Scott stops his shuffling around his desk, hearing the strain in Katie's voice. He sinks down into his chair and thinks as he listens. "Yeah...I know what you mean. It's like getting permanent marker on your hand. There's a stain, and you know it's there and you dislike it, but no matter how much you wash with handsoap, it just doesn't come out." He pauses. "But use the right cleaner, and viola...clean skin again..."
He purses his lips in thought. "I don't know anybody who wouldn't change from being in prison, Katie...and sometimes they never change back to who they were...sometimes that's a good thing. For Jason, we all know we want him back the way he was...but it'll take the right cleaner to do it, in order for that stain to be removed.... Just hang in there and don't give up on him, no matter how much he changes. He may not even realize he's different."
Scott grins as little, diverting the conversation as Katie aims it in another direction. "Yeah, they got me down on the floor under furniture today. Would you believe I broke another pair of glasses?" He gives a little scoff. "They were my favorites too."
At her advice for a cold, he laughs. "No, it's just those dust bunnies Susanne is keeping under her desk. I feel like I need to stick a vacuum up my nose or something." He grimaces at the mental image. "Okay...so maybe that was a little too much information."
Carson doesn't react much to Misty's observation about dreams, but glances at her, a strange look in his eye. He doesn't mean to reveal it, but it's apparent that his nightmare had something to do with her.
As she sets herself behind him and begins to rub his temple, he closes his eyes. The tension begins to dissolve and he reaches up to take her hands in his, leaning back against her just a little, so her arms wrap around his neck, interlacing his fingers in hers. "Can we just stay here?" he asks a little sheepishly. "Just sitting here with you and watching a movie sounds a whole lot more appealing than more hours on my feet. But I don't want to disappoint you."
Con laughs at Jamie's comment about him being cute roughed up. "Yeah, well I may look cute, but I certainly don't smell cute, so lets just stick to getting me cleaned up."
He grins as she takes his hand, and walks with her, clocking out, and heading through the parking lot. "You can follow me to my place, then you can decide where we can go to eat. Frankly, right about now I think I could eat a whole cow." He gives Jamie a playful elbow as they have to separate to their own cars. "So pick somewhere good."
5/5/08
Vacuum
Phone call
*Kaite smiles alittle as she hears Scott's voice. It was always nice to have someone around her age to talk to. Katie had many friend but just someone in her age range was nice.*
"Hey Scotty. Bless you."
*Katie giggles alittle though her voice is alittle tired and emotionaly strained. Trying to keep her attachen on the road Katie lets out a sigh.*
"I dont think I am gonna be back into work tonight like I thought I would. It dident go as well as I though or hoped. I can see the old Jason in his eyes, but just...he's not. Prison is changing him and it hurts alot. I'm so scair if he stairs in there much longer the Jason that I, we all got to know will be gone forever. I just dont know what to do."
*Katie grows silent as her mind starts to wonder and her heart acked over Jason. Another tear escapes her eye. Sucking in a breath Katie trys to push her emotions away.*
"How are you doing Scotty? Everyone still bothering you to fix stuff? Sound like your geting a cold. Drink lots of tea if you are."
*Katie voice portrays she is trying to smile the best she can as she finally makes it into town, and turns down the road to head to Mikes.*
*Misty smile as she comes around to the front of the coutch to sit down.*
"Ya I know how nightmares go. You just have to remember though they arnt real. Only figmint of your mind wantes you to believe. The good thing about dreams though is you wake up and remember what good stuff you have."
*Misty takes note to Carson rubbing his head again. Misty stand up on the couth and fits herself behind the small space behind Carson's back and the coutch. Reaching over his shoulders she leans on his back lightly and places her fingers to his temples. In a circle motions she rubs to try and rid him of the pain.*
"I was waiting for you. Seemed like you needed to sleep from me running you ragged. So I thought we could go to the fair when you woke up. But if your not feeling up to it I dont mind staying home and maybe have some popcorn and watch some movies. Just depends how ya feel."
*Jamie gives a quick wave to Phil as he comes and goes Noding to make sure he dosent work to much. Jamie walks over to Con to help him stack what needs to be giving a giggle.*
"Its ok Con I new you had a reson. I just wanted to make sure you wernt over doing it. And thought you might need some company."
*Jamie continues to help Con stacking till its done.*
"And I could careless how sweaty you are as long as your with me. Personaly I think you look kind of cute all roughed up."
*Jamie laughs again. She always felt so comfrotable around Con no matter what.*
"Ok come on lets get you that shower and some food."
*Jamie interlocks her hand with Con's*
Glasses
“What do you do? Raise dust bunnies down here?”
Susanne stands behind her desk and puts her hands on her hips. “Of course not. I’ll have to tell Hal or Ty to get under there and clean it if it’s that bad.
A sneeze is her response. “Aw man…” Scott groans as he rolls over on his back underneath the desk, trying to sort through the wires and cords. “Who set this up anyway?”
“I don’t know…it wasn’t you?”
“Ha! You insult me. A mess like this?!” Scott grimaces and sets his glasses up on his head as they keep getting in the way. He squints at some of the cords. “Sheesh…I don’t know who you had in here before me, but they didn’t know what they were doing.” Fooling with the mess for several minutes, he finally sits up. Moving too fast though, he doesn’t get out from under the desk quick enough, and slams his head into the keyboard tray. A sickening crack makes him wince. “Don’t tell me I…”
“You did.” Susanne reaches down to take his broken glasses from the top of his head and holds them up. “Nice job.”
Scott lets out a moan. “That’s the third pair in one month!”
“Well for heaven sake, why don’t you wear contacts.”
“I’ve got ‘em I just…” Scotts shrugs. “I don’t know. They’re a pain.”
“So you gonna keep on doing this?” As Susane twirls the glasses, they fall completely in two, one half dropping to the floor.
Scotts sighs and picks it up before he tries to stand. Halfway up, his tie gets caught in the same keyboard tray and it yanks him back down.
Susanne chokes back a laugh. “Are you alright?”
Struggling for a moment, Scott finally yanks on his tie. It lets loose, sending him sprawling backward. He hits Susanne’s computer chair, which spins out of control and careens into her filing cabinet. Hitting it just hard enough, the unstable stack of files on top starts to sway and before Susanne can react, the whole stack has slipped off the edge, sending papers everywhere.
Scott’s eyes widen. “Oops.”
Susan lets out a little wail. “I just got all that sorted through half an hour ago.”
“I’ll help clean it up,” Scott offers and starts to gather the papers.
“No!” Susanne moves quickly. “I mean…thanks, but you’ve done plenty.”
Scott gives her an apologetic look. “Your computer is fixed…”
“Than you.” Susanne stands back as Scott finally gets to his feet. “I’m most appreciative. Now…I’ll clean this up.”
Scott brushes himself off and heads for the door, slipping on a piece of paper as he goes, but catching himself on the doorway.
Susanne shakes her head and gives a little groan, but can’t help her laugh.
“What happened to you?”
Scott throws Laura a withering look. “Don’t ask.”
Laura stifles a giggle. “You look terrible.”
“Oh, Thanks.”
“What happened to your glasses?”
Scott holds up the one half he’d retrieved. “An accident?”
“Isn’t that the…”
“Third pair,” Scott finishes. “Yeah.”
Laura shakes her head. “Why don’t you wear…”
“Contacts.” Scotts eyes widen. “What is it with all you harping on me about it?!”
Laura holds in her laughter. “Maybe we think you look hot without your glasses.” She bites her lip as she sees Scott’s face turn red. “But go ahead. Tape those back together. No one will notices.”
Scott tries to recover from her comment, and rolls his eyes, heading to his desk. “Thanks for the support.”
Laura calls to him as he walks away. “Oh, by the way, my computer is still freezing up on me.”
Scott doesn’t turn around, but throws his arms in the air.
After another giggle, Laura heads back to her own desk and picks up her purse, heading to the exit for the night.
As Scott gets to his cubicle, he hears his cell phone ringing. Moving quickly, he digs through his backpack, unable to find it, then finally realizes it’s sitting out on his desk. Flipping it open, he sees who the caller is. “Hey, Katie, wassup? How’d the visit go?” He lets out another sneeze while waiting for her response.
Carson jumps a little as Misty touches him, but he quickly calms himself. “Aw, sheesh, Misty, sorry.” He blinks, still trying to come out of his fog. “Just a bad dream I guess…” He avoids the topic. “I get those every once in a while.”
He rubs his forehead again, a headache having formed from the stress. “What time we going to that fair anyway?”
Con turns around as he hears Jamie’s voice, and gives her a weary grin. “Hey, you. I was afraid you’d come looking for me. Sorry I was late…”
“Hey, Con, I’m taking off.” Phil walks by as he’s taking off his nametag, but he stops and smiles when he sees Jamie. “Well hi, Jamie.” He thumbs to Con. “Don’t let this guy work too long, huh? Leonard’s gone for the night anyway.” He winks at her, then focuses back on Con. “Carrie’s closing up, so I guess just get things in order to make Leonard happy in the morning. I got band practice, so I’m out of here.”
“Alright.” Con nods. “Thanks.” Alone with Jamie again, he sighs a little. “I’d never turn down help from you…especially when Leonard’s not around.” He grimaces. “If you help me get these palettes stacked up, I’ll take you out to dinner wherever you want to go…That is…as long as we can swing by my place so I can take a shower. I don’t think you want to go out anywhere with me until I do.”
Help from a Girl
*Katie lets out a sigh and trys her best to smile back at Jason. Katie was hurting, Jason was hurting and she could do nothing about it this time as he blocked her out. As Katie opens her mouth to say more the guard comes into to get Jason.*
"Hey thats not fair...we get an hour. J...no."
*Katie stands as Jason is moved tworsds the door. In her last bit of desparation she calls after himn hoping he would hear her.*
"I'll live again J when you can live with me. I care and love you to much to leave you high and dry.I'll BE WAITING FOR YOU J...FOR WHEN YOU COME HOME TO ME. I LOVE YOU!!"
*As Lockheart finish talking with another guard she hears Katie's shouts from inside. Racing in she takes Katie by the arms.*
"Come on Katie, we have to go now. There is nothing we can do."
*Leaving the prison Katie says her fast goodbyes to Lockheart not wanting to sick around. Katie was glas to have seen Jason she missed him so muc it hurt, but seeing him so closed off today hurt even more. As Katie gets into her car her tears finally breakfree. For a long moment Katie just sits crying. She felt so frustrated, scaired and alone. For a long moment KAtie just sits crying. When the tears ftop Katie lets out a long sigh looking at the clock in her car. By the time she got back to town it would be 7. Katie dident feel much like going back to work, but she dident want to go home eather. Katie's mind wonders to Kyle and the others. They hadent seen her new car yet. Maybe tis was a good time. Figuring outtoday was the day and by time Katie got back into town they all would probley be gathered at Mike's for bandpractice. Kicking the car into gear Katie starts her wat to town than Mike's keeping in her mind to call Scott later.*
*Misty looks up from the kitchen table where she was writing up her patition about transfering to school in Nevada when she can see a figure move fast in the living room. Going to the door Misty see Carson and can tell he looks distraught. Walking over slowly Misty puts a gental hand on Carson back speaking softly.*
"Carson what happend? What wrong?"
*Misty leans on the back of the coutch watching Carson to make sure he is ok.*
~*~15 Min later~*~
*Jamie navagets her way around the lumberyard slowly making her way to where all the noise was coming from. Feeling lost among all the pallets and limber Jamie searches for any sign of life. Finally coming to a clearing Jamie spots Con working in the hot sun once again. A smile cross her face.*
"Looks like you could use some help? That is if you dont mind help from a girl."
*Jamie smiles and makes her way twords Con helping him out.*
Veil
"Katie, please don't..." Jason's words aren't meant to be harsh, but the lifelessness creates a cool edge as he prevents himself from feeling the sorrow of seeing her distraught.
"I can't do this....not here, not now..." His eyes plead with her.
Struggling, his barrier weakens for a single instant, pain shooting through his heart. But he looks away, breaking his stare to regain control. Reestablishing eye contact after a moment, he cocks his head and moves the fingers of his other hand up a little bit on the glass. "Don't cry..."
Looking deeper into Katie's eyes, he lingers, slowly drawing out a single emotion of warm happiness that emits from seeing her. The corner of his mouth upturns into a gentle, yet subtle smile, conveying that he only wishes he could reach over and wipe away her tear.
To anyone else, it would seem to be the only emotion present, establishing the false assumption that there was nothing else. But to the only one who can see past his efforts, it's but a translucent veil, unable to hide the barrier that lies beneath. The warmth is true...its existence is real...but it cannot make up for what is hidden beneath, kept from view.
Jason knows that his single chosen feeling brings little comfort to someone that knows him so well. But it's all he can offer. "I'm sorry," he whispers.
"Stevenson!"
He turns his head at the guard's sharp call, throwing him a scowl. "What?"
"Out." The guard thumbs to the door.
Jason's eyes widen in irritated surprise. "What happened to an hour?"
"The warden wants to see you about this morning. Now."
Jason looks back to Katie, then back to the guard. "He can wait."
"Now, Stevenson." The guard steps forward, threatening to wield his nightstick.
There was no point in arguing. But Jason couldn't help his disgust. It wasn't his fault Zane had ducked and his fist had landed on that other guard. He returns his gaze to Katie. "I have to go." He lets his fingers remain on glass for just a moment longer before standing. There was nothing more he could do, and he starts to back away. "Live your life, Katie...don't let me stop you."
The guard takes him by the shoulder and forces him around to walk to the door. But before exiting, he throws one last glance over his shoulder, his dim eyes the last thing Katie can see as he disappears from view.
Carson wakes with such a violent start that he sits bolt upright, his heart racing. He'd fallen asleep on Misty's couch, planning to rise and go to the fair with her in just a couple hours. But he hadn't had a nightmare like that in over a month. He leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees, rubbing his hands over his face and trying to shake it off.
"Dang it, Con!"
Con cringes at Leonard's reprimand, suppressing the urge to use force. "Look, it wasn't my fault!" he defends. "Carrie left those palettes there, not me."
"But who's standing here now?" Leonard puts one hand on his hip while pointing with the other. "Get it cleaned up."
Con grits his teeth, fighting to keep his cool. He opts to say no more, and turns around to pick up the stack that had toppled over because they hadn't been put in the corner properly. He had just been on his way out to meet Jamie for a late lunch...now he'd be here for another twenty minutes. His cell phone was dead, and he couldn't call her from work until he'd finished this task... Great.
Feel
*Jason's words, though they were ment to comfort did not. They made Katie's heart race. Something was wrong. Katie mouth ran dry as she ignors Jason's later questions. Katie moves her hand so it touches the other side of the glass where Jason's his. Katie new his pain was in there, the dark look the cold look in his eyes was something Katie hadent seen in a long time.*
"You tell me not to think about it J, but how can I not. Even when you try to block me out I feel it. You put up those walls than wont let me in and it hurts 10 fold. I'm the one person in the world you dont have to hide from."
*A single tear ran down Katie's face as her tummy tightend. Her own paluse raced with the knowlage of not feeling Jason. She couldent feel Jason psycaly right now so she had clung to his emotions to be close and those now to...were being slipped away. Katie's own past emotions come back when everyone left her. Lonlyness, and darkness were her friend at that time. Katie dident want to go back to that but slowly Jason was sliping away and thats where they both would return.*
"Dont let go J. Dont push me away and out."
*Katie looks down at Jason's hand feeling the warmth through the glass. How Katie hated this place and how she hated the Agency. She wanted Jason out and she wanted him out now. Swallowing hard Katie closes her eyes trying to stop the tears that wanted to spill out. And than opens them again.*
"J, I love you with all my heart. The rose that you gave me has faded, and wilted away. But, the love tucked in deep inside remains in my heart forever. The memories are there, and the knowlage that when you get out I will have more flowers my way. Dont let this place turn you cold and hard. Remember my face...."
*Katie's voice quivers her eys growing glossy.*
"...my voice, my life it will stay with you always."
*Katie keeps her hand on the glass withing she could touch the one she loved, so he could feel she was real.*
Survival
Jason keeps his eyes on Katie, almost challenging her efforts to see into him. He knows now that he’s blocked her out…he can see the emptiness in her eyes and knows that she can’t find his emotions.
At her words, his gaze softens a little, and he extends his hands, to put one to the bottom of the glass. “It’s survival of the fittest in here, Katie,” he replies softly though almost defiantly. His handcuffs remind him of just that morning’s little row. “Emotions get in the way.”
A dim weariness fills Jason’s eyes…a cold stare that hasn’t been seen in him for a long time. It’s lifeless…empty…dark.
“Don’t think about it too much, eh?”
His heart beats within his chest, crying out to him with desperation to break free from this cage and once again be close to Katie. This glass between them was almost unbearable. He can see freedom, he can taste it…but it’s so far away. He was losing hope that TJY could win.
“How’s the band doing, Katie? And Con? What’s he doing now that he’s not at TJY?”
Empty
*Katie's smile grows as she see Jason. Oh how good it was to see him.*
"Hey J. You're looking good."
*For a moment Katie studys Jason trying to connect with him. Searching his eyes, scaning his emotions. Feeling as long he hit a wall a foggy cloud invdes Kaites search. She was cut off from Jason's emotions. He was hiding them from her but why. What was happing to him in this place that caused him to close them off to her. Searching a bit more but only finding a darkvoid, emptyness it strickes a pain and confustion like non other into Katies heart. For a moment Katie stays silent but dosnt move her eyes from Jason's. Keeping her smile on her face she speaks in a soft quiet voice.*
"Sometimes people dont learn eh. J, you can hid your emotions from me so I dont know what they are, but I still know they are there. Something is differnt about you now and it worrys me J. What has this place done to you!"
*Katie was happy to see Jason, how she missed him so. But this new develupment hurt. Knowing something was wrong and not being able to see it drove her up a wall and botherd her. How she wished she could hold Jason, kiss him...comfort him and she could do nothing.*
Blocked Out
Carson sits in the kitchen and props his elbows on the table to rub his hands over his face. “Pooped? You’re gonna plum wear me out, woman,” he teases. He lifts his head to grin at her. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world though. But can I at least have a nap before we go?”
Jason ambles in front of the guard as he’s directed to the visitors room. Today he had to put up with having handcuffs on…after that morning’s little episode, he wasn’t surprised, but it wasn’t his fault…really…
Entering the room, he scans for Katie and spots her at one end. A crooked smile comes to his face.
He’s been allowed to grow his hair back as he used to, though it’s still a bit different. His weight is back to normal since the last time he’s seen Katie, and workouts in the rec room have helped maintain his strength.
Moving to the window, Jason goes to sit down, leaning forward with his hands folded in front of him on the counter, a bit restrained by the cuffs. He searches Katie’s face for a moment, reintroducing himself to her features. His eyes search hers, wondering at her thoughts. He locks a gaze with hers, but something is different…though allowing himself to look her in the eye, he refuses to let the emotions surface, keeping Katie from feeling them.
But his grin remains, naturally relieved to have a visitor, especially her. “Hey, Hero.”
5/4/08
Memories
*Misty accepts Carson's hand up and runs her other through her hair to get the sand out. As Carson takes her hands she smiles.*
BIG BEN
Amusment Park in Blackpool on the waterfront
*The Cathedral stood so tall, and was build to perfection. Misty and Carson both agreed it was one of the most amazing things they ever saw.*
Newcastle Academy
Misty's HouseAgain?
A sly grin creases Carson’s mouth as Misty removes his hat and runs her hand through his hair. His eyes close for just a moment, enjoying her touch.
He returns her kiss and studies her as she withdraws. Her question makes him think for just a moment. “Nope…I don’t think you’d told me that yet…” He squints at her. “How about you tell me again?”
Leaning down, its his turn to initiate a kiss, letting it linger on her lips as he holds himself over her. Drawing back just a little, he moves to give her another light kiss to her forehead before rolling back and standing to his feet. He reaches down to give Misty a hand up, and brushes the sand off of himself.
Slapping his cap on her head, he slips her hand into his and nods to the path up from the beach. “Alright. I’ve got five days before my plane leaves, so we better get to sightseeing and getting your stuff taken care of. I’m at a hotel somewhere around here, I forgot the name, but how about we sightsee somewhere to eat first? My stomach’s all confused with this time change.”
Scott smiles and gives a little nod. “You’re welcome. And just give me ten minutes to fix whatever Susanne did to her computer.” He shakes his head as he walks away. “Don’t make me decide where to eat – I’ll choose Mom and Pop’s every time. Pick a place ya like, and that’s where we’re going.” He chuckles. “Pick it across town and your introduction to your car will last longer.”
A new friend?
*As Misty looks up at Carson her grin increases as she stairs back up into Carson's captavating eyes. As the water drips from Carson's hat hit Misty in the forhead she cant help but giggle more reaching her hand up she pulls off his hat to runs a hand through his slightly wet hair.*
"Well thats good, I would hate to do this to a dead man."
*Misty strains her neck up kissing Carson on the lips for a moment drawing her head away again resting it in the warm said to stair up at Carson as the sun reflected off him giving him a soft glow.*
"Did I tell you already how happy I am to see you."
*Once again the things in Misty's life changed so fast, but this time it was a goodfelling that brang joy.*
*Kaite smiles at Scott and his comment. She cant help but giggle. Scott certinly had a good sence of humor.*
"Ok...It will be our little secret. I'm pritty much ready whenever your done with your work just let me know. You be thinking of somewhere to eat too. I cant decied I am to hungry."
*Katie sticks her toung out alittle bit and giggles once again siting down at her desk to continue her paper work. Than looks up again at Scott.*
"Thank you...again Scott it means alot."
Don't tell
Seeing life in Misty again brought hope to Carson that maybe…maybe someday they could regain what they’d had, and perhaps even more. He knew he’d have to work at it to gain back her trust completely…but he could tell that she was willing to let him try.
He keeps his eyes on her as she crouches by the water, watching her movements, reading into her words. He starts to respond to her offer to show him around, when all of a sudden he’s splashed with water.
He blinks but doesn’t move as the water runs down his face and drips off the brim of his hat. Thinking for a moment, his eyes narrow and he looks at Misty out of the corner of his eye. “You just can’t get enough of those consequences, can you?”
Without even hesitating, Carson leans to the side and sweeps his arm to the back of her ankles, knocking her off balance so she falls backward. In one movement, he’s looking down at her, one hand beside each shoulder, his fingers sunk into the sand. Water drips from his hat onto her forehead, and he stares into those never-ending eyes. “Any bloke that has forgotten your adventures would have to be considered dead, and I’m certainly feeling anything but dead.”
Scott’s grin remains pasted on his face, showing he’s happy and relieved that Katie had not turned down the gift. “Consider it a belated birthday present or something.” He shrugs. “And I know how it is to be without a set of wheels.”
Studying her face for just a moment, a look of understanding passes through Scott’s eyes. “I’d love to introduce you two.” He chuckles. “And I’d also love to get behind the wheel again, so you’re on. But you keep the keys.” He pushes her hand back towards her. “I’ll be the one borrowing them when we leave.”
He turns to go, but then stops, spinning back around, a silly look on his face. “If I’da known this would provide me a chance to go out with you, I woulda done it sooner.” He tosses her a wink to show he’s kidding. “Just don’t tell Jason – he’d beat me to a pulp.”
Unexspected look out!
*Misty stairs back at Carson a sassy grin making itself present on her face and the brigt light glowing in her eyes. Yes...the present, the future it looked bright. Long and hard but everything would be ok.*
" I think....."
*Misty leans back on her ams again her face going solom for only a moment but her eyes still smiling. Looking at Carson she closes her one eye just alittle blocking the sun.*
"...I'll be able to face tomarrow, and look twords the future as Misty Miller now that I know I wont be facing it alone. Thank you Carson."
*Misty starts to stand in a squating position once again leting the water run over her hand and through her fingers. her face still solom deep in thought.*
" Its going to take me a few days to finish things up here. Need to put my house up for sale, and see about geting transfered back into the school in Nevada. I've been doing good this samester so I dont see a problem. Your more than welcome to stick around Carson so we can go back together. I can show you the sites, the food...why I love it here. Unless in the last two months you have become soft, and forgot how fun my adventurs can be."
*Cuping her hand Misty throws a big spash of water at Carson as a smile finally breaks forth on her face. Her eyes shown, and burned brighter before. Laughter rings through the air drifting back to the small Cafe.*
*Frankie stands leaning on the railing of the cafe watching Sage and the man who had come to see her. A smile cross Frankie's face as he hears her laughter ring through out the beach. Standing he lets out a sigh and tucks his hands in his pockets. His job was done. Sage had someone new to watch over her now. The one who was ment to. Turning Frankie walks out of the cafe and gets into his car. Taking the picture of Sage he tucks it in his wallet. He was confadent she was going to be ok now. Frankie had the good memories and Misty...would always be Sage to him for thats who he new her as.*
*Katie looks up at Scott aproches and smiles.*
"Hey Scott."
*As Scott cuts Katie off she listens to him at first wondering why he was telling her about the his favores. As soon as she see the keys land on her desk she understand what Scott was hinting at. Taking her hand she runs them over the keys for a moment. She new the shape of the key, and the make names writen on them. Looking up at Scott Katie eyes are big and round. A tiny bit of fear. She hadent driven since the accident. She wasent sure if she was scaired or not, she wa sstill in shock by Scott wanting to give her the car.*
"Scott....I dont, I couldent...wow. I couldent take this from you, without giving you something for it. Why dont you drive it? I...mean...thank you..but..."
*Katie looks down at the keys again. Works could not express her feeling, She was happy to have a car again, just like her old one non the less. The car she was over joyed to have her pride and joy. Fear, the what ifs, but would could one live there life in fear. Confustion Scott would give her a car. She dident talk to him much and out of the blue he gave her a car.
A small smile cross Katie's face as she looks up at Scott again and can see the look that said he wouldent say no. Staning Katie takes Scott in a friendly embrass.*
"Thank you."
*Katie draws away and looks at the keys in her hand again. Her first time in the car would be hard Katie. *
"Hey Scott...do ya think maybe...you could drive for me the first time around while I ride, just to warm up to the car."
*Katie wasent sure how to put it without just coming out and saying it. But Scott was smarter than he looked and Katie hoped he would understand what she was geting at. Katie holds the keys out to Scott.*
"Maybe we can grab a bit to eat than I can drive home?"
Are you?
Carson eases down next to Misty in the sand, folding his legs up Indian-style. He listens quietly…he’d had times in his life where he thought he was going to die…he could relate…he knew it wasn’t fun to think about.
The information that he was the one thing Misty hung onto stirs a strange feeling within him…he knew Misty cared about him…had fallen in love with him…but there was a deepness there he didn’t yet understand.
Mention of the Agency brings a muttered curse to the surface. Carson had been afraid of that…it just went to prove how heartless the Agency really was, and made him all the more glad he was out of it.
As Carson hears the tears in Misty’s voice, he reaches over to put an arm around her shoulders. He couldn’t remember ever needing to comfort anyone, and it felt just a little awkward…but he didn’t want to withdraw from Misty…not now.
He sighs deeply as she concludes, trying to process the information…trying to decide how he should be feeling. He was so angry with the Agency, he could taste it. He wasn’t mad at Misty though…he understood now…he wasn’t sure he would have done differently. Half the time she hadn’t remembered, and half the time she was trying to protect herself and those she cared for.
Carson gives Misty’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I’ve never experienced as great a pain as I did when I thought you’d died because of me,” he mentions quietly. “And I still carry with me the guilt because though you didn’t die, you experienced horrors that no one should have to go through.”
He swallows hard, grasping for control over his emotions. “You don’t have to make up for anything, Misty. The only thing you did was what you felt was right, and…you can’t regret that.”
Carson allows a long pause, contemplating the present…the future. “What happens now? Are you going to stay in hiding?” He turns his head to look her in the eye. “Or are you going to go back with me and face this thing to end it once and for all?”
A hard determination settles into his eyes. “Hiding only gives the Agency just what they wanted, and I’ll be hanged if I let them be satisfied with their dirty work.”
Scott ambles across the floor, jingling something in his pocket.
“Hey, Scott, can you help me over here?” Susanne calls from her office, holding up some cords that look like they shouldn’t have been pulled from something.
Scott throws her an annoyed but amused smirk. “Hang on. I’ll be there in a minute.” He continues his route to Katie’s cubicle where he leans on the wall, looking down at her. “Hero! Good to see ya today.” He grins at her and pushes his glasses up further on his nose.
“Listen, I, um…I got a buddy in town who owed me for some tech jobs I did for him a while back, and…I decided to cash in. Just so happens he works at that car lot over at the east end of town.” Scott cocks his head a little and shrugs. “I did a bit of haggling and ended up with these.” He reaches into his pocket and tosses a set of keys onto Katie’s desk.
“She’s got about 3,000 miles on her so she’s just broke in. Engine’s great and purrs like a kitten. I checked everything out, and all she needs now is a driver and someone to give her a name.”
My Story
*Misty listens to Carson talk about the time between leavin TJY and when he returned. The gap there in time was slowly being filled as Carson talked. When Carson pauses for a moment Misty turns her gaze out to the water the waves making tiny pools in front of her. Memories of how she arrived to england pladed her mind.*
"Your right Carson I dont want to know the details. In the last 2 months we both have done stuff we arnt happy about. Maybe some are worse than other, but mistakes all the same. We made desistions, and payed the price."
*Misty goes silent again as she continues to listen to Carson. As she releaze how he felt about what happend and his pain. Misty dident blame him for being angry. Slowly Misty eases down to the ground running her hand through the clear water for a moment. It felt good running over her skin, though it still braught a sence of fear. Easing away Misty takes off her sandles and sits in the sand sticking her feet out in the water themself. Slowly Misty starts to spreak again after Carson askes his questions. It was his right to know.*
"Its hard facing your own death. You leave one area thinking your gonna start over, and before you know it someone is whispering your about to die, playing out how and why. Than is happens...you life pass before you eyes. So many things you wanted to do before you died, so many people you wished you could hug again. Its so scary. Just think about it strikes fear in my heart."
*Misty stops talking for a moment closing her eyes. Replying everything in her mind. It was a long hard road, one Misty tryed to put behind her and now she had to reply it over for Carson. Leting out a sigh Misty keeps her eyes closed smelling the warm air.*
"I spend a month in a hospetil here recovering from my injarys. I had a few broken bones, got some bad scars on my back from burns, and alot of other injorys. I also lost my memorie from the trama. Even though my memorie was lost there was one thing that braught me comfort. Your face."
*Misty opens her eyes and turns her head to look at Carson.*
"...Your face was in my dreams, and when I closed my eyes it was there. This was the only thing I could go by for your name."
*Misty holds up her arm to reveal her wrist with the braclet.*
"Even in losing my memorie my heart wouldent let me forget you. Anyways....a month later when an officer was talking to me again about the crash everything came back to me. Like a title wave it all hit me. Who I was, TJY, The Agency, Who you were, and the crash."
*Misty takes a deep breath in again remembering like it was yesterday. With memoris comes pain, but with pain comes growing glancing around the beach Misty takes in the peacefulness and though it hurt being able to shair this all with someone was light a weaght being lifted. Misty keeps her eyes out on the harizon.*
"It was the Agenct that took my plane down. I remember it will. The seat next to me was empty till we were up in the air. A guy named Mathus..He was an Agency goons...occupied that seat after we had taken off. He smelled of whisky and smoke so bad it made my gut rench and I can still smell it. I remember at one point he leaned over to me really close and told me he new who I was. He said The Agency new I was involved with you. Out dear friend...."
*Misty rolls her eyes and cringes as she speaks the name.*
"....Ashlyn told them that much. I guess she really does hate me. So The Agency did what they do best as payback to someone. They hit them where it hurts the most. Even the Agency has people willing to be Kamikazes. The screaming on the plane, the tears, the little kids....."
*Misty sucks in a breath as a few tears fall from her eyes.*
"...I blacked out and when I came to I was on the beach spiting up water and people were running twords me. When I started remembering, i started to understand what would happen if the Agency new I was still alive. I though it was just best if I stayed dead. For my safty and so the Angecny would try and do anything to you or my family to draw me out. I dident have much in Nevada anyways, so i changd my name and ehre I am."
*Misty keeps looks out as the tiny boats going by, the small row boat with 2 people in it laughing.*
"..Not a day when by I dident think of my family or you Carson. I missed you all terribaly, but I thought I was doing what was rigt and good foreveryone. I was so lost and confused at that time, I just wanted to be left alone and try to find happyness somewhere though it never came."
*Once again Misty turns her head to Carson trying to open her heart and findint it hard to find the words put pushing on anyways.*
"I'm so sorry for the pain I caused Carson. If there is anyway I can make it up please let me know. I will regret what I have done always."
*Katie splits off from Laura as they enter TJY. Today she was feeling ok so decieded to come into work. Making way to her desk Katie pulls out a can of soda, and starts moving through papers on her desk, and seeing what needs to be done.*
Two days
Misty’s hand on Carson’s face sends warmth throughout, a feeling that had been left void for too long. The tear wiped away, so does dread flee. Sorrow would remain…the dull ache of yesterday’s mistakes and wrong doings would continue to be a solid reminder for the future. But for now…in this moment…they were overcome by the sheer relief of Misty’s forgiveness and acceptance.
Carson lets Misty take his hand, and he stands up with her, allowing her to lead him through the growing crowd, and down the narrow path to the beach. The sun shone warm, a contrast to the cool air blowing in off the water that crashed onto the sandy shore.
Carson’s grip tightens around Misty’s hand, not knowing all that had happened to her, but sensing this wasn’t easy. He stops and turns just to look out on the water, the wind to their faces. He wanted answers…he wanted explanations…he wanted to know why what had happened had happened like it had… But he also wanted Misty to know the truth about himself before she laid everything out.
“Misty…” His words are once again wrought with a new tone that demonstrated a mixture of hurt, shame, sorrow and timidity. A tone that was not common to Carson until recently. “I…in case anyone says anything, I just…I want you to know that when I left for Australia, I didn’t live a lifestyle that was good. When I heard your plane went down I just lost it completely and went down every wrong path just trying to find something to erase the pain because I knew it had all been my fault. I was still the bad guy and…I did things I’m not proud of…I don’t think you want to know the details.”
He pauses, still looking at the water. “I finally picked myself back up, and then about a week and a half ago I went back to TJY. Then we got a newspaper about that poison breakout over here, and we knew it was you on the front page. That’s how I found you…”
Carson drops his gaze a little bit to the side, searching Misty’s face without turning his head. “I won’t lie to you…I was a bit mad…I couldn’t believe that you were actually alive, but what was more, I couldn’t believe you hadn’t let anyone know. I didn’t expect you to try and let me know, but at least your family…”
He allows another pause, now waiting to receive what Misty had to say. “Why, Misty? Why the new name? Why the hiding?”
Katie,
Got wind that in a couple days we got that window. I usually don’t know when visitors can come, so it’s nice having a heads up this time. You should get this letter the day after I send it, so by the time you’re reading this, I can say “see you tomorrow.” I imagine Lockheart knows of it. Looking forward to it, Katie.
I haven’t seen that rainbow yet, but I’m still keeping my eye out.
Heard JetStream on the radio again the other day – sounds like they’re doing well. Kyle’s a great lead.
See you soon.
-J
Water
*As Carson returns Misty's hug she melts in his arm. Those arms that braught her comfort, and drove her fears away still did. Misty felt happy, the feeling of joy filling her like non other. She had been mad at Carson but that now was gone. Misty though she wouldent never have that second chanse with Carson but now here he was with her. Nothing alse matter to Misty but this moment. From Carson's embrace Misty could truly tell he did care and the mistakes he made were just that.
Misty smiled at Carson her eyes though stricken with tear were lit up. The tears were no longer tears of sorrow but tears of joy. The empty place in her heart had been filled once again by the only person she new capable of touching her heart.
Bringing her hand to the side of Carson face Misty slowly runs it along is cheek maping over every curve.*
"How could I not forgive you. I smiled at so many people for more than a billion times in the last months; but nothing compaired to when I first saw you, my heart took over and smiled for the first time that day. Your all my heart wants and it wouldent let you be replaced nor would I want it to."
*Misty only spoke the truth she new. Trying to open her heart hurt but it was something she had to do. Carson did hold they key even if he dident see it. He always did. Misty slowly whips away Carson tear than ran down his face.*
"I'll stick with you through thick and thin Carson. Can you forgive me for making you think I was dead. If I new it would of put you through what it did I wouldent have let it drag out."
*Misty looks around the now busy Cafe. It was feeling a bit stuffy and she dident want Carson to feel awkward let along herself. They had much to talk about but this was not the place. Looking out to the beach once again Misty stands holding her hand out to Carson as she smiles.*
"Come on lets get out of here and go for a walk on the beach. I guess I'll need to tall you about the last few months but this is not the place. It nice out there today. I havent been able to walk out there since the crash. Water makes me panic. But I'd like to over come it and I'd like my first time to be with you Carson."
I don't know how
The words that Misty speaks dig down deep, touching the untouchable parts of Carson’s heart. Fearful to look back at her, he keeps his gaze to the water. His chest feels as though it might burst, if he keeps everything inside any longer. But Misty’s words were true…he didn’t know how to let it out.
He could feel his one last chance slipping through his fingers, and dreaded seeing Misty walk away. But suddenly, that fear is gone in an instant.
As Misty sinks onto his lap, he gives a start, not having expected it. He withdraws his feet from the other chair to sit up straighter, and his arms immediately wrap around Misty in a hold that never wanted to let go.
He presses her to his chest, burying his face in her hair. “I’m so sorry,” he whispers. “I was wrong…and when I thought I’d lost you for good, my whole world stopped spinning.”
Feeling Misty’s tears soak through his shirt bring out Carson’s own pain, driving his uncontrolled emotions to the surface in the form of his own tears that he kept from spilling over.
He simply holds Misty for several minutes, the noise around them fading as if they were the only two people in the world.
Any anger Carson had felt was gone…with such relief…with such elation to be holding Misty again, there was no room for it.
Finally, Carson takes Misty’s shoulders to push her back just a little. His hand brushes the hair from her face, and wipes the tears from her cheek. “Can you forgive a bloke for being a fool?” he asks quietly. He searches her eyes, trying to find the key to unlocking her soul once more. Sorrow fills his gaze. “I don’t know how to love, Misty…I thought I did, and I was wrong… but I want to learn...” He swallows hard as an unwanted tear finally escapes. “Can you find it in your heart to stick around long enough to show me how?”
Locked Heart
*Misty's own gaze goes out to the water. It seemed calm today and the air was warm for once as well. Carson had braught a bit of sunshine with him, lite the way for Misty to find her way home. Part of her now wanted to hug and hold him, and yet the other part still wanted to dispise him. Turning her gaze away from the water she looks down at the take there the quote she wrote was. ".....But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering.” Misty wanted to stop suffering. She wanted the pain to end and to be happy again. She new the desition she had to and wanted to make. For the sake of Carson and her both.*
“I try to talk to you, but I don't know what to say. I am afraid you don't want me to say anything. So I don't. But inside of me there are words waiting to come out. And tell you how I feel. Like how I miss you. And how I love you despite my broken heart. And how I need you in my life. And especially how much I want you with me. But those words may forever stay in my heart-locked inside not knowing the right way to bring them out. Sometimes I wonder if there are words locked inside you too. Waiting to come out but not sure how. Can we get to the point where are hearts will know again the words our mouts should say. Can out hearts mend eachother. Do you still hold the key to once again unlock my heart!"
*Misty's gaze drifts back to Carson. She couldent deny it, though the hurt, through the suffering Carson was still important to her. The path of mending would be long and hard, and Carson would have to work hard himself to prove so manything. But knowing you had something to work for. Knowing your heart could sore again. Being with the would you cared for that you could lean to would makes the hard road to travil alittle bit easyer.
Finally a small smile breaks on Misty's face as she plops down in Carson's lap throwing her arms around him in a strong embracing leting her emotions and tears flow free that for the last two months were bottled up. She had alot of explaining to do, but for the moment she just wanted to hold the only one she longed for.*
Death
Misty’s eyes light a fire deep down inside Carson that had been snuffed out for so long. He gazes at her, the future hanging in the balance.
Her cold words are like a hit below the belt, and hurt just as much, threatening to put out the fire again. Carson almost winces as the pain comes back to him. She did blame him…and he deserved every bit of it. In a sense, he really had been responsible for her death. Thought not a physical death, it was apparent that he’d killed her emotionally, and that thought tore at his heart. For a moment, anger is forgotten. His gaze drops to the table.
He’d been through this in his mind a million times before…but thinking of it now, while seeing Misty’s here…it drove the pain home.
As she lifts his cap a little, he looks back up at her, staring into her eyes. Something in them didn’t match her tone, but he could not tell what it was. He could only be grateful she hadn’t screamed bloody murder when he’d grabbed her. But there was a coldness there… there was the warning that this meeting may be but a fleeting interaction to send them both back to opposite ends of the world again.
Slowly, Carson releases his grasp on her wrist, letting her go, and fixing his gaze out over the water instead, to hide the emotions building behind his eyes. “Well, if you ever see that woman again, tell her to look up her boyfriend on the other side…because he died two months ago when he realized he had her blood on his hands.”
Wrong person
*As Misty heads by her normal table and the man siting there grabs her wrist she lets out a jump not knowing who it was at first. A million through running through her mind. Finally hearing the voice her blood runs cold as everything starts to spin. Finally seeing the eyes of the one her her longed for Misty's words are caught in her throt for a moment. Carson, he was there in front of her. How did he find her? How did he know? Misty face stays perfectly still no smile forming on it though she wanted to so badly. The one thing she couldent hide was her eyes, and she new it. Just seeing Carson sparked something inside of her. Just by his touch, just by seeing him siting there.*
"You must have the wrong person Mr. I think the woman your looking for did die a while back. From what I hurd she died the moment she found out her boyfriends was cheating on her, and skiped town not even saying goodbye. Causing her to really believe he dident care anymore and was gone for good."
*Mitsy's voice is steady and flat, as her emotions inside dont match up. Remembering the past hurt, but seeing Carson there felt good. Misty had dreamed almost every night of seeing Carson again but than she had to wake and face he really wasent there and wansent coming for her. But now infront of her was Carson. Was she dreaming again or was the really real. Was her mind playing tricks on her once again. Reaching out with her other hand Misty lifts Carson's hat alittle higher to see his face. To stair into his eyes she longed to see. Feeling a twinge of pain he looks away trying not to show her tears that wanted to come. Misty dident know how to feel.*
Strange
Alec lifts his eyebrows as he sees pictures of Sage. He’d seen this woman before. That was interesting. This case was deeper than he thought.
Taking in all he can, he jots down some notes. He laughs at Frankie’s question. “Ha, no…just need this for a friend. It’s all good.” Closing his notepad, he nods with satisfaction. “You’ve been more than helpful, Frankie. Thanks.”
It had been four days…would Misty continue the pattern that Alec said she had? Carson hoped so.
He weaves between some tables until he spots the one he was looking for. Glad it’s unoccupied, he approaches it, seeing the engraving. This was the one.
Glancing around, Carson notes he’s early for lunchtime as hardly anyone is around yet. But that was fine by him…it gave him a chance to collect his thoughts before things progressed.
Sitting down, he props his feet up on the empty chair on the other side of the table. He drew just a little bit of attention, being dressed more casually then those in this area. His white muscle shirt was tucked into a pair of faded jeans, under an open red flannel shirt with rolled up sleeves. His baseball cap was pulled down low, hiding half his face. He could just see the entrance out of the corner of his eye.
Running a finger along the engraving, Carson’s mind wanders. What was he going to say? How would Misty respond? Would she hate him? He couldn’t blame her if she did. He had so many questions for her…would she give him enough time to ask them?
His apprehensiveness grows as he waits. He glances at his watch. More people were coming. It would be any time now. He keeps his focus on the table, his peripheral vision keeping track of everybody coming and going.
Suddenly his heart skips a beat. It takes all his power not to turn his head. He knew that face. It was her.
Carson’s pulse quickens, and he grits his teeth. The confused emotions still existed. Half of him wanted to get up and throw his arms around Misty, and half of him wanted to bawl her out. But he does neither. Instead, he just sits...waits...
Seeing Misty draw closer, Carson knows she’s looking for her table, but he remains motionless. She disappears from his line of sight, but he can hear her walk…he knows that step. As she approaches, he knows she’ll pass on by go to the next table, and calculates his timing.
Just as her figure comes into view, he reaches out, grabbing her by the wrist to stop her. His thumb runs along her bracelet, and he speaks without looking up. “Strange…wearing the name of someone deceived into thinking she was dead.” He shakes his head and tsks, finally raising his face to stare up at Misty from under the brim of his cap. “Now why would she do something like that?”
information
*Frankie a tall 6foot 7inch man enters a nearby park in England. Scaning the park he looks around for Alec who was meeting him. Carrying folders and papers with him his eyes finally rest on Alec. Walking over to the table he sets everything down.*
"Its been a while Alec..."
*Frankie keeps up light chitchat for a few moments seeing how Alec was doing. It had been sometime since he saw him. Two days after Alec had called him Frankie got as much info as he could. Finalling opening a folder Frankie pushes it twords Alec.*
"I got pictures and all the information I could on Sage Fair. However its only goes back 2 months ago. Anything before that it like she dident exsist. "
*Frankie flips some more pictures over showing ones of when Sage was in the hospetal, cuts, burns, breaks.*
"It seems Sage was in a pretty bad accident lost her memorie for a month. Finally she regained it remember what happend....there is a blank on that I couldent get the reports from the police or anything on that. Sage seems like a pritty normal woman. She goes to school here in England at the privet acadimy. Every day about 12 she goes to the small Cafe called Barlugar down in Newcastle. She mostly studys there by herself. She always gets the same table right by the waterfront. On the table she sits at is a quoet she ingraved into it."Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering.” I dont know if that means anything to you. Sage pritty much keeps to herself. No one ever see her hang out with anyone."
*Frankie looks down at his notes for a moment gathering a bit more information. Pulling out a news paper she hands it to Alec.*
"Few days ago she saved a whole group of people life who were poisoned with a strange poison non of the docs ever saw before. I think it was the mixture of venum and some other stuff. Sage dident hesatat in jumping right in and making up and antidote. Everyone is claming she is a hero now.
Lets see...oh yes her address 149 Langer Rd. Newcastle. She lives by herself. She shops at the locale supermarket once a week. Oh ya I talked to a few people in her class and they say she is pretty spunky for being a lonler. Some of the guys have tryed to prasure her and she blows them off. She wairs a braclet on her write with a guys name so alot of people think she has a secret boyfriend no one knows about. Whoever her boyfriend is though is one lucky guy. She's a real doll. So...thats about all the information I have on her. What do you need this all for anyways Alec? This chick wrong you or somthing?"
