Waiting

Rick steps on the gas, driving as fast as he dared, back to TJY. He glances in the rearview mirror several times to check on things, but is desperate to race against time.

Kyle writhes in the backseat, no clue where he is or what's happening. Though his stomach is empty, the convulsions continue, his face getting paler.


Jason's eyes widen at Misty's voice. "Kyle? But..." He blinks, trying to process everything as fear strikes him. "Yeah, yeah, I'll call Phil. Hang tight."

Ending the call, he immediately dials Phil...


Phil dashes down the center aisle of the lumberyard, throwing off his vest and nametag.

"Yo, Phil!" Gary yells after him. "Where you going? You can't just leave this stuff here!"

"Family emergency!" Phil calls over his shoulder. By the time he reaches his car, his pulse is racing, but not because of the run, but rather from fear. Jason had told him what was going on... he knew what had happened to Con...Jason...Misty... What would it do to Kyle? What if it couldn't be stopped? And why would someone do this to him???


The door bursts open at TJY. Kyle is light enough that Rick can carry him with Misty's help, and they go quickly down the hall to the infirmary.

Seeing them go by, Jason grabs his crutches and follows after them, staying out of their way, but watching with worry.

It's only minutes later that Phil shows up, sprinting down the hall. He skids to a stop at Jason's motioning him, and enters the infirmary slowly, trying to catch his breath. Seeing his brother lying on the bed with Rick and Misty over him made his heart leap into his throat. He had a handful of people who were extremely important to him, and his little brother was one of them. He didn't dare call Jen yet.


Rick continues to move quickly, giving Kyle another smaller dose of antidote in a last attempt to kill the poison. Though discussing, brainstorming and trying to come up with other solutions, no one could think of anything else they could do. Phil had not had any information that would help. Prayers were the best thing.


It's evening. By now, Mike and Jen have joined a small group in the break room at TJY, keeping company with Jason, Scott and Katie as they wait. Kyle had finally settled down later that morning without further convulsions, though had not woken up, nor had his fever broken. No one knew how long it would be, or what turn things would take.

Rick enters the break room, and all eyes stare at him. He shakes his head slowly. Nothing had changed. He just needed something to drink.


Kyle's eyes open just as slits. Though the light was dim, it felt bright to his eyes and it takes several minutes to surpass the pain it makes.

Shifting his gaze to the right and left, he tries to figure out where on earth he is. He felt as if he were somewhere far away...in a fog...unbalanced...lost...

Swallowing, he cringes. Ouch. Shifting his weight a little, he feels the soaked bedsheets. But they aren't his own. He's not in his own bed...

He tries to pull himself up to sit, but all strength seems to have fled. What had happened? Where was he? Why did he feel like this?

A figure catches his eye that he recognizes. Misty. Realizing he wasn't alone and that something was familiar helps keep him from panicking. Opening his mouth, he tries to say something to get her attention, but as he tries to speak, it evokes a pain and scratching that sends him into a coughing fit. Rolling onto his side to double over, he winces against the hurtful sensation.

Call Phil

*Jess gives a nod at Carson reply.*

"I respect that Carson. See ya around I am sure."

*Jess stands and gives the window a little tap. Staggering up the walk way she disapears behind the apartment doors and heads into her bedroom flopping down on the bed. To drunk to care she falls asleep in her clothing and all.*

*As Rick enters the room Mitsy moves alittle but still stays close to Kyle. Over the last few weeks Misty had grown close to him. He's help her, and was slowing showing her new things. Than yesterday they had shaired something special. Kyle had made her feel differnt but good. Than it stricks Misty what if the Agency had been watching. What if they new Misty was getting close to Kyle and they acted on it. What happend to Kyle could of been her fault.

Sitting there with Kyle Misty hopes he will be ok. She softly talks to him letting him know she was there. As Kyle starts to get worse Misty jumps a little but stays close to Kyle not caring if she was becoming a mess with him or not.

Listing to Rick Misty gives a nod as she stands to get Kyle something more to put on.*

"The infermary for now. If we have to from there we will take him to the hospetal."

*Misty goes through Kyle's clothing and grabs a pare of baggy pants and a t-shirt than with Rick's help gets him out to Rick's car.*

"I'll come back for my car later Rick. I am riding with you."

*Jumping in the backseat with Kyle Misty keeps his head in her lap and her on hand on his chest as she hold her phone in the other hand.*

"Jason, its Misty. Call Phil for me. Its Kyle, we think the agency got to him with poison. Tell Phil to meet us as TJY we are on our way now."

Antidote

Rick’s eyes widen at Misty’s information and acts as quickly as he can. Gathering everything he can think that they might need, including the antidote, he dashes down the hall, almost running into Laura on his way.

Skidding around the corner, he heads for the exit, then to his car. He kind of knew where the Mitts lived, and finds it easily, spotting Misty’s car. Getting out, he takes the stairs two at a time, finally getting into the apartment.

"Misty?" He calls to her, wandering the hallway until he finds the open bedroom. Seeing Kyle, his eyes widen. "Good land..."

Kneeling next to the bed, he gives Kyle a quick examination as Misty had, checking his eyes and pulse. "He's soaked - he had to have gotten hit with this hours ago. But you're right. It's progressed quickly."

Rick's face is solemn as he retrieves a syringe from his bag. Prepping the needle and Kyle's arm, he shakes his head. "He's not even with TJY...I don't understand it. Of all the low down...." He sighs and concentrates on his task, giving the shot in Kyle's arm.

Kyle barely flinches, so out of it that he's unaware someone else is even in the room.

Rick checks his watch and stands up, picking up his things. "We ought to see results in a couple minutes." Glancing around, he spies the glass on the floor. Picking it up, he shrugs, and takes a q-tip to scrape the inside before placing it in a bag. Couldn't hurt.

Pacing the room, Rick continues to check Kyle's vitals, waiting for a sign of the antidote to work. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes.

Rick's face is drawn with concern and he catches Misty's eye. He dared not think that what they had could no longer work.

Suddenly Kyle starts to shake even more, turning on his side and starting to vomit. Rick immediately checks his rapid pulse again, worry surging through him. "This isn't good, Misty." He looks at her with seriousness. "Either it's not working at all, or he's reacting to something in the antidote. We've got to get him out of here and either to the hospital or the infirmary."

His mind reels with possibilities and choices. "And get a hold of his brother. If this poison acts like it has before, it's going to hit Kyle's weakest or most strained point. Remember Con's ear? If we know what that is with Kyle, we might be able to head it off, at least with that."


Carson quirks an eyebrow at Jess' invitation, and shakes his head. "I better not, Jess. But thanks. Don't worry about me."

He puts his car in gear, prepared to drive away. "I'll probably see you around. Go sleep off that vodka and stay out of trouble."

Sleep

*As Misty watches and listens to Kyle she feels helpless. No matter how many times she saw people hurt at TJY she couldent help but hate it more and feel more helpless than she did when it was a friend or loved one. It always hurt to see them in pain.

Trying to make out Kyle's words Misty looks to the little dresser by the bed. Could it have been in the water? or in Kyle's medicen? But how would they have gotten to that.

As Kyle begines to shake Misty instintly acts still holding his hand. Her heart races as she knows she has to act fast.

Pulling out her cell phone Misty dials Rick's number and waits still she hears his voice.*

"Rick it's Misty. I'm over at Kyle Mitts house. Something wrong with him Rick. I think its the agency poison. It's seemed to be acting faster with him. I need you to bring me over some of that antadote we made up as fast as you can. He's going down hill fast. Please hurry Rick."

*Misty keeps her one hand in Kyle's and her other runs through his head every once and a while whiping the sweat frow his brow. Trying to keep him as comefortable as she can till Rick gets there to help.*

*Jess wherls around as Carson comes up behind her with the offer of a ride. Standing still for a moment Jess thinks before replying. It was strange getting an offer for a ride home from someone besides, no one. With Peter it had been assumed. There was just something about Carson tha was differnt though.*

"I, wouldsh be fine to drive bu since your insisting I dont she why not. I'll come back later for my car."

*Jess makes her way to Carson's car with him and gets inside.*

"My address it 15 cherrywood st."

*Jess directs Carson what was to go and the streets to turn down. It dosent take long till they are outside her apartment building. It was kind of crummy looking but its where Jess called home. Turning back to Carson Jess smiles and gives a slightly drunkin nod.*

"Thanks for the ride Carson. Your an ok guy."

*Turning to get out of the car Jess stops for a moment and looks back to Carson before she gets out of the car. Leaning down she throws Carson a smile.*

"Would you like to come upstairs?"

*Jess thinkings for a moment as a smile curles on her lips and she shaks her had.*

"To sleep on my coutch. You look exsausted and could use some sleep so you can figuresh out what you are gonna do well rested."

Universe

Kyle’s eyes remained closed, but he vaguely makes out the sound of someone’s voice. His mind tries to slowly figure it out. It wasn’t Phil…Phil had left for work… It wasn’t Jen…she couldn’t come on her own…. Finally Kyle’s brain registers that it’s Misty.

He tries to focus as he feels her touch and her looking in his eyes, but he can’t seem to draw himself out of the fog far enough.

As Misty begins to question him, he finally opens one eye to squint up at her. He swallows hard, finding it nearly impossible. He didn’t know what was going on. It was extremely out of place to have Misty here. He felt in a strange state between awake and sleep, with no measure of how sick he really felt.

At first he tries to talk and nothing comes until eventually his voice is a hoarse whisper. “Nothing,” he responds lamely. “It was just…” He pauses, feeling as though he’s going to pass out, but fights it. “…about four…o’clock…then….” Finding the burning too much, he gives up. Gesturing to his nightstand, he accidentally hits the glass half full of water, knocking it onto the floor. The look on his face conveys annoyance, but without enough energy, he lets it go, his original gesture supposed to have pointed to the Tylenol to show Misty that’s what he’d had.

Exhausted, he lets his hand fall back down. Managing to open the other eye he starts to say something more. But with the effort, his eyes begin to roll back in his head, signaling him passing out. Suddenly his fingers have Misty’s hand in a vice grip as his body starts to shake.


Carson is immediately on guard as Jess approaches him. He hadn't realized she was even there. Her swaying and slurred speech proved she'd been there for a while.

Though not really wanting to listen to anything she has to say, as she talks, he suddenly realizes that perhaps she hadn't been in on leaving him behind in Vegas. As inebriated as she was, surely she wouldn't lie.

He looks down at the envelope, then back up at Jess. "I don't want it," he states flatly. "But since I'm flat broke and you're determined, I won't argue."

Taking the money, he listens to what Jess has to say next. Though it hits a little too close to home, he lets out a dry laugh. "Home? Yeah, that would be nice." He shakes his head. "A bloke like me just can't settle down."

Carson takes another swig of beer and waves Jess off as she starts to leave. Though the exchange had been short, it had gotten to him just a little more than he would have liked. And for the first time in a long time, he felt badly watching someone else walk away.

Turning his head, he just sees the door close behind Jess. A feeling emerges within him...one he would have thought he'd forgotten...one he would have thought didn't even exist anymore with as much apathy as he'd been feeling. But it was there...

He didn't have work today. He had nothing to do. Nowhere to go. No one to talk to. No plans. No destination. At least this would give him something to do if he got cooperation.

Downing the last of his beer, Carson slides off the stool, pays the bartender and strides across the floor to the exit. Once outside, he spots Jess. "Hey, Jess!" He comes up behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder. "I may not appreciate what went down, and I may feel like knocking someone's block off, but I can't let you drive like this. Let me take you home."


Jason props up his leg on another chair and works sideways at his desk, bored with the paperwork. Sending a paper airplane across the room to antagonize Trooper was as exciting as his morning had gotten.

Sighing, he opens a drawer and rifles through a bunch of old records. He hadn’t cleaned this desk in ages and it was starting to show. Pulling out a whole pile of stuff, his eyes catch sight of something further down.

Reaching in slowly, he withdraws the photograph that he hadn’t laid eyes on in so long. It had almost been thrown away…but instead had been stuffed in here earlier that year, then buried under work.

Jason leans back in his chair and holds the picture up for a closer look. He remembered that night as if it were yesterday. The feelings…the emotions…just being with someone he’d cared about so much. Katie had meant the world to him.

He runs a finger over the picture as if trying to touch the past. What had happened? His mind wanders freely back to that time, traveling forward, taking him on a journey towards the events that were set into motion so soon after that night.

Ultimately, the greatest pain was recalling how he’d hurt Katie during and after prison. He might have had good intentions, but he’d ruined something he’d never been able to gain back. Katie’s love. Maybe it was for the best… if that hadn’t happened, she wouldn’t be with Scott now. And though there had been rivalry there, Jason could see that Katie was truly happy with Scott…and he couldn’t deny her that joy.

But if there was ever a regret that taunted Jason’s heart…it was ever having let her go.

“When you look into her eyes, do you see the world?”

Jason looks at the picture again, a grin curling the corner of his mouth. He’d seen the whole universe.

Setting the picture back down again, he shuts the drawer on the memories and turns back to the paperwork. Being alone wasn’t so bad…at least his time was his own.

Don't belong

*As Misty hears the dead silence on the other end of the phone her consern grows. It was unlike Kyle not to answer in his normal bouncy tone, not to mention call into work on top of it.*

"Kyle, Kyle are you there? Can you hear me? Kyle?"

*Receving nothing and than heading a thump like the phone was dropped something inside of Misty throws up red flags. Something was not right. Not right at all.

Hanging her phone up Misty sits in her driveway for a moment before starting the car up and moving across town. For the sake of her feeling Misty had to check on Kyle. After yesterday and the fun they had she had to make sure Kyle was ok.

Finally geting to his apartment Misty makes her way up to the door and finds it unlocked. Entering Misty keeps her guard up as she cross the quiet rooms. Going down the long hall Misty peeks into some of the rooms and finds them empty till finally pushing the last door open see Kyle. Seeing in laying on the bed the way he was it makes Misty's hair stand on end. Just something gave her a bad feeling.

Entering the room Misty hurrys over to Kyle's bedside without even thinking twice about it.*

"Kyle, it's Misty..whats wrong? Where are you hurting?"

*Feeling Kyle's forhead he is hot and cold at the same time. His skin was so clamy, yet his head was burning up. Opening his eyes and looking into them Misty see the look she had seen on the faces of other before him. Bringing a hand to her mouth Misty gives a gasp. Kyle...no not Kyle. She had to make sure before doing anything for fear of making it worse. Misty speaks in a soft tone keeping her hand on Kyle's shoulder to let him know she was there with him.*

"Kyle, I know it hurts, and it probley hurts to talk but you need to tell me if you remember anything? Or if you got yourself into anything. Please Kyle, let me help you...I cant let anything happen to you. Not now, not after everything. Pleas Kyle what do you remember?"

*Jess sits in the small booth of the bullseye a few empty shot glass beside a beer bottle. Replaying the advents of the night in her head and what happend when they had returned home.*

"You're such a witch Jess you know that. Why did you have to go off on Velvet like that? She was just looking out for our hides."

*Takes a sip of her beer and looks down at her hand she couldent help but think Peter was off still feeling the sting on his face from where they both met.*

"Where do you get off talking to me like that Peter. I'm not just another name in your book you can treat like trash."

"You're so sure about that Jess? You must be blind. For the last year we have been on and off, on and off, and when we were off what do you think I was doing? Still thinking about you? Still keeping myself for you? Ha..I wasent even doing that when I was with you."

*A few tear surfice in Jess eyes but she does not allow them to spill over as she replays Peter's words in her head. No, somewhere in her head she new Peter was unfaithful. It was Peter after all. But she had been blinded, she'd wanted to be loved and when Peter was with her she had felt it.*

"Your a fool babe, a dang fool. You think your gonna be more than this some day, you always talk about getting out of this place..well guess what your just like the rest of us, your nothing. Your a low life gambler who wouldent know what a real life was if it hit her in the face. You think you can do better than me? Ha thats a new one, you dont deserve better any more than I do. You'll be back like you always are."

*Jess pours more vodka into her shot glass and downs it. She had been called names before, and she had been put down. But for some reason it hurt even more this time. Maybe Pater was right, she was no better than them, she dident deserve better in life. She had marked her path and was traviling it. But now reality had given her a check and she just wanted to drown away her sarrow.

As the door to the bar opens with a squeeking sound Jess looks up spoting Carson. She had to addmit she was a bit saprised to see him. It was good to know he was ok though and made it back. Yet the look on his face proved he was non to happy and she dident blame him.

Standing Jess steddys herself holding onto the table as everything spins infront of her. Finally as it stops she slowly walks to where Carson was leaning slightly on the bar her words slered.*

"I...dish want to leaves you ya know. Nots that it mattersh much but, I wash out numbered by everyone. It'sh good to know you made it bash ok though."

*Jess reaches into her back pocket and pulls out and envilops with Carson's name on it. Slidding it across the bar Jess sobers up for a moment as she takes a searouse tone though her eyes are still glazed.*

"This is you cut of the winnings. You earned this fair and squear no matter what you say. Do what you want with it."

*Jess pushes herself off the bar and waves to the bartender to pour her another shot. Than she downs it before looking at Carson again.*

"It was good to meet you Carson while it lasted. Go home now, you dont belong in this place. You belong with that girl from the restront again. Your better than this even if you dont think it. Dont become like us, and be so far gone we cant turn back. Go home Carson, go home."

*Jess gives him a friendly drunk pat on the shoulder as she starts to hum and make her way out of the bar. Where she would end up now she dident know, what would happen she dident know, Would she end back with Peter again? She could only hope not. Those she called friends were gone now. Those she though ment love were gone now. She was left alone in the crule word once again. Alone!*

Punishment

Kyle's head pounds as he lies in bed, drenched in sweat and fighting chills. Just moving to pull the blanket up closer hurt. He had no idea what time it was and didn't care. He'd made it up once to get a glass of water from the kitchen, and take some tylenol, but he'd barely had the strength to make it back to crawl into bed again. He couldn't remember a time he'd been taken down this hard this quickly.

His cell phone goes off on the nightstand, startling him enough to open his eyes. Groping for it, he manages to find it and flip it open. The number doesn't register in his mind right away...it rings a couple more times and he finally remembers that it's Misty's number.

Wincing as he swallows, he hits the button to answer it, but as he's trying to prop himself up on an elbow, the phone slips from his hand and drops to the floor.

Groaning, Kyle lies on his stomach trying to reach it, but finally gives up. He thought he might be able to hear Misty's voice, but trying to answer was too painful and no sound was coming out of his mouth anyway.

Shifting back down under the blanket, he figures the call would eventually end and if she needed something, she'd call back and leave a message on his voicemail instead. For now, all he wanted was sleep...lots of sleep...


Carson brings his hand to the side of his head where he'd been hit and can feel that it's mostly dried now. He'd just have to clean it up later. He gives a little shrug. "Yeah, I'm alright. My head can handle it."

As the silence drags on, Carson feels the urge to talk just to create noise, but he doesn't know what to say. He doesn't really want to go into details about everything that had happened...he doesn't really want to explain how he'd been played for a fool. At least Nate was respecting his silence. He just couldn't talk things through yet. So the quiet remains, Carson lost in thought about his future.

Getting closer to town, Carson takes a moment, contemplating before answering Nate. On the ride back, he'd decided what he was going to do. "Just take me to Vel..." He stops, realizing that Nate didn't know the names of these people. Word had gotten around that he was living with someone, but that was it. "...two-ten Barclay Street...it's an apartment building."

He lets Nate's second question about him being okay linger for several moments. Still not meeting Nate's eyes, he gives a short dry laugh. "I have to be."

It doesn't take long for them to finally reach their destination and park on the street. Carson sees both Velvet’s car and Sean’s car parked outside the apartment, and his stomach turns. But he was going through with this, and could very well ignore any personal feelings. He’d done it before. He would do it again. That’s what he was good at…ignoring his inner turmoil in order to get a job done.

“Thanks for the ride.” He finally gives Nate a sidelong glance before exiting the car. “You’re a good mate…” He pauses at the open window. He wasn’t used to showing thanks like this, but he owed it to Nate for what he’d done for him. “If ever I can repay you…” He simply ends in a nod before backing away, then turning around, hearing the car drive away.

Every step he takes towards the apartment building, his strides become stronger as he allows his anger to rule his actions. This was no time to play games or be the losing man.

Going inside and up the steps, he comes to Velvet’s apartment door and finds it locked. Fishing the key out of his pocket, he lets himself in, knowing good and well that his unannounced entry could prove to give him more than he wanted to see. But at this point, apathy ruled. He simply didn’t care anymore.

Barging in, he slams the door behind himself and looks with utter distaste at seeing Velvet and Sean on the couch. “Well, well, well, home sweet home.”

“Carson!” Velvet gets up, the surprise showing in her eyes.

“Get some clothes on, babe. Someone might think you haven’t been behaving yourself.” Carson heads to the bedroom, completely ignoring Sean.

“Carson!” Velvet chases after him, pulling on her silk robe. “What are you doing?”

“What? You think I was just gonna leave all my stuff here?” Carson lets out a dry laugh, kicking open the bedroom door and grabbing his duffel bag from the corner.

“You have no right to just barge in here,” Velvet complains.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Carson’s words are laced with sarcasm. “I forgot, that’s Sean’s privilege now, not mine.”

Velvet glares at him. “Get out.”

“What do you think I’m doing?”

“I mean now.”

Carson straightens from stuffing some of his shirts into his bag. “Or what? You’ll call the cops? You and I both know you wouldn’t.” He goes to retrieve several pairs of jeans from the dresser drawer.

“Velvet?” Sean comes around the corner. “What’s going on?”

“Well hi, Sean!” Carson gives him a smile. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Sean’s eyes narrow. “Try anything stupid and you’ll pay.”

“Ha!” Carson throws several more personal belongings into a backpack along with his extra pair of shoes. “Stupid came long before today, mate.”

“Leave now, Carson.”

Carson keeps his smile as he zips up both his bags. “My pleasure. But first…”

He reaches out to grab Velvet, pressing her against himself as he forces a rough kiss on her. Satisfied, he shoves her into Sean. “Well, she’s all yours.”

Velvet glares at him as she slinks into Sean’s arms. “You’re a slimeball.”

“I know.” Carson picks up his duffel bag and slings his backpack over one shoulder, shoving his way past the two and into the hall. He stops one more time though. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Setting down his bag, he reaches to his neck and yanks off the silver chain. Moving to Sean, he drapes it over his shoulder, giving it a pat. “I think this belongs to you. Enjoy it while it lasts. I’d keep your apartment though. You might want to move back in a few weeks.”

Saluting both, Carson picks his bag back up and heads to the door, tossing his key onto the floor as he goes, leaving the door wide open.

Halfway down the stairs, he hears the door slam. Without missing a beat, he goes out and to his car, throwing his stuff in the backseat. Within seconds, he’s burning rubber out of the driveway and heading to a destination unknown...

...Carson doesn’t know why he’s ended up here, but he knew with everything that had gone down, the gang wouldn’t be meeting here tonight. Parking at the front of the Bullseye, he just sits for several minutes in the silence. The adrenaline rush was gone. The anger was gone. The hate was subsiding. The humiliation was a lingering shadow. He felt…empty now. Emptier than he’d ever felt before. He’d been down on his luck in his life…he’d made mistakes before…he’d lost a lot of things in his life… But nothing seemed to compare to this.

After one decision…one stupid decision, here he was. Out of money, out of a home, barely keeping his job, and without anyone to lean on. Alone wasn’t the half of it.

Finally getting out of the car, Carson heads inside, taking up residence on a barstool, and ordering a beer. Tonight though, he’s not intent on drowning his sorrows. It’s almost as if he wants to feel it this time…he knows it’s what he deserves…it’s the punishment for his actions. The misery was the punishment to fit the crime, and he was experiencing it full force.

Sipping the beer slowly, he just sits…the noise around him going unheard. The people around him going unseen. He’d lost more than a home…he’d lost more than money…he’d lost more than a woman. He’d lost himself.

ok

*Misty gives a nod.*

"Ah, ok."

*After grabbing her slice of pizza Misty heads back out and gets into her car taking a bit of her pizza. Poor Kyle was sick Misty hoped it was not from how late they were out lastnight in the cold. Now feeling bad that she might of been the one who got Kyle sick Misty pulls out her phone and dials he number waiting for an answer.*

*Once Carson is inside Nate pulls away. Glancing at him after he speaks he is silent for a long while till finally he speaks.*

"Thats a nasty gash on your head, are you ok?"

*Nate wants to ask more. A million questions run through his mind that he wants answers too. He wants to know why this happend, and what was going on but by looking at Carson Nate new he had been through alot already and if his friend wanted to talk about or at least for today Nate wouldent question him.

Time inches by as they come closer and closer to town. Not much is said between the two men silence raining over them. Finally they are ok the out skirts and Nate turns to Carson.*

"Where did you need me to drop you off at and will you be ok?"

Sicker

Sue smiles her greeting to Misty and takes her order. Turning back around at the question, she shakes her head. “Sorry, hun. His brother called in for him this morning. I guess he’s sicker than a dog.”


Carson isn’t really surprised that Nate agrees to come pick him up, but there’s still an element there that he can’t put his finger on. Why Nate would continue going out of his way boggled Carson’s mind. He couldn’t complain though…at least he wouldn’t have to walk any more.

Settling down in the shade, he waits. Almost falling asleep once, he tries to keep watch, and finally Nate’s car comes into view.

Rising, he makes his way to the passenger side slowly, not sure what to expect. He didn’t know if Nate would ask questions or not…he knew he didn’t look in the best of shape.

Sighing, he finally opens the door and slides inside, quiet for several moments, unwilling to meet Nate’s eyes. “Thanks,” he finally manages.

Craving

*The phone in Nate's bedroom rings once again this time jolting him from his sleep. Sitting up in bed for a moment he trys to get his bearings. Relising he is in his room and the phone was ringing Nate groggly grabs it.*

"Hello..."

*Hearing Carson's voice Nate sits up a little straghter and glances at the clock. He's be getting up in an hour and a half anyways. Hearing the Carson needed help Nate becomes even more alart. He hadent hurd form Carson in sometime and the last time he did see him was at Mom and Pop's and his new friends were....an odd bunch. But even so, Nate would never let a friend down even if he hadent hurd from him in 3 years.*

"Yeah, stay where you are and I will be there shortly. Hang tight."

*Getting out of bed Nate throws a pear of jeans on and an over sized grey hoody on as well. Heading down stairs Nate knows Janit will be in soon to help Maggie get ready for the day and decieds to leave her a note on what is going on rather than call and wake her.

Heading out the door Nate starts the long trip twords Vegas.*

*Misty taps her stearing wheel to the beat of the Jetstream song on the raido. It was differnt for her to be listing to something differnt than her heavy music but today she just wanted something soft but upbeat as she drove to the pizza box. Why she wasent sure but when she woke up this morning she had a craving for a slice.

Pulling into the parking lot Misty gets out of her car and enters the tiny building. Going over to the counter she smiles at the woman she had come to know as Sue.*

"Can I get a slice of cheese please?"

*A thought pass through Misty's mind. She wondered if Kyle was there yet? If she stoped and dident say Hi he would pitch a fit. Smiling again and asks Sue.*

"It Kyle around today?"

*Finally signs come into view for Vegas and Nate starts to keep a closer look out for Carson. The now rising sun helped shead light on everything making it a bit easyer to see. From the directions that Carson had given him Nate new he would be coming to him soon.

Finally Nate stops a figure on the side of the road. Drawing closer he can tell its Carson and pulls up in front of him.*

Walking

Carson kicks at the gravel as it crunches under his feet, spraying rocks onto the highway. Another car zooms by without slowing.

He’d been walking for several hours now. His legs hurt…he was getting a blister on his right foot…it was cool out, but the morning sun felt hot…he was hungry….and he was thirsty. But staring down the desolate road proved it would be a while before relief.

So on he trudged. He felt as though he deserved this. The longer he walked, the more opportunity he had to think about how stupid he’d been. It wasn’t a good feeling. He was Carson Banks…he was supposed to be able to take care of himself. He relied on no one. He needed no one. He got himself out of any scrapes he got into and that’s just the way it was.

An abandoned gas station comes into view. At least there might be some shade for a few minutes…

Singing down onto the concrete ground, Carson lets out a long slow breath. This was ridiculous. It had taken several hours to drive this distance…was he really going to walk the rest of the way? He’d already tried hitchhiking once, but had had no luck. Not even truckers wanted him.

Carson’s hand digs into his pocket. His cell phone was gone. He didn’t know what had happened to it. Probably he’d lost it during the scuffle earlier. All he had now were a few pieces of change…a couple dimes and quarters.

Glancing up, he suddenly spots a pay phone. Out of pure curiosity, he gets up and goes to it, putting the receiver to his ear. It still worked.

Shaking his head, he hangs up and starts to walk away. He didn’t have anyone to call anyway. Walking was it.

But he stops again. None of options seemed appealing. He truly hated being here right now.

Thinking for a moment, he realizes that there is only one person that he would ever even think of calling. But did he even want to do that now? What would be said? What would be done? And would they even come? And did Carson even really want them to drop what they were doing to come?

He feels the blister on his foot again, and reaches up to the dried gash on the side of his head. He was in no shape to keep walking.

Finally giving in to better sense rather than pride, Carson turns back around to the phone. Within seconds, he’s hearing a tone, then the answer that awaited his response.

“Nate…it’s Carson.” He pauses. It had been a while since he’d even talked to him or seen him. This was ridiculous. If Nate turned him down, he’d walk. “Listen…I’m in a bit of a bad spot and…” He pauses again. Oh how he hated this. “Look, I need some help. I’m on the outskirts of Vegas without a way back home.”


Buzzzzz. Phil groans and rolls over to slap off his alarm. Yawning, he drags himself from bed and heads to the bathroom. Splashing some cold water on his face, he starts to make sense of his surroundings as he prepares for work.

Once showered and changed, he heads back down the hall, but suddenly stops. He looks at his watch. Kyle should have already left for work half an hour ago, but he hadn't seen hide nor hair of him.

Going to the closed bedroom door, he knocks. "Kyle?" No answer. He tries again. "Hey, Kyle!"

A muffled groan is all he receives.

Phil rolls his eyes and opens the door. "You need to be at work in fifteen minutes, you dork. Didn't you set your alarm?"

Kyle's head is buried in his pillow his blanket pulled up over his shoulders, despite the warmth in the apartment. He barely shakes his head.

Phil frowns as his brother's lethargic movements. "Hey, you alright?"

Kyle squints one eye open, making out a blurry figure in the doorway. He starts to speak, but nothing wants to come and his throat feels as though it's on fire. Finally he gives up and just shakes his head.

Phil comes in closer and puts a hand to Kyle's forehead. "Dude, you're burning up. What'd you get into last night?"

Kyle shakes his head again, letting his eyes fall back shut.

Phil sighs. "Well...I have to go to work. I'll call into the Pizza Box for you though. You need anything?"

Kyle shakes his head once more.

"Okay...see you later then."

We can't

*Jess sits listing to Jess and Sean talk. A strange feeling inside of her. Velvet, her own friend had been cheating on Carson. Oh how the web was weaved by the one she called a friend. Shaking her head Jess stratens.*

"We can't just leave him. We don't leave anyone behind. Carson, might be caught but I dont think he is stupid enough to rat us out."

*Jess flops back on Peter leaning her head on his shoulder. She felt warn out.*

*Peter throws a glance to Velvet giving a cocky grin before he talks.*

"I saw we leave him. There is still 4 of us, and the most that will happen will be we brush up more, and try again. We were fine before we met him we will be fine now."

*Jess sits up and looks at Pete scowling. She dident like they wanted to leave Carson behind. She had considered him a friend, a real member of the team but now they wanted to turn there back on him.

There was nothing she could do to stop them and if she herself dident agree to go she had no doubt they would leave her as well.*

"Fine, lets pack up and go. But this dosent mean I agree with this."

*Jess stands discusted and grabs her bag heading into the dimlit bedroom to pack her things.*

Reaction

For what seems like a small disruption to onlookers, it feels like mad chaos to the five teammates as they’re split up on the run.

Velvet is a safe distance away and simply turns her back at the bar, downing a drink and keeping her head low as the security men and bouncers shove their way by. Seeing Jess and Peter struggling out of the corner of her eye, she hesitates, but knows to stay put and stay out of the mess. It’s not until a quiet settles that she casually makes her way back up to the room.

Sean slinks along the back wall, watching the action and feeling his way to the side door. Too soon though he sees a bouncer coming in his direction, and puts on some speed, making it out the door just in time. Once out, his feet pound the pavement until he vaults over a fence and into a clump of bushes until everything is quiet again. Peeking around the darkness and seeing no one, he finally heads back toward their meeting place.

Carson catches on quickly and is fast to make a beeline for the back door, skirting around a woman who shrieks at him, and whirling into a waiter with a tray of empty drink glasses. Unfortunately, the crash draws more attention, and he’s caught near the back by a tall, broad bouncer who isn’t in the mood for games.

Before Carson knows what’s happening, he’s been belted in the mouth and is on the floor. Being picked up by the collar, he jabs his knee into the other man’s gut. Dropped back to his feet, Carson hits the floor running, stumbling into a table and finally making it out the back door.

But just as he thinks he’s clear, a figure steps out of the shadows, blocking his path. It was an irate gambler who had caught on as to what was happening, and feeling cheated, he wanted his money back.

Carson tries to avoid a fight by dodging around him, but it doesn’t work. A scuffle ensues and Carson hold the upper hand easily until the man suddenly grabs a brick from the ground and slams it into the side of Carson’s head…



Velvet paces the hotel room floor impatiently. “I don’t know where he is!” She throws up her hands in response to Sean’s questioning. “Everyone was out of sight before I came back here.” She looks to Jess, then Peter, then Sean again. The clock on the wall ticked away the minutes. “Maybe he got caught.”



Carson groans and rolls over, feeling the blood oozing down from the gash on his head. Putting a hand to the side of his face, he can feel the blood smear, and he grimaces. How long had he been out? He didn’t think it had been long.

Getting himself in a sitting position, he spies his wallet a couple feet away. Retrieving it proves that it’s empty of all money. His ID was still there, but he was now holding no plastic or cash.

Growling a curse under his breath, he picks himself up and staggers for a moment down the dark alley behind the building. His head felt as if it was splitting in two.

Making his way inside, he’s careful not to see too many people who might gawk at his condition, and finally makes it up to the quiet hall where the room was. Reaching the door, his hand is just resting on the knob when he hears Velvet’s voice.

“I say we leave.”

Sean raises his eyebrows. “What? Leave him here?”

“As if you care?” Velvet crosses her arms as she sits on the edge of the bed. “He obviously got caught, and if he did, then he’s not good enough to be on this team. He could be telling them right now who all of us are and we’ll never be able to come back anywhere near this place.”

Sean paces a little, unsure of this. He glances to Jess and Peter, then back to Velvet. “Give him five more minutes.”

“Why?!” Velvet rolls her eyes. “We’ve been waiting long enough. No-shows are left behind.”

“Even though he’s your boyfriend?” Sean’s words come out a little sarcastically.

Velvet smirks at him. “Was. Isn’t this what you wanted anyway? I told you I was going to get rid of him – this just speeds things up.”

Sean’s face reddens slightly.

Velvet grins. “What? You think you and I were the only ones who knew?” She throws back her head and laughs. “You poor thing. The rest of the world isn’t as naive as you, ya know.” She stands up, slinging her arms around Sean’s waist from behind. “Come on…you know I’m right. Let’s just walk away. Then you can have me without hiding behind corners.” A sly look of arrogance is tossed in Peter’s direction.

She then looks around Sean to Jess. “If Carson still has two feet to walk on, he’ll make it back. Let’s get out of here while we still can. I don’t want any goons coming up here and sniffing around. We’re still at risk here.”


Carson’s hand slips from the doorknob and he stares at the closed door for several seconds. The words he’d just heard shouldn’t affect him, but they sent an unexpected shock through his system.

Velvet wanted to get rid of him? And she’d been seeing Sean? For how long? Had Carson been that blind? And now Velvet was going far enough to just leave him here? Stranded? That was going beyond hitting below the belt.

An anger begins to boil within him. How dare anyone treat him like this. He had half a notion to kick the door in, then go punch Sean’s lights out. It would certainly make him feel better. Not to mention he’d have a few choice words to say to the woman he’d been living with.

But as Carson grabs the doorknob one more time, something stops him. It was a feeling he didn’t recognize, but it was strong enough to hold him back. It was strong enough that it crept up beside his anger, overcoming even that.

Humiliation.

It was a new sensation and one that Carson didn’t like. He’d just been proven to be a total loser in more ways than one, and in front of people he’d just been calling friends.

Gritting his teeth, Carson slowly backs away from the room and goes around the corner to go unseen. He reaches up, wiping away some more blood from the side of his head. What kind of fool had he just been made out to be? What kind of fool had he really been? And how on earth had he let himself get into this vulnerable position? He’d just been put down and outsmarted, by a woman no less. The feelings this all evoked were ones that he didn’t know how to handle.

He’d never been one to back down from a fight. He’d never been one to let something go like this. And suddenly Carson comes to a hard realization. He’d never have let this go before…but…obviously he was not the same man he used to be. No matter how hard he’d tried to slide back into this lifestyle, he had failed. He wasn’t a good guy and he wasn’t a bad guy. He was stuck between worlds, and it was an uncomfortable position to be in…one that evoked embarrassment for his blindness, and an ire for what had happened.

Unable to just stand here any longer, the anger and humiliation drive him to leave the corner and stalk down the back hall to the side exit. Velvet wanted him gone, so be it. She hadn’t heard the last from him, but for tonight…it was to his advantage to walk away. The table was no longer hot, and it was time for him to get out before getting in any deeper. He had lost this hand.


Kyle laughs and shakes is head. "I better not fall asleep behind the wheel."

After grabbing the blanket to throw in the backseat and closing the tailgate of the truck, he slides in to the driver's seat to start the long drive home.

The night is clear with a bright moon lighting their way along with a million stars smiling down on them. Kyle keeps the radio going to help keep him from becoming drowsy as he sings along, especially when they get closer to town and a JetStream song comes on. Making one stop for something to drink, it's on to town. Finally getting back, the truck clock reads one-thirty a.m.

Kyle pulls into the parking lot at Mom and Pop's. It was strange being here at this hour. Everything was dark. There was no activity. He parks next to Misty's car so she doesn't have to walk far, and lets out a weary sigh.

"Well..." He turns to grin at her. "Drive safe." He tosses her a wink. "I had fun. We'll have to do this again sometime."

Waiting until he's sure Misty is safely on her way back home, Kyle pulls back out onto the street to head across town...

Kyle lets himself into the apartment, locking the door behind him and quietly making his way through the living room. The tv was still on, but Phil wasn’t moving on the couch, apparently asleep.

Wrong.

As Kyle makes it to the hall, he’s stopped.

“Welcome back.”

He swings back around to go up behind the couch and lean on it, looking down at his sleepy brother. “Hey.”

“Have a good time?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Where’d you go?”

“Amusement park.” Kyle stands up straight, wandering to the kitchen were he flips on the light to get a glass of water.

Phil sits up, watching him. “Jam session went well.”

“Good, good.”

Phil cocks his head. “So…since when does my brother stay out with a girl until the wee hours of the morning?”

Kyle downs a glass of water, then puts the glass in the sink. Shutting the light back off, he returns to the living room. “Since the girl needed to get away and laugh for a while.”

“And you?”

“What?”

“It was all for her? You, uh…didn’t do it for personal enjoyment either?”

Kyle squints in the dim light at his brother’s face. “What are you getting at?”

Phil grins up at him. “Kyle and Misty…” His tone indicates his teasing. “Don’t think I would have ever guessed that one.”

Now that Kyle sees what Phil is doing, he rolls his eyes and turns around. “Good night.”

“So now what?” Phil calls after him with a laugh. “You be leaving the band so you can spend more time on dates or what?”

Kyle spins around to glare at him. “Drop it, Phil.” His voice warns his brother. “Just cut the jabs and let me be for once alright?”

Phil’s eyebrows shoot up as he watches his brother stalk down the hall to his bedroom. “I didn’t…” His voice trails off, knowing Kyle can’t hear him. “Mean to rile you…” That was strange. Kyle hardly ever snapped at anyone, let alone from being teased about a girl. The guys teased him all the time, and he fed off of it, he didn’t retaliate. Maybe things hadn’t gone as well tonight as he’d indicated? Or…?

Phil shakes his head and shuts off the tv. He’d wait until morning to test those waters again. For now, he’d just let his confusion lie.

The chase

*Taking in Kyle's kiss for the long moment Misty feels like she is almost floating. This moment now, these emotions who would of know that they would have exsisted. The feelings that were buryed who would of relized they were there till now.

As Kyle pulls away and they lock eyes again Misty grins. She could tell her own cheeks were red but really dident mind much.

Giving a laugh at Kyle's comment Misty playfuly swats his arm. His humor helped make the embaresment a little less.*

"Well I am glad you will stay awake on the way home. I could not have you falling alseep on me now could I have?"

*Giving another laugh Misty turns and jumps into the front of Kyles jeep and before they are on there way home. Misty's mind raced as the scenery of the night past. The good feeling inside of her made she smile, yes the road to happyness was coming again. With any hope That could continue and Misty would be ok.*

*The night goes good and everyone follows the lead well, hot tables come up than get cold signaling to move on. The card are kept count and never was anyone confused. They were doing it, actully doing it and they were making a killing.

As the night draws on and the morning hours come Jess keeps her eyes out untill she stops Sean and see his signal. Scanning the room fast she catches the bouncers that are moving in fast. Geathering her own chips up and lets out a yawn and runs her hand through her hair before saying.*

"Welp I better stop here before my luck changes. Thank you for the games."

*And like a chain reaction Peter does the same passing the running hand message along.

As Jess goes to leave one of the bouncers reaches out and grabs her arm turning her around.*

"We'd like a word with you."

*Jess blood rushes the look in his eyes showing they new.

Peter acts fast and moves to the bouncer that had Jess. Giving a low kick he takes his feet out from under causing him to let Jess go. Pete grabs Jess arm and gets her to her feet.

Bending down Jess grabs her bag and looks to the other.*

"Run, get out."

*With out a second through Jess gives a jump and starts booking it. A few more bounces on her tail Jess dosent slow down. Running around people, around tables, up steps, jumping over table she dosent slow down and doent look back she can only hope her friends had made it out as well.

Bursting out of casino door Jess keeps running and than takes a sharp turn down an ally way sliding on the pavment and scrapping her knee. Wasting no time her jumps up again and heads to behind a dumpster waiting for the bouncers to go by.

The minutes go by as Jess stays in hidding till finally she comes out and causily exits the ally way looking left, and than looking right. Making her way back to the hotel room she keeps her head down and goes to the room. Opening the door Jess enters.

Peter sits up fast as he hears the door open. Seeing Jess enter he relaxes and gives a wave.*

"You made it?"

*Jess looks at Peter and nods.*

"I'm here aint I? The others back yet?"

*Peter shakes his head.*

"Not yet."

Game

As Misty turns around to face Kyle, he feels himself drawn in by her stare. He knew what was going through her mind...the look in her eye says it all. Even still, as she moves in and her lips touch his, his reflexes cause him to tense, wanting him to pull away. But he manages to refuse the impulse. It was too warm...too sweet.

Kyle's pulse races as he receives her kiss, a tingle running throughout, and for a moment, he finds himself unable to move. But allowing it to linger, he gradually moves his hands tighter around Misty, one hand on her shoulder, the other letting his fingers cradling her face, then sliding back to comb through her soft hair. Slowly, gently he begins to return the kiss, caught up in the feelings it evoked.

Eventually, Kyle softly pulls away, his eyes locking with Misty's. He knew his face was beat red but he didn't care. The night hid it well. The moonlight reflected in Misty's eyes, and he felt as though he could stare at them for eternity.

But his playful nature won't let sentiment last too long, and a grin quirks the corner of his mouth . "Now that's a ride worth going on twice." His grin widens and he reaches up to tip her nose with a finger. "I think I'll be able to stay awake on the way home now."


Carson's eyes are everywhere yet focused at the same time. He was good at acting, and dropping his accent for the evening wasn't hard. Settling in at a table, he keeps track of who's there and all the cards that are being played. For a while it's quiet. Nothing exciting.

A couple rounds later, Velvet appears to make her way into the scene, flirting with several men, and throwing Jess a glance only once to let her know she was on top of her role.
Sean settles back against the bar, surveying the room, striking up a conversation with someone slightly inebriated. It's easy to keep the dialogue up while at the same time keeping an eye on all the entrances and exits. Spotting bouncers and security, within a few minutes, he knows who to look out for.

The night goes on. It's early in the morning, the place is crowded, and people have come and gone, the crowd shifting like a wave. The five teammates have played their parts well, though impatience is on the verge.

Sean sighs as he plays with a corner slot machine for a while before returning to the bar. He'd memorized the room by now. He knew exactly where to head if anything went down. Their room was upstairs, but they'd all head outside first and scatter, then meet back at the room. Otherwise they might have trouble on their hands inside the building, and no one wanted that.

Carson tilts his chair back slightly, watching the players around him. He keeps a yawn from surfacing. Alcohol had been consumed slowly, his intention to keep his head clear enough to play smart.

Finally, a signal is spotted. A table is hot. Then the game really begins and mathematical skills are pushed to the limit. Sean watches the game. Jess, Peter and Carson were involved. Velvet was wandering the floor, acting just a little more intoxicated than she really was.

Sean casually lets things progress, but suddenly he spots one of the security men sniffing around the table and watching a little too intently. The man makes eyes with the bouncer across the room, then moves around behind Jess, then behind Peter. A slight nod is made to another security man.

They knew.

Sean puts his glass down and shakes hands with the man he'd been conversing with. After a brief exchange of farewell, he walks casually to the other side of the room. Once he's in a spot where Jess can see him, he stretches and yawns, running a hand through his hair and making a comment to someone that he should hit the hay before he passed out.

...

*As Misty feels Kyle move up behind her and can feel his arms run over her shoulders and to the front she reaches up and takes the teddy bear. Looking at it for a moment and running her fingers over the fer. So many things run through her mind but one this is certine sometime you need to let go and taking a chanse.

Holding the bear in one hand Misty's other stops Kyle's arms from retreating, keeping them around her. His warmth, his presence it was differnt, it was welcomed, it felt naturil. Leaning back a little into Kyles chest Misty thinks for a moment, she new she was reading Kyle right but she was still a tiny bit nervouse. Not of Kyle himself but about the feelings she was feeling. They were differnt but felt good. Misty sits up and turns so Kyles arms are still around her but she is not facing him. In her own soft voice she whispers back.*

"Thank you."

*Leaning forward her eyes lock with Kyle's again, she can feel herself being drawn in. Bringin her one arm that held the bear around to Kyle's back and her free hand to his face to cradle it, Misty takes a chanse as her lips press aganst Kyles. A shock of emotion running through like being zapped from an elecricl socket. Her heart races, and her adreninal rushes once again. As she lets the new feeling wash over her.*

bear

Kyle listens to Misty, wondering if he read her tone correctly. Was she just having so much fun because she was getting away from thoughts of Carson, or was she really enjoying he time with Kyle because it was Kyle?

He is silent for several moments, just thinking. Crawling down to the end of the tailgate, he slides forward so his legs are dangling off the edge on either side of Misty. Reaching around her with both arms, he gives her the teddy bear that she’d left in the bed.

“You forgot someone,” he mentions quietly.

Cheesy

*Misty smiles back at Kyle and tilts her head finally sliding off the tail gate and streching before leaning aganst it again.*

"Mmm...I wish the firewords could go on forever to, because I don't want to go eather. I guess there are just some moments we wish could last for ever and this is one of them."

*Closing her eyes for a moment Misty can feel the heat rise on her neck and she replays what she said in her head. How cheesy did she really sound right now. She couldent help it though. For the first time in a while she felt good, semi normal again. Though she still had a long road ahead it was a start.*

Light up

Kyle rolls onto his side, propped up on an elbow as he accepts the picture. A smile spreads on his face. "Looks like we were having a lot of fun doesn't it?"

He glances up, studying Misty's face for a moment. "I don't think I could forget this either. Thanks for letting me have fun with you."

A gold firework shoots into the sky, sending a bright brilliance everywhere. Kyle cocks his head a little, a grin forming as he continues to study Misty's face. "Seeing your face light up was worth the miles it took to get here."

He gives a dry laugh, knowing that probably sounded stupid, and he looks back down, finally shifting his weight to sit up, leaning his head back against the window of the truck. He looks at the picture again, enjoying it for several seconds. The odd sensation was back and he tries to suppress it.

Swallowing hard, he looks over at Misty. "I guess the dwindling fireworks are our cue to get on out of here." He pauses, knowing he'd better shut up while he's ahead, but controlling his tongue never had come easily. "I don't want to leave."

Cloud Nine

*Misty holds the blue teddy bear Kyle won her as she sits in the back of the truck bed. The day had been wonderful and the distraction she needed. Now she only wish they dident have to go back. Running away from life was fun, it was the going back part the hurt the most sometimes.

If someone had asked Misty a few days ago who she would feel on this night she wouldent have been sure how to answer, but sitting here, now, she dident feel half bad. The day had been fun with Kyle. The laughing, the joking, the compatition that went on between them. It was a differnt side to Misty and not one she hated. Acting like a kid again had been fun.

Looking up at the sky as more fireword go off Misty lets out a sigh. In a word of hurt and a word of chaos there was still special moments, there were still fun times. Misty only hoped there would be more and that soon maybe oneday she could smile all the time again.

Turning her head Misty watches Kyle for a long moment. Watching as the firewords one by one go off lighting up his face. There was something differnt about him. Misty couldent put her finger on it but she new it was there. His jokes, his horseplay, everything he did seemed to coming to life and spread like a wild fire to each person that came into contact with him. Misty really had been enjoying what time she had been spending with him. Watching him a little while longer, her cheeks turn a light red color as an unexspected urge comes over her. Her heart raced and she felt herself move a little to Kyle as she could feel herself wanting a kiss from him. Misty dident understand where the feeling came from. Kyle was her friend, he had made no notion that he liked her more than a friendship not even a little bit. Misty dident want to rune her friendship if he dident, not to mention she couldent remeber when the last time she kissed anyone was let along even remember how.

Finally giving Kyle's arm a pat she slids forward alittle as the fireworks start to slow down. Turning her head she looks over her shoulder sweetly smiling at Kyle.*

"I had a really fun time today Kyle. Thank you for helping me forget my problems today. I had a great time. I have something for you."

*Misty hold up a picture from one of the rollercoasters of her clinging to his arm smiles on both of there faces.*

"That way you can remember this day too and I have my teddy to remember and a pic for myself as well. Though I dont think I could forget having this much fun."

*Jess enters the hotel room with the other and looks around. It was a fairly nice looking room and that pleased her. After going over a few more things a few more time Jess finally thinks everyone is ready.*

"Ok yeah thats a good idea Velvet. Don't wait to long though. The sooner we can just drive right in the less weary we will look."

*Jess exits the room and both boys follow her as she heads downstairs to where the cards tabels were.

Leaning on the railing she over looks everything servaying the area and making sure both Carson and Peter have some cash on them to start out. Finding two tables that are just starts Jess gives a nod.*

"Carson I want you to take the left table there and Peter I want you to take the right. Keep count...win some, lose some...keep you eyes out for Sean and Velvet, when the tables become hot give the signal so her and I can come in and long as you keep count and use the right code word to let us know what the count is at we should be as good as golden. Anyone asks your name give them a fake, dont get to drunk and most of all don't lose count. Good Luck boy, we are gonna hit it big."

*Jess smiles at Peter and Carson giving them a nod and a confadent look. If all went well they could be walking on cloud nine with a nice heafty load of dough to cast there worrys away.

Once the boys are at the table Jess stays leaning on the railing and orders the redbull and Vokda keep her eyes scaning the floor and the sarrounding areas, taking in and everything waiting for Sean and Velvet.*

Fireworks

Kyle can’t help his grin as Misty drags him to the first rollercoaster. As they get in, he rattles off dialogue as always. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for flying Misty Miller airlines.” The coaster starts to climb. “The weather seems calm and pleasant today so we home this will be an enjoyable flight.” The coaster reaches the top of the hill. “In case of an emergency, the exits are…” The coaster shoots downward, and Kyle’s last statement is lost to Misty’s shriek. His laughter rings out, his free arm held in the air, taking the ride for all it’s worth, his own whoop accompanying Misty’s scream.

Staggering alongside Misty once they’re off the rollercoaster, Kyle is breathing heavily and spins around once, as if totally having lost his bearings. “Methinks that is a definite ride to come back to,” he agrees.


As the day moves on, the merriment continues as well. The sunshine is warm, and the activity and excitement at the park is contagious.

Kyle is totally himself, goofing off at just the right times to bring an extra smile, or saying the right thing to bring on laughter.

Rides are conquered one by one, the competition started as to who can stand the most times on one ride. Supper is forgotten as concession stand food is downed, making stomachs a bit queezy but not enough to quit going for the rides.


Walking to the other corner of the park, Kyle licks his ice cream cone to keep it from dripping. Giving Misty a sidelong glance, he moves quickly, running a finger through the cold treat, then reaching over to swipe Misty’s nose playfully.

Trying to contain his laughter, he steps out of the way in fear of being swatted. “Got something on your nose,” he points out.


Time flies yet seems to go slow enough for the enjoyment of the day to last. With each ride comes a new adrenaline rush, and with each rush, more screams and laughter.


“Melady…” Kyle bows low, handing Misty a blue teddy bear that had been won at a game of luck. “For you.” He ends with a flourish of the hand. “And you better hang on to him tight, ‘cause I hear that rollercoaster calling my name again.”

On impulse, he grabs Misty in a playful side headlock to drag her to the rollercoaster again. “Hurry before everyone gets there first!” His statement is met with irony as there is no one in line, but he runs anyway, pulling Misty along with him until he’s laughing too much to keep it up.


With evening comes the chirp of crickets and a soothing quietness in the air. The few milling people in the park create ambient noise along with music and the rushing sound of the rollercoaster still going. But darkness has settled, bringing about an end to the excitement, a good feeling of weariness seeping into the bones.

“Ooh, that one was nice.” Kyle lies on his back on the blanket in the bed of his truck, looking up at the fireworks display.

A loud boom makes him cringe. “Yowza. And I thought Jason was loud with his guitar amp.” He chuckles, watching as another firework shoots into the air. “This’ll be a good one,” he predicts.

After a lame pop and a few fizzling colors, he has to laugh. “Okay, so maybe not.”

He sighs with content and puts his arms behind his head, not looking forward to the drive home. At least Misty could keep him awake on the way back. It was already late and he was getting tired. But it was a good tired. The day had been fun.


Velvet nods to Jess. “Yeah, last I knew he was still coming. Since we’re all riding together, I told him we’d pick him up on the way out of town.”

Carson leans back in his chair, his mind mulling over everything that had been discussed. He’d never been a card player in a scheme like this, though he’d been the lookout several times. He knew how the game worked, the rules, and how to get around them with numbers. With Jess’ expert leadership, this should be an easy take. If luck was with them and the right hands came along, they could definitely hit the jackpot.

The four remain at the bar for several more hours until finally splitting up to go get ready. Once four o’clock rolled around, they were back together again in Jess’ car, picking Sean up, and on their way.

Vegas. Lights. Activity. Action.

The hotel room was dim with a window looking out onto the highway. On the outskirts of the city it provided the base they needed. Here’s where they started out, and here is where they would meet again once everything was over.

“So how about you, Jess, and Peter and Carson heading out first and splitting up. Sean and I will follow up in a bit so we don’t all arrive at once.?”

Rollercoaster

*Misty smiles and gives Kyle a nod as her own quivering hand takes Kyle's. As they both walk to his truck Misty glance down at there hands as both fingers are interlocked together. Some would think that maybe to Misty that would of felt strange. The only person she had held hands with in a long time was Carson and now after everything that happend you would think it just felt bad to her. But as Misty looked she dident feel strange. Her hand shook but it wasent from fear, it was more from the situation they just came out of. Kyle's touch was warm and unexspectily comfortable not feeling out of place at all.*

*The rest of the lunch at Mom and Pop's is enjoyable and most try to stay off the subject of what happen earlyer. The rest of the time filled with laughter and jokes, old storys and new till finally its time to get back to work and continues the day.*

*Misty smiles as Kyle turns on the music and she watches the road signs. She couldent help but feel a little bit excited. She had been to an amusmint park since england. This would be alot of fun not to mention Kyle seemed like the best kind of person to take to a place like that.

Seeing a sign Misty points and yells over the music.*

"Take a right at the next exit. Thats the one we want...I think."

*Misty continues to look out the window checking the signs and listing to Kyle sing along to the raido joing in once and a while herself.*

*Getting to the bullseyes and ordering there food Jess finally starts up the conversation asking questions and making sure everyone new what they were doing.*

"Ok so....if I cross my arms behind my back like this.."

*Jess makes an X with her arms.*

"..than means the table is hott and come sitdown to play. Key words...if nothing alse remember the key wards so you know what the count is at, at the table. If I use paycheck in a sentince that means the count is at what Peter?"

*Peter takes a bit of his food than a swig of his beer before finally answering.*

"That means the count is at +13."

*Jess nods*

"...and if I say luck that means?"

*Peter pips up again ready to reply.*

"+1"

*Jess smerks.*

"Good for you, you are paying attachen."

*Peter ignores the comment and goes back to eating.*

*Jess just rolls her eyes and continue.*

"One of the most important things to remember is a hand running through the hair means get out fast we have been spoted. Other than that its pretty smooth sailing. When we are out on the card floor you dont know eachother. Don't let on that you do. After your out whatever, but in there we are strangers and just suddaly watch our movments."

*Jess takes a swig of her own drink weting her dry throut.*

"Velvet is Sean still coming to be the look out?"

*Finally making it to the park and inside Misty scans the area. It wasent to busy today because it was the middle of the week and Misty dident mind it that way. Not many people ment no long lines to wait in.

Taking Kyle's hand once again Misty pulls him twords the first rollercoaster she see. Throwing him a grin she is bound to let this be a good time and not give her mind time to think.*

"If there is one thing I love more than anything in the world its rollercoasters. The faster, steaper hilled, loopyer the better even though I scream my head off."

*Still holding Kyles hand Misty walks through the empty line making her way with Kyle upfront. Not having a line was great as they were able to just get right on. Picking the front row seat Misty gets in and grins to Kyle next to her.

As the ride starts Misty sits with her hands on the safty bar as the climb the hill. Finally reaching the top and looking out over the whole park Misty addrenial rushes as they plung down the hill. Out of pure instince Misty takes hold of Kyles arm and gives a scream as the go down the hill, up another around a turn, through a loop down and up another spiraling and than finally coming to a stop where Misty is still clinging to Kyles arm only to finally let go when they come to a stop.

Staggering a little as they get out of the car Misty cant help but laugh as she looks at Kyle, her face was red but it wasent from crying this time it was from screaming. Her blood pumped, her heart raced and that was only the first ride they went on. Now she was ready for much more fun with Kyle. Misty eyes lock with his for a moment, and a strange sensation rushes over her. Figuring it was just her adrenialin from the ride Misty brushs it off trying to catch her breath.*

"Ok, that was fun...we are gonna have to ride that one again before we go I can tell you that."

*Misty walks along side Kyle following him to the next ride wonder what one he will pick.*