Public

Scott and Jason exchange looks, their eyes locking for a moment after Katie's statement about a hug. Jason's mind raced. Scott's mind raced. Neither knew how to act, and both felt awkward while forcing their faces to show calmness and amusement.

Jason twists around and throws Katie a smirk. "You're not playing fair, you know that? What are you trying to do? Make me jealous?" He reaches over and pulls Katie into a warm hug before pulling away with a departing kiss to her forehead.

Jen grins at them and shakes her head. She felt badly for these two men, but was glad to see that they both could overcome this temporary awkwardness so as not to make Katie feel too strangely. "She's not playing fair alright, but she definitely knows how to get the attention."

"Aw, are you feeling left out?" Jason teases.

"Yes." Jen giggles. "But I'll wait to get my own hug and kiss from Mike, thank you very much."

Scott meanders closer to the bed, chuckling a little. He looks down at Katie for several moments, wanting to talk to her...wanting to just chat with her if nothing else. Yet as far as she remembered, they'd never just sat and talked...as far as she remembered, they'd only waved to each other at work and that was as far as anything had ever gone. What on earth could he possibly say now?

Jen sees Scott standing nearby and looks between him and Katie for a moment. "So...Scott, how's TJY?"

Grateful for Jen's intervention, he gives a little shrug. "It's alright. Not the same without Katie around though. Things are a bit crazy at the moment."

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "Hey, did you tell Katie you got your own office now?"

"Oh yeah..." A grin finally surfaces on Scott's face. "I do have an office now."

"He did that so less people can bother him." Jason stifles a laugh as Scott swats his arm.

"Thanks a lot."

Jason's eyes widen as he suddenly remembers something. "Ohhh hey..." He looks to Katie again. "Something new you should probably know about. We, um...well, Reese had some dealings with a local sheriff...the one that got me into JetStream, actually, and TJY doesn't have to be underground anymore. We're free to be out in the open, and we're actually transitioning into an official branch of law enforcement right now."

Trying to help the conversation along, Jen speaks as well. "Isn't that great, Katie? You can actually be the bodyguard at JetStream now and be even more official."

Suddenly a figure appears in the doorway, taking up the entire space. Con eyes the people in the room, a smile spreading. "If I woulda known there was a party going on, I woulda waited until later to come."

"Oh stop it," Jen chides with a laugh. "The more the merrier. We were just telling Katie about TJY being public now."

"Ah, yes." Con steps into the room and goes around to the other side of Katie's bed, swinging a chair up close to sit down near her. "Lots happening, but not enough with you involved." He gives her a wink. "How's the trooper holding up, hmm? You look good. People keep asking about you, and I keep telling them that you just got in the habit of snubbing people."

Jason throws him a look. "Con!"

"What?" Con laughs and pats Katie's shoulder. "You know I wouldn't do that to my little sister."

...

*Katie lets out a long tired sigh as Jason doges and leaves the room once again. How long would this strangeness go on? Would it be like this forever?*

"Anything but hospetil good would be wonderful. I cant stand this stuff. I mean I know there pashents are sick but we havent lost our tast for food."

*Katie gives a small laugh as everyone exits the room. Keeping up the light chat with Jen for alittle bit untill Jason returns and she gives a nod trying to ignore the mixed feelings she felt.*

"Yeah I should be ok for now. I just want to get up and go home..."

*Katie is about to say more but stops and smiles as she see Scott in the doorway. He looked differnt than he did yesterday he was back to what Katie new as normal.*

"Hey Hey Scott. This is a treat second day in a row huh?"

*Katie offers a smile, and gives Jason a side long glance with a smerk.*

"Hey no one alse will give me a hug around here can I get one from you?"

*Katie sticks her toung out at Jason before turning back to Scott to receve the hug.*

"I'm doing ok. Just frustrated and want to go home. Other than they things seem good. How are you today?"

Patient?

Carson just takes a moment to simply look into Misty's eyes. Ever to admit only to her that he melted under her touch.

Reaching up to take her hand, he kisses it, then throws her a wink. "I gotta get back to work... I'll catch you later." Backing away, he slips back into the kitchen to work alongside Herb.


Jason cringes. He'd forgotten Katie didn't know about his knee. "Oh, it's nothing much." He shrugs, once again not realizing that Katie wouldn't know anything about Carson other than he was part of the Agency. "Carson and I just had a little go-around and my bad knee lost out. I'm fine though."

Phil can't help his frown as he listens to Jason. Ever time he'd seen him lately, he'd been favoring that knee. He wasn't surprised Reese hadn't let him go out like that. The last he had heard, Rick had been giving Jason shots for the pain, but as far as Phil knew, the doctor was no where near signing a release.

Jason catches Phil's look and tosses out his own, signaling that he really didn't want to get into it right now and have Katie worry more than she already was.

Turning back to her, Jason freezes at her question of a hug. It was bizarre that he did. He gave her hugs all the time as friends. But right now, he felt extremely awkward about it. Feeling the emotions start to rise again, he stamps them back down, desperate not to let Katie see them. Not now...not yet.

As he gives Katie a crooked grin, showing he'd be glad to give her a hug, his cell phone rings. "Aw, drat." Taking the phone off his belt he scans the number and hesitates. "Sorry. I'll be right back," he apologizes. He tosses a wink to Katie. "Don't go anywhere."

As he exits the room, Mike's hand slides from his pocket where his own phone rests. "Hey, I got an idea. How about the boys and me go pick up lunch a Mom and Pop's and sneak some back in here?"

Kyle's arms shoot into the air. "Mike gets the prize for best idea of the day! Let's go!"

Phil laughs and shakes his head. He gives a wave to Katie. "We'll see you in a little bit. Don't let Jen talk your ear off."

"Oh stop," Jen chides. "Behave yourselves while you're out. Without me around, who knows what kind of trouble you'll get into." As she and Katie are left alone, she giggles. "You gotta love them."

Jason leans up against the wall in the hallway and lets out a long sigh. This shouldn't be this hard. This was ridiculous. He couldn't even give Katie a hug? It was absurd. He glances down to his phone to see Mike's number again. Though Jason was glad for the interruption, it was unfortunate that apparently his body language had been obvious enough for Mike to catch on that quickly. Surely Katie had sensed the odd atmosphere as well. How long could Jason keep this up? How long could he keep pretending everything was fine so he didn't hurt her feelings?

"You alright?"

Jason turns quickly, feeling Mike's hand on his shoulder. "Yeah...no...I don't know."

"We're going out for a bit, then coming back. Need anything?"

Jason shakes his head. "Thanks. I'll stick around here a bit then get back to work."

Kyle salutes him as they head on out, then throws a wink to the nurse before exiting.

Jason watches them leave, and takes a deep breath. Jen was there...he could rely on her for any help he needed. Finally turning back to the room, he enters again, expertly pulling on one of his masks that smiles with bright eyes. Forcing himself not to limp, he goes back to Katie's bedside, sitting down next to her once more. "Sorry. I gotta be getting back to work here pretty soon." He reaches out to brush Katie's cheek with his hand. "You be alright for a while?"

A knock on the door interrupts them once more. Jen looks around and raises an eyebrow, a little surprised at the appearance of the visitor. But she thought she understood, and offers a warm smile. "Hi, Scott."

Scott's hands are stuffed in his pockets, his walk slow as he timidly enters the room. "Hey, Jen. Jason."

Jason gives him a nod. "Hey." He looks to Katie with a grin. "Aren't you the popular one today. Pretty soon Reese himself will be in here."

Scott manages half a smile, his hair, attire and glasses what Katie would have been used to seeing at the time she now remembered. "How's the patient?"

Hate seeing you...

*Katie cant help but laugh again. It was nice to have friends there to cheer her up.

Katie lifts her head a little higher as she hears Jason's voice. A bigger smile spreads across her face as she waits for a morning hug only to receve non as Jason sits on the end of the bed.

Katie looks a bit confused at Jason for a moment.*

"Why does Rick have to release you? Did you hurt yourself again? And where is my morning hug?"

*Katie looks to Jason with a bit of confustion. She could tell something was wrong. Something was differnt but she just dident know what. Why did she have this sickly feeling in the stomach.*

" I'm doing ok. Just cant wait to get out of here I think. Can't wait to remember too everything seems so strange and just funny feeling I guess."

*Katie looks to Jason her eyes forming a little hint of confustion.*

*Misty looks down at the plate and smiles. There were so many times Carson did the little things that saprised her and made her happy. Those were the times she loved the most.*

"Why thank you kind Sir. It looks like my food is happy to see me too."

*Misty looks up at Carson again searching his eyes and seeing his sinsarity. Giving a soft nod she caress his face again.*

"I'm glad its ove now. I hate seeing you hurt."

*Jamie gives a small nod to Scott and gives a pat to his arm once again. She only hoped Scott would be ok and he wouldent let this one bump bring him down. He really was more than what he made himself to be. *

"Ok, well if you need anyone I am a phone away. I'll help when and if I can Scott. Your strong I know you will do whats right."

*Offering another friendly smile she turns and makes her way out of the office and to her own. Life has a funny way of working out sometimes. One heart could be broken and than healed in the strangest of ways. Sometimes it would be unexspected but in the end things worked out.*

Purple

Kyle snorts at Katie's comment, picking up his twin's cue as if it had all been planned. "A burden? You? Good grief, Katie. You ought to know better than that. Not THAT much has changed." He gives her a silly grin. "You know we think the world of you."

Phil slaps him upside the head. "Now you're gonna embarrass the poor girl."

"Naw, just myself."

"So what else is new?"

"What is this? Pick on Kyle day?"

"It always is," Mike quips. "You're just too easy to pick on."

Kyle grimaces and looks at Katie again. "See what I have to deal with? Pretty soon I'm going to need you as my own personal body guard to fend off these guys. My sister doesn't even help me anymore."

Jen gives him a shocked look. "I defend you when I think you deserve it."

"See?!"

A new voice breaks in. "Kyle, shut up before you dig a hole so deep no one's ladder will be tall enough."

Kyle's head whips around to see Jason. "My friend...my dear friend...he won't even take my side."

Jason grins and comes up behind him, hooking his foot under his chair leg and pulling so the chair tips and Kyle is forced to stand so he doesn't fall over.

Phil laughs and shakes his head. "Hotshot is in the house. How's it going?"

"Fair. Busy day." Jason rolls his eyes. He flops down on the edge of Katie's bed, as the spare chairs are taken up already. "I'm busting my britches to get a project done for Reese. He isn't letting me back out on cases yet, but if he doesn't let me soon, I'm gonna go stir crazy. It's just getting Rick to sign that stupid paper to release me." He sighs, and switches subjects, looking to Katie. "So. How's Hero today? You're looking good."


Carson lets Misty run a finger over his fresh bruise, knowing that she's wondering what happened. When she doesn't ask though, his gratefulness is apparent on his face.

He grins at her comments of good looks at trust, and is about to answer, but he's taken in by her kiss instead. Returning it, he doesn't care who's in the restaurant. Showing his affections in public never had bothered him, and he wasn't about to give up one of Misty's kisses. She did something to him he never had been able to explain.

Receiving Aerith's whack to his arm, he straightens up feigning an injury. "Hey, watch it! I only got two good arms! Herb, control your employees!"

Swiveling back to Misty, he gives her a wink and a nod. "Eggs, toast and bacon, it is." Heading back through the doors, he takes his towel and rolls it up, snapping it on Aerith's back before scooting out of reach.

It's not too long before Carson brings Misty her food himself, setting her plate down to reveal a smiley face made out of the eggs and bacon. "Madam...breakfast is served." He pauses a moment, growing serious again. Looking Misty in the eye only confirmed that he didn't want to hide anything from her. He gestures to his eye. "The detective thought I'd look good in purple." He shrugs. "But it's over now."


Scott focuses his eyes downward as Jamie speaks. Everything she said made sense...it really did. And he wanted to feel that hope...it just felt so...impossible right now. Katie HAD done a lot for him...she really had flipped his world upside down and helped him see life from a new perspective. It was just...without her...he felt like he'd been catapulted backward in time to when all he'd done was hibernate and live in his own little world where it was safe. Without a hero by his side, he didn't know how to walk anymore.

He swallows hard and forces himself to look up at Jamie. "Thanks. I, um...I'll think about seeing her."

Starting Trouble

*Jamie moves back closer to Scott's desk. She still felt bad for her friend. Why life had to be cruel sometimes Jamie didn't know, but until they all took there place with there room in heaven there would be loss, heartache and hurt. All one could ask for was the comfort of God, and of friends to make it a little bit more bearable.*

" I wouldn't call this a blunder per say. Its more of a growing pain. We all have them, its how we move on in life and learn. Its how we become who we are. Katie might of left you Scott, but she left you with a gift. She gave you courage, hope, selfasteam. Katie showed you that your really NOT that geek. Its your choise to go back to that. With or without her your still Scott, and we have seen what alittle hottie you can be."

*Jamie cant help but let her smile grow a little. Jamie never really got to sit down and talk with Scott before. He'd always seemed so standoffish. But since Katie had been with him a whole new side of Scott was born and people saw a side of him the proved he was much more than he acted to be.*

"Go see her Scott. It might hurt that she dosent remember and it might not change things but do you really want to push her out of your life all together? When she does remember, dont you want to be there to help if she needs it. Your title might be friend but what a friend you could be. I know all to well losing someone you love hurts, but dont lose yourself too."

*Misty looks up at Carson and grins. Seeing his black eye she brings a hand to his face and gently runs a finger over it. Making sure her touch is light as to not hurt him. She knows for a moment her eyes show a bit of worry. But if Carson was in trouble he certinly wouldent be here right now. So stearing away from the conversation for once in her life to save Carson a bit of pain She looks back at the menu and than back up at Carson.*

"Course I get jealous. I have to you know. With your good looks I got to keep one eye open at all time, but something tell me I think I dont have to be quite as jealous anymore. I trust you."

*Misty leans up and press her lips aganst Carson she kiss him with passion. A day was a long time to go with out a kiss from Carson and Misty had missed it. The kiss continues untill Aerith walks by them and gives alittle laugh.*

"Miss if your going to distract our workers I am going to have to ask you to leave."

*Aerith wacks Carson on the arm with her pen before heading over to the counter to give her orders to Herb.

A slight smile forms on Herb's lips as he takes the orders from Aerith and watches Misty and Carson. They had both had there problems, there ups and down but still seeing them standing there togeather it was such a nice thought indeed to see them smile and laugh with eachother. They had helped eachother grow so much in many differnt ways.

Misty finally breaks into a smile and a small laugh after Aerith walks by. Still stairing into Carson endless eyes the courners of her mouth curle.*

"Look at that now I AM the one geting you in trouble. Whats ever a guy to do."

*Misty laughs again befor siting back down.*

"I think I'mm have some eggs and toast with that famus bacon you were talking about kind Sir."

*Katie looks to Jen and gives her a soft smile. She new her friend was trying to make her feel better by giving her company and Katie apresheated that.*

"Sure if you dont have anything alse going on. I always like the company and since I dont know when Jason will be here it would be nice.

*Katie looks between Jen and the other guys.*

"As long as you are not doing anything. I dont want to be a burden."

Bacon

Jen nods to Katie and takes her phone out of her purse. She grimaces. “Well, let’s see if I can get a signal out in the hall. I’ll be back. Wheeling herself out of the room, she separates herself from the others so she can call Jason. She’d had plenty of signal in Katie’s room, but it was just as well that her conversation be private if anything was said that might confuse Katie.


Kyle’s eyes go wide. “Of course you’ve been at our shows! You’re our biggest fan…er…helper…” He laughs. “I even added you to our website – you’ll have to check it out.” He opens his mouth to mention the one time Katie had missed, but realizes that she’d been at the wedding she didn’t yet know about, and he feels he shouldn't be the one to tell about that one. Closing his mouth, he starts again, but stops once more, having almost mentioned the most exciting show when Jason had proposed to Camryn. His face grows a little red. “Yeah, things have been going well. We’re thinking about making us a CD…I’m trying to convince Jason to make one under his name, but he isn’t too keen on the idea right now. Personally, I think if he was on the cover and people knew they’d just be getting his voice instead of his and mine, that they’d buy it.”

“You don’t have a bad voice,” Mike intervenes.

“No, but it ain’t Jason.”

Phil looks to Katie, thumbing to his brother. “He thinks he hasn’t improved any. Without Ja…” He stops short, almost ready to say ‘without Jason there fore a while, he was forced to be the lead singer,’ but he realizes that a whole lot of explanation would be needed after that one. “I mean, with some songs Jason hasn’t sung, Kyle’s been forced to sing more and he’s doing a whole lot better than he thinks he is.”

Kyle rolls his eyes. “The audience still wants Jason.”

“Who doesn’t?”

Mike interrupts again. “If Jen heard you guys, she’d slap you both. You know what she says, and she’s right…JetStream is all of us combined. Without one of us we’re just not the same. So…quit the bickering about who’s the best.”

Kyle salutes him. “Yes sir!”


Jason is just sitting down at his desk, when his cell phone rings. Fumbling with the clip on his belt it takes him just a minute and he looks at the number. Jen.

“Hey, Jen. What’s up?”

Jen smiles as she sits in the hall. “Hi, Jason. The band is up here with Katie and we were just wondering if you were going to swing by too.”

Jason pauses, strumming his fingers on his desk. “Um I just got to work, but…yeah. I guess…yeah. I need to.”

“Well Katie asked about you. She said she was a little worried about you.”

“Worried?”

“Yeah…that you’d been acting strangely.” Jen gives a little sigh and glances down to the open door. “Look, Jase…Con called Phil last night so we all wouldn’t be in the dark and embarrass anyone by accident. We know what you’re going through, so…I’m volunteering to spend the day up here with Katie.”

Jason closes his eyes for a moment. He couldn’t have asked for a better circle of friends. “Thanks, Jen…that means a lot. I’ll be up there in about fifteen minutes and stay as long as I can. I do have to get some stuff done for Reese though, so I’ll probably be back here for the afternoon.”

“Not a problem.” Jen finishes up her conversation with Jason before wheeling herself back to Katie’s room. She rolls her eyes. “The lazy bum had just gotten to work. He’s on his way over now.” She offers a bright smile. “And…I was thinking, Katie…I don’t have anything going on today and I’d love to spend some time with you. You wouldn’t mind if I hung out here today, would you?”

Mike lifts an eyebrow. They’d all planned on eating lunch together, then heading to his place for the afternoon. He doesn’t question Jen though, trusting she had a good reason.


Carson hears Misty’s voice and immediately a smile spreads on his face. Hearing her statement to Herb, he looks out the kitchen door to her and points a finger. “Better watch it, miss. I got a girlfriend who can get pretty jealous.”

Making sure that he can slip away for just a moment, he goes out to the font counter, a towel over his shoulder. Taking his finger, he tilts Misty’s menu down so he can see her face. “Ah, and here she is now.”

He rests his elbow on the counter to be just below her eye level, deciding not to talk about this morning unless she brought it up after seeing his shiner. “So what’ll it be this morning? Omelet? Pancakes? Waffles?” He holds a grin, stifling a laugh. “I make some pretty mean strips of bacon.”


Jamie’s words aren’t unlike what Scott expected her to say, but his eyes drift to the floor. He knew he was wanted around here…it just felt like he didn’t have a real place anymore. Like TJY was full of round holes and he was a square peg. Where did he really fit in?

He listens as she speaks of love and God, and finds himself fighting an emotional barrage again. Hated tears spring into his eyes. He could kick himself for showing his emotions like this.

Studying the floor, he appreciates Jamie’s pat to his arm. She’d always been nice…sweet…able to talk things through with anyone. Con was a blessed guy to have gotten her.

Looking up, Scott keeps the tears from overflowing, and swallows hard. “Thanks, Jamie. I…I know you’re right. I know all that up here.” He taps his head. “It’s just in here…” He puts a hand over his chest. “…that hasn’t been convinced yet.”

Forcing a dry, miserable laugh, he shakes his head. “You’d think with all the blunders I make, this one could just be added to the list without a problem.”

Turning, he goes back around his desk to sit down, not dismissing Jamie, but unsure if she’d stay longer or not. “I want so bad to go see her…talk to her…but she doesn’t even remember who I am…I was somebody with her around…without her, I’m just the geek without a life.” He shakes his head. “And even when she does remember, it still changes nothing. I still can’t have her.”

Feeling

*Katie searches Jen's face for a moment. Her words were strong and she help a good tone but her eyes, they showed something different. Katie wasn't sure what or why it was but it was there non the less. Finally turning away she gives a nod.*

"Yeah could you? He's been acting kind of strange I just wanna make sure he's ok. I had a funny feeling."

*Katie looks away for a moment scanning the little hospital room. Everything was so strange and she felt so out of place not being able to remember anything.*

"So, the shows are going good than? Have I...have I gone to any?"

*The little bell on Mom and Pop's rings and Misty steps in out of the rain. Her hair was wet and matted down to her head but she gives a little shake to shake some of the water out. Coming up to the counter and sits on the stool and gives a wave to Mable and Aerith. Than seeing Carson she grin grows as she calls.*

"Hey Herb, whos the new guy? He's pretty cute."

*Misty give a little wave to Carson and than orders a milkshake and searches over the menu.*

*Jamie smiles back at Scott. It wasent her intention to make him feel like no one needed him.*

"Of course I'll still need you and so will everyone alse. What will we do if your netword ever goes down. A small printer is easy but something like that oh boy."

*Jamie cant help but laugh and she continues to the door. As Scott stops her Jamie turns and searchs her friends face. She wasent sure what to say. She couldent tell him it would be alright because even though it would the pain would be there and in his own time he would have to get over it. But maybe Jamie could offer some words that would sooth him somehow or at least offer Scott comfort.*

"Well if it was me, I'd keep my chin up and know God has a plan. Its better to love and lose than to never love at all right? I mean if Con was to leave me tomarrow I would be heart broken indeed but I would have to thank God and be happy that I got a chanse to love Con for alittle bit. He's changed my life in so many ways and helped learn so many new things. "

*Jamie leans aganst the door for a moment just thinking. It was hard losing the ones you loved. When you think things are good and that are really working out. Only to turn around one day and have it all be gone. It wasent a good feeling.*

"I know everyone had told you this and I guess you can add me to the bunch now too but trust me I know in the end everything is going to be ok. I've been there I know."

*Jamie gives a smile and a pat to Scott's arm only hoping she comforted him alittle.*

What would you

Before her brothers can answer, Jen intervenes. “Oh, Camryn is a friend of ours. She’s been to a few of the shows.” She grins at Katie. “Jase might have gone in to work. Want me to call him for you?”


Carson is silent once again as Herb speaks. There he went again with that God stuff… Carson had to give the man credit…even if he didn’t believe that stuff himself, Herb evidently did, and stuck by it faithfully. Questions stirred within Carson about this strange faith. He’d been around a lot of people who talked about it, but had never put much stock into it.

Shaking off the confusion, he focuses back on work, standing again and slapping his hat back on. “Yeah…I can make the sauce.” As he starts, he wonders if Misty will drop in for lunch or not like she said she might. Not being in the TJY loop anymore, Carson didn’t know when there was enough time for her to get away or not.


Scott quirks an eyebrow, finding it just slightly strange that Jamie would be bringing her compliments up now. He had a feeling it was because of what had happened…because of his mood. At this point, he’d just prefer people to leave him alone. But he couldn’t snap at Jamie…she was just trying to be nice.

At her mention of her printer, Scott forces a small smile. “Great. Glad you did it. Guess that means you won’t be needing me for that anymore, eh?” He stares at the floor for a minute to finish cleaning up and finally rises to sit back down in his chair.

He’s almost ready to let Jamie go, but finds himself stopping her. He didn’t know why…he really didn’t want to. “Jamie…if you were me, what would you do?”

Sorry I waited

*Katie smiles and laughs as Kyle's and the other anticks continue. Who could not laugh. Smiling at Jen she nods.*

"Yeah I was quite saprised I could when Jason told me. It was strange, but dont worry you will again soon to. I know it. and Kyle dont worry I will be at the next show. I have to protect you guys and that boy of mine. I bet all the ladys are after him."

*Katie beams at Jen and than looks around the room relizing Jason wasent there.*

"Huh, I figured J would come in with you guys. Maybe he went to work first?"

*Katie pushes her tray away from her proving she was done with her meal. She suddanly felt sick and if she eat anymore she would probley throw it up. Hearing a name she wasent familure with she cocks her head slightly.*

"Who's Camryn?"

*Herb continues to work as he listens to Carson. Moving about the kitchen He keeps on task but talks over his shoulder.*

"Your only a scoundrel if you keep telling yourself you are. We are what we make ourselfs and what other make of us. But the most important think to remember is we are what God makes us. Once you forgive yourself and than ask him to forgive you Carson. Life will start to have a brighter side."

*Herb starts to roll some meatballs and places them in a plastic container to cook later.*

"Lets see today is Wensday so that means its mealball sub day. You remember how make the sause? You can make it if you want."

*Jamie pushes over Scott's door and steps in offering a small smile.*

"Hey Scott, I just stop because...well because I wanted to let you know no matter what I'm glad your here and you have you own office. Just wouldent be the same around here without you. Sorry I wanted so long to say it."

*Jamie starts to turn again and than stops.*

"If you ever just...need to talk I'm here. Oh btw my printer was jamed but guess what? I fixed it myself. I figured you would apresheate that."

Special?

Scott shuts his desk drawer too hard, rattling the desk just enough to knock his stack of papers off onto the floor. Bending down to pick them up, his elbow catches his soda pop can, knocking it onto the floor as well. He lets out a frustrated groan as he winds up on his knees, trying to clean up his mess. Half his papers wind up in the waste basket after being ruined by the pop, and he tosses his can away as well.

Still on the floor, the knock on his door suddenly stops him. If someone wanted their computer fixed, usually they just used the intercom. Who could want him? He wasn’t exactly in the mood for visitors. He didn’t like being grouchy…he knew that it was out of character for him…he’d already gotten an “are you okay?” speech from Susanne after she’d apparently noted his mood change. But right about now, he didn’t care.

Sighing, Scott continues to clean up his mess. “Yeah, come in,” he calls.


Kyle laughs. “As many blunders as I make, I’m glad you can’t recall them all.” He gives Katie a cheesy grin. “You have to promise to be at our next show though, that’s in a couple weeks. And I was gonna ask…”

Phil elbows him.

“I was gonna ask…”

Phil elbows him again.

Kyle’s face suddenly grows red and he changes what he was going to say. “I mean, we’re gonna have a good lineup, so you won’t want to miss it.”

Mike glances down at Kyle with a smirk. “Would you learn how to talk?”

“I could if my brother wasn’t making me stutter!”

Phil elbows Kyle again for good measure.

“Hey!” Kyle rubs his ribs and looks to Katie. “As you can see, Phil hasn’t changed a bit!”

Jen rolls her eyes and wheels closer to Katie’s bed. “Just ignore them. Kyle is right about one thing though…they haven’t changed.” She giggles. “Gotta love ‘em though.” She gives Katie’s arm a pat, switching subjects. “So, it’s pretty cool you can walk, huh?” She beams. “Told ya you could do it, and you did.”

Mike comes up behind her and rests his hands on her shoulders. He knew that Jen knew good and well Katie didn’t remember her own news that she would probably never walk again after her fall. Yet she was still so excited for her friend. It was that big heart that Mike had fallen in love with.

“Hey, where’s Jason?” Kyle asks. “Figured he’d be around here somewhere with Camryn. I…”

Another elbow flies in his direction.

Kyle’s face grows a little red. “I mean, I figured he’d, well, be…um…”

Phil sends his eyes to the ceiling and back down again. “Kyle…stuff a sock in it.”

Kyle looks down at his feet. “You know, Bro, that’s kinda a gross thing to do.”

“With you it is,” Phil agreed. “I wouldn’t want one of your socks in my mouth.”

“Yeah, well like yours are all that pleasant.” Kyle grimaces and looks to Katie, thumbing at his brother. “You ever want to get rid of somebody quick, just have Phil come over and take off his shoes.”

This time it’s a slap to the back of the head Kyle receives.


Jason’s eyes only open slightly as his ears pick up the sound of his fan. A buzzing sound rouses him a little more, but it takes what seems like an eternity to remove the strange fog from his mind.

Finally opening his eyes fully, he tries to distinguish what is going on…what’s that annoying sound…

Grimacing, Jason rolls over, throwing his hand to the nightstand to slap his alarm off. He gives a groan and looks at the clock, expecting to read six o’clock when he’d set the alarm for. Instead, the bright digital numbers announce that it’s seven forty-eight.

What on earth… Jason sits up, and immediately puts a hand to his throbbing head. His alarm had been going off for almost two hours and he hadn’t even heard it. By now he can hear Trooper moving around outside his bedroom too, anxiously awaiting being let out.

Standing up, Jason is hit with a wave of dizziness, severe enough to make his stomach lurch. He almost falls back onto his bed, but realizes that would be a mistake, and instead, he stumbles to the bathroom, promptly throwing up.

Still trying to shake exhaustion, now Jason tries to figure out what on earth was going on. What day was it…what had happened last night…

The fog slowly lifts, and he groans in frustration as the truth hits him. It was developed enough now, that anything he took that suppressed any emotional activity at all would make him sick. Great. Just great. Anything to just put his mind out for a while was going to cause his emotions to bottle up and reek havoc on his body. Wonderful.

Cleaning himself up, Jason takes a shower, grabs some orange juice for breakfast and heads out, taking Trooper with him. He knows the band is visiting Katie this morning, and decides to wait until lunchtime when Con would be going to see her too. He keeps his cell phone on though, just in case anyone needs to get a hold of him if something has changed.


Carson starts about his tasks, but stops when Herb mentions his eye. It was more obvious than he’d wanted it to be. Even though Herb did a good job of not making him feel humiliated, he felt like it anyway. He wasn’t used to taking a beating without fighting back.

He doesn’t answer Herb right away and just sticks to his work for a short while until he can take a quick break. Sinking down in a chair in the corner of the kitchen, he leans back with a slice of steak to put over his eye, letting his other eye go shut as he holds his ball cap in his hand. “Yeah…” He finally speaks. “They hounded me…roughed me up is more like it. The detective didn’t like my answers and…he wanted to teach me a lesson. Said I hadn’t been punished enough for the things I’d done before…said I hadn’t received severe enough sentences for the things I’d done, and obviously I was no good because I kept getting myself into trouble, and that I’d most likely never learn. I’d be a no good scoundrel the rest of my life.”

A dry laugh escapes. “Poor bloke didn’t know how close to the truth he was, I reckon.”

He sighs deeply. He shouldn’t be bothered by what happened. He just needed to let it go. He never would have let this get to him before…he’d always been able to let everything roll off his back. But he’d gotten so tired of fighting, that finally they’d broken him to the point that now, it just felt like they were still kicking him when he was already down and it did get to him whether he liked it or not.

“Anyway, what’s the special today?”

New Day

Night comes and goes, morning calling once again. Bird sing there song to the morning sun letting everyone know the day has just started.

*Jamie pass by Scott's closed office door. Stoping she takes a few steps back. For a moment she just stands there. It was strange not having Katie here and by now new spread around TJY that Katie and Scott wernt fine. Jamie's heart went out to him she new how it felt to lose thoughs you love. even if it was differnt it still was the same. Finally Jamie knocks on the door and waits.*

*As Katie puts a bite of eggs into her mouth she cant help but beam as she hears Kyle's voice. Puting down her fork she lets out a laugh as the gang enters. Katie gives a hearty wave.*

"Hey guys. Good to see you."

*One by one Katie gets her hugs from everyone and than lets it linger on her for a moment as she smiles and pulls away.*

"So you and Mike are dating?! Thats wonderful...I'm so happy for you Jen. I really am."

*Katie than sits back and scans the faces a smile on her own.*

"J told me you guys have songs on the raido now too. Thats great!"

*Katie smiles fades just alittle but she still trys to hold it.*

"Sorry if I dont remember to well, my memorie isent that great at the moment."

*Herb gives a nod to Carson as he enters and heads into the back.*

"I'm glad to see you came back."

*Drawing silent for a moment Herb turns to continue to prep some things before speaking again.*

"If you put a raw steak on that eye it will takes some of the color away."

*Herb than continues what he is doing giving Carson some direction here and there to help with the morning prep.*

"So what heppend this morning before you left the station? They hound you alot?"

Dusk to Dawn

Jason gives Katie's arm one last pat before sliding away and leaving her alone. Going back out into the hallway, he has a hard time looking the others in the eye, glancing quickly past Nate and Laura, to Con.

Con cocks his head. His friend didn't look good at all. "Camryn was here..."

"Oh?" Jason is glad for the topic shift from Katie. "She leave?"

"Yeah. She said she'd call you a little later. I told her you'd probably go home to sleep tonight."

"Yeah..." Jason nods slowly.

Con looks to Nate and Laura then back at Jason. "You alright?"

Jason's eyes hit the floor. He was uncomfortable in this position...he didn't want the whole world to know what was going on...what his struggles were. "I'm fine."

Con purses his lips a moment, then nods to his sister and Nate. "Katie might like you guys to say hi before you leave. I'm gonna walk Jason out."

Jason looks up quickly, grateful Con had read him so well. He glances at Nate and Laura. "See you tomorrow at work." Making his way back down the hall he walks with Con behind him until they hit the parking lot. Finding his truck, he leans back against the tailgate and lets out a long, weary sigh.

Con studies him for a moment. "That bad, huh?"

"Don't let me be alone with her again, Con."

Con raises his eyebrows. "Why not?"

Jason rolls his eyes upward to see Con's face. "Just trust me."

"Problems?"

"You might say that."

"Well what happened? She try to kiss you again?"

Jason opens his mouth to respond, but turns around to lean his arms on the tailgate, not sure now what he should say. "I wouldn't say 'try.'"

"She did kiss you again."

"Sure."

Con folds his arms, a little annoyed at Jason's evasiveness. "Well what's the problem, Jase? Do you need someone to hold your hand to deal with it or what? It'll be over soon...she'll remember, or we'll tell her, and it'll be over. I don't think you need to be that cautious about it." He rolls his eyes. "It's not like you were intentional about kissing her back."

Jason doesn't move.

Con turns his head a little, looking at Jason more closely. "You weren’t…were you..."

Jason's eyes rove the surroundings before he finally turns just enough to see Con. "Well what was I supposed to do? Give her a cold shoulder? Push her away? And this whole connection thing we have just makes it worse...for a moment back there I actually..." He stops short.

Con prompts him. "You what?"

"I regretted ever letting her go in the first place."

Con sighs and leans on the truck. "So what are you saying?"

"I don't know. I love Camryn and I'm going to marry her. That is what I want to do. That is what will happen, and that is my heart's desire." Jason nods emphatically.

"So...you don't want to be alone with Katie because you can't control yourself or what?"

Jason's eyes narrow. "I just don't want to be put in that position again. I don't want to have to decide whether I'm going to feel as though I'm cheating on Camryn, or whether I'm going to break Katie's heart all over again."

"Because...you'll choose not to break her heart."

Jason swallows hard, his voice lowering. "Yeah."

Con reaches out to pat Jason's shoulder. "I know you and Katie are good friends, Jase...and I know you care about her and don't want to hurt her. So if I'm around, I'll try to be the distraction you need, alright?"

"Thanks, Con...I feel like an idiot."

Con grins and shakes his head. "I've never loved more than one woman, so I don't know what it must be like for you...but I guess if I did have an old love who was now a close friend and she kissed me, it might be hard for me to resist it too, even if I had no intention of going back."

"Yeah..." Jason appreciated Con’s perceptiveness and ability to summarize what was really being said. He's quiet for several more moments before finally pushing away from the back of the truck. "I'll see you around."

"Alright. You coming tomorrow?"

"I should."

"I can take a few hours off work...give me a call and let me know when you're coming and I'll come too."

"Okay. I might have the band come...that will help."


Carson’s lips curl to give him a sly look as he pulls Misty closer to the cell. His one hand remains on her waist, the other creeping up to her shoulder. “You’re lucky these bars are here,” he teases. “Or I might be a little too enthusiastic about thanking you for not letting me fall apart.”

Just letting his eyes meet with hers for several moments, he finally withdraws his hand to reach up and take hers, placing a kiss on her fingers. “You better get going before they think you’re breaking me out again. Come morning after detective what’s-his-name is through with me, I’ll get out of here and go to work.” He throws her a wink that’s more confident than he really is. “I’ll call you.”


Jason keeps one eye on the television, the other starting to close as he grows weary. Camryn’s hand running through his hair relaxed him enough to want sleep, his head comfortably resting on her lap.

Unwinding for a couple hours, and spending time with Camryn had helped calm his mind somewhat, giving him some room to breathe and think things through. He’d successfully pushed most of his unwanted feelings far enough away that he didn’t have to think about him, so that helped too.

Lying on his back as the movie comes to an end, he reaches a hand up over his head to draw Camryn down and give her a kiss. “I’m beat…” He stifles a yawn. “I better call it a night before I fall asleep here and never let you up.”

Camryn giggles and ruffles his hair. “I wouldn’t mind..”

“Mm, neither would I, but Trooper might tattle on us.”

Camryn glances over to the large dog who groans and rolls over to flop his head down lazily on the floor. “I doubt he would tell anyone, but I guess you’re right.”

Jason finally sits up and rubs his hands over his face. “See you tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Camryn leans over to give him another lingering kiss before standing up and grabbing her purse. “I work all day, but I can come over tomorrow night.”

“Okay…maybe we can go do something.”

After Camryn is gone, Jason trudges to his bedroom where he flops into bed without even undressing. He was exhausted. He shouldn’t be…he hadn’t done much the last couple days. But his mind was weary, and holding back his emotions even more than normal so he didn’t surprise Katie was quickly getting to him.

Rolling over, he stares up at the ceiling. He wanted to sleep so badly, but he knew that he would toss and turn. He knew that his mind was too full. He knew that dreaming would come, and that he would be kept awake by haunting feelings and memories. And while in a drowsy state, he couldn’t easily control what emotions were emitted. The last thing Katie needed right now was to be woken up in the middle of the night by his own thoughts.

Jason contemplates for a moment, then rolls back onto his side, reaching to his nightstand drawer. Reaching inside, he pulls out a bottle of pills. He twirls it in his hand for a moment before popping the lid. A good night sleep for him meant at least he couldn’t be at fault for midnight mishaps.


Mornings signal new days. They call up the sun, they bid the moon farewell, and they let the world know that brand new chances are given. They prompt those sleeping to rise and begin the new day fresh. They draw out the weariness of the night to disperse it on golden rays…
Many appreciate this perspective of dawn. Many do not.


Scott shuffles into TJY, his shirt wrinkled, his glasses taped on the side to prove he’d broken yet another pair. Skirting around the eyes of those already there, he at least gives a half-hearted wave to Susanne who calls her greeting. Arriving to his office, he shuts the door behind him to lock at the world.

Sinking into his chair, it’s within minutes that he’s checking his email. Opening the first one, he reads the words and his shoulders sink a little.
Subject: Re: Job Availability
Scott –
Sorry to inform you that the job opening was just filled yesterday. We would have loved to have you here. Keep us in mind for the future though as openings come up.
Tom
TJY AZ Office
-----
Original Message:
Subject: Job Availability
To: Tom Redding
From: Scott Johnson
Hey, Tom, just wondering if that job as chief tech was still available. I know I turned you down, but I heard you might still be looking for someone and I’m at a point now I’d be glad to take you up on the offer. Let me know. I could come any time.
-Scott


“And we’s here to see the girl,
The girl we all love,
Uh-huh.
And we’s here to see the girl,
It’s KT,
The hero’s in da house!”

Jen covers her eyes as Mike pushes her down the tiled hall behind Kyle who was singing at the top of his lungs. He sounded good, but everyone was looking.

Phil elbows him, though he’s grinning. “You wanna wake up the whole hospital?”

“Why not?” Kyle jumps up to hit a sign above a doorway as they head for Katie’s room. Passing the nurses station though, he stops dead in his tracks. A familiar face stares back at him. The nurse’s eyebrow was raised in annoyance, her arms crossed.

Kyle grins wide and leans on the counter. “Hey, babe.”

The nurse rolls her eyes, though few would notice a slight grin at the corner of her mouth. At forty-five years old, being called “babe” by someone like Kyle wasn’t something she heard every day and it could only spark a bit of humor. “You just hush your mouth before I kick you out.”

“I knew you loved me.”

The nurse threatens to beat him with her clipboard.

Kyle throws up his hands and backs away, stifling a laugh. “Okay, okay.”

Phil grabs his brother’s arm and drags him further down the hall. “Come on, dufus. Quit flirting with the nurses.”

Kyle laughs and gives in, skirting back into the lead of the small group. Swinging around Katie’s open door, he sees that breakfast has just been served, and is glad she’s awake. “Yo, KT!” He slides sideways toward her bed, grabbing a chair to spin it around and straddle it backward, throwing Katie a crooked smile. “How’s it hanging?”


Carson eases out of his car and heaves a sigh, trying to wake up. Though he’d been taken home and had the opportunity to shower and change clothes before coming to work, he felt less than refreshed.

Entering Mom and Pop’s, the familiar bell rings and Carson makes his way to the kitchen, waving to Mabel, nodding to Aerith, and hanging up his jacket to trade for an apron.

Going back to where he can hear Herb working, he tries to get his mind on his work and not on the interrogation he’d gone through this morning. Though he’d made it out and had been released with a warning, it hadn’t all been easy. He’d called Misty to let her know he’d gotten out and was going to work, but he hadn’t told her exactly what had happened with the detective.

Glancing at the floor, Carson reaches around to tie the apron behind his back, keeping his baseball cap low in the hopes that his black eye won’t be as noticeable. Maybe no one would remember that he hadn’t gotten hit in the eye during yesterday’s brawl.

Lucky

*Katie keeps her eyes closed for a long moment just taking the sweetness of Jason's kiss in. For some reason it felt like it had been ages since they had shaired a moment like this. As Jason's draws away Katie keeps her eyes closed for a moment and than opens them looking up at Jason. Searching his eyes she trys to figure out the strange feeling she felt Jason was giving off, Almost a confusion. Katie trys to ingnore the feeling but its there anyways just pulling at her mind. Giving the best smile she can.*

"GoodNight J."

*Katie leans her head back on the pillow and turns her had to look out the window. Everything seemed strange and out of place. She could feel nothing was the same anymore. If only she could remember it.*

*Misty cant help the smile on her face the warmth from Carson's touch sending chills throuh her.*

"You'd probley fall apart. But as many times as you have saved my life I have to think the same thing."

*Misty cant help but stair into Carson's deep blue eyes as her finger continues to run over Carson's face. Misty really did think she was the luckest girl in the world to have a boyfriend as great as him.*

Emotions

Jason doesn’t know how he could be surprised, but for some reason Katie’s next movement is a startling one.

As her lips meet his, his eyes close. The warmth of Katie’s touch washes over him and his hand moves to cradle her face.

The back of his mind screams at him not to allow himself this moment. He was engaged. He wasn’t with Katie anymore… But the rest of him seems to have other ideas as he’s drawn closer instead of pulling away.

Jason’s heart beats hard within his chest as Katie’s kiss is received. It had been a long time since they had shared this intimate a moment, and somewhere deep down inside of him, it was realized that he had missed it. Being this close...feeling her in this way created a surge through his emotions, Katie's drawing effect reaching its max and pulling his feelings toward the surface like a beckoning magnet. It felt good...refreshing...invigorating to his emotional system.

A noise in the hall suddenly throws Jason back into reality and he realizes just what he’s doing. Withdrawing quickly, he searches her eyes, his hand still on her face. He saw the love again…that love he had taken for granted what seemed like an eternity ago. The love he had pushed away and rejected.

He tries not to let the redness show in his face. He tries to control his emotions. But for a split second, everything seems to go haywire. Too many conflicting thoughts and emotions stirred within him.

His voice comes out barely above a whisper. “Night, Katie…”


Carson closes his eyes and leans his face into Misty’s hand. Her words are no less than he’d expected, but the feeling that he his unworthy never leaves.

Opening his eyes, he rests his forehead close to her own face, and his hands slip through the bars to rest on her arm and on her waist. “Thanks, Misty. Just keep reminding me of that, eh? Maybe one of these days I’ll remember it.”

He musters up a crooked grin. “What would I do without you?”

Remeber

*Katie stairs back she could just look into his eyes for hours as he looked Jason. She breathing quickened as She drew alittle closer. Feeling her breath reflect off his skin made her heart race. It felt like it had been forever since she was this close to him. Leaning closer she finally pushes her lips to his as a million emotions wash over her. Jason's kiss was so soft, so warm. Katie lets it linger not wanting it to break.*

*Misty reaches her hand through the bars and touches Carson's face running her fingers along his cheek bone.*

"You didn't blow it. You were just trying to protect yourself and thats not a bad thing. Getting mad at the cops is pretty normal too. Being accused of something you dident do, looking like the bad guy. I would of gotten upset too."

*Misty puts her other hand through the bar finally as well resting it on Carson's shoulder.*

"Dont get discurraged on me now ya hear. Your a good guy Carson Bank's who has come along way, and when all alse fails remember I still like ya "

*Misty smiles at Carson her eyes sparkling.*

Blew it

Jason’s pulse quickens as the distance between him and Katie is eliminated. He was sure the heat would show in his face, but what was he supposed to do? How could he blatantly resists Katie, while keeping her calm and happy at the same time?

Looking into her eyes, he almost falls into them. It had been so long since he had….


Carson looks up quickly, having almost dozed off. Seeing Misty, half of him is glad, and half of him is discouraged.

Slowly, he rises from the cot and walks the length of the cell, leaning his head on the bars. “I don’t know if I’m okay or not,” he answers quietly. His temper had cooled way down, leaving him with simple discouragement. “I guess so. Guess I just blew it again though.”

Break out of Jail

*Katie cant help but smile as the moonlight shines in the hospetil window reflecting off Jason's face. Oh how it lit it up reflecting off his endless eyes. The yes that had never betrayed Katie. The ones she could get lost in for hours. Taking Jason's hand she draws him close to her. In a soft voice she whispers.*

" If your not going to spend the night with me tonight at least give me a goodbye kiss?"

*Katie smiles up at Jason as she lifts her head off the pillow the light now lighting up her own face.*

*Misty cant help but smerk as she enters the police station and asks about Carson.*

"Don't worry I wont break him out again. I promise."

*Misty follows after one of the cops that escorts her. Drawing closer to the cell with Carson Misty her a sassy smile on her lips as she trys to cheer Carson up.*

"Shesh these guy watch me like a hawk. One would think I broke someone out of jail once or something."

*Misty smiles again as she leans again the cell bars and her look becomes more searouce.*

"Herb told me what happend Carson, are you ok?"

Before...

Carson keeps his eyes lowered as Herb speaks. He wished he were right...he wished that soon people would look at him for who he was now. He was still making some stupid mistakes and making some bad decisions, but he really was trying... But was it enough? Was him finally turning around now really enough for people to look at him differently? Would he ever really shed his old reputation? At least he had a small group of people that accepted him as he was now.

At Herb's comment about work, his head jerks up and he only sees Herb walking away. His eyes are widened slightly. After all that...after his stupid move and the fight, and him getting arrested...he still had a job? He'd known Herb was on his side, but to let him keep his job...

Carson swallows hard and finally goes to sink down on the hard cot. It felt kind of strange...either had had enemies, or he had people who stuck with him no matter what. He wasn't used to that, even now.

Closing his eyes, he leans back against the wall again, his tongue running over the cut in his lip. Misty might come tonight...he wouldn't be surprised. Herb would tell her the true story and she wouldn't hold it against him. In a way, Carson hung on to that knowledge. With all the stupid things he'd done, Misty hadn't given up on him.


Jason swallows hard as he hears Katie humming his song…he knew good and well when she’d heard it, and it wasn’t a good memory. He’d been in prison.

Seeing her tears again, he wants to comfort her, but doesn’t know how. Why did this have to be so hard?

As she thanks him and runs her thumb over his hand, a tingle shoots up Jason’s arm. He can feel the heat rising to his face again. His response would have been, “I think I’m the lucky one.” His response would have been his own affectionate squeeze to her hand. His response would have been to lean down and give her a kiss. But he could do none of those…not now…

He slowly withdraws his hand to pat hers, and takes a deep breath, letting it out gradually. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m plum tuckered out. I guess I’ll…” He stops short. Had he still been dating Katie, he would have stayed in the spare bed in the hospital room. But that bed was made up nice and neat, showing that he had not slept in it, nor was he intending to. “…be calling it a night,” he ends lamely. “You be alright? Can I get you anything before I take off?”

Remember

*Herb cant help the small grin the plays on his lips but he trys his best to hide it before Carson can see.*

"Yeah I will let Misty know for you. As for the new life, your doing a pretty good job so far. Just at the moment your still paying for you past. Stay on the right road Carson and soon people will forget the old Carson Banks and see the new one. I've already got a glimpse of the new Carson. God works in mysteries ways."

*Herb turns to start to walk away but than stop turning his head slightly to talk over his shoulder.*

"Once you get out of here I expect you at work bright and early to make up for lost time yesterday and tomorrow. Leave me to deciding who works at my restaurant and who doesn't ok."

*Katie cant help a little laugh that escapes her lips.*

"Kyle will never change I think, but that is a good thing. He wouldn't be the same any other way. Some people just are not ment to change I think while other are."

*Katie smiles at her looks into Jason's eyes. Than her excitment grows as she hears about Mike and Jen.*

"Oh wow Mike and Jen. I am so happy for them. Your guys songs on the raido is amazing as well. Thats so cool."

*Katie leans her head back for a moment as she fishes thorough the fog. As if a tiny bit of fog lifts a tone enters Katie's mind as a soft hum comes from her lips and form words.*

"Now I’m broken, See the trouble I’m in.
I got down far, Alone I can’t win.
Bein’ here’s tough, And I know that you’re hurtin’,
Didn’t mean no harm, I love you for certain.

Baby don’t leave me,
Don’t leave my side.
I need you here,
Till the day that I die.

Life ain’t pretty,
And that much I know.
But please…
Stay by my side..."

*As if a lightbulb goes off in Katie's mind her eyes opens and she sits up. Closing them once again she trys to fish through the fog more. A memorie, that song...it was there peeking through the fog but she couldent seem to grasp the rest.*

"That song, you sang it..but I dont remember when I hurd you sing it...I...."

*Katie continues to search, for the becon, for the light. Pushing the fog away only to find more. Her head started to hurt as she clenched her eyes closed tighter to try and remember. But all she came up was with nothing. A few tears roll from her eye.*

"...I...cant remember anything alse...my head it hurts to much."

*Katie keeps her eyes closed for a long moment till she opens them and looks to Jason. A small smile plays on her lips.*

"Thank you for being here with me again."

*Katie runs her thumb over his hand.*

"Your to good to me. I'm so lucky."

Questions

Jason feels Katie's hand on his, and resists withdrawing it. She needed this comfort. She needed him right now. Con was right.

"It'll be alright, Katie, I promise." He shifts his hand to give hers a squeeze.

Chuckling, he nods. "Kyle is Kyle." A grin spreads. "Mike and Jen are dating now. That's something fairly recent." He gives another nod. "The band is good." He thinks for a moment, trying to recall when things had happened, though makes sure that he blocks the majority of emotion-filled memories. "Got a couple songs they're playing on the radio. Kyle gets hyped every time he hears one."

Pausing, he studies Katie's eyes. Where had her memories gone...where was the woman he knew? What had this changed...what did these events mean?


Camryn wanders down the hospital hall, and spots the others. Seeing Jason not with them, she assumes he's in Katie's room, but Con stops her. "Hey, Camryn...hold off a minute or two."

Camryn stops, and quirks an eyebrow. "What? Why?"

"Katie's awake, but, um..."

Camryn is filled with relief. "Oh that's wonderful." She searches Con's face. "But...what?"

"She doesn't remember a lot about recent events." Con swallows hard. "When she woke up, she thought she was still here from an accident she had a while back."

"Oh..." Camryn's brow furrows. "So...what does that mean?"

"Well, she's a little confused at the moment. She doesn't realize how much has happened lately or anything. So we all have to take it pretty easy and slow with her so she doesn't get a shock about some things."

"Some things?"

Con glances at Nate and his sister for help, then back to Camryn. "Well, she still thinks that..."

Camryn doesn't need Con to finish. Her eyes show she suddenly understands. "She still thinks she's together with Jason, doesn't she?"

"Yeah."

Camryn takes a moment to think, not sure what to say. She looks down at the ring on her finger. "Well...I guess...I guess I better not be all over him when she's around yet then huh?"

Con can't help his chuckle. "For the moment, that might be wise. We're hoping Katie will remember everything on her own soon, but if not, there will be things we will simply have to tell her. Just be patient with that man of yours, okay? Katie's a good friend, and he's in a pretty awkward position."


Carson glances up as Herb approaches the cell, but then lowers his gaze again, his hat brim hiding his eyes. "Yeah, I need a new life. But they seem to be in short supply at the moment."

He folds his arms across his chest and sighs, grinding his teeth as he thinks. "Someone needs to let Misty know I'm here...I was supposed to pick her up tonight for a date. And.." He shrugs. "Just go ahead and tell her I lost my job while you're at it. Mom and Pop's can't have someone like me working there."

...still a ham?

*Katie turns her head as she hears Jason come into the room and gives a smile. Her head hurt a little, and she still felt confused but she was happy to see a face she new again.*

"Hey! Going home will be nice. I hate hospetils, not to mention if I go home maybe it will help me remember what I cant."

*Katie gives a little sigh. She really was frustrated that she couldent remember anything. The feeling of something bad loomed in the darkness but she couldent put her finger on it.*

"Oh, I'm doing ok. I just feel tired and hate that I cant remember anything from the last year. Great things probley happend and I cant even remember them. Its frustrating."

*Katie's hand finds Jason's for a moment just resting on top of it. In a sence she was kind of scaired.*

"So how is the band doing? Is Kyle still a ham?"

*Herb is escorted to the back to where Carson is. Giving a heavy sigh he looks through the bars at his new employe. *

"Well your going to be held over night, but I told them your side of the story at least. It dident help you resisted much but whats done is done."

*Herb leans aganst the bars for a moment.*

"Do you need anything Carson? Other than to get out of here?"

Angry

Jason gives Dr. Fuller a grateful nod in response.

Laura reaches over to take Nate’s hand, not exactly sure what to do.

Con looks to Jason, gesturing to the door. “You might want to be the first one back in there, Jase.”

Jason swallows hard. “But Con, I…”

“I know it’s awkward. But you know it’s best. It’s you she wants to see, and for right now, the awkwardness on your part is worth it.”

“She’ll have to know sometime…”

“Yes, but not today.” Con almost can’t stand the thought of how much Katie would hurt to find out right now that she and Jason had broken up. “Just be her friend…she needs that.”

“I don’t know how long I can keep this up…. Letting her think we haven’t changed, not to mention not letting her know what I’m thinking. It’s hard enough now the way it is, I’m driving myself crazy trying to block all these things.”

Con looks Jason in the eye. “You have the ability and you know it. Be yourself and just quit worrying. It’ll all work out.”

Jason glances down at the table. “Yeah…I know…” Finally he rises. “Alright…I’ll be back.”

Slowly he makes his way back to Katie’s room….he’s so unsure about so many things. It was just something else he has to block. He had to do this…for Katie. Whether they were dating or not, she was still his friend, and he still cared about her.

Knocking softly, he enters her room, a smile coming to his lips. He approaches casually and eases down in the chair again, looking her in the eye. “So…I guess you’re gonna live, huh?” The humor dances in his voice. “That would be a good thing. Doc said you could go home in a day or two…I think Laura will be pretty happy about that.” He pauses a moment, cocking his head and knowing that his small talk chatter wasn't doing anyone any good. He finally gives in to a little more seriousness. "How you holding up, Hero?"


The officer at the counter sports a badge with the name Springer on it. He quirks an eyebrow at Herb, and lazily flips through some papers. “Ah, yes…brought in a while ago. Assault charges, I believe. The other three were released, and Mr. Banks was kept for additional questioning. Detective Houghens is unable to see him right now though, so the sheriff has informed us that Mr. Banks will be held overnight.” He shrugs and thumbs to the back. “Want to see him though, be my guess. Officer Thomlinson will escort you.”

Carson paces the small cell, his anger boiling. How could this have happened? It was ridiculous! It was unfair and stupid! He’d been attacked, and just because the other guys had a better story, they were the ones to go free, and he was kept. A ‘troublemaker’ they said. Maybe losing his temper hadn’t helped things much, but he was tired of the bad guy label! No matter what he did, no matter how hard he tried, he was still a bad guy. Would it follow him the rest of his life? Even with a pardoned record, after the stunt he’d pulled with the fight ring and escaping jail, all the dirt was back again.

Leaning back against the wall, his baseball cap is pulled low over his eyes and he stares at he floor. He might lose his job over this one. He’d been given the chance to make a phone call, but the only person he’d call would be Misty, and he hadn’t had the nerve to call her and tell her where he was. Even if it wasn’t his fault, he just didn’t want to have to tell her one more time that he’d messed up. He was tired of being the screw-up.

Bail

*Dr. Fuller looks at Jason for a moment and than gives a nod.*

" I hope she can go home in a day or two. Just someone has to keep a close eye on her. Since she is confused she might try to do something she thins she cant when she really cant. She does I told her that much because Con has said that alot of time had passed. She was pretty shocked but she took it well. Right now she just needs her friends and family. We can only hope in time she will remember."

*Dr. Fuller gives a nod and stands.*

"She is resting now if you want to go in to see her you can."

*Herb watches as the officers take Carson out. He wanted to protest to what happend because he has seen some of what went on but that could make it just harder on Carson after he put up a fight. Letting them go Herb takes his place behind the grill.

As the hours pass Herb becomes impashent and hates to think he'd left Carson there this long. Exiting the kitchen he lets Mable know she is in charge of the grill and he will be back. Leaving the restront Herb jumps into his car and makes his way acorss town.

Finally geting to the police station he enters and goes over to the counter.*

"Excuse me, I saw what happend with Carson Banks and the other men at my restront. I'd like to clear Carson's name please and pay his bail if I have to."

Protest

Jason looks down a the table as Dr. Fuller speaks, hearing her words, processing them, and trying to keep his emotions at bay at the same time.

Finally he looks up at her in time to catch her eye as she concludes, and he grits his teeth, swallowing hard. As much as he wanted to explain everything to Katie, he knew he couldn’t. As much as he wanted her to remember everything right now, she wasn’t, and he couldn’t push her, no matter how awkward the present was.

“So…when will she be able to go home? Does she know what the date is yet?”


The three thugs pause their attack on Carson as Herb steps between them, and Waylon glares at him for a moment. “Hey, he’s the one who started throwing that mop of his around.”

“Yeah,” Reagan nods his agreement. “You got a dangerous man working for you, ya know that?”

Before anyone can say anything more, suddenly the sound of sirens can be heard.

Waylon and his two goons turn quickly to see the door open, and tense, ready to run, but they have no where to go.

Two policemen hurry to the scene, hands on weapons, but remaining calm. “What’s going on here?”

“This guy started attacking us!” Waylon points to Carson.

Carson is finally picking himself up off the floor and wipes a bloody lip, eyeing the officers. “Look, it wasn’t me, alright? I was just working and these goons walked in and…”

“Hey, we didn’t do nothing!” Cash defends.

“…and they started harassing me,” Carson continues, throwing them a glare.

“We did not.” Waylon gestures to the policemen. “We were just minding our own business, and this guy here has a chip on his shoulder about the past, so he started in on us.”

“I did not!” Carson’s voice raises, his face growing red.

“He did!”

“Look, I don’t know what…”

An officer steps in between them, holding up his hands. “I think all you fellows better just come down to the station with us where we can straighten this out.”

“I don’t need to go to the station!” Carson argues. “It’s them, not me!”

The second officer squints at Carson. “Hey…aren’t you Carson Banks?”

“What of it?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of you. You better just cooperate if you know what’s good for you.”

“But I didn’t do anything!”

“I don’t care who did what, you’re involved in this, and you’re coming with us.” The officer takes Carson’s arm.

Carson jerks away, still glaring at them. “Get off. How’d you two end up in law enforcement anyway? You can’t even tell a good guy from a pile of dirt. What did you do? Buy your way into the department?”

“Alright, that’s it.” The first officer grabs Carson’s shoulder, shoving him around, and twisting an arm behind his back to cuff him. The cuffs click shut before Carson can even react. “Now you’re coming with us whether you like it or not!”

Waylon gets a smirk on his face. “Yeah, you better keep those cuffs on. He’s a mean one when he’s riled.”

“You guys are coming too,” the officer orders.”

“By all means!” Waylon gestures for his friends to follow. “We don’t have no problem with that, do we boys?”

Reagan and Cash shake their heads.

Carson resists being pushed towards the door, his face showing his anger at the situation. “I didn’t start this dang thing!” He protests.

“Move!”

He’s shoved forward and stumbles, almost falling before slamming into the door, his hands still cuffed behind his back. “Push me one more time and you’ll pay.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Take it how you like.”

The officers both corral all four men outside towards the two waiting cruisers, ready to take them downtown.