Jabber

Because he's a lowlife, that's why.

Jason's words are riddled with anger and a burning hate. He steps back into his house after having Trooper out, and shakes his head.

As far as low self-esteem goes, Ty just needs a swift kick. He's just feeling sorry for himself. As far as me...

He grabs a light jacket and his keys.

I'm going to go check on Scott. Then after that I'll probably waste some time down at Mom and Pop's. If you want to catch up to me anywhere in there, it's fine.

Though "fine" didn't sound too convincing, Jason's eager emotions proved that he did want Katie's company, even if his mood didn't match.


Ty grits his teeth as Katie talks, unwilling to turn and look at her. "I'm not learning well," he mutters. "I'm not learning at all."

Despite his anger though, Katie's softer tone starts to bring him back down.. "You think I don't know the world is a big place? I've explored plenty. Remember where you found me?" He shakes his head. "I'm not scared of it, Katie. I simply don't fit in it."

Hearing Katie's final statements, Ty finally turns his head towards her, rolling his eyes. "Oh yeah... my brother getting his girlfriend pregnant... that's exciting all right. Maybe I'm not the stupid one after all." He shakes his head. "You may think this is a great time for a vacation, but you still got a job to return to, remember? I don't. I can't afford a trip even if I wanted it, which I don't."

"Well I can't afford a trip either," Wyatt states flatly as he rejoins them. "Not after bailing you out. Now come on."

The old Henson stubbornness shines through as Ty refuses to get up, proving beyond a doubt that he was indeed Jim's son.

"Ty," Wyatt warns. "If you know what's good for you, you get up off your sorry hind end and come with us."

As the officer unlocks the cell, Ty finally gets to his feet and trudges out, leading the way back down the hall. Within minutes, all three are back outside. But instead of heading to Wyatt's jeep, Ty turns and starts down the sidewalk.

Wyatt pauses by his door handle, looking after him in confusion. "Now what?"

"What do you care?" Ty turns around to talk as he walks backwards. "I'll not be babysat."

"Well where are you going?"

"For me to know."

"Ty!" Wyatt throws up his arms as Ty turns back around and continues his route away from the station. He groans and looks to Katie. "I don't know what more we can do."


Carson's heart skips a beat as Misty speaks, his pulse quickening even more as she draws closer to him once again. Feeling her arms around him... her warm breath on his skin... smelling her sweet hair... It enveloped all his senses.

Returning her kiss, he slides his arms further around her, one hand caressing the side of her face as his thumb runs down her cheek.

Pulling away slightly, he whispers, as if almost afraid this moment didn't really exist. "I've missed you too...so much." Returning his lips to hers, he lets a sweet kiss linger, his inner being feeling as though at last he's receiving the long drink of water he's thirsted for for oh so long.

Gently withdrawing, he keeps his hand to her face, just looking in her eyes again, making sure that this was real... that he really was getting another chance. A crooked grin surfaces and he moves to pull Misty into a rough hug. "Some Aussies are blessed with stupidity... at least this one was blessed with you in spite of it."

Still grinning, he stands up, taking Misty by the hand. "I'll treat you to lunch, if you let me..."


A grin finally escapes to accent Axel's face, just letting silence rule for a moment, returning Jess' gaze fearlessly. Letting his eyes remain on hers, he just waits, witholding words until finally she drops her own gaze. Almost chuckling but not quite, he puts his watch away.

"Well... I guess I haven't seen a car that could tell time yet. And I guess storm clouds can roll in at any time of the day, can't they?"

Grabbing a rag, he tries to get some of the grease off his fingers, but it just doesn't work, proving the stains would be there for a while.

"So..." He cocks his head and looks back up at Jess. "The boss is gone today."

He pauses, almost as if assuming she would know what that meant, before he goes on. "And since by now you probably have the magazines in there memorized..."

He shrugs and starts to amble back to the van. "You can come help keep Leo out of my hair." Turning around, he throws her an intentional crooked grin. "Or at least keep me company so I don't have to listen to his jabber."

Maybe you are

Katie's eyes narrow a little as she stairs at her friend through the bars of the jail sell resting her on hand on the little tray that one could keep what little food they got on.

"Huh, maybe you are a loser I mean only they would try an rob a store and get caught right? Its funny though because I new someone with your same name and just recintly he was learning how to read and he was doing really well. That will he had that wasnt the acts of someone who was stupid or a loser that was the act of someone who was willing to learn and THAT is not stupid."

Shifting just a little Kaite leans onto the bars more resting her head on one of the bars.

Why is Austin doing this to the people who need confadince more than others. Why couldnt he pick on the stronger ones. No wonder people have low selfasteam in this world, because of people like Austin. We fight to help, and he is just hindering them.

Katie lets out an inword sigh as she stratens again just a little bit. Ty needed his friend, he needed that confadince back.

"There is a big word out there Ty. A big scary world waiting for you to explore it. Sometimes we just need to step out of our comfort zone, we need to jump out of the box and face our fears. Goodness only knows I was scaired to death coming from Texas to here, but its the best thing I ever did and I am happy."

For a moment Katie's emotions take her back to when she first left. It had been anger that drove her to come to Nevada but it was friendship, love, and many more things she found. Leaving Texas helped her grow and learn so many things. What started out bad, ended good and Katie would never go back to change that.

"Don't give up on your job yet, its not over till its over. This of this as a vacation. Maybe you should go see that brother of yours. I hurd he is going to be a dad, and your going to be a uncle. Thats pretty exciting."

Misty's eyes gaze back at Carson, the deepths of them still holding what she had always loved, the blue pearcing her own, her heart starting to race the same feeling remaining that had always been there when she had been around Carson.

Thought there was something differnt about Carson now, Misty thought for sure she would get use to it. He was still Carson after all.

"I'm willing to try again, your something alse Carson and I cant deny that. No matter how mad I get at you I can't hate you."

As Carson leans over and gives Misty a kiss her paulse races, as her heart thumps. Evern though the kiss was not a normal kiss Carson would give it still made her paulse race. Returning the kiss Misty lets her own passion decied how she should kiss him back as she brings her one hand to the side of his face sliding to his neck and her other hand to his back.

Finally pulling away from the kiss that old grin that had found its home on Misty's lips so long ago had found its way there once again as her heart felt alive. She had been missing something and now she'd found it again.

"I'd missed you so much Carson. At first I thought I would be fine but...I missed everything about you."

Looking up at Carson once again Misty draws closer to him again bringin her lips to his once more showing him just how much she had missed him indeed.

Jess can't help the small laugh that escapes her lips as Leo and Axel go back and forth for a moment. Shaking her head as Leo takes the keys from her Jess liked the idea of him working on the car. Maybe that ment she could spend a little more time talking with Axel.

Turning her had back to Axel maybe a little to quickly at his comment Jess can feel her cheeks turn a small shade of red for a moment. But as quickly as it came Jess trys to push it away a smile on her lips just the same.

"Last time I check cars didnt wait for a certin time to break down now do they?"

Giving a laugh and a slight shake of her hear Jess' eyes search Axel's for a moment. Searching for something, something unknown but searching non the less.

Standing in the kitches Angel lets out a long sigh. She'd over hurd everything once again and it hurt to think about it. What was wrong with Austin? Why was he doing this?

Continuing to do the dishes Angel's mind wonders to a time long forgot. A time, when everything was far from ok, but she had been the closes with her friends as ever. A time when Austin and herself were almost insepritable. So many people had thought they were dating and as much as she had wanted to back then they had only remainded friends.

Still being friends with Austin and feeling they were close Angel felt something needed to be done. Someone should find out what was wrong or what was going on.

Confirmed actions

Carson lets silence reign for several moments after Misty speaks, his eyes roaming her own. The blue depth piercing hers, he stares, amazed to find the feelings that still truly remained.

Feeling her hand on his, he slowly turns his palm up to curl his fingers over hers, his thumb brushing her knuckles. Her final comment sends a feeling through him so forgotten, but so familiar.

“You’ve always held something that I’ve never been able to figure out,” he says quietly, almost whispering. “Somehow you’ve always been able to look past the scumbag I am, and care for me despite all the strife I put you through.”

He shakes his head. “I'll never be good enough to deserve you...but... if I can still light that fire and make you soar again..."

His grip tightens a little on Misty's hand, and he leans in closer. He wasn't confident about the future... he wasn't confident about his own self... he wasn't sure about anything. But he couldn't walk away. Not now. Not after another chance was staring him right in the face. Not after having already experienced the despairing void in his life. Second chances were rare. Third chances were even rarer. He'd be stupid to let it go.

Pressing his lips to Misty's, Carson gives her a tender kiss, withdrawing just enough that he can rest his forehead against hers and search her eyes once more.

"If...you're willing to try it one more time... this is one Aussie that's going to try his hardest not to mess up again."


Jason lets Trooper back into the house and follows him in, shutting the door. He'd gotten up late... if he wasn't careful, he could get used to sleeping in. But once back to work, there'd be no forgiveness for tardiness anymore.

Searching his refrigerator for some orange juice, he suddenly gets Katie's message and straightens up quickly, banging his head on the freezer handle. Wincing, he mutters a growl under his breath.

Oh, that sure was nice of him. I bet there's a few people who would be really interested to find that out.

Though not knowing where Ty even was at the moment, Jason formulates an idea in his mind.

Yes... there would be some interest...

He moves towards his phone.

And I think I might just stir up the gossip line. If Brown can't do anything, maybe some heat will get Austin to chill out.


Ty glares at the wall as Katie speak, unwilling to look over at her for several moments. Finally though he turns his head again, still lying on the cot.

"I don't belong here, huh? Well where do I belong then? I can't get another job. I don't even really know my family. Where else is there, Katie? There isn't any place for stupid guys like me. We're not smart enough for the world."

Gritting his teeth, he turns his focus to the ceiling. It was obvious that he had gotten himself in this position on purpose, but the logic had been skewed.

"Maybe Austin was right. I am just a loser."


Jim hangs up the phone in the kitchen, his jaw muscles tightening to show the stress level that had just risen. Going back into the dining area, he sits back down at the table, with a few others who were still left, mingling before going back out to chores after breakfast was finished.

Mick looks across at him with question. "Something wrong?"

Jim takes another swallow of coffee, even though it's gotten cold. "Ty got fired from the Elite last night."

Mick raises his eyebrows. "What?"

"Yeah. That was Jason. Guess Austin got rid of Ty because he couldn't read." Jim gives a scoffing laugh and shakes his head. After what they'd heard through Cindy and confirmed through Brent, some questions had still remained as to whether or not Austin was really doing as accused. Apparently it was the truth. "Kinda makes you wonder if he's still on the same track we all are."

Luke sits nearby, absentmindedly rubbing his knee. A frown forms on his face. "Why is he doing this?"

Jim shrugs. "Wouldn't we all like to know. But it sounds like he's firing people left and right. He certainly didn't let us in on any plans like that."

Worth more

Smiling as she pulls into the park Misty just looks at Carson for a moment before getting out of her car. It was oh so good to see him again. Still looking at him even after everything she loved seeing him. Finally getting out of the car Misty slowly makes her way over to Carson a smile still curled on her lips. As Carson goes to take Misty's hand she gives a small step closer to him antisapating it, but than seeing him stop and step back Misty stops herself confused for a moment as the ping returns.

Settaling to walk next to Him Misty keeps her ears open listing to Carson's every word. Some of the stuff was a little shocking to her but she felt good knowing Carson was shairing this with you. Not intaruping Caron not even one time she just listens trying to process everything. Finally when the pause comes Misty takes a seat next to Carson on the bench. Quiet for a moment turning to look at him. Studying him Misty can tell something is differnt, Carson indeed had changed a lot over the last few months. He was almost like a completly differnt person.

"I'm honored you shair this with me Carson. It means a lot knowing a bit of your background a little more. I can see how it would be hard being saseptable to this stuff as a kid and wondering if its right. Its certinly not an excuse but it does explain a few things."

Offering Carson a soft smile Misty trys her best to make him feel comfortable. This had to be hard on him and the emotions pooling behind his eyes was easy to see.

"As for letting me down again...we all have to take chanses in life right...."

Misty moves a little close to Carson and reachs down taking his hand in her running a finger over it softly.

"...and there is just something about you Carson. Your a hott Aussie who lite the fire, and helped me sore."

Looking at Carson Misty searches his face the small sassy grin that was long forgot creeping on her face once again. Being with Carson made Misty feel alive, she liked the feeling, she liked the fire.

Entering the jail Katie follow Wyatt closly. Nothing could explain how upset she was at the moment. How could Ty be so silly to let this happen, he had a good job and things were going well. But once seeing him, and hearing what happend Katie's anger subsided and was directied at a new target her heart softing for Ty.

J...you'd never guess the stunt you grandfather pulled now. He fired Ty because he couldnt read.

Continuing to consintrate Katie nods to Wyatt as he leaves before she turns back to Ty. Silent for a moment and than finally speaking again.

"Ty...you relize your just proving to Austin that you wernt using your head right? You better than this, your smarter than this. So what you have a hard time reading, So Austin is a jerk forget that and forget him. I got saspended because I stood up for what I believed in, that dosnt mean you have to be rash about what you do. You dont belong here Ty and you know it..so stop having a pitty party and stay strong. Dont give up yet, I'm in the same boat with you right now and I am working my tail off to make it all right again."

It didn't wait

Carson can't help a little smile, relieved that Misty had agreed to meet him. "No... I'll walk. Meet you at the park at... eleven?"

Finishing up the call, Carson hangs up, then gives a sigh. Well... that was that.

The rest of the morning seems to drag by. Though being a bit more efficient in his work and not so clumsy, every spare moment was spent glancing at the clock. Finally having enough, he tells Herb he'll be gone on a long lunch break and heads out, donning his denim jacket.

Walking to the park, a million and one things run through his mind, but the exercise helps to ease his tension a bit. Arriving and finding a park bench near the parking lot, he waits, and sure enough, Misty shows up on time.

Standing up, Carson his head as she nears, offering a small smile. "Hey." Letting his eyes linger on her face for a moment, a remnant of an old flame glimmers in his eyes. His hand moves forward, but then he thinks better of it, and puts it in his pocket instead. "Um... wanna walk?"

Starting forward, he takes a deep breath of the chilly air, looking around at the quiet park. Not many people were here today. "Misty..." He knew it was up to him to start the conversation. He was the one who had suggested their meeting today "I, um...guess I just had a few things I wanted to talk to you about." He shrugs. "I don't know why, I just... well... if we wanted to... I mean, us... or..."

Carson stops and rolls his eyes. "Okay, let me try this again." He gives a short laugh, throwing a sidelong glance in Misty's direction. “There’s a lot… about me that… I’ve never told anyone. And… I guess I want to be fair to you, Misty because I don’t know what any of this changes, if anything.”

He swallows hard, quiet for several moments, finally stopping at a bench and sitting down instead of continuing the walk. It had been so long…the memories had been too painful to dredge up. But they were still there…packed tightly away in boxes of misery.

“When I was just a kid, I…my dad was just a business man to me. I was too young to see anything but a dad who I wanted to be like.”

He stops and sighs deeply. “He, um…took me on some of his trips…to the big cities, or over here to the States. I thought it was fun…got to ride in style and stay at fancy hotels. Then, um…”

Carson pauses again as his mind tries to block the images that were seeping through. “Then it wasn’t just me, but he’d take a woman along with him. I was told my mother needn’t know. I was clueless, so I just obeyed.”

A dry laugh escapes, and Carson shakes his head. “I couldn’t have been more than ten years old…I don’t know if my dad knew all I saw and heard or not. At first it scared me, then I just got used to it…ignored it. I’m sure as a kid I sensed it wasn’t right, but it was my dad…he was perfect. So, that went on for years…whenever I’d go with my dad, I simply expected his “friend” to be along. I got used to seeing things I shouldn’t… being told things I shouldn't have heard... maybe some things would have been considered abuse, but I never told anyone about it.”

It was harder to stay on top of these emotions than he thought, and Carson battles back against the will to let them spill over. “Years passed…by the time I got into high school, I was…” His face reddens slightly. Though at the time he didn’t care, now he knew his faults. “…well…I guess I was taking after my father. I’m not sure anyone but my buddies knew what I was doing on the weekends…what girls I was with and...”

Another long sigh seeps out. He needn't explain what he meant. “I got caught by my dad once…I had a girl at home. But instead of kicking my butt like he should have, he let it go, making some comment that almost encouraged me to keep it up.”

Carson fidgets with a loose thread on his jeans. The memories were in full swing now. “About that same time my dad started getting generally abusive. He was a drinker…and he’d come home from work mad. He’d push mom around…he’d push me around…he’d push my older sister around, and then my little sister too. We all just took the punishment, but for some reason…I couldn’t stand him picking on Dani. I don’t know why…I’d gotten used to seeing my mom roughed up, or my older sister trashtalked. But Dani…maybe it was because she was so little, I don’t know. But every time she got a tongue lashing, she’d go crying to her room and I was the one to go see her, while Mum and Stacy were still arguing.”

Carson’s eyes lock onto nothingness, the scenes like a movie playing through his mind. It was as if he was in an entirely different world, sucked in by the memories…by a past that had been locked away and shoved into a dark corner.

“I was an expert at living two lives by then. Away from my family I was out drinking, hanging with the rowdy bunch, and getting my fill of any girls I could. While at home I was the devote son…Dani’s hero.”

A sorry chuckle proves the feeling of being so foolish. “Funny thing about the whole situation was, not only was I two different people, but half the time I loathed my dad for abusing my little sister, and half the time I still wanted to be like him. I guess I was looking for acceptance or something. I’d start getting Dani out of the house when I knew Dad would be home drunk. I could tell when he’d be out for more than just a tongue lashing, and I didn't want what happened to me to happen to her, so I’d sneak out the back with her so she wouldn’t have to endure anything else. She never complained…never said anything to anyone…I think she just blocked it all out…which was probably a good thing. I don't know how many times I wasn't there for her though.”

Carson feels like this was taking forever… it was like he was running in place while the memories were flying by him. He hadn't intended for this many details, but maybe they were needed.

“By the time I started working for the Agency, I was so messed up. I thought I was big stuff. And…sure enough, I continued to follow in my father’s footsteps, right down to the pretty secretaries that worked there. Oh, and they let me do whatever I wanted to do…they were luring me in…they had plans for me that I didn’t even know about. All the while, at home, I kept up the one side of being big hero brother…perfect son…ambitious young man.”

It’s several moments before Carson goes on, his eyes roaming the park. “Then everything went down at the Agency. My dad wasn’t a nice guy, but there were some illegal things he wouldn’t do, and he paid for it with his life. Him…Mum…and Stacy. I should have died with them that day…I was living an immoral life, and it was cowardice that saved my hide. All that was left after that was anger. I got Dani out of the country and…I don’t even know how I conformed to what the Agency wanted. I just…forgot about anything else I guess. I channeled my anger towards those I was supposed to torture and kill, and eventually that was simply who I was. Any trace of the innocent boy was gone. There was nothing left but a cold heart out to satisfy the desires of the flesh, and kill for a living.”

He shrugs lamely. “Some shrink would probably say I could blame my father for the way I turned out…but it was a choice…and I chose the wrong way. And now…now that I’m on the other side…it’s like I’m constantly playing tug-o-war with my old self. Every day it tries to pull me back in…everything I did…all my bad habits and…and addictions…they just hang on to me to the point where I finally just give in. And then…I lose everything. I figure out my mistake, pick myself back up and it starts again until finally I break under the pressure, tearing everything down all over again.”

He stops, the pain in his heart greater than he'd like to admit. "I've done a lot of changing, Misty. I got some good people who have been willing to keep me out of trouble, and it's helped. I'm... I'm finding God too I think, and that's taught me a lot."

Pausing again, he sorts out just what he's trying to say. "But even with all that... I don't know how long it will last. It's just a matter of time before I fail again."

The fear of his own self and his own decisions is evident in his tone. "No matter how hard I've ever tried, eventually, my pattern wins out and... I couldn't bear to put you through that again. Losing you was one of the most devastating things I've ever experienced. But I just... I'm afraid it will happen again."

Carson finally lets silence rule, not meeting Misty's eyes. Was he telling her it wasn't going to work between them? Was he telling her he couldn't do it? Was he telling her he did want to be with her, but with caution? He didn't know. But at this point he didn't have enough confidence in himself to think he could conquer his own pattern.


"Yo, Hero." Wyatt holds his phone to his ear as he steps out of TJY. "Yeah, just meet me at the jail. I'll wait for ya."

Flipping his phone shut, he gets to his jeep and heads downtown. Once there, he doesn't have to wait long until Katie arrives. Meeting her at the steps, he rolls his eyes. "What is it with us having to rescue this guy anyway? Cop said on the phone he tried to rob a convenient store or something, so I don't know what's up."

Getting inside, an officer can't give them any information, but directs them to the back, down the hall to one of the cells. There they find Ty, stretched out on a cot.

"Ty?"

Ty opens his eyes and turns his head, but doesn't rise. "Well... what do ya know... Wyatt and Katie. Hi, guys."

Wyatt quirks an eyebrow and looks at Katie, confused, then back to Ty. "What on earth are you doing here anyway? What happened?"

"Didn't you hear? Big robbery gone bad."

"Yes, of course I heard. Why do you think we're here?" Wyatt's annoyance rises. "What gives, Ty? What were you doing?"

Ty shrugs and closes his eyes again. "Guess this is where I belong."

"Ty! Come on!"

Ty shoots up, getting to his feet with a glare and stalking to the bars to face both his friends. "Alright, fine. I'm not good enough to be on the right side of the law. So I must belong here. At least in here they don't care if I can read or not."

Wyatt frowns, even more confused. "What on earth are you talking about?"

"Oh, didn't you know? Austin fired me."

"What?! When?!"

"Last night. Or rather... he thought it would be a good idea if I "quit" so he wouldn't "have" to fire me." The anger is dripping from Ty's tone. "Caught me trying to read a stupid letter and that was it."

"So you just figured you'd what? Go rob a store? Are you insane?!"

Ty smirks then walks back to his cot, flopping down. "Just leave me alone."

Wyatt blinks, not even knowing what to do. "Well I'm bailing you out, so why don't you just sit here and think about a better response for when I get back?" Frowning, he aims for the front office again. "Katie, stay here, will you? I'll be back. In the meantime, see if you can make any sense from this guy."


Several heads snap up as the mechanics realize Jess is there. All eyes glance to the outside where the car is, following her gesture.

Axel straightens up from the van, a look of surprise on his face, before a bit of confusion.

"Oooh, busted!" Leo teases. "You been working on that car, or just making it look good? Maybe you ought to give it one more try. Third time's the charm, you know." Before he can react, a rag lands on his head, hanging down over half his face.

A laugh escapes from Ron as he works on another vehicle, having seen Axel's good aim. "Nice wardrobe, Leo."

Axel keeps himself from grinning too much, wiping his oily hands on his already-dirty jeans. "Guess I better go see what I missed this time."

"No, wait!" Leo jumps in his way. "Let me get this one. You can't have all the fun."

"Fun?"

Leo gives him a knowing look. "Ask and you shall receive. Chick in distress, remember? You said she wasn't your girl, so I can have a turn, right?"

"Well I'm the one accused of missing something yet again."

Leo just stares at him, his eyes full of mischief. "Five bucks says if I work on the car, she won't be back for at least a month."

Axel straightens and crosses his arms, contemplating. He looks over Leo to see Jess waiting, then back to his friend. "You're on."

"Hot dog!" Leo claps his hands. "I'm gonna win this one. Just you wait." Trotting over to Jess, he retrieves the keys and gets to work.

Axel leaves the van for now and ambles slowly to the other end of the garage, stopping about three feet from Jess and cocks his head. Pulling his pocket watch out, he gives a faint smile. "Your car can't tell time. It didn't wait until noon."

Trouble again

Letting out a long sigh Jess stands outside the auto shop. Should she really go in? or should she just turn around and go to a differnt auto shop? Turning Jess looks back at her flat tire and shakes her head. This was silly why did she NEED a reason to see her friend? Jess wasnt sure but for some reason she felt like she did.

Finally opening the door Jess steps inside the shop and looks around. She had only been here twice but she could remember the layout with her eyes closed and there was never anyone at the front desk when you needed them.

Steping along side the counter she looks into the back shop giving a small wave to catch someone attachen seeing Axel she only hoped he would be the one to offer help.

"I...uhhh need some help please? I have a flat tire and there is a really strand rattaling sound in the back of my car."

Jess gives a thumb to out front where her car sat a little bit lopsided.

As Misty enters the infermary right as the phone rings she glances to make sure Rick got it. Heading to her desk she makes sure to hang her jacket up and thow her purse into her desk.

Standing once again to head to the breakroom Misty is stoped as Rick informs her of a phone call. Turning back around Misty gives Rick a nod and goes back to her desk picking up the phone.

"This is Misty how can I help you?"

Hearing Carson's voice on the other end Misty can't help but smile thought at the same time she was a bit saprised. It wasnt offten Carson called her let alone in the middle of a work day.

Giving a small laugh as Misty hears Carson trip over his words Misty found it a little cute continuing to listen to him. Though a strange ping hit Misty's heart she wasnt sure what it was. Pushing it aside Misty finally hears silence on the other end of the phone signaling her time to talk.

"I'd love to go to lunch with you."

Though you couldnt see Misty's face a smile was on it and the tone of her voice proved it.

" I can pick you up from work if you like?"

Groan Katie rolls over and picks up her phone. Hearing Wyatt's voice on the other end she sits up in bed rubbing her eyes. Silent for a moment she trys to let what Wyatt said sink in still kind of confused.

"What.....who.."

Looking at the clock Katie wakes up just a bit more and replays what was said finally getting it to register.

"Wait...what ho...yeah give me about 15 minutes to get ready."

Hanging up the phone Kaite hopes in the shower and gets ready. Throwing on a pare of jeans and a sweater. Keeping her hair down it was a little longer than normal but it was getting cold and it was nice to have something to get her neck and face warmth.

Stepping outside and headin to her car Katie pulls out her phone again and dials Wyatt's number

"Hey Wyatt its Katie...I am on my way where should I meet you?"

Questions

Watching Angelica leave, Reese can feel her own awkwardness, and suddenly feels badly, knowing it was his fault.

Walking her to the door, he opens his mouth to say something, but she bids him goodnight first. Her calling him by his last name hits him more strongly than it used to... it had been a long time since she hadn't used his first name.

"Goodnight..." His voice trails off. "...Angelica."

Giving a little sigh, he turns back around and closes the door. Leaning back against it, he glances around the empty house. For some reason it felt even more empty than it had an hour ago.


Some nights seem colder than others. And it's not because the temperature is lower, or the because the sun is further away. It's simply the nights when hearts are lonely. Minds are left to wander to places better left abandoned the way they were.

But even on nights like those, eventually the morning sun peeks through, relieving those weary souls and reviving them, bringing them in to a new day.


Axel yawns and reaches for a wrench, only to have it slip through his numb fingers and drop to the floor. Muttering, he rubs his hand, stretching out his fingers until he could feel again, before resuming his work.

"Grease, man, you alright?"

Axel looks up from the van's engine, throwing a smirk in Ron's direction. "Apart from feeling as though I could fall asleep right here? Yeah, I'm great."

Ron works at cleaning out a filter and shakes his head. "Long night?"

"You could say that."

"Hey, Axel!"

He turns in the other direction to see Leo just getting in to work. "Morning."

Leo throws his jacket over a hook and rolls up his sleeves. "What's on for today?"

"Well, we got this bucket of bolts right here..." Axel gestures to the van. "And... if we can get this going, the day is pretty clear."

"Wow. We need some chick in distress or something. It's getting boring around here."

Axel rolls his eyes, though when he turns back to the engine, a little smirk appears. "Just get over here and help me with this."


Carson ties his apron around his waist and jumps into work. At least this morning he'd been able to go jogging, make several stops and still make it to work on time. It felt odd needing to come to work... he was used to just rolling out of bed and being here.

Getting into the swing of things was a bit hard this morning though, even if he had gotten a good start. After dropping several plates, messing up an order and shutting his hand in the refrigerator, he finally opts to take a break, sheepishly apologizing to Herb.

But slipping out into the back hall, he leans back against the wall and closes his eyes, thinking. Other than the late-night fiasco with Dani, the rest of the night had been spent tossing and turning. His mind was so many different places at once, that it was giving him a headache.

Despite feeling halfway settled there was still a lot he had yet to work through. And one subject was just a little more complicated than the others. No matter how much he'd tried to avoid thinking about it the last couple days, he'd been unsuccessful. There was a certain thing that was unfinished, and he simply couldn't let it go.

Yet just the thought of pursuing it sent an odd chill down his spine. He knew what he wanted, but... what was realistic? What was possible? What would happen? Things had turned around so quickly...

Carson looks down and rubs his sore finger. He'd need the stitches out soon. If it hadn't been for that cut...

Rolling his his eyes, he finally moves down the hall to the phone. Picking it up, he dials before he can change his mind. Closing his eyes, he doesn't realize he's holding his breath.


"Hello?" Rick absentmindedly answers the infirmary phone, while trying to keep his eyes focused on his work. But without any sleep, it wasn't easy.

"Hey, Rick. Misty in?"

"Yeah, hang on, I..." Rick suddenly realizes that it wasn't common for Carson to be calling anymore. For just a moment, it had felt like old times. "I mean... yeah. Just a minute."


Carson twirls the phone cord around his finger, waiting. But when he hears Misty's voice, his mouth feels like he'd been sucking on a cotton ball. "Misty..." He clears his throat. "It's Carson. I, um... thought maybe today if you weren't busy, if, um... well..." A dry chuckle escapes. "Who'da thought I'd ever have trouble asking you to lunch?" He shakes his head, annoyed with himself. "I know you're busy, but... if you have time... thought maybe we could meet at the park or something. Supposed to be a nice day... maybe pick up lunch after or...something?"

He bites his lip and waits. He knew he missed Misty, and knew she'd wanted to see him again, but was this such a great idea? Yes... it had to be. There were things he needed to say, and he'd waited long enough.


Scott stirs, hearing voices around him, and slowly props himself up on an elbow, gradually pulling himself up into a sitting position. He felt like he'd been run over by a truck.

"Good morning, Mr. Johnson."

Scott blinks and squints up at Rick. "Hi."

"How you feeling?"

"Terrible."

Rick reaches down to check Scott's vitals. "You've been out for quite a while. Do you remember anything?"

Scott shakes his head. "Not really. Feels like a bad dream or something."

"Scott..." Rick grows a little more solemn, and eases down on the edge of the bed. "How are you really feeling? And I'm being serious about this."

Scott draws his legs up closer, his gaze dropping. "I don't know," he mumbles.

Rick isn't sure if he should really tell Scott what had happened last night or not, but at this point, he decided it was worth the risk. "You, um... were pretty determined in the middle of the night. I... thought for a minute you might not be here this morning."

Scott fidgets with his blanket, the look on his face proving that he remembered more than he was saying.

Rick sighs and reaches to bedside table for some papers. "You and I need to go over these sometime today, okay? Yesterday I met with a really nice young woman who..."

"A shrink."

"A counselor," Rick corrects, deciding that it was time he quit beating around the bush. "She wants to talk with you."

"Yeah... right."

"Scott." Rick's voice grows stern. "I'm not ready to give up on you, so you better not be ready either. Now I haven't had any sleep, I need a shower, I'm in a bad mood, and I'm not willing to argue with you. Do you understand me?"

Scott manages a slight glare, but doesn't fight back. Besides, what he was feeling right now wasn't fun... he knew he needed some way to get rid of what was going on inside of himself. "Fine."

"Good. Now... I'm going to get you a little breakfast... then I'm going home for a bit. I'll be back at lunchtime and we'll talk more."


“Wooee!”

Jen squeals and throws her arms around Kyle’s neck, hanging on for dear life as he spins her around. “Kyle!” She can’t help her laughter, despite the chiding. “Put me down!”

Giving her one last tight hug, Kyle finally relents, letting his sister sit back down on the couch, and he plops down next to her. “Why didn’t you call me?!”

“Because… I wanted to have it checked out first.” Jen’s eyes sparkle as she stares downward, looking at her feet move back and forth. “So the doctor said that he can’t explain it, but it had something to do with my fall and… apparently there’s a nerve connection again and….” Her face lights up. “I get to start more intensive therapy this week…. So I can walk again.”

The smile on Kyle’s face couldn’t be more genuine. “That is totally awesome. You do realize this.”

Jen laughs and nods. “I do.”

“See?” Kyle’s tone softens and he gives Jen a tap under her chin. “I knew you could do it.”

Jen looks at her brother with so much pride and so much gratefulness. “You’ve always been my biggest help, you know that?”

Kyle shrugs. “What can I say? I love my sister.”

Jen just smile and reaches out for another hug. Suddenly though, she draws away quickly. “Oh, but don’t tell Mike yet.”

“What? Why not?”

“I want it to be a surprise.” A bit of mischief shines in Jen’s eyes. “I wanna go through some therapy first and then…”

“Give the poor chap a heart attack, that’s what you’ll do.”

“Well at least I’ll have succeeded in making his heart stop somehow.”

Kyle’s eyes widen before another grin spreads. “I think you know good and well you’ve already accomplished that.”


"He what?!" Wyatt groans from his desk, throwing a glance in the head office direction. "Yeah, alright. I'll be there." Hanging up, he picks up the phone again, dialing quickly. "Katie? It's Wyatt. Listen, Ty's got himself into trouble. I gotta go down to the station. Want to come along?"

Disapointmint

Hearing Mike refusle to go with her hit a little hard than Angelica thought it would. Trying to keep the emotions she suddanly felt and the awkwarness hidden she can't help but get a nervouse laugh as she takes the last sip of her coffee.

"Oh course...oh course...I wouldnt exspect you to just drop everything. Yes...its ok of course I understand."

Giving a half smile Angelica can tell Mike is just as uncomfortable as she is and maybe its time to take her leave. Setting her half empty cup on the table she stands looking around the room one last time before grabing her coat and purse.

Heading to the door herself Angelica feels more foolish than she did before. Why had she asked? It wasnt the right time. She new Charlotte was wrong on this one.

Exiting the house Angelica turns one last time trying to give another smile to Mike reasuring him everything was ok though inside she felt a bit like crap.

"Well...have a a Good Night...Reese. I guess I will see you when I get home."

*Turning Angelica heads down the pourch pulling her jacket just a little tighter around her neck in the cold night air. Getting into her car and giving one last look to the pourch before heading out of the driveway and disapearing down the street*

Awkward?

Rick manages to get up off the floor with Janet's help, appreciating her presence. He grits his teeth, feeling more pain for this situation than he had so far. He doesn't have to explain to his wife what had happened - it was obvious.

Once he gets Scott back in bed, he cleans him up some and puts several new blankets over him, hoping to at least keep him warm while he was in his lethargic sleep state from the drugs. Cleaning up the shallow cut, it doesn't take much, for which Rick was thankful. He didn't know how he'd stopped Scott from doing more damage than that, but it didn't matter.

"I had to sedate him," he explains solemnly. "This is as bad as I've seen, and I'm not sure he was even completely aware of what he was doing. He was stuck in a nightmare. I don't know if he'll even remember this in the morning."

After finishing up with Scott, Rick sighs deeply, then turns his attention to himself. Shedding his lab coat, he rolls up his sleeve to see the cut in his own forearm and grimaces a little. "Well, at least I got the brunt of it instead of Scott."

Needing an extra hand, he has Janet help him clean the cut and put a light bandage over it. Finally finished, it seems like the whole process had taken hours, when in reality, it had only been half an hour.

With Scott settled, and a spare moment, Rick is finally able to eat the supper Janet had brought, enjoying it, despite his emotions that were churning. Earlier in the day, he'd thought he could just send Scott in for visits to Hope and not worry about him being by himself. But now... now he wasn't so sure. What was really best for Scott? What should be done? Was he doing the right thing? Was there something else he should be doing? Was Scott really a danger to himself, or was this a one-time incident?

Finished eating, he gives a sigh, rising to wash his hands. When done, he returns to his wife, wrapping her in a warm embrace and planting a kiss on her forehead. "I have to spend the night," he informs quietly. "In the morning when Misty comes in, I'll come home for a little bit of sleep before coming back. But I need to keep an eye on Scott tonight and ten-minute check-ins by Hal aren't enough."

Letting Janet go, he gives her another light kiss, this time on the lips, bidding her goodnight. It was going to be a long night... but he had a duty to his patient and his friend.


A hint of a smile surfaces when Angelica mentions Reese's wife being pretty. She always had been in Reese's eyes.

Letting Angelica's words sink in, he ponders them, still sipping his coffee. Was she right? Was he really needed by anyone anymore? Wyatt didn't need him anymore... TJY, or at least with Austin in charge, didn't need him anymore. What about...

His thoughts stop as Angelica admits her biggest reasoning for being in Nevada. Quirking an eyebrow, warmth comes to his own cheeks as he focuses on his coffee, rather than her face, despite the strange want to catch her eye.

Quiet, he lets it go. There were many reasons for her to be here. She was a good lawyer that TJY needed.

But as she asks him if he'd like to accompany her to California, his head shoots up a little faster than intended. Looking over to her in the dim living room light, he wondered for a moment why on earth she'd be asking him. But looking deeper... studying her gaze for just a moment, he sees something that he recognizes... something that he's felt too, for longer than he'd like to admit. Loneliness... and a longing to just have someone there again.

Pursing his lips, he ambles away from the wall of pictures, then downs the rest of his coffee. "Despite my position here, I've got to stick around in case anything else happens. I need to be here if Austin tries to pull any more stunts... even if I'm not employed by TJY at the moment, I still feel the people there are my responsibility as my friends at least. I can't leave... not now."

Realizing he'd been just a little less than warm, he turns around, forcing a small smile. "Thanks, though. One of these days I'll need a vacation to straighten out my mind, but right now... I just can't."

Going to the kitchen to put his mug in the sink, he inwardly cringes. He could have done that a little better. I wasn't that he didn't want to go.... Wait... he wanted to? He swallows hard and tries to push the feelings aside. He was being silly. This wasn't a big deal and he shouldn't make it one.

Returning to the living room, a hint of awkwardness is now laced along his body language and words, despite his effort not to let it show. "I guess it's getting late," he muses quietly. "I... suppose we both got long days ahead of us."

Pausing, the silence is suddenly too much, and Reese can feel the heat rising to his face again. It's as if all of a sudden he realizes that he had Angelica here with him in his house, and for reasons he's rather not think about, it sent a little flutter through his stomach.

Moving to the door, he unintentionally signals that maybe he was ready to be alone again. A lot had gone through his mind tonight, and even though he had enjoyed Angelica coming over... well, maybe he didn't even know what the "though" was. But he hadn't felt this kind of awkwardness in years, and he didn't know what to do with it.

Trip

Standing in the breakroom Janet hums a soft to herself as she warms up the food. Stoping for a moment thinking her hurd something Janet strains her ears. Most of the time she could pick up the smallest of noises. She had trained her ears to listen closely to all nosies so if she was ever watching Maggie and not in the same room she would know something was wrong. Listing closly she ears pick up the faint call of her name but there was a certin ergancy behind it.

Leaving the breakroom Janet makes her way back to the infermary quickly. Opening the door and seeing Rick and Scott on the ground she hurrys over to them

"What happend?"

Taking one of Scott's arms and putting it over her shoulder Janet trys to even out the deadweaght from Scott so they could lift him and get him back into the bed. A fear searges through her as she see the small cut on Scott's wrist.

Looking up at Rick the fear and pain is evadent in her eyes.

"Oh Rick...."

Continuing to stay next to Scott Janet gives the opertunity for Rick to clean Scott up.

Entering the house Angelica gives a little bit of a laugh. She wasnt even sure why she was here herself. Somehow she'd just found her way to the door. Maybe it was her worry that told her to come here, or the need for wanting to make her friend feel good she wasnt sure what one.

"I guess I just thought maybe you could use some company."

Giving a small smile Angelica makes the rest of the way inside laying her jacket over a chair that was in the hall way. Following Mike to the kitchen Angelica just takes in the new sights. Its not long when the coffee is ready and she is once again following him into the cozy kitchen. The talk of work was light and for once Angelica didnt mind it to much. Simply thinking about not having Mike art work was a sad thought.

Looking over the pictures Angelica enjoyed taking in the sights and hearing about each one. Learning a little bit more about Mike and his life even if it was a life of the past it was still what formed him into what he was now. Coming across a picture of Wyatt, Mike and a younger woman Angelica can only guess its his wife. Running a finger over the face for a moment she feels a tiny bit of her own sadness. What had she missed in life, having a family, her own kids...it was something that never even crossed her mind anymore. It was a dream long forgotten and now not dwelled on for to long because it was to late for her. But for some reason seeing that picture agian seemed to bring back feelings that Angelica herself wasnt even sure why but the sence of longing and the look of something missed lingered. Trying to shake the emotion Angelica smiles looking at Mike.

"She was very pretty Mike."

Moving on to some of the other picture Angelica continues to listen as Mike explains them. Taking a sip of her own Coffee she just thinks for a moment before saying anything. She was never good with stuff like this. She could hardly give her ownself addvice let lone her own. But if she spoke from the heart where could you go wrong.

"Its only the people who have lost sit of themself that think we arnt worth anything anymore. There is always someone who needs us out there still. Sometimes the world can seem dark, but there is always one person out there who wants us still. I'm gonna miss having you at TJY. Your probley one of the biggest reason's I moved and decied to work there."

Taking another sip of her coffee Angelica looks back to the photos feeling the color coming to her cheeks just a little. She hadnt ment that quite the way it came out, but it did and she couldnt keep it back. Maybe she said a little more that was on her heart than she wanted to. But there was something alse she wanted to ask to. Was not the time or should she wait.

Continplating for a moment Angelica argues with her ownself on asking or not. Was it over steping bounds to even ask or not. The question hung in the air. Finally giving in she figures now would be the best as any time.

"Mike, I was wondering I'm going to be leaving for Cali in a few days. I have some cases out there that need my attachen. There is also a business partyvI need to attend for one of my cliants. I'll probley be gone for a week or two and well I was wondering if many you would like to come along with me. It would be nice to have someone to acompany me to the party not to mention I would like to introduce you to the rest of my family, and show you around."

Looking down at her coffee cup for a moment the silence linger and it makes Angelica panic for a moment continuing on.

"If you dont want to come its ok I wont be offended or anything. I mean the party will probley be boring and well Cali is pretty busy compaired to this...but...well..ya its ok if you dont wanna go."

For some reason Angelica felt like she was 17 again in high school asking someone to a dance. How silly she felt to be making a big deal out of this. It really wasnt that major.

Giving a nod to Axel Jess promise not to let anyone alse know. Seeing Axel got into his apartment on Jess gives a small wave and pulls away. The night events and that chat with Axel having relaxed her a bit. As Jess continues to drive her eyes grow heavy as Jess knows the exsaustion was setting in.

Finally come down her own street Jess pulls into the parking lot and shut off her car. Just sitting there for a moment, feeling tired but not really wanting to go inside she knows she has to. Exiting the car and making her way inside Jess dosnt even bother to change as she lays down on the bed and pass out.

Awake in her own room Katie's mind trys to relax. The last few days had been hard full of events that made the body and mind tired. Reacing under her bed Katie pulls out her photo book. Opening it and fliping through the pages She remember her Aunts wedding and how pretty it was. Coming acorss the picture of herself and Scott a feeling of sadness comes over her. Not for what was lost but for who was lost. How Katie hoped Scott would find himself again. He'd ment so much to her.

Continuing to flip through the pages Kaite's eyes scan the pictures of the ranch. Felling an emotion from Jason one that he felt as though he missed something Katie could only image.

I miss home somtimes too J.

Continuing to look through the pictures Katie lets out a small sigh. How life could take so many twists and turns, never seeming to give a break. One could only hope a turn in the tide would come, and soon the hard times would lesson. If only for a few moments, at least there would be a break in the tide.

Lots of years...

Rick heaves a tired but contented sigh as he feels his wife's touch, enjoying the times that she could come to see him at work. Straightening as she leaves to warm up his late supper, the infirmary grows quiet again, and he turns back to his work, wanting to finish up a few things before he ate.

But no sooner had he started, and a groan from Scott's bed makes Rick turn around to check on his patient. Going over to him, he finds that Scott is drenched in sweat, apparently having been dreaming without Rick knowing it.

He sits on the edge of the bed and gently lays a hand on Scott's shoulder, now as his young friend starts to fight against his blankets, mumbling incoherently. "Scott.... come on, wake up. You're dreaming again... Scott..."

Scott's mind is totally enveloped in the nightmare that was attacking. It was so vivid. So real. So full of scenes that had been true, that reality was skewed. "No," he mumbles. "No, don't... she didn't.... No..... I won't... Stop it!"

"Scott." Rick grasps Scott's shoulder more firmly, his voice louder. "Wake up, Scott."

Suddenly, Scott sits up so fast that his own head whacks Rick in the face. Caught off balance, Rick slides off the bed to the floor, putting a hand to the side of his face, slightly dazed. Before he can react, Scott has risen from the bed as well, tripping over Rick's legs.

He stumbles forward, the look in his eye to make one question whether he was still asleep or awake. Grabbing the counter for support, his hand knocks into a tray of tools, sending them flying onto the floor. Looking down, at his feet he spies a scalpel.

Rick's eyes widen as he sees Scott bend down and pick it up. "Scott... what are you doing?"

Scott doesn't seem to hear him, just staring at the lethal knife in his hand. He looks to Rick, then to himself, the fear and ultimate confusion written on his face.

Rick scrambles to his feet to quickly make it to his friend, but Scott has turned on him, a threat flashing in his eyes.

"Scott..." Rick holds his hands to the side, trying to remain calm. "It's okay. Put the knife down, alright? You're at TJY... you're safe. It's me... Rick... Come on... put it down." A prayer is immediately in the back of his mind.

Scott looks down to eye the tool that had become a weapon, slowly turning it in his palm so the blade was towards himself instead.

A chill runs down Rick's spine. "Put it down," he warns again firmly. "It's over. You're safe. They can't hurt you anymore."

The next instant is a blur. Scott's aim to his own wrist is precise, but Rick's reflexes are faster. Almost too quick to even comprehend what just happened, Rick has Scott from behind, his arms wrapped around him in a firm hold.

Scott's own arms are locked to his sides, the scalpel now back on the floor. He fights against the restraint, kicking at Rick's legs and trying to break free. "No!" he screams. "Let me go!"

"Scott, calm down!" Rick is determined not to let go, but struggles, despite Scott's lack of physical strength.

Scott continues to resist, the sweat still pouring down his face, his eye bloodshot, his breathing growing shallower. Another scream surfaces. "No!" Throwing his weight back, he knocks both himself and Rick off balance.

Rick tumbles back into the counter, but holds his grip. Desperate, he takes a chance and lets go with one arm. Grasping at Scott's flailing body, his other hand reaches behind him on the counter where he knew the syringe was sitting. He'd almost put it away earlier, thinking he wouldn't need it, but now was glad he hadn't.

Though being tossed around, and smacked with Scott's now-free arm, he tries to prep the needle carefully, still having on arm wrapped around Scott's thin frame.

In an instant, the shot has been given, and the affect is almost immediate. Scott's pulse is racing, but he gradually starts to slow down, his words becoming slurred. Blinking, he tries to keep the room in focus, but everything goes black.

Rick grasps Scott's limp body, but his own knees have grown weak, and he simply slides to the floor. Leaned back against the counter, he tries to catch his breath, only now realizing that his arm hurt. Glancing down, he sees a tear in his lab coat near his shoulder, and blood had seeped through. Apparently the scalpel had gotten him before it had been dropped.

They syringe still in his hand, he just sits, exhausted from the short but intense struggle. He wouldn't be going home tonight. More than likely, Scott would wake up later not to even remember his episode, but Rick wasn't about to leave him alone... not after this.

"Janet?" He calls out to his wife, knowing he needed help to get Scott back over to the bed, then to patch up his small wound. He wipes the sweat from his brow, his adrenaline making his hands shake slightly. "Janet?" The door had been closed - she may not have even heard a thing from the break room.


Reese can’t help a quiet chuckle at Angelica’s question about answering the door. “Only when somebody sneaks up on me.”

Stepping further to the side, he opens the door wider. “Come on in.” Going in behind her, he reaches to the side to find the switch, turning on the kitchen light to the right, and the living room light several feet ahead.

“You didn’t tell me what you were doing in this neck of the woods,” Reese comments as he moves to make coffee. Suddenly he realizes that Angelica has never been here before, and he turns around quickly. “Throw your jacket wherever. Make yourself at home.” Though he’s making an effort to act normal, he can’t hide the weariness in his voice. Any other day, he might find himself all thumbs, or worried about things not being straightened up enough while Angelica was there... but tonight he was too tired to think about it.

Turning back to the coffee maker, he finishes up the task, and soon the aroma is drifting in the air, waking the senses. And not long after, Reese has shown Angelica to the living room, somehow winding up near the far wall, staring at photos that had been hung. Talk had been light… even for two so devoted to work, that subject had somehow seemed too heavy tonight. And though both knew that much was being unsaid about Angelica’s surprise visit, neither felt the need to discuss the why of it. It just didn’t seem to matter.

“…and here’s Wyatt with some of his cousins.” Reese points to one of the framed pictures, his coffee mug in hand. His eyes drift over the family pictures. They were windows to the past… the only tangible representation of what his life perhaps was like before, with his wife and son.

“And graduation…” He can’t help the feeling of pride for that picture of Wyatt.

Giving a little sigh, he shakes his head. “Lots of years gone by, Angelica. Lots of years. You work so hard to build something up… put all your passion into a single mission… all to one day be told that you’re not needed… that you’re not wanted anymore.”

He taps a finger on his coffee mug, then takes a swig before his voice reveals too much emotion. Today had been harder than he’d like to admit.


Axel gives Jess a sidelong glance, catching her eye. "Rainbows are always there... it just takes the right angle to see them."

Glancing out the window to the side of the auto shop, he sighs. He needed to get inside and figure out how to keep himself from doing this again. In the meantime, his embarrassment had lessened some, but was still there.

"Keep this thing between us?" He turns his head to look at Jess again. "The other guys would be all over me if they knew."

Giving Jess a little smile, he moves to rest his hand on the door handle. "Thanks again, and..." He hesitates, wondering if maybe he shouldn't say anything at all, but he finally does. "...dont' be too hurt. Carson didn't keep you in the dark on purpose."

Getting out of the car, the chilly wind hits him again, making him shiver. Leaning down, he looks back at Jess. "Stay here a minute... I'm not sure if I locked myself out or not."

Walking gingerly to the steps, he's up them in a flash, his barefeet burning against the cold steps. Reaching the door, he finds it open. Relieved, he turns around and gives Jess a little wave to let her know she could leave. And in a moment, he's disappeared inside.


A scream pierces the night, the shrill sound bouncing off the walls and waking Carson with such violence that he sits bolt upright and is on his feet in an instant. Woken from a deep sleep, he just stands for a moment, wondering if what he'd heard had been real, or a part of a dream.

Opening the bedroom door, he peers out into the hall. Nothing. Glancing to the left he sees the bathroom light on under the door. "Dani?" he calls quietly. No answer.

The hairs on the back of his neck stand up, and he pads down to the bathroom, stopping himself just before he opened the door. His sister wasn't exactly a little girl anymore. "Dani?" he asks again, tapping a knuckle on the door. "Are you..."

The door suddenly flies open, a wide-eyed Dani staring back at him. But it wasn't a look of fear on her face... it was more a look of pure irritation. "Carson Gabriel!"

Carson's own eyes widen and he backs up a step. "What? What did I do?"

Dani is breathing heavily and sets her hands on her hips as she looks up at her brother. "Remember I told you there was no need to set rules here while you lived with me?"

"Um... yeah?"

"I changed my mind."

Carson blinks. He'd heard her scream. He'd thought something was wrong. What on earth had he done?

Dani continues to glare at him. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear." Her voice raises as she speaks. "When you're done in here, put the toilet seat down!"

Carson's hand automatically goes to his mouth, covering up what might have become a smile that so desperately wanted to emerge. He looks down at Dani's frantic state, the mental images almost too much to keep the laughter at bay. "Um... yes... okay... I think I can do that." He nods, still keeping his mouth hidden. Unfortunately, his eyes give him away.

Dani's own eyes narrow. "It's not funny," she mutters.

"Just a little?"

"No!"

"Did you fall in?"

"Carson!" Dani sends a light fist into his chest. "You have no idea what it's like to get up in the dead of night to an experience like that! It's... it's..."

"Quite traumatic, apparently." Carson nods, lowering his arm to block another weak punch. But as he does, he chokes on a laugh. "At least I didn't need to come pull you out."

"You..." Dani glares at him, pointing her finger for emphasis. But at this point, even she can't deny that what had happened really was quite funny. She tries not to let her smile slip, but somehow it does, curling the edge of her mouth. "You are... are...."

"Very sorry." Carson coughs to cover up his own laugh. "You gonna stay mad at me forever?"

Dani bites her lip, then looks down, her shoulders starting to shake as her laughter finally bubbles over.

Carson bends over a little and reaches under her chin to lift it up, making sure she was laughing and not having a fit. Finding she was, he lets his own laughter slip as well.

Feeling like a total idiot, Dani leans back against the wall, holding her sides as they start to ache.

"Breathe," Carson advises between his own laughing. "I can't lose you now. Not after your heroic survival instincts saving you from the perils of the life-threatening drain."

All his words do is serve to increase Dani's laughter until both of them are laughing so hard, they wind up sitting on the floor making complete fools out of themselves.

Dani shakes her head. "I wasn't even awake," she manages as a tear rolls down her face. "I tell you what though... I sure woke up fast."

Both are sent into another fit of laughter until finally they're too worn out to keep on going. Just staring at each other, they try to catch their breath.

"Well..." Dani nods with satisfaction. "That was fun."

"Shall we do it again?"

"No!" Dani giggles. "It better not happen again."


Jason leans back further into his couch, the sound of the tv not really penetrating his consciousness. His mind was elsewhere...on too many different things. Though the day had been quiet, so much he knew was going on around them. So much he knew himself and Katie were not involved in, but would be. Being away from TJY, contact with Rick had informed them of surface issues, but the depth really wasn't known.

The news of Scott possibly getting help was a relief. That much was good. But news of Reese's termination had sent hopes plummeting again. Jason couldn't believe what Austin was doing. He partially blamed himself for Reese's predicament. More than likely it stemmed from the investigation that he and Katie had started, however Brown hadn't stated it that way exactly when he'd called Jason to tell him Austin had been formally warned.

That in itself was good to know. At least Austin knew that people were watching and did have the power to punish if he continued to bend the rules. At the same time though, had it simply made things worse? He wondered.

Jason and Katie had talked some, but not a whole lot. Not much could really be said. They didn't have any plan of action... nothing really to do. All they could do was wait out the remainder of their two week suspension and keep tabs on what was happening so they wouldn't be in for too many surprises when they got back.

And though not keeping his emotions completely to himself, Jason did keep some of his thoughts in his own mind. He needed to mull them over... chew on them for a while before allowing them to be pulled into the emotional stream that flowed in Katie's direction.

Getting up and going to the window, he looks out on the lit street. The sky was dark, but the stars were hidden by city lights. A part of him missed Texas, where he'd been able to see for miles, countless stars shining from horizon to horizon. There had been a feeling of freedom there... a freedom he used to feel here, but no longer did.

Sighing, he leans an arm on the window frame, hooking a hand in his pocket. Scott. His mind continued to revert to his friend. His friend... funny how that sounded now. Jason could still remember when he'd been so angry... so very angry that Scott had rather stolen Katie from him. At that point, he never would have believed that later they would make up after that. But Scott's heart was so big... his forgiveness so genuine... his love so deep. So deep for Katie that he had later given her up with more grace than Jason had ever seen. And he had held no malice towards Jason...only an open door of friendship.

"So why does someone like that have to go through this?" Jason's whisper makes a little patch of fog on the cold window.

Glancing up to the blank sky, he remembers the thoughts that had gone through his mind during the mission to rescue Scott. He'd made no promises - that much he knew. But he had said he would look into a few things if they found him alive. As of yet, he had not fulfilled that commitment.

Looking over his shoulder for a moment, he spies the little Bible his mother had slipped into his bag on his last visit to Texas. He hadn't been surprised. She'd been trying to get him back into the whole God thing for years. He remembered going to church as a kid. But after everything had fallen apart, he hadn't wanted to be around people. Despite his ability to mask what he had been feeling, he hadn't wanted to deal with any of that, and had fought strong enough that his mother had finally given up, as had Austin.

But now... Jason had made the mistake of telling God he'd check some things out and consider the whole thing again if they could get Scott home safe. ...Home safe?

Jason looks back outside, his eyes narrowing as a slow anger churns. "You call this home safe?" he speaks aloud. "Why did you even let us find him if this was going to happen? Wouldn't it have been better just to let him die in peace than have this mental torment? It'll take a miracle for him to pull through. And for what? So he can always carry this around with him?"

He shakes his head in disgust, but suddenly his own words are flung back in his face. 'It'll take a miracle.' And who was the One who made miracles happen?

He smirks. "Touché." Sighing, he leans his head against the window frame. "You were pretty important to Scott, weren't you? He never did back down from that. Even after we thought he'd died, he was still strong... still trying to get me to see it anyway."

Pulling out old memories, Jason realizes he remembered more about what he'd been taught than he thought. He had just never bothered to think about it. He'd never wanted to. But in this quiet moment of reflection, he recalled his mother's voice, quoting scriptures... them praying before meals... watching his mother have her quiet time in the mornings when she thought he was still in bed.

"Father..." Jason knew people referred to God as their Father in Heaven and Christians claimed to be like His children. "What do I need another father for?" he almost scoffs. "I got a dad who never even knew I existed, and even if he did he probably wouldn't care. I got a grandfather who's a jerk and betrayed all the trust I ever had in him. My great-grandfather has never even pretended like he cared about me. So what would I want with another Father?"

Suddenly Jason sees in his mind, a note stuck to the refrigerator door in the house he'd grown up in. It was on his mother's favorite lilac paper, her handwriting so neat. "He will never leave you nor forsake you."

He can't help rolling his eyes slightly and focusing upward again. "Thanks a lot. You're not helping my case much, you realize this."

At the very least, he'd said he would maybe read a Bible and at least consider his options. Tonight was a night he couldn't sleep anyway. And in the end, whether he actually believed all this or not, it might be handy to know a little bit more about what drove Scott, and what kept Katie's faith alive too. She never had pushed him... never had tried to get him to go to church with her... but it was that quietness that had piqued his interest more than once. He'd seen a change in her since she'd started calling herself a Christian, even if he'd never said anything about it. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least get a handle on where she was coming from... and why Scott thought it was so important for him to know this stuff too.

Sighing, Jason pushes away from the window and goes to flop back down on the couch again, reaching down to pick up the Bible. "Alright, you won this round. But don't expect me to get all religious here."