thank you

*Katie listens to Jason and bit of her feeling better. He was being really understanding and Katie apreshated that. Listening alittle bit closer to what Jason said about the people at TJY her heart felt at peace for a moment. Was this is answer Katie was looking for? Was God telling her where she belonged at the moment in time?

Katie gives a smile to Jason and alittle nod.*

"I promise I will let you know when I feel bad next time."

*Katie gives Jason a friendly hug and than turns to leave again.*

"Thank you J, forevery thing."

*Katie slowly makes her way out of Jason's office and back to her desk.*

*Charlotte can feel Bret's tention standing outside the court house. Catching up to him she give him a small smile. *

"Everything is going to be ok. Your dont alone."

*Angelica is the next to walk up next to Bret with her brefcase in hand. She wore the confadent air she usally did going into a case. Scaning the court house geting a feel for it.*

"Make sure you stay clam in there Bret no matter what they say, and no matter how it hurts. Let me do the talking for you. Thats what I am here for. If you need to break for anything let me know and I will ask for you."

*Leting out a breath Angelica looks at Bret and Charlotte giving a small nod and a genuin smile something she dident do offten.*

"Ok, lets get a move on."

*Angelica is the first inside followed by Charlotte and Bret.*

Waiting

Jason cocks his head a little and offers Katie a bit of a crooked smile. “Hey…but you’re not alone.” He searches her eyes trying to convey reassurance. He hated seeing her like this…confused and vulnerable. “You couldn’t be surrounded with more people that care about you…” He gives a short laugh. “I don’t know what this place would do without you, Hero. This poor office might not be able to survive.”

He gives her chin a playful tweak. “I’m sorry you felt all that though. I’ll be careful with what I do and when I do it alright? But promise me you’ll tell me if you’re feeling bad. I can’t change anything if I don’t know I need to.”


Scott works with Trish's computer just a couple desks away from Katie's, constantly looking over to see if she had come back to her cubicle yet.

Sighing for the umpteenth time, he concentrates back on his work.


Bret shakes his head and gives a little roll of his eyes at Charlotte. “Next time take two out of three flips – chance might decide it doesn’t want any more housework.”

Obeying Charlotte’s lead, he heads across the room for the door. On his way, something odd catches his eye. It was such a silly thing and he knew it, but it stopped him anyway. The stack of magazines that had been spread around and making a mess were now piled neatly to the side of the coffee table, organized by date. He never organized things like that…he would have just piled them all together. But they used to get organized by date anyway… Maria wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Glancing back to Charlotte, Bret suddenly realizes that this is the first time in four years that a woman has been in his house. And for the first time today, if felt just a little awkward.

Shaking it off before he said something foolish, he continues his route outside, holding the door for her, then locking it behind him.

The ride to the hotel is quick, and before long, they’re joined by Angelica and heading to the courthouse.

Once parked and heading inside, Bret pauses, looking at the large entrance doors. He had a bad taste in his mouth when it came to this place. The judge’s ruling still rang in his ears. The feeling of despair still clung to him.

Rolling his eyes at himself, he steps forward, looking back at Angelica and Charlotte. “Well…let’s get this thing over with.”

The Coin said

*As Jason calls for Katie to wait turns around. The more she stood in that office the more her mind wondered. Feeling Jason's hand on her shoulder she leans her face on it for a moment. Jason's touch even if it was just as a friend bringing her comfort. Her voice lets out a low whisper.*

"Ya, I'm ok."

*Katie lets out a sigh and thinks for a moment stairing back into Jason's eyes. Thinking about what just happend. She wasent even sure herself.*

"I'm not sure what happend Jason but I felt the emptyness of you hiding something and I felt suddonly very alone. It braught up alot of my own past emotions from before I first met you. I dont know why they came up. They were just there. Its not your fault I just dont know what happening to me."

*Katie looks back at the floor before she looks at Jason again. Her mind ran around on so many things. Katie dident want to hurt anymore, Not Scott, not Jaosn when he was trying to move on. All Katie could do was continue to ask God for guildent and a sign on what to do.*

*As Charlotte sits on the coutch watching tv she trying to keep the smile on her lips hidden hearing Bret come down the steps. As Bret comes around to the front of her, her smile finally breaks forth. Shuting off the TV Charlotte stands near Bret giving alittle shrug.*

"I fliped a coin. It landed face up so that ment I wanted to clean. Anyways if you let the sun in and see the dirt that gives you reason to clean it and be able to breath. If you stumble around in the dark all the time your going to be lost and you will never get to see those coins flip. Personaly I dont want you to miss out on a good coin toss when it involves me."

*Charlotte cant help but let a grin form on her face. She dident care Bret had problems, and she liked to be bold with him and tell him what was on her mind it just felt good in a way. Giving his shoulder a gentil pat she nods twords the door.*

"Come on lets get going before I flip a coin on whether I do your dishes or not."

*Misty walks back inside with Carson his arms still wrapped around her. Why did she let Carson get away with what he did? She new good and while he was feeding her lie after lie. One of these days she new she would snap and that would be when all would break lose. Misty hoped in her heart of hearts it wouldent come to that but she was 100% sure it wouldent no matter how she tryed to keep faith in trusting Carson.*

Card

As Jason spots the tear in Katie's eye, he brings the exercise to a halt, his eyebrows rising.

Confused when Katie starts to leave the office, he stands. "Katie...wait..." Going to her, he rests a hand lightly on her shoulder, concerned by her reaction. His own pain surfaces with the thought that he had hurt her with his efforts. He hadn't meant to. "Are you okay? What happened?"


Bret takes his time with his shower, trying to knock the cobwebs out of his head, and by the time he's pulling on a clean shirt, he's feeling more like himself. Tucking in his button-down shirt, he gives a last glance in the mirror. Well, he looked presentable enough... His attire would just have to do for court.

Running a comb through his wet hair, he rolls his eyes. It was being unruly today, and no comb was going to do the trick. Today, gel was required.

Finally as ready as he could get, he heads back downstairs from his bedroom, coming back into the living room. Hearing the television, he spots Charlotte, then stops. His eyes roam the room. It looked...cleaner.

Quirking an eyebrow he looks a little closer, noting all the items that had been picked up or dusted. He sets his hands on his hips and walks around to where he can see Charlotte, and cocks his head. "I didn't know that housework and entertainment mixed."


Carson starts to say something in retaliation to Misty lying for him, but stops himself. It wasn't worth the argument. Sighing a little, he withdraws his arm from her and instead, wraps it around her shoulders. He doesn't like the feeling that was evolving between them...his actions and attitude was starting to drive a wedge between them, and it didn't feel good. But if he could just hang on until this was over. A few more weeks and he'd have everything he needed.


The lower level of TJY is quiet, other than the rustling of garbage bags as Ty makes his rounds. He hadn't gotten in last night - a blown-out tire on his bicycle had seen to that, and by the time he'd walked back home, made a call, walked to the store, gotten a new tire and fixed it, it was too late to try finishing work. Hal had been there to do his share, but now the rest of the building needed to be cleaned.

Working his way down the hall, Ty pauses, glancing around to be sure no one was near. Pulling a piece of mail out of his pocket, he sits down on a bench and stares at the envelope. It had come yesterday. He recognized the name...the envelope was blue and bigger than normal letter envelopes. He'd only seen it this morning with the mail Wyatt had brought in the day before, but hadn't dared to look at it until now.

He stares at the return address. It might as well have been Greek. He runs his finger over the handwritten letters. H...H...e...n or m? Giving up, he flips the envelope over and slits it open with a finger. Drawing out the contents, his eyes widen slightly. A card?

It was bright and cheery with two words arching over a picture. Ty didn't have to know how to read those two words. The picture of a birthday cake said it all. A smile starts to form. He'd never received a birthday card before... His adopted family had just never celebrated birthdays, least of all his. The vivid colors on this folded paper was so simple, but enough to give him a warm feeling inside. So this is what it felt like. Tomorrow was his birthday...he'd forgotten. But who had known? And who had even wanted to send a greeting?

Just sitting and savoring the card for a moment, he finally opens it up. More words...H..o...p...e? "Hop...Ho....hop....." Ty gives a little sigh. His eyes scan the handwritten message on the inside. Someone had pretty writing, and he admired it, even though he couldn't read it. Glancing to the bottom of the card, he sees four signed names. But...two of them weren't really names.

Tears well up in Ty's eyes. "M...o...m ....D...a...d." He pronounces the cherished words in his mind as his fingers outline the letters. He knew the other two names had to be Clint and Roaslynn's. The handwritten note surely was his own mother's.

Sitting alone in the hall, he just stays for a long while, a few silent tears running down his cheek. To be loved...this was something new.

Void

*As Jason consintrates so does Katie. Her mind filling with Jason's thoughts of being nervouse starting for the consert. Going the the emotions one by one feeling, than like walking in a hall at night smacking into somehting. Katie came to the emptyness where all seemed calm. Yet there was something that sruck a cord. Consintrating harder Katie tryed to see the unseen. A dim light broke though so close you could reach but so far you couldent grasp. As the emptyness lingers a tear falls from the courner of her eye the emptyness was strange and uninviting. It made her feel her own feelings from the past. What was wrong with her.

Giving a whipe to her face Katie gives a smile and whispers as she stands.*

"It worked that time J. In no time we will have a handle on this. I better get back to work before Reese thinks I skiped out."

*Heading twords the door Katie stops steding her hand as it shook alittle. Calling over her shoulder.*

"If you wanna try more later let me know."

*After Bret leaves the room Charlotte turns from the window scaning the livingroom. A grin cross her face as she pulls a coin from her pocket. Fliping it, it lands heads up. Chucking to herself she puts the coin back in her purse. If Bret wasent going to try and be perky she was going to help alittle. Heading into the kitched She grabs some paper towles. Working quickly Charlotte opens the front windows to leave some air in and starts to clean up the living room. Picking up clothing, paper, straghtening things out and whiping table dusk and what not away.
It takes Charlotte about 15 minutes and soon the living dosent look perfect but alot better than it did. Siting down on the coutch she turns the tv on to wait for Bret.*

*Misty shakes her head as she listens to Carson. Taking note to him not looking her in the eyes again. Giving a sigh she asks herself "how long, how long will this go on."*

"Like you havent run off with me before. Just do you know Carson Rick dosent know you told me he looks at your eyes..."

*Misty stands as Carson does.*

" Yes, I lied for you this time Carson to my own boss."

*Changing the subject fast Misty takes Carson's arm.*

"Come on lets get back to work."

Sunlight

Jason cringes just a little. "Oops." He tries not to let his embarrassment continue to bombard him. By now Katie knew everything about the way he felt, so who cared. "Okay, okay... one more try... Um..."

He racks his brain, trying to think of something again...two things with strong emotions attached. Snagging onto a scene with he band, he pulls that one up. Getting ready to play, backstage, his nerves were high. Excited, but a ball of nerves.

He squints a little. It almost hurt to do this. What else... Con. Jason replays the day he'd heard that Con might have died in the cave-in. It was dread and fear this time. He felt it again, but tucked it safely back, letting the nervousness from the JetStream experience rule. At least if Katie felt both it was less intimate...though he was pretty sure that this time he'd gotten it. All he had to do was let the nervousness out, turn off that fear, and.... He blinks. It hurt. But he knew it had worked.

Looking Katie in the eye again, he cocks his head, testing her. "How about now, smarty pants."


Carson flinches a little as Misty touches the bruise. No, he'd had a fist the size of a dinner plate coming at him a hundred miles an hour to slam iron knuckles into the side of his face. But sure...moving wrong while he slept would do just as well. "Guess I ought to get a softer pillow eh?"

His eyes continue to roam, finally settling on a bent blade of grass by his sneaker. He could feel Misty looking at her...he could feel her hesitance. She knew something was wrong. And why wouldn't she? It didn't take a genius to figure out that Carson was skirting around issues, and now she was catching on that he'd been lying. Was it even possible to ease her mind while continuing to keep his secret? He didn't know.

"Well, since this is gone..." He puts out his cigarette and changes the subject. "I suppose I should go back inside. "They see both of us gone, they're liable to think I ran off with you or something."


Bret squints a little as the sunshine comes in through the window. Tilting his head, he studies Charlotte's frame, pondering her words. She was flirty, outgoing, adventurous and fun. But she hadn't sacrificed her mind. She had a grasp on feelings that Bret didn't often see in people anymore.

"When I let the sunlight in, I see the dirt even better," he muses in rebuttal. "At least in the dark I can't see what a mess I'm in."

Stuffing another cracker in his mouth and finishing off his water, he stands up. He was starting to dwell on the past, and that was something he avoided at all cost. "I'm going to take a shower and change into something that will convince your sister I was behaving myself all day. If you haven't had breakfast, help yourself to whatever I got. If you have..." He stops, entering the hallway. "Entertain yourself."

Better To

*Trying to find humor in the whole thing Katie shakes her head this time feeling what Jason was feeling and thought of Camryn and food.*

"Dont move to fast Romieo. Your still learning how to controll this."

*For some reason something was nagging at Katie inside about this whole thing. A strange feeling settled in her stomach. It wasent a feeling from Jason but one of her own she just couldent put her finger on it.*

*Misty sits down on the ground her words slipping from her mouth before she cant stop them.*

"I might be smart but at times a feel like a fool."

*Reaching over she takes Carson chin and tilts it so she can look at the burse.*

"Its better to let me worry than lie to me you know."

*Taking her finger she runs it over the bruse checking it out.*

"Looks like you will be ok. You might of just bumped it wrong when you were sleeping."

*Charlotte studys Bret for a long moment pondering his words. Standing her goes over to the cutrin and pulls the shaids up.*

"You know if you let some sun and fresh air in here it wouldent be so bad. If you keep yourself closed up all the time I know why you wallow. Fate is fate but it only goes so far. You choose to sit here and wallow when you should be out there. Bad things happen to good people all the time, but that dosent mean our life should stop. It should give us more of a reason to move on, and do better next time."

*Charlotte continues to look out the window everything she was saying she felt. She had told her sister the same thing after Angeal had been taken away. Thats how Charlotte lived her life, trying not to wallow. Thats why she was always trying to move and takes chanses. If she ever slowed down she new she would lock herself away like Angelica did and she dident want that. She loved life. She was happy she got to shair some of her love for life with Bret over the weekend he needed it. Charlottle only hope that what she gave Bret that weekend, the spark she found in his eyes would return again so he could pick himself up and move on.*

Too smart

Bret gives Charlotte a wry grin. "You think too much like I do." He takes another sip of water and sighs deeply, not tired, but not having much energy either. "I guess now you're witnessing the ultimate wallower. Wasn't bad enough I went downtown, but I sit here and do it too." He pauses and shakes his head. "Welcome to my life apart from weekends led by chance."


Jason raises his eyebrow, hardly wanting to hope it had really worked. "Really?" Thinking for a moment, his eyes widen. "That's it..." His mind reels. "That's what it is... it's like a....like...a..." He gropes for a good example. "Like a faucet. Turn it on full blast and you get everything....thoughts, emotions, feelings, whatever. I've shut it off before, but apparently that has ill effects on you. But now...now if I can fine tune it... I can just shut it off partway to keep whatever I want from getting to you."

Getting just a little excited, he closes his eyes, trying to think of something. He hadn't had much breakfast this morning...he was hungry...he was getting a dull ache in his stomach for the want of food. Concentrating on that, he also pulls in a thought about Camryn, daring to replay the other evening in his mind. But instead of letting it out along with his hunger, he holds it back like he had with the paperclip.

Opening his eyes back up, he looks at Katie, with question, trying to read her face. What had she felt?


Carson glances up as Misty rounds the corner. He shouldn't be surprised. He was overdue to get back inside, and Misty had probably wondered where he was, and knew where he'd been lately.

At Misty's words that they needed to talk, Carson bristles. Using his bent knee as an armrest, he taps his cigarette absentmindedly, his eyes drifting anywhere but to her own.

He shrugs. "Sorry. Just didn't want you to worry, that's all. I knew the dang bruise got worse, but it's not like it's life threatening, so I figured if you thought I'd seen Rick, you wouldn't worry about it." He gives a short laugh, giving her a sidelong glance. "Guess that one backfired on me. You're too smart for your own good."

stop

*Charlotte smiles at Bret clearing off some paper from the end of the couch and sits down.*

"We have about 2 hours. You should be fine by than and if you think not, try laying down for an hour. And as far as Angelica goes what she dosent know wont kill her."

*Charlotte continues to sit and just looks around the room. It really was a nice hour dispite the mess.*

*As the thoughts of Camryn enter Jason's mind Katie can once again feel them to givng alittle crings.*

"Stop saying your sorry would you. Its not like you cant help it."

*Watching Jason put the metal on his skin again. This time the only feeling she had was emptyness. She dident feel the clip to Jason's skin at all. Looking at her hand and than back up at Jason she smiles.*

"I think it worked that time. One small step for you, one giant leap for something or other."

*It was a strange feeling to see Jason doing something but for once not feel it. She wasent sure if she liked it or not, but what had to be done had to be done for everyone sake.*

*Misty makes her way outside. Not seeing Carson at his desk she new where he would probley be. It seemed he was spending alot of time around the courner these days. Catching sight of him Misty walks over leting out a sigh and keeling down.*

"Hey Babe."

*Misty thinks for a moment. Did she really want to bring them up to Carson? Would he get upset?*

"We need to talk. Rick caught me today when I was doing some work and asked what happend to you eye."

*Misty looks down at the ground and than back up at Carson.*

"How come you told me you saw him when you dident?"

Outside

Bret opens one eye and lamely receives the water and crackers. He knew the routine and wasn't one to fight it. "Thanks...I think."

Taking a swallow of water, then crunching into a cracker, he sinks a little lower in the couch. "How much time we got to sober me up anyway? Your sister is going to kill me."


Rick quirks an eyebrow at a strange tone in Misty's voice, but dismisses it, turning back to his work.


Jason sighs with frustration and rolls his eyes. "This is ridiculous. Do you even realize what we're doing here? Anyone finds out, they'll throw us in the looney bin."

He wanted to dismiss the whole thing. It really was something that made him uncomfortable. This whole thing was just... weird. He knew it had to be just as bad for Katie thought.

Giving a sigh, he lifts the paperclip again. "I'm not giving up. There's got to be a way."

For a moment he thinks about how he needs to conquer this for Katie's sake. She couldn't go around all the time feeling what he felt. The most prominent example in his mind was any interaction he had with Camryn. He was getting closer to her, and the feelings that evoked were...

Jason comes to a screeching halt, his eyes looking back up to Katie as his cheeks grow warm. "Sorry."

Quickly concentrating on the task again, he closes his eyes for a moment. He could do this. It had to be possible... Digging the metal lightly into his hand, he tries again, this time allowing himself to accept the pain but not emit it. It was almost like a mask, veiling the true feeling, and letting the rest of his emotions, the consistent ones, fill in the holes instead to cover up the fact he was in pain.

His eyes drift back to Katie, having an odd sense this time that he had been successful. It felt...different.


Carson glances at his watch and knows he needs to get back inside before he gets into trouble. He decides to finish off his smoke first though, figuring Reese hadn't given him much pressing work lately anyway. He'd just been getting a lot of research duties that made him hope all the more for more tasks from Brown.

I dont think

*Charlotte cant help but give alittle laugh as she entered Bret's house. If someone asked her what the thought it would look like, she probley would of said a mess. Watching Bret go into the living room Charlotte sets her own purse down on the table before looking around.The house was rather big and if kept up on it could look pretty nice. Finding the kitchen Charlotte searches for a glass and gets Bret some water. Also finding a pack on crackers on the counter she grabs them and brings them back into the livingroom.*

"Here drink and eat this is will help ya feel better."

*Misty just continues to look up at Rick. She was stuned herself Carson had lied again. Why, why would he lie to her again.*

"Oh its nothing I just figured he's come and have you take a look at it since I wasent here yesterday morning is all."

* Misty turns her head back to her work. Had she just lied to Rick? She was now upset with Carson and herself. She lied to save his hide and she dident even know why.

Excising herself Misty stands and leave the office to try and find Carson.*

*Katie draws in a breath. This sound absalutly abserd. But Jason wanted to try and help her she might as well go along with it trying.*

"Ok, might as well be a good first place to start."

*As Jason runs the paper clip along his finger Katie can feel a tingly sensation run through her hand, than a sharp sting causeing her to lift her hand and shake it.*

"I dont think it worked that time."

Pain?

Bret directs Charlotte the short drive to his house, and arriving, he takes back his keys and gets out of the car to lead the way up the short walk to the front door.

He takes it in stride, as if not thinking a thing about having Charlotte there - whether he really didn’t care, or whether it was the alcohol skewing his judgment wasn’t clear.

Letting her in behind him, the screen door shuts on its own with a quiet bang.

The house is bigger than one would expect a bachelor to live in, indicating that perhaps he had won the battle to keep it over four years ago. The interior, however, was probably what one would expect. It was fairly clean, but cluttered, the living room scattered with everything from old magazines to clothing that hadn’t made it from the washer to the bedroom. The carpet of the entryway had been neglected, with evidence of his job caked to it and his boots that were by the door. The kitchen off to the right was well-stocked with food and not atrociously dirty, though the sink was half-full of dishes that needed to be washed, and those that had been washed hadn’t been put away. The air the house wore was one of someone who perhaps had let go of some things for the sake of mourning what they once had.

Bret tosses his keys on the coffee table in the living room, and flops down on his couch, pulling out a newspaper from underneath him and letting it fall to the floor on top of a week’s worth of papers.

Leaning his head back and closing his eyes, he knows he needs to eat and drink something to take the edge off, but his brain just doesn’t quite seem to want to get him there. “Make yourself at home,” he mumbles. “Ignore the mess.”


Rick lifts his eyebrows in surprise at Misty. “No…Carson didn’t say anything about it…I thought it looked like he’d been socked good by someone with a hard fist, but I didn’t ask him. Figured if it was bad enough he’d come to me, but he didn’t. Why?”


Jason grimaces slightly, knowing he must sound ridiculous. “Um…yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.”

He pauses, trying to come up with something they could work with. Spying a paperclip, he picks it up and unfolds it. “I tried to block one thing out once before, but…I don’t know if it worked or not.” A slight color to his cheeks indicates he’s not willing to say just what it was or when. “I figure unless you want to pull someone in here who can make me mad, physical feeling is the best place to start. I wanna know if I can make it so you don’t feel my pain.”

Taking a moment, he draws in his breath and holds the paperclip to his finger. Concentrating on what he feels, he runs the edge along his skin making it sting.

Experament

*Misty cant help but laugh a she gazes through the micrascope that was on her desk and than goes back to her papers. She dident have to be looking at Rick to know he like herself was probley knee deep in information he dident want to pry away from.

Misty still in deepth in her work dosent even look up when replying to Rick.*

"Oh he got it a few days again he got jumped and than yesterday morning Rick said he probley..."

*Stoping dead in her tracks she looks up at Rick relizing what she just said. Question in her voice as she raises her one eyebrow.*

"You mean you dident talk to Carson about his eye yesterday morning?"

*Charlotte smile and gives a nod thankful that Bret had agreed to come along. As the coin lands on the floor Charlotte cant help but let out alittle chuckle. Geting outside and taking Bret keys she smiles.*

"Your a smart man Bret Parker."

*Geting inbehind the wheel Charlotte cant help but feel like she was special in someway. She could guess Bret dident just let anyone drive his car. Starting the car up Charlotte turns to Bret.*

"Ok so....knowing where you live would be helpfu."

*Waiting for Bret's directions Charlotte listens carfely. Finally squeeling the tired form the parking spot and heading down the road as Bret had directed. Turning the loud music up on the raido.

Moment later Charlotte is pulling into Bret's drive way taking in the sights of the sarounding area. Shuting off his car she hands his back the keys and exits the car.*

*Katie sits across from Jason in one of his chairs listening to what he had to say. Katie thought she understood what Jason was saying.*

"So what your saying is you want to experement with what I can feel and what I cant? Make your way feel one way to see what affect it has and if you can block it?"

*Katie studys Jason's eyes trying to understand what he was saying.*

Tails

Bret sighs deeply, giving Charlotte a sidelong glance as she puts a hand to his shoulder. There was so much he wanted…so much he missed…so much he longed for. And Charlotte stirred them all within him.

Shaking his head, he takes one last swig of beer. “Alright. You win.”

Sliding off the stool, he reaches into his pocket to pay for his drinks. Tossing the bills toward the bartender, a coin falls to the floor. Glancing down, Bret quirks an eyebrow. “Well, whadya know… tails.”

He doesn’t bother to pick up the quarter, aiming for the door. Arriving outside and to his car, he stops. Thinking for a moment, he reaches in his pocket and pulls out his keys. “Tails. You drive so I don’t kill us both.”


Jason gives a slight roll to his eyes and heads for his office. Once inside with Katie, he shuts the door and goes around his desk to sit down. “Look…Katie…I’ve been thinking and…I know there’s got to be a way around this whole thing. You and I both know that we can’t keep living like this… You feeling me all the time is going to ruin more things for you, and it’s going to make you miserable. And…I get miserable just thinking about it.”

He leans his elbows on his desk, studying Katie’s face. “But in order to see if I have a solution, I need to know what you’re feeling… I need to learn how to shut off portions of what I do. But the only way I’ll know if it works, is if you tell me…”

He searches her eyes, not even quiet sure what he’s asking, but hoping she understands anyway. The only way to find out if anything would work, or if there was any solution was to experiment.


Rick ambles past Misty's desk, paperwork in hand as he squints at the small print. Almost running into her chair, he catches himself, realizing he better focus on where he's going.

Glancing down to Misty, he remembers what he was going to ask her. "Oh, say, Misty, I caught sight of Carson's nice shiner yesterday. What's he been getting himself into?"

I see

*Charlotte looks at Bret a bit of worry in her eyes.*

"Bret, we arnt going to let them blame you. You got me. I dont know much about anything yet, but my sister has taught me enough and she is a darn good lawyer. We arnt going to let you go down."

*Charlotte takes another sip of her own drink but end up pushing the rest away from her something she dident do offten. Scaning Bret's face she can see the glazed over look in his eyes another consern rising. Bret couldent be drunk or even tipsy for this hearing. Standing Charlotte puts her arm around Bret's shoulder trying to give him alittle prompting.*

"Come on, lets get you cleaned up for this afternoon. After the hearing when your cleared I'll buy you all the drinks you could possably want ok. And dont go giving up yet on me. I still see a few coin toss in your future."

*Katie looks up at the sound of Jason's voice. As he calls her to come to his office she lets out a sigh having just sat down. Finally geting up she lets out a yawn and carrys with her another cup of coffee following Jason to his office.*

"I dont think you've ever summoned me to your office before J. I kind of want to know what I did wrong now."

*Katie cant help but leave out alittle laugh after her comment.*

Nightmare

“Yeah, well, we all die eventually,” Bret mutters. “And now they want to blame me so they don’t look stupid themselves. A fine mess this is.”

His slight slur gives away the fact that he’s already had a beer or two before Charlotte arrived, and he takes a swig of a new one. He knows he needs to leave so he can be totally sober by this afternoon, but he was just having a hard time getting away. “We lose it all eventually. Why not now. I don’t have anything anyway, so I guess the timing is alright.”


Jason heads to the main floor, spotting Katie just getting to her desk. Arriving at her cubicle, he looks over her wall. “Psst.” He gets her attention. “I need to talk to you…can you come to my office?”


Scott is just rounding the corner, having wanted to catch Katie right when she got to work, but stops, giving a little sigh as he sees Jason beat him to it. Turning back around, he makes a mental note to come back in a few minutes.


Carson and Misty make it to TJY and start their work day, Carson finding it hard to concentrate. He hated himself for the lies he was weaving…they were coming easier and easier now. From excuses about his injuries, to lying about seeing Rick, to lying about where he would be tonight. But he couldn’t tell anyone the truth…there would be too many consequences that he just couldn’t deal with.

It doesn’t take long for him to lose his concentration on his work, sinking back into a state of contemplation that he hates.

Getting up, he heads outside and around the corner to the spot he’s claimed as his own. Sitting on the ground, he sits for a while, lost in thought. Finally reaching for his pack of smokes in his pockets, he lights up, attempting to settled his nerves. He had to see it through. He had to. No matter what.

Leaning his head back against the building, his mind drifts back…so far back… He didn’t often thing about when he was a boy. But today he did. There were good things there…he’d been carefree at one time. Pure and untouched by the world. Not yet given himself away to the temptations that had lured him to the wrong side. And there in the midst of it was something so precious to him…something that now had become a nightmare of worry.

Pray

*Charlotte sinks down next to Bret watching him push his beer bottle away. Ordering a small drink herself. Her tone softens differnt from how it was when they first met here. Charlotte new what it was like to lose someone it was never a good feeling. Her hand still on Bret's arm rubbing it softly is quiet for a moment. Leting out a soft sigh.*

"Anyone is to young to die when its not there time. I'm sorry your friend died Bret. I know its not easy and its not much but I'm here for you."

*Charlotte sits next to Bret taking a sip of her drink hoping maybe her pressence would bring Bret the comfort he so despertly needed.*

*Kaite intently listens to Laura. Taking in everything she was saying and agreeing with most of it. Finishing off her coffee Katie stand and puts it in the sink. Giving Laura a friendly hug she thanks her.*

"Thank you Laura you have helped alot."

*Heading back into her room Katie takes a moment siting on her bed to say a prayer. Asking God to show her the way and lead her where he wanted her to be. Once finising Katie takes her shower, lets Laura know she will be home later and heads off to work.*

*Misty sits down with Carson to eat a good breakfest. It felt nice to eat with someone in the morning rather than to eat alone. It felt good to have Carson looking out for her as well.*

"Ya I have no problem with that. I will probley stay at TJY till you done. I have alot of work to make up not to mention I am woking on another project that will requir some quiet. So when ever you done with your friend if you want to come and pick me up that would be great."

*Misty continues to eat breakfest with Carson. Cleaning up afterwards and geting ready to start the day.*

Too young

Laura can sense the seriousness in Katie’s tone, and pulls out a chair across from her. Listening, her eyes get wide with surprise. “Wow, Katie. That’s…a lot to think about.”

She leans back in her chair, giving a little shake to her head. “No wonder you haven’t gotten much sleep – I wouldn’t have either.”

Laura thinks for a few moments, mulling over what Katie had said. “I had heard something about some openings in Arizona, but I never thought Scott would take it. He’s always been quite the homebody. Of course…” She gets a little smile on her face. “He hasn’t exactly been the same old Scott since you got a hold on him.”

Taking a sip of her coffee, she sighs deeply. “I wish I could give you some great advice…” She thinks about if Nate were to ask her the same thing. Would she go? “But I just don’t know what to say. I know it boils down to what’s most important to you… You have an awful lot here, Katie, an awful lot. But, if you love Scott enough, does what is here really matter? And then…do you love him that much?”

She purses her lips in thought. “Do you think God is leading you one way or the other? Has he shown you the path He wants you to take? I know it’s hard, but sometimes where He leads might not be the obvious choice…I have found that out. Where does your heart truly lie? With Scott alone? Or with everything you’ve gained here? Where are the most opportunities for you to serve? In Arizona? Or here in Nevada? And wherever your heart is, is that really where God wants you?”

Laura offers Katie an encouraging smile. “I know I would miss you something awful if you left, and so would a bunch of other people.” Her mind automatically pictures Con and Jason, but she doesn’t mention them by name. “But whatever you decide, we’ll all be behind you. Just be sure that you’re sure before you change anything. If the path isn’t clear, wait until it is.” She gives a little shrug. “If you wait for God’s answer and in two months He reveals to you that you should go, then it’s not like Arizona is gone… it will still be there. And if Scott is willing to hang on to your relationship over the distance, he’ll still be there too. But follow God…let Him decide where you need to be, and when any changes are to be made. With Him in the lead, you can’t go wrong. And if you need to wait to hear from Him, then wait.”


Carson grins and takes in a breath, smelling the delicious looking breakfast. “Mm, I don’t think I’ll have a problem helping you out here.” He reaches out to snitch a tiny piece of bacon. “Yep…I definitely think I can handle this.”

His head is still over her shoulder, and he gives her a sidelong glance. “You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure.” Withdrawing his hands, he gives her hip a pat before heading to the fridge to find something to drink.

“Listen, I got some running around to do tonight. Got a buddy who wanted me to help him move some furniture into his place, but he doesn’t get off work until about eleven. So I’m going to go over there tonight for just a bit. While I’m gone though, I either want you at TJY, or I’ll get someone else to come stay with you. That choice is up to you.”


Jason leans back in his office chair, unable to concentrate on the information he was supposed to be studying. He’d started to form a plan of action that he would need Nate for, but as soon as he tried to figure it all out, his mind just wandered again.

Sighing, he twirls a pencil in his hand. Pausing for a moment, he taps the tip of his finger with the point, just enough it stings a little. Stopping, he cocks his head, concentrating on the sharp lead. Katie felt him when there was a heightened reaction in feelings, triggered by an event. If he got into an argument, his anger would spike and she’d know it. If he hit his hand with a hammer, it would spike a physical reaction of pain and she would feel it. What if…would it be possible to harness that single instance and withhold it from her?

Jason knew he could withhold everything. He could block out all his feelings so Katie would sense nothing. But…was there an in between stage? Could it really work that way? Could this…thing…be controlled?

Getting up from his desk, Jason heads down the hall, wanting to see if Katie were here yet.


Con hugs Jamie back, closing his eyes for a moment and letting her own embrace comfort him. “Yeah…” He speaks quietly. “I’ll be okay. I just keep seeing the whole thing over again. But Brandon’s in a better place now. His family aren’t Christians…maybe there’s a bigger reason I’m supposed to be there.”

Withdrawing, he kisses Jamie’s forehead. “Let’s enjoy the next couple days and make arrangements for BJ for Friday. Then you and I can head back then.”


Bret takes a swig of beer, not even looking to Charlotte. “He died last night.” He swallows another mouthful, letting the beverage slide down his throat. “Brandon died because some idiot didn’t do their job.”

He finally turns to see her, the flirtatious spark in his eye gone. “He was a good guy, ya know…” Looking back to his bottle, he spins it on the counter, making a pattern in the water rings. “Talked too much sometimes…butted heads with Dean once in a while…but he was a good worker.” He pauses, staring at the beer label. “He was just twenty-six. That’s too young to die…. Too young.” Finishing his statement, he finishes off his beer and sends the bottle shooting down the bar, signaling the bartender he wants another one.

Understand

*Katie smiles at Laura as she takes the cup of coffee.*

"Thanks. Yeah you could say it would a rough night. Alot on my mind to think about."

*Katie sinks down at the kitchen table taking another sip and than thoughtfuly looking into her coffe cup. So much was on her mind and she wasent sure where to even start. Looking back up at Laura she thinks for a moment. Laura was her friend, maybe talking to her would help alittle bit.*

"Laura do you mind if I talk to you about something?"

*After geting the ok Katie starts telling Laura about Scott's propasition last night. She filled her in how she loved Scott and she would love to go with him but was she really ready to do that. Leave everything, everyone behind. Katie also shaired some of her fears with Laura about leaving, and even what would happen if she stayed.*

"...so thats why I dident get much sleep lastnight. I told Scott I would have an answer for him today but I'm not even sure if I will have an answer for myself. I just...dont know what to do."

*Katie takes another sip of her coffee, she eyes showing the lack of sleep in them, along with look that Katie was troubled by this and deep in thought wanting to make the right one.*

*As Misty feels Carson's arms around her and his breath on her face she smile. These were the moments that matter the most to her. The small little things Carson did that made her feel on top of the word. Fliping the eggs with one hands her other one find Carson's arm and hand just resting on it as she leans her head back on his shoulder and giving him a kiss back.*

"Hey you. I though you might be hungry this morning so I made up alittle bit of everything. So I hope you really are hungry so this dosent go to waist."

*Slowly Charlotte makes her way down the now familure street she had been down quite a bit to get places around town. She was quite sure why she was out so early this morning when she should be prepairing for the court hearing this afternoon but something told her there was a reason.

Coming across the bar where she first met Bret at and had been back to a few times since than. Stoping at the door Charlotte just stands for a moment before entering. Crossing the floor and making her way to a stool at the bar Charlotte notices Bret. Giving alittle bit she sits down next to him.*

"Well look who I found walloring again."

*Taking a closer look at Bret's face now Charlotte can see the distress in his eyes. Her own demeaner growing softer and alittle bit worryed. Puting a hand on Bret's arm Charlotte askes.*

"Bret? Whats wrong?"

*Jamie wraps her arms around Con in an embrace. She had scene Brandon once or twice when she would go to pick Con up but never was close to him. Yet her own heart acked and she could only imagen how Con must be feeling. There was no way she was going to let him have to go through it alone.*

"I'm sure Angel wont mind watching BJ, and I know Rosetta and Mick will understand. I'll be going back with you."

*Jamie continues to hold Con. Even someone as strong as him still needed that every once and a while.*

"Are you going to be ok?"

Cut short

Laura grins at Katie and turns around with a cup of coffee in her hand. "Hey, good morning." She frowns a little. "Ooh, hun, you look like you could use some of this."

She pours Katie a cup of coffee. "Rough night?"


Carson breathes in deep to stretch full out on the couch and yawn. After a few moments, he realizes that he isn't in his own bed, and remembers falling asleep on the couch. The smell of breakfast lures him into a sitting position, his stomach looking forward to a morning meal.

Standing up, Carson stretches again, wincing a bit as he'd forgotten about his ribs. Sighing, he looks around for a few minutes and stumbles to the bathroom before emerging again in the kitchen to come up behind Misty as she cooks breakfast, slipping his arms under hers and around her waist to bend his head over her shoulder and give her a kiss. "Hi."


"Scott!"

Scott stops in his tracks at Susanne's calling. He cringes. "Yeah....?" he answers hesitantly.

Susanne looks out of her office with a smile. "Just wanted to tell you that my new computer is working great."

Scott's eyebrows raise in surprise and relief. "Great!" Smiling, he aims for his desk. It was a good morning. Despite a lot on his mind, he was refreshed and ready to get on with the day. He needed to get a hold of the department in Arizona and start making plans for his move, then needed to finish up a stack of work Reese wanted done.

Sitting down at his desk, Scott's mind starts to wander a little bit again about last night. He didn't know what Katie would decide...he wanted her to go...he wanted that the most. But he also knew she had a lot back here... He wasn't sure what would happen if she stayed... were they strong enough to last across the miles? He hoped so. Perhaps it really would be the ultimate test for them...


Jason rolls out of bed, barely able to open his eyes before he stumbles to the bathroom for a shower. It doesn't wake him up as much as he wants though, and he downs his breakfast of orange juice on the way into work, trying to get his brain to function properly.

Getting to TJY, he goes inside, trudging toward the hall. He wasn't sure why he was so tired...he thought he'd slept okay...but his mind had constantly gone back to Katie and what they both were dealing with right now. His mind was searching for a solution, and he wasn't sure where one was.


Bret rests his elbows on the bar, staring at his half-empty beer bottle. It was early...but he had nowhere else to go, and even if he did, he didn't feel like going. The court hearing was this afternoon, and it was going to be harder now that Brandon had died. And he couldn't even take the time to grieve, while he was busy trying to get himself out of trouble first.


Con rubs his face wearily, not having slept well at all after Bret's phone call the evening before. It had spawned nightmares of the cave-in, and staying awake half the night had been the only way to stay sane.

Stepping off the porch he walks slowly to the mess hall, his enthusiastic bounce absent from his step this morning. Entering the building he looks around, seeing that breakfast is halfway over by now. He'd been on the phone again this morning, keeping him a little late in the bunkhouse.

Greeting a few people around the tables, he makes a beeline for Jamie, waving for her to leave the table and come off to the side with him. Drawing her out of earshot of the others, he looks down at her, the sadness in his eyes. "Bret called me last night...Brandon didn't make it."

Swallowing hard, Con takes a deep breath to stay on top of his emotions. "He, um...I guess he woke up right before, and spoke to his family that was here...sounds like his mom and brother and his brother's family were still there." Con takes a moment to try to straighten out his thoughts. "Bret said that Brandon told them I was the one that got him out of the cave-in, and they've requested that I say some words at his funeral."

Con glances out into the dining area, his eyes sweeping the room, finding BJ, then looking back at Jamie. "The funeral is Friday though, and that's a day earlier than Mick and Rosetta will be back. So...I'm sure someone here can look after BJ, or you can stay the extra day, but I have to go back Friday morning."

>.> <.<

*Misty cant help but give a giggle as Carson shifts his weaght.*

"Like you think I am actully going to stay awake myself."

*Misty was comfortanle forcing her eyes to stay open longer watching the movie. Though after a short while her eyes finally drifted closed a smile on her lips.*

*Katie stands with Scott leaning into him as she was wraped in his arms watching the sun set. Many think weaghed on her mind. She loved Scott and she wanted to jump at the oppertunity to move on with him as he moved up, but how could she move now. Everything she new since she left the ranch was here. Con, work, and than theis whole thing was Jason. Could she really leave while everything was so up in the air. If she said no would that mean the end of her and Scott? Katie certinly hoped not but what was his feel on long distince relationships. Katie's mind reeled with thoughts. Trying to push them away for now Katie spends the rest of the night with Scott just enjoying the time.*

The night goes on, for some they sleep peaceful waking to a new day....

*Opening her eyes and seeing the morning light shine in the window Misty gets her bearings relizing she was in the living room. In the same position she had fallen alseep lastnight Carson still next to her. Smiling Misty slowly slips off the coutch and bends down giving Carson a small kiss before slipping into the kitched to start some coffee. In no time the smell of Bacon makes its way through the house beckoning those fast alseep to wake.*

...and for others the morning came to fast. The sun telling them to wake, when all they wanted was to sleep more...

*Kaite slowly opens her eyes at the sound of her alarm. Her head felt like it was spliting open, and her eyes droopy. Lastnight with Scott had been fun but after she got home sleep was not on her mind. Even when she tryed she couldent. All Katie could do was toss and turn. Finally when he eyes closed and sleep found her, the alarm went off an hour later not giving her nearly enough sleep. Throwing the covers back Katie makes her way out of her room and heads for the kitchen before heading to work. If Laura had made coffee Katie wanted a glass.*

..and for other the morning held the feeling of sadness. Like something wasent right. Only they dident know yet what it was.

News

Carson chuckles and gives Misty a squeeze, not really wanting her to leave either. Shifting his weight so he's lying on his back, he gives a tired sigh, his interest in the movie dwindling due to his weariness. "Let me know how it ends."

He lets her lay on his chest, one hand resting on her head as his eyes drift shut. It was just as well if she wanted to stay there with him... Ever since they'd settled down in the living room, he'd had a strange feeling as if someone was watching them, and it was enough to put him on edge. For now, he was content to know Misty was safe and as long as she was with him, he knew it.


Scott grins and stands up again. "As long as it's you by my side, I'd love to go for a walk."

Paying for the meal and heading outside, it's just a short walk to get down on the beach. They walk hand-in-hand for a while, letting the silence be their friend.

As the sun begins to sink below the horizon, the drifting clouds take on the brilliant colors of red, purple and orange, soaking in the last bit of light until morning.

Scott stops and turns to it, bringing Katie closer to put his arm around her shoulders. He had questions...he wondered about her thoughts, but remained quiet. It was only natural that she would need time to think about his proposition, and he would respect the time she needed. It was a big decision, he knew. For him, it was almost a no-brainer. He'd spent so long as the lowly, resident nerd, that actually being a head of a tech department almost made his mouth water. He could only hope that his relationship with Katie was such that she would want to follow. If it wasn't, he certainly wouldn't give up on it, but it would be harder with that much distance between them.

Turning, he plants a kiss on the top of her head, giving her a little squeeze. He couldn't feel more content than now in this moment.


"I am not brushing you off!" Jason exclaims, laughter held back in his throat. He holds the phone to his ear, carrying on the conversation while watching tv at the same time. "I said maybe."

"Oh, come on. How could you turn down a end-of-the-summer bash?" Camryn persuades. "It'll be fun."

"I didn't say it wouldn't be. But it's a Mitts family thing."

"They're hosting it, sure, but like Kyle put it - who cares? Invite all the friends you know. The more the merrier."

"Sounds scary."

"Oh, stop it," Camryn chides. "I bet they'd love for folks from TJY to come down too. Come on...say yes you'll go."

Jason quirks a grin even though she can't see him. "I'll check my calendar."

"Last I looked you didn't even have on in the house."

"I'll go buy one."

"You are THE most difficult person..."

"Yep."

Camryn sighs with emphasis. "Alright, fine. Think about it. But you know that if you say no, the guys are going to bug you ten times worse than me."

"I didn't even know that was possible."

"Jerk."

"Whiner."

Camryn giggles. "I haven't given this up yet."

Jason nods, flipping tv channels. "Of that I have no doubt."

"You realize I know good and well you like all this arguing."

Jason pauses, his wry grin spreading. "Maybe."


Con rolls over in bed, thinking he might have heard something. Sure enough, his cell phone was going off. Frowning, he sits up and grabs the phone. He'd already been in bed for an hour - who would be calling at this time? "Hello?" He lifts an eyebrow. "Bret... Yes... Oh, fine. Jamie and I are having a blast. Mm-hmm...yes..." Con's face falls. "Oh no..." He swallows hard. "When...okay. Yeah...you alright? ....Okay. Yeah. Thanks, Bret. We'll see you soon."

Confustion

*Katie smiles at Scott glad to see he is ok now. Giving him a kiss she nods to the still seting sun.*

"Good I dont want to go home yet eather. Its possable the meal just dident agree with your stomach. How about we take a walk and get some fresh air we can still make the sun set."

*Katie smiles at Scott a bit confused herself how Scott now seemed fine and the strange phone call from Jason. Things just seemed to get stranger and stranger by the moment.*

*Misty's arm laying on Carson's chest she looks up at him giving a sleepy smile. She was to comfortanble to move. She also felt safe being in Carson's arms.*

"So let me get a crick in my neck I'm to comfortable to move.*

*Misty settles her head back on Carson chest and continues to watch the movie.*

*As Misty and Carson sit snuggled on the coutch a dark figure looks outside the widow in the front of the house. Watching through the half opend curtin. He'd been there since Misty and Carson had returned. Seeing every kiss, ever moment. His eyes angry as on the inside he raged with confustion on what was going on. The more he watched Misty and Carson the more his anger grew. In his mind his little sister was being riped away from him. Not even relized he was the one who was hurting her. Continuing he watch he trys to stay in the shadows trying to not let his form pass the window and cast its own shadow making his presence known.*

Fine

Jason furrows his brow, a little confused. But if Katie said everything was alright, then it was alright. “Yeah…okay…” He lets the call end and hangs up the phone. Odd…he felt fine again. Feeling silly, he tosses another chip to Trooper and once again changes channels on the tv.


Scott takes a moment, then nods to Katie. “Um…yeah…I’m sorry, I…” He stops, feeling perfectly fine. “I’m fine…I guess.”

He frowns, trying to decide if that were really the truth, and it was. He nods. “Really…I don’t know what hit me, but whatever it was has passed.”

He looks at Katie, giving her an embarrassed smile. “I’d hate to end the evening now. We just got started.”


Even though Carson’s sleeping bag is by the door, he finds himself on the couch with a blanket instead. But it’s not the blanket that’s keeping him warm, it’s Misty. His arms around her, they watch a second movie, though are starting to grow tired. He gives Misty’s shoulder a little pat. “Hey…you should got to bed before you fall asleep here and get a crick in your neck.”

Thanks

*As Katie hears Jason's voice she can sence he felt bad for intarupting her and calmed alittle herself.*

"Stop feeling sorry that you intaruped me and sorry for my tone. Ya things are ok I think...just a few things I have to think about . Oh and Poor Scott had an anxiety attack out of no where. Other than that everything is ok."

*Katie stops for a moment thinking it strange Jason was the one having the feeling but shakes it off not thinking anything of it.*

"Hey thanks for calling J and making sure everything was ok. I better get back to Scott though and make sure he is ok. Thanks again J."

*Hanging up the phone Katie makes her way back to Scott again pulling a chair up next to him and puting a hand on his leg. Cocking her head to look him in the eye she asks.*

"Are you ok Scotty? Do you want me to drive you home?"

Fog

Scott shakes his head a little, his pulse still racing as he tries to drink some water. He didn’t know what it was, but his nervousness had become a monster of anxiety that suddenly was out of control.


Jason cringes a little at Katie’s tone. He knew he’d interrupted something, especially as long as it had taken her to answer. “Sorry, Hero. It’s Jase. Look…I just…got a funny feeling is all…” He rolls his eyes, not knowing how to explain. “Everything okay?”


Scott blinks and looks up from his water glass to where Katie is standing a short ways away. Like fog lifting into the air, the anxiety was suddenly leaving. His pulse begins to calm, his hands stop shaking.

His breathing slowed, he takes another sip of water and remains seated, a little tired from this strange episode. What on earth had happened? He felt almost fine now.

Phone Call

*As Katie watching Scott she can once again see the look in his eyes change and his hands shaking. For a moment Katie believes Scott when he says he is going to be ok. But as he stands and starts to teater it dosent take Katie long to get to Scott's side and is helping him so he dosent fall over. Her mind reverting from the conversation they were just having to worrying about Scott.*

"Whoa there Scotty. Sit back down for a moment."

*Katie hears her phone ring but leaves it unanswered for the moment as she eases Scott back down in his chair and sqots down next to him.*

"Breath Scott....are you ok? Do you think the fish you eat was bad?"

*Taking the glass of water Katie hands it to Scott leting him take a sip her phone still ringing. Become frustrated that who ever was calling would hang up already Katie lets Scott know she will be right back and to keep breathing. Taking her phone and heading away from the table alittle bit Katie finally answers it.*

"Hello?"

Shift

Scott continues to search Katie’s eyes, trying to read into them…to read into her thoughts, her feelings.

He gives a little nod, holding his smile. “Of course you don’t have to answer me tonight.”

As his anxiousness heightens, he wipes a bead of sweat from his brow. “I couldn’t expect you to decide within five minutes.”

Licking his dry lips, Scott takes a sip of his water, his hand shaking slightly. What was wrong with him? What had started out as a hint of nervousness was suddenly becoming an attack, making his pulse race.

Distracted from the subject at hand, he blinks, trying to keep his eyes in focus. Rubbing his forehead as it starts to ache, he stands up. “I’ll be right back…” But no sooner were the words out of his mouth, than a wave of dizziness hits him hard enough to make him lean on the table to keep himself from falling to the floor. He’d never had an anxiety attack before, but right about now, he wasn’t convinced he wasn’t having one.


Jason sits on his couch flipping tv channels and chewing on a ham sandwich for supper. Trooper sits nearby, begging for crumbs, and Jason rolls his eyes, giving in and tossing the dog a potato chip.

As he watches a show with disinterest, he suddenly stops. Something felt…funny…out of place…

He tries to shake it off, but it persists. It’s almost as if… No, that would just be too strange. But… it’s almost as if his connection with Katie had lessened…as if her unexplainable pull on his emotions had been partially diverted, leaving him without a full dose.

But…he was blocking nothing, so…what could cause that?

Jason knew Katie was out with Scott tonight, but something warned him not to take this lightly. Something was wrong…and he needed to make sure she was okay. With as unstable as they both had been, he didn’t want to ignore anything right now.

Picking up his phone, he dials Katie’s cell and waits.

At Least

*Katie's night goes well, the sunset, Scott everything was perfect.

Katies sences pick up as Scott draws quiet knowing something was on his mind. As he speaks again Katie listens a smile on her face. When Scott propasistion of Katie moving with him comes into play its light everything inside her freezes. Than warms up again, her emotions flying this way and that. Thoughts racing in and out. What did this mean...move with Scott...did that mean Scott would soon want to get married. Katie wasent ready for that. But she cared for Scott, if he went away what did that mean would happen to them. Katie's mind reels so fast. Her sences hightend, she was almost scaired, and torn. Everything she had was here. This had become home. Finally looking up again Katie help help the slight look of panic in her eyes, yet her face still held a smile.*

"Scott...this just...I...I'm not even sure what to say. This is a big desition, and I need time to think about it. Can you give me at least a day?"

Jobs

Scott returns Katie’s kiss and smiles, putting the car in gear. “Thought we’d go to that seafood place up near the lakeside. I hear the sunset is really pretty from there.”

Driving for a short while they finally arrive at the restaurant and Scott comes around to open Katie’s door and escort her inside. Once there, a waiter takes them to a table beside the large windows that overlooked the lake, providing a picturesque view of the sunset which had just begun.

Looking over the menus, it’s not long before their food is ordered and they are engaged in small talk while they wait.

As there’s a pause in the light conversation, and Scott leans back in his chair, one hand twirling his water glass as his eyes roam the water outside. He becomes a bit quiet, the thoughts he’d had on his mind all evening finally surfacing.

“Katie…” He finally looks back to her. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you about…”

Swallowing hard, he leans back forward, resting his elbows on the edge of the table to be a little closer to her. His eyes search hers with a sudden new look of asking…of wondering.

“You know…you have done more in my life than almost any other person… You’ve opened my eyes to a whole new world…you’ve showed me how to really live… you’ve captured my heart and stole it away where it’s been completely out of my reach.”

Scott’s tone remains soft, his eyes not leaving Katie’s. “You’ve given me something to look forward to…something to live for. You’ve given me meaning when I had none. Ever since I met you, you made me smile, and ever since you started loving me too, you filled a void in my life that I didn’t even know I had until you were there.”

A small smile creases his lips as he cocks his head, studying Katie’s face. “You led me into Wonderland, except with you there, I don’t care about getting home again.”

Scott allows a short pause, his eyes reflecting the subject on the tip of his tongue. “Katie…Reese has informed me that one of TJY’s posts…in Arizona…is going to be an Elite branch too, and needs a chief computer tech on board.” He pauses, letting that information settle. “It's quite a high position, and...I’m first man up for the job.”

His finger runs alone the rim of his water glass as the news is processed. “I’ve…never gone that far out of my box before…but it will be a new adventure…and one that I know I’m capable of. You’ve proven to me that I have more confidence than I thought.” He gives a little smile. “You’ve proven a lot to me.”

Lowering his eyes for a moment, he looks back up at her. “There’s also an opening for a field assistant for the cases they’re handling down there…” The implication hangs in the air. “They could use a someone with a good eye and a steady head…”

Scott swallows hard, knowing that his implied question was deeper than just a job. He was asking Katie to move…to stay close to him…to see their relationship grow into a deeper level of commitment.

His eyes lock with hers, the silence begging for an answer.

Hottie

*Katie cant help her own smile that comes to her face seeing and feeling Jason's. He was going to be ok and that made her feel good. After Jason was gone Katie tryed to go back to work to at least get something done.*

"....Laura Scott's here I am leaving now. I dont know when I'll be home but it shouldent be to late."

*The rest of Katie's day went pretty fast after she recovered from the afternoon lunch Jason had. What little work she had gotten done made the time go faster.

Now showerd and read to go Katie makes her way for the front door. Her hair damp and givin a messed up look still braught out her eyes more than normal wairing just a hint of make up but not to much. She wore a nice Navy blue tanktop that was silk and a pare of black dress pants along with her dress shoes. She was casule but dressy.

Making her way out of the house she smiles seeing Scott. Opening the passanger side door she slips in next to Scott and leans over to give him a soft kiss.*

"Hey there Hottie! Where we headed tonight?"

*Misty sits in the now cleaned up living room scaning her DVDs. She had so many she wasent sure what one she wanted to watch. The rest of her afternoon had been ok after Rick had checked her over and she again reasured everyone she was ok. The day had passed fast her work keeping her busy. Now she was back home and like Carson had promised she wouldent be alone.

Misty continus to scan the movie finding her new had alittle bit of everything. Going into the Kitchen she wraps her arms around Carson and smiles.*

"How about the Princess Brides thats always a good one."

Nervous?

At Misty’s words, Carson feels a pang of guilt. She had confidence in him, but he’d already failed. He should have known to keep a closer eye on her after what had happened with Frankie. And even now…she was trusting him, and he was betraying that trust without her even knowing it.

Leaning over, he gives her a tender kiss, careful to avoid her injury. Looking in her eyes, he knows his own are weary, despite his effort to remain his confident self. “Come on. You don’t have to follow – I’ll drive you myself.”


Jason’s jaw tightens as he contains the humor he feels for this situation. He felt badly for Katie, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but find it a little funny. Even though she felt his pain, she wasn’t literally hurt, though he was sure by the evidence on her desk that it hadn’t been enjoyable.

He clears his throat, still a bit sheepish. “Don’t I always owe you?” For just a moment, almost too quick for anyone to catch, a genuine smile toys with the corner of his mouth, unforced and natural. “I’ll try to give you better warning for the next time…the waiter at the restaurant has challenged me now.”

Like a mist, the smile is gone, but remains in his eyes as he throws Katie a wink. “See you later.”


Scott pulls up to the curb in front of Katie and Laura’s house and honks the horn once, though isn’t in a hurry at all. He’s dressed nicer than he usually dresses for work, smelling of cologne, his hair still damp from his shower. A thousand and one thoughts run through his mind of what he wants to say to Katie tonight. He was usually confident around her, but for once, he was just a little nervous.


Carson drops his sleeping bag inside the door at Misty’s, along with his pillow and duffle bag. He’d said she wouldn’t be alone, and he’d meant it. At least until he was sure Frankie really wasn’t coming back. What he really wanted to do was go on the town to find him, but he wasn't going to leave Misty alone for that long. A portion of him almost hoped Frankie would show up tonight so he could give him what he really wanted.

Heading for the kitchen, he opens the bag of take-out Chinese food and finds some dishes. “Your pick of movies,” he calls to Misty.