Guilt... Me...

Erik chuckles as he eases down in an overstuffed chair. "We try not to make a big deal of it... My family feels blessed... and we try to bless others with what we've been given. There's cons to living in a place like this but... I've gotten used to it."

"Gotten used to it." Twila scoffs. "I live in a trailer park with my grandma. This is heaven." She grins at Alice. "Which is why I spend half my time here!"

Theo puts his feet up in another chair, smiling. "As if you're the only one."

Erik just grins. "This house is the house of friends," he explains. "Here it's anything, any time, no matter the need or the hour."

Kip perks up to the sound of the doorbell. "Especially the pizza guy." Hurling himself over a piece of furniture, he almost knocks over a table on his way, bumping a vase that Erik dives for, just in time to save it from an awful fate. "Kip!"

All that's heard is laughter as Kip runs to meet William.

Russ shakes his head, remaining serious on the outside, though the humor was evident in his eyes. "Alice... Kyle... get used to this, um... refined... humor?"

"I wouldn't call it refined," Twila corrects. "It's... um... it's..."

Erik sees Kip return with two pizza boxes balanced on his head. "It's unique."

Kip gives a silly grin as he sets the boxes down on a coffee table. "Soup's on!"

"Mmm... dig in guys," Erik prompts. "Oh, and we got drinks... Coke, Mountain Dew, tea, wat-"

"Mountain Dew," Kyle interrupts. He grins. "For Alice and me both."

The next half hour is spent just having fun and eating. The group took to Kyle and Alice like old friends, and even treated them as such. It was as if they'd known each other all their lives. Whether they stayed together as a band or not, it was quickly evident that friendships would remain.

"So..." Erik leans back in his chair, sipping on the last half of his Coke. "How-"

"Are you gonna join us?" Kip interrupts.

"Kip!" Twila chides. "We weren't going to pressure him, remember?"

Kyle laughs and shakes his head. "It's okay. I was just thinking this morning that-"

"Kip!" Erik's mother calls from the other room. "Telephone!" Her tone wasn't upset, but it wasn't happy either.

Kip bristles.

Erik lays a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to take it."

"Yes I do." Kip stands from his seat on the floor, setting down his plate of pizza crusts. "Be right back."

The others stare after him as if they already know what the outcome of the call will be. Erik clears his throat. "Um, sorry... where were we?"

"Kip was asking if I'd join you guys." Kyle sinks back in the couch and turns his head to Alice. He didn't mind speaking in front of the others. "You know if we get this deal, we might be on the road again... Nevada may or may not be a stop on the list for a while still. I don't want to do this if you'd rather go home... I don't want to go without you." And he meant it. He had no doubt that his feelings for Alice had grown, as had hers towards him. But distance apart would be hard, and he didn't want to risk that loss. If she wanted to go home, he would sacrifice this deal.

The others wait quietly, not wanting to intrude, but all waiting to hear the outcome. They were all at a crossroads, and they simply wanted to know which direction they would be turning.


Jade reaches up to take Katie's phone, but flipping it open, she shakes her head. "That's what I thought. There's a dead zone for about three miles between town and the ranch... we're smack dab in the middle of it."

Jason grabs the spare tire as Clint goes for the jack with Dan's help. Jason chuckles at Dan's comment. "Yeah, the girls seem real scared," he jokes.

"We could always let them walk," Clint suggests. Then he stops. "On second thought... you two get to go to your own bunks tonight, while I have to go home with Wendy... I really don't want to deal with her wrath."

Jason grins as they work on the tire. "Yeah, she seems like the rough type."

Clint laughs. "She does know how to smack me upside the head pretty good. Thankfully she doesn't use that tactic very often though."

"With you? I half expected to find you all black and blue."

"Heeeey." Clint threatens him with part of the jack. "Watch it. I'm in better shape than the last time you saw me."

Jason chuckles. "So I see." He gives Dan a sidelong glance, noticing the other man's nerves. "We can blame this whole thing on me," he assures. "Nobody will die... tonight anyway."


"Heart."

"Beat."

"Stars."

"Light."

"Friendships."

"Foes."

"Memories."

"Television."

The doctor quirks an eyebrow. "Love."

"Spaghetti."

"Hope?"

"Clam chowder.

The doctor tosses his notebook aside and sighs deeply. "Bren-"

"Gunner."

"Gunner... when are you going to stop playing these games?"

"What games?" Gunner picks at his fingernails. "You're the one with the cue cards, not me."

The doctor's eyes narrow. "How long ago did your medication ware off?"

Gunner's gaze shoots up. "What medication? You put me on medication?!" He jumps up from his chair, putting his hands to his head. "No wonder I can't sleep or eat or think straight! You've had me doped up! I should have known! All this time, I've been-"

"Brent, sit down."

Gunner drops his hands, and flops back down into the chair, his mock tantrum halting abruptly. "Chair."

The doctor sighs. "Memories."

"Forbidden."

"Love."

"None."

"Hope."

"Bree."

"Past."

"Nightmare."

"Guilt."

"Me." A lump rises in Gunner's throat, despite his attempts to combat these tactics. But when he let himself go for a split second, feelings rose within him that he wanted to snuff out.

"Life."

"Worthless." Gunner's on his feet again, pacing. "Are we done yet?"

"No. Sit down."

Gunner obeys grudgingly.

The doctor holds up a card. "What do you see?"

Gunner squints. "A... blotch of purple paint?" He shrugs. "Beats me."

"This one?"

He cocks his head at the second card. "Your mother?"

The doctor isn't amused. "What about this one?"

Gunner almost jumps as he sees a shadowy-like form. Except his imagination places evil eyes and fangs where he'd seen them once before. "A monster."

It seems like forever until the doctor stacks up his notebooks and sets his pens aside. "Dr. Garrison may be coming to see you today. In the meantime, if you wish to remain in your room, you may do so. Otherwise there are activities..." His voice trails off as Gunner disappears out the door. "...in the rec room."

...Gunner falls onto his bed face-first, burying his head under his pillow. He felt like such a child. Here he was, as grown man, forced to play these stupid games, and follow curfew rules like some rebellious teenager. He was an Elite agent for crying out loud! He wasn't crazy, and he wasn't retarded. Yet here he was in a loony bin, all because he'd wanted to take a long walk off a bridge.

Turning over, he curls up onto his side to stare at the wall. "Guilt... me..." He scrunches his eyes shut tight. No... he wouldn't let his emotions take control. He wouldn't!

Kansas anymore!

Anything for you.

Katie lets a warm emotion soak through as Jason gets out of the truck to work on the tire. Dan slipping out with Clint to give Jason a hand. Looking in the back seat with Wendy and Jade Katie toss her cell to Jade.

"Call your dad so he doesn't have our heads thinking we are keeping you out later than he said."

Getting out of the truck to help Jason Dan glances down at his watch. There was no way they could change the tire and get back by one. Mick was going to kill him and Dan couldnt help the sick feeling in his stomach. This was all he needed was to upset his boss after he should of been back at the ranch doing chores.

"Alright, lets see hoe quickly we can do this before the girls get to scaired being out here alone with us."

Dan tryed to joke to cover up how nervous he really was. Surely Mick would understand right? But still Dan couldnt help the sinking feeling in the bit of his stomach.

Entering the large house Alice couldnt help but gawk at everything. She couldn't help it, it was so big, so beautiful, so expensive. Wrapping her finger around Kyle Alice leans into him as they follow Kip.

"Toetoe, I dont think we are in Kansas anymore!"

Giving him as mile Alice continues to walk stoping a moment to look at some of the painting on the walls. She reconised some of the painters and the work was beyond compare. Maybe something Alice had seen in a book before but never in front of her own two eye.

Finally getting to the room with the others Alice sits down close to Kyle not being able to help her surprise but happy that Kyle was here. It was differnt, to be around this and she couldnt help but feel like she might break something.

Hearing Erik's comment Alice gives a small laugh shaking her head just a little.

"Not much, just a little?"

Alice nods around the room and looks back to Erik still smiling to show she wasnt trying to be rude at all.

"This is something I only ever dreamed about as a kid. And now here we are standing in the dream."

Gonna kill me

Kyle stares ahead at the house, brought back by Alice's kiss. He starts to smile, then shakes his head, then starts to laugh. "And I wanted to say no?"

Shaking his head again, he puts the jeep in gear. "If you're intimidated, what do you think I am? I got you along for security, remember?" He tosses Alice a wink, still grinning. Maybe... just maybe things really were going to start looking up...

The doors seemed huge. Really, they weren't all that large, but standing on the wide stone patio in the front, it felt like a castle. The house had three stories, and it was obvious that it spread much farther into the back that couldn't be seen from the driveway. Kyle looks at Alice a little uneasily before finally getting up enough nerve to ring the doorbell. They could hear it chime inside, and Kyle half expected a butler to appear. It's a relief when no butler or maid showed up.

"Hey, you made it!" Kip smiles from ear to ear. It was immediately apparent that though the house was extremely elegant, Kyle and Alice would not be out of place. Kip had jeans on with holes in the knees, an old t-shirt and was running around in his bare feet.

Kyle chuckles. "Yeah... got lost once... or twice, but yeah. I... wasn't expecting this."

"What?"

"Um..." Kyle grins. "Never mind."

Kip motions them in. "Come in, come in, come in. We're out in the back room." Shutting the door behind Kyle and Alice, he then waves to a middle-aged man, dressed in a suit. "Hey, William, bring the pizza back when it comes, would you?"

The man nods. "Sure thing."

Kyle's eyes widen a little. A butler. There was one here. This was unreal. He glances to Alice, feeling like a school kid in a museum for the first time. This was incredibly out of their world... yet it was everyday to the people here. It was interesting Kip was asking things of the butler though. Kyle did wonder about that.

Heading across the grand entrance, Kyle slips his hand into Alice's, giving it a squeeze. This was fun. The ceilings were high and bright, and a chandelier shone way up high, surrounded by a glass dome. And that was just the beginning. A winding staircase was off to the right, by a wide hallway that led who knew where. To the left there was just visible a huge dining room with an incredibly long table. Maybe those closed doors led to the kitchen. They walked down a couple steps then up again, heels clicking on the shiny, tiled floor.

Finally they reach a back sunroom, equipped with glass walls and roof. From here you could see more of the house that wrapped around back, along with a flower garden, just starting to go brown before winter. To the right was a closed glass door that led into a a room with an indoor swimming pool. It took a lot for Kyle to keep his jaw from dropping.

"Kyle! Alice!" Erik is on his feet, greeting them both warmly. "Have a seat. We're just listening to some music and hanging out before the pizza gets here."

"Which should be in..." Kip looks at his watch. "Five minutes."

Kyle feels just a bit awkward, and slowly sits down on the edge of one of the two plush couches, almost pulling Alice down with him. At the moment, she really was his security.

Erik seems to sense the apprehension, and tosses Alice a wink. "Don't worry, guys. We're not that much different than you."

Kyle's face reddens just a little as he looks down sheepishly. "Was it the deer in the headlight look that gave us away?"

Erik chuckles. "Maybe."


Gunner watches Bree go, lifting his eyebrows just a little. "Yeah..." Sighing, he turns to Marge, tempted to show his teeth, but he knew Bree was right... he might be depressed, but he'd learned the hard way what bucking the system meant in a place like this.

Lowering his head, he stuffs his hands in his sweatshirt pockets and shuffles down the hall behind Marge to the office where one of the doctors was waiting.


At first, Jade feels a little annoyed. It seemed Jason had it out for her tonight, even though he was kidding around with her. What was wrong? She shrugs it off for now, figuring it wasn't worth a discussion.

Throwing Dan a grin, she bats her eyes teasingly. "I am the queen of butt whupping."

"Put your money where your mouth is," Clint dares.

It doesn't take too long for the game to finally come to an end. Though all felt as if they could go all night, bodies were getting tired. And the time was getting late. By the time they all pile back into the truck, they would have just enough time to get back to the ranch before anybody started to worry.

Assigned seating was forgotten, and while Jason ended up back behind the wheel, it was Katie and Wendy next to him this time, with Jade between Dan and Clint in the backseat. While Clint was busy elbowing Jade to pick on her, laughter was still going around. Getting onto the back roads, there's suddenly a loud pop and the truck gives as violent jolt. Jason has to grip the steering wheel hard to keep it under control, putting on the breaks slowly and pulling off to the side. Stopping, everyone had gone quiet. Jason lets out a groan. He knew what it was. Opening his door, sure enough, the left rear tire had blown. "Alright, guys... I got a spare in the back. Gonna need your help."

More groans make their rounds.

Be right back. Keep the seat warm.
Jason pulls the collar up on his jacket as he steps out of the truck, motioning for Dan and Clint to follow.

Jade looks out the back window as the spare tire is retrieved. "Ohh... this isn't good. We're gonna be late and Dad is gonna kill me."

Maybe

Alice did all she could to keep Kyle calm knowing his nerves were running high. She could help but feel the same way herself. This was something new and exciting that was happing to Kyle but it was happing to her as well, and would change both there lifes.

"No no, this is the right street I was paying attachen this time and I am sue they will understand if we are late. Its not like we travil these roads every day."

She throws a sidelong glance at Kyle Alice gives a big smile just trying to lighten the mood in the car and calm the nerves.

Looking out the window at all the houses that pass by Alice cant help but start to wonder herself if many they were lost. Looking to Kyle again one of the houses catchs her attachen the bushs turned into different animals.

"OMG, Look at the topiary on that house."

Erik has said he was well off, not rich and to live in a house likes this, you had to have alot of money. Alice had never seen houses or yards so big before and kept in such good condition. It almost seemed so breath taking.

Leaning over Kyle a little to look out the window at the house they stoped at that was Erik's Alice is very quiet for a long moment her mouth seeming to hang open.

"This...is unbelievable."

Turning her head to look at Kyle Alice gives him a big kiss on the lips her excitement bubbling again.

"Maybe we are in the wrong place..."

But seeing the car she new they were in the right spot. It just seemed so hard to believe that this was really happening.

"Well...I guess we better get to the door before we really are late? But I have to addmit I am not even part of the band and I feel a little intimated. Excited but a little intimated none the less."

Standing Bree looks to the nurse and gives her a small nod. They all new she worked here, and if they new why she didn't know but she highly doubted it. Giving a gentil pat to Gunner's shoulder Bree smiles down at him offering to help him up.

"I work here now, well at least for a little while. We all need friends in high places sometimes, and I'll be darned if they make you worse than you are."

Looking over to Marge Bree gives a small nod.

"He's doing good today Marge, eat his breakfast, and is calm. Don't aggravate him and I am sure he will keep his vampire side at bay."

Looking back to Gunner Bree's eyes smiles as her lips did not the twinkle in them hoping to bring hope. She would be here for about another hour but Gunner would still be in his session so she wouldnt see him again till that night.

"Remember what I said ok and I will see you tonight."

Feeling the change in Jason's emotions Kate cant help but question them for a moment before regaining her own self. Jade really didnt know Dan and she was flirting with him pretty bad. If anything happen it would be all there head's Mick would have and thats the last thing she wanted.

Seeing Jason, and hearing his words Dan can pick up on the tone of his voice and knows he better back off. Taking a few steps back he holds out his hand to Jade, though he wouldnt have kissed her he was thankful for Jason's interruption.

"I think Jason's timing was just right, or we would never get this game done with."

Glancing down at his watch and that back up at the gang she gives a smile.

"We have an hour left. Lets get this game over with so no one was wonder would would of won."

Katie looks around the room at all her friends before giving Wendy a high five after she strike as a job well done. That had put them into the lead now.

Looking over to Jade and giving a smile Katie nods.

"Your up Jade..."

Dan gives a smile and a thumbs up to Jade.

"You can shoot better than I can, come on and kick there butts."

Surprise

Gunner shakes his head, a very faint grin forming. "I'd hardly say it's difficult to deal with you, Bree."

Each moment that passed, Gunner felt a little more lucid. The more lucid he felt, the more he realized he did not want to be here, or take the medications they were giving him. He didn't want to feel so out of it anymore. It was a horrid feeling. But staying calm would only work for so long. Eventually, they'd give him a dose just because. He sees the nurse again, then glances to teh clock on the wall.

"Almost time to see the shrink and discuss..." He blinks, his mind having gone totally blank. He hated that. "...um.... paint splotches. And word... relations."

He sighs. "And I thought Hope was bad. This is like right after the accident all over again... minus the freaky nurse."

Gunner crumples up the empty wrapper and finishes the rest of his orange juice. He still looked at Bree skeptically though. "You told me why you wanted to be here but-"

"Okay, Brent, time for your visit with the nice doctor." Marge smiles sweetly down at him. "You'll have to say goodbye to Bree for now."

Gunner gives a little smirk. He was just beginning to feel halfway normal, and it was starting all over again. Standing, he still looks to Bree, determined to figure this out before the other nurse dragged him away. "You didn't say why you were here.... like this." He gestures to her nursing garb. He still didn't know that she had taken a position here.


"Gah!" Clint throws up his hands as Wendy gets a strike. "That is so not fair!"

Jason laughs, his arms still around Katie, as he rocks her a little, now hugging her more than restraining her. "I hate to admit it guys, but the girls might just have us beat."

I guess there are worse things than being beat by you.
Laughter bubbles through the emotions.

Hearing Dan's suggestion, Jade continues to wail. "Not the garbage can! Yes, it's too cold outside. Put me down!"

Finally released to slide down to her feet once again, Jade tries to catch her breath, looking up into Dan's eyes. A smile is pasted on her lips. "Thank you, sir. Though I must admit I'm a little disappointed you didn't go for the consequences of not putting me down."

Something sparks in Jason's emotions as he overhears the flirtatious comment. Was it fear? No... almost a desire not to be irresponsible. He lets it slip, forgetting Katie would feel it.

Giving her a little squeeze, he steps away from her, strolling over to Dan and Jade casually. Leaning down to Jade's ear level, he whispers, but it'd loud enough for Dan to hear. "Do I have to get another ice cube?"

Jade shoots him a glare. "Your timing is always so perfect. I'm surprised TJY didn't hire you for a clock rather than a fieldman."

Jason grins and straightens back up. "Clint, your cousin just insulted me. What are you gonna do about it?"

"Who me?" Clint's eyes widen. "I think I'd like to just stand back and laugh, actually."

"You would." Jason smirks, turning back around. "Are we gonna finish this game or what? Don't forget papa bear is watching the clock."


Kyle sits behind the wheel of Alice's jeep, driving slowly down the unfamiliar streets. He had talked with Alice all day, still undecided, but leaning towards trying out with the band. If they weren't good enough, they'd be turned down and that would be that. If they were good enough... things would change rather quickly.

He had been reaching for his phone just an hour before to call Erik, when it had rung - and it had been Erik, inviting both Kyle and Alice over to his family's house to eat a pizza supper with the band. It hadn't taken much convincing and Kyle had jotted down the address.

Now he'd already gotten lost once, but figured he was back on track. These streets though, just didn't look right. He glances over to Alice. "This is gonna look real good - me showing up late like this..." He had ten minutes left though... surely he wasn't lost again.

He looks out the windows at the houses. "This can't be right." They had reached the far side of town where the houses were elegant with rolling lawns, iron fences and manicured bushes. Erik had said his family was well-off, but this had to be wrong.

"I'm gonna have to call him." Kyle rolls his eyes. "I was sure this was Westside Drive though."

Then he suddenly sees the house number he's looking for. "Oh, oh, there it is." He points excitedly, pulling just into the driveway then stopping. He blinks. "Ohh... this just can't be right." He looks at Alice uneasily, then back up the long.... long.... long driveway. The iron gates were open. The lawn trimmed perfectly, even for the late time of year. The trees were all turning for autumn, but there were no fallen leaves on the yard. It was too cold for the fountain to be on, but it stood proudly in the center of the circle drive. And the house was huge.

Kyle blinks again. "Um..." He then spots a familiar car closer to the house. It was one he'd seen the other day at the rec hall. He turns to look at Alice again. "No way."

inches

Watching the nurse out of the corner of her eye Bree was happy that she just passed by now as Gunner played off the meds still in his system. Thinks about Gunner's question for a long moment before replying.

"Becuase I like you, and I dont think there is anything wrong with you. I...dont have any friends and when I finally get one, I'd rather not lose him or change who he is only how he handles things."

Giving Gunner a smile and a small nod Bree's eyes give a small sparkle as her smile fades to show she really was still smiling.

"Friendship and Family mean alot to me, both are things I lack. So I hold on to what I can get and hope they can deal with who I am."

Wrapping her arms around Jason as he leaned over her shoulder Katie gives a gentil sigh.

I think I like it better this way too.

Leaning back to give Jason a kiss Katie just smiles before looking back at the other again. Shaking her head and laughing at Dan and glad to see the smile on Wendy and Clint's face.

Taking the wall from Clint Wendy gives a giggle before leaning into him and giving him a kiss on the lips.

"Yeah you got your hands full alright."

Setting up the ball and moving down the lain a little Wendy draws the ball back and than forward agian letting it go down the lain. As the ball hits the pins and knocks them all down Wendy gives out a little shreak and goes back to Clint giving him a smile.

"Boya baby..."

Moving around in a circle a few times Dan's laughter is strong feeling Jade's fists on his back.

"Lets see, I could throw her in the garbage can, but she is far from trash, I could throw her outside but its to cold there...mmm.."

Just standing still for a long moment Dan it about to speak again but stops dead as Jade mentions the kiss attack again. Moving twords the set of chairs Dan Lets Jade slide onto them so she is standing in front of him. Not meaning to be in the position they were in they are inchs from each others face as Dan breaks deep from laughing so much. Dan's eyes twinkle just a little.

"There you go my lady, safe and sound on the ground once again."

On your own

Part of Gunner wanted to remember the night before, while part of him wanted to forget it all together. But he knew Bree was right... he did remember her showing up... before the nightmare had disappeared. Coincidence?

He takes another bite of his breakfast sandwich, still trying to get his mind to think straight. There was still so much that was foggy and lethargic.

"Um... I don't... I don't understand what you're... doing here. I mean..." He squints one eye, not sure if he was choosing the right words or not. "Last night... this morning... "

Catching sight of the moving nurse out of the corner of his eye, he immediately bristles. He tries to stay quiet though, attempting to follow Bree's advice in the hopes that it would at least postpone his next dosage. "Why? Or... what... why are you here?"


Clint falls hard on his bottom, letting out a wail as Wendy sends him to the floor. "Not fair!"

Jason tries not to laugh as the women take over the situation, and he tries to guard himself against Katie's tickling. "Oh no... no, no no!" He blocks Katie's tickling, but fails a couple times, flinching under her fingers. "No!" Laughter mixes in as he squirms until he's finally on his feet again. Grabbing Katie from behind, he holds her arms tight.

"Got you now." Leaning over her shoulder, he gives her cheek a kiss.

I rather like it this way.

Clint scrambles to get to his feet as well, laughing as he pulls Wendy to the lane. "You're up, you smarty pants, you. Why don't you show us how wonderful you are at knocking down pins instead of your husband?"

Being picked up and slung over Dan's shoulder, Jade shrieks. "Help! Dan, you turkey! Somebody help me!"

Jason has Katie locked, and glances over to Dan, laughing. "Well, looks like you're gonna have to make up your own mind what to do with her!"

"Jason!" Jade retorts. "Help me!"

"Sorry... I got my own hands full. Why don't you ask your cousin?"

"Nope, sorry." Clint still had a hold on Wendy, giving her the bowling ball. "Busy."

Jade's face was getting red from laughing and being upside down. "A fine bunch you are!" She kicks a little. "Dan Palmer, put me down! Or I'll hold you to that kiss attack!"

Now what

"You dont need medicen that mess you up Gunner, you just need to learn to deal with whats going on around you. And if you do need medican than it needs to tone down from what they have been giving you because whatever it is, is making it worse."

Sitting next to Gunner Bree just gives half a smile. She new everything was foggy to Gunner right now and didn't make alot of sense but in time she hoped it would all be clean. Finding Gunner's eyes Bree searchs them. She new the guy from the icecream shop was in there somwhere still behind the pain and the medican, and with that guy there was nothing wrong with him no matter how strange people though he was.

Watching him go for the bag of food Bree couldn't help but smile a little more happy that Gunner would eat. At least his appetite was still there. Her train of thought stops short though at the comment Gunner made. No one had ever said that to her because and she couldnt help but feel a little stunned that soon was replaced by a warm fuzzy feeling that made her feel really good.

Bree smiles at Gunner as he trys to explain asking if she was there or not. She did feel a little bad knowing he hated stubaling around but she also though in a little way it was cute.

"Yes I was here lastnight with you, and I saw was that dreams nightmare because as soon as I came around it was gone."

Giving a laugh Wendy cant help herself with all the fun that was going on around them. Shifting a little in the seat her hips bump into Clint sending him out of his own chair and landing next to Jason. Leaning over to look down at Clint Wendy laughs again as her eyes twinkle.

"Oops, sorry."

Standing next to Jade and looking down at Jason Katie gives a half smile as she pants from her own laughter.

"I have to side with Jade on this one, you deserve all you get."

Giving another smile Katie kneels down beside Jason her fingers wiggle in the air.

"Tickle attack..."

Just watching for a long moment Dan shakes his head at the commotion. He wanted to join in but it felt strange, for so long he hadnt had friends to laugh with and joke around with now it seemed all new to him. He had exspected his life to move on, and to work at the ranch but laughter, friends did he really deserve this? God had forgiven him for his deeds, but would others as well? And was it a chanse he was willing to take? These new found friends seemed nice enough.

Not being able to help it Dan stands and in one quick movement takes Jade around the wast and throws her over his shoulder. Turning to look at the others.

"I got her now what should I do with her? Use men have to trick together you know and it looks like Jason has his hands full."

Deserved fall?

Gunner slowly looks up as Bree approaches. He hadn't known she was still here. Seeing the bag, and smelling the food, his mouth waters a little.

Glancing at her, he cocks his head as he listens, furrowing his brow a little. Then he looks back at the bag of food. He wasn't sure why Bree was trying to get him off the medications... why she cared... why she would want him back to his "normal."

His eyes find hers again. "If... without it is what got me here... then why.... would you want me back to that?" He didn't think his sentence had made a whole lot of sense, but even though he was more lucid right now, his brain was running so slowly it was hard to process information, let alone have a normal conversation.

Giving up, he reaches for the bag of food, retrieving the breakfast sandwich. Unwrapping it slowly, his fingers fumble a little bit, his movements somewhat lethargic. Finally able to take a bite, he closes his eyes and sighs. "Bree, you were sent direct from heaven."

Gunner's eyes open again as he realizes what he'd just said. It was a rare occurrence to see color come to his face, but sure enough, the heat was there. Opening his orange juice, he quickly moves on. "Did you come last night, or was that part of my nightmare? Er... dream... not that you would have been part of my nightmare, but I had a..." He stops, letting his shoulders drop and turning back to his sandwich. He was embarrassed enough that he was here in the first place, and now he was just making things worse. "You know what I mean."


Mmm... I don't know...

Jason lets the ball go, sending it down for a perfect strike.

I'm pretty competitive.

Grinning, he turns around and takes a little bow. "Thank you, thank you, no, I will not dance too."

Clint rolls his eyes. "Great. Nice one, Jase. I'm really happy for you... really."

Jade giggles and shakes her head, flopping down next to Dan to await her next turn. "Kiss attack? Ooh, now that sounds like fun." Looking around, her eyes get wide. "Oh, but wait.... those four might have fun but, I think I might feel a little left out." She throws Dan a sidelong glance. "Or should I say, the two of us would be left out, unless you-" Her sentence is cut off by her shrieking and standing straight up, a look of shock on her face as an ice cube slides down her bare back under her shirt. Whirling around, she looks up at Jason. "Jason! Why you..."

Jason backs up, his hands in the air as he contains his laughter. "Sorry... I couldn't resist... things were getting a little warm and I just thought maybe an ice cube would help..." He continues to back up. "You know... cool... down..."

Clint sees Jason coming, but doesn't move much. Still leaning into Wendy, all he does is stretch out one leg, and it's enough.

Jason catches Clint's foot and trips, going down hard on his back.

Clint chokes on a laugh. "I guess this monkey's still got a few moves left."

While Jason tries to recover from both pain and laughter, Jade stands over him, hands on hips. "Serves you right."

"Katie, help!" Jason wails between laughs. "I'm outnumbered. Where's my partner?!"

Just Act

Coming back into the hospital Bree only had an hour and a half left. She said she would stay a little later today because she has something she needed to take care of. Holding a McDonalds bag Bree makes her way over to the table Gunner sat at. She was happy he had not eat that nasty hospital food yet. Setting the bag down and pull up a char Bree smiles.

"I hope you like OJ, and an egg mkmuffin."

Bree new Gunner probley wasnt hungry but if he at least had a little to eat than that would be a good thing. He needed something to eat and drink in his stomach.

"I know your probley really confused right now, but the best thing you can do is stay calm and act like the meds haven't worn off yet. Than they wont try and give you more. I know everything is really confusing right now but just try to give me some time to get this worked out ok I am gonna make them stop giving you those drugs for good."

"Dont mess up, oh no yes no yes..."

Dan cant help but sit back waiting for his turn and mimick Clint. It was funny the way he sounded and it made everyone else laugh.

"Act like that to much and your wife is going to think she married a monkey."

Giving a chuckle Dan leans back in the chain leaning his elbow on the one next to him waiting his turn. Thorwing a look at Jade and unspoken thanks is given. This had been great fun and he was happy she had been around to share it with him.

"Wendy we need to do something to kick some butt here. Maybe we should do a kiss attack? That might destract them?"

Kaite gives a small chuckle.

Something tells me though you wouldnt mind losing the game for a kiss right?

Wendy gives a laugh as she slids into the scoreboard seat next to Clint slinging her arm around him and leaning in to whisper.

"I'm having a great time. I...hope you are too. I think we needed this. Thank you!"

Banter and laughter

Though his eyes were closed, Gunner listened to Bree's reading. He had some trouble tracking what she was saying and understanding the words, but he loved the topic, and her voice was soft and soothing. Finally his heart begins to slow, his pulse going back to normal again. Too groggy to do much, he eventually lies down, curling up with his head back on his pillow again. The medication had taken its toll, but the hallucination was over for the night. He falls to sleep to the sound of Bree's voice.

"Here you go, Brent! Sunny eggs for a sun-shiny day!"

Gunner is sitting slouched in the chair at the table, and looks up at the nurse with disinterest. Nevertheless, the breakfast plate is put before him. Taking up the plastic spoon, he picks around the overdone scrambled eggs. He felt strange this morning, as if he were in the dark, but not. Or maybe kind of cloudy, but not really. He didn't remember a whole lot from last night... he remembered waking up by a horrid nightmare that was so real, he'd thought he could reach out and touch the monster. After that, he kind of remembered Bree... he wasn't really sure what she'd been doing here... and he remembered falling asleep to her reading. Otherwise though, his mind was pretty much a blank.

He stares down at the eggs, his appetite down to nothing. He wasn't hungry, and he had no real mood - the drugs had made sure of that. They were just starting to wear off enough that he knew where he was, but he also knew that meant another dose would be coming within the next ten minutes or so. Death would have been much more pleasant than this.

Finally giving up, he shoves the food aside and slouches even more in his seat. He had the strangest feeling... why he wanted to see Bree, he didn't know. Of course, right now he didn't know much of anything, let alone why he was feeling what he was. But if he had to eat those eggs, the feeling was one of nausea, and that one he recognized.


"No, no, no, yes yes, no, yes!" Jade squeals as the last two pins fall, giving her the spare. Throwing her arms in the air, she does a little dance, laughing.

"She's not my cousin." Clint shakes his head from his seat, taking another swig of pop. "I never saw her before in my life."

Jason chuckles. "Yeah, well that non-cousin of ours is going to win if we don't watch it."

"You could always, you know, knock down an extra pin or two."

"What?!" Jason picks up his bowling ball. "And have Katie tip me off? Never!"

The night was loud, long... and a whole lot of fun. Teams had already shuffled, this round ending up with Dan and Jade, Wendy and Katie, and Jason and Clint. Boys against girls had wound up with the girls winning by a hair, so the guys had insisted on changing things up. Now Jade and Dan were ahead, thanks to Jade's skill, though Dan had been a quick learner as well.

Clint watches Jason get ready and hollers at him. "Whoa, watch it! Careful! A little to the left... no, right... no... wait!" Starting to laugh, he waits his turn, just enjoying all of the banter and laughter.

Fun

Still not sure what was going on Bree keeps her arm around Gunner in a ferm comforting embrace. She could guess this had something to do with his medicine. She could keep it from him at night but what about the day. Bree things for a long moment and had an idea but she would have to talk to Gunner about it when he was more with it to understand. Maybe even a chat with Hope would help once she talked things over with him.

"I'll do my best Gunner. I'll do my best."

Placing the crossword puzzle down Bree grabs one of the other books and opens it flipping through the pages till she found something that looked interesting. Keeping her voice low and soft she starts to read to Gunner once again finding this all interesting for her too.

Giving a laugh Katie cant help but start belting out the song along with Jason knowing the words all to well. It wasnt the same as when Kyle would sing it but it was good all the same. Katie's singing was quite off as she laugh inbetween words not being able to contain the laughter.

Laughing at Clint's atempt to sing Wendy starts to sing herself. Not as strong but loud enough it could be heard. It was good to see the smile that was on Clint's face and the one that formed on her own. If this was the start to how the night was going to be than she new that would have a great time.

Looking at Jason as he starts to sing Dan didnt know the song at all and almost felt left out. He'd never heard of this song or who Jetstream was. He had no idea Jason was a singer, but the song was addicting and easy to catch on to. In no time Dan is singing right along, not very well but not worse than Clint.

Bullfrog

Gunner is so confused and lost that he numbly follows Bree's directions. Deep down, his senses tried to stay in tact. Somewhere he knew that this wasn't right... that his mind was not functioning properly. But he could do nothing about it.

Leaning back against the wall, once he's on the bed, he pulls his knees up close, and stares at the puzzle Bree brings. He frowns, trying to make sense of the letters and the word she'd found. Far all he knew, "backwards" could be a foreign word.

Sliding down a little, his head ends up on Bree's shoulder. His eyes were still glazed and his pulse raced, but his breathing was calming down. He squints at the puzzle and finally points to a diagonal combination. B-R-E-E.

Gunner's eyes fall shut as his body continues to calm down. It was just too much work, thinking. He licks his lips, mustering up the brain power to talk. "Don't... don't let them give me... that... that stuff... anymore. Please?"


Jason's eyes go wide as he drives the pickup down the driveway. "No way! Not in front of this group!"

Clint grins and shakes his head. "As is the girls hate the mush."

Jade kicks the back of his seat. "As if you guys do too - you're just too "manly" to admit it."

Clint's face is red as he spots Wendy in the mirror. "Mmm... maybe."

Did someone say something about singing? Jason pulls out onto the road as they drive towards town. "Well, I took one summer, down at ol’ Grandpappy’s. Had a farm by a lake, we used to go fishin’..."

Jade cracks up, recognizing the bullfrog song, and she chimes in. Clint does too, though his off-key notes just make the whole thing funnier. By the time Jason lets out a low "bullfrog!" everyone is already laughing.

Backwards

"Orion Nebula...I'm going to have to look that one up. I dont really know to much about stars other than the normal. I'd like to know more though."

After cleaning the wound in Gunner's hand Bree wraps his nicly with the bandage not tight but enough that it would keep his hand together at least for tonight to let it heal just a little.

Once finished with his hands Bree runs her hand down the side of Gunner's face whipping the sweat away. Running her finger under his eye to take away the tear Bree wraps her arm around his back comforting him again and trying to get him off the floor.

"Its not going to come back, we will keep the lights on ok? Come on lets go to something a little bit more comfortable."

Helping Gunner back to the bed again Bree spots his crossword puzzle book. Grabbing it from the table along with a pen Bree sits down one the bed with him.

"Her looks here I found B..A..C..K..W..A..R..D..S backwards."

Circleing the letters Bree looks for the next word.

"Lets see what else both of us can find....Mmm..do you see any?"

Please

Gunner is startled but relieved by Bree's sudden presence, and he clings to her as the only thing that makes sense and is not terrifying.

Though still shaking, Bree's voice begins to bring Gunner down. His bloodied hand grips her arm, his face pressed in her shoulder so he couldn't see the nightmare. Stars... stars... Jupiter?

His body and mind under so much strain, he couldn't seem to think straight, but somehow, Bree's words broke through the darkness. "Jupiter," he manages to gasp out. "Seen all the..." His body shakes. "...all the time."

As Bree gets up, Gunner's eyes dart around the room, but it seemed his monster was gone. His pulse still raced, and he feels like his heart will beat out of his chest. Curling up again, he resists Bree's attention to his hand, but eventually relents.

Trembling, he shakes his head at her question. "Um... O... Orion... nebula, right... right below the... the..." He winces as the pain in his hand finally feels the damage. "...belt."

Starting to hyperventilate again, his hand grips hers tightly. "Don't let it come back... please..." Tears stung his eye as he has no control over his emotion. "Dying is easier... please don't let it come back."

Mushy stuff

Hearing the yells from down the hall and the loud banging sound that echoed through the building Bree drops the papers she was looking at and breaks into a sprint. Taking the courners and almost losing her balance but catching herself in time.

Coming to Gunner's room Bree comes to a skidding halt opening the door and catching Gunner as he almost falls out. Flipping on the lights Bree looked into the room exspecting to see someone standing there but seeing nothing she looks down at Gunner with the looks of terror on his face.

Moving him back into the room just enough to get the door shut Bree sinks down to her knees next to him her arm still wrapped around him as she trys to make him calm.

"Hey Hey, break Gunner breath your ok its me Bree. Come on buddy they are gone its ok. Think about the stars, I read in one of your books that this is the month you can see Jupiter the best. Hmmm...is that true?"

Still holding Gunner Bree runs her hand through his sweat soaked hair. Whatever had happend it had been very real to Gunner that much was for cretin.

Looking down at his hand and seeing the blood on his knuckles Bree moves just a little. She had to get those cleaned up before they got infected.

"Give me one second, I am just going to go into the bathroom and get a wet cloth to clean your hands ok?"

Disappearing for a moment some water runs in the bathroom as Bree grabs a wet rag and some bandages that were in all the bathrooms before coming back over to Gunner and squatting down in front of him again starting to clean up his hands while trying to destract him at the same time to continue to calm him down.

"So, you never told me whats your fav star cluster?"

Getting into the passanger side of the car slidding into the middle not being able to help the small chuckle. Though hearing about Jason's leg and ending up in a ditch Dan cant help but tense up just a little bit as for a moment him mind starts to run away with itself. But pulling himself back a smile forms again as he waits for the others.

"Not getting shot would be a good thing at this point."

Glancing in the rearview mirror Dan throws a quick wink at Jade who is right behind him.

"I am a little hungry, maybe a pig out wouldnt be a bad thing."

Wendy gives a little laugh as Clint helps her into the car and she scoots next to Katie.

"Wendy it must be all that energy you are using up from taking care of Chase thats making you hungry. You use to eat like a bird."

Katie smiles at Wendy showing she was playing around and than not being able to contain her laughter.

"Hey lets sing songs on our way there to drive the boys crazy."

Sitting up a little straghter Dan looks to his left at Jason and than to his right at Clint.

"Pizza did someone day Pizza? I dont care if I just eat or not I never turn down pizza."

You boys will be boy wont you? I love you J!

Katie looks at Jason through the side mirror a big smile on her face.

"I saw that Katie!"

"Huh...WHAT?"

"Talking again so we cant hear you!"

"Well do you guys really wanna hear all the mushy stuff?"

"Yes"

Replys Wendy and almost at the same time Dan replys as well.

"No, mushy stuff gross...are you guys going to kiss all night?"

Hallucination

Gunner can't really do much but obey Bree's promptings to get into bed. He didn't want to, but he didn't have the strength to fight. He felt pulled in a million directions, as if his brain were going dizzy. He wasn't quiet sure he'd understood correctly - Bree worked at the children's hospital... didn't she? Now he wasn't even sure about that.

Staggering a little, he finally falls into bed. His mind hurt too much to think anymore. His fight was being snuffed out, and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Mmhmm," he mumbles. "Turn the light... off... better to see... stars." Closing his eyes, it doesn't take much for him to be completely out. It would be over an hour before he woke...


The room was pitch black as the scream reverberates off the walls. Gunner crawls across the floor, sweat pouring. Making it to the doors, he wails as he beats his fist against it, not even feeling the pain as his knuckles split and bleed. "No! Let me out!"

Turning, he sees the creature again - a black nightmare with fangs and eyes that glowed as evil red. Gunner's heart raced at a dangerous rate as he began to hyperventilate, his fist still beating on the door. "No! Don't take me!" Shaking uncontrollably, he finally curls into a tight ball, in danger of passing out.


Jason smiles and leans his head down on Katie's.

Okay... that'll be your job, Hero.

He gives Katie an extra amount of warm emotions on return for her thanks. It;s short-lived though, when Dan appears, Jason nods to the others. "Guess that's our cue."


Jade grins at Dan, eying the fact that he'd left off his hat. At his question, she giggles then bites her lip. "I... don't think you want to know the answer to that one. But... I don't think he'd kill you. Maybe rough you up a little but..." Her eyes twinkle. "Come on. Lets get in the truck."

"Ahh hold up," Jason directs. "Dan rides shotgun with me and Clint - girls get the back seat."

Jade smirks at him. "Plan of someone's?"

"Nope. This way I'm not the one killed either."

Jade rolls her eyes but obeys, scooting into the backseat, making room for Wendy and Katie. "Just as long as you're a good driver," she remarks. "I saw you limping around today - wouldn't want your leg to go bad and we all line up in the ditch."

Jason laughs. "Nah, I'd say that bullet hole is done aching a while. But if I drive in the ditch, you can blame me to your dad so Dan doesn't get shot."

Clint slips into the middle, letting Dan have the passenger side. "I hope pizza is on the menu tonight."

Jade blinks. "We all just had supper."

"Yeah? So? Dan and I are growing boys." He elbows Dan. "Right?"

Kill anyone

Trying to give Gunner a soft smile Bree keeps her hand on his arm. She hated seeing him like this and whatever they were giving him as meds she would have to look closer at the chart. She had a bad feeling the drugs there were using were not good.

"No they didnt get me Gunner. I am working here now, I'll do all I can to help you and not let them hurt you."

Bree felt so mad for her friend and couldnt help the continue thought of wanting to do more. Sympathy sunk in as she couldn't help the shaking chills she had from being in this place again even though its been a little different.

"I'll be the nurse on call tonight Gunner and I'll keep my eye on you ok? I am happy they didn't let you die too. It wouldn't be the same with out another backwards person in the world."

Helping Gunner up Bree turns the bed coves on the bed down helping Gunner in.

"Come on, lets get you warm and comfortable ok."

Once he is in Bree takes the covers and put them over him and tucking them around him. She new he was probley not cold but she wanted to make him comfortable.

"I have to go check a few things but I will be back ok? I promise."

Watching Jade for a long moment a smile on her own face Katie just watch her friend. It almost was like she was covering up for something bigger though. Not that she did something wrong but just maybe she was scaired of the outcome of something.

Yeah I was thinking that too. I dont think anything is two wrong from looking at her but maybe for once she feels out of place? Lets just keep an eye on her.

Leaning into Jason again Katie rests her head on his shoulder. Everything right now felt so nice. This is how everything was ment to be it felt so peaceful.

"Happy, mmm...very. Thank you J, you have been a big part of that happyness."

Taking Jason's hand in her's Katie gives it a kiss before wrapping her fingers around his and waiting for the others.

Throwing a few items into the diper bag but not much knowing her mom had some Wendy grabs her own jacket along with a bottle from the fridge of milk for Chase if he woke up in the middle of the night.

"Ok, I think I am ready to go."

A small smile on Wendy's face made her eyes shine with a small light that had been gone for a little bit now. But the sight of it being there now brought hope.

Finishing up with his shower Dan runs some gel through his hair making it spike up a little decieding tonight he would forget his hat. Tucking his tan button up shirt into his jeans and pulls his cowboy boots on, Dan finish with his leather jacket that was used for dress.

Exiting the bunk Dan jogs up to the others once again and throws Jade a stunning smile before looking to Jason and than Jade again.

"Before we even move a muscle I would like to say by order of Mick we need to be back by 1 or he is going to have my head."

Looking to Jade he gives a silly smile showing he was joking by his next comment.

"And man am I scaired of your dad. Has he ever killed anyone?!"

A darker side

Clint smiles and nods. "Yeah... that sounds good to me." Moving about, he grabs his wallet to stuff in his pocket, then Chase's baby blanket, covering up the warm bundle. "My arm's gone to sleep." He laughs quietly. "But if I can get him over to your mom's without waking him up, I think they'll be happy."

He throws his jacket over one shoulder and aims for the door, holding it open for Wendy. "Ready, Princess?"


Jade whirls around, hearing Dan, and a smile spreads on her face. Laughing, she claps her hands. "Hurry!"

Her eyes glance towards the barn, where she can just make out her dad. Mick catches her eye, and simply tips his hat before tuning to finish up for the evening.

Jade bite her lip as a grin forms. She shouldn't have argued with him earlier... but she was glad he was letting Dan go.

Seeing Clint and Wendy emerge from their bunkhouse, Jade gives a little jump. "Yay!" She hadn't thought they would come and was thrilled that they were. She missed her friend and cousin, and if just for an evening, it would be nice not to have to worry about anything, and just have fun.


Jason grins from his seat on the back of the pickup. "I'd say Jade is happy tonight." He cocks his head towards Katie.

Something does seem a bit off, though... like she's unsettled. I hope everything is okay with her.

He nudges her shoulder. "What about you? You happy?"


Gunner pries open his eyes and squints at Bree with a glazed look. "You..." He frowns, looking for the right words in the fog. "All night?" He was confused.

"Did they.. get... you... too?"

He opens his eyes wide, trying to focus, but it didn't do much good. He gives a little shiver in the cold. "I tried to... to... but they wouldn't... or... something." He knew that didn't sound right, but he didn't seem to be able to coordinate his mouth with his brain.

Digging down deep, he tries to find any lucidness that was left. "I wanted to leave... they wouldn't let me. I just..." He licks his dry lips. "Why can't it be over? Why can't they just... just... let me... die?"

Closing his eyes, he leans back against the cold wall. He still didn't understand what Bree was doing here, and his mind was going in a bazillion directions. "There's a darker side," he mumbles, shivering again.

Over Night

Minding his own work, it did bother Dan to much that Mick was keeping him busy. This was his job, why he was there. He didnt exspect anything more or less than that. He was just happy to have a home again, and food to eat. It was so much better than what had been for the last four years.

Continuing to work he was lost in his own little world making sure he got everything done right. As Mick catches the pitchfork Dan hadnt been expecting it and it startled him from his train of thought. Looking up at Mick in the eyes Dan couldnt help the small shiver that ran down his back and made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

"Yes, yes sir. She will be I'll make sure of it."

Not being able to help the smile that formed on his face. It was nice of Mick to let him go and have a break from work. Dan couldnt help but be a little bit excited as well.

Putting the pitch fork down in a safe place her removes his gloves and whips his brow from where the seat was.

"Thank you Mick."

Giving a small wave Dan quickly makes his way out of the barn joging up to where everyone was waiting. Looking at Jade and other friends he smiles again.

"Well it looks like I am a free man tonight. Give me at least 10 minutes though to get a shower and clean up so I don't smell like a barn before we go ok?"

Not really waiting for an answer Dan takes off in a sprint twords his bunk to get cleaned up knowing the others would wait for him.

Turning from the dishes she was washing in the little sink Wendy thinks for a long moment. Things had been going good, it was still a little hard to get through the day but each day was getting easier than the first and the memories of there sweet little baby girl was still there it was dominant over them as much.

"Bowling does sound fun. I havent done that in so long."

Taking the towel off the counter Wendy whips her hands off before coming over to Clint and Chase giving her son a kiss on the top of his head. Maybe getting out would be good for them both.

"Yeah, let me give my mom a call and if she will watch Chase for us we will go. I think it will be nice to do something together and get a few laughs in."

Giving Clint a quick kiss Wendy disappears into the bathroom to get a little privacy as she talked to her mom. A few minutes coming out again giving Clint a small smile.

"Yeah, Mom said she and Luke would be happy to watch Chase and keep him over night too since we might not be getting back till late. I told her that would be find the alone time with you would be nice as long as you dont mind eather?"

Taking the small chart off the wall Bree looks over all the patients on the floor. She was here for Gunner but she had to do her job still. Coming to Gunner's chart Bree takes a little extra time to look through Gunner's. He'd just gotten another dose of medicen and would be out of it for a while but maybe she could go see him quick just to let him know she was there before the meds kicked in.

Making her way down the hall and coming to Gunner's room Bree looks in not seeing him at first but than seeing him curled up on the floor.

Opening and closing the door behind her slowly Bree makes her way across the floor in her dark purple scrubs that showed she was in fact working. Kneeling down next to Gunner Bree lays on hand on his arm.

"Hey Gunner, I'm here, and I will be here all night if you need anything."

Bree gives a little shrug and a smile. She was happy to be there for Gunner now and only hoped this would help him deal a little more.

"Now we can be backwards together when every you want and you dont have to be alone here ok?"

Back before one

Carson grins. "We go wherever you want... as long as I get back to Mom and Pop's before Ryder burns the place down. I think Aerith and Dani will keep him in line but... better safe than sorry."

All too soon, the lunch hour is over, but Carson promises to see Misty after he closes up that night.


Kyle takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, his arm still around Alice. "Ya know... you might be right. I gotta think it through but... I got a good feeling."

Turning to see her face, he kisses her forehead. "How about just the two of us for supper tonight?" They'd been with the team a lot lately, and while it was always enjoyable, Kyle and Alice had had little time for each other. "I just... want to get away from it all... then when I make up my mind, I'll tell the others."

They were still a long way from Nevada... being in South Dakota for so long now, it felt strange. But at the same time, it felt like the prime tome to move on now. The past was far behind.


Eli nods in agreement, proud of his sister. "Yeah... all these years, not a day went by, I didn't think about you... John... Pop. And I don't know... it's weird, my family's always been so important, and somehow I let it all slip away. But not anymore... not anymore."

Standing up, Eli moves to his bag in the corner and pulls out an old deck of cards. The box had tape on the corners, and the cards were worn and faded. Bringing it to Ryan's bed, he scoots her over a little, then sits down again, cross legged.

Grinning, he shuffles the cards. "Remember this deck?" It had been the very deck they'd played with all the time when younger. Their dad had said it was his lucky deck, though John had ended up as the skilled player.

Eli deals out a few cards, not caring what game they played... the point was that they were together.


And the day turns into evening...


Jade paces in front of the main house, checking her watch again. She looks over to where Jason and Katie were sitting on the back of one of the pickups, waiting. She had asked them to wait, hoping that Dan would be finished with chores in time to go. But supper had been over an hour ago, and still Mick had the young man working. Jade was ready to give up, growing quite irritated with her father's stubbornness. But arguing with him fifteen minutes ago hadn't helped... maybe it had just made things worse. She paces a little more.


Mick wandered down the barn aisle, the aggravation in his eyes. Why his daughter had to be so stubborn, he didn't know. And why did she so desperately wanted Dan's company, he didn't know.

Sighing, he pulls on his gloves to move some hay bales. But crossing the aisle, he sees Dan mucking out one of the corner stalls. He stops and mutters under his breath. The man was probably too tired to bowl anyway... but Jade had accused him of nit having a heart, and he really didn't want that kind of reputation.

Rolling his eyes at himself, he stops and wanders down to the open stall. Catching Dan mid-shovel, he catches the pitchfork. Catching Dan's eye, he stares him down for just a moment. "I expect Jade to be home by one. Jason may be driving, but if you're late, it's you who will answer to me."

He nods to the open barn door, the corner of his mouth twitching as he holds back a smile. "Go on... don't keep them waiting."


"You want to go?" Clint draws back the curtain, seeing that the others haven't left yet. He turns to look at Wendy, Chase still tucked in his arm, sleeping with a full tummy. "Short notice, but your mom might watch Chase..." His tone was a little hopeful. This would be the first time since everything went sour, that he and Wendy went out and did anything fun. They were doing okay, and things were looking up, but... fun just hadn't been on the menu. "Maybe getting out for a few hours would be fun?"


Gunner fights against the nurse, choking up water and trying to spit out the pills that he knew were making him feel so badly. But it was no use. The pills finally slip down his throat again.

The nurse stands back, panting with the doctor.

"Why did his other dosage wear off?" the doctor demands.

The nurse shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I guess he must have spit it out the last time."

"Well make sure it doesn't happen again."

The door closes... and locks. Gunner slowly stretches back out from his curled-up position on the bed. Sweating and trembling, he forces himself to stand shakily, going to the window. Spreading his hand, he places it over the traced handprint.

His knees buckle and he sinks to the floor, feeling cold and hot at the same time. Without the energy to get into bed, he just stays on the floor to wait out the drugs.

I'd like

Ryan gives a smile sitting up just a little. She felt sore all over stuff but on the inside she felt alot better than she did. It was soothing, and warm things were going to be ok now.

"I'd like that. Though I don't know how long it will be till my arm is good enough to race. Not to mention I guess I am a little scared. If Roth is still lingering around somewhere I don't want him to try and start anything again."

Ryan had never really been scaired of something before, not for a long time anyways and admitting it now made her feel funny. Closing her eyes for a long moment Ryan just thinks before opening them and looking at her brother again.

"I'll still race. I cant let them think they have won. They might of took someone dear from me, but they wont take racing too. You will see me race again Eli."

Giving a smile and gaining a bit of confadince Ryan ment it. She couldnt let this get her down or let anyone think they won or broke her. She was a darn good racer and loved doing it she wasnt going to let anyone stop her.

"I'd like to get to know each other again. Nothing really exciting has happened to me in the last few years but there is some stuff to tell. Maybe we can even go up to see John together or at least call him."

Bringing her arms around Kyle Alice accepts the kiss returning her own just letting the wonderful emotions wash over her. The Lord had worked in Kyle's life in more than one way and she was so thankful for that and that he had finally found his way back to what he loved.

Hearing the voice behind Kyle Alice looks up with her arms still around him not ready to let go yet. Giving a laugh it was funny to see someone else being the ham in the group but it was refreshing to, to know there were other people out there with a sense of humor.

Once the two are gone Alice looks to Kyle again ad laughs one more time. Her eyes shining bright.

"They seem like a great bunch. I know your going to fit in great."

Giving a laugh as the run through TJY Misty trys her best keeping up with Carson but for the most part almost feels like she is being dragged.

Laughing the whole way Misty is panting as they get to the car. Being pushed up aganst it her arms go around Carson's neck for a moment.

"I think I might be to hungry too."

Laughing and shaking her head again as Carson slides over the car and gets in Misty gets in to putting her seatbelt on.

"So where are we headed?"

Not housebroke

Eli gives a little chuckle. "We always had a little piece of each other anyway... but maybe this has been a good reminder for me too." He shrugs. "When this is over and you're out of here, I want to spend some time with you... catch up on our lives while we're both still here to talk about it. I got time off work for family emergencies so... I got a bit of time to spare yet. Maybe I'll even get to see you race."


Kyle laughs and pulls Alice in for a hug. "You? Lose me? For some reason, I really don't think that's possible."

Still grinning, he was filled with such a feeling, he couldn't describe. It was excitement. It was peace. It was joy. He was finally ready... he was ready to take the stage once more. He had fought this gift for too long. He had denied himself this joy because of what others thought for too long. Now it was his time... God had swung wide the door and was calling him to enter. It was time. His time with Break Out had not been a waste... perhaps he had needed the time to find himself... to be out of place for a while so that when he found his place again, he would have no doubt. Perhaps he felt caution now, but somehow, this new route held a peace of mind that it was what he was supposed to do. He had struggled with JetStream and Cryptic... but now... now it was different, and he was ready.

Thinking they're alone, Kyle pulls Alice closer for a kiss, letting a passion through that he normally withheld.

Kip walks out of the building behind Theo and stops short, staring with wide eyes. "Oh, please let that be a yes."

Kyle jumps at the sound of someone's voice, and quickly ends the moment.

Theo slaps Kip upside the head. "Man, you don't know when to shut up." He gives a little wave to Kyle and Alice. "Sorry... he's not housebroke yet."

"Hey!" Kip jumps on Theo's back to put him in a chokehold, but his feet are off the ground, and he doesn't have enough leverage. Theo, being much bigger, fumbles until finally getting Kip up and over his shoulder. "Come on, you, I gotta get you out of here before you go and embarrass us any more."

"Hey... wha... Put me down!" Kip laughs, hanging over the back of Theo. He grins and waves to Kyle and Alice. "Feel free to keep on-"

Theo slaps him.

"Ow! I mean don't mind us, we- Ow! Theo!"


Jade can't help a smile as Dan consoles her. It felt good to have someone take time out to talk to her. Not that nobody else cared, but no one else had really noticed she was having a hard time.

She turns her head to study Dan's eyes for several moments, just letting his invitation hang in the air, waiting. "Thank you." Her voice softly breaks the silence.

A twinkle appears in her eye. "Even if we do go tonight, I'll join you for church."


Not needing to be told twice, Carson grips Misty's hand and pulls her towards the door. "Your wish is my command."

Once they hit the hall though, he breaks into a jog, pulling Misty along with him. Dodging several agents along the way, he heads to the exit, still pulling Misty to keep up with him.Out in the parking lot, it's a race to his car.

Skidding to a halt and catching his breath, Carson laughs and backs Misty up against the car. "I'd suggest just hanging out in my car for a while, but..." His eyes tease her. "I'm too hungry for lunch."

Giving her another quick kiss, he turns to slide across the hood and get in behind the wheel.