees Jason's pale face, and for once grows concerned about him. "No you're not." A thought crosses his mind. "Say...you eaten anything today?"

Jason groans, and shakes his head. "No."

"You really are an idiot, you know that?" Clint puts Jason's arm over his shoulders and aims for the mess hall. Despite any dislike for Jason, he knew how dangerous it was to have a sudden crash like this, and Jason was going down fast. It takes a lot of effort to get to the mess hall door, and by the time they enter, Jason's vision is blurred and he can barely hold up his own weight.

Beach

*Kate smiles and waves at Jen.* "Hey." *Once inside the truck Katie trys her best to keep her nerves calm. Cars, Cars when would she get over her nerves of cars. Mustering up her best smile Katie turns to Mike.* "I think I am gonna like your world. Its a nice sun spot on a rainy day." *As the engine starts Katie gives alittle jump." Coming on Katie get a hold of yourself." Katie trys to steady her breathing as they starts forword. Katie closes her eyes trying to relax than opens them again focusing on Kyle and Phil in the front seat. Katie turns to talk with Jen about the lake.* "So is it going to be like a beach and stuff? I've never been to the beach before to be honest. It should be fun. Maybe if SOMEONE wont let me drownd I can get my feet wet too." *Katie's excitement starts to build though she is still nervouse about the ride."

*Jamie wonders around TJY for alittle bit heading into the break room to do some some dishes she made this morning. As she is washing she trys to rack her brain. She wanted to do something for her parents but she dident know what. Maybe later when she saw Con they could think of something.*

On the road

“Yeehaw!” Kyle takes hold of the back of Katie’s wheelchair. “Let’s blow this joint!”

After a speedy ride down to the first floor and outside, Kyle skids to a halt by the pickup. “Alright, melady, your carriage awaits.” He bows with a flourish and reaches for the door handle, only to find it locked. “Whoopsies.” He throws Katie a cheesy grin and holds up his keys. “Locked my sister in by mistake.”

“Would you quit fooling around?” Phil asks.

“Yeah,” Mike teases. “What’s the holdup?”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Kyle finally gets the doors unlocked and opened, and he peers in at Jen, who’s in the backseat. “Hey, how come you locked us out?”

“Me? You’re the one that…”

“Ah, ah, ah,” Kyle wags a finger at her. “No arguing in front of our guest.”

Jen throws him a smirk. “Aren’t you glad.”

“Yes…yes, I am.”

Mike moves around next to Katie and smiles. “Alright…hang on to me, and we’re gonna get you up here next to Jen.” As he leans down and takes Katie in his arms, it’s obvious that he’s done this before, his gentleness coming through despite all the silliness he can evoke. Once he gets Katie settled and buckled in, Phil already has the wheelchair folded and in the back with Jen’s.

“All aboard!” Kyle hollers.

Mike climbs in the back next to Katie and shuts the back door. Kyle sets his hands on his hips and peers through the window. “You too my seat.”

Mike holds up his hands. “Oops.”

“Yeah, oops. Right.”

Phil starts the engine.

The passenger door open, Kyle has one hand on the door and one foot just starting to climb in.

Phil keeps a straight face and starts to pull forward.

“Hey, hey!” Kyle has to jog for a moment before jumping in and slamming the door. “You could have waited, you know?”

“Oh, but watching you run along side is just way too much fun!”

“You’re embarrassing me in front of Katie,” Kyle scoffs with mock embarrassment. He leans down and grabs the map out of the glove compartment. “Alrighty, Lake Erie, here we come!”

“Uh, Kyle…” Mike reaches up to tap him on the shoulder. “How about you give me that map?”

Kyle’s eyes go wide as he assumes a crazed look. “Never! It’s mine, I tell you!” He unfolds it and scans the roads. “We need to go… north.” He points out the window.

Phil rolls his eyes and points the other direction. “That’s north, and no, we need to go south.”

As the two brothers banter about directions, Mike turns to look at Katie. “Welcome to my world.”




“So I heard about why you came here.”

Jason ducks a punch from Clint, now even more on guard. “Oh?”

Clint tries another punch, his fist hitting air instead of Jason’s chin. “Yeah…Katie.”

Jason goes for Clint’s ankles, sending him to the ground.

Clint groans in frustration. “Why can’t I ever see that one coming?”

“Because you’re not paying attention.” Jason helps him up, resuming his stance. “So you think you know why I came, eh?”

“Sure.” Clint’s next attempt at a jab is blocked. “You got scared away.”

Jason’s knuckles meet Clint’s jaw lightly. “Now what would I be scared of?”

Clint grimaces and rubs his jaw. “The future.”

“Yeah, well I’m sure Katie’s just fine. She’s got Wyatt there, and she’ll get over me being gone.”

“That would make you feel good, wouldn’t it?” Clint takes a blow to the back of his head. “Aw, come on!”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Keep your eyes open, Clint.” He ducks a jab to his face. “And why would that thought make me feel good?”

“Because if you convince yourself that Katie is fine, then you won’t feel guilty for leaving.”

Jason frowns as he sidesteps a kick. “It has nothing to do with me feeling guilty or not,” he counters. “All I want is for Katie to be happy, and I’m sure Wyatt can help make that happen.”

“You’re Katie’s best friend!” Clint looks at him as though he’s crazy. “And you took that away from her. Yeah, that’s using your head alright.”

Jason stops and lowers his arms, not knowing why Clint was on this train of thought or what he hoped to prove.

Clint swings his fist and it lands squarely on Jason’s mouth with such force that it knocks him over. Clint’s eyes widen. “Oh, crap, Jason, I’m sorry. You okay?”

“Mm-hmm.” Jason sits up on the ground and feels his lip where it’s begun to bleed. “Nice.”

Clint gives him a hand up. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have swung so hard.”

“And I shouldn’t have let my guard down.” Jason rolls his eyes. “You got me on two counts. One for distracting me, and one for following through with it.”

Clint sobers just a little. “What I said wasn’t meant to be a distraction.”

Jason doesn’t want to admit that Clint’s words about his actions and Katie hit him just a little below the belt. He hadn’t been ready for that. Not wanting to discuss it further though, he turns it around by going for Clint with a quick move to pin his arm behind his back and put him in a light choke hold. “Maybe not, but you distracted yourself too.”

Clint rolls his eyes. “Alright, alright, but if you kill me now I won’t be able to improve.”

Jason releases him and takes another stance after wiping his lip with the back of his hand. “Now come on and use that maneuver I showed you yesterday.”


Jason flops down on his cot, not having done a whole lot today, but feeling tired nonetheless. Realizing his phone has been stuffed in his bag since he got here, he fishes it out and flips it open. He’s got a message waiting, and it’s from Con. Surprise, surprise. He was probably chewing Jason out for leaving.

Sighing, Jason listens to the call. But it’s not quite what he expected. “Jason…what do you think you’re doing? I thought you had more brains than this, boy!”
Jason cringes as he continues to listen.
“Look, I don’t know what your problem is, or what was said between you and Wyatt, but you better get your head out of your rear end and get back here. Do you have any idea what you did to Katie?”
Jason rolls his eyes. She was fine. She had Wyatt. She’d get over it.
“She’s miserable, Jason. Her best friend walked out on her without even looking back and guess what? That’s you. I don’t know if you assumed she’d just deal or what, but let me tell you something – pull this stunt again, and you’re gonna have me to deal with. You’ve hurt her enough, Jase. It’s time you realize she needs her friend. Whether you knew it or not, she counted on you for protection and support, and you’ve let her down. I’m just glad she’s got a distraction right now so she doesn’t fall back into the depressed state you left her in. Now I’m warning you, Jase…no, I’m asking you…as your friend…don’t wait too long to come back.”
Jason lets his arm drop from his ear as the message ends. He closes his eyes and leans back against the wall. Katie had taken it that hard? He honestly thought she wouldn’t have…he knew she’d been crying when he’d left, but…he hadn’t known he was that important. He knew he valued her friendship more than anything…but maybe he hadn’t realized that the choice he made would affect her…had he been that selfish?
Clint had been right…he’d used Wyatt as an excuse to make him feel less guilty about leaving. He’d needed to clear his head…he hadn’t known how to deal with Wyatt telling him to back off, so the option he’d chosen was to simply get out. But it looked as though there were greater consequences than he’d thought.
But how could he go back now? He still couldn’t deal with Wyatt. He still couldn’t just go on like nothing had happened…Wyatt had been ready to kill him the other day. How could he possibly go back into that situation?
Jason begins to feel a dread in the pit of his stomach. Con’s words scared him. Was he risking losing Katie for good? But…even if he was…how could he go back?

He rises from his cot, heading out to take a walk. He needed to think…needed fresh air. Shutting the door behind him, the computer on the desk goes ignored. He’d check his email tonight.

off and away

*As Wyatt makes his way to leave Katie stops him.* "Hey Wy. I'd....." *Katie thinks for a moment wondering if it was even apropret to ask.* "I was wondering if tomarrow morning I could still go to church with you? I'd like it if I could." *Kaite trys to smile her best. After Wyatt leave Katies heart is heavy. Knowing Jason wasent in the room to keep her safe made it hard to sleep. Katie dident like hospetals. Everything that had happend with Wyatt lingered in Katie mind too. Maybe writing an email would help. Grabing her laptop she opens it up and writes.*

Dear Jason,
I know you havent been gone long but it feels like ages. I couldent sleep tonight just being in the hospetal alone is really geting to me. So I though I would drop ya a line and see how you were. Guess what I got to meet Jetstream. They came here looking for you. They are a funny bunch of guys. You should of heard them. It was great. Oh ya Kyle came back with his sister Jen to cuz he saw my pic and wanted me to draw more. Also his sister is in a wheelchair and she was talking to me about how she walked 10 steps the other day. It was really nice to hear someone alse who is in the same boat talk. Tomarrow the guys and Jen want me to go to the lake with them. I'm gonna go it will be nice to get out. Oh ya...Kyle thinks you work for the FBI if only he new how close to the truth he was. Well other than the bank nothing alse happy has happend. Wyatt broke up with my today. Now I know you and your gonna think it was your fault but it wasent. He just thought it was best. So I have been trying to deal with that. He wants to stay friends though.Well I better get going J. Talk to ya soon I hope!

Your Best Friend,
Katie P.

*Shuting off her laptop Katie turns on the tv and finally falls asleep.*

*By the time the guys show up, Katie is refreshed and ready for a nice day out. As they enter and play around Katie cant help but laugh in delight. The sun on a rainy day thats what they were. Throwing a wink at Kyle Katie looks at his brother and smiles.* "He can call me anything as long as its nice." *As Katie makes her way to the door she looks back giving a small sad sigh she just now noticed her Rose Jason had given her is dieing. She hoped he would be back soon with another. Trying to shake the sad feeling out of her mind katie decieds today she was going to try not to worry about that stuff. Not Jason, Not Wyatt. It was her day to be happy, and even though her heart was hurt and heavy, it wasent going to stop her from having fun.* "Ok Ok lets get this show on the road." *Katie throws alittle albow at Kyle as she spin her finger in the air and points out the door.* "OFF AND AWAY!"

Ready?

“What’s wrong?” Jen looks over to her brother’s unusually pensive expression.

“Aw, nothing.” Kyle watches traffic as he drives.

“I know you too well for that answer,” Jen reminds.

Kyle grins. “Touché. Guess I was just thinking about Katie.”

“Oh?” Jen raises a suspicious eyebrow.

Kyle chuckles, unwilling to banter with that one. “Naw, something happened this afternoon between visits.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know know…but she was different.”

Jen furrows her brow. “You sure your perception isn’t off?”

Kyle replays the look in Katie’s eye. She’d been crying. Something had upset her. Not that being in a hospital was easy, but it had been something specific. “I’m sure.” He shrugs. “Not that it’s any of my business though.”

Jen reaches over to pat his arm. Her brother’s sensitivity could be a blessing or a curse. “Well, she seems really nice. I think we might just have made a new friend.”



Jason picks at his supper, barely eating. His mom smiles at him from across the table, and he returns the expression, though he doesn’t feel like it. He looks around the room at all the other people. It felt just like it had the day after Katie had left for TJY months ago. Empty. Only this time he’d been the one to create that emptiness.

While everyone else is still eating, Jason excuses himself. The evening is cool and quiet, and he takes his time ambling past the bunk houses and down the familiar path to the hideout. He was missing Katie something awful. He felt miserable when replaying Wyatt’s words to him to back off…he had told him to back off from his best friend…not much could have been harder.

Jason reaches the small cabin and lets himself in, sinking down on a cot. Had he really done anything to make Wyatt so worried? Maybe Jason hadn’t been so smart with some of his decisions. He was just so comfortable with Katie that maybe he’d let better judgment slip, whether anything had really happened or not.

He sighs, and shakes his head at himself, easing back to lie down. Maybe he really did feel something more than friendship for Katie…but perhaps Austin was right…maybe he simply needed to learn more control. If he let it go too far, he could ruin what he and Katie already had, and he knew he didn’t want to do that. And besides…was he really ready for a relationship anyway? A doubt lingered. He barely had himself figured out…how could he commit to more than friendship? He enjoyed what he and Katie shared… Austin’s words come back to him. Why change it? With so much going on, and with so much he was still trying to straighten out about himself…was it right to allow deeper feelings to take over?

Jason rolls over and sinks his head into a pillow. Yes…he had to admit to himself…he loved Katie. She meant more to him than any friend ever had. But…why complicate things? Now was not the time for a deeper relationship – of that, he was growing more certain. Maybe it would never be right for him and Katie. Perhaps the love they shared was meant to be a strengthening bond for their friendship, and not a romantic element. Yes…Jason thought he could live with that perspective. He should probably take Austin’s advice and be more careful about some situations in order to maintain appropriateness…but he could do that. He wouldn’t have to pull away from Katie just to be more careful. After all, being more careful was in turn showing more respect for their friendship, not harming it. And if he could settle on this perspective, how long could that friendship last? Surely it would remain strong.

These thoughts began to settle Jason’s spirit. He was closer to an answer…he was one step closer to coming to a conclusion he could comfortably understand and live with. But one problem remained… he’d been told to back off.

The pain lingered. He couldn’t go back now…not when Wyatt didn’t want him around. Not when there was that tension. If Jason went back, he would just be throwing Katie back into the middle. Even if Jason embraced the decision to be good friends and only friends, Wyatt would still consider him in the way, and a threat. Jason couldn’t do that to Katie…he’d left for her…he’d left in an attempt to stop that awful tension and suffering. As much as he desperately wanted to go back and be close to his friend again, how could he, when he knew it would make things more difficult for her?

No…as hard as it was…he’d made the right choice. Katie would be happy with Wyatt, and the two of them would be happier without Jason in the mix. And if him staying away was what could help make that happen, then that’s what he would do.


Wyatt comes to Katie’s room that night, bearing supper, along with popcorn for later, and a movie. Settling himself down in a chair next to Katie’s bed, he makes a strong effort to make her relax and laugh, trying his hardest to disperse any tension. He is glad, in a way, to hear about the band, happy that maybe Katie will be able to get out and do other things…the two of them might have lost something, but his true desire was for her to be happy.

It’s close to midnight, when the movie is finally over, and Wyatt bids Katie goodnight. He tells her that tomorrow night he’ll be back, to hear about her day, and to tell her about church.


“Make way for the lady’s escort!”

“Kyle, keep it down.”

“What?”

“You’ll get us thrown out!”

“Never!” Kyle swaggers down the hospital hall in front of Phil and Mike, one hand behind his back. He sees the nurse at her station, staring over her glasses at him with annoyance. He smiles from ear to ear, and approaches her desk without much subtlety. “Hey, good looking!”

The nurse rolls her eyes. “If you’re here to chat, go away. If you need something, state it plainly.”

“Actually, it’s neither.” Kyle produces a small bouquet of flowers from behind his back.

“And…” The nurse frowns. “You expect me to deliver these for you?”

“I’m the one delivering them.” Kyle holds them out to her. “For putting up with one of the most obnoxious visitors, I owe you thanks.”

The nurse is so taken aback that she can only accept the flowers lamely, her cheeks growing red.

Kyle winks at her. He starts to say something more, when Mike grabs his shirt sleeve. “Come on, smooth talker, before you embarrass yourself.”

Kyle stumbles backwards as he’s pulled, and spins around to give a little jump, wrapping an arm around Mike’s neck in a light choke hold. “I got him, I got him!” He uses his foot to open Katie’s door, dragging Mike in with him. “Quick, take a picture! I’ve captured the abominable…” He’s cut off as Mike squirms loose to reverse the scenario, pinning Kyle’s arms behind his back. He’s barely held him for a second when Kyle gives. “Alright, alright, alright!” He smirks at his friend. “Show off.”

Mike grins and leans an elbow casually on Kyle’s shoulder to look at Katie. “Good afternoon, sunshine.”

“Her name’s Kate.”

“Katie,” Phil emphasizes.

Kyle’s love to annoy his brother prevents him from admitting he hadn’t really forgotten. “Ain’t he a genius?”

Phil rolls his eyes, giving Kyle’s arm a slap.

“Ah!” Kyle grimaces. “Easy on the hit, dude.” He looks down at Katie. “So…you ready to go to the lake or what? Jen's out in the truck waiting on us.”

And you thought

*Katie cant help but laugh as Kyle takes her hand pleading.* "Ok so maybe I wont call her...but thats my blackmail now." *Katie grabs a peace of paper and a pen joting down the stuff she will need and hands the paper to Kyle along with her phone number. Before Kyle can even say anything Katie laughs.* "YES I gave you my number. So if you want to go on a date you can call me." *Katie cant help but burst out laught finally catching her breath.* "I'm just joking...its so if you have any questions you can call me." *Katie looks to Jen mischife playing in her eyes.*"And you though he would scair me away huh?" *Smiling Katie nods.* "One-thirty sounds good. I'll make sure I am ready." *After Kyle and Jen leave Katie calls in a nurse to help her out of bed and into her wheelchair. After geting ready and looking halfway presentable Katie turns on the tv and waits for Wyatt to show up.*

Please don't!

Kyle's eyes widen as Katie mentions the nurse. "No!" He slides to his knees beside her bed, grabbing her hand to dramatically plead with her. "Please don't call the nurse! I promise I'll behave!"

Mortified, Jen reaches down to slap his shoulder. "Kyle, get up off the floor, you nerd, before you embarrass yourself."

He turns his head to her. "I got over being embarrassed a long time ago." He hops back up off the floor, enthusiastic about the picture. "Great! Tell me what you need and I can bring it tomorrow - no need to rush it. And...we got church in the morning, so what say we swing by here about...one o'clock?"

"Make it one-thirty," Jen intervenes. "You're giving that lesson to Taylor, remember?"

"Oh yeah." Kyle gives Jen a teasing hug from the side, looking at Katie. "This is my walking day planner. Isn't she cute?" He laughs. "Okay. One-thirty. Be prepared for an afternoon of fun fun fun!" He grins at her description of Wes and Clint. "Wow...there really are other crazy people out here." He looks up, throwing his hands in he air. "I'm not alone! I knew it!"

"Calm yourself," Jen chides. "You're gonna get that nurse in here all on your own if you keep it up."

Kyle slaps a hand over his mouth in horror, but his eyes laugh as he looks at Katie. Forcing himself to be serious, he gives a little wave. "Alright, so we'll see you tomorrow then.

Picture

*KAtie keeps her smile held. Jen was Kyle's twin. Now that she looked closer she could see the resembalance. They were so funny. Going back and forth bickering. But seeing the twinkles showed they loved and respected eachother.* "Its very nice to meet you." *As Katie listens to Jen's story about what happend to her a bit of comfort comes over her. It was horrable what happend to Jen but it was nice to hear someone alses story who could relate to her own. Though Jen was so much differnt from her brother they were still the same. Katie hoped they would both show up more and could become friends. Something she despritly needed more of. Now that Jason was only it only left maybe a handful of people. Jason, how she missed Jason. He hadent been gone for love but he was the bright spot to her day. As she thinks, her bring trys to tell her Jason left for a good reson and he would be back. How Katie wanted to believe that but she was scaired that he wouldent return. Trying to pushing that feeling away Katie sighs. "ok Jason. I'm trying to understand." She thinks. Zoning back in Katie remembers there are other peple in the room with her. Her cheeks turns a soft red.* "Sorry about that I got lost in thought for a moment." *As Katie listens to Jen and Kyle bicker ove her pic she cant help but giggle. How funny they sounded.* "Ok guys no cat fight in my room or I will be forced to call the nurse." *Katie quirks a grin.* "And about the pic one I dont need to be payed but if you bring me the items I need I can redo it and have it done by tomarrow when you pick me up." *Kaite smiles.* "So in other words, yes I will come tomarrow. I think it sounds like fun and I always like to help. I have a knack for helping those in need I guess you could say." *Katie looks to Jen and smiles.* "Dont worry I dont get scaired to easly. Back in Texas at my Aunts ranch alot crazyer things happen. You should see Wes he's a mess, and Clint, he likes to fight chairs. Ya see...its pritty crazy." *For the first time since Katie came to Navada she feels alittle bit home sick.*

Offer

Jason watches BJ run back to his friends, and watches him for several more minutes. He sighs deeply and leans his head back against the barn wall, with no gumption to get up. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls out his wallet and runs his fingers along the words on the back. "Friendship is what binds us." It was the truth...Jason had been stupid multiple times, but somehow Katie had stuck with him, their friendship seeing them through. He needed her...and recently he'd seen that she'd needed him too. They were close...they had an unexplainable bond. Was that just the way it was supposed to be?
Jason thinks back over his conversation with Austin. Why change anything now? Why worry about the future? Jason knew he had feelings for Katie somewhere...but was it the right time to let them out? He closes his eyes for a moment, purposely letting his emotions run completely wild. Please understand why I left, Katie...I'll be back when I figure things out...I promise...



Kyle throws Katie a smirk. "Hey now, I can remember things when I want. It's just more fun not to sometimes." He grins. "You're right about that nurse though...but I think she'll end up giving herself a nervous breakdown as much of a sourpuss she is."

"Kyle!" Jen chides.

"What?" Kyle gives the look of innocence. "Just pointing out the obvious."

He lifts a silly eyebrow at Katie's reference to her appearance. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, you look like pretty crap."

"Kyle!" Jen puts a hand over her eyes for a moment, shaking her head, but laughs at Katie's comment. "You're right. They never think about us, do they?"

Kyle pushes Jen closer to Katie's bed. For just a moment, he pauses as he notices Katie's bloodshot eyes. He cocks his head a little with a look of question, but moves on instead. "Katie, I'd like to introduce you to my little sister, Jen."

Jen rolls her eyes. "He's born five minutes before me and thinks that gives him the right to call me his 'little' sister." A grin forms. "Nice to meet you, Katie. Kyle was just telling me how he and the guys stopped by earlier. I hope they didn't cause too much trouble."

"Never!" Kyle mockingly defends with shock. "We were pure gentlemen."

"Uh-huh." Jen shakes her head, then looks back to Katie. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I can't shake hands too well right now myself. But we're working on that."

"Jen was a gymnast," Kyle explains. "About two years ago a faulty high beam gave way."

"Put a whole new meaning to the word 'tumble,'" Jen states ruefully. "I ended up in the hospital with the prognosis that I'd never walk again."

"Yeah, but guess what?" Pride shines in Kyle's eyes. "She walked ten steps just yesterday."

Jen can't help an almost-shy smile. "I'll never be a gymnast again, but just to walk...." She cocks her head at Katie. "You're not alone. I know how it feels. The one thing I didn't have when I was in that hospital bed though, was someone who understood, and I think that was the toughest part for me." She shrugs. "If you ever wanna talk or anything, just let me know."

"Now about that picture," Kyle interrupts, going for Katie's drawing again. "I know you're extremely busy right now..." He gives her a sidelong glance with a quirky grin. "...but if you could make another one of these with just a bit bolder colors, and then put our name at the top, sorta arched like..." He gestures on the paper. "That would be awesome. And of course, we'd pay you for your time."

Jen looks at him with question. "What's it for, Kyle?"

"Promo poster."

"What about the one you made?"

"What one?"

"The one you spent all last Saturday making."

"Oh that one." Kyle continues to study Katie's drawing. "I didn't like it."

Jen raises her eyebrows. "You said you loved it."

"I lied."

"You..."

Kyle throws his sister a warning glance, contrasting the spark in his eye. "This, on the other hand... is a work of art." He holds it up to the light and grins at Katie. "Oh, and by the way, the guys and I wondered if you'd like to go for an outing tomorrow afternoon to the lakeside beach."

"Kyle, you're gonna scare the poor girl," Jen exclaims. She looks at Katie with apology. "My brother can be a little forward sometimes. He doesn't realize that the three of them could scare anybody away just by walking into a room together."

Kyle grimaces. "Hey now." He shrugs, trying to explain himself to Katie. "See after that happened with Jen, JetStream started a little fund we call the sunshine project...we can't get everywhere, but we don't like to pass up an opportunity to help lift somebody's spirits." Again he sees the emotion being suppressed behind Katie's eyes. "I know you hardly know us, but if you want to call Jason, I know he'd vouch for us, and we'll bring Jen along too."

"Of course," Jen adds quickly with sarcasm. "I wouldn't let you three go wandering off by yourselves. You might get lost like you did in Colorado last year."

"I can't help it that the map was upside down!"

Hi, I'm Katie

*BJ smiles up at Jason showing his teeth and scrunching his face up.* "Otay. Spanks for pwaying with me." *BJ jumps up forgeting to take his one actionfigure from Jason and runs back over to his friends yelling.* "ME IS BACK!!!" * BJ laughs and shreeks as one of his friend tackles him to the ground.*

*Jamie smiles at Con.* "Ya they are great." *Heading to the hospetal and not seeing Katie makes Jamies and Con's viset short. Once back at TJY before Jamie and Con go there own way Jamie gives Con's arm a squeeze.* "Thank Con. I've really enjoyed our lunches." *Smiling Jamie heads back to her desk to finish up for the day."

*Once back in her room Katie trys to smile her best to reasure Wyatt she will be ok. Though her heart is once again heavy. As Wyatt lets Katie know he will be back she nods.* "I'd like that. Maybe on you way you could pick up a movie we could watch?" *One Wyatt had gone Katie falls asleep for a short while.*

*After a few hours Katie with a start. She had a nightmare about what had happend today breaking up with Wyatt. It was a hard thing even if they both agreed it was best. Wyatt was one of the best guys she had ever dated and it was hard to let go, though she new it was for the best. The tears start to come back to Katie's eyes. Hearing a familure voice and the laughter she dident know. Listing she trys to pin point who it is. Hearing the fun that is going outside her room she laughs alittle. She new who it was. Kyle. Funny Kyle, but the laughing of the woman was unfamilure to her. Whiping her tears away though her eyes are still alittle bloodshot Katie nods.* "Hey Kyle. Its amazing write this day on the calander you remembered my name." *Kaite throws Kyle a playful wink.* "Ya sure you can come in. I could use some company right about now. Somehow I have a feeling maybe its good that nurse works in a hospetal your gonna give her a heart attack and she is already here to get care." *Katie laughs and smiles at the woman with Kyle.* "Hi, I'm Katie. I'd get up to come over and shakes your hand but i fear I cant." *Though Katie is feeling a bit depressed about the avents earlyer today with Wyatt she trys to hold her smile.* "Kyle if you guys are gonna keep coming to see me, I am gonna have to have notice so I can at least get dressed and not look like crap. Maybe even be up out of this bed too." *Katie looks to Jen again and whispers.* "I tell ya men never think of these things that can bother Wemon do they?" *No matter how Katie trys she cant hold a straght face and cracks a grin liting out a small laugh.*

Hotwheels

Jason laughs a little and lets down his guard enough to play with BJ for a little while, following the little boy’s lead for once.
After a few minutes, he stops, and reaches over to rough up BJ’s hair. “Your buddies over there are gonna miss you if you don’t get back to them.”


Wyatt just holds Katie for a long while, rocking her gently and letting her cry. “Shhh…”
After a while, he pulls her away and smiles at her. “Come on…lets get you back to you room before I get into trouble for having you out too long. Then I’m gonna go pick something up at work, and I’ll be back before you know it to keep your company for supper, alright?”


Con almost argues with Mable about paying for the meal, but he relents, not wanting to offend them. “Thanks, Mable. Take care. I’ll be back soon, I’m sure.”
He follows Jamie out the car and this time pulls away from the restaurant without pulling any pranks.
“You got some good parents, Jamie…I know they tease you something awful about you and me, but I’d come here any day just for their company.”
Once at the hospital, Con leads the way to Katie’s room, but finds it empty. He leaves the food with a note from both him and Jamie, wishing her well and hoping she’s had a good day. He’ll call later.
Leaving, he starts back to TJY.


Wyatt gets Katie settled back in her bed in her room, ensuring she’s okay before he exits. He leaves her door open in case she needs anything from the nurses, and heads out.
Only once he’s back in his car does a single tear roll down his face, though it’s quickly swiped away by his hand before he starts his jeep and drives away.


“…And Hotwheels Jen is coming up from the rear. She’s passing on the inside. She’s fourth, third!”
Kyle’s voice can be heard echoing down the hospital hall from the elevator, along with female laughter.
“The crowd is going nuts! She’s neck and neck with Hillbilly Phil!”

The nurse looks up, mortified as Kyle comes shooting down the hallway, pushing Jen in her wheelchair and breakneck speed. “Young man!!!”

Kyle’s eyes widen, but instead of paying head, he throws the nurse a wide grin and a wave as he passes. “Can’t stop now, she’s on the home stretch!”

“Young man, stop this instant!”

Kyle ignores the persistent reprimand, but suddenly puts on his brakes, sliding past Katie’s open door. “Whooooaa!”

Jen tries to catch her breath from her laughter. “Kyle, you jerk, you’re gonna get us thrown out of here!”

Kyle backs up a step, peeking into Katie’s room. “Yo, Katie. Long time no see. Mind if we drop by?”

On the house

*BJ smiles.* "Thats Spiterman." *With his other hand he holds a figer to his mouth.* "shhhhh...he is in discise." *BJ dances the other actionfigure on Jason's let.* "And dis is his bestest friend. But they arnt talking wright now. Tuz Spiterman dosent know if he should wreally be spiterman. So he dosent want to hurt his friend. Sos now I am twiying to get them to tawl again and me dont know how." *BJ leans his head on Jason shoulder as his legs are still folded moving the action figure on Jason's leg.* "Do what me do see..."

*Katie cant help but nuzzle her face into Wyatt shoulder. She never notices his smell before it was a sweet smell. She liked it. How she wished she had open her heart to Wyatt more. Now it was to late. Sniffing Katie says.* "I'll never tell you to leave Wyatt." *Curse her own fears holding her back, and curse ever loving someone who may never love her back. Katie cant help but Hug Wyatt tighter just enjoying being able to be this close to him for the last time.*

*Jamie giggles and gets up with Con.* "Thanks Mom. Thank Dad is was great as always."

*Herb nods from the kitchen.* "Glad you liked Con. Let Hero know we are thinking of her."

*Mable smiles again.* "Its on the house today Con. Keep your money. Let Katie know we are praying. Maybe one of these days we will come up and see her." *Mable gives Jamies hand a squeeze.* "It was good to see ya again Hun. Take care ok." *Mable lets go and smiles at Con.* " You to Mister. Have a good day you too."

Herb: MABLE....stop being all mushy on them.

*Mable sighs and heads into the kitchen.*

Thanks

Jason is startled by BJ’s approach and isn’t quite sure how to act around the young boy. Seeing BJ mimicking his position, he can’t help but grin a little.
As he’s given an action figure, his eyebrows raise. Now what? “Um, hi.” He studies the child for a moment, feeling more awkward than he should. “So…you’re BJ…” He takes the action figure and holds him up. “But I don’t recognize this guy.”


Wyatt’s heart breaks all over again as he sees Katie’s tears. Even though this was the right thing to do, it didn’t lessen the sting.
As she reaches for a hug, he instinctively reaches down, lifting her out of her chair and placing her on his lap so he can hold her. “It’s okay, Katie…it’s not your fault, alright?” He wipes away some of her tears. “And don’t you worry. I’m still your friend, no matter what, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to stay unless you tell me to leave.” He holds in his emotions in order to give her a reassuring smile. “You’re just too great of a woman, you know that?” He chuckles and gives her a brief but tight hug. “You’re gonna make it, Katie…you’re gonna make it.”


Con can’t help his laugh at Mable. “Well I’M certainly not starving,” he calls to her. “If I keep coming here, I’m gonna have to do twice the workouts I’m doing now!”
He finishes his soda pop and sighs with content. “Alright, well…I guess that’s that.” He looks at Jamie. “You ready?”
Standing, he goes to the counter to pay, and hollers back to the kitchen. “Great, pizza, Herb. Thanks.”