Nightclub

Gage looks back at the tree and smirks. "Art. Right." He chuckles softly. "The closest I've ever come to art is doodling on a napkin." He pauses in thought. "'Course that could be 'cause I've never even had more than an ink pen in my hand." He could remember once a long time ago he'd seen a box of crayons and would have done just about anything just to have the blue one.

Hearing Sapphire's thank you, he keeps his eyes on the tree, but his hand gives hers a squeeze. Taking another sip from his eggnog, he smacks his lips again. "You keep bringing goodies like this, and I'll start leaving the door unlocked for you," he teases.


Rick nods his agreement with Katie. "I'm not sure about building up an immunity but we can try. My guess would be that if this is a kind of amplifier, if you'd been the one shot, you woulda sucked Jason dry, overwhelming yourself and putting him down pretty quick."

Jason sighs deeply, running a thumb over the tender marks on his palm. "You really think this was on purpose? I mean the mark? There's no substance that could burn a hand from the inside out, let alone no where else, and let alone in a definite pattern. That just doesn't make sense."

"Katie's right though," Jeff intercedes. "Intentional or not, nobody else is gonna have marks like these. If they didn't do it on purpose, they'll find out quick enough and they'll always be able to find you."

Jason doesn't even seem to be listening and he looks to Rick again. "What are you planning to try that I need to be stronger for?"

"Um..." Rick shakes his head. "Don't worry about it now. Just rest. Both of you."

Don't worry. Yeah. Right. We're sitting here half dead with alien brands on our hands and he says just rest.
Jason closes his eyes and lets his head sink back in his pillow.
I'm so tired of this. I thought we'd finally reached a resting place.

Rick exchanges a look with Jeff then turns to go back to his work.


Sparky looks down into Faith's eyes, a little smile turning up the corner of his mouth. The brim of his hat almost hid his gaze, but not quite. "If I minded, I wouldn't have asked, now would I?"

"Sparky?" Jade calls. "Sparky, are you in- Oh." Jade stops, seeing her uncle in the stall. "Hi. Have you seen Dan?"

Sparky steps away from Faith and shakes his head. "Not for a while."

Jade suddenly realizes that Sparky wasn't alone, and she looks at him with question.

Sparky nods to Faith. "This is a friend of Annie's. Her name is Faith. Faith, this is my niece, Jade."

Jade grins and gives a little wave. "Nice to meet you, I... wait.." Her eyes widen at Sparky. "Did you say Annie?"

"Yep. She's in the house. Gonna be here for a bit."

"Yay!" Jade squeals. "I'll have to go see her. But I have to find Dan first. Ohhh, I'll have to introduce him. I don't think he's ever met Annie before..." Her voice trails off as she keeps on heading down the barn aisle.

Sparky chuckles and shakes his head. "That girl's energy never ends." He coils up the leadrope and hands it back to Faith so she can help him some more. "She's been through a rough time lately though... I'm glad she's got Dan around for someone she can spend time with. My brother, her dad, doesn't approve but... Dan's not a bad guy."

Reaching around Faith, he closes the stall, latching it shut. "Okay... lets go get some more of these hungry brutes."

It doesn't take long to get the fifteen horses in the barn. In the meantime, others have been brought in from a different pasture. Most hay and grain is fed, getting chores done a little earlier as Sparky wished, so everyone could take their time with supper.

Hanging up the leadropes, Sparky sighs and sets his hands on his hips, looking around the barn. "Well... I need to take a quick walk around the place," he informs Faith. After spending several hours with her, talking just came as smooth as if he'd known her for years. "You're free to come along, but it's getting a bit chilly, so if you'd rather go back in the dining hall, I'm sure others are already getting ready for supper."


Bret hobbles from the kitchen into the living room, favoring his leg that was still quite sore. Confusion was on his face as he finds Charlotte. He holds up a sheet of paper after having gone through today's mail.

"A letter about a change in wages? For a nightclub?" He searches his wife's face. He'd thought she was working some strange hours at the caves, especially since there were not visitors this time of year, but he hadn't questioned her. Surely this was some mistake.

By the way..

Following Sparky out to where the horses were Faith was a little nervous that she might not to something right, but did her best to hold some confidence in herself.

Not giving hesitation to letting Sparky helping her Faith lets him show her how to do everything. She wanted to learn and she thought it was neat to have Sparky taking the time to teach her. Feeling his hands on her Faith can't help the chill that ran up her arms. Sparky's touch was rough of a working man but soft at the same time.

"Ok so hold it like this right?"

Walking side by side with Sparky Faith lets out a small laugh as there small talk continues. She'd really warmed up well to him and didn't feel quiet as strange anymore.

Entering the barn once again and having Sparky put his arms over her shoulder Faith trys to pay attachen but cant help the tingling feeling she had felt before. It was strange to feel this way with someone she just met, but after spending most of the day with him Faith felt like she had known him all her life.

"Fifteen more, my goodness how many horses are at the ranch?"

Giving a small laugh Faith turns to look at Sparky flashing a smile. Not realizing just how close he was to her as Faith turns around she becomes face to face with him. Biting her lip just a little Faith looks into Sparky's eyes for a long moment.

"I'll keep helping you as long...as you don't mind. I'm having fun."

Listing to her father Katie gives a nervous laugh. His words were easily said, and she new they Agency had been defeated many times before but they always came back. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

I'm really not to scared, I just feel very uneasy that no matter what they are going to know who we are now.

Looking to her father, Rick, and than Jason Katie's eyes held a little worry. No matter what they did now the Agency would always know who they were. Not that they hid there ability from people, but they new how to make it so not the wrong people would know. But now that had changed, they were marked.

It's going to be ok J, as long as we stick together. We are stronger that way. I love you!

Looking back to Rick Katie nods, her eyes were opened more now and just tearing from the light but she could see. Her voice was still raspy but she could still talk, her head was spliting open but she could still think. If the Agency had been trying to take them out, they had failed and they wont continue to fail. Fear is what they wanted, and they couldn't give them that satisfaction.

"We need to figure out what they shot Jason with, and if they did the same to me what could happen. We need to be prepared and do all we can to build up an immunity and see why the did this to start with or what they hopped to achieve."

Sapphire can feel her lips curl up at Gage's comment. After a few moments her cheeks started to hurt but she just couldn't stop smiling. She was so happy that Gage liked the tree, and it came out even better than she had planned.

Holding her glass Sapphire comes up next to Gage slipping her hand into his once again. Why did that so often with Gage she wasnt sure, but it felt nice, and she liked it. She only hoped That Gage didn't mind ether.

"You really do a good job. I think this is one of the best looking tree's I have seen in a while. I think you have a talent for art."

Giving Gage a sidelong glance the smile was still on Sapphire's lips. His earlyer comment hadnt gone unnoticed, but she didnt want to make a big deal out of it eather and embarass him. So she would leave her words simple but with just as much meaning.

"Thanks by the way."

Demonstration

Jason stares at their hands and swallows hard before looking back to Rick. "Was this something the Agency did on purpose? To mark us?"

"Well..." Rick thinks about it. "I guess I can't say no, but I have a few other theories. We can't be sure though until we can try something out and that can't happen until your strength is back. So for now, I don't want you to worry about it." He turns to Katie. "Or you."

Easier said than done. I don't like this one bit. First we almost die, now we've been branded. I don't like it at all.

Jeff gives Katie's arm a pat. "It'll be okay," he assures. "I'm sure you will figure this out. If it's the Agency's doing then you've nothing to worry because we've beaten them multiple times. And if it's not... you'll figure that out then too."


Gage's mouth curls up again. "Nobody has all the answers. But I bet you're wrong about your brother. He thinks pretty highly of you."

He takes another sip of eggnog, savoring the new flavor. It was so rich, but he wanted to finish what he had. Turning around, he wanders a couple feet and leans on the doorway, looking into the little living room. It still glowed blue from the tree. His eyes take it in, studying the details and seeming to get lost in thought for the longest time. "You were right," he finally comments quietly. He turns his head to see the lights reflecting in Sapphire's eyes and making her features soft in the glow. "It's pretty."


Sparky smiles and grabs two leadropes off a nearby hook. "Sure. Just stick close - they all want to come in at the same time."

Guiding Faith back out of the barn, he leads with confidence, quite the opposite of the blundering idiot he'd made of himself earlier. Arriving at the pasture, he takes hold of the first two horses at the gate and lets only them out, clipping the leadropes to their halters.

Pausing, he hands Faith one of the ropes. "Put one hand here..." He places her hand close to the halter. "And loop up the excess rope in your other hand like so." Taking her other hand, he loops the rope and curls her fingers around it. "That way if he pulls too much, you can let go and step back with one hand, but still have the rope."

Walking side by side, Sparky keeps a close eye on her and the gentle horse to make sure she was doing alright. Once they're back in the barn, he puts his own horse away then helps Faith with hers, showing her where the stall was. Standing behind her, he reaches over her shoulders to demonstrate how to unbuckle the halter and let it slide off the horse's face. Once free, the gelding turns to the hay that someone had left for his supper.

When the stall door is shut once more, Sparky gives Faith a smile. "It's that easy. We got about fifteen more out there. You wanna have a second round?"

Soft

Hearing that Gage liked his eggnog Sapphire's smile grew. She was happy he liked it, and his first experience was a good one.

Seeing Gage reach out for her, Sapphire was confused but as he whips the remaining trace of the drink from her lip and see the grin on his face she can't help but laugh.

"Hey, maybe I was saving that for later?"

Sapphire's eyes sparkle as she again laughs at her own humor. Hopping Gage would understand she was joking, and wouldn't think she was mad with him.

Thinking for a long moment about Gage's question Sapphire takes another sip of her Eggnog just leaning against the counter. A thoughtful look on her face proved that she was thinking very hard and just might be stumped on the question Gage asked.

"You know, to be honest I have no idea why. I think its because its looked at as a holiday drink for one reason or another."

Sapphire laughs again.

"Even I don't have all the answers. If you ask my brother he'd say more often than not I don't."

Squinting to look at Jason and Rick Katie was just as confused as Jason. She didnt understand what Rick was getting at or why he wouldn't tell them ether. Kaite's mind was still trying to wake up and now Rick just seemed like he was going in circles.

Something just dosnt feel right J.

Squinting her eyes to see Jason's hand her own eyes widen just a little and than she squints them as her eyes still get use to the light.

I..don't understand what happened to you hand?

Looking at her own hand Katie study the pattern for a long moment. Not understanding what this meant or why it was even there. She could feel her heart rate speed up a little bit from the unknown of what happened. Looking up and back to Jason Katie was able to open her eyes just a little bit more.

I...don't know Jason but I think the Agency just branded us. It was your emotions, but they are the ones who forced it to happen. You didn't have any control over it. You dont have to be scared J...I'm here with you. We will get through this together ok?

Following Sparky inside Faith is taken in by the sights. She had seen a barn before just never one this big lined with horses. It was amazing to see such wonderful animals up close.

Finding a spot to sit on a bale of hay a ways away from where Sparky was throwing the other bales Faith listens intently to him. Hearing about the horses and how they took care of them was very interesting to Faith. Every word was fascinating that he spoke and his voice was so soft.

Once Sparky comes down again Faith stands and gives a smile. Hearing his comment about liking the small and just being in the barn Faith takes in a deep breath. One might of thought from first glance a place like this would not be for her, but once getting to know her a person would be surprised.

"I think I kind of like it too. My dad use to raise bulls, and they dont smell to differnt, its kind of reminds me of him well what I can remember anyways."

Seeing the movement out of the side of her eye Faith moves over to the stall and squats just a little. Reaching her hand out to let the mare sniff it before scratching her chin, and the side of her face.

"Her nose is so soft it tickles."

Hearing another voice call to Sparky Faith looks up and follows where it comes from. Seeing Clint she gives a little smile before continuing to pet the mare. She didn't want to put into anyone elses conversations or be in the way though so far it hadn't seemed like she was.

Hearing Sparky's offer to follow him Faith stands brushing her hand off and thinking for a moment.

"Can I help you bring them in?"

If you like

Gage looks at his glass skeptically for a moment, raising it close to his face to smell the drink that was new to him. Seeing Sapphire taking a sip, he dares to do the same. The thickness and richness surprise him and he lifts his eyebrows, smacking his lips a little as he savors the flavor.

"That's pretty good. I... think I like it." A grin appears as he sees Sapphire's mustache. Reaching out with his thumb, he wipes it from her upper lip. "Why don't they have it year 'round?"


"Mmm... I'll be staying as long as it takes to know you're gonna be okay." Jeff winks at Katie. "I'll be around for a bit. They got a nice room here with a cot that suits me just fine."

Jason turns his head to try and see Katie, just trying to figure everything out. He still felt pretty tired, but most of his emotions were somewhere near confusion and frustration than anything else.

Rick moves about, making sure they're comfortable and helping both of them to the point where eventually they can sit up and talk a little easier. For the first time, Jason realizes that not only is his own hand bandaged, but Katie's opposite hand is bandaged as well. "Rick... we both hurt our hands?"

Rick nods and wanders slowly between the beds. He exchanges a look with Jeff, who knew about the strange injuries. "Yes... yes you did."

Something seems odd... I don't know why he won't just tell us what happened.
"Care to explain?"

Rick takes a deep breath, setting his hands in the pockets of his lab coat. "Well... it's kind of hard to explain. Maybe you know more than I do."

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I." Rick sits down on the edge of Jason's bed and takes the injured hand. Unwrapping the bandage, he then removes the gauze slowly. The burn was healing - it had been under his attention for over a week. But it was a bad enough burn that it would no doubt scar.

It still hurt a bit, and Jason spreads his fingers, bringing his hand back to stare at his palm.
What on earth... it's... I don't....
He looks up and turns his head to see Katie. She was still a bit blurry, but he finds her eyes then slowly reveals his palm. The spiral pattern was very clearly marked.

Before anyone can ask questions, Rick removes Katie's bandage as well. It was just as far along with healing, though he knew it was still pretty tender, so he's gentle and slow. But when he turns it over for Katie to see, it shows that it's a mirrored pattern, exactly the same as Jason's.

Jason's eyes widen a little.
How...

Rick clears his throat. "If you're looking for answers, I don't have them. The best I can come up with is that your emotions, Jason, were funneled to Katie at such a rate and with such force that it burned both of you. And the pattern... your guess is as good as mine."

What happened, Katie? I don't understand. I did this? But why? How did it form such a precise pattern? It's... scary.


Sparky chuckles. "Yeah... once you're around horses a few years, you kinda get used to these things. Most importantly is that the horses respect their handlers. After that, it's not so tough."

For a moment, he just looks at Faith, finally daring enough to really take in her features and study her face.

"Come on inside." Motioning for her to follow him, he continues leading the way into the barn. He points out a few of the horses, and introduces her to a few of he other guys. At one point, he has to climb up into the hayloft but he keeps up the small talk, speaking loudly so Faith can hear him down below.

"...so they get enough exercise during the day, then some of 'em we bring in again at night..." A hay bale comes flying down from the loft, landing with a thud a safe distance from Faith. Little bits of alfalfa scatter across the floor. "...'course when there's bad weather, we bring all of them in. Most of the stalls get filled up. Right now we've got a few more horses than we need, but Mick's been working training them to sell. Or should I say, I have the last week or so." Another bale comes down.

It only takes a few minutes for twenty bales to come down and Sparky descends the ladder. Adjusting his cowboy hat, he sets to work stacking the bales, easily throwing them up one on top of the other arranging them with skill. "Some days though, all we got time to do is clean stalls. It's worth it in the end though. Some people can't stand the work, smells or hassles but..."

Sparky pauses, setting his hands on his hips, breathing a little heavily from the work. "...I like it."

A little gray mare sticks her head over her stall door and smells the air in Faith's direction. Sparky grins. "And this little girl here..." He moves over to scratch the mare's cheek lovingly. "She's one of the sweetest one's we've got. She learns quick and she's patient." Reaching in his pocket, he pulls out half a carrot he'd been saving and lets the mare crunch happily on it.

"Sparky, you wanna finish before or after supper tonight?" Clint was done in the shop for the day and had started helping out in the barn.

"Uh... doesn't matter. It's supposed to be pretty cold after dark tonight though, so lets plan on trying to get it done before supper."

"Alright. Oh, and Luke wondered about the south pasture. Fence is down again."

"I'll get Dan on it tomorrow." Sparky heaves a sigh as he sets his hands on his hips and looks around the barn. He glances back to Faith, hoping he wasn't making her feel in the way. For the last week, he'd been the one the hands had come to for direction, so it got a little busy around chore time. "I gotta bring in a few of the horses now. You can keep tagging along if you want."

Saved

"Well, the kind I have is not spiked. But its still really good. Come on lets try some."

Taking Gage's hand Sapphire cross the living room floor and enters the kitchen. Pulling two glass from the cupboard and placing them in the counter. Moving to the side she opens the fridge and pulls out the carton of eggnog.

"I tried making this homemade once. It...didn't turn out to well. Now I stick with just buying it."

Sapphire gives a laugh and a smile as she pours the eggnog into the cups. Than taking a bottle cinnamon she sprinkles just a little on top.

Holding the glass out to Gage Sapphire smiles. Taking a sip of her own she closes her eyes for a moment before opening them again and pulling the glass from her mouth. On her upper lip is a white mustache of eggnog.

"I wish they sold this all year around."

Trying to give a small smile it hurt to much to hold it Katie gently takes her dad's hand with her good hand.

"I'm sorry I scared you. Its good to see you again though. How long will you be staying?"

Katie hoped he would be staying for a little while so when she was able to be up and moving around maybe she could show her around a little bit. It would be nice to introduce her to Thirteen and Ryder as well.

Walking with Sparky Faith was quiet taking in the sights of the ranch. It seemed nice here, and very peaceful. It was everything Annie had described, and even a little more.

What happens in the barn happens fast and Faith dosnt have time to react herself. The horse was coming right for her. But feeling the jerk from Sparky and than seeing him grab the horse by the rope.

Faith cant help but just stair at Sparky. Maybe he wasnt so clumsy after all. The way he handled the horse was fascinating to Faith. She couldnt help but watch a smile on her face. Sparky had an air about him that Faith could already see and almost feel. He was farm, yet gentil and well respected.

Giving a little laugh and nodding to Sparky Faith brush herself off a little. She was thankful for his concern.

"Yes, I'm ok, thank you. You handled that horse really well. Than again I guess that happens when you around them all the time."

Flashing a smile Faith push a lose strand of hair behind her ear to get it out of her face as she looked up at Sparky.

As Annie listens to Jim talk she could feel a sorrow that grew inside of her for her twin. Mick had been doing so well and to just see him fall again hurt. So much piled up at once, even the strongest of people could only take so much.

"How is Rosetta holding up?"

Continuing to listen Annie gives a nod here and there letting Jim know she was still listing. Hearing about her nephew hurt even more. To see someone so young start down the wrong path already.

"Sparky has always been the stable one huh? Being able to keep things together while everything was falling apart. I guess thats why we always considered him the leader."

Though everything was crazy right now and alot had gone wrong Annie was still glad she had picked now to come. If more than anything her family needed her around too. Not to mention even to her this was home as well. She had missed everyone here.

Hearing about Clint and Wendy Annie's face lights up. In one of the few emails she had gotten she rememebered being told she was a great aunt.

"Oh I cant wait to see the little one. Its good to know that Clint and Wendy are doing well. They always looked so cute together, I bet they look even better with the baby by there side."

Runaway

Jim watches Sparky and Faith leave, and once he's alone with Annie, he gestures for her to take a seat. Sighing deeply, he tries to figure out what words to choose. But he knew better than to beat around the bush with Annie too. "Mick's back at the McClain Ranch."

He looks at Annie's eyes, his grim expression proof that he wasn't kidding. "A while back, Jade showed up here... I think she's had some trouble at home, and last I knew, she was going to try and stay here instead of going off to the school that her mother and grandmother wanted. Mick was okay at that point, but then Jade got a call that Dylan had gone missing. Jill wanted Mick out of it, but when he found out, he flipped."

Jim shrugs lamely. "He got upset when neither Jill nor the police would let him be involved - he believed the Agency was the culprit for the whole thing, and... so... he hit the bottle. Came home drunk - I wasn't involved, but I guess Sparky found him, brought him home and the thanks he got was a punch in the mouth. After that, Mick seemed to get a handle on himself, though he started trying to juggle stuff here, his wanting to find Dylan and then on top of all that, Jade's got herself one of the newer farm hands here and Mick doesn't approve. Add all that up and... kaplooy."

Leaning back in the chair, Jim tries to sort it all out without drawing it out. The Elite wound up finding Dylan doped up with a couple other druggies - looked like he'd simply run off and hadn't been abducted by the Agency or anything. Mick found out and had the team take him to the McClain's. At the same time, apparently he admitted to Rosetta that after his one binge, alcohol had taken hold again. It all happened in about a week's time, but surprisingly, that's all it took for him to admit he needed help. So... all that to conclude with Dylan and Mick are both at the McClain Ranch. Dylan for drugs, Mick for alcohol. They've been there about a week and a half now. We've gotten a couple calls from Brenda, who has given Rosetta some encouragement that Mick is doing well. Dylan is coming down off the drugs and it sounds like the worst might be over, but he's got an attitude problem still. And here...."

He takes another deep breath. "Jade's still here for now. She and Dan are an item - I don't know if it'll last after Mick gets back, but we'll see. And Rosetta... is hanging in there. Becky and I took care of BJ for a while, but he's back with Rosetta now."

Thinking a moment, Jim glances to the window. "And I gotta tell you... I give credit to one man for holding everything together around here, and that's Sparky. He's helped Rosetta out a ton, he's taken charge of areas Mick was maintaining and he's been managing the barn and all the work. Some of that Rosetta would normally pick up, but Sparky hasn't wanted to burden her any more than necessary so he's really bent over backwards to keep things running. Hence my comment about it having been a rough couple weeks. He's been handling it okay, but his mind has been wandering a bit. And that... is that."

He stops, then thinks of something else. "Oh yeah... and I don't know if you got word that Wes is being deployed in a few weeks. He's been called back in for duty." A wry grin escapes. "When it rains, it pours. But we've had our good, too. Clint and Wendy have pulled through and are doing really well handling their new family. BJ's shooting up like a weed. Just been a lot to handle lately."


Sparky walks outside with Faith and chuckles. "If you stick around long enough, don't worry, you'll be put to work. But we're not slave-drivers. Tonight you're a guest of Annie so you can relax."

Approaching the barn, a ruckus can be heard down one end, and suddenly Remington appears with a broken rope hanging from his halter. Bolting through the barn, his goal is the outdoors, no matter what was in his way.

Seeing the powerful horse coming towards them, Sparky doesn't think before acting. Taking Faith by the arms, he spins her around and pushes her out of harm's way before whirling back around just as Remington passes. Reflexes kick in and Sparky aims for the flying rope. Planting his heels, there's no way he can outpower the horse, but he gives just enough of a jerk for Remington's head to snap back. The horse skids to a stop, snorting and breathing heavily.

Sparky glares at the animal before looking down at the rope burn on his palm. "I will be so glad when your master is home," he growls.

Remington shakes his head and perks his ears forward as if he were as innocent as anything.

"Yeah, sure... like you didn't do anything wrong. What do you think this is?" Sparky holds up the frayed end of the rope. "I take it it broke itself."

Remington snorts again and ambles a step closer to Sparky, putting his head down to but his arm. Sparky smirks and shakes his head. "Ya big brute. Look what you did to my hand." Sighing, he coils up the rope, looking into the barn. "Whoever lost their horse, get out here and take care of him!"

One of the hands comes jogging out with an apology before retrieving the horse and leading him back inside. Sparky shakes his head, then remembers Faith. Turning back around, his eyes are a little wide. "Sorry about that. You okay?"


"Me?" Jeff laughs at Katie's question. "You're the one who's been asleep for a week and a half, not me. I think you need to worry about how you are instead."

He smiles and squeezes her hand. "I'm better now that you're awake. You gotta cut out scaring your dad like this."


"Eggnog..." Gage thinks then shakes his head. "Some of the guys used to get it but they'd spike it with who knows what. They never offered me any so I never drank any."

He looks to the kitchen with curiosity. "If you say it's good though... I'm willing to try it."

Show me

Faith gives a smile to Jim as her cheeks turn a little red. Having the attchen on her was always a strange feeling as she was the quiet one in a family of four.

"Its very pretty there. I was lucky to have had parents who when over there themselves for missionary work and feel in love with it and never left."

Small talk continued and Annie was happy that her family took well to Faith. Not that she thought they wouldn't but sometimes its was just hard bringing a new person into the picture. It was good that Faith seemed to be taking to this place as well. Being somewhere new could be scary but Faith seemed to have no problem with it other than her shy nature.

Hearing that Jade was here makes Annie's heart jump. It would be nice to see her for the holiday, but than seeing the look on Jim and Sparky's face her excitement soon fades. Something was wrong she could feel it.

Looking to Jim worry shown in Annie's eyes. How much had she missed while she was gone. Looking to Faith and giving a nod Annie smiles.

"You can go with him if you want Faith. He's a good guy."

Looking to Jim, than Sparky and than Annie Faith could see that this was a family matter that needed to be talked about. She didnt want to be in the way or impose on that one bit. Sparky seemed nice from what little he has said, only a bit clumsy.

"Sure, I'd love to have a look around and see where everything is."

Walking twords the door with Sparky Faith gives him a smile as her eyes sparkle just a little.

"I'll even help you work if you show me what to do. If I am going to be stay for a while, I'd rather earn my keep than just take your hospitality for free."

Sheepish

"Ahh, Thailand." Jim smiles. "I wondered where that pretty accent came from." He looks back to his sister. "Glad you both could come."

Sparky continues wiping the floor, his ears tuned into the conversation, though he didn't participate.

After a few minutes of light smalltalk about the mission field in Thailand, Jim glances down to the floor where Sparky still was. "Sparky...." No response. "Brother...." Sparky still didn't hear. "Tyler!"

Sparky blinks and looks up at him. "What?!"

Jim smirks at him. "You've cleaned that spot five times now."

Sparky looks down at the very clean spot on the floor. "Oh." Clearing his throat, he stands up, going back to the kitchen to rinse out the towel.

Jim rolls his eyes and finishes the rest of his own coffee, throwing a wink at Annie. "Sparky's got a lot on his mind. It's.... been a rough couple of weeks."

"I'm heading out to the barn," Sparky interrupts, grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair as he returns. He gives Annie's shoulder a pat. "Good to have you back. If I don't see you before, I'll see you at supper. Be sure you look around for Jade - she's here somewhere."

Jim lifts his eyebrows and gives his head a little shake. Sparky's own face shows surprise then he winces a little. "Oh yeah." Annie didn't know Jade was there or that Mick was gone. "Um..."

Jim looks to Annie with seriousness. "I need to talk to you. It's about Mick." He glances to Faith then back to his sister. "Maybe Faith would like Sparky to show her around while we talk?"

Sparky's just straightening the collar on his jacket and he stops."Uh... yeah... yeah, sure." He dares to look to Faith, trying to get past his embarrassment over the whole mess he'd made with a sheepish smile. "I'd be happy to, if you don't mind me working along the way. I promise not to knock you into a haystack or anything."

Something New

Giving a small laugh Faith looks to Jim and gives a soft shy smile. At least Jim was trying to have a conversation with her. From the way Annie talked about her family Faith felt like she already new them anyways. A thick Thia accent comes out with her as she spoke, but her English was amazing.

"I don't think there is such thing as having to much fun."

Rolling her eyes at her brothers refuse for help or even to put something cold on his head. Watching her brother move about the kitchen and wet the cloth to clean up the rest of the mess. Under her breath mumbaling only loud enough so Sparky could hear her.

"I dont think it was me who shook you up."

Giving a small grin Annie joins Faith at the table where Jeff, and Sparky had been. Folding her hands on the table.

Thinking for a long moment about his question it was almost like she wouldnt answer but finally she did.

"Probley for a while now, a month or three, maybe longer. The mission trip we were on in
Thailand which is where Faith is from I might add is done. Not sure when the next one will start up until we get the call."

Just sitting quietly at the table Faith just takes in everything around her, listing to what was spoken. Not being able to help her eyes from roaming to Sparky every no and than admiring his features, and his good looks. Only to look away quickly when he looked up at her.

Putting the tree together with Gage was loads of fun. It reminded her of when she was little and Scott would help her with the tree. He use to love it so much, now having someone else to help once again was nice. Seeing the smile on his face was nice, and the laughs that came from his lips seemed to fill Sapphire's heart.

Gage was changing everyday, becoming more independent and learning more things about the world around him. Sapphire was happy to be part of that.

Standing back with Gage Sapphire sets her hands on her hips and looks at the tree. It was one of the best looking trees she had ever seen. It almost seemed so perfect. The way the lights lit up the branches, and reflected off the ornaments.

"Now this has to be one of the best looking trees I ever saw. You did a great job Gage, it looks so pretty."

Turning a little to look at him Sapphire's eyes sparkle just a little as the light from the tree bounces off them. She really was enjoying her time spent with Gage. It was nice to have someone she felt comfortable around.

"I got something I wanted you to try. Its called Eggnog and it only comes around this season. Have you ever had it?"

Opening her eyes just a little to try and see Jeff Katie could only get them to go so far before having to shut them again. But a small smile forms on her face, she was happy he was there.

In a horse whisper Katie manages to get a few words out to try and carry on a conversation with her father.

"Hey Dad, How are you feeling?"

Fun

Jim, tries hard not to laugh at the whole thing, and after Faith sits down, he takes his seat again. Giving her another smile, he offers conversation. "As you can see, we have a lot of fun around here." He chuckles. "Too much sometimes."


Sparky dumps his handful of coffee soaked ceramic pieces into the garbage then goes to the sink to wash his hands. Having Annie come in after him, he rolls his eyes. "I'm fine," he states flatly. Eying the bag of frozen peas, he smirks. "I am so not putting that on my head."

Grabbing a dish towel and getting it wet with a little soap, he rings it out. "My head is fine, but the floor needs to be cleaned. I was really looking forward to that coffee too." Taking his wet fingers, he flicks drops of water in Annie's direction, trying to overcome his embarrassment with teasing her. "You see what happens when you get me all shook up?"

Bravely heading back into the dining area, cloth in hand, he aims for the table again. Getting on his hands and knees, his eyes stay glued to his task. The heat was still in his face and he could kick himself. But he knew that stewing over the whole thing would do no good. He was sure he must have looked pretty ridiculous to everyone else, so if they thought it was funny, he needed to find the humor in it too.

Wiping up any leftover coffee and collecting a few more small pieces of the broken mug, only a glance or two are stolen in Faith's direction. His words though are aimed at Annie. "So, Miss Surprise, how long are you and your friend planning to stay?"


Rick purses his lips at Katie's question. "Well... I think you just took the brunt of Jason's emotions, that's what happened. Your hand will be fine - its healing nicely." He avoids the subject for now... he didn't want to overload them so soon after waking up. Offering a smile, he stands and goes back to the counter to get some mild pain medication prepared for them both. Seeing Jeff in the doorway, he gives a little nod.

Jeff wanders in slowly, realizing that Katie had not seen him yet. Easing down in the chair, he reaches over to take her unbandaged hand. "Hey, kiddo," he greets softly.


Gage really wanted to know what all it was that Sapphire had put in the fridge, but he withholds his questions for now. Seeing her take the lights and give directions, he grins. "Okay. I think I can handle that."

Going to the tree, he helps with the lights, stringing them through the branches and smiling when something goofy would happen with the string getting stuck on a limb or the tree tilting this way and that. The balls were fun to put on, and Gage's true nature shown through as he stood back and had to make sure that all of the ornaments were completely balanced in position - nothing could be out of place or crooked.

Placing the star on top as the final step, he looks at the decoration as a whole, so quite for such a long time, almost as if he'd fallen into his own little world again. But without warning, he goes and pulls the shade on the window, then turns the lights off in the room. The result was a gorgeous little tree, shining with his blue lights in the corner. Folding his arms, a new smile emerges. "That was fun." He'd never made anything pretty just to be pretty before... he wouldn't have thought it would make himself feel that good.

You never told me...

With the help of Rick Katie sits up a little. Trying to open her eyes the light was so bright it hurt.

Who every though the light could hurt this much.

Taking a sip of the cool water Katie gives a could her stomach seeming to do flip flops as the water its it. Not actully use to having anything in it again that was pretty normal.

I am going to muster all the strength I got to slap you if you keep saying your sorry over this. Its not like you could help it.

Katie sends her warm emotions Jason's way to let him know she wasnt upset and she didn't blame him. This was just something else that happened, like being on a mission and getting shot. No one wanted it to happen or had control over it.

Trying to open her eyes again Katie squints up at Rick, quiet for a moment letting the saliva in her mouth work Kaite finally opens her mouth to let the words come out, but only a horse whisper it was formed.

"My...throat, its really hard to talk, my head dosnt feel the greatest ether."

Katie wingles the fingers on her hand now realizing it stung pretty bad. She count remember hurting her hand at all.

"Hand, it hurts...what...happened?"

Giving a smile and entering the house Sapphire makes her way to the kitchen. Starting to take things out of the bags and put them into the fridge.

"Well I am happy you didnt start. I really wanted to help you."

Finishing up in the kitchen Sapphire takes her jacket and puts it over one of the chairs. Making her way over to Gage and holding up the blue lights.

"First we want to put the lights on first. I'll stand on one side if you like, and you can stand on the other. We can just go back and forth till its all covered, than we put on the balls we got and the little snowmen and than last we put the star on the top of the tree."

Giving a sly smile to her brother Annie was happy to see him suprised. Its what she had wanted, and she was glad it was received well.

"Well if I had told you I was coming than it wouldn't have been a Christmas surprised."

Reaching out and putting her brother into a strong hug Annie really had missed her family while she was away and couldnt be more than happy to be back.

"Give you a heart attack? Your to suborn for that."

Pulling away and seeing Jim looking at her friend Annie felt silly for a moment in the excitment forgetting she had come alone. Stepping to the side to have a clear path for Jim and Sparky Annie smiles.

"Jim, Sparky this is Faith Reynolds, Faith this is my brother Jim and Sparky."

Giving a little wave and a shy smile Faith words come out soft.

"Nice to meet you both."

The events that happen next cause Faith and Annie's eyes to go wide. Sparky fumbling, the glass breaking, Jim's teasing. It was very easy to see Sparky was flustered.

Bringing a hand to her mouth Faith couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped softly. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Annie's brother and could feel her own heat coming to her face. But here gave a sparkle as she watched Sparky as he headed to the kitchen.

"You told me you had brothers but you never told me that one of the was a totally good looking."

Trying her best not to laugh at her brother Annie steps forward, but before she can say anything Sparky was already making his retreat. She couldnt help but feel bad for her brother. It wasnt often he got flustered but knowing her brother so well Annie could see the look in his eye, and it was cute but surprised her at the same time.

Hearing Faith's comment to her Annie just looks at her for a moment and blinks. It seemed they were both attracted to each other right away.

"Well...I think all my brothers are good looking, I just didnt think about saying anything."

Shaking her head and finally letting her laugh escape Annie looks to Faith again.

"Make yourself comfortable I promise no one will bite. I'm going to go make sure Sparky is ok. I'll be back."

As Annie walks away Faith makes her way over to the table setting her bag down and pulling out a chair. Sitting down she keeps her hands in her lap just looking around the dinning hall. It was obvious she was a little nervous, and felt awkward being here not really knowing anyone. Faith new she would be ok in a day or two after she had been here a while just right now it was some place new.

Following her brother into the kitchen Annie goes to the fridge and grabs a bag of peas for Sparky's head.

"You took quite a bump there, are you ok Sparky?"

Mortified

As Rick waits quietly, he's surprised, seeing movement from Katie. It really had worked to have Jason try and wake her up. Moving over to her side, he watches her closely, letting her wake up slowly.

It's okay, just take it slow... we've been here a while. I can't see much right now, so we'll make a nice pair.
"Rick... she wants some water."

Rick nods and leaves to bring back a small paper cup with water. Sitting down on the edge of Katie's bed, he lifts her head a little and helps her take a drink. "Easy does it, Hero."

Jason tries to open his eyes again, still having difficulty as he blinks in the lights that just seemed way too bright.
I'm sorry, Katie... I don't know what happened... It's all foggy... something happened and I just lost complete control.

Rick gives Katie's arm a gentle pat before taking her vitals. "How do you feel? Anything especially uncomfortable or hurting?"

Jeff leans on the open doorway, having just been gone for a short walk. His hands in his pockets he just watches, not wanting to get in the way. But relief was spreading over him, just seeing that his daughter was awake... finally awake.


Hearing someone at the door, Gage gets up again, wandering across the floor in his bare feet. He was a little drowsy, but having someone come was a nice distraction.

Opening all the locks and finally looking out, he sees Sapphire and smiles. He had known she'd come sometime in the next few days, but hadn't known when. "Hey." He opens the door wider so she can come in, eying her bags curiously. "I... was gonna start on the tree but..." He rubs the back of his neck and looks over to the bare tree. "I didn't know where to start."


Jim sees Annie coming, but says nothing to Sparky, barely letting a smile show. Once spoken to, Sparky gives a jump and turns his head in time to see Annie and receive the kiss on the cheek and a hug. "Annie!" He hugs her arms around him. "What on earth... I didn't know you were coming!"

The excitement in his voice was one of a brother who had missed seeing his sister around. Having a familiar face show up unexpectedly was a nice addition to the dismal day. Scooting around in his chair a little, he looks up at her with a wide smile. "You're looking as beautiful as ever. You should know better than to scare an old man like that though." He gives her a teasing backhanded whack to the arm. "You coulda given me a heart attack then there'd be no one to pick on you

Jim, seeing that Annie had the company of another woman, stands up from the table, offering her a welcoming smile and nod.

Sparky sees Jim stand and is confused for a moment. "What..." Tilting his head forward, he looks around Annie and realizes there was someone else there. Catching sight of the attractive woman, he falters for a moment - he probably wouldn't have been quite so affectionate with his sister, had he known a stranger was present.

Remembering his manners, he stands, but Annie hadn't moved back yet, so there wasn't very much room. Teetering as his foot catches the leg of the chair, he puts a hand down fast on the table to catch himself. Unfortunately, he still had his eyes on the woman and his hand goes right where he'd put his coffee mug.

The mug is thrown off balance and goes sprawling, coffee spilling all over. Whirling around, Sparky tries to get a hold on the mug before it falls off the table, but it's slippery and hot. As he fumbles, it slides through his fingers spinning towards him like a torpedo. Still trying to catch it, it's just no use and it goes right off the edge for a long ride with gravity. Ceramic pieces shoot in all directions, clattering across the hard floor.

Jim grabs a fistful of napkins to try and help, but already Sparky is so flustered that he'd rather just be left to the mess. "No, no.... I got it, I'm fine, just..." He doesn't even finish his statement as he squats down to start picking up some of the sharp pieces of the broken mug. Muttering under his breath, he keeps his face down, extremely embarrassed.

Jim clears his throat, deciding it best just to stay out of Sparky's way, so he lifts his eyebrows and looks to Annie, then to her friend. "Welcome to the R/M Ranch..." He purses his lips, trying not to laugh. "My brother doesn't usually give quite this kind of greeting to our guests, but he hasn't seen any female outsiders in so long that it probably just threw him for a loop."

Mad at Jim's teasing, Sparky's head flies, up, but he'd forgotten that it was ducked under the table. Bam! The whole table shakes as his head hits the hard rim.

Jim's eyes widen, his silliness ceasing. "Oh, man, you okay?"

"No, I'm not okay," Sparky grumbles. Finally getting to his feet, his hands are full of dripping broken pieces. His glance catches the woman, his face growing even redder as he sees a set of beautifully soft eyes staring back at him. "Excuse me," is all he can manage before turning to walk to the kitchen to clean up.

New face

One of the darkest hours is when we have to see the ones we love hurt. Not knowing if they will be ok, and all we can say is time will tell. Time...we always come back to the same thing. Time, we follow it hoping it will bring good, but sometimes it brings bad. Leave our life in times hands.

Though she felt asleep the soft emotions slips there way in. Jason's unspoken words, broke through her mind bring a warmth to the darkness she felt lost in.

J...It's quiet here other than your voice. I don't feel....like I can open my eyes yet. I'll try!

But hearing Jason's voice calling her, was a prompt, to set her eyes on the man she loved once again. Slowly, very slowly Kaite's hand gives a twitch, as she opens her eyes squinting into the light trying to bring everything into focus.

Her head hurt, and she couldn't remember to much, her throat felt dry, and her hand stun. How long had she been a sleep?

Bringing a hand to her head, Katie turns it to one side seeing Jason laying there she gave a soft smile. Opening her mouth to talk, nothing comes out but a gasp of works with no voice. Trying again still the same resalt Katie could fell her heart start racing.

J...I cant talk. My throat feels dry and the words are in my head but wont come out. What happened? Why cant I talk?

Letting her hand slid from her head down to her throat Katie lays there in the bed, continuing to try and talk but nothing coming out. Maybe she just had to warm her voice up again.

Water...can you see if Rick will get me some water. I think that might help.

Once again standing outside the familure door Sapphire gives a small smile to herself. Freeing up her day had been easy and it was only for Gage she would do so. Knowing she had a promise to help him that needed to be kept.

A bag or grocerys more than just frozen meals were in her arms. Tonight she would cook dinner for Gage, they would work on his tree and just have a nice time together like always.

Seeing the smoke coming from the chimney in the dinning hall two women cross the yard. Making no hesitation it apears that at least one knows there way around and have been here many times before.

Entering the room and letting the door close quietly the room is scanned. Seeing Sparky's back to her, and jim across from him Annie holds a finger to her lips.

Coming up close behind her brother Annie bends down just a little.

"What you cant even say hi to your own sister?"

A smile spreads on Annie's face as she gives her brother a big kiss on the cheek and wraps her arms around Sparky in a backwards hug. It had been long, to long since she had taken off for her mission trip. But now she was back and she brought a friend with her as well.

The tall starwberry blond stood a few feet away, a smile on her face as her. Her smoky colored eyes scanning the room picking up on everything that went on around her, till her eyes land on Annie, and Sparky again. Annie talked about her family so much, it was nice to get to meet them finally.

Time goes by

Sparky just gives Rosetta a warm hug, trying to find his voice again. "Quit thanking me," he chides. "This old man is getting tired of it." Drawing back again, a grin is present on his face. "Before I leave, let me help you with the dishes."

No more is said of the past or even the future. All that could be said had been already, and there was no use in rehashing it again. The time spent in the kitchen is quiet but gradually a few smiles return, and the tension in the air dissolves into a peace... an unspoken understanding that everything had changed, yet nothing had changed at all.

And later as Sparky wanders towards his bunkhouse, he stops and looks up to the starlit sky. There was an awful lot to be thankful for. Sighing, his breath could be seen in the air as he continues his short walk. Stopping on the porch, he glances a few bunks down to see Jade bidding Dan goodnight and he smiles. Amidst the turmoil, there was still good to be found.


And good continues in certain lives, the bad filtering through to reveal itself as trials to both strong and weak. Some trials are ominous situations that are feared and create worry. Others are small, but bothersome. Yet all have an end. All must be conquered.

And as the good times and trials come and go, the clock ticks on. The hands of time turn around as constant as the sun, and days begin to pass...


Dylan paces the small room like a caged animal. Sweat runs down the sides of his face and his hands shook. Slamming his fists into the door again and hurling curses at the top of his lungs brought no relief, though he did it anyway.

Hearing the commotion going on inside the room, Adam looks at Mick with question. "You sure you want to do this?"

Mick nods. It had been two nights ago that Dylan had been brought. Since then, he had been totally uncooperative, and Mick had been told not to see him. Today, nothing had changed. If anything, it had grown worse. But Mick wanted to see if he could get through to him. He knew that if it really was unwise, Adam wouldn't let him. All Adam was concerned about was Mick's own state of mind.

"Yeah. If I get into trouble, pull me out. I just want to see if he'll respond to me."

"Alright, I'll let you. Just be careful."

Mick nods again. When the door is unlocked and opened, Mick slips inside. The thin, pale, enraged young man before him was not the boy he used to know. His stomach churns with a despair, seeing his son like this. "Dylan?"

Dylan stops his pacing only to throw Mick a glare. "You." His eyes narrow angrily. "You got me in here, now get me out."

"I can't do that."

"Yes you can!" Dylan takes several strides towards his father, his fists balled up at his sides. "You're the one that sent in your stupid little team to bring me here. You had no right - get me out of here!"

Mick stands his ground calmly, even though his own nerves were shot. It had been a rough couple days for him too, and his bloodshot eyes proved it. "No. You're going to stay here until you're better."

"I don't need to be fixed!" Dylan shouts. "Least of all by a man who was never around anyway. Get out!"

Mick felt the stab going deep into his heart as emotions flood his eyes. "I'm sorry I was never there for you, Dylan. I could stand here all day and try to justify it and explain to you all the reasons, but the bottom line is that you're right. I was never around. So if you want me to take some blame in this, go ahead and blame me. I've already blamed myself already."

Dylan didn't want Mick so willing to comply. Right now all he wanted was a fight. Adrenaline surges through him as he lunges at his father.

Mick turns quickly. Though a bit unsteady, he was still much more experienced when it came to fighting. Sidestepping Dylan's lunge, he reaches out to grab him from behind, putting him in a tight bear hug that held his arms down.

"Let me go!" Dylan shouts, hurling out another curse. "I'll kick the crap out of you for putting me in here!"

Tears stung Mick's eyes and he struggles to maintain a grip on his son. Dylan was stronger than he'd predicted. "No." His response was firm but not angry.

"Come on!" Dylan's energy was dwindling fast, his pulse racing. He fights against Mick's hold, trying to rip himself loose, but it's no good.

"Just calm down, Dylan, please. You can make it through this. You can do it. I know you can."

"What do you know?" Dylan hisses. "You don't know nothin' about me or what I'm going through. You and your perfect life, you don't know how I've lived. You don't know me at all!"

"You're right that I don't know you, but I do understand," Mick counters. He hadn't planned on doing this, but it might be the only angle left. "I do understand."

"No you don't!"

"Yes, I do!" Mick finally raises his voice, giving Dylan a jolt as he backs up against the wall. "Do you think I'm staying here just for you? I'm here for me too, Dylan. I do understand what you're going through because I'm going through it too."

Dylan stops struggling, breathing heavily. "What?"

"That's right." As much as Mick hated to admit it, maybe right now it was best. "I'm here because my drinking problem came back. It's no one's fault but my own and I've never been more ashamed in my entire life. Every night is filled with guilt and every day is torment, knowing that I'm going to give in again eventually because I'm too weak to say no. I hid it because of my shame. I'm supposed to be a leader, a husband, a father. But I turned into a drunk instead."

Mick's voice starts to waver as a tear runs down his cheek. His strength was wearing out, but Dylan wasn't fighting anymore. "I know the pain. I know the self-inflicted suffering. I know the feeling of wanting to die unless I just get one more drink. You're not alone, Dylan. You're not alone."

From his angle, he couldn't see that tears were streaming down Dylan's face too. As Dylan's knees buckle, the weight brings them both sinking to the floor, Mick still keeping him in a firm hold. Dylan clings to him as a wail breaks out and he slams a fist into Mick's arm. Sobs follow, his entire body shaking.

Mick keeps him close, rocking him slightly and leaning his head on top of his son's. "It's okay... it's okay... you're going to be okay."

Dylan didn't have the strength to try and stand. All he could do was cry the tears that had wanted to be shed for months, but he hadn't allowed them to. All he could do was sob, unable to form any words that might describe how he was feeling. He knew the shame Mick spoke of. He knew the guilt. He knew the feeling of weakness. He knew the pain. Both his body and mind were in distress and he could do nothing but sit in a heap on the floor, soaked in his own sweat and tears, clinging to the man he hated and longed for a the same time.


In one corner of the world, hearts are hurting, stretching and changing. In another corner, light begins to shine through on what had started out as a dismal day...


Jade laughs and hides around the corner of the stack of hay bales, breathing heavily as she'd run from Dan through the barn. Peeking around the corner, the sound of someone behind her makes her jump and she gives shriek. But spinning around, she's all too glad to have been caught. Wrapping her arms around Dan, she returns the kiss, thinking they're alone in this corner of the barn.

Sparky cleans a nearby stall, keeping one eye on the two "youngsters," as he hides a smile. He knew they thought they were alone, so he remains silent. As the days passed, he found himself taking on more tasks and beginning to direct the farm hands. They were looking for a direction, and he seemed to be the one they naturally turned to. He didn't mind, and stepped up to the plate, though he knew it was not permanent. He continued to assist Rosetta, filling in wherever he was needed, and at the end of each day, he was surprised to find that their relationship had grown - but in a very healthy and right direction. It felt good, so he tried to ignore the little feeling of loneliness that still existed. His plans for the future were still up in the air.


At the same time life moves on for those who were looking forward to the future, others futures are in a fog, totally unknown. Worry comes with the passage of time, and only prayers can ease that form of pain...


Rick checks Jason's and Katie's vitals once more, sighing, then returning to his work. No change. Neither was in bad shape, but neither in good shape either. Research thus far was leading them to believe it was as Rick suspected - that whatever Jason had been shot with, was some kind of amplifier. When coming into contact with his emotions, it multiplied them so rapidly that it was basically an explosion. Their only concern now was waiting to see if the result had been fatal.

Another worried figure sits by Katie's bed, her hand in his. "Come back to us Kate," were his soft words, spoke more than once, in between his prayers.

Rick looks over his shoulder at Jeff, wishing that he were in better shape himself. Though functioning, he was still quite thin and pale, making one wonder if he would ever be the same again after his recent hard bout. Only time would tell. Time... loved and hated.


While the hands of time manipulate the passing of the days, some hearts yearn for more. Some hearts yearn for rest...


"No, he still won't talk." Adam shakes his head as he sip a cup of hot tea. He and Mick were back in front of the fireplace. It always seemed to become their normal place of rest and discussion.

Mick sighs deeply. "Not even after he broke down, huh?"

"Nope. It's strange though." Adam runs his finger along the rim of his cup. "He wants to get through this. He won't say so, but he's doing all he can. Last night was one of the worse ones. Brenda stayed up all hours with him, and she said she could see that even though his body wanted the drugs, his mind was fighting it for all he was worth. Didn't utter one complaint."

Mick frowns. "Then why won't he talk?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's protecting someone."

"Maybe. But he knows those other three were arrested. And he knows that I've worked out a deal with Reese so he won't have to serve time. So why? What's he still hiding?"

"Perhaps he's just too ashamed of what happened." Adam gives Mick a knowing look. "How about you? How are you holding up?"

"I'm okay." Mick nods. "Shakes have stopped. It's getting better."

"Glad to hear it. Have you thought about when you go back?"

"A bit." Mick lets out a long sigh. He felt so weak. "I guess all I can do is make sure everyone is aware of my problem so that I can't fool anybody. I'll have to set some pretty thick boundaries for myself and make sure the others help me keep them, even if I give them a bad time."

Adam smiles. "Good for you. I know it doesn't get easier each time you fall but... you've come a long way, Mick."

"Will I always have this fight?"

"Yes." Adam states the fact plainly. "This second time around proves it. But as long as you stay away from the things that will cause you to fail, you won't have these problems."

Mick falls silent again, allowing his mind to think through everything. He was glad he'd come. He'd needed to get away from everything and come somewhere he could sit, think, and get through this without hurting the ones he loved any more than he already had. He missed them though. But he had to stay until his confidence was back, and until Adam agreed he was ready to leave.


But in the end, no one knows the future. Everyone hopes for the outcome they want, and sometimes it comes. And sometimes disappointments come instead. But no matter what, time brings adventure - for that's what life is. It is an adventure to be ridden out with the thrill of the ride.


Jason's ears gradually pick up sounds around him. There was the slight whirring of computers, the soft buzz of florescent lights and the clicking of chair casters and heels on the tiled floor. In a sudden panic, he sits bolt upright, his eyes blinking rapidly as the bright lights hurt and everything is blurry. Opening his mouth to speak, he feels his throat dry and scratchy. Unable to see or talk clearly makes his heart rate pick up and he fumbles with the blanket, only finding that he's hooked up to an iv. Before he can pull it out though, two strong hands press him back down to his pillows.

"Easy, easy," Rick soothes. "It's alright, Jase."

Jason continues to blink. He just couldn't focus. "Rick?" he finally manages to ask hoarsely.

"Yes, it's me. You're in the infirmary. You're okay."

Jason eases back, relaxing a little bit, though his mind races. "Where... what..."

Rick starts checking his vitals. "Just take it slow. How do you feel?"

"I hurt all over," Jason mumbles.

"Anything in particular?"

"My head... eyes hurt... and my hand especially."

"Mm." Rick looks closely at Jason's eyes, using a pen light. He waves it slowly back and forth. "Can you see this?"

Jason does his best to focus, but the light from the ceiling was just so bright and it made his eyes water. "It hurts."

"Alright, it's okay, just close your eyes for now."

Jason gives another sudden lurch. "Katie."

"She's right here," Rick assures. "Four feet away."

"Is she okay?"

"She will be. Just like you."

Jason tries to relax again. Searching the emotional flow, it felt a little off kilter, almost like it was worn out, but nothing seemed wrong. He sensed Katie was asleep, but not in trouble, so he remained silent to her. "What happened?"

"Well, what do you remember?"

Jason frowns. "Um... Texas. We got ambushed and..." He stops, swallowing and wincing. "Can I have some water?"

"Sure." Rick moves to bring back a small glass of water, also waving Misty over in case he needed her, then helps Jason sip the water slowly. "Do you remember anything else?"

"I got hit... and then..." Jason shakes his head. "All I remember is pain, and Katie trying to get me to stop but I couldn't."

"Mm-hmm. That's about what Wyatt said."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"About a week. Just like Katie."

"A week?" Jason found it hard to believe. "Wow."

"Yeah." Rick wasn't about to tell him how scared he'd been, and how close they'd come to taking them both to the hospital. He'd been worried that both of them would slip into comas, unable to wake at all.

Jason moves the fingers in his left hand, feeling the bandage. "I hurt my hand?"

Rick purses his lips. "Um... yeah. But it's healing well." He sets a hand on Jason's shoulder. "Can you wake Katie?"

"I... don't know. Why?"

"I need to know if she's going to wake up too. You both were in real bad shape, and she needs to wake up if she can."

Jason thinks for a moment, then nods. Everything was still pretty fuzzy, but he does his best to concentrate.
Katie? Rick's trying to get you up, Babe. Can you hear me?


Gage cocks his head at the white tree in the corner of the room. It wasn't very big, but it took up a lot of space in the tiny room. He didn't mind though. Sapphire had helped him pick it out, and it had been a fun outing with her. Now he stood with a box of blue lights in his hands, not really knowing how to go about this. Sapphire said she'd help, but she'd been busy, then he'd been too tired. Now he didn't know where to start. Lights first? Or those shiny blue balls they'd picked out?

Sighing, he sets the decorations aside again and flops down on his mattress. He was tired from a day of helping put up a shed behind the community building downtown. He was hungry, but his frozen dinner just wasn't appealing enough for him to eat it. He'd rather just sit and maybe nap for a few minutes.


Sparky scoots some chairs up to the tables in the dining hall, picking up a few pieces of garbage to throw away and straightening the salt and pepper shakers. He didn't normally do these kinds of tasks, but it was a slow day in the barn, and he was trying to keep busy. It got pretty quiet around the ranch this time of the year, but he always forgot until it came around again. He wasn't bored, but he didn't want to be left alone with his own thoughts either. Unfortunately, this small task did leave him too much time to think.

They'd heard from Brenda McClain about Mick. She said he was doing well and that he loved and missed everyone. The message was especially for Rosetta. Though he couldn't talk to anyone himself yet, Brenda was confident that he would pull through and would be able to return home soon. It had given people hope... but the more days that passed, the more tiresome it became. Ten days didn't seem so long, until you realized how much had already been missed out on.

Puttering around the kitchen, Sparky finally warms a pot of coffee to pour himself a cup. Sitting out at one of the tables by himself, he's eventually joined by Jim, though conversation is pretty quiet.

Strength

Just letting the silence linger for a long while Rosetta's own mind drifts. Thinking about the past and everything her family had been through. Sparky, Wes, Mick through it all they had always been there but her heart had always lead her back to the one person.

The what ifs and what could had clouded her mind in this moment of weakness. Being alone, having no one to turn to Rosetta had lost sight of what was important and could of lost more than her brother in law if she had crossed a line here tonight. She could of lost her family too.

Maybe she would of be happy with Sparky, and maybe they would of had a happy and peaceful life together, but what she would have sacrificed for that? No this is what God wanted and though thing were hairy, and she felt down, and alone God would see her relationship with her husband though.

Feeling Sparky sit next to her Rosetta is pulled from her thought, but as she is pulled that one desire that had been held on to is left behind being swallowed up by the fog. Her brother in law, her friend, that is what remained, and that was something special in itself.

Leaning into Sparky's brotherly arm Rosetta rests her head on his shoulder for a moment. His words were soft, and comforting. As Sparky pulls away a little and Rosetta looks up into his eyes, listing to his words seemed to give her a new strength.

"I'm doing my best to keep my head up here Sparky."

Not really knowing what else to say knowing Sparky would at least stay around till Mick got back she felt honored. Just knowing there was another man around the ranch really helped even though this was probley one of the safest places to be.

Not knowing what else To really say and seeing Sparky's own eyes become a little wet Rosetta reaches out taking him in a embrace. Even at there age they had growing pains.

"Thank you Sparky. It means a lot to me."

Flame

Somehow, Sparky's eyes drift down to the table once more as Rosetta talks. It wasn't that he was trying to disrespect her, or ignore her... but being here right now with her... alone... when he could offer her comfort... it was a temptation that he wasn't so sure he should be allowing.

Hearing what she had to say about him leaving makes his mind reel in a whole new direction. But even that halts as he suddenly hears her voice falter. Glancing up, he realizes that the tears had come again. And he couldn't blame her.

Not even sure what to say, he just sits, wishing he were better at knowing what to do... wishing he had the answers... wishing that he could take away the hurt that his friend was going through. Even when Rosetta apologizes unnecessarily, he's still quiet, at a total loss. His heart hurt. Regrets swarmed over him, haunting him like they had in the past.

And then his eyes catch sight of a toy of BJ's on the counter that hadn't yet been put away. His line of sight moves towards the door, seeing one of Mick's jackets hanging up, and a pair of his boots, still with paddock mud dried and caked on them. Turning his head a little, he sees the same photo that Rosetta had been looking at over the fireplace.

Then shifting his gaze back to Rosetta, he studies her for the longest moment... And all of the pieces seem to fall into place. She had what she deserved - a family... a family that loved her. There were bumps, and Sparky was very upset with Mick for what had happened... but it was just a bump... a small spec in the middle of the big picture. And the big picture was of the family Rosetta had. Maybe she had questions about what could have been. Maybe Sparky had questions about what might have happened, had he had more guts. But in the end, there was no point in asking those questions, or trying to figure out the answers. Because an answer would never come. It never could be, and was no longer in the plan.

God had laid out certain paths for all of them. And perhaps there had been forks in the road that would both have led to pleasing results. But what was now was what God was working with and working through to bring good. Whether Sparky and Rosetta could have had something or not just wasn't the point. The point was that she had chosen to go left instead of right, and God had blessed her with Mick - her best friend and husband. Why would Sparky wish that she did not have that? It was only selfishness that created the temptations in his heart.

Sparky was here now as a friend... a brother-in-law... a brother in Christ. There was a barrier that should not, and would not be crossed. Temptation had been born of regret and on a minor level, jealousy - neither of which were godly. Perhaps it had been good for him to voice his feelings... if only to hear them himself and realize that it was all for naught. His job was not to replace Mick - his job was to make the burden lighter while he was gone. His job was not to support Rosetta - his job was to support this family as a whole, including Mick.

And in that single instance of revelation, a small, lingering flame dies within Sparky's eyes. It was a flame he had allowed to burn for too long, hiding it in the corner and hoping no one saw. Tonight it had been exposed, and in being brought forth, he was given the opportunity to finally let it die.

But with the death of a flame that should not have been, that small hole that was left was immediately filled with the peace God had been trying to offer for so long. He'd been waiting for this very moment, waiting for Sparky to let go. And now, finally, He had the chance to let a new bit of peace be released in that hidden corner of Sparky's heart.

As if he'd been in an hour-long dream, Sparky blinks, realizing now only seconds had passed. But a time so short could be an eternity in God's eyes - and in those few seconds, new perspectives had risen. New realizations had been born. And new feelings had replaced those which had been thought impossible to remove.

Seeing Rosetta's tears, Sparky leaves his coffee mug and moves around the table to sit next to her. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulls her into a warm hug. "Don't apologize," he directs softly. "You have a right to cry." His embrace was one of a brother... one of a friend... one of someone who wanted to help, but not create a bigger chasm.

Moving back a little, he wipes a tear from Rosetta's cheek and looks her in the eye. "We can't change the past, but the future is ours to make. You have a family that needs you... and a husband who loves you more than anything else in the world. I know it's tough, but you can't give up... you can't live in regrets and you can't ask the impossible 'what if' questions. What's done is over and shouldn't be dwelt on. What should be dwelt on is the future... when Mick comes home and when your family will be together again. God's not gonna let you down.."

He pauses, his gaze going deep into Rosetta's eyes. "And satan's not gonna get a foothold between you and me either. You'll always be a sister to me. And I wouldn't want it any other way."

Maybe those words still stung just a little bit. And maybe he didn't notice that his own eyes had become just a little wet. But he spoke the truth. He spoke what he truly did desire, when he stripped away the regrets and selfishness.

Holding Rosetta's hand, Sparky nods. "I can't promise I won't leave. But you have my word... I won't leave before Mick comes home."