Feeling

*Jamie smiles at Con and innerlocks her arm with Con's making sure she is on his right side.*

"Ya thats Ty. The one Katie and Wyatt got out of jail. He's a pritty nice kid. Have to introduce to him sometime. Clint huh..."

*Jamie giggles and nuges Con with her head playfuly.*

"Maybe they are....dun dun dun...related."

*Jamie and Con make there way to her car. Minutes pass and Jamie pulls into Con driveway. Shuting off the engin she sighs.*

"Well here we are...again."

*Jamie giggles a strange feeling over coming her. Looking at Con she sighs and is a bit confused. The feeling she has its like this might very well be the last time she see Con. What a silly feeling though. Con wasent going anywhere. Leaning over Jamie puts her arms around Con, and gives him a long kiss, Moving back into a hug and not wanting to let go. This feeling it was so strong it felt horrable. Finally knowing she HAD to let go Jamie pulls back and smiles at Con.*

"I'll see you tomarrow Hun, and if you need anything please call ok? Should I stop by later or anything?"

*As Katie feels Jason's hand in her she gives it a small squeeze reasuring him its ok. What great new friends they had. Jason was lucky to had found them. They tryed to understand all they could and wanted to help. Jason needed more friends like that. Katie smiles as Phil and Mike get up and leave. Giving a nod to Kyle.*

"I'm ready whenever. I wasent doing anything today anyways till later. Time spent with my friends is always well enjoyed."

*Katie's eyes meet Kyles for a moment giving alittle nod.*

"Thank you."

*Turning back to Jason.*

"Do you think you can stand J? SO we can get some of that juice into ya?"

Courage

Con tries to stop his mind from turning in circles. There wasn’t much point in thinking about it now. He was tired, he was still recuperating, and he knew he wasn’t thinking completely straight. He was running on adrenaline and emotion, providing a deadly combination for decision making.

Finally he nods and straightens up. “I guess take me with you. I probably won’t be much good around here today anyway, and I’m not really feeling up to talking to a lot of people.”

He glances down at Jamie, forcing a small smile to show he’s really trying not to get down. It wasn’t like him to let something get to him like this, and he knew it…he shouldn’t start now, no matter how bad he was feeling. What Jamie was saying made sense…he just needed to take the information from his brain and somehow get his heart to accept it. For now, maybe the best thing was to stop dwelling on it.

“Besides that, after hardly eating anything yesterday and skipping breakfast this morning, I think I could eat a horse.”


“…Yeah, okay, Wyatt said he’d bring me in the morning.”

Con suddenly turns to his right, towards the door that was opening. What on earth?

Hal nods as he and Ty walk to his truck, passing Jamie and Con without seeing them. “Sounds alright. We can finish up that corner we didn’t get to and then move that equipment downstairs.”

Con’s eyes follow them, his puzzlement obvious on his face. “That the new kid helping with janitorial work?” he asks Jamie. “The one living with Wyatt?” He shakes his head. “I could have sworn that was Clint’s voice…he’s a kid over in Texas.” Letting it slide, he sighs. “So…I’m ready to go whenever you are, I guess.”


Jason keeps his eyes closed for several minutes, trying to get a handle on what was going on around him. Nothing could calm him like Katie could, and right now, he wasn’t going to fight it.

Finally gaining back some of his strength, he raises himself up to lean back against the wall, still sitting on the floor by Katie. “It just hit me so hard…and I couldn’t shake it. There were so many things…even more memories coming up to the surface…” He rubs his hands over his face. “I saw that bathroom door there and I…I was just in that house all over again.”

Hearing Jason’s voice, the three other guys slowly approach. Instead of remaining on their feet or being intrusive, they simply join Katie and Jason on the floor. Kyle looks across the small hallway with concern. “You okay?”

Jason sighs and nods. “Yeah. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Mike scoffs. “I don’t think you’ve got anything to apologize for, Jason. We were just pretty worried there.”

Jason lowers his eyes, knowing he should explain. “I saw a guy in town today…he, um… reminded me of Alex… the guy that took me when I was nine. I guess…I thought I could just get past it, but by the time I got this far, the memories were coming too strong to stop.”

Phil purses his lips, feeling a wave of sympathy. Jason’s whole story was untold, but it was obvious that it was none too easy. “How come you didn’t say anything?”

Jason’s face reddens slightly. “It’s not exactly something I talk about too much.”

“Well starting now, that changes.” Kyle looks at him with emphasis. “We don’t scare easily, so next time you start to head down that hill, you just tell us, and we’ll do whatever you need us to do.” He searches Jason’s face. “You can’t help it when this happens, and we can’t help it that we care. We’re a team now, and teammates stick together.”

Mike nods his agreement. “We understand rough times, Jase…and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Feeling the freedom of the moment, he asks. “He hurt you bad, didn’t he.”

Jason swallows hard, his hand dropping down as he pulls a knee up to his chest. “Yeah. For over a year.”

“I’m guessing just about anything can trigger those memories.”

“Pretty much.” Jason’s hand finds Katie’s as he searches for courage to get through this. “Today it was seeing a look-alike.” He bites his lip. “Look, guys…I’ve tried to predict what will trigger these flashbacks…and I’ve tried to get a grip before they take over…but most of the time it just happens…are you sure you want me in the band?”

All three guys roll their eyes at the same time. “I don’t want you ever asking that again,” Mike warns. “Now look…for the last time, we’re in this together. Next time you start having trouble, no matter how small, you say something, alright? Then we’ll either help talk you down or we’ll know to call Katie…okay?”

Jason finally looks up at the others, finding it hard to understand their willingness to work with him…their friendship ran deep, no doubt. He can’t help but nod. “Okay…”

“Good.” Phil picks himself up to stand. “At this point in time, are you going to be all right? You need anything?”

“I don’t know.” Jason could feel the memories close to the door of his mind, still waiting to attack whenever he let his guard down. “It’s going to be a rough night, but…I’ll be okay if I can just get this to pass.” He can feel a lightheadedness start to seep in, and grimaces. “At the moment though, I need some sugar.”

“You a diabetic?”

Jason shakes his head. “No, but my blood sugar had a tendency to get low, especially when I’m stressed.”

Mike rises, joining Phil. “I got some fruit juice in the fridge.”

“That’ll work.”

With the other two gone, Kyle looks back and forth between Katie and Jason, studying them together. “We’re not gonna force any more practice today, Jase. You need your rest, and we can practice any time. I’ll give you two a ride back to the hospital though, and Phil can follow on the bike if you want.”

Land of the Living

*Jamie walks over to Con and stands next to him. How lost confused and hurt he was. In an instint his life had been turn around and changed forever.*

"Its ok to be scaired. I probley would be to. You know the work we do in the office helps alot of people to. So its not like your not helping. We cant look into the future though Con and say I wonder, or look into the past and say what if. We need to take one day at a time, and know we have people standing with us they wont let us down. In the things will work out Con."

*Jamie lets the silence ling for a moment than pushes herself away from the wall looking at her watch.*

"I'm going to be leave work early today, have some stuff to do. Your free to come along if you like and grab some lunch with me or I cant stop back later to pick you up."

*Katie smiles down at Jason. Her eyes happy to see he is back now and going to be ok. Katie gives alittle giggle.*

"Welcome back to the land of the living. How about you stay around this time."

*Katie gives Jason a soft hug.*

" I'm glad your ok now J, you had me worryed. I hadent felt something wrong with you that strong in a while. I am glad you had the strength to call for me. Cuz I have no idea how I was going to get to you."

*Katie keeps her soft smile as she holds Jason for as long as he needed. Hey eyes twinkle as she takes in his commenrt, Katie was not exspecting it but knew that right now Jason wasent thinking to clear she pushes is back in her memorie to take out later if needed.*

"We can take all the time you need J. No one is in a rush. Your gonna be ok."

Not 'Need' ...but 'Want'

Con leans back against the building's brick wall, mulling over Jamie's words, and knowing their truth. It was just hard to admit.

"I know it," he finally replies quietly, lowering his gaze to the ground. "I just...never thought something like this would happen. I figured I'd either die on the job or retire out of it." He shakes his head. "I know God's in here somewhere...just not seeing Him in it confuses me, and..." Con pauses, wondering if he could even admit it aloud. "...and I guess I'm scared. I don't want to end up driving truck or sitting behind a desk... and I don't want to see people hurt who I could have saved..."

He folds his arms across his chest, and raises his eyes to squint in the sunlight. "I don't know if I can handle staying here without being able to do what I've been trained to do."


Seeing Katie getting up out of her chair and stumbling, Kyle makes a move towards her to help, but Phil reaches out to stop him. Brothers lock eyes for a moment, and Phil adequately conveys the message to leave Katie alone. More was happening here than they knew about. They both watch in surprise as Katie takes several steps. They want to allow their excitement to show, but it is held in check by the current situation.
The three men give Katie and Jason room, all having known facts, but seeing this situation now was a little unnerving. They retreat into the other room to sit, wait and pray, though remain close in case they're needed.

Jason continues to shake, his body revolting against the emotional trauma. But as Katie draws near, her voice...her touch.. they are like a door opening up to let light stream into the darkness, beckoning Jason out of the nightmare. He fights against his own mind to draw himself out. He can hear Katie's soft words...he can feel her soothing hand as she runs her fingers through his hair.

Slowly, slowly, like a fog gradually lifting, the horrific pictures begin to dissipate, and the reality around him starts to come into focus.

Blinking, Jason realizes he's being held, his head resting in Katie's arms. Emotions well up in the form of tears behind his eyes, but he wills them not to overflow. There were too many eyes here.

Completely exhausted, he doesn't make an effort to move yet, and works on trying to slow his breathing and racing heart. Katie had come...she'd dropped everything and run...for him...again. He could have waited out the episode...he could have let it run its course and recuperate on his own. But he'd wanted her...he'd wanted her close to chase away the nightmares like only she could.

Closing his eyes, he starts to relax. "Thanks, Hero," he whispers. A forced laugh comes out weakly. "I guess I just can't live without you."

Walking

*Jamie looks sternly but lovingly at Con.*

"Trust in God is what you need to keep doing. There IS a reson for this Con. Even if we cant see it. Dont give up on yourself of him. Your lucky to be alive, and lucky Reese cares enough to make a desition that was probley as hard for him as it was for you. He dosent want to see you dead. Non of us do Con. You'd just be puting yourself in danger."

*Jamie trys her best to show Con comfort but feels she is failing misribly.*

*Even Phil cant see her Katie nods.*

"Ya I know. I'll be waiting outside for Kyle."

*Katie grabs her bad and stuff her phone in it. As she waits she taps her foot impasently waiting for Kyle. Once at Mike's and down stairs Katie trys to hurry seeing Jason only yo get her wheel chair stuck on a crack in the floor.*

"Dang nab it this stupid thing."

*As Katie looks up she see Jason helpless on the floor the feeling inside her whelling she needed to get to him. Without even thinking and a bit wobbly Katie stands out of her chair. Her leg buckle under her once, than standing tall again taking a deep breath Katie takes 4 steps from her chair to Jason, falling to her knees and skuffing them under she jeans. As the small amoutn of blood soaks though Katie dosent pay attachen to it. Taking Jason softly in her arms.*

"J, Its Katie. I'm here now. Come back to us J. Everything is ok, and your safe. We arnt gonna let anythig happen to you."

*Katie studys Jason's face and she runs her hand through his hair.*

"Shhhh....its ok J. Its ok."

Getting Help

Con grits his teeth, trying to calm himself down. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this upset. He knew it was rare for anyone to see him like this. It was just, so….so unfair.

He finally turns around to look down at Jamie. “It was just like I thought. Reese has already taken me off the field. No cases here, no going back to Texas, no nothing. He doesn’t think I should be out there with half my hearing, so that’s that. He wouldn’t give me a definite answer on what he’d have me doing, but we all know that means I’ll be stuck behind a desk just like I predicted.”

Con doesn’t like feeling so out of control…he knows he shouldn’t be this upset…he was lucky to be alive at all, let alone up and walking. But everything had changed so quickly… “A couple days ago, I knew where I belonged, Jamie… and now…now I don’t know. Ever since I got kicked off the police force, I’ve been here…I’ve been working the streets…being a bodyguard…the action is what’s kept me going. If I can’t do that anymore…I just don’t know what to do anymore.”


Mike hears Jason’s phone going off from the other room. “Phil, I’m not sure I understood everything Jason and Katie told us before, but that might be her. Go see and answer it.”

Phil hates to leave Jason, but does as Mike suggests. Flipping the phone open, he sees Katie’s name. That made things a little easier. …It dawns on him that this would have to be an awful coincidence if Katie didn’t know what was going on. Was it really possible for her to feel this? “Katie – this is Phil. I grabbed Jason’s phone for him. I hope you can get away from the hospital, ‘cause Kyle’s on his way over there now. I think Jason’s having a bout with flashbacks and it looks pretty bad. We can’t even get him up off the floor. The only thing he’s said so far is to get you. “


Kyle makes it to the hospital in record time, thankful there had been no cops out on the roads today. Sprinting across the parking lot, he makes it up to Katie’s room within minutes, not even bothering to look the nurse’s way. Skidding to a halt in her room, he knows she’s aware of what’s going on after Mike had phoned him. “Sorry, Katie, but Jason asked for ya.” For once, the mischief is gone from Kyle’s eyes, and he’s quick to help get Katie downstairs and out to the truck.

Back on the road again, Kyle takes the sidestreets to the country road where he once again pushes the speed limit. Once to Mike’s, Phil is there to greet them.

“He’s still not responding,” Phil informs Katie. “I’d call for help, but I knew you knew more about this than we do.”

He and Kyle get Katie downstairs to the basement and wheel her to were Jason is.

He still lies on the floor curled up, his hands clenched in tight fists, and his shirt soaked with sweat. His body shakes from the shock as the images continue to taunt his mind, though he tries to grasp reality.

Hero

*Jamie puts her hand on Con's arm as he finally stops.*

"Con...please....what happend?"

*Rosetta smiles at Mick as she leans into his arms.*

"Do you really think I would turn that down. Lets get out butts moving I could use a nice ride myself. And dont worry, Dylan will come around. Sometimes we need the wrong turns to make the right ones."

*Rosetta laughs and tickles Mick playfuly.*

*Wes holds the letters to the lite and turns them fliping them a grin forming on his face.*

"And what are these? Could they be wedding invatations. Corse I will send them for you my love."

*Giving Cindy a kiss Wes makes his way to his truck.*

"If you need me or anything while I am out give me a call."

*Wes disapears down the driveway.*

*As Katie heads back to her room a smile on her face an all to familure feeling comes over her. One she had felt so many times before. Puling herself faster to her phone she grabs it and starts to dial Jason's number*

Again

Con spins around, hearing Jamie’s voice, but not knowing what she said, just adding to his frustration. He doesn’t have to know what she said though – he can read her face. But he doesn’t want to talk about it here…not with so many other people around.
He takes to the stairs instead of the elevator, and finally hits the outdoors to stop, resting his hands on his hips and string up at the sky. “Why?!” he shouts. “Why me?!”


Mick chuckles as he reflects on the past as well. “Unfortunately, it took me this long to get my head on straight. I just hope it doesn’t take Dylan that long.” He sighs. “I wish there was something I could say or do to…I don’t know…help him get rid of that chip on his shoulder. He’s been here for weeks and I still don’t even know what the source of his problem is.”

He finally lets Rosetta go from his grasp, and slings an arm around her shoulder. “I need to clear my head. Wanna go for a ride?”


Cindy’s eyes widen and she laughs as Wes swings her around, then sets her back down again. “Well somebody is wound up today!” She reaches up to cradle his face, bringing him down to her level in order to plant a kiss on his lips. “Have fun at the lumberyard. Oh…” She reaches into her back pocket to withdraw several letters. “Would you drop these off at the post office for me too?”


“Alright, so we can line up this list of songs to do at the park, but in the meantime, we need to pick a few favorites for that fundraiser.” Phil looks around the table at the fast food restaurant to his brother, Mike and Jason. “Of course, that is, if the hospital will have us.”

“Right,” Mike agrees. “We also need to set up a new practice schedule that Jason can be included in.’

Jason sips his soda pop through his straw and shrugs. “Whatever. Evenings are usually okay. As long as I’m not out on a case, evenings are pretty normal.”

“I didn’t know using your name and ‘normal’ in the same sentence was acceptable,” Kyle teases.

Jason elbows him. “Behave yourself.”

Once all four had gathered, Jason had realized that Kyle got half the day off he hadn’t expected, but since he’d already asked Katie to go to supper, he’d opted to meet with the band over lunch. Phil had already known he’d have the afternoon off, and the music store’s business was going slowly today, so Mike had no problem with taking off for a few hours, only needing to be back at closing time.

Kyle smirks at Jason. “I’ll try.”

“Alright so…” Phil tries to keep them on track. “How about we head on over to Mike’s right now to formulate some of this and have a little jam session?”

Jason nods. “I got time. Other than Con’s case, it was a little slow today, so Reese shouldn’t have a problem. I’ll make up a few hours this evening.”

“Great.” Phil stands up. “Let’s head out then.”

Jason is the last to filter from the restaurant, and just as he’s pushing the door open, he glances to the side and can’t help his double-take. His heart immediately begins to race, a wave of familiar but unwanted fear sweeping over him. He stands with his feet feeling as though they’re frozen to the ground. The man in that booth…logic told Jason that it was not Alex, but the resemblance was there… enough to have played a terrible trick on Jason’s mind.

“Yo, Jason!” Kyle calls from the sidewalk. “You coming?”

Jason blinks and forces himself to move, though reflexes don’t want him to turn his back on this stranger. “Yeah….yeah, I’m coming.” He tries to shove the thoughts to the back of his mind. He couldn’t think about the past…not now…not here…the man in there was just a stranger…everything was fine.

A memory seeps into Jason’s mind, and he shakes it off, reprimanding himself. He heads for his bike and starts up the engine, following the other guys out of town and towards Mike’s. Images from the past continue to bombard his mind, and he persistently shoves them to the side. The man he had seen was not Alex. There was no reason for him to be fighting this now. It was silly.

…Practice is under full swing, taking up a half an hour already, all the guys having a blast, tossing ideas back and forth, and working out a few kinks in their songs. Though Jason is genuinely having a good time, the memories linger at the back of his mind, just waiting to pounce after being triggered by the Alex-look-alike. Starting to feel the pressure, Jason finally excuses himself to use the restroom. Heading down the dim hall, the high basement window cast a dim light inside, the bathroom door standing ajar.

Without warning, Jason sees the door to that dreaded room…the lighting was the same…enough to see where one was going, but dim enough to create an eerie glow.

Jason backs up against the other wall, trying not to lose his grasp on reality, but it’s slowly slipping. He couldn’t let go now…not here…not now… not like this….

Kyle stops his keyboard and looks at Mike and Phil. “Hey…it’s been a while since Jason left. Think he got lost?”

Phil rolls his eyes. “Why don’t you go see?”

Kyle quirks a grin and heads down the hall. “Hey, Jason!” Rounding the corner, his heart skips a beat. Jason was lying on the floor, curled up in a tight ball and shaking. “Jason!” Kyle wastes no time in sliding down next to him. “What’s wrong? What is it?” Not receiving a response, Kyle yells back down the hall. “Phil! Mike! Get down here NOW.”

The darkness is everwhere…Jason is running…running so hard. The enemy is behind him…Alex is yelling at him…. He feels the cold fist hitting the side of his face…he feels his thin body being slammed into the wall, left to sink to the floor until suppertime, if there even was a suppertime that day.
Jason can hear new voices….the past and present begin to mix, forming a foggy idea of what’s really going on around him.

“Is he sick?”

“Is it a seizure? Should we call 911?”

Mike shakes his head, kneeling down to look at Jason more closely. “Remember what he said about flashbacks?” He reaches out to touch Jason’s shoulder. “Jase…”

The feeling of a hand on his arm causes Jason to flinch violently enough to lash out, smacking Mike’s own arm.

“Jason, come on,” Phil urges gently. “We’re here for you.”

Ever so slowly, Jason is able to pry his own eyes open, still lost in a world between reality and images from the past. Noise clutters his mind. He hears Alex’s voice. He feels the beatings and the pain. But there’s something….something he can hang onto….something that can pull him out… it has to….
Barely able to get the words out, he whispers hoarsely. “Katie….get Katie.”

Kyle is on his feet in an instant, sprinting upstairs and to the door.

Baby steps

*As Jamie hears the door slam she looks up and see Con storm out of the office and head for the exit. Standing Jamie trots after Con to cath up.*

"Con WAIT UP! Whats going on?"

*Rosetta smiles up at Mick, replaying memories of long ago that had almost been forgoten when she first met Mick.*

"Ya know He kind of reminds me of his father when I first met him. Mick you use to hate me. and now look at us. We are gonna be married."

*Rosetta cant help but beam at times past and times a new.*

*Wes smiles at Clint as he heads out of the Shop a spring in his step.*

"Middle of next month."

*As Wes heads out of the shop he runs right into Cindy scooping her up in his arms he spins her around a few than seting her down.*

"I'll see ya in a few dollface, I need to go order wood and bring back some stuff for you to look at about windows, and doors, flooring than I need to look into a contractor to help me build the house so it dosent fall on us the first snowstorm. I'll be back love of my life."

"Next week? Really?"

*Katie stairs at her therips with excitment.*

"Thats amazing...I will deff be puting in more hours on walk."

Therpast: "Well Katie I dont know how, but you have had an amazing recovery. Your doing so well. You took 2 steps by yourself today without any bars or anything. Thats amazing. You defintly have the will power I will tell ay than."

*Katie smiles even bigger feeling pritty good about herself.*

"I have alot to live for, and lost of resons to look forwork to walking again. Thank you so much."

*Katie makes her way back to her room excitmnent taking over.*

Decisions

Jason grins as heads away from Katie’s room, hearing her reference to flying. His mind goes back to a time not all that long ago, yet it feels like an eternity, when he’d first started calling Katie his personal hero. It hadn’t been the best of times for him, but she had made it livable…she’d helped him through when there had been no one else.

Her statement about Kyle was interesting…Jason wasn’t yet convinced that there was nothing between them. But why should he really care anyway? Hadn’t he decided that he himself and Katie were just to be friends? If that was the truth, then he shouldn’t have even said anything about Kyle.

Making his way outside, he’s glad the weather is clear as he straddles his bike and heads for work.


Con sighs a little, though can’t express how much he appreciates Jamie’s support. How much had he missed these years by not recognizing her love sooner?

Finally letting the moment slip into a memory, Con lets her go and steps out of the car. He heads inside a little slower than normal, but as he walks, he holds his shoulders square and confident, hiding the insecurity he really feels. Once inside, he starts towards his office.

“Con!” Laura jumps up from her desk and comes to him quickly, throwing her arms around him. “What are you doing here? You scared me to death, you big goon.”

Con chuckles softly and gives her sister a warm hug. “I couldn’t stand staying in the house another day.”

“Yeah, well you should be in bed.” Laura stands back to look up at him. “You look alright, but not perfect.”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Con reassures. Talking for a few more brief moments, he again aims for his office.

“What are you doing here?!”

Con sees Reese coming towards him, and grimaces. “Hi.”

Reese rolls his eyes. “Don’t ‘hi’ me! You should be at home.”

“Yeah, well, now my ride is here, so I’m staying.”

“Why is it that I got stuck with the most stubborn…bullheaded…senseless bunch of people that exists?!” Reese shakes his head. “Fine. But I want you to see Rick.”

“Come on, I’m fine.”

“Rick!” Reese orders. “Now. He hasn’t seen you yet this morning, and I have yet to receive a clean bill of health for you from him. If you don’t go see him right now, I’ll have you escorted back outside and to your house.”

Con heaves a sigh, but throws up his hands in surrender. “Fine. You’ll get your clean bill of health within the hour.” He starts up his route again, wandering down the hall, wondering how on earth he was going to pull this off. He knew he’d have to tell Reese sometime about his hearing loss…but now? Couldn’t it wait? …What was Rick going to say?


… “Con, I’m sorry! I’ve got to tell Reese!”

“Why? Just let me finish off this case first.”

Rick stares up at Con with disbelief. “I can’t do that, and you know it. I’m under written obligation to tell Reese what’s going on. I can’t skirt around it, and I’m certainly not going to lie.”


It’s twenty minutes later that Con is facing the conversation he knew would come. “Reese, please! Don’t do this to me.”

Reese sighs deeply, seated at his desk. “I don’t have any choice. I can’t, with good conscience, allow you to continue working in the field. Not like this.”

Con fights against his emotions as he stands behind the extra chair. “So, what then? I get to do paperwork all day? Take phone calls? Clean the floors? Empty trash?”

“Con, please,” Reese reprimands. “Don’t make this any harder than it is. I don’t know where I’m going to place you yet – don’t force me to make that decision now. As for the time being, I want you to recuperate fully, maybe even take some time off. After that, we’ll see. I could use you around the office.”

“I’m a bodyguard!” Con argues. “That’s what I do!”

“Then maybe you’ll have to change what you do.” Reese looks to the door. “I’m sorry that this happened, and we’re working on finding out who or why you were poisoned. I suggest you take that time off.” He looks back down at his paperwork, ending the discussion.

Con stays for several moments, his frustration and anger boiling inside of him. Finally he spins around and stalks through the door, letting it slam behind him. He makes no eye contact with anyone as he strides across the work floor, heading for the door.


“Jason, you have a call.”

“Thanks.” Jason picks up the phone at his desk. “Yeah, this is Jason. …Kyle? I thought you were at work. Oh, I see. Yeah. Really?” He glances at his watch. “I guess that would work. I could take a few minutes to go over those details. Sure… where do you want to meet?”


Mick envelopes Rosetta in a hug, frustrated with Dylan, but unwilling to take it out on anyone else. “I just don’t know what to do any more. It’s just getting worse, and I’m afraid if I give it too much time, he’ll be gone for good. He’s ready to walk right out of here, in trouble or not.”

Clint pulls a rag from his back pocket to wipe his hands after he catches the set of keys. “Groomsman, huh?” He quirks a grin. “Why not. When are you two tying the knot anyway?”

Smiles

*Katie cant help but looks a bit disapointed but trys to mask it all she could.*

"J, Kyle are I are just friends right now. Neather of us have even talked about dating or anything so you shouldent feel like your runing anything ok. But if you want other people to come with us tomarrow for dinner thats fine. Maybe Jamie and Con, or something."

*Katie holds her smile to Jason. Leting her eyes stair into Jason's.*

"I will ask when I got today. I hope they say I can soon, I'll find out who the band can talk to as well about waiting to play at the fundraiser. I think it will be fun."

*As Jason turns to head on the door Katie call after him.*

"Anytime J, you know that. Hey find out from Reese too when I get my power to fly."

*Katies lets out a giggle.*

*Jamie feels Con's hand tighten around her. Instintively her squeeze alittle more reasuring Con she is there for him. Looking deep into his eyes she trys her best to relay what she is feeling.*

"Everything has a reson and a time, God wont give you anything you cant handle."

*Lets out a sigh she gives him a smile and a small kiss on the cheek.*

"Ready? I'll be with ya everystep of the way."

*Steping out from one of the stalls Rosetta smiles and comes up behind Mick puting her arms around him.*

"Cuz he is your son and you love him. You do want to make up for lost time and wish he would see your trying. Though he is a at that age where he dosent want to listen. But something tells me in his young heart he does want to love you Mick. He is just scaired of geting hurt. Give him time Mick. He'll come around...trust me..his father did."

*Rosetta gives Mick s warm smile and a soft kiss. Mick, the bard, the horsed, nice weather=pricless.*

*Wes pulls himself from under a truck and smiles as he turns the key.*

"Purrs like a kitten."

*Shuting it off again Wes takes the keys and heads to where he last saw Clint. Clearing his throt as to not scaire him Wes throws the keys to him.*

"Mr. Frank will be coming to pick up his truck in about an hour. Here are his keys. I am heading out for the day I need to go to the lumber yard and order the wood to start Cindy and I's house. I'd like to have it finished before winter."

*Wes beams as he talks about the house and turns to head out only to spin back around and his heels.*

"Oh hey Clint I was wondering, would you like to be one of the grooms in my wedding?"

Emotions

While Katie is in the bathroom, Jason quickly changes clothes and is sitting down, lacing up his boots when she returns. He looks up as she mentions them going out to dinner the next day, and a crooked forms. “Maybe we can get some others to come along.” He glances back down at his laces. “If you and Kyle are starting to go together, I’m not going to make the same mistakes I did while you were with Wyatt.” He stands up and slings his backpack over his shoulder, grabbing his motorcycle gloves.

Tossing Katie a smile, he heads for the door. “When you’re in therapy today, see if the doctor knows when you’ll be able to get out of here. Wyatt and I are supposed to go over to Laura’s around lunchtime today to see about that ramp. If I don’t see you earlier, I’ll catch you tonight whenever you get back from dinner.”

Jason heads out the door, but pauses, leaning his head back in to look at Katie. “Thanks for helping me sleep.” He lets his eyes rest on hers for just a moment before disappearing out into the hall.


Con keeps his eyes on the road, but lets his long fingers curl around Jamie’s hand as she takes his. Her touch is gentle and soft, trying to soothe his weariness.

He says nothing on the way to TJY, his memory busy at work, trying to pull up any images or faces from two days prior when he would have been injected with the poison.

Once parked at TJY, Con finally turns his head to look at Jamie. He studies her face, following the curve of her glowing cheeks, and up to her eyes where he stops, letting his gaze linger. The feeling that welled inside of him was the same as it had been two nights ago…frightening, yet calming at the same time.

Con swallows hard, wondering at the past…wondering about the future. Looking into Jamie’s eyes, he wanted to know the answers...he wanted to feel reassured of his own security that he could provide. But there were too many unknowns yet to be faced. In the time span of twenty-four hours, his heart had experienced a change he never thought would occur. In another span of twenty-four hours, his future had been altered. What was God trying to show him?

His grip on Jamie’s hand tightens every so slightly.


“Dang it, Dylan! I told you not to do that!”

Dylan throws his father a piercing glared. “If I’m such a pain, why don’t you just send me away?! I’m sick and tired of sitting around this stupid ranch and listening to you try to make up for the past.” His glare persists. “Why don’t you just accept the fact that we’ll never have that perfect little relationship you’re trying to create?” Spinning on his heel, he stalks out of the barn, kicking the door frame on his way out.

Mick throws his arms in the air, letting out a groan before leaning up against a stall. “Why do I even try?” he mutters. “I should just send him back to his mother where he wants to be.”

Slip of the Hand

*Katie smiles and waves as Phil and Kyle turn and leave laughing as they went.*

"Those two I tell ya. How they dont get themself in trouble is amazing."

*Katie moves and gets herself up and out of bed and into her wheelchair to start the day.*

"Hey I am starting to get the hang of this."

*Katie wheels herself into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Than back out again to answer Jason's question.*

"Ya we had a pritty nice time. It was nice being able to get out. It was a normal abnormal day at Mom and Pop's. Never a dull monet with Mable and Herb. They are great people. Jamie is so lucky."

*A smile forms on Katies lips and the sunlight shines in through the open window lighting everything up.*

"Maybe tomarrow WE can go there for dinner. I could never get tired of there food."

*Katie rubs her tummy and giggles.*

*Jamie lets Con go and sits back in the drivers seat. How Jamie wish she could make Con's pain go away. It was so bazarr to see Con hurt Jamie felt so helpless.*

"Ok, I will but you need to take it easy understand me? I'll feel horrable if you dont, and hurt you self again."

*Jamie backs out of the driveway and heads twords TJY she lets out a sigh. Sliping her free hand into Con's and speaking alittle louder.*

"It's gonna be ok Hun."

Wishing

Kyle's eyes light up. "Ooh, that would be awesome if we could come play for a fundraiser! I know without even asking that Mike would jump on the chance. We'll just have to get in contact with the hospital administrator, get a playlist together, find out how much time we have and what equipment..." He lets his voice trail off, a sheepish grin forming.

Phil rolls his eyes. "Slow down, Genius."

Jason joins in with the enthusiasm. "I think this is a great idea. Besides, I know we all want to hear Katie."

Kyle looks at her, smiling. "You bet we do. I wouldn't want to miss that."

Hearing about her moving her toes, Kyle spins around with his hands in the air. "Woo! We need to have a wiggle party to celebrate!"

Phil puts a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Kyle, if you don't calm down, I'm going to have this guard dog here escort you outside. Now...I'm going to be late for work!"

"Oh yeah." Kyle makes it obvious that he's calming down. "Right. Okay. So...sorry to eat and run, but...." He glances to Katie. "Be ready at seven to go out for supper." Spinning on his heel, he heads for the door, pulling Phil with him. "So come on already! What's the holdup?"

Phil groans and follows after him, turning to wave at Katie and Jason. "See y'all later. Jason, we'll be in touch."

"Yeah." Jason waves them out and shakes his head in amusement. He sighs and goes to his backpack to get some clean clothes and start getting ready for the day. "So...I take it you and Kyle had fun yesterday."


Con finds it difficult already to catch everything Jamie is saying and forces himself to keep his head turned a bit to ensure he doesn't miss things. Once back in his driveway, he returns Jamie's hug, wishing she weren't right about telling Reese.

He puts his hand on the door handle ready to get out, but changes his mind. The wheels in his head are almost visibly turning as his mind jumps from one thing to the next. "Jamie, take me with you to TJY."

Have to

*Katie shakes her head and laughs her eyes sparkle not minding being woken.*

"What am I gonna do with you guys."

*Before Phil even peeks around the courner Katie can tell her is there and isent saprised to see him.*

" The nurse is gonna be SOOOOOO happy when I am finally gone. Oh since you 3 are together your gonna have to talk to Mike but, in a few weeks the Hospetal is gonna be having a talent show...or it was ment to be but they dident get enough people. So I am gonna do some singing and poem readings so we can still do the fundraiser, but I was wondering if Jetstream would like to play as well. It might help bring more money than just me would. Just something for you guys to think about."

*Katie smiles listing to Jason and Kyle barder back and forth more. It was always amusing to watch them. Katie would be happy just siting there and listiong to them all day.*

"Aww...I would of loved to have gone out with ya today but...oh well...there is always tomarrow or later tonight right? I wanted to spend alittle more time in therapy today anywayas and ask the doc about going home. I wiggled my toes yesterday."

*Katie beams blushing alittle at Kyle's comment.*

*As Jamie drives back to Con's her heart goes out to him. It had to be hard. TJY was Con's life. It ment everything to him. What would he do now.*

"Con, I know you dont want to but you have to tell Reese and take it from there. If you dont your endangering youself. I really would hate seeing something happen to you again."

*Jamie lets out a sigh as they pull into Con's driveway.*

"I really dont know what you should do Con. I dont, but I am here to help ya no matter what ok."

*Jamie leans over and gives Con a big hug.*

"You have alot of other people behind you too."

Results

Kyle and Jason come to a screeching halt as Katie sits up in bed and they realize that they have an audience.

"No, you don't want to know," Jason rolls his eyes.

Kyle twists his head to look over his shoulder at Katie, his eyes alive with mischief, though veiled with a stranger form of amusement as if he knows something of which he won't speak. "Help!" he laughs. "Call off your guard dog!"

Knowing that Kyle may like to pull stunts but was not mean enough to do anything with the picture he'd taken, Jason finally lets him go, giving him a slap upside the head. "What are you doing here anyway, other than disturbing the peace?"

Phil peers around the corner of the doorway. "Is it safe to come in?"

Kyle rubs the back of his head. "Yeah, but watch this guy. I should have known better than to try to run from someone who works with the FBI." He winks in Katie's direction, having fun with his own joke.

Jason shakes his head an crosses his arms. "So...? What's up?"

"You're not even dressed yet," Kyle points out. "That's what's up. I would have expected you to be out there on your bike rearing to go...you know, like all them fast-action cop movies."

"I am too dressed!" Jason looks down at his stocking feet, jeans and wrinkled t-shirt. "Well...maybe not for today, but I..." He lets his sentence go, in annoyed amusement. "Would you just answer my question?"

"Yeah, but first, how's your friend? Con?"

"Better," Jason nods. "He's going to be okay." He pauses, waiting for Kyle's explanation of him showing up this morning. "Well? Did you need something?"

Phil intervenes. "Kyle was paranoid that after Katie told you about our decision that you would have changed your mind about joining JetStream."

"You kidding me?" Jason raises his eyebrows. "Of course not. If you guys are all in agreement, then I'm in."

"Woo!" Kyle raises his hands in the air. "Then that means you'll play with us in two weeks at the park in Bakerton?"

Jason's eyes light up. "You bet. Set up practice times, and I'm there."

"Good." Kyle looks over to Katie. "I was also coming here to ask Katie to go out with me again today, but alas, my dear boss called me in to work on my day off, so I must resist the company of the lovely lady."


Con is grateful for Jamie's help, and is quiet on their ride downtown. Once reaching the office, they're met by the doctor himself. Retired and now having his own private practice, he knew his handful of patients well, and had known Con for many years, wise enough to not often ask too many questions about how Con had received injuries. He smiles and holds out his hand. "Well good morning, Con. I was just ready to step out for a while, so you caught me just in time. What can I do for you two?"

Con shakes his hand, and tries to be casual. "I, um...if you have time, I need you to check something out for me."

Dr. Bradley studies his face. "You don't look so good."

"Long story."

"I won't ask." Dr. Bradley gives a little smile. "Come on into the back and tell me what you need."

An hour later, the results of several tests are compiled, and Dr. Bradley breaks the news. "I'm sorry, Con. I know you had trouble with that ear once before, but it seemed to heal up okay. Whatever kind of infection you said you just had though, did its job too well. I'm afraid the damage is permanent. You're not going to hear anything out of that ear..."


...Con sinks down in the passenger seat of Jamie's car, his mind reeling. His body is tired, simply from being sick, and this added stress creates a new exhaustion. "I can't tell Reese," he says quietly. "I can't..he'll take me off duty...he won't want me on the field, much less continue as Austin's bodyguard." He thinks back to all the years he'd watched Austin's back...all the years he'd been able to go out on cases. Though some might think a hearing loss in one ear wouldn't be that big of a deal, it could be the difference between life and death when his job was to protect someone else. "...what am I going to do, Jamie?"

Downtown

*Katie opens her eyes at Jason and Kyle's voice. She had become acustom to this kind of waking for some reson or another. Kaite sits up in bed pulling her knees up to her chest and huging them. Shaking her head at the boys.*

"Dont you guys know this is a hospetal. There are sick people trying to sleep."

*Katie cant help but make a silly grin. Perfect. Everything seemed perfect.*

"Do I even really want to know whats going on?"

*Katie beams at the sun shoots through the window signaling a new day.*

*Jamies eyes widen alittle as she nods at Con. Fear being replace by simpathy. Jamie new TJY was everything to Con. Not being there would destroy him.*

"Ok Con lets get ya down town. Everything will be ok."

*Jaime helps Con up and out to the car heading down town.*

Antics

As Katie takes Jason's hand and pulls him up, he can't help his bit of surprise. He listens to her words carefully, searching her eyes as she speaks. She knew him well enough to know that at this point, he was exhausted but having trouble sleeping, and that she was the one who could help him.

Austin's words come back to him. 'It wasn't wrong...it was just plain stupid.' Was this still true? Jason questions his own judgment. He couldn't deny he wanted to agree with Katie though...and besides, Wyatt was no longer in the picture...there was no one else to offend... did that make it right? He knew both his and Katie's intentions were not inappropriate, and he would never do anything to break her trust.

Jason's previous day had been rough...his night had become hard... and he wanted his best friend.

Finally giving in, and ignoring his over-cautiousness, he sinks down on the bed beside Katie, stretching out on his back to rest his head on the pillow. He says nothing, but listens... it hits him a little harder than he thought as she mentions when he had been so sick... he wondered if he had ever really understood what that time had done to Katie.

As she speaks of friends, he knows he has experienced exactly what she is describing, through her...she'd been such a great support... Jason knew he could have survived the past few months without her, but it would have been a whole lot harder.

Jason lets silence reign when Katie finishes talking, and stares up at the ceiling. Being close to Katie helped him relax, and the nightmarish images were slowly dispersing. Finally he rolls over on his side with his back to Katie, though is close enough to feel her, and tucks his hands up under the pillow, closing his eyes. Her words brought comfort...they brought peace... how he longed for peace...

Sleep is quick to overtake his mind.


Con shakes his head at the mention of Rick. "No...not Rick..." He swallows hard, latching on to Jamie's gaze, and knowing that fear can be seen through his own eyes. He slowly picks himself up back off the floor, and leans on the kitchen counter, weighing his options. Finally he turns back to Jamie. "I've lost the hearing in my left ear, Jamie..." Saying the words aloud seemed to seal his fate. "I need to know if it's permanent, but I can't ask Rick. If the damages is permanent, my time at TJY could be over."


"I'm going to be late for work!"

"This will only take a minute."

"Why couldn't we have just called?!"

"Because." Kyle shoves his brother out of the elevator and down the hospital hall. "I want to see Jason face to face."

Phil rolls his eyes. "But Mike isn't even here."

"It's not my fault he had to open the store early this morning." Kyle keeps walking, throwing a silly wave to the nurse as they pass, though he receives little response. Seeing Katie's door barely open, he cautiously peeks inside, and his eyes widen just a little.

Phil looks in over his shoulder, slightly surprised himself at seeing Jason and Katie together. "They're sleeping," he whispers. "Come on, let's go."

A grin spreads across Kyle's face, and he keeps his voice quiet. "Nuh-uh... I came to ensure Jason's answer was still yes, I dragged you along for a witness, and I'm not leaving." He slips inside, with his brother trying to hold him back.

"Kyle!" he whispers hoarsely. "We'll come back later!"

Kyle ignores him and tiptoes across the room to the bed, still grinning. Reaching onto his belt, he pulls off his cell phone and opens it up, aiming the camera at the bed. With a press of the button, the image is captured. "Rise and shine!"

Jason's eye fly open, Kyle's words hitting him like a bucket of cold water. Sitting bolt upright, his mind is in a total fog, but he sees the phone in Kyle's hand and knows exactly what he'd done. Standing up, he throws a warning look at Kyle. "Give me the phone."

Kyle laughs and shakes his head. "Oh, no. This is too good."

Jason's eyes widen, though he's not all that upset - he didn't know if it was even possible to get upset with Kyle's innocent antics. "Come on, Kyle! Quit playing around!"

Kyle spins around and tosses his phone to Phil. "Quick! Run!"

Though having not even wanted to disturb Jason and Katie, Phil is fast to jump on the joke with Kyle, and does exactly as he's told, scooting out of the room.

Jason moves around the bed toward Kyle. "You little..."

Kyle holds up his hands, trying not to laugh. "Hey, down boy. It's not my fault you slept in late this morning. I just thought it was such a perfect Kodak moment, I couldn't pass it up!" He bolts for the door, but Jason is quicker and tackles him from behind, slamming him into the wall, and pinning an arm behind his back. Neither think about the fact that they would wake Katie.

Kyle winces, though is still laughing. "I'll print it out and give you a copy," he teases.

"No, you're going to delete it," Jason corrects, putting more pressure on Kyle's arm. "Right?''

"Ahh!" Kyle squirms, though finds it impossible to escape his taller adversary. "Alright, alright. I'll delete it. After I print it."

Close to you

*Listing to Jason Katie's heart goes out to her friend. She always had that soft spot for when she new Jason needed her. Listing to Jason Katie new he needed her. Throwing care into the wind She takes Jason's hand and pulls him up to stay. Scooting over on the bed, and smiles and nods next to her her other arm waiting to hold Jason.*

"I know your not going to think this is apropreate for friends to do, but I stop caring what people think and how they look at me. If they have a problem, they can talk to my face about it. Life is to short to worry about whatevery one alse thinks. Just take it as it comes, and worry about tomarrow, tomarrow. Its not like we are doing anything wrong."

*Katie smiles at Jason showing how sincear she was. Being int he accident, geting saved, being stuck in the hospetal, learning how to walk again and meeting her new friends and Con becoming sick showed Katie how short life can be, and how anything can change in an instine.
Katie keeps her voice quiet and soft.*

"Ya, the Con thing was hard. Probley even harder for you since you new him longer, but I know how it felt. Wasent to long ago you were that sick. Its a feeling I would hate to have to reply again anytime soon."

*Katie lets out a small sigh.*

"People get hurt sometimes Jason. We cant live in fear of that and let it run our lifes or we will be misrible. We cant all be hero's. Having friends and loved ones helps. Having a shoulder to lean and cry on. It helps lighten the load. Cuz with friends and the people we love they dont walk behind us, but next to us to help us carry our load."

*Jamie looks at Con worry in her eyes.*

"Ya I have some time Hun. Whats wrong? I am heading to TJY now why dont I take you and just have ya see Rick since he knows whats been going on with you?"

*Jamie A hand on Con's arm searching his eys for an answer to what was wrong.*

Doctor

Jason shakes his head numbly, no longer surprised by Katie sensing his stress. “No…I’m not okay.” He sighs deeply and raises his head to search for Katie’s eyes in the dark. “I will be though. Just a bad dream is all.”

He stands up and wanders to the window, looking out for several minutes, trying to settle his mind, though it doesn’t do much good. Tired, but unable to close his eyes again, lest the dream reoccur, instead of heading back for the bed, he aims for the chair.

Pulling it up close to Katie’s bed, he sits down and leans forward to use his arms as a pillow on the mattress next to her. Her closeness brings the comfort he knew it would…he couldn’t deny it that she was able to calm him when nothing else could. “I’m just scared of people getting hurt, ya know?” He keeps his voice quiet, glad for the darkness, though light would be coming soon. “I guess this thing with Con shook me up more than I thought.”


Con continues to mop up the milk as Jamie joins him. “Huh?” He looks up at her. “No, you don’t need to help, I was just clumsy.” He rolls his eyes. “I know, I know, Rick would have my hide if he knew I was up, but I feel a hundred and ten percent better than yesterday.”

Though tossing the wet paper towels into the trashcan, he remains on the floor, sitting up to lean back against the cupboards and sighs. He feels silly sitting here, and he has enough strength to get up, but he just doesn’t want to. There were so many questions now…so many variables… He had to know for sure though if his condition was permanent… “Jamie…” He keeps his eyes staring down. “Do you have time to take me to Doctor Bradley downtown?” He knows how strange the request is, as there’s no reason he shouldn’t see Rick, but he can’t…not this time…

What on Earth

*Katie's pulse quickens as she sits up in bed. She had just fallen asleep so wasent to deep. Instinly Katie's eyes ajust to the dark as she looks twords Jason's way. In a soft voice Katie whispers.*

"J...are you ok?"

*Jamie heads Con and enters the apt. Following the voice in the kitchen. Seeing Con on the floor she cant help but giggle.*

"Number one hun what are you doing out of bed, you need to rest and number two what are you doing."

*Jamie bends down to help Con clean up the little mes smiling at him.*

Spilled

Jason sits bolt upright in bed and stares into the dimply lit room. The nightmare had been so vivid…so real…

He rubs a hand over his face, trying to rid himself of the images. It had been a long time since he’d had a nightmare about current times, and those around him at TJY. Most likely, this episode with Con had brought it on, but knowing the origin didn’t help things any. Apart from his nightmares connected to his past, it was rare that he was tormented with imaginative violence towards his close friends.

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he rests his elbows on his knees to put his face in his hands, trying to wake up completely and move on from the dream.


Con grimaces as the carton of milk slips from his grasp and falls to the floor with a slosh and splat, spilling half the contents onto the tile. Muttering to himself he reaches for the paper towels. If Rick were here, he’d be telling him to get back in bed, but he really did feel fine, surprisingly enough. He was just apparently incapable of taking the milk out of the refrigerator without making a mess.

On his hands and knees, he's pretty sure he heard Jamie's voice, though mostly assumes since she's supposed to be stopping by. “Yeah, yeah, I’m in here,” he calls.

MOONLIGHT AGAIN!

*Katie smiles at Jason as the mention of leaving.*

"Good I cant wait to go home. I am so tired of being in here all the time. Its so boring, cept for the good company."

*Katie winks at Jason and smiles. As Jason lays down Katie turned the volume down on the tv and watches a movie for about an hour. Finally turning it off and shuting down the light. Katie turns on her side away from Jason to sleep but dosent feel right, she ends up turning twords him. Oping her eyes she studys Jason's face. The Moonlight shone in from the open window lighting up his face more than it already was from the smile. For a moment Katie watches Jason sleep in peace. Her own smile forming. Whispering Katie says.*

"Good Night my...Hotshot."

*Katie closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep.*

*Jamie squints her eyes as the sun shines through her blinds urging her to get up. With in munites Jamie is up starting Coffee and heading to the shower. Once she is squeeky clean and awake enough from coffee she heads out the door. Looking down at her watch she has an hour to wast before words and decieds it would be the best time to swing by and check on Con. A half hour pass and Jamie pulls into Con's driveway. Hoping out of the convertable Jamie jumps up the steps and knocks on the door oping it slightly and yelling in.*

"CON...ARE YOU DECENT?"

Disheartening Discovery

Luke just holds Angel for a long while before finally giving in and letting them both go to bed. They would tell the others in the morning about Con.


Still hyped about the band, Jason’s excitement is already there and now doubles with a dose of pride as Katie demonstrates her progress. “That’s awesome!” His smile widens and he reaches down to playfully rough up her hair. “I knew you could do it, Katie.” He catches her eye, conveying how proud he is of her, and how he shares in her excitement. He’d thought he’d lost her once…knowing that she will walk again means more to him than anything else.

“Oh, I almost forgot…” He flops down in the chair. “I talked to Laura. She said she rearranged the room on the first level for you, so whenever they release you from the hospital, it should be easy for you to get around. She’s also recruited me, Ty and Wyatt to build a ramp on the porch so stairs won’t be a problem.” Jason grins. “We’re all sick and tired of seeing you in the hospital, can you tell?”

He chuckles, then suddenly remembers that he never answered Katie’s original questions, and counts them off on his fingers. “Everything is average, Con is going to be okay – his fever finally broke, and most of the poison got out of his system by the time I’d left. I’m more tired than I’ll get out, but yes, I’ve been eating – Rick saw to that.” He takes a deep breath, grinning. “So on that note…I’m ready to hit the hay early.”

Jason throws Katie a weary grin. “I’d stay up a while, but I don’t think I’d be too good of company.” He rises from his chair to go take off his boots, before sinking into the other bed. He sighs contentedly and lies on his side, his face towards Katie. Random thoughts flow through his mind, and his voice is weary and quiet as his eyes fall shut. “Thanks, Katie…just for being you.”


Con drifts in an out of sleep, and by late evening is able to sit up and eat a little bit of supper, convincing Jamie that he will be fine overnight. Knowing she will stop by in the morning to check on him, he has no worries, and finally begins to sleep more soundly.

In the middle of the night, Con rises, managing to get himself up out of bed, his muscles seeming to be gaining back their strength. Turning to the hall though, he staggers just a little as a wave of dizziness hits him. He takes a moment to regain his balance and moves a little slower, too sleepy to think a whole lot of it, though can’t help but think it is strange.

By morning, Con’s body has done a complete turn-around, his immune system kicking back in to overtake his fatigue at a rapid pace. Though still somewhat tired, Con decides to get himself up out of bed, not used to spending a whole day in bed, let alone a second one. Making his way to the bathroom, he turns on the shower and lets the water run while he brushes his teeth. Turning his head, he frowns, thinking the water has suddenly stopped. Looking back at it though proves that the sound of the water is still there.

A little confused, Con turns his head again, this time paying more attention. He swallows hard as the sound of the water softens again. A sudden fear grips him as he listens intently, only now noticing that something is not right. Though scared to test it, he holds up his hand to snap his fingers by his left ear. Nothing. He hears the snap from his right ear, but his left receives not even a muffled noise.

The fear increases. Con finishes showering and throws on a t-shirt and old pair of jeans with holes in the knees, not even bothering to tuck in his shirt. Several more sound tests confirm that he is not hearing anything out of his left ear. This couldn’t be happening.

Con deserts his bedroom and slowly goes downstairs, taking his time as just a little dizziness lingers. He tried to tell himself that this was just temporary, but something in his gut warned him that it was not. He’d injured his inner ear once before…the infection may very well have been the last straw.

Heading into the kitchen, he looks at the clock, noting that Jamie should be here soon. Should he tell her? Should he tell anyone? There would be so many consequences to this, that he didn’t even want to think about it. Within twenty-four hours, his future was suddenly on the line and he knew it.

Wiggle

*As Luke draws Angel close her smile widens. Luke holding her felt like everything was ok, and there were better day to come. It reminded Angel why she became a docter.*

"Oh Luke, I love you too. With all my heart."

*Angel hugs Luke again. Her heart content.*

*As Kaite feels lifter off her bed for a moment she is shocked but than starts to laugh she Jason and her spin in circles. As the stop spinning Katie can feel the tad bit of embaressment Jason is feeling and just shakes her head smiling trying not to comment on it and make it worse for him. Seeing the happyness is Jason's eyes was a wondeful thing. It was the spark Jason was missing, the fire that had been yurning to come out. Katie was so very happy for him.

"Oh J....I am so happy and excited for you. This is wondeful."

*Katie stairs back into Jason's eyes as she smiles. Her own happyness showing."

"My best friend a rock star..."

*Katie lets out a giggle.*

"I'll be at every concert for you Jason. Keeping a watchfull eye. If Reese wants me to prove myself to him I will, and he can know I will walk again. This is going to be so much fun J."

*As if remembering something Katie gets alittle bit more excited.*

"J put me down on the side of the bed for a moment and watch."

*After Jason puts her down on the side of the bed Katie bends down to take her sock off. Stairing at her foot it looks like she is consintrating very harm finally her toes wiggle very so slightly. Katie looks back up at Jason and beams.*

"Its not much but its a start and more than I could do a week ago. While I was at lunch today I was siting listing to Mable talk and I did it. I think I did it the morning to I just dident pay much attachen to it. Than when I got home I did it again and I relized what I had done. Its happing J, slowly but I am starting to get movement back."

*Jamies heart starts to race again as Con takes her hand. Seeing the grin on his face and the smile in his eyes Jamie knows he does remember what happend yesterday. A smile forms itself on her lip and she sits gazing at Con. In a soft voice she replys.*

"I'm glad I was able to be here Con and help. You mean alot to me. I woulent give up taking care of you for anything."

*Jamie grows silent as she watches Con fight to stay awake. No more words needed to be said right now, Jamie just sat holding Con's hand, leting him know she was still there for him if he needed her. As hard as Jamie trys she cant take her eyes off Con. Studing his face, his eyes, everything as if drawing a mental picture in her mind. Jamie's smile never fades, how happy she was.*

Excitement

Luke breathes a sigh of relief, knowing that Con will be okay. He looks at Angel with compassion, knowing how hard things like this must be for her. But loving her all the more for her own mercy on others.

Scooting his chair out a little ways, he takes both of Angel's hand to draw her up out of her chair and pull her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you, ya know that?" He plants a kiss on her forehead. "The world needs more people like you."


Jason blinks as he walks to Katie's bed, and catches her barrage of questions and opens his mouth to answer her, but her next statement throws everything else out the window, if only for a few moments. He stares at her, his eyes beginning to widen. JetStream had said yes? They'd really said yes? He'd be able to sing and play with them? He'd hardly dared to hope at all, knowing that it was near an impossibility.

The news sends a new surge of excitement into his veins as he experiences a burst of enthusiasm. It's been so long since he's been able to be this happy about anything. It wasn't going to be easy, but he was finally able to get at least a small taste of his dreams.

A huge smile breaks forth, his eyes dancing with anticipation, his tiredness from the day forgotten. Without even thinking, he lets out a whoop, and reaches down to scoop Katie up out of her bed, spinning around in several circles. "They said yes! They really said yes!" He can't help but laugh. "I'm going to be a part of JetStream, can you believe it?!"

As he stops spinning, he suddenly realizes what he'd just done, and a bit of redness creeps into his face. He stares Katie in the eye, his happiness spilling over, with just a slight bit of embarrassment for his over-enthusiasm. But instead of letting any awkwardness take over, he simply holds her closer in a big hug. "And don't think for a minute that I'm going to let Reese take you off duty from me, 'cause I want you at those concerts."


Con sees a brief look of disappointment pass through Jamie's eyes, and he studies her face, not paying that much attention to her words. He knows what she's thinking, and seeing that proved that her being with him the evening before had not been on a whim...her feeling still existed today.

Though tired, a small grin plays at his mouth, and he reaches out to take Jamie's hand in his. "Being flat on the ground wasn't so great for me either," he teases quietly. "I'm glad you're here though... I wouldn't want anyone else..."