Discovered

*Misty just shakes her head and stands. Something dident feel right she dident know what it was, but this was just...wrong.*

"If only it were that simple. Low dosage or not medicine wont solve anything its only going to make it worse. I don't agree and I wont sit here and watch this."

*Taking her files Misty's exit the infermary and heads for an empty cubicle to finish her work. She'd never left Rick before when he was diegnosing someone, but this was just a feeling she had that felt very strong she only hoped it was just that. A feeling.*

*Katie leans back in her cubicle she felt tired and in almost an instine extramly nervouse but why. Her mind had been on Scott all morning and her situation but now it was blank and the only thing there was her nerves almost sky rocketing. Standing Katie walks past a few cubicles till she gets close to Misty. Leaning in alittle Katie talks to her seemingly pretty fast.*

"Hey Misty, Strange to see you out here not a bad thing just strange."

*As Misty sits doing her paper work she smiles a sudden feel of anxcusness comes over her grownig alittle bit stronger by the minute. Misty gives a jump at Katie's voice not relizing she was there. Cocking her head alittle she eyes Katie. She was speaking rather fast and looks as though she was shaking a bit.*

*Katie nevouseness continues she felt so strange like a light switch nervouse, than nothing than nervouse again it was causing her own emotions to just go wake.*

"I need to get something to drink I'll see ya later."

*Katie makes her way away from Misty and to the break room.*

*Misty watchs as Katie walks away, and her anxusness slowly fades. Till finally its gone. Misty looks back down to Her papers and feels a bit confused. That was odd why had she been so anxus.*

*As Katie stands in the breakroom sipping some water a suddan burts of emotions, fear, anger hits Katie causing her to drop her glass sending water everywhere. Katie instinly knows its Jason. Exiting the breakroom in a hast Katie stops for a moment trying to register where he was. As She searches she comes up with nothing, it was almost like Jason with a invisable wall in from of him. It causing Katie to only feel more panic. Making her way back to the one person she know might know where Jason was.*

"Misty something is wrong with Jason I can feel it but I cant find him. Something is impairing him from seeing him...Misty where is her?"

*Katie's voice strain.*

*Suddanly and almost instintly a feeling of fear rushes over once again Katie apearing. Misty looks up at her as she breaks out into a sweat. What was going on.*

"Last time...I saw Jason he was in the infermary."

*As if a crack in the wall is seen Katie knows where Jason is she can feel where he is at. Wasting no time Katie turns and heads for the bathroom.*

"I found him."

*Misty watches Katie go and instintly the fear is gone. Misty was confused and dident understand. She'd felt fine, Katie came she got Anxus, Katie left, she was fine. Katie came again she felt fear, Katie left she was fine. A suddan thought hits Misty as Ricks works come back about how Katie and Jason were differnt. Jason could break things, what if...this was only geting stranger but Misty had to know. Standing she makes her way to the infermary where she was sure Katie would head with Jason.*

*Katie makes her way to the bathroom and opens the door not caring much about it. Seeing Jason on the floor Katie bends down and gently rubs his back. Jason looks a mess and Katie felt bad though knowing he was ok was a good thing.*

"Hey J, what are you doing down there? Come on lets get you to the infermarty to rest."

*Kaite puts Jason's arm over her shoulder and pulls him up heading slowly to the infermary. Once there Katie lays him down on the bed and looks to Misty and Rick.*

"I'm not sure what happend but it was differnt this time, I could find him till finally it broke through. I dont know what happend."

*Misty sits watching Katie for a moment. She had to think of a way to get Katie to get upset to see if ther thery is right or not. There was only a few things Misty new would do that to Katie and she new it would be slightly pain full.*

"Katie for what I am to say next its probley going to hurt alot and I am sorry but I have to say it to see if something I think is happening is or not."

*Misty is silent again for a moment before speaking than leting out a sigh she does.*

"Katie how would you feel if you new something was wrong with Jason but you couldent get to him. You could slowly feel him slipping away, dieing?"

*As Misty asks the question Katie's emotions sky rocket looking to her friend she becomes nervouse, scaired and helpless. Jason....dieing...the feeling wasent good the picture in her had wasent good eather Katie felt almost sick.*

*Misty watches Katie and a suddan wave of nervouseness, and anxeusness flows over her. Causing her to gives a chill as the sweat runs down her face. Again Misty speaks.*

"Kaite, its ok. Jason is fine he's not dieing and your the Hero you will always be able to get to him come heck or high water right?"

*Katie's pulse starts to slow, Jason wasent dieing that was a good thing. Katie emotions slowly return to normal. Misty's words soothing her.*

*And as Katie calms down like that Misty's anxiety starts to fade till finally it was gone. What she had though was right. It was Katie who had made Misty feel what she did, but what did this all mean now?

Slowly turning Misty looks to Rick a new question in her eyes.*

"Did you feel that too?"

Meds

Carson is taken completely off guard by Herb’s words. Looking at the older man, his eyes reflect his confusion. The words about his own actions were surprising…the words about God were confusing.

He didn’t want to come back to work here…he didn’t want to try again…he didn’t want to be the idiot all over again. But… despite the lousy job he’d done, Herb was still offering him the job. He was still finding something good and offering him work. If Carson didn’t accept it, he would be stupid.

Seeing Herb’s outstretched hand, Carson finally takes it in a firm grip. “Alright. Eleven tomorrow.” It was crazy, but he'd try one more time.


Jason doesn’t want to have to think about all that Misty is bringing up. He just wanted to be able to make his own decision without thinking of all the consequences that could follow. Couldn’t anything be simple?

Rick can see the inner battle and lets Jason think, while answering Misty. “No…Katie’s different than Jason. It’s…different. I’m not convinced we know everything about her yet though.”

Jason crosses his arms, gritting his teeth. This whole thing was just ridiculous. He interrupts, back to the subject at hand. “Look, if the meds will suppress reactions to emotions, then they’re not really suppressing the emotions themselves. Meds won’t block the emotions completely, they’ll just keep them under control, so Katie should still get what she needs.” His tone pleads for relief from this torture.

Rick gives a deep sigh and looks at Misty, then at Jason. Part of him was afraid that if he didn’t do something, Jason would look elsewhere for help, or try things on his own that could end up disastrous. “Okay…I’ll give you something, but it will be a low dosage, alright?”

Jason nods. Anything was better than nothing…anything.


Scott flops down in his chair in his office, staring at the pile of work that needed to get done. He didn’t have much motivation. What he really wanted to do was take a nap. He just plain hadn’t gotten enough sleep last night. But…after taking Katie home, swinging back to take a shower, then getting back over to TJY, he couldn’t quit now. Sighing, he starts to dig into his work.


Half an hour. Jason runs a hand over Trooper’s head, feeling rather lethargic. Rick had given him one pill to take as a test. One pill to help monitor his own emotions. He felt like he belonged in a mental hospital instead, but if this helped… if it worked… then he’d have it made.

Thinking for a moment, Jason realizes that he really doesn’t feel much at all right now. He’s not sad, he’s not happy, he’s just…kind of numb. Nothing was blocked. It was just…neutral. It was odd. He couldn’t remember a time he’d felt like this. He’d gotten so used to the bombardment of emotions constantly, that not feeling that barrage felt strange. But…it was working.

A bit of hope surfaces. Jason knew there were risks. He respected Misty’s point of view, and he’d never want to hurt Katie. But if this could work…if this could help solve his problem…even if he had to get used to feeling lethargic, he would do it, if only to stop disrupting lives.

A sudden lurch to Jason’s stomach brings his thoughts to a screeching halt. He holds his breath for a moment, and cringes at another one. Oh no… Just when he thought…

Jason barely makes it to the restroom down the hall. Sliding to the floor by the toilet, everything comes back up. A surge of emotions follows quickly as if being released from a dam, making him shake. Continuing to throw up until his stomach is empty, exhaustion sets in once again and Jason simply leans back against the wall. He wanted to hit something. He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry. He’d been so close…and his body had rejected the one thing that could have helped.

God's Love

*Misty sits and listens to everything Rick says not saying much but taking it all in. What she was hearing was crazy in a way but yet it was what it was, and Misty thought maybe she might of hurd this before somewhere. Misty liked stuff that wasent the normal anyways, she was intrested in it. Seeing the question in Rick's eyes Misty finally speaks her own mind on the meds.*

"Depression meds, or meds for those with mentil illness dosent fix the problem, or make it go away it only covers it up locking your emotions away so you cant feel again. Its like shoving pictured of people you lost into a box when you come across them because you dont want to remember them."

*Misty lets out a sigh as she stands and paces the room alittle herself.*

"From what I've gathered if Katie will die without your emotions. So, if you take these meds to hide your feelings, you'll be making yourself feel better, and those around you that are normal wont be intarupted by you anymore but what about Katie. Locking your feelings up will hurt her. Not to mention it will hurt you too. Sooner or later that box is going to run out of room and over flow causing more damage when it comes out this time."

*Misty sits back down and looks Jason in the eye for a moment a bit of worry behind her own.*

"Make sure you think through the consaquences before jumping into this Jason. You have no idea what the affect of this can be and what it might change. Some of it might be good, but I can feel a storm in the wind."

*Misty lets out another sigh before looking to Rick.*

"So do you think Katie can break things too or something?"

*Mable nods and gets a coke for Carson. Seting it down and giving a smile. Grabing a menu her heads around the counter to greet a couple that had just walked in.

Aerith leans aganst the bar and lets out a sigh as she sits next to Carson.*

"Man it seems to get busyer and busyer by the day here. I wonder if its the end of summer thats drawing them in."

*Herb takes a swig of his drink and shakes his head.*

"I dont think thats it. Its never been like this before. I think the new help we have gotten in has been whats drawing them in. Your kind smile and respect for people Aerith is deffintly a reason to want to come back. God's light shines in you Aerith and it draws people into it as it quenches there thirst and they wonder what it is that makes them want more.

And though you have only worked today Carson, you showed that you wouldent let people have something that was half good. If you made a mistake you went back and corrected it making sure it went out the right way the way the people wanted it. That says alot. Also you attitude in the kitchen can reflect in your cooking. When you got upset you burnt more stuff, when you got nervouse you droped plates. But not once did you give up walking out that proves your changing. Though you made mistakes and got frustrated you dident lose your temper that shows your learning. I threw you into the fire, and helped you along the way, and you dident complane or get upset with me. That shows your willingness to do follow directions and thats everything I wanted to see today.

God's touched you life to Carson. He's taken a person who wouldent thing twice about some horrable things that use to be done into someone who spaired a life, and has come so far since then. You made mistakes along the way but dont we all? God loves you the same and I'm glad your sitting here and now with us. I only hope that you can continue to grow and to keep you head up knowing things work out. God's giving you so many prescuse gifts you just have to look around for them.

Anyways I cant pay you as much as what you made at TJY, but I can offer you 9.50 an hour and have to work with me for lunch and help with prep. After you have the have of it we will slip you into breakfest and dinner. All I ask is you come into work, and work your hardest. So if you accept be here tomarrow at 11 am and I will show you how to prep for lunch and a few more things around the kitchen and than we can do the lunch rush all over again."

*Herb hold his hand out to Carson. God's love and glory is an amazing thing. It can forgive and forget anyone's mistakes looking twords a better tomarrow. Yes, God's love was amazing indeed.*

Chemicals

Scott pauses his meal. He can see Katie’s mind at work. He can see the tension in her face…the concern in her eyes…the hesitance in her behavior. It frightened him. He wasn’t sure why, but…it did.

Shoving aside his own feelings, he quickly finishes his sandwich. “Alright then. Let me drive you home and…I might see you later at work then.”

Standing, he puts his plate in the sink, and comes back to the table to give Katie’s shoulders a brief massage before leaning down to kiss her. “I know Jamie needs your help, but don’t work too hard, alright?”


Carson’s eyes widen as Herb takes him on for the lunch hour. Hesitant at first, he takes an apron and ties it around his waist. He hadn’t planned on this, but…if it would get him a job, it would be worth it.

Feeling a bit awkward, he tries to grasp everything Herb tells him, trying to memorize the kitchen and tools. It’s not easy to keep everything straight though, and he finds himself out of his element, making him feel clumsy and stupid some of the time.

…A plate of food clatters to the floor. That was the second time. Carson was tempted to just walk out. But he was in over his head now, and he couldn’t. Gritting his teeth, he cleans up the mess and starts over, glad Herb doesn’t reprimand, but still feeling like an idiot.

…Another burned burger. That was intelligent. Carson throws out the bad meat, kicking himself for not paying attention.

By the time Herb exits the kitchen and tells Carson he can do the same, he’s exhausted. Tired, frustrated, and feeling more stupid than he had in a long time. Instead of leaving right away, he slowly takes off his apron and leans back against the doorframe.

Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath. This was ridiculous. Why did he even think he could work here? Why did he even think he could work anywhere? The only thing he’d ever been good at was torturing and/or killing people. Any “normal” job and he was simply out of his element and all thumbs.

Heaving a sigh, Carson straightens and slowly heads to the front. He’d take Herb up on his offer for a free drink, but after this experience, it was probably time for him to leave.

Getting to the front, he goes around the counter to sink down on a stool. Shifting his baseball cap to rub his forehead, he nods to Mabel. “Right about now a coke sounds pretty good.”


Rick performs his own analysis as Misty does as she’s asked. While the two are working, Jason sits, stands, paces, sits, stands, stretches, and paces some more.

Finally as Misty hands Rick her printout, he thanks her and takes it to compare with his own. “I’m looking for….his voice trails off. “Fascinating.”

Jason looks over Rick’s shoulder, bypassing Misty. “What?”

Rick points at the two printouts. “Look at this…they’re significantly different.”

Jason squints at the information. “How about giving it to me in English?”

Rick chuckles and swivels around on his stool. He glances at Misty, knowing she doesn’t know everything, but for the moment, he’s not going to explain. He speaks to Jason, allowing her to listen or walk away, whatever she wants.

“Alright…these represent the chemical makeup in your bloodstream. Over time, as people age, the chemicals in their bodies change slightly – that’s a natural occurrence. However, unless there is an outside factor, chemical makeup’s don’t just change overnight – it’s a gradual process.” He pauses. “Yours changed in a matter of seconds.”

Jason crosses his arms. He still didn’t understand.

Rick continues and reaches for an older printout. “This is information on you from when you first started here. Comparing it to the first blood I took from you today, you look like a totally different person, chemical wise.”

Jason raises his eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“Yeah.” Rick nods. “It’s not possible.” He glances at misty again, knowing that this was where things got a little strange. “…but it’s right here. There have been significant changes in your chemical makeup, and my guess would be it’s been changing rapidly, especially lately.”

“So…”

“And then today, I took a sample of right after you broke that jar.” Rick points to the other printout. “It’s amazing the stuff that showed up – I would think I had two different people in here.” His excitement at his discovery shows in his eyes. “This is amazing…I think it makes sense though, with how your emotions are and how that can affect a body.”

Jason just didn’t see what there was to get excited about. He was royally confused. His eyes drift to Misty, then back to Rick. “I…still don’t get it.”

“Okay, um…” Rick fishes for a way to explain. “Take, um…worry, for example. What happens when someone worries too much?”

“They…get sick?”

“Sure. Studies have proven that acid in the stomach increases with worry or stress. So right there is proof that a mental state can affect the body.”

“But…we’re talking chemical makeup here…not acid.”

“Okay, okay…” Rick gestures with his hands, simply fascinated with this study. “So if a bit of worry can cause stomach problems, how about getting really upset? When you’re intensely upset, it makes you sick. You break out in a sweat, you get a fever, you throw up.”

“That’s hardly a bit of acid.”

“But we’re not talking normal here!” Rick looks Jason in the eye. “Do you feel normal?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Alright then. Take a ‘normal’ person…they have an average emotional level. They may worry or might have a hot temper, but generally speaking, their emotions would affect their bodies in a gradual manner. It might result in an ulcer down the road, but it’s gradual, and it doesn’t bring them to their knees in a matter of seconds. Now…” Rick rests his hand on the printouts. “Take you. Your emotions are off the charts. You know that, I know that, and Katie certainly knows that. You’re a…a…walking emotional time bomb.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Thanks.”

“Well it’s true. So…when you’re walking around day-to-day, your emotions don’t affect you all that severely… You’ve certainly got a lot more going on than a normal person, but you’re calm, without a lot of stress. Then something happens…take one of your attacks. And boom! Your emotions explode. They go haywire. We know this because of Katie’s reactions. So then…that’s like a normal person multiplied by a hundred in a hundred years all packed in to one instant. Take that combination and what do you get? An instant chemical reaction that results in a physical reaction – you sweat, you get a fever, you vomit.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. Maybe this was starting to make a little sense. “Okay…”

“You get what I’m saying?”

“I think so. So…instead of gradual effect on my body like a normal person’s worry would do, when I have an attack, or anything that sets my emotions reeling, it’s so much that it happens much more quickly.”

“Exactly!”

Jason leans back against the counter, still pondering. “Alright…but what about this chemical thing? I don’t get it.”

Rick knows this is hard for Jason, but to him, it was too intriguing not to be a little excited about it. “Your emotions are so strong…they form such a force that you can actually break things, right?”

“Apparently.”

“Okay…so those same emotions are locked inside unless you let them out. What do you think they’re doing to your body?”

“So you’re saying that not only do my emotions in general affect my body and might make me sick, but they’re actually strong enough that they’re manipulating my actual…makeup?”

Rick sees the disbelief and tries to explain more. He knows all of this probably sounds utterly crazy to Misty, but he stays at an even keel, behaving as though this were nothing to be worried about or anything to cause alarm. “Yeah, I think so. If your emotions can manipulate matter, why not? They’re stirring around inside of you, building up, gaining power, they’re going to move things around.”
He pauses, thinking. “The only way I came to the conclusion that your emotions were what were actually making you sick when you have an attack, is seeing this chemical imbalance. It’s a vicious cycle too, because when an imbalance comes along, that just feeds emotions even more – usually negatively. And…” Rick holds up a finger. “Here’s something else to think about. You’re not a diabetic. But what do you have a problem with?”

“Sugar.”

“Right. All studies on your body would conclude that your pancreas is working just fine. You’re a very healthy individual. You just have a tendency to get low on sugar. But if I didn’t know you, I’d say you were a diabetic on insulin. You shouldn’t have such severe nosedives. Oh, get a little lightheaded maybe, but not like what you have. That’s always been a mystery. But get this…when do you have the most trouble with it?”

“When I’m upset?”

“Exactly. Your emotions are shifting your chemical makeup, just like these printouts show. If they can break objects, surely they can work on your own body. They attack your one physical weakness. A chemical shift like this could cause anyone’s body to do weird things.”

Jason frowns. “So you’re telling me that it’s not my pancreas that causes the problem, it’s my emotions.”

“Yes.”

Jason straightens a little, unable to swallow all of this. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” Rick shakes his head. “It makes sense, Jase. Now, the problem didn’t start with the emotions, but it wouldn’t be as severe otherwise. But with the emotions in the mix, you have to watch it as much as a diabetic does.”

Jason gives a deep sigh. This was unreal. It shouldn’t be possible. But…it was happening. What about his attacks in general though? Did the stem from his rampant emotions or were they just amplified by them? “What about my nightmares? Do you have a theory now?”

“What’s the most traumatic emotional experience you’ve ever had?”

“Being abducted.”

“And that’s your nightmare, right?”

“Yes. But it had been so long! I was doing well!”

Rick nods. “A volcano will lay quiet for years before it explodes.”

“A volcano…”

“It HAD been a long time since you had an attack. I think that’s why this was so severe. See, this emotional thing you have attacks your one physical weakness, naturally. Why not your one mental weakness? All those emotions…all that you’ve been feeling has been building…just building pressure inside. Finally something triggers a memory and wham! There’s its chance to erupt. It latches on and drags you down, feeding off that traumatic memory. In turn it just makes itself more powerful by creating even more emotions and needs to be released. It’s…it’s a poison that kills you when it attacks.”

Jason has a difficult time wrapping his mind around all of this. There were so many pieces…was Rick really putting them together correctly? “Okay, so…first, my everyday spikes in emotions, such as worry or anxiety are enough to bring my sugar down because that’s a weak spot, and the chemical disruption is enough to push it over the edge. We didn’t notice this because that can be controlled by food, which is what I’ve been doing.” He counts on his fingers. “Second, when I have an attack, it’s enough to actually make me sick on the spot. My emotions are severe enough that they actually disrupt my whole body. And third, the attacks are actually brought on by pent-up emotions themselves, simply triggered by a traumatic memory.”

“Right.” Rick nods with decision. Maybe he was crazy, and maybe after this Misty would recommend he be taken to a loony bin, but as far as he was concerned, he was on the right path. “That’s what I think it’s all about.”

“So why aren’t I dead? If a normal person’s worry can cause ulcers, why hasn’t my emotional rampage caused all sorts of problems?”

“That I can’t answer. But my guess would be that your body somehow compensates for it. When you have an attack, it’s too quick and your body can’t handle it. But afterward, and on a normal basis, it’s able to heal itself from the chemical reactions going on, and…I guess that’s just part of this whole thing.”

Jason thinks for several long moments. He was confused, he was frustrated…this all was just a lot to process. He did feel one step closer though to understanding. Rick had put some pieces together, and it helped. “So if I can get my emotions under control and to a normal level, I’ll have this thing licked.”

Rick hesitates. “I don’t know if that’s possible, Jason.”

“It has to be.”

“You’ve got to stop thinking of yourself as a normal person,” Rick reminds. “This…thing… this… power… gift…. Whatever you call it, is inside of you, and it’s there not because you put it there yourself. It was something you were born with.”

“So you’re saying I can’t control it.”

“I’m saying I’m not sure.” Rick purses his lips. “Even though you let your emotions flow, you let them out now and again, and you’ve figured out how to control them quite well, these attacks….I think they’ll still come. Take the volcano illustration. There’s magma flowing all the time under the surface. It moves freely. Gas and steam is released through cracks in the earth’s surface, letting out pressure. For the most part, it’s under control. But eventually, that volcano gets to a point where that’s just not enough and…”

“Bang.”

“Yep.” Rick nods again.

“So there’s nothing I can do. No matter what, I’ll always fall eventually.”

Rick searches his young friend’s eyes. He wished a solution was as easy to find as the evidence. “I don’t know. You’re one big ball of emotion…I’m not convinced you can help that.”

“So how come Katie can calm me down?”

Rick shrugs. “If I had a chance to do an analysis on her like I just did you, it might make a little more sense. But as far as I can tell, that’s the unexplainable connection. She has a gift too, and apparently, that’s drawing out emotions. You use the emotions, they overtake you…she draws them out. It’s been proven she can’t survive without them. And it’s been proven that you can’t survive without her drawing them out. Your emotions are a poison that kills you and a medicine that keeps her alive. If you can’t get rid of it, it takes you down. If she gets none it takes her down – and give her an overdose, and it takes her for quite a ride as well.”

It was a paradox. A circumstance that could be dissected, studied and explained mathematically. But in the end, it still could not be fully understood. The way Jason’s and Katie’s minds were connected…how they could communicate…there was no way to explain that, and it couldn’t be put on paper. To some it might sound exciting…it was a scientific phenomenon. But to Jason…it wasn’t something he was excited about. “Why? Why, Rick? Why is this happening? Why me? Why Katie?”

“I don’t know, Jason…I don’t know.”

Jason looks down, ironically finding it hard to control his feelings right now. “I want to get rid of it.”

Rick lifts his eyebrows. “We’ve just concluded that it’s not that easy.”

“You mentioned meds once.”

Rick is hesitant. He didn’t like that idea. “I did mention it, but…”

“Look, I’ll try anything, Rick.” Jason sets his jaw with determination. “I’m tired of being a burden to other people. I’m tired of disrupting other people’s lives.”

“What about your own?” Rick’s question hits hard. “What are you willing to sacrifice?”

Jason’s desperation runs deep. “Anything if it will stop the pain.”

Rick takes a breath and lets it out slowly. “I’ve got some stuff you can try to balance your body’s chemicals. It’s…usually used for someone with a mental problem…someone with an imbalance. If your emotions make things out of balance, it might….numb the effects.” His eyes move to Misty again, question in his gaze. She knew as much as anyone now after all of this…what were her thoughts?

Rush

*Kaite sets her purse down and bends down to Domino just stairing at her for a moment. Reaching to grab the toy she cringes a bit feeling the slobber. Taking aim she toss the toy down the hall and watches the small dog bound after it. This goes on back and forth for a little bit with Domino until lunch is ready.

Eating her food quietly Katie is silent for a while geting alittle lost in though but Scott's question draws her back.*

"Humm...? Oh, mmm...I'm not sure."

*Katie thinks for a moment taking a bit of her food. She was tired all she really wanted to do was sleep. Last night had taken alot out of her. But dispite how much she did maybe going into work would do her good. It would keep her mind off things and thats something she needed right now.*

"I probley will end up going into work. I have to help Jamie out as much as I can. I dont want her to get behind and with all these wedding coming up thats all thats going to happen if we dont stay on top of it."

*Wedding, marrige, what kind of life would that be for Scott. Katie always having to run away to save another mans life. Always having to take time out of there personal time. Katie dident mind, but in a sence maybe she minded more for Scott than herself. Katie new that it hurt him even though he dident say it. She could see it in his eyes. Hurting Scott was the last thing she wanted to do to someone she held dear.*

*Herb looks up as he see Carson and gives alittle wave. As Rick works around the kitchen he listens to Carson and is silent for a long moment.*

"Well I dont see any reason why I shouldent higher you. Ok, your interview is today, now. Grab an aprin and come in here so I can show you some stuff fast before the lunch rush starts."

*Herb still makes his way around the kitchen getting things ready.*

"Ok, So this here is the prep area. You have everything you need to make a burger. All the names of the burgers explain themself. We dont have anything named like funky beef battered melt or anything. Pretty much for lunch we mostly get Burgers, Chicken fingers...the fryer is there you just push the button and it will time it for you. Everything we make it fresh we dont heat anything up. Sometimes it take longer for the food to come out but its worth it and thats why people keep coming back."

*Once finished Mable puts up an order in the spinner rack. Herb takes it and read off the ticket as he throws 2 burgers in the frying pan.*

"I need you to make two set ups for lettus, tomato backen melts and drop some frys."

* As Herb finishes Aerith puts two orders up in the window and smiles when she see Carson giving alittle wave.*

"Hey Carson! I dident even hear you come in."

*Aerith than turns and goes back to help more people who piled in the door.

As the minues pass more orders fly in the window from Aerith and Mable. Keeping the boys in the back more than busy. The orders go at a slowly pace than normal as Carson continues to learn. Herb correcting him on what goes on what. Giving him quick tips when he burns sometime or mixed something up. Having to make new orders when place are dropped, but through it all Herb dosent get a rough tone in his voice as he corrects and shows Carson a few trick and though orders pile on and some people end up leaving It dosent seem to faze anyone.

The hours seem to pass fast and Carson and Herb continue to work in the back trying to stay balanced on the floor that was now a mess. Finally the orders stop coming and everything goes quiet. What a lunch rush that had been. Herb makes his way out of the kitchen and starts to head up front truning to Carson.*

"You can take the aprin off now and come up front and get a drink free of charge before you go home."

*Herb turn and makes his way up front to where Mable and Aerith are relaxing as well after such a rush.*

*Misty trys to consintrate on her work as Jason and Rick talk trying to mind her own busness But as the glass shatters into the sink for no reason it cuases her to jump looking back to Rick and Jason. Uneasy for a moment but than goes back to he work onlt to be intarupted my Rick again testing Jason's blood. Misty looks up at him a bit confused but takes them anyways.*

"Umm...ok. I'll do it now."

*Misty moves to another table and starts the test. As she waits she gives alittle smile to Jason.*

As hour pass and the test are finally done Misty rips the paper from the printer and brings it over to Rick.*

"What are you looking for?"

Figuring it out

Domino races down the hall to Scott's bedroom where she emerges a few minutes later with a squeaky chew toy, bounding back to Katie. Dropping the slobbery plastic at her feet, she looks up at her with anticipation, tensed to chase it should Katie decide to join in the play.

Scott watches as he prepares lunch, a grin forming. He loved having Katie here...it wouldn't be too long now until she would be here all the time. That thought alone was enough to keep him from dwelling on last night's events.

It doesn't take long before Scott and Katie are enjoying a light lunch in the kitchen. "I called in to Reese," Scott comments before taking a bite of his sandwich. "Told him I'd be in late and I didn't know if you'd be in or not. What are you planning to do today?"


Carson raises his eyebrows, a little surprised at Mabel's response. He'd half expected to be thrown out. But she didn't seem to mind one bit, the thought of having him around.

Thanking her, he goes to where she has directed, and winds up in the kitchen. The strong smell of garlic and onions hits his nose, the sound of sizzling meat making his mouth water.

Spotting Herb, he gives a little wave. "Mabel said I could come back. I, um...was wondering if you needed any help around here. I'm...I'm looking for work."


Jason enters TJY with one goal in mind - get past the main floor without being bombarded with questions. He wasn't supposed to be back to work yet...most everyone knew he should be out camping.

"Hey, Jason." Laura smiles and gives a wave from her cubicle, but then stops. "What are you doing here?"

Jason just keeps on walking and returns a short wave. "Long story." Heading for the hall, he sees Nate, but just offers a nod without stopping to chat. Making it to the hall, he almost runs into Reese.

"Whoa, Jason. Hey, you're supposed to be out of town."

"Yeah...well, things changed."

Reese quirks an eyebrow. "Anything wrong?"

Jason forces a smile even though he didn't mean it. "Nothing I can't handle. Just a rough night."

"Rough night, huh? Must be going around." Reese shakes his head. "That's what Scott said on the phone this morning, so he's coming in late and Katie may not be in at all."

"Oh?" Jason can feel his stomach turn.

"Yeah." Reese studies Jason for a moment, getting a strange feeling. "You wouldn't..."

"Nope, don't know a thing." Jason sidles past him and continues his route. "I don't know how long I'll be here today," he calls over his shoulder. "Pretend I'm still gone."

Reese's eyes follow him and he shrugs. "Alright..."

Jason rolls his eyes and finally opens the door to the infirmary, slipping inside. Seeing Misty at her desk, he almost changes his mind about this, but knows he can't. Finding Rick, he goes to him, keeping his voice low. "I need your help."

Rick's eyebrows rise. "You're supposed to be gone. What's wrong?"

Jason looks down for a moment, swallowing hard. "I...I had an attack."

"Uh-oh."

"Yeah." Jason looks back up at him. "It was bad, and...Katie had to come."

"It didn't wear off?"

"No." Jason's eyes plead with Rick. "I have to figure this thing out...it's disrupting lives...I can't keep doing this."

Sensing the desperation, Rick sets a hand on his shoulder. "Alright...just take it easy. Go on to the table and sit down. I'll be right there."

Jason nods and obeys, going to sit down, rubbing his sore knee. He doesn't dare to look over at Misty. Whether he liked it or not, she'd probably find out everything, but for now he'd just as soon avoid that conversation.

Rick finishes up what he was doing, and returns quickly sitting down to ask Jason about what really happened. Hearing about the night, he gives a deep sigh, his mind reeling with questions that there might just not be answers to. When Jason is finished, Rick stands and starts to pace a little, trying to fit all the pieces together. "Do you always get sick when this happens?"

"Um...I usually always break out in a cold sweat...they say I shake pretty bad...I don't know that I've ever had a fever like I did last night...then sometimes when it's all over I end up throwing up, but not always. Just when it's been bad."

"Hmm." Rick rubs his forehead. "There's a connection there somewhere." Heaving a deep sigh, he retrieves a syringe and preps Jason's arm to draw some blood. "I don't know what this will tell us, but there seems to be a clash between your mental state and your physical state, and since we can't figure out the mental end of it, we might as well try to figure out the physical end of it." After drawing the blood, he questions Jason further, retrieving yet another syringe. "Are you still breaking things?"

Jason raises an eyebrow. "What?"

"You know what I'm talking about."

Jason looks down. "I've...experimented a little."

"And?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm." Rick points to a jar that's in the sink a short ways away. "How about it?"

"What?" Jason's eyes widen. "You want me to...."

"Yes." Rick holds his syringe ready. "I have a hunch."

"But what about..." Jason glances in Misty's direction.

Rick shrugs. "You can trust her. And we might need her help anyway. So come on...can you do it?"

Jason sighs deeply and finally nods. "Okay." Looking at the jar a distance away, he digs down deep for the negative emotions that he could emit. Anger was the strongest and he pulls it out, letting the pressure build and intensify. Concentrating on the jar it takes about twenty second for silence, and suddenly the jar bursts, sending shards of glass clattering in the sink, some flying out onto the floor.

A prick to his skin startles him and he sees Rick drawing more blood. "What..."

Rick gives a nod. "Thank you."

Jason is just a bit confused...Rick wasn't even surprised anymore at what was happening...Jason himself was weirded out more than Rick was about this whole thing.

Rick finishes drawing blood and give another satisfied nod. "Alright. I want you just to sit back and relax a while, eh? I'm going to do some research." Taking both small vials of blood, Rick approaches Misty and hands one to her. "Sorry to interrupt your work, but I need you do a chemical analysis on this right now and give me a printout of the results."

Talk to Herb

*Kaite smiles as the pull into Scott's driveway. It felt good to be home already, maybe she would be able to get alittle bit of rest. Getting out of the car Katie follows Scott inside.*

"I love your cooking Scott. Your so good at it."

*As Domino jumps on Katie's leg she cant help but laugh bending down and giving her a pat on the head.*

"Aww...I missed you to little girl. Where's your toy huh? Go get it."

*Katie points into the other room.*

*Mable dosent miss a beat or hesatate one bit, to someone who dident know they past they wouldent know anything even happend with Mable and Herb's daughter and Carson. No tention, no expression change except for the smile crossed Mable's face.*

"One sec let me get Herb."

*Mable dissapears into the backroom to only emerge again and give a nod to Carson.*

"Just go through those door's there and and take a left into the kitchen. Herb knows your coming back just let him know your looking for a job."

*Mable continues to smile and greets customers as they start to pile in for the lunch rush.*

One more

Scott looks over to Katie, seeing her weariness. It was almost noon by now after their long walk and drive back to town. He wasn’t the hungriest, but they both needed something to eat.

Instead of going anywhere downtown though, Scott simply drives to his own house. Parking, he nods to Katie. “If you don’t care, then Scott’s kitchen it is, if you can stand some more of my cooking. Come on.” Getting out, he leads the way inside.

Domino barks excitedly and runs around in circles, barely gaining traction on the tiled floor of the kitchen. She wiggles and jumps up on Katie’s leg, her ears back as she begs for attention.

Scott grins as he throws his jacket over a chair. “I’d say she’s missed you.”


Carson settles down on a stool at the counter an chuckles at Mabel. “Something tells me you don’t have what I’d like to drink a the moment.” He shakes his head, tapping his fingers absentmindedly on the counter. “Actually…” He hesitates. “I’m sort of…in need of a job.”

He looks at Mabel, half expecting her to turn him away. “Misty said you might have something open and…well…” his eyes lower. “I guess already being late on my rent is a good enough reason to ask about work.”


Dani opens her mailbox and looks inside, then gives a sigh. Still nothing. It had been three months. She had heard absolutely nothing. She was beginning to give up hope.

Trudging back inside her apartment, she flops down in a chair. The number she had for Carson’s cell phone no longer worked…he must have gotten a different number, or no longer had a phone at all. She’d been able to find an address, but had had no luck there either. None of her letters had been returned, but that didn’t mean he was still there. For all she knew, he had been put in jail after he’d left California before. But she’d never been called to testify or anything. Was that really how it would have worked?

Dani’s mind goes back to the short time spent with her brother. She’d had a real hope of reestablishing something with him…what had happened? She didn’t know who to ask…who to call…how would she find out if he were in jail? Or was he simply not wanting to be in contact with her? That’s what she feared more than him being in jail.

One more letter…she would try one more time.


Jason pulls his truck into the TJY parking lot, but just sits and waits for a short while. They hadn’t taken their time on the trail…Kyle had insisted they simply go straight back down so everyone could get home…so Jason could get home.

He loathed the reason. He hated it that it was his fault. He’d ruined everyone’s vacation, not to mention he’d messed up Katie’s night and day too.

Heaving a sigh, he gets out of his truck. He’d only stopped by home for a moment before coming here. Early afternoon…Rick should be in. And he’s just the person Jason needed to see.

Drive Home

*Katie gives a little nod and stands turning back to Scott.*

"Ok, I'm ready."

*Leading the way Katie makes her way down the trail making sure Scott stays close behind. Getting to the Car Katie gets into the passanger side of Scott's car.

The drive twords home is quiet for the most part though Katie trys to make conversation with Scott. She was tired and had alot of things playing through her mind. She dident want to be a downer but her mind was just so full at the moment.*

"You can stop wherever for Breakfest Scott, I'm not picky today."

*Mable looks up as the bell rings and see Carson straggle in. Giving a little wave she grabs a menu and places it in front of him.*

"What can I get you to drink Hun?"

Unanswered

Jason feels Katie coming before he hears her, but he doesn’t move. He’d like to stand up, look her in the eye and be strong about this whole thing, but he couldn’t even do that.

He gives a shrug, but knows he owes Katie more than that. Finally he nods. “No, don’t stay. Get home and get some rest.” He quiets his tone for her. “I’ll be fine. These guys won’t let me get away with not taking care of myself, let alone Camryn.”

He yanks up a tall blade of grass to shred with his fingers, taking his frustration out on something. “It’s over…we’re good to go… I’ve screwed everything up again, so… might as well just move on, right? You should leave with Scott before anything else happens to keep you here.”

Rising to his feet, he gives Katie’s shoulder a pat and heads back to the tent to get some dry clothes on.

Scott stands and waits for Katie, wishing there were more he could do to help.


Carson sifts through the mail on his table, seeing yet another letter that he didn’t want to open. He knew what it held…he knew what would be asked… He hated himself for not responding, but he couldn’t. Not with the way things were now. What did he have to show? Nothing. What did he have to offer? Nothing. The one person he longed to see again, and he was screwing that up too. How could he respond? He couldn't live up to what he should be able to. It had been over two months now and he knew if he didn't do something, he would lose them for good all over again. How could he be afraid of such a little thing?

Muttering to himself, he heads to the door. He’d already made several phone calls this morning with no luck. There was only one thing left to do, and it would be humiliating, but he had to do it.

Not fifteen minutes later, the bell at Mom and Pop’s is ringing. Carson ambles to the counter and waves a greeting to Mabel, forcing half a smile and trying to convince himself that Misty had been right about these people.

OJ

*Jason and Kyle's argument hit Katie like a bucket of ice snaping out her her tought and taking the focus off herself but to them. Not turning on the log she just sits and listens feeling Jason's tention, the anger and pain. She wished she could help Jason more but she new this was his fight and she could do nothing. Katie can feel herself cring inside as the fight continues only to come to an abrupt stop.

Scott's offer to go home was kind of a bit of releaf to Katie. She new she couldent get away from the tention, Jason's feeling but she felt like all eyes were on he with question. Katie stand and gives Scott a small nod speaking softly.*

"Yeah, I'll be fine. We can stop and get something on the way back. I'll be ok, just give me a sec."

*Katie gives Scott's hand a slight squeeze as she slowly breaks away and goes over to Jason. Bending down for a moment Katie is silent but than speaks knowing Jason is upset and irratated but she dosent want to leave without leting him know.*

"J, I'm gonna head back out now unless you want me to stay?! At least drink some OJ ok for me and dont be to upset ok?"

Raised voices

Jason lifts his head from where it had been resting on his knees. He could feel movement. The only way he could describe it would be to say it was like he was a paperclip that was held in place, and a magnet was moving around him. It wasn’t a bad feeling…it wasn’t even a strong feeling. It was just…there.

Glancing around, Jason spots a figure down a ways from where he was sitting. Though he wasn’t close enough to make them out with his eyes, he didn’t have to. Someone else with just as much turmoil on their mind was walking the morning air as he had.

Letting out a long sigh, Jason returns his chin to his knees, squinting in the now-risen sun. He couldn’t remember everything that had happened last night, or everything that had been said. He vaguely remembered words of reassurance that this thing wasn’t a curse. But he had other ideas about it.


Camryn lies on her back, staring up at the ceiling of the tent. She absentmindedly twirled the ring on the finger of her left hand. There were so many thing running through her mind, and most of it she didn’t even want to think about. This could be overcome…couldn’t it? She loathed the doubt in her mind. Yet…hadn’t there been doubt from the beginning? She loved Jason. There was no question of that. She’d fallen for him the first time she’d seen him on stage and had been determined enough to pursue him, then more than thrilled when he had returned her affections. She wanted this. She wanted her future with him so much.

So why now were there tears threatening to fill her eyes again? Why did she have the pangs of guilt for things that she’d implied she’d done but hadn’t because she’d been afraid of the results? Why was she trying so hard not to look too deeply, for fear of finding more than she wanted? Wasn’t love enough? Wasn’t it enough to overcome these other things?


Jason walks slowly back to the campsite, favoring his knee. Last night’s episode hadn’t helped it much, that was for sure. As he approaches, he sees Katie sitting on a log, and he pauses for a moment. He thought this was hard on him…what was it doing to her? He still remembered his conversation with Aerith that seemed ages ago now. She’d reminded him that this whole thing was more than just about him…Katie was suffering too, and knowing that was killing him. If he could take on her pain along with his, he would do so gladly, just to know that she was no longer hurting. But he couldn’t. And that was the greatest curse of all.

In his bare feet and still in his damp shorts from his brief dip in the lake, he comes up slowly, quietly behind her. He knew good and well that she would know he was there, but he still remained quiet.

Letting the breeze come through his wet hair, the morning felt good on the outside. If only the peace could be applied to the inside.

Slowly, Jason’s hands come to rest on Katie’s shoulders…just resting…just trying to convey that he was grateful she was there…that he was thankful for her help…that he was hurting for her too.

“Man, Jason, I thought you slept walked away from us!”

At Kyle’s loud voice from the tent, Jason’s hands slip from Katie and he walks past her towards his other friend. “Sorry. I didn’t want to wake you guys.”

Kyle stands and crosses his arms, his tone serious. “How you doing?”

“I’m okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

Kyle cocks his head at Jason’s attire. “A bit cold for swimming.”

“You think?” Jason forces a grin. “It was a little chilly.”

Kyle laughs. “Yeah, well, Phil and I were just talking, and we don’t mind taking our time to hike back down today. Stopping a couple places along the way, then getting back in town later tonight.”

Jason’s eyebrows rise quickly. “What happened to four days out here?”

Kyle knows he’s in for a fight, but goes ahead anyway. “You’re in no shape to stay out here.”

A new angry frustration rises within Jason. “Look, I’m fine. I just told you that.”

Kyle hooks his thumbs in his pockets and looks to the ground. “We don’t want you pushing yourself, Jase. Not with your mind the way it is, and not with that knee of yours.”

“You weren’t worried about my knee yesterday,” Jason snaps.

“You weren’t favoring it this much either,” Kyle counters. “We just…”

“I’m not letting you all cut your trip short because of me,” Jason interrupts. “I don’t care how much it hurts to walk, I’m not letting you quit because of me.”

Kyle shakes his head. “We care more about you than this vacation.” He tries to convince Jason of that truth. “I know you say when a nightmare is over, it’s over and you can move on, but…don’t push it, huh? You need rest. You just had a night of heck, and I know good and well you’re not up to par.”

Jason grits his teeth. He couldn’t believe this was happening. The argument pauses for just as moment as he tries to collect his thoughts.

Scott emerges from the tent, witnessing the tension, and looks between Kyle and Jason for a moment before seeing Katie a short distance away. He was sorry she had to be going through this…in all honesty he really didn’t know what to think. He didn’t know what to do…he didn’t know how to react. He’d been praying every time he’d woken up in the night, and was still without answers.

Jason keeps himself from glaring at Scott. Scott didn’t deserve his ire, and neither did Kyle, but that didn’t keep him from getting upset. “Just…can’t we finish out this hike? We’ll go on, and I’ll be slower, but I’ll be fine.”

Kyle shakes his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Jase. What if it happens again?”

That was the last straw. “What if it happens again?” Jason throws his arms in the air. “What if it happens again on the way home? What if it happens again when I’m in the grocery store, or out to eat? What if it happens when I’m making out with Camryn in my own house?!” His words were thrown out carelessly, driven by his anger, not by caution. “What if, Kyle! What do you want me to do?”

“I don’t know!” Kyle’s own voices rises. “I don’t know, alright?! I just think it would be best to cut this trip short. Phil and I both do.”

“And my opinion doesn’t count?”

Phil is next to emerge from the tent, having been listening from inside. “How about we just calm down, have some breakfast and think this over?” He looks to Jason gently but sternly. “You haven’t had anything to eat since last night, and that’s not helping your thinking any. Now come on…both of you cool it for just a while, eh?”

Jason’s hands are on his hips and he lets his head hang. Finally without another word, he walks away to find a solitary place to sit in the grass. Arguing with Kyle was something new and it didn’t feel good.


Camryn stands at her own tent, watching her fiancé. Her heart ached. She wanted to go to him…put her arms around him and tell him that it would be okay. But she knew he was not approachable right now. She could just wait in tortured silence until he was willing to talk.


Scott lets out a long slow breath and looks to Kyle, then Phil, no words being spoken. Finally he goes to Katie. He doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t know what’s best. He just wanted to protect her. “I need to get you home,” he suggests quietly. “You alright for the hike back? You want to eat something first?”

Drifting

*Katie slowly back up out of the tent. Personaly she dident feel comfortable sleeping with Camryn last night. Not that she had anything aganst her but she just felt a strange vibe or something lingering. Slowly Katie stands taking in the nice crisp air. As she walks through the grass Katie can feel the dew on her feel looking down she remembers her date with Scott last night and how it had been intarupted. She felt bad, it was her night with him something they dident get to do often and she had runed it.

Katie finds herself walking to the lake not relizing anyone alse was up yet her mind just wondering. She could only imagen how Scott felt and than, than his face as they left the restront last night enters her mind. The disapointmint, the hurt and the confustion. She's let Scott down.

Reaching the waters edge Katie lets the water run over her feet. It was cold but it felt good as the sun rised calling forth the new day. As Katie stands there a sicking feeling enters her mind. Last night Jason had been bad, he'd been almost past bad and she had to be there to help him would. No matter who they had learned to block parts of there mind it had still happend and she needed to touch him to help. What if this was to happen again? What if it happend in the middle of her and Scott's wedding, or on there hunnymoon? What if they were are dinner again and Jason needed her causing her to leave. What kind of relationship would that be for Scott?

Leting out a long sigh Katie gives her head a small shake and trys to push the thoughts away. She dident want to think about this not now. But no matter how she pushed they seemed to pop back. Turning and steping out of the water Katie can feel Jason close but why wouldent she he was asleep (Or so she thought) up at the camp sight. Heading back to the sit herself Katie finds a log to sit down one, feeling herself drift a million miles away.*

Thoughts

Scott is the first one to Katie, and knowing now Jason is okay and she's okay, he takes her in his arms in a strong embrace. He didn't know why, but for a moment he'd almost been afraid he'd been losing her too.

Camryn starts to dry her tears and can't manage any words, but simply retreats to the tent again, needing to see for herself that Jason was alright.

Crawling up next to him, she just kneels and watches him sleep, another tear running down her face. She'd been so scared...and this thing was so complex...she didn't understand it. She didn't understand what went through his mind, the emotions it brought on, or how it could affect him physically, so violently.

Reaching out, she brushes a strand of his hair from his forehead and just strokes his head for a minute. She felt as though she'd almost lost him, and it was a despairing thought. And yet...there was a new feeling there now. Something that troubled her. She'd known about these episodes, she'd known about how Katie could help, but this was the first time she'd been there and...how was it that Katie could help Jason and not her? The unexplainable connection almost upset her...her words hadn't been enough. Her prompting had done no good. What if this ever happened again?

Biting her lip against more tears and forcing those kinds of thought out of her mind, she places a kiss on Jason's cheek and finally withdraws again. Seeing Kyle and Phil's looks of question, she gives a little nod, then heads to her own tent.


Scott finally releases Katie from his hold and looks her in the eye at arm's length. "The guys said we could spend the night up here...I think it's a good idea. It's really late and by the time we walk back down to the car it'll almost be time to get up anyway. I already called Laura so she knows what's going on, and she's going to check on Domino for me too."

Questions flicker in his eyes. Unvoiced questions that he dared not ask. This had been a little more traumatic than anyone there would like to admit, but it was so confusing, and something that no one could fully understand. The confusion created a form of fear that the future was foggier than anyone would like.

Drawing Katie back again, Scott gives her a tender kiss on the lips before brushing her cheek with his hand. "Get some rest, alright? You can bunk with Camryn...I'll come get you if anything changes with Jason."


The night isn't long enough. After the frightening experience, only a few hours remained until morning. Minds raced with a strange combination of fears and relief...confusion and prayers of thanks.


Jason's eyes flutter open and he blinks, taking in the dim surroundings of the tent. Moving just a little, he feels like his whole body is one big dead weight. Managing to prop himself up on an elbow, he counts the bodies in the tents and realizes there is one more than there should have been. Squinting, he realizes it's Scott. ...Scott?

All at once, the night before comes flooding back. From when he'd fallen, to the nightmare, to finally being pulled out of it by Katie. Amazingly, he'd experienced no nightmares after that, though he'd been so exhausted, his mind had probably just shut down.

The others in the tent were still sleeping peacefully. Jason was glad of that...he'd probably caused them all enough trouble the way it was, without them losing all their sleep over him too.

Sliding out from under his blankets, he realizes that he's slept in sweaty clothes all night...what he wanted most right now was a shower, but that wasn't possible. Grabbing a pair of shorts, he crawls to the entrance of the tent, careful not to wake anyone up.

The gray morning was damp and cool, the sun just waiting to peek over the horizon. A thin fog had settled over the campsite and the small lake. Jason's legs didn't want to work...his mind was lethargic and it hurt to think, but he needed to start functioning again. He needed to settle down again to make sure he really was okay and could proceed with the day. He needed to think through what had happened, and process the discouragement he felt for putting his friends through this.

Heading to a small corner of the lake right by the campsite, Jason slips into his shorts and eases himself down into the water. It was cold. Cold enough to make him shiver at first. But it was refreshing. It was revitalizing. It woke up his senses and helped clear his mind.

Dunking himself, he comes up freezing, but unwilling to get out yet. Instead he stays a while, just letting his thought wander. He was confused...hurting. He didn't understand what had happened to him. He thought he could always pull himself out of a nightmare, but last night...he had no doubt in his mind that if it weren't for Katie, he'd still be in the darkness, or dead from the shock his body had gone through. Another thought had struck him that he didn't like either...Katie had been able to help him before from a distance, just by their connection or through her voice over a phone. But last night...Jason didn't like admitting it, but he had felt absolutely nothing until she had been close to him, touching him. What if she hadn't been able to come?

Too scared to even think down that path, Jason finally gets out of the lake and finds a nice large rock to sit on, pulling his knees up to his chest. The air was cold on his bare skin, but he didn't mind. Just letting himself drip dry he watches for the sun, staring out across the lake.

Good as new

*Katie smiles down at Jason still running a hand though his hair. He was going to be ok. Her own emotions, feeling start to calm though she is left tired herself, everything alse returns to normal.

Seeing Jason fall asleep she just smiles and shakes her head.*

"Your welcome!"

*Moving just a little Katie brings a pillow over for Jason to rest his head on and gently lowers it. Bringing the blanket up she tucks it under Jason's chin and smiles down at him. Giving him a friendly kiss to the forhead and pat to his hand Katie knows Jason will be ok now.

Slowly she backs out of the tent and stands for a moment her back to the other. The breeze feeling good on her face. She was hot she was tired and she probley looked a mess but she dident care.

Finally Katie turns and gives a small worn out smile to the others and a little nod.*

"He's ok now. He's sleeping and in the morning she should be as good as new."

Soothed

Katie’s words continue to be the soothing balm to Jason. Her tone, her voice, everything about it was the cure to wipe out the torment.

Being held…feeling her fingers run through his hair…it was a comfort beyond anything else. It always had been.

The nightmare begins to fade in the distance, the images and emotions dispersing once more.

Jason hears Katie’s desperate prayer, and though unsure exactly what’s happening, or what she’s really saying or meaning, something about it stirs him deep inside.


Prayers of the righteous never go unheard and never go unanswered. The desperate cry of one’s heart is always received, always cared for, and always comforted in that hour of turmoil.


A sudden cool breeze blows through the tent bringing a feeling of fresh life. Jason’s breathing is finally brought completely back to normal, along with his pulse.

His eyes open for a moment and look up at Katie’s face. He used to feel embarrassed for these times…he used to be upset when she’d see him like this. But not any more. He licks his dry lips and swallows hard, giving her hand a squeeze. He remembered where he was now…he didn’t know how Katie had gotten there, or how long he’d actually been out of it, but reality was coming back to him. “Thanks, Katie,” he manages to whisper. “It just…hit so hard and…I couldn’t…get out again. I…” His voice drifts off with his subconscious, and all of a sudden, his body has relented to sleep. Completely exhausted from the emotional and physical strain, his eyes close, taking him to sleep.


Scott continues to pace outside. He hears Katie’s voice, though is far enough away, not able to distinguish her words. What was she saying? Was it helping? Was Jason okay? What was going on?

Camryn is pacing now again as well. She pulls her jacket tighter around herself and holds back from doing what she wanted – running back to Jason’s side.

Phil and Kyle remain on high alert, both praying, both ready to get more help if needed for their friend.

A Prayer

*Katie continues to hold Jason as she cant still feel him fighting, she can still feel his emotions. She despretly holds on to him, giving him what he needs. Not leting go until he throws up but not leting it bother her she wraps her arms around him once more. Running a hand trough his hand and pulling a blanket over him her soft huming turns into a tranquil song.*

"Let the water of life wash over you....
Let the water of life make you whole....
Drink it in,
Soak it up,
Let his love build you up.

You can J, I know you can. Your strong and I'm here to help you. I'm not going anywhere and you have all those people out there praying for you.

He builds you up,
He wont let you down,
He gives you what you need,
You dont have to plead,
He know your heart request.

Dont be sorry J, you dont need to be sorry. I think I'm starting to see why God gave me this gift, he's saving you through me in more ways than one. I'll never tire of being your Hero Jason. Not if thats what God wants.

He has us walk through the fire,
And puts to the test,
And in the end he still love us
as much as the rest.
He wont leave you there,
He wont say he dosent care,
He'll always feel you safe.

Come back to us J, come back."

*Katies own hands shakes as she holds Jason's and runs the other through his hair. Her eyes never leaving his face. Katie says her own prayer.*

"Dear Heavenly father I come before you tonight not asking a request for myself but for my friend Lord. He's hurting and saten is attaching him. Thats what these attaches her gets are Lord and you know that. They Satans way of keeping a hold on Jason, of clinging to him and not leting him see the light. But we know you are strong Lord and we have seeing you turn those deamins away before. You cast them out and into the pigs and you help so many others. People say its me who calms Jason Lord, but I say its you. You gave me this peace, this comfort, this gift. So many times we called it a curse but I see now Lord its not, you have a reason and without this reason Jason would be lost in the darkness. I am a Hero, but I am a hero because thats how you made me. You made me special and you let me have this connction with Jason. No longer will I think this a curse no longer will I try and run. I live for you, I work for you...I let you live in me. Now I ask you, I lay myself before you and ask you to once again heal my friend and turn Satan running....TURN SATAN AWAY NOW AND LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE."

*A few of Katie own tears fall landing on Jason's cheek. She wasent sure how to describe how she felt right now because she wasent even sure herself. She felt tired, but she felt strong, she felt differnt from anything she ever felt before.*

Touch

Ordered out of the tent, the other four do so hesitantly, but obey. None knew what would happen, but none had any other ideas. Katie had to be trusted.

Once outside, Scott paces, desperate for this whole thing to be over. He didn’t know why it bothered him so much, but it did. It just…it just wasn’t fair. Stopping a moment, he looks over and catches Camryn’s eyes. They seemed to reflect his own feelings.

Camryn hangs her head and goes to sit on a log by the fire that was no completely out. Rocking herself a little, she prays and tries not to worry. She wanted to be in there…to be with Jason. She didn’t like it that she couldn’t help. She didn’t like it that someone else could. But what choice did she and the others have…but to wait?


Jason flinches as he’s touched, his breathing shallow and rapid. Drenched in sweat, he fights for several more minutes, desperate…so desperate.

Alex raises his had for another blow… but…that voice….that voice Jason knew…it was sweet…soft…real. And that touch. Like an electrical shock, it jolts his system, sending a surge through him that clashes with the darkness head-on.

It hurt. All his emotions, all that pain at once, and trying to get out…trying so hard…

Jason’s fist loosens for just a moment to wrap around Katie’s hand, putting her in a vice grip as he fights. “K…Katie…” He can feel reality…he can taste it…. His eyes flutter for a moment, then roll back in his head as the battle continues.

But as she stays with him, as she speaks, as she sings, slowly, slowly, Jason begins to relax. Like a cool breeze calms a raging summer day, her presence dissolves the tension and the fears.

Finally, Jason’s breathing slows, his heart rate beginning to come down. His grip on Katie’s hand loosens and his head sinks further in her lap, his muscles starting to relax.

Jason tries to open his eyes and he blinks. Alex was fading…Jason was…here…somewhere…but it wasn’t there…it wasn’t his past.

Trying to move, he winces. Every muscle in his body ached from the tension they’d been under. But he had to move. His body was revolting against the trauma it had experienced, and he couldn’t stop it.

Still in a daze, Jason suddenly is on his hands and knees to half crawl, half stumble to zippered back of the tent, his stomach refusing to keep his supper down. Throwing up several times spends the rest of any energy he had left, and all he can do is collapse, his head once more in Katie’s lap.

Tears fill his eyes. Like cold water putting out a fire, remaining heat is released in steam, and leftover emotions seep out. Everything hurt, everything was pain…the past, the present…he didn’t even know where he was. All he knew was what he’d just experienced and he knew it had been bad.

A sob sticks in his throat as his hand finds Katie’s again, desperately seeking for strength. “I hurts…” His voice is strained against the uncontrolled tears. “I can’t…it’s too hard…I can’t…”

He grips her hand tighter. “I’m sorry.”

His temperature back down, he starts to shiver from his wet clothes, but he doesn’t have the energy to find a blanket. All he can do is lie still and let Katie soothe him back to reality.