Slice and Dice

Letting out a long sigh as Sparky walked away Dan just stood there with Jade for a long moment. Everything was so messed up that Dan didnt even know where to start. He wouldnt be leaving after Sparky told him to stay but still there was a sense of akwardness that would reside here for a while.

"I guess I better go back to my bunk and just stay out of the way for now."

Cocking his head a little Dan puts his finger under Jade's chin tilting it up just a little bit. Giving a soft smile to show things would be ok even if things didn't look like it now.

"Maybe tonight after everything is settled down we can take up our old hay bail and take a look at the sky."

Looking up at Sparky comes into the infermary Angel and Rosaetta seem a bit surprised to see him, and what happend to his lips once again.

"Sparky, you cant keep your self out of trouble can you?"

Angel gave a little laugh as she came over to him and took a look before heading to get a few items she would need to clean the lip and get it to stop. Returning back to him with some stuff to clean out the cut and to look at his tooth.

Seeing the look in Sparky's eye Rosetta lets out a long sigh. Mick and Sparky had been at it again for what reason this time, she wasnt sure. But take his advise she looks down at BJ and gives a smile.

"Why dont you run along, and find Uncle Jeff mmm? I think if you ask nicly and tell him you were good at the Dr he might have a special treat for you."

BJ's eyes light up as he hopes down from the chair. One of his favorite pass times was being with Jeff. He was so wonderus to the things around him, and learning new stuff that he never tired of seeing a person more than once. Throwing his arms around Rosetta and smile up at her BJ turns to run out the door.

"Love you mom."

Followed after him as the door fell shut and he was on his way.

Looking back at Sparky Rosetta comes a few steps closer as she leans on one of the tables. Waiting for Angel to get done with his tooth she he could talk back with her.

"What happened Sparky?"

Being able to pray with other people was nice and Karla enjoyed it. It felt good to have a circle of friends who had the same faith as she did. maybe it had been something she longed and never really noticed she missed having till now.

Enjoying the food, music and people who chatted back and forthKarla had a great time, and couldnt help a bit of sadness that the movie was now over. It was differnt having people around her, but it was nice at the same time. Better than her crappy apartment anyways.

Looking to see what time it was Karla didnt want to be to late having to walk home in the neighborhood she lived in but seeing it was only a little past she smiled to Kip.

"Ok, I'll stay a little while longer and play some games. But not to late."

Stumbling a little through the door that joined the two hotel rooms Katie rubs her eyes. Walking slowly over to the chair she does her best to wake up and be alert to what Reese had to say.

Hearing that Dylan had been located Katie sits up straight. Her cousin had been found? Knowing it was merly a case of running away Katie let out a frustrated sigh.

"This sound be fun. I can garinte he's not coming to come without a fight."

Continuing to listen hearing that Jason and Katie would be going on the inside while Wyatt would be out. Slumping a little Katie shakes her head even though she new they had to do it.

We get to play Mom and Dad, Woot!

Once the call is ended Katie stands and heads to the small counter where there was a coffee pot. She need coffee to be able to function. Hearing Wyatt's comment Katie cant help but laugh.

"Just because he is my cousin doesn't mean I know him. I only met him once..."

Katie thinks back to the first day she met Jade and Dylan. It was less than perect.

"...it wasnt the greatest of experiences."

Letting out another sigh and come back over to where Jason and Wyatt where Kaite sits down on the bed next to Jason and leans back letting her head fall on the pillow.

"I think asking nicly it out of it. If he did run away thinking it was funny, maybe giving him a taste of his own medicen would be good. We could go in and kidnap him but not him know we are friendly. Keep him blindfolded till he gets to the ranch or something."

Looking up as Gunner entered the room a small smile forms on Hope's lips though looking into his tired eyes she could tell something else was there and maybe Gunner wasnt all the great. Listing to him Hope gives a small nod. She has seen them much in the past with many people. As stange as it sounded this was normal.

"You have to train your own self not to think about it so much Gunner. It was easy being in the hospetil because you had a goal, you wanted to get out. Now you have to find a new goal to focus on and do it on your own."

Searching his eyes Hope new he was hurting still it was only normal. But the look she saw was deeper still some where there was a fear of having to go back to Northside.

"Gunner, as long as you dont try to take your own life, I wont send you back to Northside. Being here, just talking to me about it on you own proves you don't need to be there. You just need to relax and remember how to live a normal life again"

Thinking for a long moment Hope wonders about a few suggestions.

"How about staying with someone for a few days? Just so you can be independent but not alone yet. It very well might help you get use to life again."

"Hey hey Axel. Glad you made it. Ready for he slice and dice?"

Misty gives him a side long glance before shaking her head and laughing.

"Ok, I have everything set up already if I can just have you sit up here we can prep you and than start the mini surgery."

Time seems to fly once Axel was preped and the sugary started. It wouldnt take long to do what Misty had to do and she could do it alone. It was just teatus to get the nerve cut, put back together and into a liquest before it became useless.

Another hour goes by and Misty was finally done. Wrapping Axel's hand and bring the veil over to the fridge to keep it inside. Axel would soon wake from being knocked out and Misty would be able to talk to him a little more. Having him stay just a few hours to let his hand rest.

Dentist

Jade is all too willing to let Dan hold her. Resting her head against him, her shoulders shake as she cries. What had happened? How had it gotten this far? Fifteen minutes ago, she would have been satisfied with just being friends with Dan forever. Now she'd realized she really did want more than that, and it had been shot down all in the same moment.

Sniffing, her arms wrap around Dan's waist and she tucks her head into his chest. She didn't even have time to process what had just happened between them. She'd wanted to soak up the moment and think about the feelings that had fluttered in her stomach. But instead, she was dealing with an irate father.

Sparky wipes his lip, but any pressure didn't seem to help the bleeding. His lip had just healed from the last time Mick had punched him, and now it had been split wide open all over again. He could feel one of his teeth wobbling too, and was afraid to see what damage there was.

He looks to Dan, wiping away more blood. "Well, you're not leaving. I'm the closest thing to a foreman around here without it being official, and I'm ordering you to stay. Mick has no right to throw you out. If he didn't want you, he should have been smart enough to find your file."

He pauses, finally going for his bandanna and pressing it to his lower lip. "Just hang loose and play it cool. If you want to take the night off, go ahead so Mick doesn't catch you in the barn. And Jade, just stay out of his hair for now - don't approach him when he's this hot."

Jade manages a nod and another sniff.

"I gotta go take care of this," Sparky mutters as he draws more blood. He looks at Dan and Jade, compassion and hurt in his eyes. "Don't give in... not like this."

Turning, he leaves Dan and Jade alone, making his way to Angel's office. Entering, he stops short, seeing that Rosetta and BJ were there, chatting with Angel. He dabs his lip again, rethinking his plan of action. "Hey... sorry to barge in on the party." He manages a smile for BJ's sake, and looks to Angel. "I can't get this stupid thing to stop bleeding and I think I may wind up needing a dentist."

His eyes drift in Rosetta's direction. He couldn't blame Mick outright in front of BJ. "Your husband thought I could do with one less tooth anyway." He keeps his tone casual, but his eyes tell her a very different story. "Might wanna have BJ go see Uncle Jeff before you head on over to the dining hall," he hints.


Everyone tries to make Karla feel welcome, even Erik. Though he keeps a close eye on her and Kip, he treats her as any friend, making sure she was as comfortable as possible.

Sitting with Karla on the floor, Kip leans back against a chair. He nods to her question. "We'll pray together."

Once everyone was settled, Theo was the volunteer to pray, thanking God for both the food and their guest. Soon, food was being eaten, and a comedy was being watched on the large screen. Laughter rippled through the room, and sometimes a teasing potato chip would fly. Once or twice, the banter and laughing was so much that Twila had to rewind parts of the movie that they'd missed. And when the credits roll, it felt too soon.

Kip swings his head around and looks at Karla. The others would be staying up late playing games. She was invited, but he didn't know if she would stay or not.


Beep, beep, beep, beep...

Wyatt groans and rolls over to slap his alarm. But as his hand gropes on the bedside table, he realizes that this is not his room, and it was not his alarm going off. He slides from the bed at the same time Jason does. "What in the... what time is it?"

Jason fumbles for a shirt, pulling it over his head. "Five-fifteen," he mumble. Stumbling to the door between rooms, he raps on it lightly.

Rise and shine. Incoming.

Wyatt takes a seat at the table situating the computer and speaker phone that was still beeping. "Yeah?"

"How long does it take for someone to answer a call?"

Wyatt grins at his father's voice. "As long as it takes to get out of bed. You said to be on alert, not on watch. What's up?"

Jason listens as he runs a hand through his hair and waits for Katie to join them.

"We got a location on Dylan."

Wyatt's eyes widen. "What?"

"Yeah. He was located this morning at an apartment building about thirty miles from you."

"Hostage?"

"No."

Wyatt exchanges a look of confusion with the others. "Alive?"

"Yes."

"Did the police take him?"

"No."

"Well, why not?"

"Dylan refused to go. Said he was of age to be on his own, and told them to leave. He was with three others - two men an a woman."

"Aw, nice," Jason grumbles. "We came all this way for nothing."

"No," Reese answers, "I want you to go get him."

"But he was obviously just being retarded and wanting to prove something, and if he doesn't want to leave, then we could be charged with kidnapping."

"Then I'll take the heat. I spoke to Mick, and he wants his son taken to the ranch, against the will of Dylan's mother, of course. He still thinks there's foul play - not sure if I agree, but I'm not willing to risk it like the local police are."

Jason sighs. "So you want us to take him by force."

"As if that will be hard for you."

"No, just a royal pain."

"Well, do it anyway. I don't want anyone hurt, but I trust you and Katie can handle about anything."

Wyatt rolls his eyes. "Thanks."

Reese chuckles. "They couldn't do it without a lookout, so don't have a pity party - no one will join you. Now you all have your orders. I don't want to hear from you until you have Dylan in custody. He's in Collinsville at the Maple Heights apartments, number thirty-five. I'll have Scott send you the map."

"Alright. Talk to you later." Wyatt ends the call and looks up to the other two. "Looks like we got our work cut our for us." Dealing with a stubborn teenager wasn't going to be fun. "We need a plan of approach though. Got any theories here?" He glances to Katie. "He's your cousin now - he the type to run off without word? File says he's left before, but not like this."


Gunner groans as his alarm goes off. He'd just gotten to sleep twenty minutes ago and already it was time to get up. He'd hit the snooze if he believed an extra five minutes would really do any good. But he didn't. It had been a long night... a very long night with many thoughts he wanted to ignore.

Showering and downing a cup of coffee managed to wake him up enough to drive to work, though the foggy atmosphere didn't help much. Once he's at TJY, he finds paperwork waiting on his desk. But after half an hour of trying to concentrate, he gives up.

He heads to the break room for a can of pop, hitting the button for Mountain Dew. not getting the can though, he growls at the machine. Taking hold of it, he slips around the side, feels the back panel then gives it a hearty whack. He was the only one who had ever been able to conquer the pop machine's quirks and sure enough, his Mountain Dew is deposited. But as he heads back to his cubicle, he stops. The caffeine might help his tiredness, but it wasn't going to let him forget the thoughts that had run through his mind all night.

Stopping in the hall, Gunner just stands for several moments before finally turning around. Getting to Hope's open door, he knocks lightly. Something close to a smile accents his tired eyes. "Hi, um... I... I just... um..." His shoulders drop and his gaze is lowered as his finger fiddles with the pop can tab. Click, click, click. He looks back up at Hope. He was too tired to fight today. "I had a bad night. I keep... I mean... I don't want to, but I keep thinking about ending it again... and I don't know how to make it stop."


Axel makes his way through TJY, waving to a few faces that had become familiar. Making it to the infirmary, Rick greets him and points him to Misty. Axel thanks him and wanders to Misty's desk, not wanting to interrupt her. He was a few minutes early.

He knocks on the corner of her desk, giving her a little grin. "Your patient has arrived."

Middle

Being stoped by Sparky Dan was a little surprised. Turning to follow Dan was a little confused but did as he said anyways. Coming back to Jade, and Mick again Dan was hoping for an explanation or something.

Listing to Sparky's words with Mick, and hearing the way he talked about him Dan felt hurt, and didnt know what to do. Everything hurt, and seeing the fear in Jade's eyes across the barn his heart acked more. He didn't want it this way, it was ment to be a lot easier.

Seeing Mick reach out and strike Sparky Dan's eyes widen a little. In a few quick steps Dan is next to Sparky to see if he was ok. Looking up at Mick again Dan's own anger seemed to form but he kept his words to himself.

Watching Mick leave and hearing he needed to back one more time Dan just didnt know what to do. Looking at Sparky who told him to stay Dan felt so lost. But looking up and seeing how scared Jade was Dan leaves Sparky's side taking the few short steps to her. Reaching out he gently puts his arm around her shoulder and draws her near to him. Resting his own head down on her for a long moment.

After a few moments had gone by still holding Jade Dan looked up at Sparky. He didnt know what to do. He'd remembered what happend with Becca, but still he refused to do that with Jade. There had to be a middle somewhere.

"Now what happens?"

Second time

Jade clings to Dan's hands, looking over his shoulder to her father. Cold chills ran down her spine. She'd intentionally disobeyed him, and he was not happy. Him terminating Dan's job only proved to be the final blow. There was nothing worse. Her father had obviously been pushed to his limit.

A whimper sticks in her throat as Dan speaks. She knew he was trying to comfort her, but she didn't want that. She didn't want him to leave at all. But as she slid back to the floor, his hands were lost from her grasp, and she could only stand helplessly as he walked away.

"No!" Tears streamed down her face and she starts to go after Dan, but Mick's arm stops her short.

He looks down at her with a sternness never seen. "You let him go," he orders. "I'll not have someone like him working here, let alone trying to seduce my daughter."

"He wasn't trying to seduce me!" Jade almost screams. "Don't you understand anything?!"

"You listen to me," Mick barks, taking her by her shoulders. "I knew there was something about him, and now I know. How you can look past what he's done is beyond me, but whatever you've got stuck in your head, you better forget it now, because this is over. Do you understand?"


Before Dan can make it outside, Sparky suddenly steps out of the shadows, grabbing Dan's arm to stop him and turn him around. His gaze was angry, but it was not an anger towards Dan. "You leave, and you'll regret it the rest of your life," he warns quietly. "Now is not the time to run."

Taking a couple steps backward towards Mick and Jade, Sparky motions for Dan to trust him and follow. Then turning back around, he addresses his brother. "Mick, let her go."

Mick whirls around with a glare. "Stay out of this Tyler. This is none of your business."

Being called by his given name stung and Sparky almost winces. "It is too," he replies calmly, keeping his temper at bay. "These kids don't deserve this and you know it."

"He's a murderer!" Mick points in Dan's direction. "And he admitted it!"

"It was an accident!" Sparky's voice finally raises a notch. "He made a mistake! We've all made mistakes, and he paid for his dearly!"

"I don't care how it happened! He's not going to do the same to my daughter!"

"He's changed, Mick!"

"How do you know?!"

"He's served his time! He's been on the right path! Go look at his file, for crying out loud!" Sparky points to the office outside. Seeing a look of shock cross Mick's face, Sparky's own eyes widen. "You never read it, did you?"

"Of course I read his file," Mick snaps. "I read all of them."

"But you didn't know any of this."

"So he's been lying to us."

Sparky shakes his head. "I don't know what you thought you read, Mick, but all of what he told Jade is in his file. You just didn't know it."

Mick takes a step back, his eyes jumping from Dan to Jade to Sparky and back to Dan.

Jade's teary eyes are wide. "If... if you didn't know, then... then why do you hate him so much."

"I didn't hate him!" Mick throws up his arms. "But I knew there was a reason not to trust him, and now it's been proven."

Sparky crosses his arms. "Dan wasn't the one that came home drunk the other night."

Mick's gaze snaps to his brother as his anger boils. Without even thinking, he lashed out. The smack echoed in the barn as his knuckles met Sparky's mouth.

Sparky's head whips to the side, blood spurting from his lip. He manages to stay on his feet, but stays bent, staring at the floor.

Jade gives a shriek and puts her hands to her mouth, her face paling in shock. She wanted to run to Dan, but her father stood in between them.

After a horridly silent moment, Sparky straightens up. Never had he worn such a look of hurt on his face as he stares at his brother. "You're wrong, Mick... you're wrong, and you know it."

"Mick!" someone shouts from outside. "Telephone."

Mick tenses, knowing that it was probably related to Dylan. A mixture of anger and guilt formed knots in his stomach as he stared at the three sets of eyes. Gritting his teeth, he turns to leave, giving Dan one last glare as he goes. "I told you to pack up," he hisses before continuing out of the barn.

Sparky looks to Dan and shakes his head when Mick is out of earshot. "Don't you dare pack."

Jade stands trembling, so utterly confused that she doesn't even think she can move.

Sad :(

Just looking back into Jade's eyes Dan felt like he could get lost. His world had stopped losing one, and than started again finding the unexceptionable only to losing her as well. Life was crule and played a mean game.

But feeling Jade's hand run through his hair Dan felt the warmth, and it gave him hope. Hope that there were brighter days, and the sun would always rise.

But as quick as the hope came, it was broken once more, Mick's words causing Dan to jump. Not because he was scared of him, but because it was unexpected. Turning around Dan's hand falls behind him taking Jade's into his own. His heart thumped now, the look in Mick's eyes chilled him to the bone.

Dan wanted to say more, but he'd just been caught making out with Mick's daughter. There was nothing he could say that would make anything better. Giving Jade's hand a squeeze Dan looks over his shoulder and gives her a smile. He had one kiss, that would last him a life time. It would go in the box of memories and be cherished.

"Its going to be ok Jade. Just remember what I told you about family."

Giving Jade's hand a gentile squeeze Dan steps forwards and lets her hand slip from his. His heart being ripped in to, but trying his best not to let it show. Slowly starting to make his way out of the barn to pack.

O.O

As Dan speaks the truth, Jade whirls around, her eyes wide. She had suspected there was more to his story, but not this. Her hand goes to her mouth to try and cover her shock. But the tears that form in her eyes were not from anger or hate for what Dan had done - they were from sorrow. The man that stood before her was a soul more tormented than she had imagined. Becca had been more than a mere girlfriend. She had been pregnant... with his own child. And he had lost them both.

Jade's stomach churns as she tries to process the information. She felt sick, now realizing what Dan was going through, becoming angrier with her father, and feeling her heart being ripped in two. There were feelings inside of her that were upset to find out Dan had had another so intimately. That he would have had a family. That he would have had love. Yet he'd shattered his own dream. But greater were Jade's feeling of sorrow for him, and further hatred towards her father for treating Dan like this, when he was obviously still recovering from a tragic past.

She felt like she should be more angry with Dan, yet as she stared up into his eyes, the pain was deeper than that. She wasn't angry with him. As much as it didn't make sense, she just couldn't be. Her mouth opens slightly as tears stream down her face. But she didn't know what to say. Finding this out... the shock didn't want to leave, yet she felt like falling into his arms to grasp for any comfort that might be left. It was a conflicting feeling, but it was there nonetheless.

And looking into those deep eyes as he spoke through his pain, Jade knew... He was more than just a friend to her.

But what could she possibly say to something like this? There was nothing but her stare... her stare of shock, pain and longing. She didn't want to hurt him anymore though. She couldn't say anything, for fear of making his own pain worse. Her heart breaking even more, she turns to leave, only to have Dan pull her back around.

Drawn close to him, Jade could feel his warm strength and her pulse quickened. Like magnets, his eyes drew her in, making it impossible for her to look away. Her mouth had gone dry and she found herself trembling for no explainable reason.

Taken into his kiss, she doesn't even have time to react. For a split second, she finds herself almost struggling, but too quickly, his kiss brings a warmth over her she'd never known. Her eyes close and she could feel her knees starting to buckle.

Feeling herself being picked up, she wraps her arms around him, letting him move her to the workbench. Feeling his hands in her hair made her heart race as butterflies filled her stomach. She could hear her own pulse beating inside her temple as her hands slide up to cradle Dan's neck and head.

Completely overcome with the moment, she doesn't stop to think about who she was kissing and why. It didn't seem to matter anymore. All she knew was this incredible feeling that she didn't want to end.

As Dan ends the exchange, Jade blinks, trying to catch her breath, her arms still slung around his neck. Swallowing hard, a rebel tear escapes to follow the path down her cheek. Dan's words hurt. Not because of him, but because she suddenly saw that they were more than friends, and he was stating the fact that it couldn't be.

As her lip starts to quiver again, her eyes just search his as she takes her hand and runs her fingers through his hair. She wanted to say so much, but the words got caught in her throat. "Dan, I..."

"Alright, Dan." Mick's cold tone shatters the warmth of the barn. He stood before them, his arms crossed, and his eyes blazing. One could only guess how long he'd been standing there. "Step away from my daughter and go pack your bags. You're finished."

No One!

At Jade's words Dan could feel his emotions bubble inside. The emotions left dormant for so long seemed to find there way back and Dan felt the guilt all over, He saw the images of Becca lifeless next to him in the car.

Taking Jade by the shoulders Dan looks her in the eyes. The pain written all over his face He did care and thats why he tryed.

"Jade I am doing your friend went I tell you not to do that. I care and thats why I am telling you not to break ties with your dad like that."

Dan felt like his words were going in one ear and out the other with Jade. And it made him frustrated more. He had to do something to get her to not do the unthinkable. Maybe...if it was the truth she wanted to hear and maybe he should tell her.

Taking a few steps back from Jade Dan holds his arms out just a little was to the side, his tone seemd cold, but not for Jade but for his own pain.

"You want to know why your dad hates me? Because Jade, I am a murder thats why!"

It cut his heart, and ripped open his scars just to stay it out loud again. His emotions seemed to flair but pain was the greatest.

"I go to bed every night only to see Becca's bloody face in my dreams, and know I killed out unborn child. I wake to escape those nightmares only to relizes they are true."

A hot tear seemed to form in Dan's eye. He felt so messed up all over again, yet there was a tug at his heart...something....

"Before coming here Jade, I spent 4 years in prison because I made a mistake and had one to many before getting behind the wheel of my car after having a fight with Becca's parents forcing her to choose them or me."

Dan is quiet for a moment as he tryed to catch his breath before speaking again.

"Your Dad hates me Jade because I am...a murder. And I cant ask another person to give up everything for me when I dont deserve it."

The tugging...it was here, just looking at Jade the tug continued trying to sooth his pain. Her mear presence, He was in love with Jade. She did something to him from the moment he met her, and now if confused him more. Seeing her to start to turn away, Dan didnt want her to go, Dan didnt know what to do.

Reaching out Dan took Jade by the am bringing her close to him. His eyes linked with her for a long moment, and he didnt what he had wanted to do a few times before. Bringing his lips to her quickly Dan's own eyes fall shut as a million emotions seem to rush over him.

Drawing Jade closer and wrapping his arms around her gently lifting her off the ground to sit on the small works bench that was at the one side of the barn so she was level with him Dan kept Jade close his arms still wrapped around her as his one hand finds the back of her head and his hand ran through her hair.

Finally pulling away Dan's own breath seemed heavy but looking Jade in the eyes once again his words seemed soft, and maybe even a little sad.

"It's a shame he hates me too because no one has been able to fill the hole in my heart till you came along."

I just...

Jade looks to Dan quickly, surprise and anger flashing in her eyes as another tear slips out to travel down her face and melt between Dan's fingers. It was the first time she'd glared at him.

"Don't you dare do that to me, Dan Palmer." Her lower lip quivers, but anger takes over the sorrow. "Don't you try to tell me what's more important. I didn't want your friendship just to turn my back on it, so don't make me." A tear drops onto her shirt. "At least you care - my dad doesn't, or he'd see what he was doing. I don't care if you say he really cares or not - he obviously doesn't want me here. He's just finding a way to push me away from him. Well... so be it."

Jade's on her feet, pacing as she swipes at her eyes. "He's being ridiculous, and you know it! Stop trying to be the nice guy and just... just be my friend!" She throws up her arms. "He can shove his ideas up his butt for all I care! I'm gonna pack up and I'm gonna find my own place in town and if he tries to sic my grandmother on me, I'll just give her a piece of my mind. I don't care if life isn't fair... this time, I'm not gonna back down! I can't... I just... I can't."

She leans her hands against the wall, breathing heavily. "I just want to know what he has against you. And if he's not willing to tell me, then he can just deal with the fallout."

Important

Leaning against the barn wall Dan lets out a long sigh. It hurt to know Mick still wanted Jade to have nothing to do with him. And it broke his own heart to see his friend this hurt over it.

Oh how this had happened before and ripped a family apart.Becca had left the world her parents hating her, and herself never seeing them one last time. It had all fallen apart because of her, and it just seemed to be happening again. How could he let that happen to Jade? If he cared than he should let her go. She deserved her family.

"Life...many times is not fair, and we are not always ment to understand."

Pushing off the wall Dan walks a little closer to Jade, and sits down on the hay.

"You only have one family Jade, and your dad loves you very much. Thats why he is doing this because he cares. Dont lose your dad over this Jade, its really not worth it."

Bringing a hand to Jade's face it was hard to find the words to say this as he looked her in the eye.

"Because I care, I cant let you do that. You need your family more than you need my friendship."

Dan hurt and he was sure he had a look of pain for his friend on his face, but what he spoke he ment. He couldnt tear another woman for there parent. He just couldnt.

You wouldn't dare.

Everyone tries to make Karla feel welcome, even Erik. Though he keeps a close eye on her and Kip, he treats her as any friend, making sure she was as comfortable as possible.

Sitting with Karla on the floor, Kip leans back against a chair. He nods to her question. "We'll pray together."

Once everyone was settled, Theo was the volunteer to pray, thanking God for both the food and their guest. Soon, food was being eaten, and a comedy was being watched on the large screen. Laughter rippled through the room, and sometimes a teasing potato chip would fly. Once or twice, the banter and laughing was so much that Twila had to rewind parts of the movie that they'd missed. And when the credits roll, it felt too soon.

Kip swings his head around and looks at Karla. The others would be staying up late playing games. She was invited, but hedidn't know if she would stay or not.


Liking the feeling of Dan's arm around her, Jade gives a contented sigh. 'Thank you." She was glad he was just there for company, and she was glad for his comfort.

Sinking her head a little further into him, she just sits for the longest time, watching clouds drift by the moon. Only when she starts to get a chill does she realize she should head inside. Yawning, she straightens and gives Dan a groggy smile. "Goodnight, Dan. See you in the morning."

Giving his leg a pat, she stands up and wanders to the house, beating her father by only a few minutes.


"Mmm." Jason nods. He knew he'd neglected to eat, but had hoped he could last until they ate supper. It was a little later than planned though. His headache felt kind of different, but he convinces himself that he just needed to eat.

Pacing the room, he contemplates the case, keeping his mind busy until the food arrives. It was a quiet evening, and they end up calling it a night early in case they got any unexpected calls.


Beep, beep, beep, beep...

Wyatt groans and rolls over to slap his alarm. But as his hand gropes on the bedside table, he realizes that this is not his room, and it was not his alarm going off. He slides from the bed at the same time Jason does. "What in the... what time is it?"

Jason fumbles for a shirt, pulling it over his head. "Five-fifteen," he mumble. Stumbling to the door between rooms, he raps on it lightly.

Rise and shine. Incoming.

Wyatt takes a seat at the table situating the computer and speaker phone that was still beeping. "Yeah?"

"How long does it take for someone to answer a call?"

Wyatt grins at his father's voice. "As long as it takes to get out of bed. You said to be on alert, not on watch. What's up?"

Jason listens as he runs a hand through his hair and waits for Katie to join them.

"We got a location on Dylan."

Wyatt's eyes widen. "What?"

"Yeah. He was located this morning at an apartment building about thirty miles from you."

"Hostage?"

"No."

Wyatt exchanges a look of confusion with the others. "Alive?"

"Yes."

"Did the police take him?"

"No."

"Well, why not?"

"Dylan refused to go. Said he was of age to be on his own, and told them to leave. He was with three others - two men an a woman."

"Aw, nice," Jason grumbles. "We came all this way for nothing."

"No," Reese answers, "I want you to go get him."

"But he was obviously just being retarded and wanting to prove something, and if he doesn't want to leave, then we could be charged with kidnapping."

"Then I'll take the heat. I spoke to Mick, and he wants his son taken to the ranch, against the will of Dylan's mother, of course. He still thinks there's foul play - not sure if I agree, but I'm not willing to risk it like the local police are."

Jason sighs. "So you want us to take him by force."

"As if that will be hard for you."

"No, just a royal pain."

"Well, do it anyway. I don't want anyone hurt, but I trust you and Katie can handle about anything."

Wyatt rolls his eyes. "Thanks."

Reese chuckles. "They couldn't do it without a lookout, so don't have a pity party - no one will join you. Now you all have your orders. I don't want to hear from you until you have Dylan in custody. He's in Collinsville at the Maple Heights apartments, number thirty-five. I'll have Scott send you the map."

"Alright. Talk to you later." Wyatt ends the call and looks up to the other two. "Looks like we got our work cut our for us." Dealing with a stubborn teenager wasn't going to be fun. "We need a plan of approach though. Got any theories here?" He glances to Katie. "He's your cousin now - he the type to run off without word? File says he's left before, but not like this."


Gunner groans as his alarm goes off. He'd just gotten to sleep twenty minutes ago and already it was time to get up. He'd hit the snooze if he believed an extra five minutes would really do any good. But he didn't. It had been a long night... a very long night with many thoughts he wanted to ignore.

Showering and downing a cup of coffee managed to wake him up enough to drive to work, though the foggy atmosphere didn't help much. Once he's at TJY, he finds paperwork waiting on his desk. But after half an hour of trying to concentrate, he gives up.

He heads to the break room for a can of pop, hitting the button for Mountain Dew. not getting the can though, he growls at the machine. Taking hold of it, he slips around the side, feels the back panel then gives it a hearty whack. He was the only one who had ever been able to conquer the pop machine's quirks and sure enough, his Mountain Dew is deposited. But as he heads back to his cubicle, he stops. The caffeine might help his tiredness, but it wasn't going to let him forget the thoughts that had run through his mind all night.

Stopping in the hall, Gunner just stands for several moments before finally turning around. Getting to Hope's open door, he knocks lightly. Something close to a smile accents his tired eyes. "Hi, um... I... I just... um..." His shoulders drop and his gaze is lowered as his finger fiddles with the pop can tab. Click, click, click. He looks back up at Hope. He was too tired to fight today. "I had a bad night. I keep... I mean... I don't want to, but I keep thinking about ending it again... and I don't know how to make it stop."


Axel makes his way through TJY, waving to a few faces that had become familiar. Making it to the infirmary, Rick greets him and points him to Misty. Axel thanks him and wanders to Misty's desk, not wanting to interrupt her. He was a few minutes early.

He knocks on the corner of her desk, giving her a little grin. "Your patient has arrived."


Mick rubs his eyes wearily as he goes through a few computer files. Chores and breakfast were now over and he was waiting to hear from the Elite team. He'd been told he would have to wait for about an hour. He couldn't believe that this whole thing had all been because Dylan had simply run off. He was glad it didn't appear to be the Agency, but he was almost madder that he'd been so worried about his son. Still, something didn't set right, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Dad?"

Mick jumps and turns to see Jade. He really didn't feel now was a good time to talk, but he knew she'd been trying to say something to him. "Yes?"

Jade lowers into another chair and folds her hands in her lap. "I... wanted to talk to you about me staying here. I've made up my mind."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I've decided to try and find an apartment in town."

Mick blinks. "What?"

Jade's stomach churns as she tries not to become agitated. "I don't want to give up my friendship with Dan," she states flatly. "If I'm not under your roof, I can at least come and see him or meet him for lunch, whereas if I stay here, I'm under your thumb. It's the most logical answer."

"It most certainly is not." Mick starts to frown. "I don't want you to just go off and find your own place because you have a crush on one of the ranch hands!"

Jade grits her teeth. "I have no such thing."

"Then why are you not willing to just let him be an acquaintance?"

"He's my friend! Friends spend time together, don't you get it? I know you don't like him, but I do. So if I have to ignore him in order to stay here, then I don't want to."

Mick could feel his heart starting to crack. This had not been his intention. "Look, I will not allow you to live on your own. You can't even afford it."

"I have some money saved up from Grandma."

"For a future! Not to be thrown away on some silly venture because you didn't get your way! No. I won't allow it."

"You can't stop me." Jade's tone had grown cold.

"Don't you play that card with me, young lady. My decision is final. It's here or back with your mother. But my rule about Dan stands."

Jade gets to her feet, her fists balled up at her sides. "Watch me," she hisses. "By tomorrow night, I'll be living in town." She spins on her heel, stalking towards the door.

Mick was desperate, in no way wanting his seventeen-year-old to be out on her own. The nearest town wasn't even that great, and she had no friends that she would be relying on. "You do," he calls after her, "and your grandmother will be the first person I call."

Jade stops in her tracks. Her grandmother could make her life a living nightmare. "You wouldn't dare."

Mick's voice is even and stern. "Don't test me. You know the rule if you stay here. Or you can go back to your mother. But there is no other option, Jade. Not this time. You've got to learn that you can't always have your way."

Jade could feel the hot tears stinging her eyes. This hadn't gone at all like she'd planned. She'd expected him to either change his mind or not care if she went on her own. But to not only stick to his stupid rule, but forbid her to have a third option too... it broke her heart.

Giving one last glare to her father, Jade stalks out of the building, letting the door slam behind her.

Mick gets to his feet at the loud bang. Growling with frustration, he runs his hand through his hair. What was happening to his family? Did his word mean nothing anymore? He turns to close up the work he'd been doing before following Jade. This conversation was not over... not like this.

"Argh!" Jade slams a fist into a stack of straw bales in the corner of the barn. "He doesn't even care!" A tear runs down her face as she turns to give Dan a look of desperation. "He won't even let me go get my own place so I can still do things with you! It's his way or the highway and I just don't understand!"

She turns around to throw another fist into the straw. At this point, she wasn't even trying to mask her frustration. Another tear joins the first. "He doesn't want me here! He doesn't care, and he doesn't even want me to be happy! He just wants to control me. He's no different than Mom. I don't belong anywhere."

Jade chokes on a sob, letting her anger carry her through the pain. She stares at the straw, unable to look at Dan as she knew he'd be hurt too. "I don't understand!" Both fists hit the straw this time. "I can't stay here like this! I just don't understand! Why does he hate us together?! Why can't I even be your friend?! It's not fair!"

McKade

Turning to look at Leo in the driver seat Ryan gives a smile at his comment. Her brother had always been brave,. That was the McKade way though. Ryan had her knack for racing and making deals, John always had his smart mouth and could smooth talk anyone, and Eli was the breave one no matter what. Everyone had always respected him, she could never imagine this any different.

"Its the McKade way you know, we all have our strong points and together we are unstopable."

Giving an evil laugh Ryan throws a side long glance to Leo before busting out in a more silly laugh.

"Yeah, I know he did. Standing up to Roth and living to tell the tail...that will earn any races respect."

Giving a small laugh and shaking his head Dan lets Jade lean on him draping his arm over her shoulders.

"Unless we get a freak snowstorm like a few years ago. I dont think I would mind it as long as it didnt happen all the time."

Letting out a small sigh and just taking in the night air Dan leans his head on top of Jade's. A small rub to the side of her arm is what he offered. Comfort, it was what Dan liked to give Jade when she needed it.

"They have some of the best looking for Dylan and you dad. Its a Garnette they will find him."

Sinking down next to Jason for a moment Katie thinks. Only than to notice Jason was a little pale and he was getting a headache.

"You havent had anything to eat all day and you know better with your suger. How about I order us some chinese?"

Standing and jotting down everything Wyatt wanted and Jason Katie slipped into the other room to use her phone and order.

As Kip opens the door a smile spreads on Karla's face. She had to addmit she was happy Kip answered and not anyone else or she might tuck tail and run.

"Hey Kip, sorry we are a little late. Rin thought it best this time around he come over in style."

Looking down at Rin Karla pats his head before entering into the large house once more. Being lead through the house again Karla couldnt help but look in Ahh once more at everything that looked so grand even the second time around.

Entering the room where all the others were Karla gave a small shy smile. There were more people than earlier and she couldn't help the timid side. Giving a small wave Karla was a little quiet only really talking to Kip here and there as she was the only one in the group she was to comfortable with right now.

Grabbing one of the smaller ham subs and a bottle of water Karla waits for Kip giving a small smile.

"It's ok if they dont calm down. I'll just have to get over being shy to fit in with them."

Following Kip into the other room Karla sits on the ground next to him Rin still by her side leaning his head down on his paws. Looking around the room at everyone Her voice comes out as a quiet whisper though she trys not to be to shy.

"Do you guys pray to for your food or should I just pray alone?"

Looking up from chatting with Twila for a moment Alice gives a smile at Karla. The younger woman seemed nice, and Alice usally could judge character.

Distraction

Eli shakes his head. "You know me. I like anything but anchovies." Leaning over a little, he positions himself in the corner of the couch where he could be comfortable.

He sees Leo looking at him, and he gives him a wry grin. "I don't look half as bad as you did, bud. And I've had worse. Just go get the pizza."

Leo chuckles and goes to put the first aid supplies away, coming back to leave with Ryan. Once alone in the car, he glances to Ryan. "You're brother's a brave man. I wish I had the strength to do what he did. All I wound up doing was making an idiot of myself. Eli... you can bet he can walk down to that raceway any time he wants, and he'll have respect."


Alone in the living room, when Eli is quite sure Leo and Ryan are gone, he fishes for his cell phone, wincing a little as he moves too fast. Scrolling through names, he finally finds the one he wants. "Hey, Chris. Yeah, it's Eli.... Oh, fine. Look, I just wondered if Jackson was true to his word." He lets out a long sigh to the answer. "I was afraid of that.... No... I wouldn't have changed it. I asked, he said no, so it was a risk and I lost out. ....Nah, I'll be alright. Hey, have Billy go check my apartment though, would you? I had that leak before I left and I don't want water all over the place.... yeah. Okay, thanks.... No, don't know now, but I'll let you know. Alright. Yeah. Later."


Jade doesn't move as Dan joins her. She was used to his company now, and enjoyed it. Her gaze joins his to the sky. "Mmm... you know how it is around here... not much more than a dusting a few times during the season. I really don't like it though." She laughs. "I never wanted to go where they get a foot or two of snow at once. It seems way too cold to me."

Sighing, she lets herself lean over, her head resting on Dan's shoulder. Though she hadn't spoken of it much, she really was worried about her brother. She just hadn't wanted to think about it, for fear of worrying more or making things worse. "They're gonna find Dylan... aren't they?"


All Wyatt has time for is to smirk at Katie before making contact with Mick. When their conversation ends though, he sits back in his chair, quirking an eyebrow. "No, Missy, I told Aerith I wouldn't be able to call her 'til the job was done. And besides, I'm not grumpy, I'm just hungry."

Jason leans back against the wall. "Hmm... well, we could always call for a pizza." A sharp pain through his temple makes him wince and he puts a hand to his forehead. "Um... or there's other stuff down the street as long as one of us is here at all times."


Band practice was over, and everyone was back at the Wiley's. They'd practiced at Theo's, as they were used to, though it was the first time with Kyle. Theo's apartment was a nice one, in a good area of town, though it was nothing like the Wiley mansion. It was explained to Kyle and Alice that though there was plenty of room at Erik's, it was nice to be somewhere else, and out in Theo's roomy garage, they didn't bother anyone. It was "their" space. Practice had gone well.Kyle and the others blended so well, one would think they'd been together for a long time, not just a few days. That in itself convinced anyone that they were on the right path, and it made Kyle happy to know that maybe he was going in the right direction, that maybe God really did have a bigger plan in mind.

"Whoa whoa, you what?" Erik stares at Kip as the group gathers in the back sunroom, awaiting the subs for supper.

"I... invited Karla." Kip shrugs. "Figured it was no big deal so I-"

Erik puts his hands on his hips, frowning. "You what? Went after someone else?"

Kip looks down at the floor, his face reddening. "She's nice and could use-"

"Come here." Erik stands up to leave the room, pulling Kip along with him.

Kyle lifts an eyebrow and looks to the others for any explanation.

Twila purses her lips. "Kip... has a habit of..." She searches for the right words.

"Picking up strays," Russ finishes.

"Russ!" Twila reprimands. "That's not very nice."

Russ chuckles. "Sorry." He looks back to Alice and Kyle. "What Twila was trying to say is that Kip often gets involved with people he shouldn't. And him not knowing this girl... Erik's automatically leery."

Out in the hall, Erik lays into Kip, their voices heard in the room, even though the door was partway shut.

"So Whitney got fed up and you found someone else?"

"This has nothing to do with that," Kip defends.

"First Breanna, then Whitney... they've all gotten you in trouble. What is it you need, huh? Why do you insist on needing their attention?"

Kip's face was still red. "This is different. Karla could use friends and... and I don't know, I just thought it was a good idea."

"You were already at her place almost all day - you sure you were just playing video games?"

"Yes! Don't you trust me?"

Erik folds his arms. "After catching you and Whitney-"

"Nothing happened!"

"Only because you got caught!"

Kip throws up his arms. "Are you always going to remind me of that? Can't I make a new friend? Can't I have someone over to dinner?"

Erik's face remains stern. He knew Kip often brought distractions into his life so he wouldn't have to focus on the bad that went on in the background. Everyone did that to a certain degree, but sometime Kip needed to stop and face his problems instead of ignoring them. And so far, he was still latching on to young women who made him feel important, just to take advantage of him until he got into enough trouble to let them go. Whitney had been the worst, until the Wiley's had banned her from the property. Even then, Kip somehow couldn't say no to her. And now he'd found someone else? Erik sighs deeply, his tone growing more gentle. "No, that's not what I mean. I just... I hope Karla is different. Because if she's not, we'll have a problem."

"I know. But she is. I just want to help her."

"Help her?"

"She's got a crappy little apartment with no heat and she's out of work right now and... I figured we got enough to at least share our supper."

It was another distraction and Erik knew it. But Kip's intentions were pure. "Alright. You know most anyone is welcome here, and it's your home too. It's fine you invited her over. Just keep clean okay?"

"Of course."

The doorbell rings and Kip is quick to leave Erik. "I'll get it!" He jogs to the front door, opening it up to grin at Karla. "Hey! Come on in." He looks at Rin and chuckles, giving the dog a scrath behind the ears. "Nice bandanna."

Leading the way back to the room, the subs had just come and Twila was finding a movie to watch. "Can we go into the other room?" she suggests.

"Ooh, yeah." Theo nods. "Food. Movie. What could be better? I..." His voice trails off as he sees Karla. "Well, hi there."

Kip brings her in and makes a quick job of introductions.

"Okay, grab a sub and something to drink," Erik directs. "Twila, you got the movie?"

Kip looks to Karla, smiling. "The settle down after a while."

Hours

Going to reply to Jason Katie is intrupted by Wyatt. Rolling her eyes and shaking her head Katie slaps Jason's arm.

Dont give me that look I am not the one who TRIED to change the subject. We will talk about it later, because to be honest I am not sure.

Moving closer to where Wyatt was Katie sinks down in one of the chairs with her note pad at the ready to write down anything and everything she could that would help.

Looking up at Wyatt Katie smirks.

"Don't be grumpy Wy, I know your away from Aerith and all but you will be ok for a few days. Anyways how can you yell at us when you know you will be one the phone with her for hours later."

Finishing his chores Dan comes around the corner only to see the all to familiar form on the hay bale. Just standing for a moment in the far shadow of the barn Dan wanted to go to her and sit, but new he shouldn't. But if Jade was out here again so that must mean Mick was busy, and if he was busy than he wouldn't be out anytime soon.

Slowly making his way over to the bail Dan sinks down next to Jade leaning against the barn and looking up at the night sky.

"Its going to snow soon. I think I am kind of looking forward to it. What about you? Do you like snow?"

Once Kip was gone Karla looks down at her dog and gave a grin patting him on the head. It felt good, to have a friend.

"Looks like we made a new friend huh?"

Going to the kitchen she preparing Rin's food Karla puts it down for him. She had about an hour and a half before she needed to leave that would give her enough time to take a shower get dressed and walk back over to Kip's house.

...time seemed to go by in the snap of the fingers and by time Karla and Rin got out of the house and to Kips they were fifteen minutes late. Wearing the best pare of blue jeans she owned and a nice black t-shirt Karla mader her way up to the door. Rin having his own little hanker chef on.

Knocking on the door Karla waited, a little nervous but excited at the same time.

Getting home and helping Eli inside Ryan left Leo with him for a moment as she went to get a large bowl, water, some cloths and the iodine. Also ice, and a wrap for his hand.

"Ok, lets see how good we can make you feel."

Handing the iodin to Leo so he can clean the cuts Ryan whipes the try blood from her brother's face an ice pack on his hand. It dosnt take long to have all the wounds dressed, and his hand wrapped for now. Ryan was sure Eli would be in a lot of pain still but at least he was clean, and no worrys of infections for now.

"Now, what about pizza and a movie. I am starving. Want anything special on your pizza bro?"

Mirror

Jade grins a little but doesn't look up. "Thanks. I'll try." Moving towards the dining hall, she turns for just a moment to throw Dan a smile before spinning back around and continuing her route.


Jason sighs about Kyle. "Yeah but... I don't know. I wish he'd at least stay in touch... and he could search the rest of his life. I don't understand why he's pulled away from everyone, especially his family. I..." His voice trail off suddenly and he looks down at Katie. "Hey... how did you know we were talking about that?" He knew he had not intentionally fed that information to her.

"You guys gonna talk all night?"Wyatt interrupts. "Or are we going to contact Mick like we're supposed to?"

Jason smirks at him and lets Katie go. "Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's get set up." He still throws her a glance, warning that he wasn't done with this conversation.



Mick paces in the quiet dining hall after supper and after getting BJ tucked into bed. The police had no leads, so now he was counting on the small Elite team to help.

"Hey, Mick, you around?"

Mick jumps, sliding back to the chair in front of the computers and headset. He quickly dons the mic. "Wyatt?"

"You're good."

Mick chuckles. "No, I just knew that wasn't Jason's voice."

It's Wyatt's turn to laugh. "Hang on a sec." He flips a few switches and turns on the tiny camera that someone would wear when they went out. "What do you think of our room?"

Mick looks to one of the monitors and sees the hotel room, and Jason and Katie off to the side. "Looks cozy."

Wyatt gives a whoop. "Scott's a genius. Any news for us?"

"Nope. Talked to the police and Dylan's mother. Both had nothing to say. They still don't want me involved - think I'll make things worse. But I think they were telling the truth about no new news."

"That's what we've heard too. We got the info on where the cops have been searching, so at least we won't be doubling up and wasting our time once we get out there."

"When will that be?"

"When we get the word from the boss. Until then, we sit tight and play tidlywinks."

Mick grins and starts to answer when Jade catches the corner of his eye. He waves her still, to let her know that now wasn't a good time, and shakes his head.

"You still there?"

"Yeah, sorry."

Jade's shoulders drop. She was glad her dad was in contact with the Elite, but now she still couldn't talk to him.Turning around, she goes back out into the chilly night, wandering to the familiar hay bale at the barn. Sitting down, she just looks up at the starry sky, wishing she didn't feel so alone.


Kip puts his hands on his hips. "How can it be imposing when I asked you to come? Be there. No one will mind."

Heading to the door, he gives a final wave to Karla, then to Rin too, with a silly grin. "See you both later then."


Eli sees his sister in the mirror, and he knows that she just wants to help. He was the leader - the big brother - but he also knew that sometimes he needed help too. "Yeah, okay," he relents. "Just take it easy on me."

Getting back to the house, Eli is slow to get inside, now realizing how sore he was going to be. Gingerly taking off his jacke, he eases down on the couch, giving Ryan enough room to clean him up.

Your sure?

Ryan gives a shake of her head slouching down a little to see my brothers eyes in the side mirror. She couldn't never repay him for what he did, and those cuts he came were because he was defending her honer. Ryan could only hope to repay that to Eli one day.

"Its the least I can do to repay you Eli. Please let us?"

Flashing her brother a smile there was so much emotion in Ryan's eyes. It was strange feeling so many things at once, but in a way it was kind of nice to just feel again!

Thinking for a moment Karla laughed to herself. Why was she thinking about it? Its not like she had a big meal of her own to eat and the food she did have would probably leave her still hungry afterward. But at the same time she didnt want to jump all over it. Kip seemed real nice, but she was still feeling them out and that last thing she wanted was to make him think she was using him for money.

"Six o'clock that will give me time to clean myself up a little bit since at the moment I am in my dirty running cloths. Are you sure your other friends wont mind? I don't want to impose!"

Karla smiled at Kip, she just wanted to make sure it was ok. It wasn't every day someone invited her for breakfast, spend the whole day with her and than asked her to dinner. Not anyone good anyways. Karla was almost scaired that it was to good to be true that this day actully happened.

Feeling Jason's arm around her a smile spread on Katie's face. Behind semi alone in a hotel seemed to bring back memories for Katie when her and Jason had yet to hook up but the chemistry was there. It was a good memorie or so Katie though thats when had first relized there powers and the connection to each other. My how far they had come, from than to now.

Just leaning into Jason something strange happened. It was almost like the phone was put up to her ear and not Jason's. She could hear the conversation almost as clear as day. But that was crazy right? It never had happend before Maybe Jason's phone was turned up to high.

Shrugging it off and waiting for Jason to get off the phone Katie leans into him again leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, they worry about us more than Reese I think sometimes."

Not even really thinking about it Katie just speaks whats on the top of her mind about what Phile said about Jen. Jen was one of her best friends and she worryed about her too sometimes.

"Next time you talk to Phil tell him to tell Jen, not to give up on Kyle yet. He just...needs to find what he is looking for."

Hearing Jade Dan steps out of the shall behind Jade. Letting out a low sigh. It was hard to keep his distance from her. The had formed a friendship and now being told to stay away for a reason Dan didn't even know was hard.

Gently resting a hand on Jade's shoulder Dan is quiet for a moment. Looking out and over to the dinning hall himself he could see the shadows behind the drawn shade moving slowly.

Looking down at Jade and giving a soft smile he whispers.

"Stay calm, and choose your words. No matter what it will be ok."

Another change

Kip cocks his head. "Then before I go, tell me that you'll come over for supper. Six o'clock. The band's just having a real casual supper of subs after practice, and now you know where the house is so... would you? Rin can come back too."


Gunner lets himself into his dark, quiet apartment. It felt too dark... too quiet. After such a fun evening with JT and Bree, this just felt... empty. He'd never felt as though he didn't want to be alone before... he'd never craved company... But maybe this whole thing had changed him more than he'd thought.

A while later as he lay in bed, he stares up at the ceiling, trying to fall asleep. But the struggle would continue longer than anticipated. And in the morning, he would find he'd received less than an hour's sleep.


Eli accepts the cloth and presses it to the side of his head. "Should I be scared with you two in charge?"

Leo grins. "Nah. We won't be too rough with you."

"Oh, thanks." Eli winces as he finds another cut. "I think you two should go get the food and let me clean myself up."


"So practice went well?" Jason held his cell phone to his ear, leaning on the doorway between the two hotel rooms - one for him and Wyatt, and the other for Katie. He'd gotten a call from Phil before setting things up, and was sorry he was missing out on band activity.

"Yeah, yeah, we're good."

"Good. Forgot to ask you the other day if you'd heard from Kyle."

"Nope. Not a word in over a month. Jen's not taking it well, but she finally gave up trying to call him."

"That's what I thought." Jason catches Katie by slinging an arm over her shoulders as she walks by, not realizing that something had happened. He wasn't trying to do anything, but somehow, everything he was hearing was being pushed in her direction. It had never happened before, and Jason was too absorbed to notice that Katie was being let in on the conversation. "Alright, well I just wanted to touch base. I'll call you guys when I can but I'll probably be silent for a few days now."

"We understand. Just stay safe and bring back Katie too."

Jason grins. "Of course. Later."

"Later."

Jason flips his phone shut and gives Katie's head a kiss. "I'm supposed to bring you home safe."


Jade stands in the entrance of the quiet barn, looking towards the lit dining hall. She could hear Dan behind her, finishing up the last few chores, and she sighs. Another day gone. "I have to talk to him," she comments aloud. "I know he's trying to find Dylan but I have to talk to him anyway." She sighs again. She was scared to.

Idea

Giving a laugh as Rin lets out an excited woof Karla just shakes her head. Standing to turn the tv and game off as Kip answers his phone. It was getting late now and she new there time would be coming when they would have to say good night. Only to be surprised once again by a kind offer from Kip.

"Well, if you consider a glass of flat pop, and a dollar tv dinner something planned than yes I do. But if not, than no I have nothing planned at all!"

Karla gave a smile to Kip. Knowing her meal didn't sound great she hopped he found a little humor in it anyways. Thought Karla would admit she was excited in wondering what Kip would ask her next.

Getting into the backseat to let Leo drive a small smile played on Ryan's lips. She had ment renting a movie anyways so that worked but she would let Leo have this idea for himself this time.

"I think Pizza and a movie sounds fantastic actually."

Fishing around in the back seat Ryan fings a clean cloth and shakes it out a few times before handing it up to her brother.

"Here, hold this on your head for now to try and stop the bleeding. When we get home, Dr Leo and Nurse Speedy will fix you up."

Supper?

Eli manages a grin as they head to the car. "I think this old man is gonna have to pass on a movie and trade it for a couple ice packs instead."

Leo reaches the front passenger door and opens it for Eli, while slipping a look to Ryan. He wasn't about to leave Eli out after this. "How about we get back home, then Ryan and I can go pick up a movie and pizza to bring back?"

Getting into the car gingerly, Eli smiles in appreciation. "Sounds great if it's okay with Speedy."


"Oh, sure." Kip rolls his eyes. "Show me up in front of the dog." He takes the controller back and looks to Rin again. "She thinks it's funny, doesn't she?"

Giving a little smirk, Kip tries it once more, but right at the last second, he goes plummeting into the ravine. All he can do is laugh and shake his head. "I'm afraid my fingers were trained for a guitar, not a video game controller."

He's about to try again, when he feels his phone buzzing in his pocket. Checking it out, his eyes widen. He'd missed four calls from Erik, and only now does he remember why. "Ohhh, crap. We got band practice in five minutes. Erik's gonna kill me - I've gotta run." Getting to his feet, he glances around quickly to make sure he didn't forget anything.

But then he stop and looks to Karla. "You got plans for supper?"

Spin Jump

Returning the hug and taking a long deep breath Ryan would never tire of her brother's smell. Weather it was mixed with sweat or not oil and leather would always comfort her. For those few moments Ryan just takes the sent in, thankful for her brother protectiveness.

Being drawn back Ryan is silent for a few moments as she looks up into her brothers eyes. How deep they were, and though miles had been between them it was like not a moment had gone by that they had been apart. Giving a soft smile Ryan leans up to give her brother a small kiss of thanks on the cheek.

"Yeah, I'm ok. Thank you."

Slipping her arm into her brother so it was locked Ryan walked with him back to where Leo stood, not even bothering to give a second glance at Roth. Smiling and giving a small nod to Leo Ryan slings her arm around his shoulder.

"I don't really feel like watching the race right now. How about we go home get cleaned up and go see a movie or something just for tonight. Maybe next race if I can get my car fixed up in time I'll race."

Hearing his name Rin perks his head up cocking it to the side a little looking at Kip. Seeing the controller that was being held out to him Rin stands with a grown coming over to Kip and sniffing it before trying to paw at it as well. Letting out a low woof as he just cant seem to get it right eather.

Giving a laugh as she watchs Kip and Rin interact it was just to funny. Her dog ever really took to anyone but Kip there must have been something different about him and it intrigued Karla even more.

Leaning over behind Kip as he still sits on the floor Karla pulls her legs up on the couch draping a blanket over top of them to give a little warmth.

"Ok, this is how you do it."

Starting her level she trys not to go to fast to show Kip how to do it. Grabbing the turtle shell and carrying it to the next guy Karla lets it go. Hitting all the koopas to get them out of the way. Bouncing off of a few more guys Karla rides the cloud to almost the end and jumps out coming to the cliff where Kip died. Running and giving a spin jump off one, two, and three flying turtles Karla makes it over the cliff.

"See its not that hard you just have to know the spin jump trick. Here you try it again? Have to keep at it if you want to get better right?"