Never have

*Once home Katie warms up some food for herself and than heads into the bathroom getting ready for bed. Taking her food into her room she shuts the door slightly and throws her PJ's on before sitting down at her computer desk and opening her email. Taking a bit of her food she starts to type.*

"Dear Dad,

It's been a little bit since I wrote to you last, I guess you could say memorie loss got in the way. I'm sure you new about that though. Everything is pretty much back to normal now. We as normal as it can be. I remember everything, and though I lack some emotions still I remember the important ones. Like the ones connected with my friends and with the one I love.
Oh yeah good news, Scott and I have decieded to give it another go. I know I wrote to you letting you know how confused I was and how I thought I was hurting him but Dad I saw how he was after I left him and I relised that hurt him even more. My love for Scott is so differnt from any other its hard to explain. So we are starting over, from the start and are going to give it a go one more time.
Jason is doing well, we are funcitoning well together now as friends. He's really grown up alot Dad and come along way.
Well I better get going. I'll write again soon. I love you dad!

Katie"

*Sending the email Katie leans back in her chair and finishs off her food. As if she was suddinly slapped Katie drops her plate with the food on it and lets out a shreek as emotions bombard her all at once out of no where. It was Jason, the emotions, something was wrong, he was in a great deal of pain to not be blocking anything from her. Katie's mind races as it trys to catch up and process the information being thrown at it, buts its to fast...its coming to hard.

Tears from in Katie's eyes as the information keeping coming the pain running through her. It hurt, it hurt alot and Katie dident know what way was up. Pulling herself from the ground to witch she had slumped to Katie trys to open her eyes, as everything spins. One emotion after another over flowing, Katie's head felt like it would pop if it dident stop. Reaching for her phone Katie is about to dial Jason's number when a new emotions is immited. Everything for a split second stoped and fear, and pain entered. A shooting pain runs through Katie's let, as she grabs for it. The emotions once again being throw at her. If she dident stop them, if she dident get to Jason things could end bad.

Standing Katie gives her head a little shake trying to clear it enough to get to Jason. The flex of the emotions were great and Katie needed to move fast. Slipping on her sandles Katie forgets she is in her PJ's and heads out the front door and down to her car. By time she is inside the rain is coming down pretty good and she is drenches. Geting in Katie can feel Jason's emotions calming but still running wild. Katie had to go to him...He couldent just sit there forever.

Starting her car Katie pulls out of the driveway and heads across town, making turn after turn, till finally she could feel the emotions of Jason stronger and slows keeping an eye open.

Finally Katie sees a figure on the side of the road and can make it out to be Jason. Pulling over to the side of the road Katie parks her car and gets out as the rain continues to fall soaking her pajams and hair. Going over to Jason Katie bends down on the ground next to Jason. Reaching out she touches his arm lightly.*

"J...?"

*Looking down at his knee Katie see the blood and reflex kicks in. Tearing off the bottom of her shirt she wets is alittle and than places it on top of the cut before looking back to Jason and seeing the pain in his eyes.

Gently Katie reachs out and wraps her arms around her friend. Offering herself to now be his shelter as he was hers. Katie contiuens to hold Jason gently swaying. Trying to offer as much comfort as she can.*

*Misty slowly turns her head to Kyle hearing his voice. Why she had come back inside the Pizza Box she wasnet sure. Had she hoped maybe Kyle would talk to her again she dident know. All she new is she was here now, and Kyle was in front of her talking.*

"I guess I did. The food was pretty good and the comapny wasent so bad eather."

*Misty looks away from Kyle again and looks out the window for a moment letting Kyle's question go unanswered for a little bit. Misty's mind still raced as she processed the question along with the other emotions she felt. She dident want to go, but she dident want to stay and Kyle seemed so adamint about making her feel better.

Letting out a small sigh Misty turns back to Kyle and trys to give a smile.*

"I'm a docture remeber? Pneumonia is pretty easy to cure is caught right away."

*Misty stands and grabs her purse.*

"I've never walked in the rain before other than to my car. That might feel nice. I can drive if you want."

*Misty felt strange about going somewhere with Kyle, she dident know him all that well but she new Jason new him and he seemed like an ok guy who was trying to cheer her up. Maybe this was the discration for new Misty needed. Being with friends was said to be the way to heal a broken heart, Misty could only hope it would heel fast. Though she new it was going to be a slow painful process.*

*Nate's eyes fly open as he hears the loud thump. Blinking for a moment he remembers where he is and gets to his feet as he hears Carson throw up.

Going into the kitchen Nate searches several cubords till he finds the cups. Grabing some water he heads into the bathroom givnig a light tap. Entering Nate flushes the tolite for Carson and than kneels down next to him holding out the glass.*

"Here, drink this it will help you feel a little better."

*Nate stays with Carson in the bathroom not saying much but just being there if he needed him. Nate wasent sure what to say or how to make him feel better all he could do was be there for his friend. God would plan the rest out. Slidng to the floor Nate cross his legs as he watches his friend with worry.*

Emotions

Scott sits for a long while in his office after Katie had left. His head resting on his hands on his desk, just thinking...praying...thinking. He felt leading...he felt this was right. He didn't know what the future held...and though he and Katie still shared a deep love for one another, he knew that this time around it would be different.

"What do you want from me, God? Where do I belong?"

Thinking about the future, Scott wondered if it really could work again. He wanted it to...but what if it didn't? What would he do then? Something deep down nudged his heart. Something deep down prompted the courage that God had given him. If he and Katie did in fact break up again...he would survive. It would be hard, and he certainly didn't want it to happen and wasn't planning on it happening. But if it did...he was confident that it would be God's leading this time. And if that were true, then he and Katie both would be taken care of.

It's late by the time he goes home, but for the first time in weeks, a smile is on his face.


Kyle looks up from the back as he hears the door again, and raises his eyebrows while returning the wave. He'd just seen Jason and Misty both leave. Odd. Cocking his head he just looks at Misty for several moments, contemplating his options.

He glances up at the clock. "Hey, Sue, we're not too busy, mind if I take off early?"

The assistant manager shrugs. "Whatever. Just clock out."

"Alright." Kyle undoes his apron and clocks out, grabbing his backpack and throwing his watch and leather bracelet back on. Heading out onto the dining area, he gives Misty a quirky smile and plops down in the seat across from her without even asking. He didn't know Misty all that well, but he couldn't stand anyone hurting. Many a time he'd gone out of his way to try and make someone smile, who maybe even had been a complete stranger. But Misty wasn't a stranger, and he'd already opened up a dialogue with her. "Decide you liked it in here or what?"

He glances out the window, then back at Misty, his grin remaining. "You know the park downtown with the fountain? You ever been out there at night in the rain?" He lets the implication linger. "If you're not afraid of pneumonia, we can go check it out."


Carson numbly follows Nate's directions, and staggers and trips his way up the stairs to his apartment, grabbing hold of Nate to keep from landing on the floor. By the time he's inside, he's become a bit pale, proving the liquor is doing a number on his insides.

Getting into bed, he groans and mumbles several sentences that don't make a bit of sense at all. His eyes closed, he seems to be asleep before Nate leaves.

Half an hour later though, a loud thud can be heard from Carson's bedroom, alerting anyone that he'd fallen out of bed. Not half a minute later, he's crawling across the floor to the bathroom, barely making it before he gets sick. Without having had any supper, too full of alcohol and wound up from his walk and the drive, his stomach revolts. Leaning over the toilet, he doesn't even know how many times he throws up or even what time of night it is. And he doesn't care. Nothing makes sense, and he's not even sure he knows where he is at the moment. All he knows is that he hurts in more ways than one.


All of a sudden, rampant emotions are released in rapid motion to the only one who could sense them. Scattered and patterned illogically, they prove the host is trying to keep them back…to keep them hidden, but there are too many and they are too strong to hide all. Like someone trying to plug a hole in the bottom of a boat with their hands, it simply can’t be done.

Another gear, another speed. Jason doesn’t care about the pain in his leg, or about the rain that falls from the sky like arrows, blurring his vision and creating hazardous driving conditions.

“My…my parents showed up unexpectedly yesterday.”

“Oh? You didn’t tell me that.”

“I didn’t…well…it wasn’t important.”

“So…what’s wrong then?”

“They…didn’t know I was engaged.”

“What? You said you told them months ago.”

“I…I didn’t.”

“Why?”

“I was scared…I didn’t want them to put a damper on things.”

“So you preferred to lie to me.”

“I’m sorry, okay? It was wrong of me to lie. I just didn’t want you to worry.”

Jason grits his teeth, shifting gears up again as bits and pieces of the conversation continue to play over in his mind.

“Look, Jason. I’ve done a lot of thinking… I’ve really searched my heart, and… I just don’t think this is going to work.”

“What? But…we… We have to try. I know it can work. I know we can do it. Just give us time to find a solution.”

“But…I don’t think we can. I’ve thought this thing through and…I think this is best…for both of us.”

“I don’t want to walk away, Cam…not like this. Just…we have a future…I thought you…I thought you wanted to be with me.”

His words had hit a brick wall. He changes lanes to speed around a slower vehicle on the highway.

“My parents are right…”

“Great. So first you don’t tell them about me, then when you do, you let them change your mind about us.”

“I’m sorry! But they are right. What kind of future do we really have, Jase? Love conquers a lot of things, but how can you possibly expect us to survive through all of this?”

The motorcycle continues it’s pace down the road, no destination in mind, other than to get as far away from his negative thoughts as possible.

“We agreed we could work around this!”

“I thought we could!”

“Then what changed?”

“…Look, what kind of life would we have? Whenever you going down, Katie has to come? You always having to watch what you do because you might hurt her feelings?”

“So that’s it, huh? You’re calling everything off because of Katie and me.”

“…that’s part of it.”

Jason passes another vehicle on the road, swerving around them just in time before an oncoming car speeds by. The rain increases, soaking the pavement.

“What else have you not told me?”

“It’s nothing I haven’t told you! I just…I got to thinking about things and…I love you, Jason. There’s no doubt of that. We’re just so different and…and this whole thing with Katie, and…my dad, he… Well he helped me realize some things. I…I jumped into this thing with you so fast. That’s the way I do things. I don’t think first. And then…you know my faith is important to me, but you show no desire to share it, and when I add all this up, it just…”

“So you didn’t think about any of this before you actually said you’d be my wife.”

“I’m sorry!”

The emotions run wild through Jason’s veins. They surge through him, intensifying with each second. He was angry, he was upset, he was hurt.

“I…I just…”

“Don’t say you’re sorry again.”

“But I am! I didn’t want this to happen…it just…I…I love you and…”

“Don’t say that either, because it’s obviously not true.”

“Can you have no understanding? Can you not see it from my angle?”

“Of course I can! I’m not good enough for you. And you got scared. You’re afraid and pessimistic, and apparently you would rather please your parents than anything else. If you want to walk away, go right ahead, because if this is how we’re gonna start out, then I hate to see us three years from now when you decide it’s just too hard.”

Jason squints through the rain. He’d been angry. He’d been harsh. He’d raised his voice. He had not offered any comfort for the tears streaming down Camryn’s face. He hadn’t wanted to listen. And he’d felt as though his heart had been ripped in two.

Alone on the road, the motorcycle’s speed increases. A curve comes up fast and Jason leans his weight to carry the bike through.

A flash of lightning envelopes the sky, blinding Jason for a moment. Blinking, he cringes at the thunder he can feel. Before he can react, an object is suddenly seen in the middle of the road. A tree limb had come down in the wind.

Too late, Jason has to swerve to avoid hitting the limb. But the road is slick, and it happens too fast. The bike goes down.

Sliding on the asphalt, sparks fly. Jason’s reflexes kick in and he throws himself away from the dangerous machine. For what feels like an eternity, it’s only seconds that pass.

The bike skids down the highway and off the side of the road, hitting the curb and flipping to roll into the ditch.

Jason’s body slides on the road, tearing his jeans and scraping his jacket. For a moment, he’s not sure which way is up or down as his momentum slows and he begins to roll off onto the shoulder.

Finally coming to a halt, he just lies dazed, making sure he’s still alive and can actually move. Testing out his muscles, he comes to the conclusion that amazingly enough, nothing is broken, though his knee had taken a bad hit, and he hurt in more places than one – his ribcage hurt and he could feel that his shoulder had hit hard too.

His mind halts for a brief moment as he concentrates on sitting up and taking off his helmet. The rain comes down in sheets, cooling his skin and soaking his clothes.

Jason looks down and winces as he draws his leg to the side revealing some blood that surrounded the tear in the knee of his jeans. Sighing, he remains sitting, totally drained, emotionally and physically. He didn’t even want to go see if his bike was okay. The crash was a perfect ending to his day…a perfect example of what was happening to his life.

He just sits. Unmoving. Apathetic. A car zooms by, spraying him with water, the driver not even noticing him. His boots are scuffed and wet and he doesn’t care, and doesn’t move. Finally he draws his knees up to his chest even though it hurts, and wraps his arms around his legs. Resting his forehead on his knees, he shuts out the world. Too tired of fighting, he just lets his emotions do what they will. Camryn’s words played through his mind. His own he heard again. And somewhere in the distance, he thought of Katie. She’d know what had happened…she’d be the only one who would know where he was. But instead of worrying about it, he just let it go. Whatever happened would happen. He couldn’t fight anymore.

Dead Man

*Katie cringes a little bit at the comment of another ring and can't help but feel bad. She hadent know Scott tossed it. But that comment told it all and it hurt. The feeling pass though as Scott kiss her and she returns it back. Letting him know through it just how happy she really was.

Maybe starting over would be a good thing. If they started from the beginning and on the right foot it might just work out this time. No ill feelings, no hidden feeling, Scott will know about her connection to Jason, it just might work.

Katie smiles up at Scott and gives him another hug. Pulling away Katie takes Scott's hand in her for a moment.*

"You let that pup know I owe her ice cream and you too."

*As Katie backs away she keeps her hand in Scott's and her eyes on him as long as she cant. Exstending her arm as far as it will go to hold his. Till finally she couldent any longer and she was out the door. A smile on her face she holds up her hand in an "I love you" sign and turns making her way back down the hall a smile on her face.

Katie felt good, she felt happy, she new things would be ok. She's never felt like this before about someone. This love she had for Scott was differnt than most and she liked it.*

*Giving Jason a little friendly hug Misty reasures him she will call if she needed anything and that she would see him tomarrow. Stands on the sidewalk watching Jason leave Misty lets the rain fall on her not minding one bit. In a way it felt good.

Walking to her car Misty is about to get in and go back to work when she stops turning back to the Pizza box. They were open for at least another hour and she really dident want to go back to work but she dident want to go home eather. Maybe the next hour she could kill here.

Opening the door to the pizza box again the little chime goes off making her presence known. Giving a wave to Kyle again Misty seats herself and just stairs at the table for a long moment and than out the window.*

*Nate gives alittle shake of his head as he listens to Carson. It made him upset and sad to see his friend like this, and to listen to his words. He new Carson was hurting because whether he said it or not He did love Misty.

Fixing his mirror after Carson hits it he lets out a sigh.*

"No your not Carson Banks, your just a dead man laying on a carpet. And you should be sad, because no one will ever be Misty."

*Pulling down Carson's street Nate goes a little ways and than pulls into Carson's apartment complex. Getting out of the car he goes over to Carson's side and helps him out saportng almost if not all of Carson's dead weaght. Finally getting him in the door and up the steps Nate makes it to the door which he finds open. Nate guess in Carson's state he forgot to lock it.

Getting Carson inside Nate dosent even try to give him some water knowing he isent coharent enough. Guilding him to the bed room Nate helps Carson down on the bed and takes his shoes off. Kneeling down next to him for a moment Nate says a silent prayer, and than pats Carson's shoulder.*

"If you need anything I'll be out on the coutch ok."

*Nate stands again and heads out into the living room leaving Carson's bedroom door open. Sitting down on the coutch Nate turns the tv on softly and watchs it. Than pulls out his phone to call Janit.*

"Hey Janit, I just wanted to let you know I wont be home tonight so if you could check on Maggie for me in the morning. No, no everything is ok. Just a friend needs me right now, and I dont want anything bad to happen. Yeah I am a softy I know. I'll probley be home sometime in the morning to get ready for work. Ok, ok thanks Janit."

*Nate hangs up his phone and turns the tv mute off. Watching it till finally sleep comes to him.*

My street

Scott lets silence rule for several moments as he tries to process everything. His whole world had come crashing down, and now he was faced with an opportunity to rebuild it. "Okay."

He leans his face into Katie's hand and closes his eyes for a second or two. "We'll start over." Opening his eyes, he sees her, and sees the love. No matter what the future held, he couldn't deny her now.

Cocking his head, he kisses her again with passion, pulling her close to him once more. Moving back a little, he gives her a wry grin. "Besides...I can't afford another ring right now anyway." Giving her cheek one last brush with the back of his hand, he finally releases her.

There was so much to say, so much to discuss...but right now, he just wanted to stop while he was ahead. He needed to think...needed to pray. "You should get going," he suggests quietly. "Tomorrow we can talk more."


Kyle smiles at Misty's order. "Mm, good choice." After taking Jason's order too, he take their menus and promises to be back.

The meal is fairly quiet. Jason doesn't force Misty to talk, though they do discuss work a little bit, and Kyle returns several times to crack jokes and make them laugh.

As the evening draws on, Jason finally gets ready to leave, knowing that Misty will probably head back to work. "I'll see you at work in the morning, alright?" He stops on the sidewalk outside just for a moment as it's still raining. "You need anything, don't forget you can call."

Taking his time, he goes to his truck. Just as he's starting the engine, his phone vibrates on his belt. Looking at it, he quirks an eyebrow. Camryn. "Hey, you, I'm just on my way home."

"Okay good. Can I meet you at your place?"

Jason's not sure he likes the tone of her voice. "Of course. What's up?"

"Nothing. Well...something, but...I... I just want to talk to you."

The hair on the back of Jason's neck bristles. "Okay...I'll be there in a few minutes."


Carson looks in disappointment as Nate empties the bottle, and gives a sigh. "Alwys gotta ruin my f'n.... dn't y'...."

Dumbly following Nate's lead, he has to lean heavily on the taller man to make it down the porch steps, almost falling once, and finding it funny. Staggering along, he's finally in Nate's car, but needs help with the seatbelt, unable to line up the buckle.

On their way, Carson leans his head against the window. "Sh' s'd it's ov'r...." He nods. "Yep....all ov'r an' done with an' th'ts it." He throws a hand in the air accidentally hitting the rearview mirror. "But I g't s'meone else anywy, so I sh'dn't be sad, nope." He shakes his head. "N' one c'n tell me whatta do, ya kn'w... 'cause I'm C'rs'n Banks."

He glances out the window, his eyes widening and he points. "Hey...this's....this's my street."

Friends

*Katie looks up at Scott searching his eyes. She did not want to hurt him, she did love him to much for that. But if Scott could understand, if they could work around this could it work.*

"I want to be happy Scotty, and I was when I was with you."

*Katie brings her hand to the side of Scott's face running a finger over his cheek and jaw.*

"I want to try again Scott, I want you. I made a horrable mistake and now, I am asking I am begging for a second chanse to make us both happy. "

*Katie continues to search Scott's eyes for his emotions. For what he was thinking and feeling.*

"There will be some things we need to work through but if your willing to try, than I want that. If you can understand, and trust me than I want us. I want to try again Scotty. I'd like us to start over at the beginning and try again."

*Misty gives a small jump as Kyle sits down next to her. She dident know him all that well and it saprised her that he would sit down, put his arm around let alone talk to her. Misty turns her head listing to Kyle, trying to keep stuff the rest of the tears stuffed away.

Listing to Kyle's kind words Misty is greatful and a little intreged by some of the things he said. Offering him a smile Misty gives a nod.*

"Thank you Kyle."

*Looking to Jason and than to Kyle again Misty lets out a small tired sigh. She was drained all the crying today but she dident want to sleep, she dident want to close her eyes, or be left in the darkness alone. Misty new she had some friends who cared and it felt good. But would it be enough to get her through this?*

"...I know I do have a few friends who care. Its comforting to know that."

*Looking down at her menu again Misty's smile slowly fades as everything goes quiet again. She wasent very hungry, but she new if she dident at least attempt to eat something Jason and Kyle now would probley get on her case.*

"I'll have a six inch salmi sub with everything and mayo and some french frys on the side."

*Misty closes her menu and hands it to Kyle.*

*Nate brings a hand to his head as he trys to make sence of what Carson is saying. Picking up bits and peaces he understands. For a moment a suddin anger rises inside of him at Carson but as soon as it rises it dies conserned for his friends state at the moment more than anything alse. Knowing drinking and a drepresstion for the situation was not a good combanation and is worryed Carson would make a stupid chose.

Looking down at the bottle in Carson's hand Nate reaches out and takes it knowing Carson wouldent have the energy to fight him. Turning the bottle over in the grass Nate dumps what is left out tossing the empty bottle in the trash. Than turning back to his friend he shakes his head.*

"Oh Carson...When will you learn huh?"

*Nate lets out a sigh and goes next to Carson slinging his arm around his neck and heading to his car.*

"Come on, lets get you home before someone calls the cops on you."

*Nate helps Carson into the car and than heads around to his own side getting in.*

Slurred explanation

Scott’s eyes close as he feels Katie’s hands. He had missed her so much…not just her touch, but her voice…her presence.

Finally he draws away enough he can see her face. Taking a gentle hand, he wipes away her tears.

“I don’t know what to do, Hero…is it possible to start again? Is it possible to start from the beginning?” He swallows hard, so unsure about the future…so unsure about his own decisions. He’d thought once he’d made the wrong choice…was this meant to be or was he just making a stupid move all over again? “I need to know what you really want.”


Kyle catches note of Misty’s tears and it dawns on him the only thing that could have happened. If there had been some accident or something, Jason would have said so. There was only one reason Misty would be crying after the mention of Carson, and Kyle felt terrible for bringing up his name, even if he hadn’t known. He simply nods at her request for water and leaves to go get the drinks.

Jason offers Misty a knowing smile. “I didn’t ask you to come so you’d be great company.” He leans back in the booth and sighs deeply, wishing he had some comforting words to say, but he was drawing a blank. Figuring it was best then to simply remain quiet, he does.

It’s a few minutes before Kyle returns with their drinks. Setting the glasses down, he turns, but then pauses a moment, glancing at Misty.

Thinking for just a second or two, he glances at Jason, then back to Misty before easing down in the booth next to her. He didn’t know everything…most of it was an assumption. But he knew he wasn’t on the wrong path with this one. He didn’t know the details, but he didn’t need to. He didn’t know who was to blame, but it didn’t matter.

As only Kyle could do, he reaches over and puts an arm around Misty to give her a gentle hug. “It’ll be okay,” he assures softly. “You got a circle of friends here who love ya and aren’t gonna let you stay out in the cold.”

He leans forward a little and cocks his head so he can see Misty’s face, the tears in her eyes not bothering him. “God has a plan for you, Misty, no matter what’s happening. He’s got you here for a reason even if you can’t see it, and if you trust in Him, He’s not going to let you down.”

Kyle knows that he’s talking in front of a man who doesn’t believe, and he’s not even sure if Misty does or not. But the conviction to say the words are heavy on his heart, and he won’t deny the Spirit’s leading. “If you ever need to talk or anything, me, Phil, Jen or Mike are always around, alright?”

He gives her another little squeeze before withdrawing and standing back up. “Alright…” He grins. “What’s for supper, you two?”


Carson’s eyes fly open and he gives a jolt, slow on the uptake that Nate is there. He blinks, just staring at him lamely for several moments, trying to understand the questions being asked of him.

He looks down like a little boy who knows he’s done something wrong, and fidgets with the bottle. “I’s j’st c’mn t’ see Misty ‘s all.” He takes another swig of whiskey, almost missing his mouth.

Drinking too quickly, he coughs and wipes his mouth with his sleeve, leaning his back up against the door and staring into nothingness, his eyes glazed over to prove the state he’s in.

“I did s’mth’n bad, Nate.” He nods emphatically. “Ch…cheat’d r’ght then, there w’th Velvttt, an’ Misty fnd ‘t.”

He stands up straighter, but sways unsteadily and goes back to leaning on the door. “’ts ovr, sh’ said… ‘vr f’r g’d an’ I think it’s th’ trth…”

He swipes at his stinging eyes.

Adventure

*Katie leans her head aganst Scott's shoulder as he holds her tight. Katie's heart pounding, feeling Scott's own makes her race even faster. Hearing Scott's words Katie whispers her own arms tighting a little bit.*

"Don't let me go than Scott. Just hold me."

*Katie's own small tear falls. She'd been happy with Scott, than she messed up, now she is getting a second chanse again. Katie was determined not to mess up again.

Keeping her arms wrapped around Scott Katie's one arm goes up to the back on his head and runs through his hair as she leans on him. Taking in his warmth, his smell, his presence. Though she only rememberd everything but a week ago it felt like a life time had gone by since she had been in Scott's arms and now it felt so good to be there again.*

"Your not alone Scott, not anymore. I'm here, I'm here with you."

*Katie continues to run her hand through Scott's hair as her other stays around his wast slowly rubbing his back a little.*

*Charlotte laughs as the food is braught to them. Her grin and twinkling eyes remaining.*

"Well we can't have you salking. That one I won't leave up to fate. So I guess your going to be stuck with me through the cold weather."

*Charlotte takes some of the mess of stuff and puts it on her plate. Taking a bite of her cheese stick first.*

"Not that I mind at all. The adventured with out destanations are the best and the ones I live for. Specialy if I have a handsome guy to come along with me."

*Charlotte can't help but give Bret a sidelong glance and bat her eyes at him angelicly and letting out a sigh as she went back to her food for a moment and taking a few bites. Charlotte keeps her foot close to Bret's giving it a nudge under the table every now and again.*

*Misty gives Kyle a little wave relizing how strange is much look for Jason to be with her and not Camryn and Her to be with him and not Carson. Misty trys not to think about it and consintrats on there banter over the choise in the drink.

As Kyle asks for Jason's help and than Carson's Misty cant help but feel a lump in her throt form. Looking for a little comfort out of habbit Misty's hand goes to her wrist where Carson's braclet once layed. Feeling nothing the cold truth hits her once more and a single tear rolls down her face. Turning her head away Misty looks out the window watching the rain fall slowly. The wind softly blowing it in every direction. That how Misty felt inside, everything being blown around in chaos. More tears falling from her eyes as she trys to hide them.

After a few more moments of looking out the window Kyle's question finally registers to Misty as she quickly brings a hand to her face and whipes the tears away.*

"I'll just have a water with some lemon please."

*Once Kyle is gone Misty's attachen returns to the window and the rain. Only after a few moments Misty looks to Jason, offering a small smile.*

"Sorry I am not great company today."

*Nate taps on the stearing wheel as he drives down the road and his music plays. The rain was light and the sky who a bright on dispite the clouds. Nate had decieded tonight to relax a little he would take the long way home, past Misty, and past a few other people's homes he new as well. Nate always liked the long way once and a while just to make sure everything with his friends seemed ok.

Turning the courner and nearing Misty's house Nate hears something that catches his ears. It sounded like pounding and shouting. As his car drives farther down the road it seams to be getting louder. Turning off his raido and slowling the car down Nate listens closer and hears it again. He new that voice, it sounded like Carson?!

Pulling his car to the curn Nate looks out the passanger side window and can make out Carson on Misty's pourch a bottle liquer in his hand. Nate new Misty wasent home. He had seen her in her office still with Jason when he had last left. The darkend windows proved as well no one was home.

Hearing Carson's pounding and yells Nate new he needed to do something before Carson was arrested. Geting out of his car Nate walks slowly up the side walk and to Misty's pourch where Carson was. Taking note he was drunker than a skunk Nate stays alert. What on earth was going on?*

"Carson, what in the word are you doing? Do you relize what time it is? Misty is not here yet. She's still back at work. Is everything ok?"

*Nate eyes his friend with worry. From what he new Carson was doing so well with not drinking, but now something had happend and his friend was at it again. He was conserned for Carson and anyone who got in his way in his drunkin state the way he was pounding the door. Nate only wanted to help his friend if there was something wrong.*

Late night caller

As Katie's lips meet Scott's, he feels the shock run through him and doesn't pull back. Instead, his arms make their way around her frame, his hands on her back as he returns the kiss. A silent tear escapes to mingle within the exchange until he finally pulls way only to hug Katie tightly to himself.

His head leaning against hers, his heart pounds in his chest, his mind screaming at him so many different things. He felt so upside down, so turned around without a compass to tell him which way to go. He was going against logic. He was going against what he'd been determined to live with.

"I don't know what to do." His voice was quiet, almost a whimper. "I don't want to let you go...I don't want you to walk away again. But I don't know what's right. I just..."

As if afraid she'll slip away, he hugs her tighter. "Tell me what I should do, Katie...I can't do it alone."


Bret chuckles and kicks Charlotte back. "Like I need a reason to call you."

He shakes his head and after their food is ordered, he reverts back to their previous conversation. "Work's alright, and no, nothing fun and exciting...other than you." He tosses her a wink. "I guess if you're twenty feet in the air on a single beam it can be dangerous, but otherwise, no. Dean swung by the other day. He's on his feet a little now, though after seeing how Con's been doing in his place, I think he felt better about the time off for recuperating. Of course...pretty soon all of us will be out of work for a while."

Bret shrugs and takes a sip of his pop, chewing on an ice cube. "That leaves me with long days to sulk, you know." He grins at Charlotte slyly. "Unless I have something to look forward to, like weekend excursions with no destinations."


Jason grins as Misty changes her mind. He was glad she'd get away from here if just for a little while. Heading to the exit, he favors his leg, feeling the meds wearing off for the night. But, he knew if he kept moving, it wouldn't be as stiff later.

Clouds covered most of the stars and barely let light from the moon shine through the night sky. A steady rain came down, predicted to last into the evening.

Once in the parking lot, Jason pulls out in his truck, making sure Misty is behind him before heading into town to the pizza place. Parked and inside, Jason lets Misty go first and they wait for a table, being directed to a booth on the side wall.

Sliding in, Jason can't help a chuckle as he sees Kyle working in the back. "The pizza is good," he muses, glancing at a small sign on the table advertising several specials. "Subs are good, too."

"Yo, Jase!" Kyle has an empty tray in his hand and comes to the table with a grin. Spotting Misty, his eyebrows raise a little, and his mouth opens slightly as if he's going to ask about this strange scene, but then decides better of it. "Hey, Misty." He glances over his shoulder. "Well, since Julie is busy, I'm it. Can I get you guys something to drink?"

"Coke."

Kyle smirks at Jason. "You know we got Pepsi here."

"Yeah, but I just thought I'd ask."

Kyle rolls his eyes and looks to Misty. "Is he this uncooperative at work?"

"Hey, watch it."

Kyle grins and shakes his head. "Oh, by the way, me an' the boys are gonna be helping a friend of ours move next week - he and his family have a ton of stuff so I'm recruiting help. Thought maybe you..." He points to Jason, then turns to Misty. "...and maybe that man of yours could help..." His voice trails off as Jason gives him a look and is shaking his head. Kyle pauses for just a moment, having no idea what Jason is trying to convey, but getting the feeling the answer was 'no' about Carson and that he shouldn't ask. "...or...not....or anyone else for that matter could use your muscles."

Jason shrugs. "I could probably come help out some."

"Okeedokee." Kyle jots down that Jason wants a Pepsi, then turns back to Misty once more. "And a drink for you?"


“Misty!” Carson staggers up the walk towards Misty’s apartment, a new half-drunk bottle of liquor in his hand. He stumbles as little to the side and into the yard before squinting to find his way back to the path. Stopping at the steps, he surveys the route he has to take, and tries lifting a foot, only to miss the step and has to try again. “Misty, you d..dangn’d w’m’n!”

He makes it up to steps, grabbing the railing as he sways backward. “C’mon, hrrr ‘n talk t’ me…!”

It was dark outside and a light rain came down. Carson was drenched from head to toe, having walked from his own place to hers.

He takes another swig from his bottle before attempting the last step, stumbling across the porch and running into the door. His voice raises again. “Misty! Op’n up, it’s…..is…me.”

Leaning against the door and receiving no response, he pounds his palm on the door. “C’mon! Owe it me, ya know it e’v’n if I d’nt say…” His words all run together an in incoherent sentence, the alcohol skewing his own thoughts and slurring his speech.

“Misty!” His hand goes back to pound on the door. “Stop be’n st’bb’rn an’ j’st liss’n a m’n or…or two.”

Another sip of whiskey is downed. “Get out h’r an’…an’ stop bel’ach’n ‘round ‘n liss’n I got w’rds t’ say, I w’nna say.”

The windows remain dark. There is no sound of movement inside. Carson closes his his eyes and leans his head against the door, his hand right back to pounding, but a lack of energy gives it less sound. “Misty!”

A kiss says it all

*Katie looks up at Scott her emotions pooling behind her own eyes. She was not sure what was right and what was logic but than again this was something stronger than logic wasent it? Was this Katie's sign, she path being layed in front of her. Katie wasent sure but seeing Scott in front of her she couldent deny what she felt. The heart ruled and wather it was right or wrong Katie couldent deny what she felt.

Taking a few steps closer to him Katie gives a smile as her heart gives a leep. Bring a hand to the side of Scott's face Katie pulls him a little closer to her. Leaning up Katie's lips touch his as she lets her emotions go and once again everything seems a little bit brighter. Katie's dosent break the moment as her heart races, as this kiss gives Scott his answer that no words could say or explain.*

*Charlotte 's lips curl slightly. Her time she was spending with Bret was great. She dident feel quite as out of place in life anymore. Having someone to spend time with was nice, and Charlotte loved every moment of it.*

"Ohhh, warmed up onion rings tast better with ranch dressing, but if that dosent sound good to you I guess we can eat them all."

*Charlotte states teasingly as she eyes twinkle.*

"You know if you cant find something that just gives you reason to call me and ask where I put it."

*She giggles and than gives Bret's foot a light kick under the table.*

*Misty gives a little jump and looks up from her desk as Jason pokes his head in. Trying to give her best smile she knows she fails misrably.

Thinking about Jason's question for a moment Misty continplats. Her stomach had been growling for the last 20 minutes, but she really dident feel to hungry.*

"I think...I am just going to stay here and work."

*Finishing off her statment she looks down at her desk and her empty wrist. It felt so naked, so light. Tears start to form again as Misty trys to hold them back. She needed to keep her mind busy so she couldent think about this stuff. Maybe going out with Jason would do just that for now. Grabing her purse from her desk draw Misty stands slowly.*

"Hey Jase, I think maybe...I will go with you."

*Misty shuts off the small light by her desk and heads out with Jason planing to return to her work afterwards.*

Pizza Box

Scott is taken by surprise by Katie's hug, but slowly wraps his arms around her. Just to have her in his arms again...feeling her warmth...smelling her hair... He closes his eyes, letting all his senses take it in. It was pure bliss and pure torture at the same time.

He has a hard time letting her go as she backs away. Swallowing hard, his eyes follow her, his emotions going haywire. This couldn't be happening...it had been a nightmare since the night Katie had told him goodbye and it felt as if he'd never wake up from it. He had her within his reach and she was leaving again. His heart felt as though it was being torn from his chest. Consequences were being weight and he couldn't tell which way the scales would shift.

But as Katie approaches his door, he suddenly stands up as if his body had taken over his better judgement. "Katie..." The tears have finally filled his eyes and he looks at her with the pleading of a little boy who had lost the world. "I can't do this..."

Scott moves slowly from behind his desk, but stands feet from Katie as if scared to close the gap between them. "I keep saying it's impossible and I keep on convincing myself that there's no way it can work between us."

He stops, his tone wrought with emotions. "But it's just not true. I...I love you too much." His voice cracks. "I don't know how to survive without you."

Searching Katie's eyes, he looks for any sign of what he should do...any signal that would tell him stop or go. But it was all heart now. Logic no longer ruled. "Come back?"


Bret grins as he scans the menu and waits for the con to be tossed. "Oooh good. Appetizers it is, and leftovers sound fantastic as long as we at least finish up the onion rings tonight because those warmed up are nasty."

Hearing her suggestion for the next night, he rolls his eyes. "How about we flip a coin on the cleaning thing eh? Pretty soon I'm not going to be able to find anything in my house 'cause you've got it all crammed and stacked and sorted."


Jason sighs and takes Trooper by his leash, leaving his office for the evening. His stomach growled, reminding him that he needed to eat. He was feeling just a bit woozy after not having anything all afternoon and knew he should get some supper. Camryn was busy, so it was going to be another boring night.

Heading away, he sees the light on in the infirmary and pauses. Thinking for a moment, he goes to the door and pokes his head in, seeing Misty still there. He can tell she's been crying, and again his heart goes out to her. Carson had certainly done a number on her. "Hey, Misty..." He clears his throat. "Work much later you'll get everything done and there won't be anything left for tomorrow." He quirks a crooked grin. "I'm heading to the Pizza Box for some supper...you're welcome to tag along or I can bring something back for you."

Relized

*Katie stops and turns listing to Scott. Her own eyes finding his once again. Scott's words hit Katie heart hard. There meaning the relization of what they ment and for the first time she saw herself though Scott's eyes and to him she was amazing even now. Her heart hurting, her body hurting her mind hurting.

What Katie was to do next she wasent sure why, or if it helped or not. If it was what Scott wanted or not. Katie dident know if it only made it hard but she did it anyways.

Turning back to Scott Katie takes several steps forward till she is close to stop leaning down she throws her arms around him in an imbrace. A few tears falling as she layed her head on his shoulder for a moment. Her voice horse.*

"You ment and mean alot to me to Scotty. You changed my life in many ways as well and showed me so many things. All I know now is I miss you. I think I finally relize why Jason called this thing a curse now."

*Katie's own words saprised her as she spoke them. She felt so strong saying them. Leting them roll out and not giving them a second thought.

Finally after a few moments Katie lets go and looks Scott in the eye for a second and trys to give a smile before backing away. A million and one emotions running through them. Her own emotions were threating to spill over more than they already were and that she dident want Scott to have to witness. Would things work themself out? Katie only hoped so, would they be ok? Katie only hoped so, would she ever be able to be happy again? Katie hoped so.

Turning Katie makes her way to the door. Why did life have to be so unfair sometimes Katie dident know. Why growing up had to be so hard she dident know. But it is, and it was, and all Katie could do was hope her path would be made clear. The road she was to take God would map for her.*

*Misty sits at her desk studying her paper work. She had spend most of the day in the office consintrating on the tasks she had begged Rick to give her. She had no intention on going home early tonight. The last thing she wanted was to go home to that empty house where she could think. It was bad enough she was having problems consintrating and not thinking as it was.

Reaching into her draw and pulling it out again with a file Misty's the chain that still hung on her wrist got stuck. Unhooknig it and with drawing her arm Misty just stairs down at her wrist and the nameplate on it. Her stomach churning ans bubbling all over again. Misty's fingers run over the name as some tears start to fall. She remembered the day Carson had given her the braclet and more tears fell.

Turning her wrist over Misty unhooks the clasp and hold its up for several moment just looking at it. The braclet held many good memories, but right now Misty couldent handle them. She had lost something presouce, something special and her hear acked like there was no tomarrow.

Opening her top desk draw Misty carfuly lays the braclet inside next to Carson's apartment key. Stairing at them both for a long while. Misty's heart pings with pain as the tears start to floor her eyes once again. Shutting the draw Misty leans her head down on her desk and just lets the memories and tears come for the 5th time tonight.*

*Charlotte looks across the table at Bret a grin on her face. Some menus infront of them.*

"Heads we just get a mixture of things and pick at it or tails we actully get meals. Ok?"

*Charlotte cant help but laugh. The last month had been a blast. She started her new job at a travil agency and so far she liked it. On top of it she was helping Angelica with work from Cali and spending what free time she had flipping coins with Bret.

Tonight was just one of those nights where a coin was a must. Neather of them new what they wanted to eat or if they were even that hungry or not.*

"Ha...its heads. Ok so...lets just order a bunch of stuff from the appitiser menu and than eat what we want, take the rest home and than eat the left overs tomarrow when we get together for a movie and my weekly clean Bret's house session."

*Charlotte lips curl into a grin. She new Bret hated when she cleaned his house but it was something to do and something that needed to be done badly. So she dident mind. If she got it halfway deacent for him maybe he would keep up on it.*

"Hows work going for you anyways? Anything fun and exciting going on? Anything thrilling and dangerouse? You dont salk around all day do you? I'd hate to have to come and embaress you now."

*Scaning over the menu and the hodge poge of what they wanted to get Charlotte lets her question drag off so Bret can answer.*

Heartspeak

As Scott takes in Katie's words his eyes begin to focus on some papers on his desk, his fingers absentmindedly twirling his glasses. He listened with respect, not interrupting, not trying to change or correct anything she said.

After Katie has said what she's come to say, Scott finally looks her in the eye once more. His face was drawn with tension, his eyes almost developing a bloodshot look as an obvious sign of him trying to control the emotions that threatened him.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for, Katie." His voice is low, almost gruff for it being Scott. "You did what you thought was right and...maybe you think it's stupid now, but you thought it best then, and all you're doing now is second guessing yourself. As for me..."

His thought trails off for a moment as he pauses, his eyes roaming his desk once more. "Anything you see beyond the surface is what you brought out."

Scott's sincerity in his words prove that what he's saying isn't just off the top of his head, but he's put a lot of thought into it, prior to today. "When you came here, I watched you. you fascinated me. Every move you made, every word you spoke. But you were out of my league. You had the attention of everyone, especially Wyatt the very day you walked through that door." He lets out a slight dry laugh. "I knew I couldn't stand up to him. After Wyatt came Jason. There was no way I could even toy with the idea of being more than friends with you anymore. Jason was the Hotshot...Jason was the man at TJY. Every woman around here considered you lucky to have snagged him. And then..."

He pauses again, his eyes finding Katie's face. "...then he left. Things got tough and I finally saw an opening. I'd been waiting in the wings for so long, I had to try. And I stole you right out from under Jason's nose. I made an enemy that day, but I considered it worth it. You lit up my world, Katie. You were my world. You were all my hopes and dreams wrapped up in a single package of the love I'd been searching for. You understood me...you saw me for who I was on the inside...and you brought out the best in me. Never in my life have I loved more deeply. Never in my life have I felt anything the same as I felt for you, Katie."

Scott holds up his hand, measuring with his first finger and thumb. "And I came this close to making you mine for ever. This close."

He lets his hand drop back onto his desk, his glistening eyes still on Katie, his voice growing quieter, more strained. "And if I thought I had the smallest, most tiny chance in the world at all to gain that back, I would drop to my knees right now and beg you to come back."

Swallowing hard, he tries to maintain his composure. "But there's a problem. Jason is still there...and he always will be. And...no matter how much I try to convince myself...no matter how hard I always tried...I wouldn't ever be able to live peacefully, knowing that you and he needed each other."

His eyes finally fall back down again, unable to continue focusing on the one he loved so deeply. "We can wish it to work all we want. But in the end...you and I both know that you feel not only an obligation to him, but a love for him. And...that wouldn't be healthy for our relationship."

Scott's fingers run along his desk, his face showing the inner turmoil that he felt. "Maybe I should be strong enough to deal with it...maybe I should have a stronger faith to know that Jason wouldn't come between you and me. But I knew the risks in the beginning and I took the chance anyway. And now...these are the consequences of that chance."

He pauses, collecting more thoughts. "Would I have given up the time I had with you, had I known this would happen? Probably not. Would I have changed anything? Probably not."

He shakes his head slowly. "I'm not angry with you, Katie. I won't lie...I'm disappointed, and I feel lost without you. I feel like a fish out of water. But you did what we both knew was right. So don't second guess yourself. Just...move on. It's what I'm trying to do."


Carson downs another shot of whiskey before slamming the glass down on the counter. Instead of pouring another one, he takes the whole bottle and staggers into the living room to plop down on the couch and take another big swig. Miserable wasn't a good enough word to describe how he felt.

His hand makes its way to his neck where he feels the chain and locket he'd held so close ever since Misty had given it to him. In an angry motion, he snaps it from his neck, takes one more look at it, then hurls it across his living room where it hits the wall and lands somewhere behind his television set.

Mumbling to himself, he drinks some more whiskey. His answering machine blinked, but he ignored it. All three messages were from Velvet. The last one told him the gang would be at the Bullseye again tonight, but it had included things that Carson just as soon no one else heard.

For now though, the call went unreturned. He didn't feel like playing cards. He didn't feel like going to the bar. He just felt...numb.

Last Hope

*Katie steps all the way into Scott's office as he says its ok closing the door behind her. Timidly Katie walks over to the empty chair that was across from Scott. Looking down at her hands she than look up at him again. Searching his eyes for a long moment. As she looks into them Katie instintly remember what it was like to love Scott, she remembered the time together. What she had been looking for in the photo's she found again and now she missed it. Finally she speaks though its choppy and not put together well.*

"I'm...not even sure what I want to say. I mean I know but I dont know what to say it.."

*Katie grows silent for a moment listing to the nothingness and trying to collect her thoughts.*

"I guess I want to start with saying I am sorry.."

*Katie looks at Scott and gives a small smile reading his eyes for a moment.*

"...I know I don't have too, but I guess I want to say it anyways. I'm sorry I was stupid and if I could go back in time and stop myself from making that mistake I would."

*For a moment Katie looks around Scott's office the laughter ringing in her hears and the smile she remembered, the kiss and the hugs. Turning back to look at Scott across the table a single tear forms in Katie's eye.*

"All in all I was plane dumb to let something I charished so much out of my life. All I ever wanted I had and I said goodbye like the fool I am."

*Katie lets out a long sigh and looks down at her pants for a moment picking at the loss string. It wasent often she wore jeans to work but the last week or so she dident feel like geting dressed up. She herself dident feel like doing much.*

"I guess what I am trying to say Scott is don't stop living because of me. Don't let my stupidity hold you back from the man you are. I know and you know your more than you make youself out to be. Whether you'r as you put it the geeky Scott or the dresses up Scott, you were something to me, and your something to everyone out there too. I'm not the only one who looks past the outside Scott. Everyone alse does too. I just wanted you to know that."

*Katie lets out a sigh and stands from the chair she own shoulder slumped a little. She was now paying for her actions and it dident feel good, but Katie dident know what alse to say. She wasent even sure what Scott would think. She'd hurt him and he had every right now to listen to her of even care about what she said and Katie was ready to accept that consaquence.*

Anytime

Scott hears the knock at his door and calls out that it's fine to enter. He keeps his eyes on his computer screen for several moments, but when he turns his head, his eyes land on Katie. He can't help the slight surprise that passes over his face. He hadn't expected her to come. It seemed like forever since they'd actually talked, and the awkwardness hung thick in the air.

He searches Katie's eyes for a moment before leaning back in his chair and removing his glasses to rub his tired eyes. He'd gotten used to being alone...but he wouldn't tell Katie to leave.

His eyes drift back down to his desk, but he speaks anyway. "Yeah, I got a few minutes." He gestures to an empty chair, signaling that he's okay with it if she wants to sit or stand.


Jason just holds Misty until her tears stop. He was surprised he didn't feel that awkward about it...he and Misty were good friends but they'd never been all that close. Perhaps it was simply learning how to comfort Katie that gave him the ability to do it now.

He chuckles softly at her comment, and looks down at the spot on his shirt. "That's okay. I don't mind." He cocks his head so he can see Misty's eyes. "I'm going to let you work if you want, or I'm sure you can go home too. But you know my number, alright? Anytime, and I mean it."

Tissue

*Katie slowly makes her way to the infermary she stops seeing Rick and Susanne outside. Standing to the side Katie decieds to wait as they talk not waiting to intarupt. Sitting down Katie waits.

As she waits she dosent mean to but over hear Rick and Susanne's conversation. Her own consern grows as she hears about Scott. She had done this to him. She had caused this hurt that caused him the depression. Pushing aside her own Katie stands again and slowly heads down the hall.

Coming to Scott's door Katie just stands for a moment. What was she going to say? What was she going to do? Katie wasent sure but she felt the need to at least see him and God would give her the words from there.

Softly knocking on the door Katie opens it hearing Scott's voice. Poking her head in she trys to replace her own depression with a soft smile. Though she probley looked like crap herself she had to try and be strong at this moment. Stepping inside Katie does not shut the door yet as she finally speaks looking at Scott. He really did look skinner than normal and her heart went out to him.*

"Hey Scotty, I...I was wondering if you wernt busy I could talk to you for a moment?!"

*As Misty is pulled up into Jason's arms she wraps her own around him soaking up his comfort and letting what was left of her tears come freely as she burryed her face into his shoulder.

Misty apreshated Jason's comfort. It was nice to just have a friend there she could lean on and cry too. It was something she wasent use to but she liked it.

Continuing to snivle in Jason's shoulder for alittle while longer she finally stops a little calming herself down. She felt tore up inside still and her hurt alot but no more tears could come right now. Her eyes were dry.

Pulling herself away from him she looks down at the big wet spot on his shoulder and gives a small laugh through the left over tears. Bringing a hand to it she rubs the spot.*

"I used you as a tissue!! Sorry about that."

Scott

Jason watches Carson leave, his temper starting to subside. Hearing Misty, he turns back to her, his angry look replaced by sympathy.

He shakes his head a little. "Thanks for what?"

Sighing, he just studies Misty for several moments, feeling the hurt for this friend. He didn't like seeing people hurt. He used to be able to ignore it. But he'd felt so much of it himself lately, that he could relate, and he didn't like seeing others go through it too.

Reaching down, he pulls Misty up out of her chair to wrap her in a hug meant to comfort. "It'll be okay...just hang in there."


Rick sighs deeply as he watches the whole display, and slowly returns to his work, wanting to give Misty her space, and deciding that the work he had for her today could wait.

"Hey, Rick?"

He looks to the door, surprised to see Susanne. Wanting to leave Misty and Jason alone without drawing attention, he goes out into the hall. "Yeah? What's up?"

"Has Scott come to see you?"

Rick quirks an eyebrow. "I haven't hardly seen him at all the last few weeks. Why?"

"I just..." Worry courses through Susanne's eyes. "I don't know...I know it's probably not any of my business, but...well Scott's kind of always been like a son and I..."

Rick crosses his arms, cocking his head an giving Susanne a slight grin. "Just say what you want to say."

Susanne sighs. "I'm worried about him. He's just...he's like a bean pole."

"He always has been."

"You haven't seen him lately, have you." Susanne shakes her head. "He looks like he's wasting away to nothing. I'm assuming it was the whole Katie thing that set him off, but I know he's not eating right. I never see him eating his lunches, I gave him some leftovers once so they didn't spoil at my place and I found them in garbage later. I wasn't offended... but he always loved my cooking. I just...I hope he's okay and not sick and... I guess I thought if something was really wrong with him that you would know."

Rick shakes his head slowly. "No...but that's for drawing my attention to it. I might just check in on him or at least keep my eye out. The last thing we need is for him to go down."

Hurt

*Misty sits silently as Carson continues to talk. The battle still raging inside of her. As Carson says her name Misty flinches. Her insides screaming more to go to him. Just the way he said her name.

As Jason steps up and dosent give her a chanse to say anything she is thankful or she would of ran to him. Though cringing again as the small fight starts it causes more term oil inside of her. Misty could almost feel Carson's eyes on the back of her chair before he turned to leave. Misty can picture his face in her head, his eyes, there good times, and it dosent help. Once Carson is gone as if a last fleeting though Misty turns in her chair and watches him walk away. Slowly reaching her hand out to him she cocks her head slightly as the tears still come. His name stuck in the throut not being able to call him.

Once Carson is gone Misty lowers her hand and knows its done. Turning she looks up at Jason for a moment and burrys her face into her hands. What alse could she do. *

"Thank you Jase."

Order

Jason's words hit Carson harder than he would have thought. He'd been talked down to before. He'd been insulted before. He'd been given trashtalk before. But this hurt. It shouldn't, but it did. Right about now, he'd like to stop caring completely, but the wound was still too fresh for that. He had been stupid and this was the result of that stupidity.

Carson moves forward several more steps, desperation seeping in next to his frustration and anger. "Let me at least say my piece."

Jason stands his ground, shifting his weight to be a barrier between Carson and Misty. "You've done enough damage. Can't you see that? You need to leave. Now."

Carson's eyes narrow. "Nobody tells me what to do, least of all you." Seeing Misty turn her back on him is like a knife driving straight into his heart. Yet it was of his own doing. His eyes burn as the emotions threaten to spill over in the form of hated tears. He had never allowed himself to show this emotion in public to anyone before. Least of all over a woman. But for some reason this time it couldn't be stopped. "Come on," he begs. "Just let me talk. Misty?"

Jason puts his hands on his hips. "Go, Carson. Before you make things worse."

Not used to such an emotional strain, Carson's hands shake slightly, his voice rising to a louder level again. "Stop telling me what to do! This is none of your business!"

"You seem to have forgotten where you are, Carson." Jason takes several more steps forward to where he can look down on him. "You're not a part of this place anymore. You're an outsider, and overstepping your bounds. Now get out." His words are harsh and cold. He can't stand Carson's presence right now, knowing that it's tearing Misty to pieces.

Carson's jaw flexes as he takes in Jason's commanding tone. "Make me."

Jason searches Carson's eyes for a moment and shifts his weight.

Rick's eyes widen. "Jason don't..."

Too late. Jason's knuckles meet Carson's jaw. They land with such an unexpected force that Carson is thrown backward, stumbling before hitting the open doorway and sliding to the floor. Dazed, he blinks for a moment before Jason grabs him and pulls him back up on his feet, shoving him into the hall. "Out!"

Carson rubs his jaw, his anger the only thing he feels now. He stares at Jason, his blood boiling. He wants to fight back. He had enough negative energy to take Jason down. But this time...

He looks past Jason to Misty's desk. He can't see her face. All he can hear are her sobs. and he knew...now he knew...it was over.

Swallowing hard, but holding his head high, Carson reaches down to grab his baseball cap that had fallen off, and heads back to the main floor, aiming for the exit.

Consaquences

*Misty listens to Jason words. Taking them in she knows it true but her heart just dosnt have the streagnth to listen. Her mind wanted a reason, her mind wasent to know why..and the only answer it could come up with was a finger pointed at herself.

At Carson's voice Misty looks up. Stairing through her tears at Carson what is left of her heart screams out to him. Her heart wants Carson, Her heart wants him close to her once again. Pushing her chair back Misty shifts a little bit. Listing to Jason talk to Carson and seeing him take a step twords him stops and eases herself down in the chair once again. Memories flooding back. The sicking feeling of another woman being in Carson's arms washing over her.

Misty new the look on her face was one that accepted Carson back. She new her eyes showed pain yet showed that she wanted him close still. With all that was left of her heart she wanted to take Carson back. Yet Jason was right, nothing would change if Carson new he could get away with it. He would never learn if she always went back to him. But having him in front of her was hard.

Trying to hold her tears back some still slip through as her head is heavy and her sobs strong yet soft as the same time. Slowly Misty pushes her chair so it spins till the back is to Carson. Her tears start to flow more as she thinks about what she is doing. What is going on, and who is slipping out of her fingers. But this had to be done. Carson needed to know there was consaquences. The only sounds Misty offered to anyone was her sobs and sniffles. While her heart screamed and hated her for denying it what it wanted. The battle raged inside causing Misty to cry even more,*

Angry words

Jason's heart goes out to Misty as she speaks. Carson wasn't his favorite person in the world, but he hadn't thought the guy would go and do something like this...again. It was bad enough he'd hurt Misty in the past more than once, but to do this now... to have had such a good relationship with Misty and then flush it all down the toilet in one single move... Jason just couldn't understand.

"Aw, Misty." He reaches up to wipe a tear that had run down her face. He wished he knew what to say. He was sad for her and a deep anger was forming all over again against Carson. Jason and Misty weren't all that close, but she was his friend...his good friend and coworker, and knowing that Carson had hurt her this badly made his blood boil. "It'll be okay," he tries to comfort.

He straights to stand and leans against Misty's desk, still facing her. "I don't know why he'd do something like that either....but you're right...it's not your fault. Carson obviously has a problem with commitment, and there's nothing you can do about that yourself." He hated his next words, but they came anyway because he believed them to be true. "I don't think he's going to change, Misty...he obviously has a pattern and maybe it took it a while to go full circle again, but it did. You've done nothing wrong...you've done nothing to deserve this, and you've done everything right as far as I'm concerned. I've seen you with him." Jason pauses a moment, remembering how Misty and Carson had always interacted. Sometimes he'd wished he had what they did....they didn't care what other people thought, and were obviously happy.

"I know it's tough..." He lets out a little sigh. "And I wish I had some miracle formula...I wish Rick had something to take for that kind of pain, but trust me...I know there's no medical cure. But you'll be okay." He nods. "Of that I'm sure. You're just going to have to realize that Carson is going to be Carson no matter what and...if you don't want to get hurt again..." He shrugs, not wanting to sound that harsh, but he knows it does. "...then you're going to have to move past him."

Movement in the doorway catches his attention and he turns, his eyes widening slightly. Carson looked terrible. And he'd dared to come here?

Carson stops in the doorway and looks to Misty, his eyes pleading. He takes several steps forward, unsure what to say or how to say it, especially with Jason and Rick there. But seeing Misty's face and tears, he knew that surely the other two men knew what was going on. He tries to ignore them.

"Misty, I..."

Jason stands up straight and glares at Carson. "Get out of here, Carson," he growls.

Carson's eyes shift to Jason with slight surprise, the order just egging on his own anger. "Stay out of this."

"Look, Misty doesn't need this right now." Jason points to the door. "Leave before you make a scene and do anything else stupid."

"I just wanted to apologize!"

"Apologies aren't good enough!" Jason raises his voice, his glare staring Carson down. "When will you learn that? When will you stop hurting people, Carson? You're a master of torture and that's exactly what you're still doing. Only now you've moved past physical torture to torture of the heart and that's even worse."

Carson grits his teeth. He could feel the strangeness of hot tears behind his eyes and he didn't understand why. He glares at Jason, then looks to Misty, then back at Jason again. His hands are fists at his side. He's so angry. He's so frustrated.

Confesstion

*Misty stairs at her paper work her mind still reeling with thoughs and emotions. It felt like nothing alse was near her, no one alse was around. She had forgotten Rick and Jason were even in the room.

Her mind kept playing over and over again the last several months of happyness she had, had with Carson was it all a lie? No...Misty new in her heart is wasent and Carson did enjoy there time but why?...why did he do this than?

Her fingers slowly movie to the steel braclet that fashioned her wrist, running over the nameplate. Misty could feel her heart start to break all over again and the tears staring to flow once more.

As Misty feels Jason's hand on her shoulder her gives a jump forgetting he and Rick had been in the room. Turning to Jason Misty looks him dead in the eye saying nothing for a moment as her tears still pool and her words just wont come. All she can do is stair into Jason's eyes searching. Whats was she looking for there she dident know.

Finally leting her gaze drop again Misty voice is soft and meek. The normal stragnth that was present, the strong tone is no where to be found. If Misty was to here this voice herself she would say there was no way it was her.*

"Carson...and I are over J."

*Misty can feel her tears fall, she can feel herself shaking as she continues to tell Jason what had happend over the last few weeks, what happend lastnight and what happend this morning. She dident spair Jason any details for she was angry ontop of hurt and maybe this was her way of letting it out she wasent sure. She new she was blubbering to him, talking between sobs, between sniffles. She layed her heart out to Jason. What was left of it anyways.*

"...so I told him goodbye. I came to work because home just dident seem like home anymore. It held many bad memories that Carson helped chase away and now even if it is just in my mind it feels like they are all back again. Everything just seems dull now, and it hurts so bad. I dont even know where all the peace of my heart went Jason. They just shattered and than Scattered. I just...I don't know anymore. I feel sick, and tired, and just not happy. I mean why? why would Carson do this again? Things were going so good..and than they just feel apart. Was it me? Did I do somehting wrong? I know its not me but I cant help and feel it is anyways."

*Misty keeps her head down bringing her hand up to whipe her tears away while more come. She felt silly sitting here crying over someone. She'd had plenty of guys dump her and she had dumped many as well but this time it was so differnt, this time she did love him. Where had she gone wrong.....*