Surprised

*As Jason's shadow can be seen beside her Jason can feel a bit of a pull through the small crack she had open. Still not opening up though Katie don't move surprised but not sure why Jason had some.

As he bends down behind her and brings his arms around to offer the red rose, Katie is even more amazed and shocked. Bringing her hands up to the object Katie gently take it running her fingers over the petals as if making sure this was real. A small smile spreads across her face as the tears dry up.

Before Jason's arms can retreat from around Katie she brings her hands to his arms holding the flower and he arms her herself gently and slowly Katie opens her emotions block, taking down the walls.

I'm surprised to see you. Your really here? I'm not dreaming?*

*Slowly Charlotte opens her eyes as a smile spreads across her face as she looks back at Bret. Sitting up Charlotte brings a hand to Bret's face and runs her finger over his cheek.

She couldnt deny just how happy she was. Everything had come up with Bret in the snap of a fingers. If asked when she first met him she would be married she would of said no way because it was the last thing on her mind. But now, she was so happy to be.*

"Ms. Parker would if Mr. Parker joins her."

Gift

Jason leans against a tree to catch his breath after hiking up a steep slope. “Katie, why did you have to go so far?” he pants.

Feeling his muscles starting to go weak, and slightly dizzy, he reaches in his pocket for the bottle of sugar pills. Thank goodness for Misty.

Regaining some strength, he pushes off the tree, standing for a moment with his eyes closed. Ignoring everything else around him, he groped for any sign that he was closer to his target. It was still so faint…she had truly shut him off almost completely. But it was there…and ever-so-slightly stronger. He was still heading the right way. It would be hard to tell when he was near. He didn’t know how strong it would feel once he could see her, since she’d never done this before.

Trudging on, his feet felt heavy, his boots caked with mud. Though the rain had stopped sometime in the night, the trail was left slick, and he continually had to grab onto tree branches or rocks to keep from sliding or falling.

Reaching a small clearing, Jason sheds his backpack, stopping to catch his breath once more. It was a cold morning, and he could see his breath as steam against the air.

Setting his hands on his hips, he looks up to the morning sky. Clouds rolled by, each one painted with brilliant pink and gold. The sun was just over the horizon, not having yet shown itself. Even the most unobservant person would notice this beautiful scene.

Jason lets his mind wander for a few minutes, contemplating where he was and what he was doing. What was he really doing anyway? Con was right…this was about more than just seeing if Katie was okay. Going through with this proved what he’d been avoiding all along… His feelings for Katie ran deeper than friendship. He knew that Katie had felt it not all that long ago when she’d pressured him about it. But the fact that he’d denied it, made it seem less real.

Could he really just let go for once? Could he forget about the past enough to move on and show Katie what he really wanted to? The thought really was something he feared… But maybe Con was right about that too… maybe he really was holding himself back by not moving forward and getting back on his feet again.

He sighs, still feeling the battle within him. Perhaps it was time…perhaps this wasn’t a mere chance happening. Whether Katie was hurt or not… maybe this had been the wakeup call he’d needed. He missed Katie…he missed their connection, and he missed just seeing her, even though it had only been a couple days. He couldn’t deny those feelings… And maybe it was time he let go of the past. Maybe it was time he started being the man he was supposed to be, and quit with the lame excuses, and childish behavior. That wasn’t who he was…and he knew it.

Giving one last glance to the sky, Jason suddenly wonders if there really was a God up there, looking down on him. Was this really chance and fate, or was this something that had been planned?

Shaking his head, Jason moves on. He couldn’t waste any more time…

…Jason can feel the pull strengthening as he reaches the small plateau near the cave. It was still faint…but he knew he was close. Coming out from the stand of trees, his eyes scan the area. Mid-morning, the sun was warm, but at this height, the air was still cool. Seeing nothing, his heart sinks again. How far had Katie gone? Was this searching useless? Had his feelings really led him in the right direction?

He almost heads off to the north trail, when suddenly his eyes catch sight of a figure sitting at the edge of the cliff. His heart leaps into his throat. Though slow and cautious, Jason makes his way closer, close enough that he could see Katie was crying. The scene tore at his heart.

He’d known Katie had been working through a lot, and had known that her coming here had probably just been her way of getting away from people to clear her head. But maybe Jason hadn’t been sensitive enough… perhaps he hadn’t seen just how hard a time she was going through… and maybe he had been a little calloused.

Jason tries to be quiet as he approaches, looking at Katie intently to see if he could tell whether or not she was hurt. He could see she wasn’t in the best of shape. What had happened? Had she fallen? Run into an animal? Worse?

Setting his backpack down quietly, Jason comes up behind Katie cautiously. He didn’t want to scare her, but didn’t want to barge in on her time either. Would she even want him here? Should he just wait and see that she was okay, then leave without talking to her? He didn’t want to do that, but if that’s what she would prefer…

Walking a little further, he began to hear Katie’s words, and stops, listening to her heart being laid bare. Her words of Scott made a lump rise in his throat. Her words about her feelings for him make it even harder to control the emotions surrounding his own heart.

He really had done a good job of making her feel badly…perhaps unwanted. This whole thing was partly his fault. Losing Scott wasn’t, but her misery was. She really had believed he would never return love to her. And maybe before today, that had been true. But he couldn’t keep going like this…he couldn’t keep things as they were. It wasn’t fair…it wasn’t right… for either of them.

Swallowing hard, he walks closer, fingering the object he’d brought from his pack. His shadow makes its way up beside Katie, and he knew that she’d see it and know someone was there. Come on, Katie… Her crying broke his heart. Feel me here…open up…please…

Kneeling down behind her, Jason simply reaches a hand around her to reveal his gift. He had no words to say. He didn’t know what to say. His emotions were pounding at the door with nowhere to go. The red rose was the only thing he had to give.


Already showered and dressed, Bret stands at the little stove of the hotel suite. It had enough amenities one could live here if they wanted to.

Stirring up the bacon in the pan, it sent a sizzle through the kitchenette, the smell of breakfast wafting on the air.

Setting several strips of bacon on the plate next to the eggs, and pouring a small glass of orange juice, he sets it all on a little tray. Finishing it off with a white rose, on the side, Bret makes his way to the bedroom, pushing the door open with his foot.

Entering, he walks quietly to the bed, setting the tray down on the table and easing down next to Charlotte. Just watching her sleep for a moment, a smile spreads on his face. He reaches down to softly move a strand of hair from her face before leaning down to kiss her cheek.

“Hey,” he whispers. “How would Mrs. Parker like some breakfast?”

*Rosetta rolls over and mumbles again as there is a knock at the door and Mick answers it. Opening her eyes just a little she strains to listen in the dark to what was said. Finally as Mick comes back into the bedroom again Rosetta sleepily talks.*

"Was that Jason I herd? Now whats going on?"

*Finally reaching the cave it is nearly dawn. Feeling over exhausted Katie's muscles hurt and her head is pounding. If she didn't get sick from this than she would believe she was invincible. Finding a nice dry spot Katie sits down and leans her head against the wall and finally falls asleep.*

And when the rain is gone the sun comes out. The clouds roll away and the light can be seen. Sometimes it takes long than other and sometimes its not so long. Depending on the day will depend what is written. But sooner or later the sun will come, the light will break through the darkness can't linger forever.

*Katie wakes as the sun peeks through the cracks the sun felt worm on her skin. Slowly standing Katie eaks all over from the position she was sleeping. Walking it off Katie leave to the cave and starts to walk twords the edge. Getting half way there Katie stops as her mind starts to play memories of Scott and her. The tears slowly show themself.

Slowly Katie walks to the edge of the cliff and sits down her tears still coming. It was time....It was time to let go.*

At times life is wicked and I just can't see the light
A silver lining sometimes isn't enough
To make some wrongs seem right
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"Scott, I miss you like no other. Even if we were ending it again I new this time we would of been friends and you would of been ok. We were through a lot you and I. Maybe not like most people but still it was alot."

*Katie swings her legs absintmindedly as she is quiet for a moment. Collecting her memories as the tears still fall.*

At times life's unfair and you know it's plain to see
Hey God I know I'm just a dot in this world
Have you forgot about me?
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"I'm ready to move on now Scott. I'm ready to let you go and let you be at peace. Even if that means I have to walk alone for a while. I'm sorry that I in a sence cheated on you as well. I had feelings like you said for someone who would never love me back. But like you also said I guess you can't help who your heart belongs to. I'll be ok, and hopefuly move on from that as well sooner or later and just try and look at Jason and I as friends. Its gonna be hard but I'v got to try right."

*Katie lets out a long sigh more memories of Scott make there way through and a few of Jason as well. She had to move on, she'd be ok.*

Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and forget the sorrows
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way

"GoodBye Scott, I'll see you again one day. Stop worrying too, Domino is in good hands."

*Katie can't help the small smile that slips through her tears. It felt as though a waght had been lifted. One of a few, so she felt a little lighter now.*

Right way

“You realize that this is totally illegal.”

Jason looks out through the rain, seeing the road below. “You realize by obeying my orders, you’d get in trouble with me, yet you’re doing it anyway.”

Ben grins. “I sure do. See anybody coming?”

“Nope. It’s a quiet road – anybody out here this time of night, and in this weather is crazy anyway.”

“Alright. Hang on.”

The plane circles around, the area and Jason can make out the lights of the ranch. It was the middle of the night, and obviously, no one would be up. But he wasn’t sorry about waking someone up. This was important enough.

His stomach does a flipflop as the plane starts to descend. It never failed.

The plane hits the ground with a lurch, the pilot skillfully keeping it straight as they head down the center of the road. Slowing down, they pass the sign to the ranch before coming to a stop.

“Sorry. Misjudged that one.”

Jason looks to Ben and rolls his eyes. “Yeah. You did a terrible job. Now I have to walk, what…. A few hundred feet?”

Ben grins. “TJY Airlines at your service. Now get out before some poor car comes along and we get called in.”

“Right.” Jason gets up from the seat and heads to the back. “Thanks, Ben!”

Within minutes, he’s walking in the rain. He was glad he’d brought a baseball cap to at least keep the rain from hitting his face directly, but it was still cold. Pulling his jacket tighter, he bends against the weather, heading up the driveway.


Mick’s eyes fly open as a roll of thunder passes, followed by a knock at the door. “Since when does thunder stop on our doorstep?”

He sighs and sits up. “I’ll go see who it is,” he speaks quietly. Pulling on a pair of jeans, he finds his handgun, sticking it in the back. At this time of night, he didn’t trust anything.

He goes cautiously to the front door, resting his hand on the knob. “Who is it?”

“Jason.”

Mick’s eyebrows raise and he immediately opens the door, ushering Jason inside. “What on earth…”

“I came to look for Katie,” Jason explains lamely.

Mick sees his boots and backpack, and gives a nod. It looked like it. “How on earth did you get here so quickly?”

“Uh…” Jason can’t help a crooked grin. “Did you know your road makes a perfect runway?”

Mick rolls his eyes. “Great. Well now what? You really think something is wrong?”

“I don’t know. But I figure better safe than sorry, right?”

“I suppose. You want someone to go with you?”

Jason shakes his head. “No. I’ll go alone. I got my phone if I need help, and if everything is fine, there’s no need to take anyone else along.”

“How you gonna find her?”

“I don’t know.” Jason shrugs. “But I gotta try. I just wanted you to know that I was here and looking for her. Don’t spread the word though. I don’t want to stir up worry, especially if everything is just fine.”

Mick gives a tired nod. “Alright. Whatever. Give a call if you need something, and be careful. It gets mighty slippery out there.”

“Yeah, thanks, Mick.” Turning back around, Jason heads out into the rain once more. He’d tossed around the idea of asking to take a horse, but the ground was too unstable, and that would be unwise. On foot it would have to be. At least for now, his knee was holding up.


Mick stands in the doorway for a few minutes, watching Jason disappear into the dark. Whether the man admitted it or not, his actions proved he did care for Katie deeply. Mick could only hope that Katie really was alright…he couldn’t worry until he heard otherwise.


Jason slips and slides up the back trail, not even sure where he was heading, but up. He stops again, reaching down deep for any feelings….that faint pull had to be there somewhere… otherwise he’d be dead by now.

There…Jason almost cringes…. There it was… so faint. He walks a while longer, ignoring the time, ignoring the rain. It had subsided a bit, though the trail was left dangerous. An hour later, he stops again, digging down deep and trying to sense anything. It was stronger. Not much, but he could feel it. He was going the right way.

Love

*Hearing the phone ring herself Rosetta rolls over her eyes slowly opening. Why was the phone ringing now? She'd finally gotten BJ to bed after being scaired by the thunder and lighting and now the phone was ringing and could wake him up again.

As Rosetta hears Mick talking a little of her own consern shows through. Proping herself up on her elbows she listens to the one side of the conversation and gathers what is going on. Once the conversation is over Rosetta falls back on the pillow holding Mick's hand as he draps it over her.*

"Everything ok?"

*Rosetta lets out a tired sigh. Even though Katie new is out there well it still worryed her to think she was out there for so long and in weather like this. Gaining a small smile Rosetta rolls over and wraps her arm around Mick.*

"You know, you use to worry about me too before we ever dated. Do you remember why? I think its kind of the same thing with Katie and Jason."

*Rosetta can't help but nuzzle her face into Mick as she closes her eyes and trys to let the rain drift her back to sleep.*

*Jamie lets out a groggy grumble as Con gets out of bed. Rolling over to see him she squints in the dark.*

"Give him a swift kick for me too I was comfortable."

*Jamie can't help the tired smile on her face anyways and leans up to give Con a kiss.*

"Be safe and hurry back."

*Once Con is gone Jamie shakes her head and rolls over closing her eyes and trying to fall back to sleep though it wasnt easy now that she was up.

Minutes pass and Jamie finally falls asleep only to wake up again as Con gets into bed. She didn't mind though knowing he was home and back in bed was a good feeling. Bringing her hand to Con's arm Jamie gives it a squeeze.*

"I love you too."

*Finally standing from the ground after getting caked in dirt and wet from rain Katie stands. Panting Katie trys to catch her breath still quite shaken from what had happend. Gathering her things again Katie slings them over her back. Starting up the moutain again Katie take it slower and it more carfel. If she was luck she would reach the cave by Morning and clean up a bit in the stream.*

Wakeup Calls

Jason’s eyes fly open and he sits bolt upright on the couch. The tv was still droning, casting an eerie light through the living room. But it wasn’t the sound or light from the latenight movie that had woken him. It had been something else. Something bigger. Something worse.

His heart still races, a bead of sweat running down the side of his face. For a split second, once more, the connection between him and Katie had been released. Like a dam had been opened. But again, it had been shut tight. Except this time…this time it was different, and it scared him.

Not only had Jason’s emotions flowed for a moment, but he’d felt something as well. It hadn’t been a direct communication. It hadn’t been a pointed effort at telling Jason something. It had been one big ball of negative emotion, hurled up the emotional current like a comet.

There was no language… no message. Just…emotion. Fear? Hurt? Pain? Panic? Whatever it was, sent chills down Jason’s spine. Something was wrong.

Reaching for his phone, it takes Jason a minute or two to find the number he wants, but finally sees it.


Mick gives a jump as the bedside phone rings. Squinting in the dark, it takes him a minute to figure out that it really was the phone ringing. It felt like he’d just gotten to bed… oh… he really had just gotten to bed. But he’d been out like a light.

Rolling over, he accidentally whacks Rosetta on the head with his elbow, and cringes as the tingle goes up his funny bone. “Mm – sorry,” he mumbles.

Finally grabbing the receiver, he tries to clear his head. “Yeah, hello?”

“Mick?”

“Yes. Who is this?”

“Jason…Stevenson. Sorry, bad timing?”

Mick pulls himself up a little, propped up on his elbow. “Um… that depends on how you look at it. What’s up?”

“I, um…well, has Katie come back yet?”

“No…why?”

“I don’t know, I just… have you heard from her at all?”

Mick quirks an eyebrow, and glances over to Rosetta. “No…but we weren’t too worried. It’s been raining pretty good here, but she knows this place like the back of her hand.”

“Yeah, I know.”

There’s a pause, and Mick waits. “Jason…What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. I just got a funny feeling was all… So you don’t know where she went?”

“No. We just assumed she went up on the mountain…it’s her favorite spot. It seems logical. She could be a million and one places up there though. Do you think we need to do anything?”

“Like you said, she could be anywhere. It would take forever to find her. I guess….no….maybe it’s just me.”

“Get some rest, Jase. Quit worrying.”

“Yeah. Thanks. Sorry to bother you, Mick.”

“No bother. Talk to you later.” Mick hangs up the phone, sighs and rolls over again, burying his head in his pillow, while letting his arm flop back over Rosetta again. “For a guy who isn’t her boyfriend…” he mumbles, “…he sure worries like one.”


Jason hangs up his phone, but he can’t shake the lingering feeling he had. Maybe it really was just his imagination though. But…it had been such a strong feeling…one that had really set him off. He could have told Mick that someone needed to go look for Katie… but where would they go? It was pointless. Katie could be anywhere. They wouldn’t be able to find her, especially if she didn’t want to be found, not to mention in the rain, they wouldn’t be able to find any traces of her trail or where she’d been.

Maybe Mick was right. Maybe it was nothing, and he just needed to quit worrying.

Unable to sit still on the couch, he finally picks up the phone again.


Lying on his left side, Con’s good ear picks up the sound of the bedroom phone. He was tired enough that he was tempted to just take the thing off the hook for the rest of the night.

Not wanting Jamie to have to answer it though, he reaches over her to get it, keeping her curled in front of him, too comfortable to move. He brings the receiver to his ear. “What.”

Jason cringes. “You in bed already?”

Con rolls his eyes. “Jason… what on earth do you want?”

“Sorry. I didn’t think you’d be in bed yet.”

“It was a long day. I’d like it to be a long night too, so say it fast.”

“Well I just… it’s a long shot, cuz I know she left her phone behind, but like, you haven’t heard from Katie or anything, right?”

Con finally opens his eyes. “No, why?”

“I just got the feeling something was wrong.”

“Did you call the ranch?”

“Yeah, Mick said I just needed to quit worrying.”

“You think he’s right?”

“I don’t know.”

Con sighs. “Jason…you and Katie have sixth senses about each other. If you think something is wrong, don’t you think you should trust it? Why don’t you have someone from the ranch go look for her?”

“’Cause no one would be able to find her like that. Too many variables. They don’t know where she went, and on top of it, Mick said they’ve been getting rain. All anybody would be doing, would be putting themselves at risk.”

Con keeps his groggy eyes open. “Then why don’t you go?”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“Well who says I could find her?” Jason argues.

Too annoyed at the hour, Con’s voice reflects no emotion. “You have a connection with her.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Use it.”

“It doesn’t work that way!” Jason gives a frustrated sigh. “Everybody thinks they got it figured out, but they don’t. Katie can find me – I can’t find her. Well… not really.”

“You did once though.”

“Yeah, and I took a crazy ride around town, trying to pinpoint her. I can’t do that on the side of a mountain, not to mention, she’s shut me out, Con. I can barely feel a thing.”

A small bit of worry forms in Con. He didn’t like the idea of Katie being out alone and in trouble. Jason was right though, that anyone from the ranch going to look for her would pretty much be pointless. Any search and rescue team would agree. “Well what other options do you have, than going yourself? No matter how little you can feel her, it’s more than anyone else. You’re the best bet to find her.”

“I…I can’t.”

“Why? What now?”

“It would just be… I mean…. She could be perfectly fine. Then there would be no reason for me to go, and I’d just upset her all over again and…”

Con’s eyebrows lift. “And what? At least you’d know she was okay! If she gets mad someone looks for her, then I think she’ll get over it.”

“But it’s…” Jason groans. “It’s more complicated than that. I just don’t want her to think…”

“What? That you love her?”

“Con!”

Con shakes his head. “Look. You know as well as I do, that the reason you’re sitting on your butt is because you don’t want to face your feelings for Katie.”

“That is…”

“So just don’t go.” Con cuts him off. “Let her stay up there. Keep worrying, and keep bugging people about it.” Without waiting for a response, Con hangs up the phone, bringing his arm back around Jamie to pull her even closer.

He heaves a sigh and just wants to go back to sleep. But now his conscience wouldn’t let him. It’s several minutes before he gives a groan and rolls over. “This is ridiculous,” he grumbles. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he gropes for his jeans. “No one is ever going to get any rest until he gets his head on straight.” Standing up, he pulls on a t-shirt, hoping it’s on the right way around, unable to see it in the dark.

He reaches over to give Jamie a light pat. “Sorry. I have to go do something about that moron before I go crazy. It won’t take me long. Keep the bed warm.”


Jason hangs up the phone with frustration. Why was everybody laying into him? First Misty, now Con! Could no one keep their noses out of his personal life? Could no one quit trying to pry these feelings from him?

He stands up, pacing the living room. One minute, he was ready to go, the next, he wasn’t. If he went, and Katie was perfectly fine, then she’d just think he’d invaded her space, and would probably get upset that she couldn’t even spend a little time alone. Jason knew if it were him, he’d probably wonder if privacy even existed anymore. She had a right to do what she wanted, and was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Besides all that, if she’d really been in danger, wouldn’t she have kept the connection open? Or asked for help?

Jason keeps pacing. But what if she couldn’t? He didn’t know how this thing really worked… what if she was really hurt, and lying somewhere unconscious, unable to send him a message? Would their connection automatically open if she passed out, or did it have to be a manual thing? He wasn’t close enough to an answer to be sure that Katie wasn’t hurt…that she wasn’t in need of help…


“Jason!” A fist pounds on his front door. “Open the door.”

Jason’s eyes widen at the tone in Con’s voice. Great. He’d made his friend mad. Now what?

He goes to the door and cautiously opens it, letting Con inside. “What?”

Con sets his hands on his hips. “You know what. I’m tired of watching you play these little games. Get your jacket. You’re going to find Katie.”

“But I told you why I can’t!” Jason throws up his arms. “Sorry, but your trip was wasted. I gave you good reasons why I shouldn’t go to Texas.”

“I don’t care!” Con shakes his head. “This isn’t about Katie’s physical condition, and you know it. It wasn’t all that long ago, you would have dropped everything and run, not caring about what she thought when you got there. Who gives a rip if she’s perfectly fine and gets upset? At least you would have cared enough to check on her.”

“But I don’t want her to think I’m invading her space!”

“No, you don’t want her to think that you actually care.” Con crosses his arms. “Get over it, Hotshot.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” Con shakes his head, unwilling to back down. “Do you love her?”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Why does everybody keep asking me that?”

“Because we’re waiting for you to be honest for once! Everybody knows the answer, but you’re not willing to give it!”

Jason starts to glare at him. “Just drop it. You don’t understand.”

“I understand that you’re scared,” Con states flatly. “You’re scared of being vulnerable and getting hurt again. You’re scared that you’ll hurt Katie again. You’re probably a little scared that you’ll end up like your own father and do something stupid.”

Jason takes a step back, his emotions spiking. “That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair? That I know you so well?” Con shakes his head again. “You’re like a little kid learning to walk, Jase. You got up once, and fell down. You got up a second time and fell down again. So now instead of trying it again, you’ve decided to stay on all fours and crawl the rest of your life because it’s safer. You know good and well you’d be better off on your feet and walking, but you’re sacrificing that freedom just so you don’t get hurt.”

Jason’s anger boils. The truth was painful. “That…”

Con doesn’t let him interrupt. “Fear is no excuse. You think I wasn’t scared to marry Jamie? I was terrified! I’m still scared that I’ll go and screw something up! But I’m not going to allow it to ruin my life. Sure, a ton of things could go wrong. But I’m not going to let that stop me from enjoying the freedom of being with the one I love. Living in fear is no way to live at all.”

He pauses, searching his friend’s eyes. “You know that song? Life’s a dance, you learn as you go… sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don’t worry ‘bout what you don’t know – life’s a dance, you learn as you go.” Con begs Jason to listen. “We fall down and we get hurt, yes. And we still will, no matter how old and wise we get. But life’s not about getting it right every time. It’s learning as we go. Sometimes we’re in control and sometimes things just happen that there’s nothing we can do about. But we can’t quit living, Jase. We can’t.”

Jason’s eyes drift to the floor, his anger starting to subside. Con was truly speaking from his heart as one who cared. How could Jason refuse to listen to him?

Con reaches over to put his hands on Jason’s shoulder, and waits until he looks him in the eye again. “Now I’m going to ask you one more time, and you better tell me the truth.” He stops, forcing Jason to pay attention. “Do you love Katie?”

Jason swallows hard, the emotions running rampant through him, and surging through his eyes. “Yes.”

“Then for pity sake, get out there.” Con turns around to grab Jason’s jacket off the couch. “Get your stuff. The plane is waiting.”

“What?”

“I called them on my way.”

“And they took orders from you?”

“Once a TJY agent, always a TJY agent.” Con nods down the hall. “Come on, get going! I want to get back to bed.”


Con flops back down in bed, feeling better to know that Jason was on his way, and though still worrying about Katie, at least he know Jason would be looking for her.

Pulling Jamie close, he gives her cheek a kiss. He couldn’t imagine not showing his love for her. Despite his annoyance towards Jason’s attitude, part of him pitied his friend for holding out for so long. He had to be miserable hiding something as powerful as love.

“I love you,” Con whispers.


Jason looks out the cockpit window, staring into the dark. It was the smallest plane this time, but he kind of liked it, being allowed to sit up here. He would have enjoyed it more, had his mind not been wandering every which way, still full of worry. What if Katie was perfectly fine? What if he was getting all worked up for nothing? Then he’d be the fool. But maybe Con was right…maybe it was better to make sure. Not to mention…there was another purpose to him going.

Burst

*Jamie smiles at Con and gives a small nod. It was getting late and she herself had a long day at work.*

"You know I am kind of tired myself. These days just seem longer and longer I tell ya. I think I will head to bed myself with ya babe."

*streching and standing Jamie gives Con a kiss before heading into the kitchen for a moment o get a glass of water, than use them bathroom before finally making it to bed.*

*As the rain continues to fall Katie looks out the open Tent door just watching it. The Sky almost complete dark as night had fallen. It had been raining since late last night and surly by not the river on the mountain was start to over flow. If that was so it would be reaching where so was in no time and who knows how much water was coming. Katie had to get above the river itself. She did not really want to get out in the rain and get wet but she new if she didnt there would be bigger problems.

Letting out a long sigh Katie starts to pack up everything that was inside the tent in her back making sure to cover that with the extra poncho she braught to keep it try. Than venturning out Katie exits the tent and starts taking that down. As the last peace is put away Katie look up the hill only to see water start to come pouring down. It would be slippery and a little dangerouse to walk up seeing as the side had no pertection only a cliff that droped and you would fall to your death. But she had to keep going, all she needed to do was get to the cave and she would be fine.

Starting to make her way up the moutain Katie strugles to keep her footing ans slips a few times going down on her hands and knees but ends up catching herself. Continuning her way up the hill Katie trudges forward.

Suddanly a big stream of water starts to come down the hill knockng into Katie's feet as she walks and throws her off balance once again. Going down to the ground Katie goes to catch herself but grabs nothing this time. Tumbaling Katie continues to fall as she loses her train of thought and the emotionaly block is lifted a little. Finally Katie stops tumbaling but what was worse is she no longer felt and ground under her eather. Katie had gone off the edge of the cliff and was now falling. Reaching out for anything in panic Katie grabs on to the ledge and his the wall with force. The block open all the way up and the burst wave of panic coming with such a force as Katie hangs from the edge and in a split moment Her life pass before her eyes. From her mother and baby brother, to her father, to her ex boyfriends, to the ranch, to Jason, than Scott. Lingering there for a moment the scenes play in her head reminding her of the good times this in any other situation would bring a smile, than her mind goes back to Jason and scenes of him flash through her mind. As Katie hanges from the ledge her keeps her eyes closed shut hoping she could hold on. Till finally she knows she cant hang there any longer. Closing off the emotions again Katie trys with all her might and pulls herself up. Once up and safe Katie callapes on the ground leting the rain hit her in the face and cools off her skin. In that split second of coming so close to death everything changed for Katie. God had opend her eyes and showed her there was more to life and more people. Now, she wasnt going to continue up the moutain because she wanted to be alone but because she wanted to reach her destination and remember. It was time to let Scott go so he could rest in peace.*

From: Arizona Tech
To: Mike Reese
RE Subject: Help
Mike,
It was good to get your message and know you guys are doing ok. We just so happen to have an extra guy and he said he liked the idea of coming on out. I'll send Dalton out the day after tomarrow. Take care.

Tired

Jason shakes his head a little. Reaching over, he roughs up Misty's hair teasingly. "Let's just call it even, eh? We're both too stubborn to get anywhere like this."

He gives her a little smile to let her know it's okay, and he just wants to forget about it. He knows where Misty stands, and she knew where he stood too. Unless someone's opinion changed, theyw were at an impasse. But he didn't want to argue anymore.

The air cleared a bit, getting back to TJY wasn't so bad, and the rest of the day goes smoothly. Jason stays in his office most of the day, trying to work, trying to keep his head clear, and trying to keep his sugar balanced out too. Trying to ignore the emotional pileup wasn't easy, but he was getting the hang of it anyway.

By the evening, instead of staying and working late, Jason gives in to his exhaustion and goes home on time. getting there though, supper isn't enjoyed, and the tv just drones on, his lack of interest creating a tired boredom.

Trooper begs him for attention, but Jason ignores him, finally falling asleep on the couch.


Con leans back in the couch, his arm around Jamie, and his eyes starting to fall shut. He'd been out all afternoon helping a friend from church fix their garage roof, and though it was only mid-evening, he was bushed.

He turns his head, giving Jamie a kiss on the cheek. "Sorry, babe, but unless you want to keep me warm out here tonight, I'm heading to bed now. I'm gonna fall asleep in about five minutes, and nothing is gonna get me up."

He grins a little. "I need to go to TJY to workout so days like this don't wear me out like this."


Reese sighs deeply and rereads his email. It felt wrong. But...he had to move on. TJY had to move on. No matter how much he hated it. Finally, he hits send.

From: Mike Reese
To: TJY Arizona Base
Subject: Help
As you know, we lost our tech guy, Scott Johnson, recently. Since then, we have had no one replace him, but our department is suffering. We're in dire need of a replacement for Scott. If you have anyone extra in your department, or know of anyone on the outside, please let me know. Thank you.

Sorrys

*Misty stays quiet in the car for a long while on the way home. She know that she probely said to much to Jason today but it was hard for her not to. Jason was a good friend and she was just trying to help even if she was forward about it.

Finally as Jason speaks and says he is sorry Misty turns and looks at him giving a small nod.*

"I'm sorry to Hotshot that I was all up in your business. Your just my friend...and...I dont know. Its non of my business I just was trying to help I guess. So I over steped the line."

*Misty offers a smile to Jason. He was her friend and she hated the though of him being mad at her.*

Stuck

Jason scowls at getting slapped upside the head, and throws a restrained glare at the back of Misty as she exits the café. It was going to be a long ride back to work.

Following her out, he gets in the driver’s side and starts the engine, pulling out onto the street.

As he drives, he’s quiet though…and the anger starts to settle down. He gives Misty a sidelong glance. He hated tension between them. She was good friend… always had been. And he was making things worse.

“Sorry, Misty,” he quietly apologizes. “What I said wasn’t called for. I just… I feel stuck at the moment and don’t know where to go.”

Jerk

*As Misty and Jason walk out the door and she hears his comment Misty reaches out and whaps him upside the back of the head.*

"Your a real jerk you know."

*Misty continues to walk this lunch had turned out differnt than planed but she didnt regret it.*

"As for me, I'm happy where I am thank you very much."

Hotter water

Misty's words hit Jason below the belt. Maybe he was scared, maybe he was being too proud - but it didn't change anything. There was too much going on right now...he couldn't handle anything else, least of all with Katie. It just wouldn't work.

Keeping his eyes elsewhere, he resists rolling them. He should just divert the conversation and leave it be. He should just stop things where they were and not let it go any further. Misty was ready to leave - he should just get up and let it all go. But his tongue doesn't let him.

"Yeah. I did let her know how I felt. And then I promptly made her feel like dirt by taking my feelings away from her after she'd had a taste. How's that for pushing someone away?"

He leans back in his chair and looks up at Misty, holds out his arms, his annoyance showing through his slight sarcasm. "You got me. I'm the most insensitive guy that ever roamed the earth, and I'm a butthead for what I've put Katie through." He stops, refraining from a glare. "Now if you were me, would you want to risk continuing to put her through heck? I sure wouldn't. It's better this way."

He stands up and takes his wallet to leave payment on the table. Turning back around, he looks down at Misty, a strange glint in his eye. It wasn't angry.... it wasn't arrogant.... it was something else. His tone is lowered. "At least I know I'm not the only one with hidden feelings."

Sighing, Jason heads to the door. He wishes they'd brought two vehicles, but he'd driven them both, so he had to ride back to TJY with Misty. If he didn't shut up soon, he'd get himself into even hotter water.

I didnt

*Misty lets out another long sigh and shakes her head.*

"Jason Stevenson, one of these days your gonna have to learn to get over yourself. Your not the only one that matters, your pride and fear is getting in the way of keep you, Jason happy."

*She can't help but feel very bad for Jason himself. Looking at him, his words didnt match how he felt and she new it. Why he kept denying it she didnt know.*

"And on top of it, deni a simple question..I never asked if you were going to date her again. I just asked if you let her know how you felt. Maybe she is better on the moutain...I guess its home to her."

*Misty takes her purse and stands seeing Jason is finished as well.*

"Come on, lets get back our lunch is almost up and I dont need to keep talking and getting you more mad at me than you probely are."

*Misty smiles and nods her head twords the door. She new Jason was probely mad, but she also new he'd get over it.*

Not yes, not no

Jason keeps one eyebrow raised as Misty starts to talk, and cocks his head slightly, not really appreciating her pointed words. He could feel the heat rising to his face, and without anywhere for his rising emotions to go, it was a more intense inner battle than he liked. If it wasn't for the fact that he and Misty had a good enough relationship to tell each other anything, he would be tempted to tell her to take a hike, or walk out himself. Without a break though, he just sits and receives her words and observations.

Jason almost feels like he's getting a tongue lashing, and his jaw tightens, finally dropping his gaze.

It's a long moment before he can respond to her, and when he does, he looks back up, staring her in the eye. "I respect and enjoy Katie's friendship. I like what she and I have. We're close. But that's as far as it goes. I'm not ready for anything else. I'm not ready to crash and burn a third time. If Katie can't understand that, then I don't know what else I can do. Love?" He shrugs. "It's irrelevant."

Rump

*Misty shakes her had at Jason's denial and raises her own eyebrow to him.*

"Oh come on, get over it. That might work on some people Hotshot, but not me. I see the way you look at her and talk to her. How when she walks by your eyes just linger so you can get the last glimps of her. It might of been a long time ago that you two were together but you never stopped loving her."

*Misty's eyes meet Jason's as she continues to talk.*

" Not to mention, Katie might have blocked you off now but thats not the only reason it bothers you. I think it bothers you that something is wrong with Katie and you don't know what. But your to stuck on making people you don't care that you wont get off your rump and go see whats wrong with her. She pushed you out Hotshot and your first reaction was "Fine, be that way." not "Whats wrong? something has to be with with Katie.""

*Misty lets out a long sigh as she sits back in her chair for just a moment.*

"Katie might of pushed you away Jason, but didnt you push her first?"

TMI!

Bret returns Charlotte's kiss, his eyes starting to light up. He was scared, but...this time around, he had more confidence that things would work out.

He leans into her hand a little, offering a thin smile. "I don't know what I do...it should be me thanking you instead."

Straightening up, he glances at the clock. "Well you get scooting then. By the time you get back, I'll be ready."


Misty's words made sense. Jason didn't like it, but it was logical nonetheless. Katie had been through so much lately...part of it was his own fault, part of it was just stupid chance and life itself. No matter the cause though, she'd been through more than anyone should have to face, and it wasn't fair. It was no wonder she was having a hard time moving on.

He just wished...there was something he could do. But how could he, when Katie had deliberately pushed him away? And how could he, without jeopardizing the relationship they currently had? He didn't want to offer more than he was willing to give, but he didn't want to give her nothing either. And why did this have to be so hard?

Jason gives a little sigh. "Yeah...I know. I guess I'm a little upset that she's locked me out, but...I suppose you're right. Knowing her, she thinks she's being too much of a burden or something. Which... obviously she shouldn't, but... I've tried convincing her other times otherwise, and it hasn't worked too well."

As the subject changes, and he receives a kick under the table, his smile only grows. Misty's explanation though, makes him cringe and laugh. "Aw, you did NOT have to tell me he was a good kisser. That is TOO much information."

He shakes his head and works on his drink, listening and nodding. "Yeah, I figured as much. Kyle seems to be pretty happy lately though." He tosses Misty a wink. "But I don't think I'm gonna go asking him about this - I've just learned plenty."

With the slight pause, Jason lets the subject drop, just thinking for a moment. Misty's question though, brings his eyes and head back up quickly and he blinks. Holding his composure well, he quirks an eyebrow. "Who says I love her? That was a long time ago."

Did You

*For a moment Charlotte's heart stops as the coin was flipped. Revealing that it was heads her head sinks just a little. She really wanted to go and run away. Sure some people would be upset but it was worth it and it was her own life after all. As Bret turns and speaks again going against the coin Charlotte heart starts to race once again. Hearing that he loved her back and didn't want to be without her anymore made her feel even better.

Leaning into Bret, Charlotte smiles and brings her lips to his. Exchanging a kiss of passion that showed how happy she was. Pulling away she smiles back at him as her eyes still were lit up.*

"I'll run home and grab some cloths, and stuff we will need than I'll be back. You can drive or I can drive its ok. While I'm home I'll call work too."

*Charlotte brings her hand to the side of Bret's faces and runs the thumb over his cheek.*

"Thank you for making me happy Bret."

*Misty listens to Jason as he explained the whole situation. She felt bad for Jason and Katie both. They had been through so much already and continued to go through more. Would they ever get a break? Taking a sip of her iced coffee Misty finally speaks.*

"Yeah know, the whole Scott passing away thing could of been the straw that broke the camles back. I mean yes this whole thing is horrable, tragic and probely hard for Katie to deal with. But I mean...maybe she had so much other stuff on her mind that this just pushed her over the edge. "

*Misty stops for a moment collecting her thoughts and taking another sip of her drink before she speaks again.*

"You know, it could be to that Katie dosn't want to be alone but that she thinks she should be so she dosnt have to put anymore stress on anyone alse. It's possable that Katie knows she is deep in depression and just dosnt know how to get out. So insted of bringing everyone down with her, she just disapeared. Just don't be to hard on her..."

*Misty reaches out and gives Jason's hand a small pat and smiles. Than changed to subject back to what Jason had asked. Giving him a small kick under the table for his comment.*

"I really like Kyle. He's a sweet guy who can make anyone laugh. I like hanging out with and well...He's a good kisser too."

*Looking down at her drink for a minute Misty's cheeks turn a slight color.*

"I think we are in between hanging out and searouse. I mean I'd like to say we are but I don't really know where Kyle stands we havnt really talked about it. It kind of just is what it is."

*Misty own eyes twinkle for a momnet as she gets a mischeavous grin on her face.*

"What about you? Did you get a chanse to tell Katie you loved her still?"

Heads

Bret locks his fingers around Charlotte's as she speaks, a form of relief and humility setting in as she accepted him as he was, even with his shortcomings.

Her mention of elopement almost makes him laugh, but as he looks her in the eye, it starts to sink in that it wasn't a joke. An act without caution, yes, but not a joke. And as the words of love are spoken, he simply stares back at her, not even knowing how to respond.

Had he just heard what he thought he had? And was she even serious?

Studying her face for a moment, he sees she is. That look in her eye.... that one of adventure was there, and she wasn't kidding. Elope? Marriage? That thought always brought on a wave of fear. After what had happened with Maria... after everything had fallen apart.... He didn't want to go through that again. He didn't want that pain again.

But... Charlotte was different than Maria. And though Bret had loved Maria, his feelings for Charlotte were different. For Maria, he'd never been willing to change. For Charlotte.... he'd do just about anything.

But marriage? Were they ready for that? Bret wasn't sure if it had been love at first sight or not... but he couldn't deny he had feelings for her, and he knew she had feelings for him too. But love? Was it really love? Or was it mere chemistry? She had just said she loved him... was it true?

Bret's eyes float back and forth between her own, the questions whirling in his mind. He searches deeply, his pulse quickening.... Charlotte had spoken the truth about what she felt. Did he feel the same?

Dropping his gaze, Bret spies a quarter on the coffee table. He reaches down to pick it up, letting it rotate in his fingers. "Heads we stay, keep things as they are, and I deal with those guys as it comes... Tails we go to Vegas."

The quarter is tossed. It flies into the air, flipping around, around, around. It hits the table, only to be covered up by Bret's hand, pressing down on top of it.

Bret holds his breath and stares at the hidden future. Finally he lifts his palm.

Heads.

He stares at it, his pulse still racing. The words from his mouth surprise even himself. He was absolutely nuts. There was no logic behind this at all. But he wasn't going to stop living. Not again.

"No."

He turns his head back to Charlotte. "I'm deciding my own fate this time. We're getting out of here tonight and going to Vegas... Because I love you too, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

His hand reaches out to cradle the side of her face. "I'm tired of being alone... and you're the only one that I want to be with."

Lets go

*Charlotte sits quiet for a long moment. Working through everything Bret said in her mind. Car racing, jail, robbing banks, jail again. Everything came as a surprise. Charlotte new Bret had some problems and understood that but this was heavy. However she was honored that he told her the truth and she cheeks even gained some color as she talked about being with her and feeling different around her. Truth be told, Charlotte was really starting to feel the same, that without Bret around is sucked. Finally Charlotte speaks as she holds Bret's hand and her eyes lock with him gaining a new look, and showing how serious she was.*

"You know Bret, any normal person I probably would of said goodbye to by now. But you there is something different about you. You have made me happy and showed me that not all guys are jerks. Your different and I love it. So answer to you Bret is...let elope right now, grab some of your cloths money, head to my house grab some of my cloths and money and go. "

*A smile spreads across Charlotte face as she talks. As her eyes dance, taking controll of things once again, acting on a whim, and just doing it because.*

"Than they wont be able to find you tomorrow either...and if we have to keep running we will...but as long as we are together I wont mind. I'd risk being hurt, as long as I new you would be there to keep me safe and help me get better."

*Charlotte continues to hold Bret's hand tightening her grip for just a moment. She was nervous about what she was to say next. The three letter word she never used with anyone before. But Bret, oh Bret she new it was true for sure.*

"Bret your the first guy I ever said this to but I mean it when I say to you...I love you...So lets go right now."

Driver

Bret isn’t surprised about Charlotte’s questioning, though he’d hoped it wouldn’t happen.

Looking down, he rubs his thumb on her hand… Her skin was so soft compared to his… so warm.

It takes him several minutes to finally give a little sigh, and shake his head. Glancing at Charlotte again, he moves to put his arm around her and draw her close, resting her head on his chest. Burying his face in her hair for a moment, he takes a deep breath, just wishing life were easier.

He knows Charlotte’s waiting for an answer…and he knows that it must look awfully strange that he isn’t offering one right away. But he just didn’t know what to say. He could come up with an excuse easy. He’d done it before. He could come up with an excuse anytime for anything. But there was just something about Charlotte that made it harder with her. He could lie to a lot of people… but the thought of lying to her…he wasn’t sure he could do it.

But this whole thing… it was just a part of things he’d never told Charlotte before. There was a lot about him she didn’t know… a lot of things that hurt when he thought about them, but that perhaps he should tell her before any of it came up down the road and ruined anything.

Finally Bret lets her go and sits up straight again, but his eyes remain down. His fingers lace through hers for courage. “You know…” His voice is low, and there’s more emotion in it than normal. “…Soon as I was out of highschool, I was already doing some weekend racing at a local track. I was the youngest, but the best. I could make a car do anything.” A slight smile breaks through before seriousness returns. “I’d been with it a few years though, when I got mad at my partner for cutting me off, and after the race I lost my temper. Threw my weight around too much and I got banned from the circuit. It, uh…well, the track was actually where I’d met Maria. She kept going with me even after that whole fiasco…”

He pauses again, reflecting. “…I loved her. But…we had our problems. I think she loved me too, but I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. There were too many difference between us. We got along real good, then a while after we were married, we started fighting all the time about stupid stuff. I got mad…I started doing stupid stuff out of spite. I don’t know…”

He shrugs, not liking this topic, but wanting to share out of respect. “Anyway…I started hanging out with my old buddies from the track…but they had ideas for fun that weren’t exactly in line with the law.”

Bret thinks for a moment, then leans over to the table to pick up the license plates and look at them. “We got this bright idea to get some quick cash. There was a bank in town that only had one security guard. I was still a good driver, so…I was picked to drive the getaway car.”

He runs his thumb over the edge of one of the plates. “We’d switch out plates on the car so no one could report us… we’d get there…two of the guys would go in with guns, I’d wait, and soon as they got back in, we’d take off. Even if we had cops tailing us, I was good enough that we’d lose ‘em. Worked good for a while…but one time we got caught.”

Bret sets the plates back down on the table, and lets go of Charlotte’s hand to stand up, pacing just a little. “I was the only one ending up in jail though…the guys bailed on me. But…it gave me prime opportunity to squeal on them to save my own hide. So I did. Because I gave up all the information the law wanted, I was set free with a bazillion and one warnings. Got my license taken away for a year, had to pay fines, and had to do some community service. Though I guess it was better than being behind bars like the other guys.”

Turning around, he’s brave enough to look at Charlotte again. “Thing was…that was the out that Maria had been looking for, and a couple weeks later, she was gone and I was getting served papers. Divorce court was messy…I ended up with my car and house and that was about it.”

Bret’s eyes eventually look down again, proving that he’d had feelings there once, and that despite arguments, there had been love there for Maria.

“It was over after that. I skipped around…wound up with Titan, and the rest his history. …Until a few weeks back.” He stops, biting the inside of his lip. Charlotte respected the law, and something like this would not only disappoint her, but she might tell others too. Him talking now was as good as him turning down his buddies. Was it worth it?

“I started getting bugged. My buddies are back, and they’ve planned a series of heists. They don’t have a good enough driver, so they’ve asked me. And…they say if I don’t do it, they’ll not only smear my name all over for the past, but they’ve threatened worse things…things that could get people hurt. ‘Course, they’re betting on the fact that I still crave driving…which…I do.”

Bret paces some more, not even sure why he was spilling all of this. He hadn’t planned it this way. It was just…he just couldn’t…lying to Charlotte was impossible. Period.

“So…I said yes to them. I said yes, and I know their plans. Well…not all of them. I don’t know where they’re hitting first. But…the first one is tomorrow.”

He walks over to the table and leans down to pick up a plate again. “I go, I get rich and drive one more time. I don’t go, and I risk getting hurt or worse, or someone I care about getting hurt.”

He stares at the plate numbers, the right and wrong playing tug-o-war in his soul. Then his eyes drift to Charlotte again. His gaze was dim. He knew he was wrong. He knew going against the law was wrong, and just as stupid as the first time. But there was more…

“Sometimes I wonder if I hadn’t ever gotten involved in the robberies in the first place, if I would have had a chance at keeping Maria. I don’t know…I don’t know if I would have or not. But…”

Bret’s shoulders drop and he tosses the plate onto the table. Sinking down again next to Charlotte on the couch, his slouched body language portrays surrender. “…but I can’t take that risk again…I just can’t do it.”

He lifts his eyes to meet Charlotte’s. “I don’t know why you mean so much to me, Charlotte. Ever since I met you, you just….do something to me that no one else does. You just…give me life… you’ve put meaning back into my life and…and I feel like I can’t even live without it anymore.”

He shakes his head slightly. “Why I even said yes to these guys this time around, I don’t know. But…looking at you now, and telling you all of this…I just can’t go through with it. So tomorrow…they’ll be looking for me. Because I’m not going to show up and be their driver. I can’t…because I don’t want to risk losing you. Unless I already have, just with this information...and if that's the case, tomorrow you'll be gone too.”

Leaning back, he closes his eyes, as if almost thinking if he couldn’t see the turmoil around him, maybe it didn’t really exist. “So there you go…that’s why I have plates in my house.”

Worry

*Charlotte sits quiet as Bret comes in the house a smile spreading across her face as she receves the kiss. Once Bret sits down and realizes she knows about the envilop she lets out a sigh and takes Bret's hand in her own.*

"Bret, you know I don't invade you privacy and I don't ask to many questions because your business is your business, but the continuance of that envelops has me a little worried Bret. Can you just enlighten me a little just this once so I am stop worrying."

*Charlotte looks at Bret searching his eyes and showing there worry while her tone stay calm and cool. She didn't want to come across upset or angry she just wanted a few answers.*

So anyway...

"Hey!" A smile spreads across Carson's face as he comes out of the kitchen to greet Jess. "That's great!"

Coming around the counter, he goes to the booth, leaning down to plant a kiss on Jess' lips. "You realize this means I'll just have to bring supper over some night so we don't have to eat Herb's food all the time like we have been..." He glances over his shoulder to look to the kitchen, not knowing if Herb had heard him or not.

Looking back to Jess, he gives her a wink. "I got food on the stove, but I get a break in a while. Got time for a bored Aussie?"


"...Anyway, so that's what happened there." Jason shrugs, leaning his elbows on the cafe table, stirring the frozen mocha treat with his straw. It was after lunch, but he'd taken up Misty's offer to go do something, and they'd ended up here for something sweet. He'd just gotten done telling her what had happened in Texas, and about Katie's reactions.

"So if I'm on edge, I apologize. This whole thing just doesn't set right with me I guess. I don't know where she is...I'm assuming she went up on the mountain for some alone time, but she's never shut me out before."

He shrugs again, and licks some whipped cream off his straw. "But enough about that. I see you and Kyle together a lot lately... you two serious, or just hanging out?" His eyes gain back a little twinkle. That wasn't a question he could get away with, with anyone else but her.


Bret skips up the porch steps, looking over his shoulder at Charlotte’s car in the driveway. She must have decided to do some cleaning. He hadn’t thought about her coming over today…not that he minded. Some men might not like it to have a woman coming to clean their house, but in a way, Bret enjoyed it. Truth be known, even when he did think about cleaning up a little, he usually didn’t… if there was a mess, Charlotte had a reason to come back.

Getting inside, he sees the back of Charlotte’s head on the couch and grins. Walking quietly, even though he knew she’d know he was there, he comes up behind her. Leaning down over the couch, he slings his arm around her and kisses her almost upside down, cocking his head to see her eyes. “Hi.”

Giving her shoulders a quick rub, he straightens up, then comes around to flop down next to her. “Decided to clean some more, eh?” He nods and looks around. “Maybe it needed it. So, what…”

Bret’s voice trails off as suddenly as his eyes land on the envelope that sat on the table. He pauses, and swallows hard. He turns his head back to look at Charlotte. “Finding interesting things?”

Start

*Walking over to the counter Misty empty some of the pills onto a tray and grabs another bottle. Count some out for Jason enough to last a few weeks she puts them in the bottle and goes to the computer to print a lable for it. Finally looking up at Jason she gives a small smile.*

"I'm doing ok. Not amazing yet but I am a lot better than I was and am continuing to work on it. I guess as life moves on you slowly get use to the changed. Kyle's been a big help to, its never a dule moment with him around."

*Looking down at the computer again for a moment Misty does some clicking.*

"Yeah, I guess even when you work in the same place as someone alse sometimes its just hard to get ahold of them to talk. I think I am going to try and start talking to my friends more and stop taking them for granted ya know. You never know when that might be the last time you see them."

*Misty gives a smile to Jason as she walks back over with the bottle.*

"I think I am going to start with you. Would you like to go out for some coffee or lunch?"

*The small bells ring as Jess enters Mom and Pop's. Jess excitment over flowing. To some this would not be a big deal but to her this was. TO find someone who accepted her and was going to trust her it made Jess feel real good. Sitting down at her normal booth Jess waves to Carson and dosnt even wait for him to come around to the frunt.*

"Guess what? I found a place. I am going to meet the lady tomarrow."

*Jess gives a big smile.*

*CHarlotte heads up Bret's sidewalk after having lunch with him. It was an early lunch and he had other planes with friends. Having the day off Charlotte had nothing alse planed so she headed back to Bret's house to clean. It was normal not for her to come over once a week and clean, but the last few weeks she had been so busy with work she dident and it had been naglected. Now it REALLY needed to be done.

Starting in the kitchen Charlotte goes through the house and cleans it top to bottem. She didnt mind she liked it.

Getting to the closet she finds a mess load of papers and rolls her eyes to herself. Bringing all the papers out she spreads them across the table and thumbs through them seeing if they were important enough to keep. Most of them were not. Coming across a manella envilops Charlotte just looks at it for a moment. It seemed a little heavy. Opening it to make sure it was something unimportant before she threw it away Charlotte comes across the plates and a letter. Glancing over it her face frowns. What was this? What was Bret doing?

Throwing the rest of the papers out Charlotte keeps the folder on the table and goes into the living room to sit down watching tv. She never pryed into Bret business but now, this she though at least she could ask about it when he got home.*

Alright

On break, Carson sinks down on his bed for a moment, taking a quick breather before the next customer rush started. He was working a lot lately... and though not on the clock part of the time, he'd rather be working here than out getting into trouble, so he didn't mind. At least spending time with Jess had not only given him something safe to do, but it had gotten him away from Mom and Pop's when he needed to as well.

Glancing to the little night stand, Carson spies the shoe box stuffed underneath. Going for it, he picks it up and lifts the lid to browse through the few treasures that he did have. A few pictures... melancholy sets in.

Reaching the bottom, he gives a sigh as he pulls out the gold chain and locket. He flips it open to look at the picture for a moment, then closes it again. Fingering it for a few moments, his mind wanders. He liked Jess...he had fun with her... she'd given him friendship, and while helping her, she'd helped him too. But his heart kept going back to what he'd lost. Would he be able to move on, or would he always do that? And if so, was he not being fair to Jess?

Putting the locket away, he stuffs the box away too, and slaps his cap back on his head. Work was a good distraction. He heads back to the kitchen, asking Herb what was next on the list.


Reese cringes as he hears the noise too, and looks at Angelica with sympathy. "Me? Why do you think I always yell for Scott? He's..." His voice trails off as he realizes he hadn't spoken in past tense. Sighing a little, he shakes his head. "I don't know a thing. I'd shut it off then start it again... maybe ask Jason. He's more savvy than I am."

Shaking his head again, he reaches for a folder. "We just can't keep going like this. We've got to get a tech guy in house here before we all go crazy." He thinks for a moment, knowing that the door down the hall hadn't been opened since he'd last been in there. For some reason, it just felt wrong to put someone else in there. But...life had to go on.

"Maybe the guys in Arizona have some extra hands."


Jason slides off the table and looks at the bottle in Misty's hand, a little skeptically at first, but then shrugs. "Hey, if it works..."

Rick nods with agreement. "That's a good idea, Misty. I don't know why I didn't think about that. Come to think of it, Jase...it might not be a bad idea for you to carry some of those with you all the time... If you ever have an attack and your sugar plummets and there's no food around, you could get into some big trouble."

Jason doesn't like it, but nods. "Alright. I think I can do that." He gives Misty a look to go ahead. "Set me up, Doc."

As Rick walks away to go back to his work, Jason cocks his head at Misty. He hadn't had much of a chance to talk to her lately, but she'd been looking better and better. "So how are you doing, Misty? Seems like I see you every day but never talk to you."


Bret hangs up his phone and glances to the hall closet. Things had been on hold for a couple weeks now and everyone was getting anxious... especially him. But it wasn't excitement that drove him... it was guilt. He shouldn't be doing this... not risking a second round like he went through before. But... followed by threats, what could he do? And it was a way to get some quick cash. But... what was he really willing to risk?

He looks at the clock. He was supposed to meet Charlotte for lunch. He could tell that she'd sensed something wasn't right lately, but she'd respected his privacy. That was more than Maria had ever done...and yet...maybe it would be better if he were forced to reveal what was really going on. Did he really want to risk ruining another relationship? There had been an awful lot more involved with Maria's leaving, but this same thing is what had been the straw to break the camel's back. His feelings for Charlotte had grown more than he might admit... did he really want to risk losing her?