Hesitation

Jason can't help a grin at Katie's excitement over her legs. At least that had made her happy.

He's about to say more when suddenly he's taken completely off guard by Katie's kiss and hug. It takes all the restraint he has not to jerk away, the heat rising to his face. He allows her to kiss him, but only returns it slightly, not wanting to evoke passion, but not wanting to shock her either.

As she hugs him, he puts his arms around her lightly, still trying to recover. He knew his face was red, and he tries to suppress his rampant emotions.

Forcing a chuckle, he nods. "Yeah, you get to go home soon." He bites his lip as she makes reference to Con. A whole lifetime had passed and she didn't have a clue.

Sliding off the bed and standing up, he gives her hand a squeeze. "You just sit tight here a minute while I go tell someone you're awake, alright?" He winks at her then turns and exits the room.

Scott, Con, Laura and Nate are all in the hall, and stand up as they see Jason, Con questioning the look on Jason's face. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"She's awake."

Sighs of relief come. "Thank God." Con nods. "How is she feeling?"

"Um..."

Scott aims for the door, but Jason stops him. "Scott..." He looks between Scott and the others for a moment. "She seems to think she's still here from her car accident."

Scott's eyes widen. "What?"

"Yeah...she...she doesn't remember anything since then."

Laura raises her eyebrows and glances at Nate, then back to Jason.

Scott isn't sure how to react. What did that mean? The impact hits him hard and he feels his stomach tighten. "You mean she..." He swallows hard. "Us..."

Jason feels extremely bad for Scott, knowing how hard this must be. "No...I don't think she remembers."

Now Scott hesitates, not knowing if he should go see her or not. How was he supposed to act now? He didn't know what to say, what to do... Part of him figured maybe it was better, if that were true. If Katie didn't remember, they wouldn't have to talk about it. But not only was that not a very nice thought, it evoked a new, deeper pain to think that she didn't remember all that they had shared.

He looks to Nate a moment, his hurt and confusion reflecting in his eyes. Finally though he walks forward on pure instinct, going ahead and entering the room. He wanted to see for himself...he wanted to make sure Katie was physically fine, whether this was difficult for him or not. He still loved her and wanted to assure himself she was okay.

Slipping into the room, he approaches Katie's bed cautiously, searching her face, her eyes, for any signs of recognition. When she'd been in the hospital the last time, they'd simply been coworkers. "Hey, Katie...how ya feeling?"


Jason leans back against the wall, and closes his eyes for a moment, trying to regroup.

Con looks at him with concern. "You okay?"

"No, I'm not okay." Jason looks at him with annoyance, keeping his voice quiet. "Do you realize what I said? Katie thinks we're still dating."

Con's eyes widen. "Ohhh. That has to be...awkward."

Jason can feel the heat in his face again. "Tell me about it."

Con has a hard time not laughing as he reads his friend's face. "She kissed you, didn't she?"

Jason smirks at him, not appreciating the conversation, let alone in front of Laura and Nate too. "It's not funny."

"Just a little?"

"Con!" Jason's voice is a hoarse whisper. "I'm an engaged man! No, it's not funny!"

"Alright, alright." Con controls himself. "I'm sorry. Keep your shirt on. I know this can't be easy...surely she'll come around and start to remember. Just give her time."

"Yeah, well now that's what I'm afraid of. How would you like to wake up and think all then, then remember everything has all been turned upside down?" Jason sighs. "She thinks you're still at TJY too."

Con's face drops a little. "Really..."

Lost at work

*Katie leans into Jason for a moment. Soaking up his comfort the comfort that always made her feel better. Jason's comfort was nice but Katie still felt lost and it still was foggy.

As Jason mentions her legs she pulls the blankets back and wiggles her toes a little. A smile cross her face as she looks back at Jason. Than she moves her leg more.*

"I can move my legs. That means...I can walk again. I can really walk J."

*Katie turns to Jason and throws her arms around him and gives him a kiss before wrapping her arms around Jason for a hug.*

"I'm not sure what happend or why I cant remember this hit and run but....my legs work now. They really work. So do I get to go home soon? Since I've recovered from the car crash? Other than this broken arm that is. I bet Laura will be exstatic to see me home again and Con. Poor Con I bet he's been lost at work without me huh?"

It's true

Jason’s eyes grow wide as Katie speaks, the reality of what was happening, hitting him hard. She didn’t remember. She truly thought that she was still in the hospital from her car accident.

Her reference to spending the night together and their kiss brings a strange sensation to his heart. It couldn’t be… had her mind lost so much? Had her mind really pinpointed an exact date to start over, or was it remembering a span of time that confused events?

Either way, the tone in her voice said that she was telling the truth about what she remembered.

Jason is stunned and not sure how to react, but as he sees her tears, he can’t help but offer comfort.

Sliding from his chair to her bed, he sits beside her and puts and arm around her. “Hey, hey, it’s okay, take it easy, hmm?” He reaches over and tucks her hair behind her ear. “Just relax.”

He holds her for a moment, feeling at a total loss. Perhaps is he talked her through it a little, she would start to remember. Perhaps it was the effects of the drugs just lingering.

“What I said was true…it’s been quite a while since you were here.” He moves her a little so he can tilt his head and see her face. Giving her a smile, he wipes her tears with his hand. “You went through therapy and you got out of the hospital, and you can walk fine now.” He gives a little nod to her legs. “Check it out.”

What Happend

*Katie cocks her head and looks at Jason confustion still in her eyes. What was he saying? A hit and run. Maybe he thought it was a hit and run when he new it wasent. Katie thinks for a long moment closing her eyes and trying to think back. Something was there she was sure of it but it was lost in a fog. Katie shakes her head a bit but stops as a pain serges through it.*

"No, I remember..."

*Katie still holds her head she tryed to look through the fog but it only make her head hurt more.*

"...Yesterday I had therpy its going really good too. Hit and run...no thats not what it was...I was forced off the road and than someone pulled me to the side of the road. I...I wasent hit there, I think it was an angel though because she looked like my mom....I...."

*Katie head starts to throp as the thick fog grows. A few tears roll down her face it hurt it hurt alot. She had been asleep for a few days Jason had said, in a coma how was that possable. Kaite can feel herself rock alittle bit as she holds her head.*

"J...whats happend...I..what you said cant be true. I remember we spend the night together watching movies and...the kiss we shaired. I remember it was yesterday."

Do you remember?

Jason is ready to get up and go tell the others that Katie is finally awake, but suddenly he gets the strange feeling that he should talk just a little bit more first.

He furrows his brow slightly. Therapy? What was Katie talking about? Was it just the painkillers that were confusing her? Was she even lucid?

He forces another smile. "You're welcome." Feeling her hand on his arm sends another red flag up in the back of his mind. Why, he wasn't sure. But her touch felt different... Something warned him to proceed with caution.

"Um...Katie... you...haven't had therapy in...quite a while." He leans forward a little, not wanting it to startle her if she really was lucid and not remembering what she should. "You've been in a coma the last couple days from a hit and run. Do you remember?"

Means alot

*Katie looks down at her arm again for a moment. She was a bit confused she couldn't remember breaking her arm but obviously she had. Looking back up at Jason and reaches her good hand out and rests it on Jason's arm.*

"I feel like I have been sleeping for days but it can't be that long I remember going to therapy yesterday when you went to band practice. Whatever those painkillers are they have me on sure are clouding my mind a bit."

*Katie leans her head back on the pillow and lets out a sigh.*

"Thanks for staying with me J. Its means a lot."

Relief

Jason is startled from his drowsy state as he hears Katie's voice, and a wave of relief sweeps over him. "Katie..."

Sitting up straighter, he leans forward, resting an elbow on her bed. He doesn't even know how to express his relief. They all had been scared. But seeing her awake now was what they had all wanted, hoped for, others had prayed for.

He offers her a crooked grin as reassurance to her question. "Seems you got a nasty break in a couple places, but the doctor said you'd be okay in no time."

He pauses, searching Katie's eyes. "How are you feeling?"

Waken

And so the next to days I made my way through the darkness. Letting the light and the voices of friend lead the way. Till finally that light was with in reach and the voices more clear. Than feeling the warmth on my face I step out into the light.

*Slowly Katie opens her eyes. Where was she? She could not remember. Squinting She trys to let her eyes adjust to the dimly lit room. Finally seeing the masheans and the smell of the room she remembered. It felt like she had been in a never ending dream but surly she was only been sleeping a day because she remembered going to therpy yesterday.

Slowly turning her head she see Jason and smiles. That was the face she never tired of, the one she always wanted to see.

Slowly Katie goes to reach her arm out but feels pain course threw it. Sucking in a deep painful breath. Looking down she see her arm is in a sling and becomes confused. What one earth? When had her arm been broken. Slowly she finally speaks.*

"J? What...what happend to my arm?"

Visitors

Something close to a short, dry chuckle comes out at Nate's last statement, though Scott doesn't really find a whole lot of humor in it.

He shakes his head, his gaze dropping back to the floor. "I know she loves me...that's what makes it harder. If she would have told me that she didn't love me anymore, at least I could deal with that rejection...there would be a logical reason for us to part. But knowing she still loves me...and I still lover her...and knowing that we can't be together...it's pure torture. I saw that look in her eye, Nate.... Even though she still loves me, there's nothing I could do to bring her back. She made up her mind, and when Katie makes up her mind, that's that."

Scott fidgets with a loose thread on his jeans. "No...she didn't leave me for Jason per say...but he's the reason." He swallows hard, tears of frustration filling his eyes. "I should have known better. I knew that they were inseparable. I shouldn't have stolen her like I did...I should have just let things be." He takes an angry swipe at his eyes before the tears can fall, but the motion just makes his eyes redder. "And I should have taken that job in Arizona."

Standing abruptly, he heads down the hall. "I'm going back home for a while. Call my cell if something changes."


Jason remains with Katie, leaving only to talk to others or get something to drink and stay awake. Camryn comes to offer a shoulder, and though feeling a little bit awkward, she plays her part the best she can, leaving when she has to go to work.

Con arrives later in the morning and stays for a while, talking with Jason, and talking to Katie for a few minutes too. Seeing no changes and knowing she's stable, he opts to go to work later in the day, asking for updates if anything does change.

As the hours pass, the worry sets in of when Katie will awake. No one knew...no one could tell. Scott comes and goes, not speaking much to any of the others, and avoiding any talk of what everyone seemed to know by now. The news of the breakup had spread like wildfire.

The band comes in during the evening to say hi and see Katie, cracking jokes and making Jason smile even when he didn't feel like it. It was strange...it felt so odd to be here again with everyone...it felt as if they were back to when Katie was here before. Only things were so different now.

The next two days go by slowly. Jason leaves only to take care of Trooper, returning again to sit by Katie's bed, if only to hope that his presence would somehow speed up her recovery. Camryn continues to come see him, bringing him meals and giving him some company, though she leaves again for work and for sleep. Others from TJY come, bringing flowers and talking with others, all worried and praying.


Jason's eyes are closed as a light sleep has taken over. He can hear voices in the hall. He thinks it's Con...Nate...maybe Scott, but Scott had been avoiding interaction the last couple days. Maybe he heard Laura too. HIs mind was weary, his body exhausted, even though he had hardly done anything but remain here. He didn't know if it was his own doing or if Katie's condition was simply draining his energy slowly.

Leaning back in the chair, he doesn't let himself sleep too deeply, his ears hearing the ever constant beeping of machines, alert to any movement Katie might make. It's late evening. Hard to believe another day has passed.

Hero Lost in Time

*Nate looks at Scott. He'd been where he was. He'd been hurt before and lost the one he loved the most. It never felt good.*

"Well first off your not a geek and a nerd if Katie hurd you say that weather you two were together or not she would slap you."

*Nate stops for a moment and continues.*

"Next, if she left you I dont think it was for Jason. She loved you Scott Johnson more than anything. If I know Katie at all she probley thought he was hurting you and thats why she let go. I would never second guess her love for you or think she left for someone alse. That dosent sound like the Katie that always talked so highly of you. I think she did it in a way for you."

*Nate lets out another sigh. This whole thing was a mess and though he dident know what was on Katie's mind he had seen the smile on her face and the laughter in her voice when she was around Scott. How could anyone say she dident love him.*

"I know your not ok Scott, and I dont blame you. Hang in there buddy, and though it hurts know that God has his plans. Your a good guy Scott with a big heart. In time it will heal. Trust me I know. I remember when I lost my fiance. It hurt real bad for a long time even though it was my fault. I cryed so much it wasent funny."

*Nate gives Scott a side long glance.*

"You tell anyone that I'll kill you."

*A small smile forms on Nate's lips.*

And through the darkness a voice was hurd and so I followed the sound.
I closer I got the more light I saw but it felt so far away.
I walked on and on as the memories slowly passed by, but they seemed to do so in reverse.
As though the most recent were whiped away like something horrable had happend my mind was trying to block out and so the timeline was set back.
As if I had hit the reset button.
My feet still moving twords the sound,
I new I had to move on.
What would the world be like with out its Hero's?
Even if the hero was lost in time.

Lullaby

Scott is resting his elbows on his knees and staring at the floor as Nate sits down next to him. He doesn’t bother to look up, unsure whether he appreciates his presence or not.

“If I say yes, I’m lying. If I say no, everyone will just want to help and they can’t. So what should I say?”

He swallows hard and finally straightens to lean his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. The whole evening was just playing itself over and over again in his mind, making him relive the pain in every moment.

Though he knows the statement may not be totally true, it comes out anyway. “My fiancé left me for a man who doesn’t even love her. How am I supposed to be after that?” He grits his teeth, wishing that he would quit feeling like crying. He felt like a baby.

“I guess guys like me are doomed to always live for dreams that will never be realized. It’s the curse of geeks and nerds.”

Scott’s tired, his eyes hurt, and he just wants to run away from everything, but he can’t. “And now this happens and I can’t even respond the way I want to. ‘Cause when she wakes up, nothing will have changed, and me being here will just make things worse.”

He finally turns his head to look at Nate with his reddened eyes. “Now, you tell me if I’m okay or not.”


Laura enters the room quietly and comes up beside the bed, looking down on Katie with a bit of sadness, and a prayer on her mind. She looks to Jason and lays a hand on his shoulder. She knew that he and Katie were only friends, but they were close friends, and it was obvious that this was hard on him.

“Hey, Hotshot, you alright?”

Jason nods. “Yeah…I’m okay. Just isn’t too fun.”

Laura offers a small smile. “I know. She’ll be okay though. She’s too strong not to pull through this.” She cocks her head. “Anything I can do?”

“Actually…” Jason quirks an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t mind calling Camryn, would you?”

Laura is a little surprised, then realizes why he’s asking. “Don’t want to tell her about this yourself, huh?”

“I’m just not sure she understands.”

“I bet she understands more than you think, but yes, I’ll call her for you.” Laura returns to Katie one more time to give her hand a pat. “Come back to us, Katie…” Sighing, she turns and goes back out into the hall to make the phone call.


Jason sits quietly, enveloped by the silence in the room. The others were content to leave Katie be…why wasn’t he? Despite knowing that his relationship with Katie was now built strictly on friendship, he couldn’t deny that their connection made it impossible to ignore each other. He simply couldn’t leave her. He was her life source and she his, whether they liked it or not. And being close to each other strengthened them both, mentally and physically, even if it couldn’t be explained.

His mind drifts to Scott. What had all that been about? Why had Katie broken their engagement? Jason could think of only one reason, and he dreaded finding it out. If it was because of him, he wasn’t sure he would deal with that too well. His connection with Katie could disrupt things sometimes, but surely it could be worked around…couldn’t it? Jason didn’t even want to think about him and Camryn right now. He could only hope that this would not affect things.


As the time passes, soon a mellow voice drifts into the hall, the sweet tone soothing…comforting.

"Don’t fear the night, baby.
Dream now, to my lullaby.
Settle that deep soul of yours,
You’re safe here tonight.

Hush now, sleep now,
Don’t be afraid.
You’re safe now, You’re here now,
Let your dreams take flight.

Don’t let those shadows scare you,
I’m here by your side.
Happiness awaits you,
Close your eyes.

Hush now, sleep now,
Don’t be afraid.
You’re safe now, You’re here now,
Let your dreams take flight.

Hush now, sleep now,
Don’t be afraid.
You’re safe now, You’re here now,
Let your dreams take flight.

Mmm…hush now…
Oh sleep now…
Mmm…shhhh."

Memorie

* Nate takes Laura into a hug as he see her resting his head on hers. Times like this Nate valued life a little more as he was reminded how fast things can change. Holding her close for a moment he finally draws away.*

"She has a broken arm and the Dr. suspects brain damage but they wont know more till Katie wakes up. Its just one big mess and know one knows what happened. I over hurd Scott saying Katie called off there engagment but we dont know what thats about eather."

*Nate gives a small sigh and leans down giving Laura a kiss and than letting go.*

"Why dont you go in and see Katie. I'm going to check on Scott."

*Stepping way Nate makes his way over to Scott and sits down. For along moment he is silent before speaking.*

"Are you going to be ok Scott? Care to talk about what happend? I mean I know it hurts right now but we all have a hole in what on earth went on here. Though right now I just wanna make sure your ok."

Even when your asleep a mind wonders. When the rest of your body lays dorment the brain still shifts and moves through time. Sometimes as memories, sometimes of things that might come, and sometimes of things we want to happen. But not many people know that. To them we are asleep, almost dead. They don't know that if they talk to us our brain will react and grip for that bit of light that was shining in the darkness. Maybe if people new this they would talk more to there loved ones and they could come out of there Comas sooner. Maybe, Maybe Katie would have to remember that and tell that to someone someday.

As her mind goes through her memories as fast as they come they start to fade. In the darkness Katie stood trying to remember but only coming up blank. What had happened? The Car accident. That's right, memories of the car Crash enter her mind. That's why she was here alone in the dark. Her wonderful car destroyed. That memories finished more come up, and go away. In that darkness of lost memories Katie couldn't help but feel a sadness looming but what it was she dident know.

Hurting

Looking up as the door opens, the three men rise from their chairs to receive the news about Katie. There was relief. But worry still persisted. Brain damage was so unpredictable.

Jason nods at Dr. Fuller. “Thank you.” Taking a deep breath, he leads the way to Katie’s room. It’s stark and quiet, except for the beeping monitors. For a moment, Jason is taken back in time. It felt all too familiar here. He and Katie had spent an awful lot of time in this same hospital after her car accident. How long would it be this time?

Easing down into a chair, Jason rests his chin on his hands, just watching her. His headache persists, but he knew that nothing he could take would ease it. Not while Katie was still asleep like this.

Rick moves close to Katie’s bed and sighs. “Oh, Katie…what happened, hmm?” He pats her hand. “Don’t stay gone for too long. We need you back.” He pauses for a few moments, then turns to leave, looking between Jason and Nate. “I still can’t get a hold of Scott. I’m going to go see if he’s home now. If he’s not, I’m going to assume there was foul play all around.”

Jason barely gives him a nod. He didn’t know what to do. But he was just as glad Rick was volunteering for that job.

Suddenly a thought strikes him. Camryn. He hadn’t called her. He needed to. But he wanted to get his thoughts halfway in order first.


...The television creates a glow in Scott’s living room, no other lights on in the house. A news anchor rattles on about the stock market, the noise droning in the background.

Scott hears his telephone ring again, his swollen eyes forced open by the sound. His answering machine was shut off. He didn’t know who would be calling him at this hour, nor did he care. Usually it would be something from TJY at this time, but he didn’t want to go in to work. He didn’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone.

Curling up a little tighter on the couch, his head sinks further into his wet pillow. Desired sleep was only accomplished with help from aspirin for his headache. If only there was a pill for heartache.

Domino cuddles up next to him, heaving a little sigh. She was confused by her master’s behavior, and it was apparent she was trying to make him feel better as she nuzzles his hand.

Scott strokes her head for a moment, then retreats again, shutting out the world…

The next time his eyes open, it’s to the sound of his doorbell. A bit of fear creeps into his veins. The last time he’d had a late night caller, he’d been attacked. But this could be connected to the phone calls too. He didn’t have much of a choice this time.

Domino jumps off the couch and runs to the door, barking. Scott pulls himself up off the couch. His eyes were still swollen and red, and they hurt as much as his head did. Stumbling through the living room, he knocks over his stack of empty mountain dew cans with a clatter.

Ignoring them, he goes to the door, picking up his handgun on the way. He’d never kept a gun in the house until that last incident, and wasn’t going take any chances. Resting a hand on the doorknob, he calls out, his voice hoarse and scratchy. “Who is it?”

“It’s Rick.”

Scott lifts an eyebrow and cautiously opens the door. Seeing it is indeed Rick, he opens it all the way, lowering his weapon.

Rick holds up his hands. “Whoa, it’s just me.”

Scott leans on the door, closing his eyes for a moment. The last thing he wanted was to go into work. “Rick, what do you want?”

Rick quirks an eyebrow at the sound of Scott’s voice. Studying his friend’s face, he realizes that something isn’t right. “Are you…okay?”

Scott looks at him again, tired and irritated at the intrusion. “No I’m not, but I’m guessing you didn’t come here to ask me that.”

“Actually, that was part of it.” Rick’s concern persists. Had Scott been…crying? “What happened?”

“Nothing, alright?” Scott leaves the door to go put his gun away. “What do you want?”

Rick sighs. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for hours.”

“Yeah, so you’re the one that’s been waking me up.”

Rick frowns. “Scott…Katie’s in the hospital.”

Scott whirls around, his heart seeming to stop. “What?”

“It was a hit and run. She’s been at the hospital for hours.”

Scott’s eyes widen, his jaw dropping. “Is she…”

“She’s okay. She’s got a broken arm and the doctor said it looks like there’s some brain damage. But she’s alive and resting.”

Scott’s pulse starts to race. “How did you…”

“It was Jason. He found her.”

Scott’s not sure how to react to that one. Of course it had been Jason. Who else? “Alright, give me a minute. I’ll come with you.”

Rick can’t help but notice the strain in Scott’s voice. He’d expected a worse reaction. What was going on? He decides it better not to ask, though, and simply waits.

Within minutes, Scott is following Rick across town towards the hospital…


Scott grits his teeth against his emotions as he enters the small room. Seeing Katie in the bed, still and lifeless makes the tears want to start all over again, but he holds them back. Seeing Jason there just makes his awkwardness worse. But he moves forward anyway.

Jason rises from his chair as he sees him. “Scott…I’m glad Rick found you.”

“Yeah.” Scott gives a little nod, moving closer to the bed.

Jason swallows hard, sensing an odd tension. “I’ll leave you alone.” He starts for the door, but Scott stops him.

“There’s no need, Jason.”

Jason stops and turns, now noticing the look on Scott’s face. Something was wrong. “Why?”

Scott looks down, then away. “She’d probably want you around more than me right now anyway.”

Jason shifts back closer to Scott, forcing him to look at him. “What are you talking about?”

Scott reaches down and runs his fingers along Katie’s hand, the back of his mind repeating a prayer over and over that she would be okay. “She called off our engagement.” Saying the words aloud hurt more than he expected and the tears sting his eyes. “Look, I’ll be out in the hall for a while. Let me know if something changes.” Before Jason can stop him, he steps back out into the hall and aims for the restroom, avoiding Rick and Nate.

Shocked, Jason watches Scott leave the room, and sinks back down into the chair. What on earth had happened?


Laura turns the corner and seeing Nate, comes up to him, giving him a hug. “How is she?”

Absalution

So the ambulince came and did what they could. To the hospetil they moved, and now the waiting game that was played so many times before starts.

How unfair life can be to watch the ones we hold close dieing in our arms. Time seems to drag and no one can work fast enough, not an ambulince, not the trip to the hospetil. It seems the doctures and nurses arnt working to get the one we love inside fast enough. Sometimes we wait for absalution that we will never come and the time slowly continues.

*Nate makes his way to the hospetil after being called on what happen. He and Katie wernt close but he though it right to be there anyways.*

The hours slowly pass and the tention grows as no word comes. High stung and worryed about what was to happ make everything uncomfortable. Till finally the doors open and the Dr. steps out.

*Dr.Fuller exits the operating room and walks over to the waiting party. A bit saprised to see Nate again she just gives a nod. The look on her face held a look that did not offer hope. It held an unsurnis for the future.*

"Katie is....alive for the most part right now. Her arm was broken in 3 places, but no other bones broken witch is saprising to say the least. However, Katie has suffered a bit of brain damage. I'm not certin the exspent at the moment, but it's never usally a good thing. With any luck and alot of praying we can only hope it wont be anything major. She's resting now and I am not sure when she will wake up. But she can hear you and your more than welcome to go in and see her."

Desperate

Scott stares out at the lake, the wind forming small whitecaps on the water. The cool wind mimicked the coldness he felt had washed over his heart. He’d faced disappointments in life. He’d faced trials. He’d faced hard circumstances. But nothing compared to this feeling. It was despair. It was hurt. It was sorrow in its purist form.

Looking up to the sky, Scott glares at the gray clouds that threatened to rain into the dark evening. No one was around to hear him except the One he was talking to. “Why?!” he shouts. “Why? Did I do something wrong? Did I make such a big mistake that I deserved this punishment? I thought it’s what You wanted! Can I not be allowed this small happiness? Is it so bad to love someone?!”

His hand finds its way into his pocket and he draws out the diamond ring. Gritting his teeth, he looks at the sparkling stone with a knowledge that it would never rest on Katie’s finger again. He had seen that look in her eye, and he knew beyond a doubt that he could spend eternity begging, and she would not come back. This ring was only a sore reminder of that fact.

With a cry of anguish, Scott hurls the ring into oblivion where it’s swallowed by a wave. As it sinks to the bottom of the lake, so too does Scott’s heart.

Standing only a few minutes longer, he turns and trudges back to his car. It was going to be a long drive home. Getting into his car he sees he's missed a call on his phone, but he ignores it. He didn't want to talk to anyone right now.


“…so the guys figured if we did it that way, we might get a better response.” Jason takes another bite of his steak, forcing himself to keep his mind occupied with small talk and chatter with Camryn.

She smiles and takes a sip of her water. “Sounds good. You guys are getting better all the time, you know that?”

Jason shrugs and chuckles. “Yeah, when I can keep my head in the game.”

Camryn laughs. “You do a good job, Jase. Don’t kid yourself. Half the audience is there to see you.”

“Yeah, well they should be there to see the entire band.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being the star.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Whatever.” His fork is halfway to his mouth, when suddenly an instant of panic hits his system with force. Though lasting only as long as a flash of lightning, it’s enough to jolt him from his thoughts, his fork clattering back down on his plate.

Camryn looks at him with surprise. “You alright?”

Jason stares at the table. What had that been? He puts a hand to his forehead, a slight headache all of a sudden present.

“Hello…” Camryn waves at him.

He barely even hears her as his mind tries to figure out what was happening. As much as he has tried to ignore these feelings, he can’t. He doesn’t even realize that he’s whispering aloud. “No…”

Camryn tilts her head to try and see his eyes. “Jason…what’s wrong?”

He finally jerks his head to look up at her, his eyes pleading for her to understand. This couldn’t be happening now…it couldn’t…but it was. “I…I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.”

Rising from the table, he leaves his napkin behind and heads to the foyer to pull out his cell phone. He’d never been the one to the rescue before, but lately he’d sensed disturbances, proving his connection with Katie had grown stronger. Unlike her though, he had no clue as to what it might be.

Dialing Katie’s phone, he waits until he reaches her voice mail. Sighing, he hangs up. Next, he tries Scott. No answer there either. He rubs his forehead again. “Think, Jason, think.” Was it really something that wrong? Was he misinterpreting this feeling? The more he thought about it, the worse he felt. He couldn’t deny it…something was definitely wrong.

Heading back to the table, he doesn’t sit back down. “Camryn…I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“Why? What’s wrong? What happened?”

“It’s…” Jason doesn’t want to tell her. For the first time, he now realized how Katie must have felt all those times she’d come running to him, even when she’d been with others. “It’s nothing, don’t worry, alright? I just have to get to work.”

Camryn assumes he’s forgotten something at TJY or perhaps his phone had been on vibrate and he’d received a call, not made one. She understood his responsibilities and nods. “Okay. Call me later?”

“Yeah.” Jason leans down to give her a kiss, then makes his way quickly out of the restaurant. Getting to his truck, he takes a moment to think. Now what? He wasn’t Katie. He didn’t know where she was like she always knew where he was. He just felt…a disturbance. He couldn’t explain it any other way.

It takes him just ten minutes to make it to TJY, and he half runs, half limps inside, hoping Rick was still there. He’s in luck. Finding the light on in the infirmary, he burst inside.

Rick looks up from his paperwork in surprise. “Jason! What’s wrong?”

“I need to find Katie.”

“Well she’s not here…”

“I know…I…it’s…”

“Slow down.” Rick gets up from his desk and moves closer. “What happened?”

“I don’t know.” Jason throws up his arms in frustration. “Something’s wrong. That’s all I know. Katie’s hurt.”

“Hurt?”

“Yes.”

“And you don’t know where she is?”

“No. I think she and Scott were going out tonight. I called both of them and got no answers.”

“And you came here because…”

Jason sighs. “I don’t know. You’re the first person I thought of. I need your help.”

“Well do you want to go look for her?”

Jason nods. He couldn’t think of anything else. He felt ridiculous, but what else was he supposed to do?


“…Okay, so she’s not at home.” Rick hangs up his own cell phone as he rides with Jason across town. “And we drove by Scott’s, and no one is there. So…where would they have gone out?”

“I have no idea.” Jason’s eyes rove the surroundings as he drives aimlessly.

“So you can’t actually feel her.”

“No.”

“And you can’t find her like she…”

“No!” Jason slams as hand on the steering wheel. “I’ve told you it doesn’t work that way. She can tell you where I am at almost any given time, but it’s a one way street!”

“Alright, alright, calm down.” Rick frowns as several raindrops splatter on the windshield. “Try to concentrate…you apparently knew something was wrong. Try to draw on that. What does it tell you?”

Jason tries to concentrate while he drives. He recalls the feeling, tries to pinpoint it. “It was drawing out emotions like always. But not just in a general sense. It like…pinpointed panic and drew that out specifically.”

As he speaks, the feeling of the emotional pull seems to shift slightly, getting almost fainter. He slams on the brakes, almost sending Rick through the windshield.

Rick braces his hands on the dashboard and looks to Jason with surprise. “What is it?”

“I’m going the wrong way.” The realization hits Jason hard and he spins the truck around, doing a u-turn in the middle of the street. Gunning it, he squeals back the other direction. “Help me out here…what restaurants are down here?”

“Um…” Rick tries to think “Pizza Box…that bar and grill…LaTife’s Steakhouse…”

Jason turns on the windshield wipers as his mind works overtime. Going several blocks, he feels the shift again, and again, the pull growing ever-so-slightly fainter. Again, he slams on the breaks and spins around.

“Would you make up your mind?” Rick asks in annoyance, finally having sense enough to put on his seatbelt.

“I’m trying, okay?! I need to make a left or right turn.”

“Well if you go left, you’re heading out of town. If Scott and Katie stayed in town, you better go right.”

Jason takes his advice and after just a couple blocks, he takes a right turn. The pull grew slightly stronger. “Okay…we’re going the right way. Keep naming restaurants.”

It takes another fifteen minutes, several stops, turns, u-turns, backtracks and five more minutes before Jason is heading down a back street behind a family diner.

“There!” Rick points. “Katie’s car!”

Relief hits Jason. But his feeling that something is wrong persists. Stopping the truck in the middle of the road, he glances around. Suddenly he spots a form on the side of the street and his heart leaps into his throat. “Oh, no.” Barely taking the time to throw the truck in park, he’s out into the rain, sprinting for the lifeless body.

“Jason!” Rick is right behind him, worried, but taking more caution.

Jason skids to a stop, sliding down next to Katie. “Katie…” He pushes her hair out of her face, feeling sick as he sees the blood on the ground. Putting his fingers to her neck he finds a weak pulse. “Katie, can you hear me?”

“Jason, don’t move her.” Rick already has his phone out and is dialing 911. “Yes, we have an emergency. I need an ambulance right away at the corner of…” he squints at he street signs. “Seventh and Pearson. Behind Daisy’s Diner.”

Jason’s emotions want to explode, and he can feel his chest tighten as he tries to keep them back.

Rick’s off the phone in a matter of seconds, and knees down by Katie, starting to check her over. “Get her head off the ground,” he directs, but move her carefully. There may be spine damage.”

Jason does as he’s told, situating himself so Katie’s head is in his lap. “What happened?”

“It looks like she got hit by a car.” Rick tries to maintain his composure, while his insides were screaming at him in terror at seeing Katie like this. All they could do now was wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Jason strokes Katie's head, desperate to stay calm. "Come on, Hero," he whispers. "Hang in there...you can't leave me, you know that."

Hit and Run

*Katie can see the pain on Scott's face. The tears in his eyes just showed it even more. Katie's heart we out to him and she hated herself for causing him so much pain. Receving his kiss Katie kiss back, knowing all to well this would be the last. She wanted to reach out and grab him, stop him from walking away and say she was joking but she couldent. She new it would only cause more pain and she dident want that to happen to Scott. She could only wish now that he would be ok.

Katie eyes follow Scott as he walks outside the tears finally falling from her face. Softly she speaks.*

"And the Hero must let go of it all, everything close to them that they love in order for them to be free and so the Hero is destined to walk alone "

*Katie sits for a while longer stairing down at her food. She wasent hungry anymore and she just dident feel good. Her head hurt, she felt tired and her heart acked. Her finger felt nakked too.

Finally standing Katie gives a shake of her head and exits the restront as a crash of thunder sounds and lighting strikes. The weather matches the mood and happings of tonight. Katie roundes the couner to the back. Her car was parked across the street. Starting across the street Katie keeps her head down till the sound of tired squealing can be hurd. Looking up she see a car coming at her head on there was no time to move no time to react. The car hit her with suck impart she remembered the pain, and flying through the air. Than...everything went blank.

Katie's lifeless body lays on the ground blood pooling from her mouth, her face scratched up and bleeding, Gashs making pools of blood as well. Her arm bent so strange it would make one cringe. Her breathing shallow as the car speads away. Raindrops start to fall hiting Katie's mangled face as if to wake her, but fails. Laying unmoving.*

Broken Heart

As Katie’s words hit Scott’s ears, the world seems to stop. Pure shock hits his heart like being unexpectedly hit with a bucket of ice water. Almost forgetting to breathe, he just stares at her eyes.

Blinking, he wants to reply, but the words seem garbled and stuck before they can reach his vocal cords. His mouth opens slightly, but no sound comes.

He had feared tension, he had feared hard times and he had feared needing to work through abnormal circumstances. The last couple days he had feared that they would have to make some tough choices. But he hadn’t been prepared for anything as drastic as this.

Scott simply stares at Katie, reading her face…analyzing her eyes. Every fiber in his being wanted to fight. Every part of his mind screamed at him to argue…to talk this thing through…to convince her they could work it out…to somehow change her mind.

But as he looks upon her, the truth is shown. Had it been anyone else…had she any other look in her eye…he would have tried. How he would have tried. But it was too late. She had made up her mind. The feelings were like black and white written all over her face. There was simply nothing that Scott could say or do that could change her mind. Someone else might have argued…someone else might have tried anyway. But doing so now would only bring more pain. And more pain than what was already being felt would be unbearable.

Tears well up in Scott’s eyes and he finally closes his mouth, swallowing hard. He looks down at the table and picks up the ring they had so carefully picked out. The one that had sealed their engagement. The one that had shown the world that she was his.

Fingering it for a moment, he finally takes it and tucks it into his jeans pocket. Standing up, he silently dons his jacket, retrieving his wallet to leave money for both their meals.

Taking a step towards the door, he pauses by Katie, his face etched with the pain of a heart shattered into a million pieces. Again, no words want to come. Reaching down, he tilts her chin with a gentle finger, and leans in to leave a soft kiss on her lips. Straightening again, his eyes prove his heart’s grief of knowing that would be the last.

Before his will to be strong breaks, Scott heads for the door. Almost running into someone else, he stumbles to the side before pushing his way out onto the sidewalk, aiming for his car.

Long gone

*Katie studys her food taking a bite of her sandwhich. A distress, a storm cloud looming for what was to come. Katie hated today she wishes that everything was normal. She wished her and Jason were normal but she new that wasent possable and she couldent keep it up.*

"Silly little Domino."

*Katie takes another small bite of her burger though she wasent hungry she tryed to eat alittle anyways. Looking up at Scott Katie twirls her ring on her finger. She hated what was to come next.*

"Scott, we need to talk..and...its not a good one."

*Katie looks out the window before looking back at Scott her own tears pooled behind her eyes though she kept them in. Slowly Katie still twirls the ring on her finger absitlymindly.*

"I love you, I love you alot. More than anything in this world and thats why I have to do what I am doing becuase its not fair to you, and it would hold you back. Its just not healthy."

*Slowly Katie slips the ring off her finger and slids it across the table to Scott.*

"I'm sorry but I cant marry you, and I cant be your girlfriend. As long as I have this connection with Jason I cant be with you because its not fair to you. Having me run to another man when he is hurt its just not fair and though you dont say it I can see the pain it caues you and I dont want that I love you to much. I'm sorry Scott. I would tell you I want to still be friends but I know it would be hard. So right now I wont say that. I just hope that maybe one day we can be. You mean so much and this hurts so much."

*A few tears finally escape Katie's eye as she searches Scott's face. She hated this she hated losing the one she loved the most.*

Dinner

Scott studies Katie's eyes for a moment, a strange foreboding sense coming over him. A lurch to his stomach follows. Something wasn't right. In the back of his mind, a fear rested...one that had risen not forty-eight hours earlier. He pushed it further back. Denied it. It was nothing.

Returning Katie's smile, he gives her hand a squeeze. "Okay. Nothing fancy." He shrugs. "I'm alright today. As well as can..."

"Scott!" Susanne's desperate voice rings out.

Scott can't help his wry grin spreading. "...be expected," he finishes his statement. "I'll catch you later after I've rescued the damsel in distress over there." Spinning around, he jogs for Susanne's office. "I'm coming... Help is on the way!"


Carson grins at Mabel as she hands him the paperwork. "I should be an expert by now," he comments wryly. After all the jobs he'd had lately, this was familiar stuff. He gives a wave to the back. "Hey, Herb."

Things were looking a little more positive today. He still wasn't convinced that he could do a good job here or that Herb would really still want him around after a week of screwing things up, but...it was the best he had right now. There were far worse places to work. And it had made Misty happy too, knowing that he'd gotten a job again.

Finishing out the paperwork takes a while longer than he thought it would, so when he's finished, lunch is starting to be served. Not waiting for a cue from Herb, Carson goes right to the back and throws on an apron. "Alright...where we at?"

It's another hectic lunch hour. Mom and Pop's had always been popular with a handful of people, but it was gaining popularity, and if anyone wanted a good table for lunch, they had to arrive early.

Carson does his best and ends up only dropping a plate once, and burned only one meal. He finds it a little easier to keep up today, but still feels awkward. He just seems to be all thumbs, and constantly has to ask Herb what to do or where things are. Needed out at the tables once, taking an order takes twice as long as it should have, so by the time he's back in the kitchen, he's even more ill at ease.

Soon though, the rush is over, and he's given a short break until preparations needed to be made for the evening meals.

Sitting on a stool at the counter, he folds his arms and rests his head on them. What was he really cut out for? Now that he no longer was who he used to be...involved in the things he used to do... he was left...empty. What was out there for him now? If he could ever get the swing of things here, it was okay, but was he just supposed to work in a kitchen the rest of his life?

The bell over the door catches his attention and he raises his head to look back. Seeing Con, he lifts his eyebrows.

Con enters Mom and Pop's, ducking under the bell, and is followed by Bret and a couple other guys from the Titan site. All looked like they'd been working hard all day and were covered in dirt and sweat.

Con approaches the counter and gives a nod to Carson. "Well, hi there."

"Hey, how ya doing?"

"Not bad....hungry." Con grins and looks into the back at Mabel. "Hey, future mother-in-law of mine - you got any grub for five hungry men?"

"Four men and one tank!" Bret yells back.

Con gives him a whack upside the head. "Be nice."

"It was a compliment!"

"Sure it was." Con smirks and stets himself down on a stool next to Carson. "So what's up?"

"Not much." Carson nods to the kitchen. "They got me working here now."

"Oh yeah? That's cool. They'll take good care of ya here." He throws a wink in Aerith's direction. "I bet you can testify to that."

Carson gives a small chuckle. "Yeah...I know they will."

Con cocks his head. "But...?"

"But what?"

"There's a but in your statement. You don't sound too sure."

"Oh, I don't know. Carson shrugs. "Guess I'm just wondering if this is what I'll be doing from here on out. Doesn't feel like it has much of a purpose to me."

Con knew the feeling. He knew it all too well. "I guess I've thought the same thing about myself sometimes."

"You? You've got a good job, don't you?"

"Oh sure, it's alright." Con nods. "But it's not TJY."

"But you walked away from it."

"I did." Con nods. "But that doesn't mean I don't miss it." He looks down at the counter for a moment, then back up at Carson. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about working there again...when I was there I felt like I had purpose...every day I was helping do help other people. Then going out on a mission or being a body guard was what I was really good at. It was my passion."

"So...what happened?"

Con lifts an eyebrow and looks at Carson, a bit of humor showing in his eyes. His look said it all.

Carson glances down. "Oh." It had been after Jamie had been taken...Carson was partly to blame for that chain of events. Con hadn't been able to stand things anymore after that.

"Yeah, well...things happen." Con shrugs.

Carson looks back up at him. "Do you wished you hadn't left?"

"Sometimes. But..." Con taps his deaf ear. "I couldn't do what I used to do anyway. Reese would put me in an office and I don't know if I could handle that. Being around the action but never in it...it would be hard."

"But at least you'd be back helping people."

"True."

Bret can't help but overhear their conversation, and interrupts, speaking to Con. "Brandon's family sure seemed to think you had purpose at Titan."

Con purses his lips and nods slowly. "Yes...yes, I've seen purpose in my job with Titan." He looks at Carson again. "You can find purpose anywhere at any job as long as your heart's in the right place."

"And where is that?"

"With God."

The statement is so matter-of-fact that it almost surprises Carson. He remembers Herb's reference to God the day before. He was hearing a lot about that lately. It was something he'd never put much stock in, but the people around here seemed to really believe in that stuff. His eyes rove to Bret who is concentrating on a menu. It was obvious that he didn't quite share the same sentiments. But...for the first time, Carson considered this subject food for thought.

Seeing the men placing orders, Carson takes the initiative to go help Herb again, even though he might not be needed. Keeping busy was a plus at this point in the game.


Jason sits in his office, staring at his computer as he types.

"Hey, Mom. Glad you finally got set up with email at the house. Easier than writing letters and cheaper than phone calls.
Yeah, I'm doing great. No worries. Everything is going smoothly. My knee is great - almost as good as new. Camryn and I are doing well, too. She's talking wedding plans now. She and I want to come visit soon.
Yep, the camping trip was great. Back earlier than planned, but we had a fun time. Kyle and Phil are always a riot.
Not a whole not more going on.
Talk to ya soon.
Love, Jase"

Jason frowns at his email, feeling deceitful. But he doesn't change it, and instead, clicks "Send." Leaning back in his chair, he looks at his clock. It was late...he should be going home. But Camryn was coming by and they were going to go out together so he was just going to wait for her here. She hadn't sounded too thrilled on the phone when Jason had asked her...he hoped she was just having a bad day but something warned him that it was more than that, and he avoided thinking too much about it. It was probably nothing.


Scott chews on a french fry and looks across the little diner table at Katie as they eat their supper. Things had been quiet tonight. Scott knew that Katie wasn't feeling the greatest after everything that had been happening lately, but tried his best to cheer her up. "So Domino is looking forward to our ice cream run on Friday. The weather is supposed to be good, so I told her if she behaved we'd take her for a stroll on the beach." He grins. "I think all she understood was "go" because she went to the door all set to leave, but I told her anyway."

First day

*Katie smiles up at Scott. Much was on her mind today. The feeling of sadness loomed in her as she new there was something she had to do but hated doing it. She loved Scott and for that fact it hurt her even more.

Reaching out Katie rests her hand on Scott for a moment silence raining. Than looking up she gives a nod.*

"Dinner sounds good but nothing to fancy this time."

*Katie trys to give the best smile she can.*

"How are you today Scott?"

*Mable comes out of the backroom carrying a stack of papers. Seeing Carson she smiles and put them down in front of him.*

"Good Morning Hun. I'm glad you got here early. Seeing as your in the kitchen there is a bunch of non normale stuff you need to fill out."

*Mable runs through the papers with Carson fast explaining them one by one with him fast before leaving to finish her opening Shift as Aerith takes care of customers that were present already.*

"If you need any help with those feel free to ask. I have a hard time myself with them."

*Herb gives a wave as he see Carson come in.*

The sun

Scott sets the small bouquet of flowers on Katie’s desk, not needing to leave a note. She would know who they were from. Ambling back to his own office, Scott’s mind goes to places he wished it wouldn’t. Why he was scared for the future, he didn’t know. He’d been so sure about everything…what had happened? He felt as though he were grasping at straws now.

Sighing, he gets back to his office and tries to do some work. He hadn’t seen Katie in a while and hoped she was doing okay. After last night, he couldn’t help but worry a bit about her.


Jason understood exactly what Katie was saying, and he knew exactly how she felt. But there were no words he could even think of saying that would be anywhere near what they should be. So he simply says nothing.

As Katie gets up to leave, he gives her a nod. “Yeah…let’s just hope I don’t need ya again today, eh? We both need a break.” He forces a wry grin for her. “Relaxing sounds good. I wish I knew how.”

Shaking his head, he gets up too. “I guess I’m going to try and get some work done while Rick isn’t here to hold me down.”

Following Katie out of the infirmary, he splits off from her as he comes to his office, and enters, closing the door behind him.

Leaning back against it, he thinks for several moments, desperately trying to sort through everything, while at the same time trying not to get sick again. His body’s rejection of the meds had done a number on him.

After a moment, he goes to his desk and sinks into his chair, picking up his phone and dialing. Waiting a moment and hearing the message, he speaks. “Camryn, it’s me. I know you’re at work, I just wanted to say hi, and wondered if you wanted to come over to the house tonight. I could use the company…”


Winding clocks back might give one the impression that time has been saved. But no matter how hard one might try to trick the passage of hours, time can’t be stopped. No matter how hard one might try to pause the sun in the sky in order to gain just one more moment, that star will not be stopped. It will still move across the sky. It will still set. And it will still rise again, to announce the new dawn.


Scott heads across the main floor, aiming for his office, but taking a side trip to Katie’s cubicle first. He’d seen her car in the lot and was glad that she was feeling well enough to come in today. Last night, both had gone their separate ways, too tired to plan any activities.

“Mornin’.” He smiles as he leans over the top of her cubicle. “How’s my beautiful fiancé doing today?” He cocks his head. “Thought maybe we could try at that dinner again tonight.”


Jason drags himself through his morning routines, feeling as though he’s been run over by a truck. He’d already called Reese to tell him he’d be in late. He just couldn’t seem to get in gear this morning.

His knee felt as though it could explode, his head hurt, and he was tired. Last night had been alright… Camryn had come over and they’d been able to relax, both falling asleep on the couch until she’d woken up late and gone home. For some reason though, there had been a slight awkwardness added to the mix. One that Jason loathed and feared. He didn’t like it…and he was determined to get rid of it. No matter how strange the circumstances, he didn’t want to feel awkward around Camryn or her around him. There was no need for it.

Finally ready to go, Jason calls Trooper to come with him, and heads out the door to go to TJY.


Carson makes it to Mom and Pop’s early…earlier than he needed to, but there was nothing else to do. Entering the restaurant, he heads straight to the counter, looking for Mabel.

Stormy Sky

*As Katie feels Jason's arm around her shoulder she sits up. The comfort was nice, and she could feel her headach starting to go away. Katie lets out a sigh. She dident know or understand why this was so hard eather. Things were going good and now this was added on.*

"I'm sorry Jason this has been heck on you and I'm sorry there is no way to fix it. I'm sorry its not fair to Camryn. Why does everything have to be so confusing. It seems like just yesterday everything was ok and good. Now its just messed up."

*Katie slids off the bed and goes to the window looking out for a moment. Giving a shake of her head she looks away. The sky was so bright outside, and it looked nice. But for the first time in a while Katie dident feel like smiling and it felt like the darksky in her mind was shielding the happyness from outside from geing to her. She wasent sad, she was just confused and she new she was hurting people. That was the last time she wanted. She new what she had to do, but she dreaded doing it. Steping away Katie takes a few steps to the door.*

"I'm tired, I think I am gonna head home. If you need me, well...ya you know what to do. Try and relax J ok."

Just frustrated

Rick grimaces at himself. “I’m sorry, Katie. Just relax a while.” He was so intrigued by this whole thing, that he had to remind himself not to push too much. These two young people were going through more than he could imagine.

Jason finally looks over to Katie. He was upset, he was angry, but part of him was sorry too. He knew he wasn’t making this any easier on her. He was just so frustrated. Forcing his anger to the side, he pulls out an emotional apology for her. It might not have been the greatest in the world, but it was the best he could do.

Rick can sense the weariness hanging in the room, and feels badly. He really did wish there was something he could do…but he’d told Jason the truth – he didn’t think this thing could be dissolved.

Turning around, he picks up the printouts he’s been working with and prepares to take them into his office. Nodding to Misty, he requests her assistance. “Misty, would you come with me a minute while I file these?”

Once Rick and Misty are gone, Jason lets out a long, slow sigh. Why did this whole thing have to be this difficult? Looking at Katie again, he just feels worse. But he couldn’t just keep on ignoring communication. He’d like to…he’d like to just forget about all of this, bury it and move on. But…it just couldn’t happen that way.

Finally, Jason gets to his feet and walks slowly to the bed, sitting down next to Katie. Reaching over, he pulls her up so he can wrap an arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry…I guess I’m just frustrated.”

2 Min ago

*Katie lets out a long tired sigh. For some reason Jason's words hurt. Katie trys to think past it though not helping but flinching as a few of Jason's emotions find there way though.

Katie keeps her gaze to the ground. She was tired and dident have the energy to fight. She had so many things running in her head it wasent funny she was having her own hard time keeping everything strate.

As Rick asks Katie if she can controll this new development Katie cant help but let out a dry laugh.*

"Rick how can I controll something i dident even know I had till 2 minutes ago? I dont think I even know how I could start to contoll it."

*Katie brings her hands to her head as she leans back on the bed a headach setting in.*

*Aerith smiles to Carson.*

"Will do, see you tomarrow."

Discouraged

Jason keeps his eyes focused on the far wall instead of meeting anyone else’s gaze. Katie’s touch to his arm sends a shock through his system, and he almost flinches. It’s not a painful shock…it’s more of a sensation like pulling the plug in a bathtub full of water. All of his emotional energy seems to collect and flow in her direction instead of bouncing around inside of him. Now he knew why her presence had affected him the night before.

As Katie draws away, the sensation stops. Jason still refuses to look at anyone. Katie might not be scared…but he was. He wasn’t getting used to this. He hated it more every day.

“I’m sorry the meds didn’t work too,” he mutters. “There’s got to be something else. There has to be a way to stop this.”

Rick sighs and crosses his arms, looking between Katie and Jason. “What if there isn’t, Hotshot? What if anything you do will make you sick?”

“Then let me get sick. I don’t care.”

“Oh, come on.” Rick frowns at him. “Stop with the attitude. This isn’t the end of the world.”

“No?” Jason pulls himself up to sit, one arm wrapped around his stomach as it threatens to revolt again. “What if you were in my shoes? What if you had a bizarre connection and a need to be with a woman who wasn’t your wife?”

Rick quirks an eyebrow.

Jason nods. “Yeah, see? Not so great, is it? You fall down, taken over by flashback, Janet comes rushing in and can’t do a thing – all she can do is watch you as you die a slow and painful death. Then some other woman shows up and you’re good to go. How does that feel? And how would that make Janet feel?” His gaze turns into a glare. “I have a life that I am bound and determined to pursue, and I’ll be hanged if this gets in the way. Katie has a life too and she deserves to live it without running to my rescue all the time. It’s not fair.” All of a sudden, unexpected tears pool behind Jason’s eyes and he fights for control. “It’s just not fair.”

Sliding off the bed, Jason heads for the door.

Rick lets out a sigh. “Jason, wait. Stay here and rest a while.”

“Why?” Jason spins back around, blocking his anger from Katie, but it’s evident in his eyes. “You’re not willing to help me find something to fix this.”

“I want to help!” Rick states emphatically. “I just don’t think this thing can be ‘fixed.’ Now I’d appreciate it if you’d stay in here at least until we know there won’t be any more ill effects from those meds. Maybe there’s another formula we can try – I just don’t like the risk.”

Jason shakes his head, not even knowing what to do anymore. “Fine.” He slumps down in a chair instead of the bed.

Rick purses his lips in thought, satisfied that Jason is still within sight, but now he wants to know more about Katie. Turning to her, he offers her a reassuring smile. “Apparently you can draw out emotions of other people too… Have you tried doing it on purpose? It would be good if that can be controlled…otherwise when you’re upset, everyone in your path is going to be affected.” He gives a little chuckle. “It might be kind of funny to an outsider to watch, but…my guess is that you can control it just like Jason can control what his emotions do.”


Carson isn’t sure how to respond…Herb liked him? That was new and…unexpected. But he couldn’t complain. He might feel like an idiot, but it was a job. Even if it didn’t last longer than a week, that was one more week of pay to put towards his rent.

Finishing off his soda pop, he stands up and gives a nod to Mabel. “Thanks…for everything. I’ll be in in the morning then I guess.” He glances to Aerith. “Tell Wyatt hi when you see him…been a while since I got over to the office.”

Early

*Katie looks at Misty and than Rick confused. What was Rick going on about? What had she done? Katie's mind wonders a million miles a minute as Rick goes back to Jason. Katie still sits on the edge of the bed. She wasent sure what to think. Not even relizing it Katie reachs out and lays a hand on Jason's arm.*

"I'm not scaired. I'm kind of getting use to it."

*Katie thinks for a moment before removing her hand from Jason's arm.*

"I'm sorry the meds dident work for you J. I hate seeing you like this."

*Katie lets out a long tired sigh as she rubs her one eye.*

*Herb gives a nod to Carson before turning back to disapear into the kitchen again.*

"I'll see you tomarrow than."

*After Herb dissapears Mable turns and smiles at Carson.*

"He likes you. Thats a good thing its not just anyone he lets in the kitchen. Glad you have you on the staff Carson. Come in alittle but early tomarrow to feel out some paper work."

*Mabel turns and Aerith smiles.*